Solid Polymer Battery Thermal Circuit With Heat Pump Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal architectures for liquid electrolyte batteries are inadequate for solid-state polymer batteries due to differing optimal temperature ranges and issues with busbar functioning and heat loss, which can damage components and impair battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system comprising a heat pump circuit, exchanger, condenser, evaporator, and insulation material, with bypass configurations for cooling and heating modes, and forced convection fans to manage high temperatures and protect components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current thermal architectures for liquid electrolyte batteries are used, then the battery can operate within its optimal temperature range (20°C to 40°C), but the architecture is inadequate for solid-state polymer batteries which require high temperatures (around 70°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system employs dynamic switching between different operational modes (cooling mode and heating mode) through bypass configurations. The system can adapt its thermal management strategy based on the battery type and operating conditions, transitioning between cooling-dominated and heating-dominated operations to suit solid-state polymer battery requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management architecture is designed to serve multiple functions: it can cool the battery through the radiator, heat the battery through the heat pump circuit, and protect components through insulation. This multi-functional design makes the system adaptable to both liquid electrolyte and solid-state polymer batteries with different temperature requirements
2Temperature
If the battery operates at high temperature (around 70°C), then optimal operation is achieved, but heat loss in the immediate environment can damage components
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal insulation material is introduced as an intermediary between the battery and surrounding components. This insulation layer acts as a thermal barrier that mediates heat transfer, allowing the battery to operate at high temperatures while protecting surrounding components from excessive heat exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful heat loss into a beneficial heating source. The heat pump circuit captures waste heat from the battery and redirects it to heat the battery when needed, transforming what would be harmful heat loss into a useful heating resource
3Temperature
If the air temperature surrounding the bus bars is high, then the battery operates at optimal temperature, but the proper functioning of the battery pack is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system applies different thermal conditions to different parts of the battery pack. While the battery operates at high temperature (70°C) for optimal performance, the bus bars are provided with localized cooling through dedicated airflow paths and fans, ensuring they remain within safe operating temperature ranges despite the overall high battery temperature
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains optimal operating temperatures and insulates the battery pack, reducing heat loss and protecting components, enhancing battery performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump circuit, the heat pump circuit connecting an electric heater to the exchanger, the heat pump being thermally coupled to a condenser, a refrigerant heat pump circuit, the heat pump circuit connecting the condenser to an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
an exchanger configured to cool or heat a battery
Implementation Method 3
the envelope forming a housing comprising at least one insulating material
Implementation Method 4
the insulating material comprises a phase-change polymer
Implementation Method 5
at least a second fan that creates a cooling flow for the bus bars
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal system for a solid polymer electrolyte battery, the thermal system comprising - an exchanger (R) configured to cool or heat a battery (BT), - a thermal circuit (RC) for heat-transfer fluid (F1), the thermal circuit (RC) connecting an electric heater (EH) and a condenser (C) to the cooler (R), - a heat pump circuit (HC) for refrigerant (F2), the heat pump circuit (HC) connecting the condenser (C) to an evaporator (E), and comprising a compressor (P) and an expansion valve (V), the thermal circuit (RC) comprising a branch (D) bypassing the condenser (C), the branch (D) connecting the exchanger (R) to a radiator (H) equipped with a first ventilator (V1); or vice versa. The invention also relates to a battery system, a vehicle and a thermal management system based on such a thermal system.