PWM Short-Circuit Battery Heating for Fast Cold-Start Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery heating systems are inefficient and time-consuming, especially in sub-zero temperatures, affecting battery performance and lifespan, and require external heating methods that are not suitable for applications where time and energy conservation are critical.
Innovation Solution
A system for internal battery heating using a microcontroller unit, current sensors, temperature sensors, and MOSFET switches to generate a pulse width modulation signal for controlled short circuit current, optimizing heat generation based on battery chemistry and ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating methods (heat blankets, external heaters) are used to heat batteries in sub-zero temperatures, then the battery temperature can be raised, but the heating process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The battery heats itself by utilizing its own internal resistance to convert electrical current into heat energy. The control system applies current directly to the battery terminals, and the battery's internal resistance generates heat within the battery cells, eliminating the need for external heating devices and significantly reducing heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/thermal external heating systems (heat blankets, external heaters) with an electrical system that uses electrical current and the battery's internal resistance to generate heat internally. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically improves heating efficiency and speed.
2Temperature
If external heating methods are used, then battery temperature can be increased, but energy consumption is high due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The battery serves as both the object to be heated and the heat generation source. By using the battery's own internal resistance to convert electrical energy into thermal energy directly within its cells, the system eliminates energy losses associated with external heating transfer, achieving high energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of internal resistance (which causes energy loss and heat generation during normal operation) into a beneficial heating mechanism. The internal resistance, normally a source of inefficiency, becomes the desired heat source for warming the battery in cold conditions.
3Temperature
If traditional external heating systems are used, then heating can be achieved, but the system complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external heating components (heat blankets, external heaters, associated control systems) from the overall system. By using the battery's own internal resistance for heating, the design removes unnecessary external devices, reducing system complexity and size while maintaining heating functionality.
4Productivity
If high current is applied for internal heating, then heating efficiency improves, but battery safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the current applied to the battery based on real-time temperature feedback from temperature sensors. The system monitors battery temperature continuously and modulates the current magnitude accordingly, increasing current when heating is needed and reducing or stopping current when the target temperature is reached, thereby maintaining both efficiency and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where temperature sensors monitor the battery temperature and feed this information back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to adjust the current applied through the MOSFETs, ensuring the battery is heated efficiently while preventing overheating and safety hazards.
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
This solution enables efficient and controlled internal battery heating, improving performance and lifespan by maintaining optimal temperatures without external heating sources, thus addressing inefficiencies in traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
internal heating of the at least one battery through high frequency and high amperage short circuit current
Data Source
AI summary
A system for internal heating of a battery, including: the battery; and a control system, including: a microcontroller unit; a current sensor; a temperature sensor; and a MOSFET switch; wherein: the current sensor measures a SC current applied to the battery; the temperature sensor measures an internal temperature of the battery; the MCU is configured to monitor the SC current applied to the battery and the internal temperature of the battery; the MCU is configured to activate internal heating of the battery when the internal temperature of the battery is less than a temperature setpoint; and the MCU is configured to generate a PWM signal to switch the MOSFET switch on and off when the internal heating of the battery is activated.