Reversible Flow Thermal Management for Battery Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for batteries and other electrochemical units often result in uneven temperature distribution and inefficient thermal management, leading to degradation and safety issues due to inadequate heating or cooling strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a recirculatable heat-transferring medium with reversible flow direction based on predefined time intervals or temperature control, where the intake temperature is adjusted to be higher than the setpoint when the unit is below it and lower when it exceeds the setpoint, ensuring more homogeneous temperature distribution across components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a recirculatable heat-transferring medium is used with fixed flow direction for cooling, then the setpoint temperature can be maintained, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform with some areas overheating while others are overcooled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reversal of the heat-transferring medium flow direction through the battery module. The control unit switches the flow direction at predetermined time intervals or when temperature differences between regions exceed a threshold, causing the medium to alternately flow through different cooling channels. This periodic action ensures uniform temperature distribution across all battery cells by preventing localized overheating and overcooling, while maintaining the overall setpoint temperature.
2Device complexity
If the heat-transferring medium flows continuously in one direction, then the system structure can be simplified, but thermal management efficiency decreases due to uneven heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flow direction control where the heat-transferring medium alternates its flow path through the battery module. The control unit dynamically switches between different flow directions based on predetermined time intervals or temperature differential thresholds. This dynamic adjustment optimizes thermal management efficiency by ensuring all battery regions receive appropriate cooling, while the system structure remains relatively simple through the use of a single recirculating loop with directional control.
3Device complexity
If the intake temperature of the heat-transferring medium is kept constant, then the control system is simpler, but the battery cannot be effectively heated when temperature is below setpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal temperature control system where the same recirculatable heat-transferring medium serves both heating and cooling functions. By controlling the flow direction and intake temperature, the system can effectively heat the battery when the medium temperature is above the battery temperature, or cool the battery when the medium temperature is below the battery temperature. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, maintaining control system simplicity while achieving full thermal management capability.
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 approach achieves a more uniform temperature distribution, reduces thermal loading, and allows for optimal battery performance by heating or cooling units more efficiently, thereby extending service life and ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculatable heat-transferring medium, in which the flow direction of the medium through the temperature-control circuit is reversed
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for controlling the temperature of a unit to be controlled in its temperature, including a unit to be heated or cooled, a temperature-control circuit having a recirculatable, heat-transferring medium, the flow direction of the medium through the temperature-control circuit being reversed following at least one predefined time interval or according to a control based on a temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, characterized by the fact that the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is higher than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, as long as the actual temperature of the unit requiring temperature control is lower than its setpoint temperature, and the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is lower than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, if the actual temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature exceeds its setpoint temperature.