Self-Heating Starter Battery Pack for Cold Weather Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion starter battery packs in snowthrowers experience a significant reduction in output at low ambient temperatures due to increased internal resistance, making it difficult to start the internal combustion engine in cold weather without a 110V corded electric input or physically pulling a rope starter.
Innovation Solution
A self-warming circuit within the lithium ion starter battery pack, utilizing a resistive heating pad or energy storage devices like capacitors, to elevate the battery pack's temperature and increase current output, allowing for battery-powered electric starting without the need for external power sources or physical effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lithium ion starter battery pack is used to provide electricity for the starter motor, then the need for 110V corded electric input or physical rope pulling is eliminated, but the battery pack output significantly decreases at low ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the lithium ion battery pack to change its temperature parameter. The heating element raises the battery temperature from cold ambient conditions to a warmer state, which changes the battery's internal resistance and chemical reaction rates, thereby restoring its power output capability for cold weather starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperature on battery performance into a benefit by using a heating element to deliberately warm the battery. The heating element, which consumes energy, transforms the problematic cold environment into a favorable operating temperature range, enabling the battery to deliver required starting power.
2Power
If the battery pack is heated to increase output at low temperatures, then the starting capability in cold weather is improved, but additional energy consumption and circuit complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing battery pack structure by integrating a heating element directly into the battery pack. This combination eliminates the need for separate external heating devices and reduces overall system complexity while providing the necessary temperature control for cold weather operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack performs self-service by containing its own heating element that can be activated to warm the battery when needed. This self-heating capability eliminates dependence on external power sources or complex external control systems, allowing the battery to autonomously prepare itself for cold weather starting operations.
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 self-warming circuit effectively enhances the lithium ion starter battery pack's output at low temperatures, enabling reliable battery-powered starting of snowthrowers in cold conditions without the limitations of traditional starting methods.
Implementation Method 1
A self-warming circuit within the lithium ion starter battery pack, utilizing a resistive heating pad or energy storage devices like capacitors, to elevate the battery pack's temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A snowthrower includes an internal combustion engine and a starter battery pack that provides electrical power to operate an electric starter motor. The starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of the snowthrower and is selectively coupled to the starter motor to initiate operation of the internal combustion engine. The starter battery pack can further include a battery heating circuit that is operable to heat the starter battery pack above ambient temperatures to increase the current output of the starter battery pack. The battery heating circuit includes a controller that utilizes electrical power from the starter battery pack to heat the starter battery pack.