Thermal Conductivity Control Device for Battery Temperature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy batteries used in vehicles face challenges in maintaining optimal operating temperatures in cold environments, as conventional cooling methods dissipate heat excessively, reducing battery performance and life.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conductivity control system with a first and second conduction body and a thermal expansion component that moves between thermal isolation and contact positions, allowing for controlled heat transfer between a heat source and sink, utilizing a thermal expansion body like paraffin wax to manage heat dissipation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a highly efficient thermal conduit is used to cool the battery during operation, then heat dissipation is improved, but heat loss from the battery in cold environments increases, reducing battery performance and life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic thermal conductivity control mechanism where the thermal conduit's effectiveness is adjusted based on operating conditions. A movable conduction body with wedge faces can be positioned to either establish or break thermal contact between conduction bodies, transitioning the thermal pathway from highly conductive to highly resistive. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize heat dissipation during operation while preventing excessive heat loss in cold environments, directly resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the conduit by physically moving the conduction body between positions. When the conduction body is in the first position, thermal conductivity is high for effective cooling; when moved to the second position, thermal conductivity becomes low to conserve heat. This parameter change approach allows the same thermal conduit structure to serve dual purposes: efficient heat dissipation when needed and heat conservation when operating in cold conditions.
2Productivity
If thermal contact between conduction bodies is maintained for heat dissipation, then cooling performance is improved, but heat transfer in cold environments increases, reducing battery power and life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the thermal contact between conduction bodies is not fixed but can be adjusted. The conduction body is movable along a thermal pathway and can be positioned to either maintain or break thermal contact based on operating conditions. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve high heat dissipation efficiency when the battery needs cooling while preventing harmful heat transfer when the battery operates in cold environments, thereby protecting battery performance and longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable conduction body acts as an intermediary element that controls the thermal interaction between the battery and the thermal environment. By positioning this intermediary component, the system can mediate the heat transfer process - allowing efficient heat dissipation when needed while blocking excessive heat transfer in cold conditions. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control over the thermal pathway without requiring complex active heating or cooling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal conductivity control device is added to manage heat transfer, then heat dissipation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service thermal conductivity control mechanism where the system automatically adjusts its thermal pathways based on operating conditions without requiring external control systems. The movable conduction body can be actuated by simple mechanisms such as thermal expansion elements or phase change materials that respond automatically to temperature changes. This self-service approach provides sophisticated thermal management functionality while avoiding the complexity of active sensors, controllers, and power systems that would be needed for electronically controlled thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or mechanically actuated thermal control systems with simpler passive or semi-passive mechanisms. Instead of using motors, solenoids, or complex linkages to control thermal pathways, the invention uses thermal expansion elements, phase change materials, or simple spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically adjust thermal contact based on temperature and pressure conditions. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining effective thermal conductivity control.
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 manages heat transfer by isolating or conducting heat based on temperature, optimizing battery performance and life by reducing excessive heat dissipation in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal expansion component operatively connected to move the first conduction body between a first position in which the first conduction body is spaced apart from the second conduction body
Implementation Method 2
for conduction of heat from the heat source, through the conduction bodies, and into the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses is disclosed. The system includes a first conduction body in thermal contact with a heat source and a second conduction body in contact with a heat sink. A thermal expansion component operatively connects to the first conduction body and moves the body between first and second positions at a predetermined temperature. In the first position the first conduction body is spaced apart from the second conduction body, thermally isolating the heat source from the heat sink. In the second position the first conduction body thermally contacts the second conduction body, and conducts heat from the heat source, through the conduction bodies and into the heat sink. Related methods are also described.