Two-Tier Traction Battery With Heating Mats for Subzero Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction batteries for unmanned highly automated vehicles (HAVs) face limitations in voltage, temperature range, assembly integrity, and rapid replacement of battery modules, with additional requirements for external power supplies and control modules.
Innovation Solution
A traction battery design featuring series-connected modules with heating mats, two-tier construction, and integrated control systems with temperature, humidity, and voltage sensors, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of cell parameters, and a heating system for subzero temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are installed in battery module housings with external power supply, then battery protection from overcooling is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional control modules and external power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system uses its own internal energy storage devices to power the heating elements, eliminating the need for external power supplies. The control system automatically manages heating based on temperature sensor feedback, making the system self-regulating and reducing external dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are integrated directly into the battery module housings, combining the thermal protection function with the structural housing. The control system merges temperature monitoring and heating control into a unified automated system that manages both heating and cooling operations.
2Temperature
If battery cells are stacked with heat-conducting elements between them, then thermal management is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to inability to quickly replace battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular battery modules, each containing stacked battery cells with heat-conducting elements. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing for quick maintenance while maintaining effective thermal management through the heat-conducting elements integrated within each module.
3Power
If series-connected modules with two-tier construction are used, then rated voltage increases, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors temperature through sensors, manages heating element operation, tracks voltage across series-connected modules, and controls cooling operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high voltage output.
4Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and control systems are integrated in each module, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors and control electronics are distributed across individual battery modules rather than centralized. Each module has its own sensing and control capabilities, enabling precise local temperature monitoring and independent thermal management for each module, which improves overall measurement precision while allowing modular scalability.
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
Enhances rated voltage and operating temperature range, facilitates quick module replacement, and ensures assembly and maintenance safety with improved monitoring and control, eliminating the need for external power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a heating system formed by heating mats between the modules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of accumulator design. A traction battery for highly automated self-driving vehicles comprises a housing having mounted therein in-series connected modules, a heating system comprised of heating mats arranged between said modules, and a control system. The modules are arranged in two tiers. Each module contains series-interconnected lithium-iron-phosphate-based rechargeable cells that are electrically isolated from one another. The control system consists of temperature sensors mounted on each module, a humidity sensor, voltage meters for each cell in a module, and a current sensor for a lower and an upper power module. The invention makes it possible to increase the nominal voltage and the range of working temperatures during discharge and to provide for safer maintenance of the traction battery.