Twin-Cell Thermal Battery for Vehicle Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal battery systems in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles are inefficient, limiting driving range and climate control capabilities due to limited adsorbent bed capacity and the need for external recharging, which drains the main vehicle battery.
Innovation Solution
A twin-cell thermal battery system that alternates between operational modes, using waste heat from the exhaust loop to recharge one thermal battery while powering climate control with the other, and employing a thermoelectric generator to direct electricity for recharging the vehicle battery or powering auxiliary systems, reducing the need for plug-in charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single thermal battery is used to power climate control, then the system is simple, but the driving range is limited due to limited adsorbent bed capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal battery function into multiple separate thermal batteries (first and second thermal batteries), each with its own adsorbent bed. This segmentation allows the vehicle to alternate between them, effectively doubling the operational range while maintaining manageable individual battery sizes that can be regenerated periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic operation by alternating between two thermal batteries. While one thermal battery powers the climate control system, the other undergoes regeneration. This periodic switching maximizes the utilization of available thermal energy storage capacity and extends the overall driving range.
2Use of energy by moving object
If resistance heaters are used to recharge the thermal battery during plug-in charging, then the thermal battery can be regenerated, but the main vehicle battery is drained
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts waste heat from the vehicle exhaust, which would otherwise be discarded, into a useful resource for regenerating the thermal battery. By routing exhaust through the adsorbent bed during regeneration, the system eliminates the need for resistance heaters and prevents draining the main vehicle battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal battery system becomes self-sufficient by using its own regeneration capability through exhaust heat. The system serves itself by autonomously regenerating the adsorbent bed without requiring external electrical power from the main vehicle battery or plug-in charging infrastructure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the adsorbent bed is heated to 200°C to remove operating fluid for regeneration, then the thermal battery can be recharged, but energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms waste exhaust heat, which would otherwise be lost to the environment, into the thermal energy required for regenerating the adsorbent bed. This converts an energy loss into a useful function, enabling regeneration without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the exhaust stream by routing it through the adsorbent bed, utilizing the exhaust's thermal energy to achieve the required 200°C regeneration temperature. This parameter utilization eliminates the need for separate heating systems.
4Loss of energy
If thermal communication with the exhaust loop is established, then waste heat can be utilized for regeneration, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust loop serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion power through the power generating unit, and simultaneously serves as a heat source for thermal battery regeneration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate regeneration systems and minimizes overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the exhaust heat recovery function with the thermal battery regeneration function by establishing thermal communication between them. This combination integrates two previously separate functions into a unified system, reducing overall complexity despite the added thermal pathway.
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 enhances vehicle range and efficiency by continuously operating climate control systems using waste heat, reducing energy consumption and extending driving distance per unit energy without the need for external recharging of thermal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
using waste heat from the exhaust loop
Implementation Method 2
in thermal communication with the exhaust loop
Implementation Method 3
employing a thermoelectric generator to direct electricity
Implementation Method 4
adsorption-based thermal batteries
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for the continuous operation of an air conditioning unit or climate control system in a vehicle. The system may include a power generating unit, such as an engine or a fuel cell stack, and an exhaust loop in fluid communication with the power generating unit. First and second adsorption-based thermal batteries are provided in thermal communication with the exhaust loop. The vehicle may be configured to simultaneously operate in both an air conditioning operational mode powered by the first thermal battery, and a charging operational mode that regenerates the second thermal battery. A thermoelectric generator may also be provided such that the system is entirely self-powered, reducing or eliminating a need for supplemental, i.e. plug-in, charging.