Voltage-Switched Battery Thermal Interface for Vehicle Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle batteries are sensitive to temperature changes and face reduced lifespan and power due to exposure to a wide range of temperatures, which affects the driving range and value of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A temperature management system for motor vehicle energy systems, featuring a conductivity element with a piezoelectric material that switches between isolating and conductive modes based on applied voltage, providing different thermal conductivities to maintain optimal battery temperature, reducing thermal losses and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is placed in a motor vehicle operating in wide temperature ranges, then the battery can function in various environmental conditions, but the battery lifespan and power decrease due to temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a phase change material that dynamically changes its thermal properties based on temperature. The PCM transitions between solid and liquid phases to actively regulate heat transfer, making the thermal management system adaptive rather than static. This dynamic response allows the battery to maintain optimal temperature across varying environmental conditions while protecting against temperature extremes that would otherwise reduce lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the insulation material by using a phase change material whose thermal properties are not fixed but vary with temperature. When the PCM undergoes phase transition, its ability to conduct or resist heat changes, thereby automatically adjusting the thermal parameters to protect the battery from both high and low temperature damage
2Temperature
If a robust double-walled construction with vacuum insulation is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum insulation layer from the traditional double-walled construction, retaining only the essential insulation function while eliminating the complex vacuum-sealed structure. The phase change material provides effective thermal management in a simpler single-walled configuration, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining temperature protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a porous phase change material that can be integrated directly into the battery housing or insulation structure. The porous structure provides both mechanical support and thermal management functionality, eliminating the need for complex vacuum insulation while achieving effective temperature regulation through the PCM's phase transition properties
3Temperature
If thermal insulation is increased to protect the battery, then temperature stability improves, but heat dissipation capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides dynamic thermal management by changing its phase in response to temperature conditions. During charging or high-temperature operation, the PCM melts and absorbs excess heat, improving heat dissipation. During low-temperature operation, the PCM remains solid and provides thermal insulation. This dynamic behavior simultaneously addresses both temperature stability and heat dissipation needs without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the phase transition of the phase change material between solid and liquid states to manage heat flow. During the phase transition, the PCM absorbs or releases latent heat, enabling it to either dissipate excess heat when temperatures rise or insulate when temperatures fall. This phase transition mechanism allows the same material to provide both cooling and insulation functions, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation and thermal insulation
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 system effectively protects batteries from temperature extremes, increasing energy efficiency, extending battery lifespan, and enhancing the driving range of motor vehicles without increasing weight or volume.
Implementation Method 1
The conductivity element includes a voltage sensitive material. The voltage sensitive material is switchable between the first and the second thermal conductivity depending on an applied voltage. The voltage sensitive material includes a piezoelectric material.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a temperature management system for an energy system of a motor vehicle. The temperature management system includes an energy storage system, a conductivity element, and an ambient interface. The ambient interface includes a first surface directed to an environment of the energy system and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The conductivity element is arranged between the second surface of the ambient interface and the energy storage system. The conductivity element is switchable between an isolating mode with a first lower thermal conductivity and a conductive mode with a second higher thermal conductivity. The conductivity element includes a voltage sensitive material. The voltage sensitive material is switchable between the first and the second thermal conductivity depending on an applied voltage. The voltage sensitive material includes a piezoelectric material.