Zeolite battery heater

Abstract

The invention utilizes the heat storage capabilities of the mineral family of zeolites. Zeolite media is stored in a container. There is a place to add water to the zeolite in the container that will then release heat. The zeolite media releases its heat and heats a coil that is within the container and extends outside the container to heat a battery or a surrounding area. When the heat stored in the zeolite is exhausted it is recharged by using the heat coil in reverse to heat the zeolite and evaporate the water. The steam leaves the container through a one-way steam valve. Once the water is evaporated the zeolite is recharged with heat and ready for another use. This invention has a simple functionality store heat in zeolite, add water to release heat from zeolite, reheat the zeolite when evaporating the water. The invention contains the infrastructure required.

Claims

1. A battery heater, comprising: a container having an inlet and a one-way steam release valve; zeolite media disposed within the container; and, a heat coil having a first end disposed within the container and a second end disposed outside of the container and configured for connection to a battery pack; wherein water entering the container through the inlet is configured to be absorbed by the zeolite causing release of heat stored in the zeolite which is transferred by the heat coil out of the container to the battery pack; and wherein heat subsequently entering the container through the heat coil is configured to be absorbed by the zeolite causing evaporation of water stored in the zeolite which is transferred out of the container through the one-way steam release valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a zeolite battery heater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(2) Water application port (1), opens to the outside of the container (7) and then extends in the container (7) with a pipe that allows water to distribute evenly onto the zeolite media (3) contained within. On top of the container (7) is a one-way steam valve (2). Within the container (7) and extending out from it is a heat coil (4). Heat coil (4) extends to a battery pack (5).

(3) The zeolite media (3) in a container (7) where water is added (1) then heating a heat coil (4) that transfers heat to the battery (5). When the water is heated out of the zeolite media (3) the steam escapes through the steam valve (2).

(4) The insulated container (7) holds zeolite media (3) this zeolite is charged up to store heat by wetting it and then using the heat coil (4) to heat it and evaporate the water out of the zeolite. The steam will leave the container (7) through the steam valve (2) on the top of the container. To use the stored heat you then add water at port (1) to wet the zeolite. The zeolite will begin to release its stored heat when it gets wet. This heat will then heat up the heat coil (4). The heat coil (4) will then transfer the heat to the battery pack (5). Once the heat is exhausted from the zeolite it can be recharged by the same process of heating the zeolite with the heat coil and evaporating the water again.

(5) The zeolite will need to be recharged after every use, this is done by heating it until the water evaporates and the zeolite (3) dries storing the heat in the process. For this reason, a one-way steam release valve (2) is added to the zeolite container (7). The heating element within the zeolite container (7) can be used to reheat the zeolite once it has exhausted its stored heat.

(6) The invention works by addressing battery functionality in cold temperatures in two ways. Number one is to utilize the natural property of the mineral family of zeolite to store heat and make that stored heat portable. Zeolite will release its heat when water is added to it. This makes it an ideal portable heating substrate to precondition a cold battery. The zeolite is stored in an insulated container that has an inlet to add water so that you can release the heat stored in the zeolite. The heat is then transferred to a heating element which carries it to the battery pack. When the heat is transferred to the battery to precondition it for use it starts to excite the electrons and increase the flow of stored electricity from the battery. The second way this invention addresses battery functionality in cold temperatures is to help maintain an optimal battery temperature when the battery is running. Lithium-ion batteries decrease functionality in cold temperatures. That functionality decreases until at a certain temperature the battery ceases all operations. EV range drops 20% for each 10 C. drop in temperature.

(7) Electric vehicles and eVTOL's (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) have limited environments where they can be used due to the temperature limitations for battery functionality. This invention will offer a portable rechargeable and clean energy friendly solution to increase the environments in which electric vehicles and other devices can be used.

(8) Along with the advantages this invention will give to electric vehicles it will also expand the usability of other battery powered systems to function in climatic conditions where they currently are limited. Such as battery power for off planet colonization and various satellite systems. Many cold remote locations are difficult to bring a steady fuel supply to and renewable energy systems such as solar power rely on being able to store that energy in batteries. This invention will ensure that the battery stored energy is accessible when it is needed. The steam that escapes the container during the recharging of the zeolite can be contained in another container as water to be used when you need to discharge the zeolite again so water is not wasted in an environment where access to water is limited.

(9) In addition to the significant impact this invention will have on the functionality of electric vehicles and other battery operated systems; the specific process and infrastructure of the invention can be used to provide a clean and renewable heat source to homes, buildings, vehicle interiors and defrosting, and cooking amongst other uses.