PAD FOR BATTERY MODULE AND BATTERY MODULE
A laminate pad with anisotropic lattice structures in polymer elements addresses heat and mechanical deformation challenges in battery modules, enhancing impact resistance and heat dissipation, thereby improving safety and thermal management.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing battery modules face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by overheating battery cells due to poor thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam, which is commonly used as a cushioning material, and in absorbing mechanical deformations caused by cell expansion, leading to safety issues such as internal short circuits and fires.
A laminate pad comprising a first and second polymer element with a porous lattice structure, where the average pore size in the first and second polymer elements is larger than the buffer element, and the pore area ratio per unit area in the thickness direction is greater than in the lateral direction, enhancing heat transfer and shock absorption capabilities, comprising a combination of polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, or polyethylene foam, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
The pad effectively absorbs mechanical deformations and dissipates heat generated by battery cells to the outside, improving safety and thermal management by enhancing impact resistance and heat transfer efficiency.
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL AREA
[0001] The present invention / disclosure relates to a pad for a battery module and a battery module. BACKGROUND
[0002] Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles are essentially composed of a battery, an inverter (electrical energy conversion device) and an electric motor.
[0003] The battery is an energy storage device, and the electrical energy conversion device is a device that converts the electrical energy of the battery to generate a drive torque, and this electrical energy is used to power the electric motor to move the vehicle.
[0004] However, due to repeated charging and discharging cycles or other causes, the battery may overheat or expand in volume (e.g., swell), which can lead to safety problems such as internal short circuits or fires.
[0005] In the past, polyurethane foam was inserted between the battery cells as a pad (e.g., cushioning) for the battery module to provide insulation and shock resistance. More recently, efforts have been underway to develop polyurethane materials with improved thermal barrier properties to enhance the insulating performance of polyurethane foam. However, polyurethane has poor thermal conductivity, making it difficult to effectively transfer the heat concentrated in the central section of the battery cell to the cooling channel located at the bottom of the battery module when the cell overheats. BRIEF INVENTION EXPLANATION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention / disclosure is intended to provide a pad (e.g., a cushion) for a battery module that can (for example, effectively) absorb shocks caused by mechanical deformation, such as battery cell volume expansion (swelling), and also has improved heat transfer efficiency so that heat generated when the battery cell overheats can be (for example, effectively) dissipated to the outside of the battery module.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention / disclosure provides a pad for a battery module, wherein the pad is a laminate comprising a first polymer element. The pad comprises: a buffer element arranged on the first polymer element, and a second polymer element arranged on the buffer element. The first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element have a porous structure. The average pore size in the first polymer element and the average pore size in the second polymer element are larger than the average pore size in the buffer element. The first polymer element and the second polymer element have a lattice structure.
[0008] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can have a structure that features a plurality of porous lattice structures of the same shape, and the plurality of porous lattice structures are laminated in one thickness direction.
[0009] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can each have a pore area ratio per unit area in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction that is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area in a plane perpendicular to a lateral direction (e.g., a side direction, e.g., a transverse direction).
[0010] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can be positioned and used such that the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is in contact with the battery cell (e.g., each).
[0011] When the pad for the battery module is heated, the amount of heat transfer in the lateral direction (e.g., the side direction, e.g., the transverse direction) can be greater than the amount of heat transfer in the thickness direction.
[0012] The pore area ratio per unit area of the surface perpendicular to the thickness direction can be greater than 50%.
[0013] The pore area ratio per unit area of the surface perpendicular to the lateral direction (e.g., side direction, e.g., transverse direction) can be less than 45%.
[0014] The thickness of the buffer element can be 30% to 70% of the pad thickness for the battery module.
[0015] The ratio of the thickness of the first polymer element to the thickness of the second polymer element (e.g., first polymer element: second polymer element) can be 4:6 to 6:4.
[0016] The buffer element can consist of polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam or a combination thereof.
[0017] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can each (e.g., independently of each other) comprise polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or combinations thereof. The first polymer element and the second polymer element can be cast into a mold.
[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention / disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module comprises a cell laminate with a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being stacked. The battery module also includes a pad for the battery module. The pad is arranged between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells. The pad for the battery module is a laminate comprising a first polymer element, a buffer element arranged on the first polymer element, and a second polymer element arranged on the buffer element. The first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element have a porous structure. The average pore size in the first polymer element and the average pore size in the second polymer element are larger than the average pore size in the buffer element.The first polymer element and the second polymer element have a lattice structure.
[0019] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can have a structure that features a plurality of porous lattice structures of the same shape, and the plurality of porous lattice structures are laminated in the thickness direction.
[0020] Each of the first polymer element and the second polymer element can have a pore area ratio per unit area in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction that is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area in a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction (e.g., side direction, e.g., transverse direction).
[0021] The first polymer element and the second polymer element can be positioned such that the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is in contact with the battery cell.
[0022] A pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure absorbs (e.g., effectively) shocks caused by mechanical deformations such as battery cell volume expansion (e.g., swelling) and also has improved heat transfer efficiency, so that heat generated when the battery cell overheats can be (e.g., effectively) dissipated to the outside of the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a battery module according to a further embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig.3 a schematic view of a perspective view of a pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 4 a schematic view showing a perspective view of a polymer element according to the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 5 schematically a manufacturing process of the first polymer element or the second polymer element according to the present invention / disclosure, Fig. 6 a photograph of a polymer element produced according to provision example 1, Fig. 7 a SEM image in the thickness direction of a polymer element produced according to provision example 1, Fig. 8 a SEM image of a polymer element produced according to provision example 1, taken in the thickness direction and in the perpendicular-plane direction, Fig.9 a top view of the filament shape used in the manufacture of the polymer element according to Provisioning Example 1, Fig. 10 a result diagram of the impact resistance assessment for the pad for the battery module of the embodiment and the comparison example, Fig. 11 an IR camera image of results of the evaluation of the heat transfer performance of the pad for the battery module of an embodiment 1, an embodiment 2, a comparative example 1 and a comparative example 2, Fig. 12 a schematic view showing the procedure for evaluating the anisotropic heat transfer performance of a polymer element according to test example 5, Fig. 13 an IR camera image showing the results of the evaluation of the anisotropic heat transfer performance of the polymer element in direction 1 and direction 2 according to test example 5, and Fig.14 a result diagram of the evaluation of the anisotropic heat transfer performance of the polymer element according to test example 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used to describe, but are not limited to describing, different parts, components, areas, layers, and / or sections. These terms are used to distinguish one part, component, area, layer, or section from another. Accordingly, within the scope of the present invention / disclosure, the first part, first component, first area, first layer, or first section described herein may be referred to as the second part, second component, second area, second layer, or second section.
[0025] The terminology used herein serves to refer to specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention / disclosure. The singular forms used herein also include the plural forms unless the expressions have a contrary meaning. The terms "having, including, with, containing" used in the description may denote a specific property, area, integer, step, process, element, and / or component and do not preclude the presence or addition of other properties, areas, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or components.
[0026] When it is said that one part lies "on" or "over" another part, it can mean that the other part lies directly on or over the other part, or that other parts lie in between. However, when one part lies "directly on" another part, no other part lies in between.
[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as they would be generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the present invention / disclosure. Terms defined in common dictionaries are additionally to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the relevant technical literature and the present invention / disclosure, and, unless otherwise defined, are not to be interpreted in an overly formal sense.
[0028] Unless otherwise stated, % means weight percent (wt%) and 1 ppm equals 0.0001 wt%.
[0029] In this description, the term "combination(s) thereof" can refer to one or more mixtures or combinations selected from the group of components and can refer to one or more selected from the group consisting of the components.
[0030] One embodiment is described in detail below so that a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention / disclosure belongs can carry out the present invention / disclosure. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the basic idea or scope of the present invention / disclosure.
[0031] One embodiment of the present invention / disclosure provides a pad for a battery module. The pad can be a laminate comprising a first polymer element, a buffer element arranged on the first polymer element, and a second polymer element arranged on the buffer element. The first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element have a porous structure. The average pore size in the first polymer element and the average pore size in the second polymer element are larger than the average pore size in the buffer element. The first polymer element and the second polymer element have a lattice structure.
[0032] A pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure comprises a buffer element and a polymer element, whereby shocks due to mechanical deformation, such as battery cell volume expansion (e.g., swelling), are absorbed (e.g., effectively). The pad also exhibits improved heat transfer efficiency, enabling heat generated during battery cell overheating to be dissipated (e.g., effectively) to the exterior of the battery module.
[0033] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.
[0034] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.3 is a pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, a laminate comprising a first polymer element 10, a buffer element 30 arranged on the first polymer element (e.g. substrate), and a second polymer element 20.
[0035] The buffer element has improved impact resistance and can effectively absorb shocks caused by mechanical deformation, such as the swelling of a battery cell. Accordingly, safety can be improved by preventing battery damage, short circuits, and / or similar issues.
[0036] The buffer element can be made of, for example, polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam or a combination thereof.
[0037] Current buffer elements can be a pad, where the pad is designed as a material with low heat transfer performance, which can lead to a problem in that the heat generated when the battery cell overheats is not effectively dissipated to the outside of the battery module when (e.g. a single current) buffer element is used as a pad for the battery module.
[0038] Thus, the present invention / disclosure relates to a pad for a battery module comprising a first polymer element 10 and a second polymer element 20.
[0039] In particular, the first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element can have a porous structure, where the ratio of thickness direction to pore area within the first and second polymer elements is higher than the ratio of lateral direction to pore area. Since the lateral direction to pore area ratio of the first and second polymer elements is smaller than the thickness direction to pore area ratio, improved heat transfer efficiency (e.g., compared to thickness direction) can be achieved, allowing the heat generated by the battery cell to be dissipated (e.g., effectively) to the outside. For example, heat transfer can be broadly divided into heat transfer by conduction and heat transfer by convection.Heat conduction refers to the transfer of thermal energy through the vibration of particles between solids at different temperatures, while convection refers to the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of particles in a liquid or gas, thus acting as heat input. Porous solids with internal pores exhibit insulating properties compared to general solids due to the heat-blocking effect of the air layer. Since the insulating performance increases with increasing pore area ratio, the heat transfer efficiency is higher on the side with a low pore area ratio than on the side with a high pore area ratio. Therefore, the heat transfer efficiency in the vertical direction is greater on the side of the first polymer element and the second polymer element than the heat transfer efficiency in the vertical direction at a thickness with a higher pore area ratio.Accordingly, the pad for a battery module according to the present invention / disclosure can (e.g. effectively) dissipate heat generated by a battery cell to the outside by having, in addition to a buffer element, a first polymer element and a second polymer element.
[0040] In this description, the average size of pores in a polymer element or buffer element can be measured by taking and analyzing a surface image of the element.
[0041] For example, the average pore size in the first polymer element can be 200 µm to 400 µm, and the average pore size in the second polymer element can also be 200 µm to 400 µm. Additionally, the average pore size within the buffer element can be 50 µm to 200 µm. If the average pore size in the first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element is within the specified range, the heat dissipation performance of the battery cell can be improved.
[0042] Additionally, the first polymer element and the second polymer element can have a porous lattice structure and an anisotropic lattice structure with different structures depending on the direction.
[0043] This means that the first polymer element and the second polymer element can have a structure in which a plurality of porous lattice structures (e.g., of the same shape) are laminated in the thickness direction. Accordingly, the first polymer element and the second polymer element can each have anisotropic lattice structures with different structures along the plane direction.
[0044] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a perspective view of a polymer element (e.g., the first polymer element or the second polymer element) according to the present invention / disclosure.
[0045] With reference to Fig.4. The anisotropic lattice structure, the first polymer element, and the second polymer element can have a pore area ratio per unit area of a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction that is greater than a pore area ratio per unit area of a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction.
[0046] In this invention / disclosure, the "thickness direction" (e.g., vertical direction) can be a straight direction that sequentially connects the first polymer element, the buffer element, and the second polymer element in the battery module pad and is (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to the lower surface of the polymer element. Additionally, the "lateral direction" can be a direction that is (e.g., substantially) orthogonal to the thickness direction but (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to the side of the polymer element.
[0047] Since the pore area ratio per unit area of the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area of the plane perpendicular to the lateral direction, heat transfer in the lateral direction can be greater than in the thickness direction. Because, viewed from the perspective of the battery module unit, the lateral direction is more towards the outside of the battery module than towards the battery cell, the heat generated in the battery cell can be dissipated more effectively to the outside of the battery module. Since the polymer element according to the present invention / disclosure has the anisotropic lattice structure described above, the direction of heat dissipation from the battery cell can consequently be induced towards the outside of the battery module, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.
[0048] Additionally, the first and second polymer elements can be positioned and used such that the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is in contact with the battery cell. In the battery module assembly, if the contact position relationship between the battery module pad and the battery cell is as described above, the lateral direction within the polymer element (e.g., as mentioned above) becomes the outer direction of the battery module, allowing for effective heat dissipation. That is, when the battery module pad heats up, the amount of heat transfer in the lateral direction can be greater than the amount of heat transfer in the thickness direction.
[0049] In this description, the "pore area ratio per unit area" can be measured by recording and analyzing a surface image of the element.
[0050] For example, the pore area ratio per unit area of the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction can be greater than 50%. Additionally, the pore area ratio per unit area of the surface perpendicular to the lateral direction can be less than 45%. If the pore area ratio per unit area of both the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction and the plane perpendicular to the lateral direction meets the specified range, the previously mentioned heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell (e.g., preferred) can be achieved.
[0051] Additionally, the thickness of the buffer element can be 30% to 70% of the total pad thickness for the battery module, or 30% to 50%. If the thickness of the buffer element is too small, its content may be insufficient, potentially leading to problems such as the ineffective absorption of shocks caused by mechanical deformation, like battery cell expansion (e.g., swelling). Conversely, if the thickness of the buffer element is too large, the heat transfer efficiency may be insufficient, potentially resulting in ineffective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cell to the exterior of the battery module.
[0052] The first and second polymer elements can each independently comprise polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a combination thereof. For example, both the first and second polymer elements can comprise polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The use of PDMS as the polymer element material can improve flexibility and heat transfer.
[0053] A pad for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure can be produced by laminating (for example sequentially) the first polymer element, the buffer element and the second polymer element.
[0054] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a method for producing the first polymer element or the second polymer element according to the present invention / disclosure.
[0055] With reference to Fig.5. The polymer element (e.g., the first polymer element or the second polymer element) can be produced according to the present invention / disclosure by providing a filament mold with a frame made of a lattice structure, filling a polymer element forming solution into the filament mold, then drying it and removing the filament mold.
[0056] Providing the filament shape can, for example, involve creating a filament shape with a lattice structure using 3D printing. The filament shape can be produced, for instance, by creating a single-layer filament shape with a unit lattice structure and then laminating it in the vertical direction (e.g., the thickness direction).
[0057] The shaping of the polymer element may involve providing a polymer material that becomes the material of the polymer element, a hardening agent for the liquid polymer material, an additive to improve heat transfer efficiency, and a phase change additive to increase cooling efficiency.
[0058] The polymer material may consist of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a combination thereof.
[0059] The filament shape can be removed by dissolving it in a solvent, such as acetone.
[0060] Accordingly, a polymer element (e.g., a first polymer element or a second polymer element) can be provided according to the present invention / disclosure.
[0061] Subsequently, a pad for a battery module according to the present invention / disclosure can be produced by (e.g. sequential) lamination of the first polymer element, the buffer element and the second polymer element.
[0062] The lamination process can be carried out in a generally accepted manner. For example, lamination can be achieved by laminating and bonding through thermal deformation and softening of the material, but it is not limited to this.
[0063] Another embodiment of the present invention / disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module comprises a cell laminate in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked. The battery module includes a pad arranged between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells, the pad being a laminate comprising a first polymer element. The battery module further comprises a buffer element arranged on the first polymer element and a second polymer element arranged on the buffer element. The first polymer element, the second polymer element, and the buffer element have a porous structure, and the average pore size in the first polymer element and the average pore size in the second polymer element are larger than the average pore size in the buffer element.Furthermore, the first polymer element and the second polymer element have a lattice structure.
[0064] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a battery module according to a further embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.
[0065] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 provides a further embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, a battery module (200) wherein a pad for the battery module is arranged between battery cells (40, 50). The pad for the battery module is a laminate comprising a first polymer element (10), a buffer element (30) arranged on the first polymer substrate, and a second polymer element (20) arranged on the buffer element.
[0066] The configuration of the pad for the battery module is the same or essentially similar to that described above, so the configuration description is omitted.
[0067] Any other configuration of the battery module, such as the battery cell, can be used without (for example, special) restrictions.
[0068] According to a further embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, a battery module has a pad for a battery module, whereby improved impact resistance and also improved cooling function are achieved by (e.g. effective) dissipation of heat generated when a battery cell overheats to the outside.
[0069] An example of the present invention / disclosure is described in more detail below. However, the following embodiment is only an example, and the present invention / disclosure is not limited to the following example. Example 1: Production of a polymer element
[0070] A polymer element was produced by mixing a curing agent solution into a polymer starting material solution, pouring it into a mold and curing it, or by dissolving a polymer material in a solution, pouring it into a mold and evaporating the solution. Example 2: Production of a buffer element
[0071] The buffer element was produced by mixing polyol (e.g. polyester or polyethylene glycol), isocyanate (e.g. polymethyldiphenyl diisocyanate), a molding agent, an accelerator, an antioxidant and other additives, and then expanding the mixture into a foam state by the action of the molding agent. Design 1
[0072] The polymer element from deployment example 1 was deployed by setting the thickness to 2.5 mm and forming two polymer elements (e.g., first polymer element, second polymer element). The buffer element from deployment example 2 was produced by setting the thickness of the buffer element to 10 mm.
[0073] The uncured polymer was then sequentially applied between the polymer element and the buffer element in the order of the first polymer element, the buffer element, and the second polymer element to form a bond. Alternatively, the buffer element was placed and cured before the polymer element was cured in the mold. Alternatively, the bond was created using temperature-controlled processes. Pads for battery modules were manufactured by lamination using various methods such as these. Design 2
[0074] The polymer element from deployment example 1 was deployed by setting the thickness to 5 mm and creating two polymer elements (e.g., first polymer element, second polymer element). The buffer element from deployment example 2 was deployed by setting the thickness of the buffer element to 5 mm.
[0075] The uncured polymer was then sequentially applied between the polymer element and the buffer element in the order of the first polymer element, the buffer element, and the second polymer element to form a bond. Alternatively, the buffer element was placed in the mold and cured before the polymer element. Alternatively, the bond was created using temperature-controlled processes. Pads for battery modules were manufactured by lamination using various methods such as these. Comparative example 1
[0076] The buffer element from deployment example 2 was set to a thickness of 15 mm and used as a pad for the battery module. Comparative example 2
[0077] The polymer element from deployment example 1 was deployed with three polymer elements by setting the thickness to 5 mm.
[0078] The three polymer elements were then sequentially laminated, using a method to apply the polymer between the connections prior to curing, to produce a pad for a battery module. Experimental example 1: Evaluation of the average pore size within the polymer element and the buffer element
[0079] The average pore size in the polymer element of porous provision example 1 and the buffer element of porous provision example 2 was evaluated, and the results are listed in Table 1 below.
[0080] The surface image of the element was captured and analyzed to measure the average pore size within the element. Table 1 Average pore size (µm) Polymer element 300 Buffer element 125
[0081] Referring to Table 1, it was confirmed that the average pore size of the polymer element was larger than the average pore size of the buffer element. Experimental example 2: Evaluation of the anisotropic lattice structure of the polymer element
[0082] For the polymer element from provision example 1, the pore area ratio per unit area in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction and the pore area ratio per unit area in the plane perpendicular to the lateral direction were evaluated and the results are listed in the following Table 2.
[0083] The surface image of the element was captured and analyzed to measure the pore area ratio per unit area. Table 2 Polymer element Pore area ratio per unit area (%) Plane perpendicular to the thickness direction 55 Plane perpendicular to the lateral direction 40
[0084] Referring to Table 2, it was confirmed that the pore area ratio per unit area of the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the polymer element was higher than the pore area ratio per unit area of the plane perpendicular to the lateral direction of the polymer element. Test example 3: Assessment of impact resistance
[0085] The impact resistance of the pads for the battery module of the embodiment and the comparison example was evaluated and is specified in Fig. 10 and the following Table 3.
[0086] The same load of 30 N was applied (e.g. repeatedly) 10 times to the pads for the battery modules of the embodiment and the comparison example, and the deformation behavior for each load was compared and analyzed.
[0087] In Fig.10 represents A the comparative example 1, B represents embodiment 1, C represents embodiment 2 and D represents comparative example 2. Table 3 Buffer element thickness ratio (%)(buffer element thickness / pad total thickness) Transformation length (mm) Increase in hysteresis loop area (mmN) Comparison example 1 100 4,28 26,04 Design 1 66.67 5,85 23,35 Design 2 33,33 8,18 20,97 Comparison example 2 0 9,18 11,69
[0088] Referring to Fig. Reference 10 and Table 3 confirmed that with increasing thickness ratio of the (e.g., polyurethane foam) buffer element, the deformation length decreased and the width of the hysteresis loop region also tended to increase. Therefore, from the perspective of avoiding energy losses and excessive deformation of the buffer element material, it was confirmed that embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 were suitable. Experiment 4: Evaluation of heat transfer performance
[0089] The heat transfer performance of the pads for the battery module of the embodiment and the comparison example was evaluated and is shown in Fig. 11 and the following Table 4.
[0090] The pads for the battery modules of the embodiment and the comparison example were heated simultaneously, and the temperature at the top of the sample was measured at regular time intervals using an IR camera image captured in Fig. Figure 11 shows the time it took for the sample to reach 45 °C, which is given in Table 4 below. (Table 4) Buffer element thickness ratio (%) (buffer element thickness / pad total thickness) Time to reach 45°C (seconds) Comparison example 1 100 240 Design 1 66.67 210 Design 2 33,33 150 Comparison example 2 0 90
[0091] With reference to Fig. Figure 11 and Table 4 confirmed that with decreasing thickness ratio of the polyurethane foam buffer element, the temperature increases (i.e., rises faster) due to heating. This confirmed that the heat transfer performance increased with increasing polymer element content. Therefore, it was confirmed that embodiment 2 and comparative example 2 were suitable from the point of view of heat transfer performance. Experimental example 5: Evaluation of the anisotropic heat transfer performance of polymer elements
[0092] To confirm the greatest heat transfer efficiency in a particular direction due to the anisotropic lattice structure of the polymer element from provisioning example 1, a heat transfer performance experiment was carried out for each direction of the polymer element itself.
[0093] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, each polymer element was heated in the thickness direction (e.g., direction 1) and in the lateral direction (e.g., direction 2), and the temperature change at the top of each polymer element specimen over time was measured using an IR camera image and is shown in Figure 12. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shown.
[0094] Referring to Fig. 13 and Fig.14 It was confirmed that the temperature change upon heating in the lateral direction (e.g. direction 2) was greater than the temperature change upon heating in the thickness direction (e.g. direction 1), which confirms that the heat transfer performance was better in the lateral direction.
[0095] Therefore, when applying a pad for a battery module to a battery module, it can be assumed that the heat generated by the battery cell is transferred (e.g., effectively) in the lateral direction (e.g., the outer direction of the battery cell) if the polymer element surface is inserted and positioned perpendicular to the thickness direction so that it contacts the battery cell, thereby causing an effective heat dissipation effect.
[0096] Although the present invention / disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto, and it is possible to implement the present invention / disclosure by various modifications within the scope of the present invention / disclosure and the accompanying drawings. This naturally falls within the scope of the present invention / disclosure.
[0097] Therefore, it can be said that the scope of the present invention / disclosure is provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
Claims
[1] Pad for a battery module (200), wherein the pad has: a laminate, exhibiting: a first polymer element (10), a buffer element (30) arranged on the first polymer element (10), and a second polymer element (20) arranged on the buffer element (30), where the first polymer element (10), the second polymer element (20) and the buffer element (30) have a porous structure, and an average pore size in the first polymer element (10) is larger than an average pore size in the buffer element (30), or an average pore size in the second polymer element (20) is larger than the average pore size in the buffer element (30), and the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) have a lattice structure. [2] Pad according to claim 1, wherein the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) have a structure consisting of a plurality of porous lattice structures laminated in a thickness direction, and one shape of each porous lattice structure is the same as the plurality of porous lattice structures. [3] Pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) have a pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a thickness direction that is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a lateral direction. [4] Pad according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) are positioned such that a plane perpendicular to a thickness direction is in contact with a battery cell (40, 50). [5] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the pad for the battery module (200) is heated, the amount of heat transfer in a lateral direction is greater than the amount of heat transfer in a thickness direction. [6] Pad according to claim 3, wherein a pore area ratio per unit area of a surface perpendicular to the thickness direction is 50% or more. [7] Pad according to claim 3, wherein a pore area ratio per unit area of a surface perpendicular to the lateral direction is 45% or less. [8] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the buffer element (30) is 30% to 70% of the total thickness of the pad for the battery module (200). [9] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the first polymer element (10) and the thickness of the second polymer element (20) (first polymer element (10): second polymer element (20)) is 4:6 to 6:
4. [10] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the buffer element (30) comprises polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam or a combination thereof. [11] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first polymer element (10) comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a combination thereof. [12] Pad according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: the second polymer element (20) comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a combination thereof. [13] Battery module (200), comprising: a cell laminate in which a plurality of battery cells (40, 50) are stacked; and a pad for the battery module (200) positioned between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells (40, 50) of the majority of battery cells (40, 50), and the pad for the battery module (200) is a laminate which has: a first polymer element (10), a buffer element (30) arranged on the first polymer element (10), and a second polymer element (20) arranged on the buffer element (30), wherein the first polymer element (10), the second polymer element (20) and the buffer element (30) have a porous structure and an average pore size in the first polymer element (10) and an average pore size in the second polymer element (20) is larger than an average pore size in the buffer element (30), and the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) have a lattice structure. [14] Battery module (200) according to claim 13, wherein the first polymer element (10) and the second polymer element (20) have a plurality of porous lattice structures laminated in a thickness direction, and wherein one shape of each porous lattice structure is the same as the plurality of porous lattice structures. [15] Battery module (200) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first polymer element (10) has a pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a thickness direction that is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a lateral direction. [16] Battery module (200) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second polymer element (20) has a pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a thickness direction that is greater than the pore area ratio per unit area perpendicular to a lateral direction. [17] Battery module (200) according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first polymer element (10) is positioned such that a plane perpendicular to a thickness direction is in contact with a battery cell (40, 50). [18] Battery module (200) according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the second polymer element (20) is positioned such that a plane perpendicular to a thickness direction is in contact with the battery cell (40, 50). [19] Battery module (200) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the first polymer element (10) comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a combination thereof. [20] Battery module (200) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein: the second polymer element (20) comprises polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Ecoflex, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a combination thereof.