Electrochemical Accumulator Cooling Air Space Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance electrochemical accumulators with high energy densities in hybrid and electric vehicles face challenges in effective cooling and safety due to heat generation and potential gas pressure issues, which can lead to safety hazards and increased costs from complex cooling systems and valve mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical accumulator design features a gas-tight separation between the cooling air space and degassing space, with independent air flow paths and bursting openings with membranes for pressure relief, eliminating the need for complex valve mechanisms and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used for high-performance accumulators, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the risk of gas entering the passenger compartment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air space is segmented into separate channels for each cell, with gas-tight separations preventing gas from one cell's cooling channel from entering another cell's cooling channel or the passenger compartment. This segmentation maintains effective cooling while isolating potential gas contamination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas-tight separation acts as an intermediary barrier between the cooling air space and the cell interior, preventing direct communication while allowing thermal coupling. This mediator enables cooling effectiveness without gas contamination risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If valve or flap mechanisms are used to separate cooling system from passenger compartment, then gas contamination is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful valve and flap mechanisms are completely extracted from the system. Instead of using active components to prevent gas contamination, the design relies on passive gas-tight structural separations that inherently prevent gas migration without requiring additional mechanical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-tight separations are integrated into the structural design of the cooling channels themselves, making the structure serve the dual function of cooling and gas containment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate valve mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If valve or flap mechanisms are used to regulate cooling air flow, then gas contamination is prevented, but cooling efficiency decreases due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-tight separations, which might be seen as flow restrictions, are designed to guide cooling air through optimized channels that maintain low resistance. The structural separations that prevent gas contamination simultaneously serve as flow paths that minimize energy loss, converting a potential harm into a beneficial design feature.
4Temperature
If separate cooling system with heat exchangers is used to regulate cooling air temperature, then cooling precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air channels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they cool the cells, contain any potential gas releases, and guide air flow through the accumulator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature regulation systems with heat exchangers, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function and gas containment function are merged into a single integrated system. The cooling channels are designed to perform both thermal management and safety containment, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 design effectively prevents gas from entering the passenger compartment, reduces cooling system costs, and ensures safe operation by directly routing cooling air around cells and utilizing bursting membranes for pressure relief, enhancing both safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling air ducts are provided in the accumulator between the individual cells for air cooling, through which cooling air is guided with the aid of a fan
Implementation Method 2
the bursting openings are closed with bursting membranes, which allow gas to be released from the interiors of the cells at a defined overpressure in the interiors of the cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrochemical accumulator comprising a) a plurality of galvanic cells (2), b) a cover, c) a housing sealed by the cover, d) at least one connection pole for electrically contacting the accumulator (1) which is electrically connected to a group of the galvanic cells (2), e) an electrolyte in the housing, f) a cooling air space for receiving cooling air for cooling the cells (2), and g) a degassing space for receiving gas escaping from the cells (2) during a failure. According to the invention, the performance and safety are improved when h) the cooling air space and the degassing space are separated from each other in a gas-permeable manner, and i) the cooling air space and the degassing space are independently lead out of the housing.