Aircraft Battery Cell Layout for Uniform Heat Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems for electric multicopters face challenges in evenly distributing heat across unit cells, leading to temperature differences and inefficiencies in cooling, which can result in excessive heating and require large-scale cooling facilities, increasing weight and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A battery system design where first and second unit cells with oppositely oriented terminals are arranged in parallel, overlapping to equalize heat distribution, with heat conductive materials contacting the battery sets to efficiently transfer heat to a cooling system, reducing the need for large-scale cooling facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat absorbing part is arranged between laminated unit cell rows, then heat removal is improved, but heat equalization among unit cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric heat transfer paths for different unit cells. Specifically, odd-numbered unit cells have heat transfer plates contacting the heat absorbing part directly, while even-numbered unit cells have heat transfer plates separated from the heat absorbing part by insulating parts. This local differentiation in heat transfer structure enables both effective heat removal and heat equalization across all unit cells.
2Speed
If unit cells and heat transfer material are alternately arranged in parallel, then heat transfer speed is improved, but heat absorption capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional parallel arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked structure. Multiple unit cells are stacked in the vertical direction with heat transfer plates and insulating parts interleaved between them. This vertical stacking enables multiple unit cells to simultaneously contact the heat absorbing part through the heat transfer plates, dramatically increasing the total heat absorption capacity while maintaining efficient heat transfer paths.
3Temperature
If large-scale cooling facilities are installed, then heat removal capacity is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service cooling where the battery system's own structure serves as the cooling mechanism. The heat absorbing part, heat transfer plates, and insulating parts are integrated directly into the battery module structure, allowing the unit cells to cool themselves through conductive heat transfer without requiring external cooling systems. This eliminates the need for large-scale cooling facilities and significantly reduces aircraft weight.
4Temperature
If large-scale cooling facilities are installed, then heat removal capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive heat conduction system requires no external power input. Heat is removed from the unit cells through natural thermal conduction via the heat transfer plates and heat absorbing part, eliminating the need for powered cooling fans, pumps, or refrigeration systems. This self-cooling mechanism dramatically reduces power consumption compared to active cooling systems.
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 equalizes heat across unit cells, reduces the risk of excessive heating, simplifies the device layout, decreases the aircraft's total weight, and lowers power consumption by utilizing a smaller cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductive material that conducts heat from the first unit cell or the second unit cell is in contact with the battery set
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery sets in which first unit cells and second unit cells are adjacent to each other. In the first unit cell, a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are oriented and extend in a first direction from a first end portion of a first main body. In the second unit cell, a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are oriented and extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction from a first end portion of a second main body. Then, in the battery set, at least a part of the first main body and the second main body overlap and are in contact with each other. Further, a heat conductive material that conducts heat from the first unit cell or the second unit cell is in contact with the battery set.