Alternating High Low Voltage Cell Module Thermal Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical energy storage devices in hybrid vehicles experience temperature heterogeneity between high and low voltage modules, leading to reduced performance and lifetime due to inefficient heat diffusion.

Innovation Solution

A module of elementary cells is arranged with alternating sets of high and low voltage cells, connected through specific groups of connection elements to facilitate even heat distribution and voltage delivery, with positive and negative contacts positioned to enhance thermal homogenization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If high voltage and low voltage cells are grouped separately in different parts of the energy storage device, then the electrical connection and module structure are simplified, but temperature heterogeneity occurs leading to reduced performance and lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule structureVSAvoidperformance and lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device is segmented into multiple modules, with each module containing a mixed arrangement of high voltage and low voltage cells. This segmentation allows thermal management to be applied at the module level, improving heat distribution while maintaining structural organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the energy storage device are designed with different cell voltage characteristics. High voltage cells and low voltage cells are alternately arranged to create local thermal zones that facilitate heat diffusion from high-voltage to low-voltage regions, achieving thermal homogenization through spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If high voltage and low voltage cells are arranged in separate parts, then manufacturing and assembly are easier, but heat diffusion becomes inefficient causing temperature heterogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidtemperature homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

High voltage cells and low voltage cells are merged into a single modular structure with alternating arrangement. This combination maintains the ease of modular assembly while enabling efficient thermal interaction between different voltage zones through their close physical proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Low voltage cells act as thermal intermediaries between high voltage cell groups. The alternating arrangement allows low voltage cells to receive heat from high voltage cells and dissipate it to the cooling system, facilitating heat diffusion and temperature homogenization across the entire module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If cells are arranged in alternating succession of high and low voltage cells, then thermal homogenization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal homogeneityVSAvoidcell arrangement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex alternating arrangement is achieved through modular segmentation, where each module contains a standardized pattern of high and low voltage cells. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by repeating a manageable unit rather than designing a unique complex configuration for the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alternating cell arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection, thermal management, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated cell arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration ensures improved thermal homogenization and performance by diffusing heat evenly across the module, thereby extending the lifespan and efficiency of the energy storage device.

Implementation Method 1

This configuration ensures improved thermal homogenization and performance by diffusing heat evenly across the module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat diffusion: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3235026B1Module of elementary cells and energy storage device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 RENAULT SA
  • EP3235026B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3235026B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3235026B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a module (5) of primary cells (8a, 9a, 9b, 8b) for storing electrical energy, comprising a first assembly of primary cells interconnected in such a way as to supply a first voltage in a first voltage range and a second assembly of primary cells interconnected so as to supply a second voltage in a second voltage range, said at least one primary cell (8b) of the second assembly being arranged between two primary cells (8a, 9a, 9b) of the first assembly.