Alternating Pouch Cell Stacking for Uniform Battery Module Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery modules face low cooling efficiency, leading to rapid temperature rise, reduced battery life, and potential fire or explosion risks due to ineffective heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design featuring a stacked battery cell configuration with alternating first and second plates, protrusions, and a heat transfer member to enhance heat dissipation, where the sealing portions are folded and fixed with an adhesive to improve thermal conductivity and uniform cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling system is added to the battery module, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second plates are designed to serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the battery cell stack and simultaneously act as heat dissipation components. By making the plates multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining effective heat dissipation capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The battery module structure itself provides the cooling function through its plates that directly contact the battery cells. The plates serve the battery stack by providing both mechanical support and thermal management, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature without external cooling devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If traditional cooling systems are used, then heat dissipation is attempted, but cooling efficiency remains very low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the battery cells by utilizing the sealing portions as heat conduction paths. The sealing portions have different thermal characteristics compared to the main body, creating localized heat dissipation channels that improve overall cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing portions act as intermediary elements between the battery cells and the heat dissipation plates. These sealing portions facilitate thermal transfer from the battery cells to the plates, enabling efficient heat dissipation without requiring direct contact between the entire cell surface and the cooling plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If battery cells are stacked without alternating orientation, then assembly is simpler, but heat dissipation uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric arrangement of battery cells by alternating the orientation of sealing portions in adjacent cells. This asymmetric configuration ensures that heat is dissipated uniformly across the entire battery stack, as each cell's sealing portion contacts the heat dissipation plate at different locations, preventing heat accumulation in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

The design effectively dissipates heat across the battery cell stack, ensuring uniform cooling and reducing the risk of thermal damage, thereby extending battery life and preventing fires or explosions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer member filling at least one of a space between the battery cell stack and the first plate and a space between the battery cell stack and the second plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The sealing portion may be fixed by an adhesive member after a portion of the sealing portion is folded at least once

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3748726B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP3748726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a first plate and a second plate disposed on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, respectively, to discharge heat generated by the plurality of battery cells externally. The plurality of battery cells include a receiving portion having a quadrangular shape, and a sealing portion, partially disposed on an outer periphery of the receiving portion. The battery cell stack is provided, by alternately stacking, at least one first battery cell of which a surface on which the sealing portion is not disposed faces the first plate, and at least one second battery cell of which a surface on which the sealing portion is not disposed faces the second plate.