Asymmetric LFP Battery Module Layout for EV Pack Thermal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs for electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing energy density, capacity, and mass distribution due to limited space, and require improved thermal management and integration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack configuration with two sets of battery modules, where one set includes more lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells than the other, along with a battery voltage temperature monitor, high/low voltage interfaces, thermal components, and a voltage distribution box, to enhance energy density, capacity, and mass distribution while ensuring efficient thermal control and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery modules are arranged in a conventional uniform configuration, then the battery pack structure is simple, but the energy density and mass distribution are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules with different cell counts (first plurality, second plurality, third plurality). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for space utilization and energy density while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where different battery modules contain different numbers of cells (first plurality > third plurality, second plurality > third plurality). This asymmetric arrangement optimizes mass distribution and energy density by placing more cells in modules where space and weight distribution are favorable.
2Temperature
If thermal management components are added to improve thermal control, then thermal management performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system integrates multiple thermal components that can laterally span across several battery modules. By merging thermal management functions across modules rather than providing dedicated cooling for each module, the system achieves effective thermal control while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal components are designed to serve multiple battery modules simultaneously. A single thermal component can laterally span and provide thermal management for multiple modules, making the thermal management system multi-functional and reducing the total number of components required.
3Productivity
If battery modules with different cell counts are used, then energy density and capacity are optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different battery modules are configured with different numbers of cells based on local requirements for capacity and space utilization. The first plurality, second plurality, and third plurality are tailored to specific module locations and vehicle integration requirements, optimizing overall capacity while allowing standardized manufacturing processes for each module type.
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 configuration improves energy density, capacity, and mass distribution within the limited space of electric vehicles, enhances thermal management, and integrates components efficiently, leading to improved performance and reliability of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal components can laterally span underneath the battery modules and the thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation between the pack cover and the battery modules
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a first battery module. The system can include a second battery module. The second battery module can have more lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells than the first battery module.