Battery Module Airflow Cooling for Rapid Thermal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems, such as vapor compression systems, are inefficient and impractical for mobile Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems due to their size, weight, and power requirements, and fail to provide rapid cooling for the high heat loads generated by battery banks during operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery system with an air flow path through each module, utilizing fans to control temperature by creating a temperature gradient and preventing battery cell temperatures from rising above a predetermined threshold, integrated with a control system that monitors temperature and voltage sensors to manage airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional vapor compression cooling systems are used to cool battery banks, then cooling efficiency is improved, but size, weight and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression cooling system with an air flow based thermal management system. Instead of using compressors, refrigerants, and mechanical cooling components, the system uses controlled air flow through the battery bank to achieve cooling, thereby eliminating the heavy mechanical cooling infrastructure while maintaining effective temperature control of battery cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air flow paths and fans to circulate cooling air through the battery modules. The system utilizes air as the cooling medium, directing it through designated flow paths that maximize heat dissipation from battery cells without requiring liquid coolant systems or mechanical compression equipment
2Temperature
If conventional vapor compression cooling systems are used, then cooling capability is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical cooling systems by substituting them with a simplified air flow based approach. The cooling function is achieved through air circulation paths, fans, and thermal management control algorithms rather than mechanical compressors, condensers, and evaporators, dramatically reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cooling system utilizes the ambient air and natural convection principles to achieve cooling without requiring external complex cooling infrastructure. The air flow paths are designed to maximize passive cooling effectiveness, and the system uses sensors and controllers to automatically manage cooling requirements based on actual battery temperature conditions
3Temperature
If conventional vapor compression systems are used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but response time to provide cooling increases to several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow-responding vapor compression system with an air flow based system that can rapidly adjust cooling capacity. Fans can immediately increase air flow when cooling is needed, providing rapid thermal response to high heat loads generated during DEW operation without the minute-long startup delays characteristic of vapor compression systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses periodic or on-demand air flow activation based on real-time temperature monitoring. When battery temperature exceeds thresholds, fans are activated to provide cooling; when temperatures are acceptable, cooling is reduced or stopped. This periodic action allows rapid response to thermal conditions without the continuous operation delays of vapor compression 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
The system effectively maintains battery cell temperatures within a safe range, ensuring efficient operation of DEW systems by providing rapid and efficient cooling without the need for bulky cooling systems, thus addressing the size, weight, and power constraints of mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow path through a first module of the plurality of modules, wherein the air flow path is defined by a spacing between a cylindrical surface of each battery cell and its neighboring battery cell; one or more fans positioned to move air through the air flow path
Implementation Method 2
one or more fans positioned to move air through the air flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are battery systems for powering a laser weapon, and methods of thereof. A system includes a battery bank comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells electrically connected in series and parallel to form a plurality of modules, wherein an air flow path through each module defined by a spacing between a surface of each battery cell and its neighboring battery cell. Furthermore a control system is configured to provide cooling via airflow from the one or more fans to temperature control the battery modules to prevent the temperature difference between a first side of the battery module and a second side of the battery module from rising above a predetermined threshold while the laser weapon is active and consuming energy from the battery bank.