Battery Assembly Thermal Management via Axial Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy density battery cells in electric vehicles and grid storage applications face thermal management challenges due to poor lateral thermal conductivity, leading to potential thermal runaway and safety issues when cells are packed tightly together, as existing cooling designs are ineffective in dissipating heat efficiently and preventing chain reactions.
Innovation Solution
A high thermal conductivity battery assembly with direct metal electrode to metal case connections and fusing devices, allowing efficient heat dissipation and isolation of failed cells, featuring a metal case with hollow cavity and notches for secure cell placement, and incorporating phase change or flame retardant materials to manage temperature and prevent thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are packed tightly together to increase energy density, then the energy density and space utilization are improved, but the thermal management capability deteriorates due to poor lateral thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lateral heat dissipation (sidewall direction) to axial heat dissipation (top/bottom direction) by attaching heat sinks to the top and bottom surfaces of battery cells. This dimensional change exploits the superior thermal conductivity path through the metal electrodes and collectors, resolving the thermal management issue while maintaining tight packing for high energy density.
2Temperature
If cooling fins are added to the sides of battery cells to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex lateral cooling structures to sidewalls, the patent attaches heat sinks to the top and bottom surfaces of battery cells, utilizing the existing axial thermal conduction path. This simplifies the cooling system design while improving heat dissipation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal electrode collectors and battery cell housings are designed to serve dual functions: electrical connection and heat conduction pathways. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate cooling structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective thermal management.
3Temperature
If forced air convection is used through fans to cool battery cells, then heat removal capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the battery cell structure with integrated heat conduction pathways through metal electrodes and collectors that passively conduct heat to heat sinks attached on top and bottom surfaces. This passive thermal management system eliminates the need for active cooling components like fans, reducing both device complexity and energy consumption.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal run away occurs in one battery cell, then the energy release may cause chain reaction to adjacent cells, but with direct metal electrode to metal case connections, heat can be rapidly conducted away to prevent thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates heat sinks attached to the top and bottom surfaces of battery cells, creating pre-established heat dissipation pathways that actively counteract temperature rise before thermal runaway can occur. This preliminary protective measure rapidly conducts away abnormal heat generation, preventing chain reactions to adjacent cells.
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 solution enables efficient heat dissipation, reduces the risk of thermal runaway, and improves safety by containing heat within the assembly, thereby extending battery life and preventing adjacent cell failures, while also enhancing packing density and safety through effective thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
high thermal conductivity battery assembly... direct metal electrode to metal case connections... efficient heat dissipation
Implementation Method 2
incorporating phase change or flame retardant materials to manage temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a battery assembly with high thermal conductivity. The battery assembly comprises a metal case having a hollow accommodation cavity formed therein, a plurality of battery cells installed parallel to one another within the metal case, and a common electrode for connection to the other electrode in each of the battery cells. Each of the battery cells has two electrodes, with one of the electrodes that corresponds to those of the rest of the battery cells being connected in a thermally conductive manner to the metal case. The invention takes advantage of high thermal conductivity of metallic material and dissipates heat by connecting the metal case to the battery electrodes. The invention further comprises fixation troughs formed on the metal case, thereby reducing the size of the assembly.