Battery Module Bottom Frame With Thermal Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules experience reduced cooling efficiency and safety due to heat propagation among battery cells, particularly during thermal runaway events.
Innovation Solution
The battery module incorporates a module frame with holes and a filling member made of dissimilar materials, where the filling member has higher thermal conductivity than the frame, and includes a heat insulating member to guide heat discharge vertically to a heat sink, reducing horizontal heat propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional module frame structure is used, then the battery module can be assembled, but heat propagates horizontally along the bottom part causing reduced cooling efficiency and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom part of the module frame is modified with localized holes at specific positions to create different thermal properties in different regions. This allows heat to be directed vertically through the holes toward the heat sink while maintaining structural integrity in other areas, thereby improving cooling efficiency and preventing horizontal heat propagation that compromises safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom part of the module frame is segmented by introducing holes that divide the continuous thermal path. This segmentation interrupts the horizontal heat propagation along the bottom part and redirects heat flow vertically toward the heat sink, improving both cooling efficiency and battery safety by preventing thermal runaway propagation.
2Loss of energy
If the module frame is made of a single material, then manufacturing is simple, but thermal conductivity is insufficient to effectively transfer heat to the heat sink
Solution Approach 1:
The module frame employs a composite structure where the bottom part is made of a first material and the holes are filled with a second material having different thermal conductivity characteristics. This composite approach enhances overall heat transfer efficiency to the heat sink while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic multi-material construction approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The module frame uses asymmetric material distribution with different materials positioned strategically - the bottom part uses one material while the holes are filled with another material having superior thermal conductivity. This asymmetric material arrangement optimizes heat transfer pathways toward the heat sink without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure, balancing manufacturing complexity with thermal performance.
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 design enhances cooling performance and improves safety by minimizing heat transfer between adjacent cells, thereby preventing thermal runaway and improving overall battery safety.
Implementation Method 1
a filling member (250) is provided in the plurality of holes (215), and the module frame (200) and the filling member (250) are formed of dissimilar materials. The filling member (250) may include a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the module frame (200)
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated from the battery cell 11 passes through the thermally conductive resin layer 40, the bottom part 31 of the module frame 30, the heat transfer member 50, and the heat sink 60 in sequence along a direction toward the heat sink 60
Implementation Method 3
the heat sink 60 may have a coolant flow path formed inside
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, wherein a bottom part of the module frame comprises a plurality of holes, and wherein a filling member may be provided in the plurality of holes.