Energy Storage Cabinet Airflow Structure for Uniform Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage cabinets require high power consumption and larger air conditioning units to maintain battery temperature uniformity due to inefficient temperature control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage cabinet employs a frame with hollow supports that act as fluid passages, dividing them into cool and warm air channels using a partition, allowing simultaneous circulation of cool and warm air without mixing, and includes a cooling device to uniformly cool battery packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air conditioning units are used to maintain battery temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but power consumption is high and temperature uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple hollow supports, each containing separate first and second flow channels. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for different battery packs, enabling uniform temperature distribution while reducing overall power consumption by targeting specific thermal zones rather than cooling the entire enclosure uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hollow support provides localized temperature control through dedicated flow channels that can be independently regulated. The first flow channel supplies cool air to specific battery packs while the second flow channel handles warm air discharge, creating local thermal optimization that improves temperature uniformity across all battery packs without requiring high power consumption.
2Temperature
If air conditioning units are enlarged to improve temperature control, then temperature uniformity improves, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow supports serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for battery packs, act as thermal management conduits through integrated flow channels, and enable both cool air supply and warm air discharge. This multi-functionality improves temperature control efficiency without increasing device complexity or requiring larger air conditioning units.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is merged with the thermal management system by incorporating hollow supports containing flow channels directly into the battery pack support framework. This integration combines structural and thermal functions, improving temperature control efficiency while avoiding the need for separate, complex air conditioning infrastructure.
3Temperature
If conventional single-channel cooling is used, then device complexity is low, but temperature uniformity across battery packs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is segmented into multiple hollow supports, each containing both first and second flow channels. This segmentation creates independent thermal zones for different battery packs, enabling uniform temperature distribution across all packs while managing complexity through modular, repetitive structural units rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system transitions from a single-channel linear approach to a multi-dimensional network of flow channels distributed across multiple hollow supports. Each support contains parallel first and second flow channels, creating a three-dimensional thermal management architecture that achieves uniform temperature distribution while organizing complexity in a structured, manageable way.
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 reduces power consumption by optimizing temperature control and ensures uniform temperature distribution across battery packs, enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cool air is configured to enter the first vent of the first battery pack and the first flow channel of the first support. As the cool air passes through the first battery pack, the cool air is heated and becomes a warm air.
Implementation Method 2
The partition is disposed in the pipe and divides the first internal fluid passage into at least one first flow channel and a second flow channel.
Implementation Method 3
The warm air is then discharged into the second flow channel of the first support through the second vent of the first battery pack.
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy storage cabinet includes a frame supporting multiple battery packs and a cooling device. The frame includes a support with a pipe and a partition dividing an internal fluid passage of the pipe into a first flow channel and a second flow channel. Each battery pack has a first vent and a second vent. The second vent of a first battery pack is in communication with the second flow channel. The first vent of a second battery pack is in communication with the first flow channel. The cooling device produces a cool air entering the first vent of the first battery pack and the first flow channel. As the cool air passes through the first battery pack, the cool air is heated and becomes a warm air, which is then discharged into the second flow channel through the second vent.