Battery Case Projections for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery modules used in high-capacity applications, such as hybrid electric vehicles, face inefficiencies in heat dissipation, leading to increased internal temperatures and potential deformation, which can cause malfunction or explosion, especially in prismatic batteries with high aspect ratios.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of projections on the outer surface of the battery case increases the heat dissipation area, allowing for more effective cooling through increased contact with external air, and the use of barriers between unit batteries creates channels for air passage, enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the battery case has a smooth outer surface, then the manufacturing is simple, but the heat dissipation area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming protrusions (rounded outward portions) on the outer surface of the battery case. These curved protrusions increase the surface area for heat dissipation while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through injection molding or similar forming techniques. The curved geometry naturally enhances heat transfer area without requiring complex assembled structures.
2Temperature
If barriers are added between unit batteries to create air channels, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into discrete unit batteries with individual protrusions on each case. This segmentation allows air channels to form naturally between the protrusions of adjacent units, creating heat dissipation pathways without requiring separate barrier components. The segmentation is achieved through the case design itself rather than additional parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions on the battery case automatically create air channels and heat dissipation pathways through their own geometric configuration. The case structure serves dual purposes: containing the battery and providing heat dissipation features. No separate cooling components or barriers are needed—the battery case itself performs the heat dissipation function.
3Reliability
If the internal temperature increases due to poor heat dissipation, then the battery performance is maintained temporarily, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential explosion or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heat dissipation protrusions on the battery case before the battery is put into service. These pre-formed geometric features ensure that heat dissipation pathways are already in place during charging and operation, preventing temperature buildup before it can cause safety issues. The cooling capability is built-in and active from the start, not added as a reactive measure.
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 solution significantly improves heat dissipation efficiency, reducing the risk of overheating and deformation, thereby enhancing the performance and safety of rechargeable battery modules, particularly in high-capacity applications like hybrid electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The heat is generally dissipated to an external side through the case. The projections formed on an outer surface of the case increase the heat dissipation area, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency.
Implementation Method 2
The heat dissipation property of the unit battery is a very important factor on which the performance of the battery module depends. The projections increase the heat dissipation area, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having positive and negative electrodes and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, a case for receiving the electrode assembly, and a plurality of projections formed on an outer surface of the case.