Battery Thermal Management via Centralized Energy Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery thermal management systems face challenges in efficiently controlling temperature, especially in large batteries, due to increased capacity and power requirements, which can lead to spatial constraints and reduced energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system utilizing a centralized energy module that circulates a refrigerant through a battery coolant line and a radiator coolant line, allowing for selective thermal exchange between the refrigerant's condensation and evaporation and the coolant, enabling effective heating or cooling of batteries using phase change thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the capacity of the battery air conditioning system is increased to control larger batteries, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the spatial constraint is worsened and the power required to run the system is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change of refrigerant (liquid to gas and back) in the centralized energy module to transfer thermal energy. The refrigerant absorbs heat during evaporation and releases heat during condensation, enabling efficient thermal management without requiring large system capacity. This phase transition mechanism allows compact system design while maintaining effective temperature control for large battery packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized energy module serves multiple functions: it can heat the battery when needed, cool the battery when needed, and the same system components (compressor, heat exchangers, expansion valve) are used for both heating and cooling operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and cooling systems, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining comprehensive temperature control capability.
2Temperature
If the capacity of the battery air conditioning system is increased to control larger batteries, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the power required to run the system is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant's phase change process enables highly efficient heat transfer with minimal energy input. During evaporation, the refrigerant absorbs large amounts of heat from the battery coolant with minimal compressor work. During condensation, the refrigerant releases heat efficiently. This phase transition mechanism provides superior coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional air conditioning systems, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the battery's own thermal energy requirements to drive the refrigeration cycle. When the battery needs cooling, the refrigerant evaporates absorbing heat directly from the battery coolant. When heating is needed, the cycle is reversed and the battery itself becomes the heat source for the refrigerant condensation process. This self-service approach minimizes external power requirements by leveraging the battery's thermal dynamics.
3Temperature
If conventional battery air conditioning system is used, then the temperature control is achieved, but the energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs refrigerant phase change (evaporation and condensation) as the core thermal transfer mechanism. During evaporation, the refrigerant absorbs latent heat from the battery coolant efficiently. During condensation, it releases latent heat to the ambient or to the battery for heating. This phase transition process achieves high heat transfer coefficients and superior energy efficiency compared to conventional air conditioning systems that rely on direct thermal conduction or convection without phase change.
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 system simplifies thermal management, improves operational efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for flexible application to various battery sizes, including vehicles, by using relatively inexpensive and high-performing refrigerants like R152-a, R744, or R290, while maintaining uniform battery temperature.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy generated from phase change of a refrigerant that circulates inside the system
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy generated from condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy generated from condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
performs thermal exchange between thermal energy generated from condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant circulating in the CE module and the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for batteries may include a battery where a coolant circulates through a battery coolant line; a cooling apparatus that circulating a coolant cooled in a radiator through a radiator coolant line; and a centralized energy (CE) module which is connected to the battery through the battery coolant line, connected to the cooling apparatus through the radiator coolant line, performs thermal exchange between thermal energy generated from condensation and evaporation of a refrigerant circulating in the CE module and the coolant, and selectively supplies a high-temperature coolant or a low-temperature coolant that has been thermally exchanged to the battery.