Battery Cell Cooling via Segmented Flow Channels and Spring Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies face challenges in reliably controlling the temperature of multiple battery cells within a predetermined range, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, where efficient heat transfer and insulation are crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
The battery design incorporates alternating arrangements of first and second battery cells connected in series and/or parallel, with dedicated flow channels for a dielectric temperature-control fluid, and elastically deformable spring elements to enhance heat transfer, allowing for direct fluid contact and optimized installation space, eliminating the need for additional insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are arranged in alternating groups with dedicated flow channels, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cells are divided into first and second groups arranged in alternating fashion, with each group having its own dedicated flow channel. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for different cell groups, improving overall temperature control reliability while managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow channels are provided for different cell groups, allowing localized temperature control tailored to specific thermal conditions of each group. This local quality approach ensures that each cell group receives appropriate cooling without requiring a uniform complex system for all cells
2Volume of moving object
If flow channels are formed directly between housing wall and cell outer surface, then installation space is reduced, but heat transfer reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are formed in the plane between the housing wall and cell outer surface, utilizing the available gap space efficiently. This dimensional approach allows direct cooling without requiring additional volume, while the spring elements provide the necessary thermal contact pressure to maintain heat transfer reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Spring elements are introduced as intermediaries between the housing wall and cell outer surface to ensure reliable thermal contact. These spring elements maintain constant pressure for efficient heat transfer while allowing for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining heat transfer reliability in the compact direct-contact design
3Reliability
If spring elements are arranged between housing wall and cell outer surface, then heat transfer is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements automatically adjust to maintain optimal contact pressure between the housing wall and cell outer surface, self-regulating the thermal interface without requiring external control systems. This self-service capability enhances heat transfer reliability while avoiding the need for complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements provide variable contact pressure that can adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the cells during operation. This parameter change capability ensures consistent heat transfer efficiency across different operating conditions without requiring multiple different component types
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 ensures reliable temperature control of battery cells, reduces installation space, and enhances heat transfer efficiency, while maintaining straightforward electrical connections and minimizing the distance between cells, thereby improving the battery's performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel is formed between the first wall of the housing and the first outer surface of one of the first battery cells, and a second flow channel is formed between the second wall of the housing and the second outer surface of one of the second battery cells
Implementation Method 2
the direct delimitation of the first flow channel by the first outer surface and/or the direct delimitation of the second flow channel by the second outer surface provides for a reliable transfer of heat from the first battery cell and/or the second battery cell to a temperature-control fluid flowing in the first flow channel and/or the second flow channel
Implementation Method 3
a first spring element is arranged between the first housing wall and the first outer surface. The first spring element here is preferably of elastically and/or plastically deformable design
Implementation Method 4
the first spring element and the second spring element are arranged within the first flow channel and within the second flow channel, respectively, as a result of which the first spring element and the second spring element can additionally influence a flow of temperature-control fluid flowing through the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and in particular can increase the turbulence properties of said fluid, as a result of which the transfer of heat can advantageously be increased
Data Source
AI summary
A battery having a plurality of battery cells accommodated in a housing, wherein a plurality of first battery cells are electrically connected to one another in series and/or in parallel, and a plurality of second battery cells are electrically connected to one another in series and/or in parallel, wherein the first battery cells each have a first outer surface and the second battery cells each have a second outer surface, wherein the housing of the battery has a first housing wall and a second housing wall, which is arranged opposite the first housing wall, wherein a first flow channel is formed between the first wall of the housing and the first outer surface of one of the first battery cells, and wherein a second flow channel is formed between the second wall of the housing and the second outer surface of one of the second battery cells.