Monolithic Battery Chassis With Integrated Venting and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage systems with metal chassis are expensive and lack adequate cell venting and electrical interconnects, necessitating an improved enclosure design for cost-effectiveness and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A monolithically formed chassis with integrated vent/vapor channels for gas venting and cooling fins for thermal management, providing a robust and cost-effective enclosure for battery cells with enhanced mechanical housing and electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal chassis is used for energy storage systems, then the structural strength and mechanical housing are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural housing, cooling, venting, electrical interconnection) into a single integrated chassis component. The chassis integrates cooling fins directly into its structure, incorporates vent channels for gas venting, and includes electrical interconnect features, eliminating the need for separate metal chassis, cooling components, and venting systems while maintaining structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical housing, thermal management through integrated cooling fins, gas venting through internal channels, and electrical interconnection. This universal design replaces multiple separate components with one unified structure that performs all necessary functions
2Strength
If a conventional metal chassis is used, then the mechanical housing is provided, but adequate cell venting and electrical interconnects are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges venting channels and electrical interconnect features directly into the chassis structure. The vent channels are formed as internal passages within the chassis material, and electrical interconnects are integrated as part of the chassis geometry, allowing all functions to coexist in a single component without compromising mechanical housing integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for cooling and venting, then the functionality is provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates cooling fins, vent channels, and structural housing into a single monolithic chassis component. The cooling fins are formed as integral features of the chassis, and vent channels are created as internal passages within the same component, eliminating the need for separate cooling assemblies and venting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs thermal management through integrated cooling fins, gas venting through internal channels, mechanical housing, and electrical interconnection. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by replacing multiple specialized components with one unified structure
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
The solution offers a cost-effective, robust mechanical housing with efficient cell venting and electrical interconnects, improving the operational life and performance of energy storage systems while maintaining affordability.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling fins are defined on an exterior of the chassis and are configured to provide at least one of active or passive cooling
Implementation Method 2
the cooling fins are defined on an exterior of the chassis and are configured to provide at least one of active or passive cooling
Implementation Method 3
the vent/vapor channel is defined in an interior of the chassis and is configured for fluid communication with a valve assembly to allow vented gas to pass through the vent/vapor channel and out of the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an energy storage system. For example, an energy storage system comprises a monolithically formed chassis configured to house a battery cell and having defined thereon at least one of a vent/vapor channel or cooling fins, wherein the vent/vapor channel is defined in an interior of the chassis and is configured for fluid communication with a valve assembly to allow vented gas to pass through the vent/vapor channel and out of the chassis, and wherein the cooling fins are defined on an exterior of the chassis and are configured to provide at least one of active or passive cooling.