Battery Pack Coolant Baffle for Uniform Cell Stack Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in electrified vehicles fail to efficiently distribute thermal energy within traction battery packs, leading to potential thermal buildup and cascading events.
Innovation Solution
A baffle system with aligned openings is positioned between cell stacks in a battery pack enclosure, guiding coolant flow to distribute thermal energy evenly and manage gaseous vent byproducts, utilizing an immersion cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is moved through the battery pack to manage thermal energy, then thermal management capability is improved, but thermal energy distribution uniformity deteriorates leading to localized heating
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is segmented with multiple openings distributed across its surface, creating multiple coolant flow paths that segment the thermal management function. This segmentation allows coolant to reach multiple cell stacks simultaneously, distributing thermal energy more uniformly and preventing localized heating while maintaining overall thermal management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle openings are strategically positioned to create local flow channels that direct coolant to specific regions requiring thermal management. By localizing the flow paths through strategically placed openings, the system achieves uniform thermal distribution across different battery cell stacks while maintaining effective thermal management at each location.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a baffle structure is introduced to guide coolant flow, then thermal energy distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides coolant flow distribution, supports the battery cell stacks, and facilitates thermal energy uniformity. By making the baffle multi-functional, the system achieves improved thermal distribution without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same structural element performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the coolant flow system and the battery cell stacks. Rather than requiring complex integrated cooling channels within each cell stack, the baffle mediates thermal management by distributing coolant flow, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving uniform thermal distribution.
3Temperature
If coolant flow paths are extended to reach more cell stacks, then thermal coverage is improved, but flow distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is segmented with multiple openings that create parallel coolant flow paths, allowing the system to extend thermal coverage to multiple cell stacks simultaneously without sacrificing flow distribution efficiency. Each opening serves as a segment of the overall cooling system, distributing coolant efficiently across extended coverage areas through multiple concurrent flow channels.
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
Effectively distributes thermal energy across battery cells, inhibiting localized heating and facilitating the removal of gaseous vent byproducts, thereby enhancing thermal management and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a baffle housed within the enclosure assembly and positioned between the first and second cells stacks, the baffle including a plurality of openings that permit flow of a coolant from a position adjacent the first cell stack to a position adjacent the second cell stack
Implementation Method 2
As part of an immersion thermal management system, liquid coolant can be moved through the traction battery pack to help manage thermal energy within the traction battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A traction battery pack assembly includes an enclosure assembly; a first cell stack housed within the enclosure assembly; a second cell stack housed within the enclosure assembly; and a baffle housed within the enclosure assembly and positioned between the first and second cells stacks. The baffle includes a plurality of openings that permit flow of a coolant from a position adjacent the first cell stack to a position adjacent the second cell stack. The plurality of openings are within an vertical upper region of the baffle.