Parallel Coolant Branches for Battery Module Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable energy storage systems face challenges in effectively managing thermal energy to prevent thermal runaway events and maintain optimal operating temperatures across multiple battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) with a cooling system featuring a main coolant loop and parallel coolant branches, regulated by flow-valves and one-way valves, along with a coolant chiller and heater, controlled by an electronic controller to manage thermal energy distribution and temperature across individual battery modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coolant loop is used for all battery modules, then the system structure is simple, but temperature regulation precision for individual modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant system is segmented into multiple independent coolant branches, each serving specific battery modules. The flow valve divides the single coolant loop into multiple parallel branches, allowing independent temperature control for different module groups while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If coolant flow is distributed uniformly to all branches, then flow distribution is simple, but thermal energy management effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow valve dynamically adjusts coolant distribution among different branches based on real-time thermal conditions of battery modules. This dynamic regulation ensures optimal thermal management effectiveness by directing more coolant to modules requiring greater cooling while maintaining simple operational control.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parallel coolant branches are implemented, then temperature regulation precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow valve serves multiple functions: it distributes coolant to different branches, regulates flow rates to specific modules, and enables independent temperature control. This multi-functionality allows precise temperature regulation across multiple branches without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 system effectively regulates temperature across individual battery modules, preventing thermal runaway and ensuring optimal performance by independently managing thermal energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Each coolant branch is configured to receive a portion of the coolant from the main coolant loop to remove thermal energy from one of the respective battery modules
Implementation Method 2
a cooling system having a main coolant loop configured to circulate a coolant
Implementation Method 3
at least one flow-valve configured to regulate and distribute across the plurality of coolant branches the coolant circulated through the main coolant loop
Implementation Method 4
The cooling system may additionally include a coolant chiller configured to remove thermal energy from the coolant in the main coolant loop
Implementation Method 5
The cooling system may also include a coolant heater configured to add thermal energy to the coolant in the main coolant loop
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) having a plurality of battery cells arranged in individual battery modules includes a main coolant loop configured to circulate a coolant. The cooling system additionally includes a plurality of coolant branches arranged in parallel. Each coolant branch is configured to receive a portion of the coolant from the main coolant loop to remove thermal energy from one of the respective battery modules. The cooling system further includes at least one flow-valve configured to regulate and distribute across the plurality of coolant branches the coolant circulated through the main coolant loop. One-way valves may be used to control the flow of coolant out of respective coolant branches. A motor vehicle employing such a RESS and the cooling system is also included.