Battery Module Cooling Channels and Air Gaps for Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries experience performance degradation, increased risk of explosion or ignition, and structural integrity issues due to inadequate heat dissipation and swelling in battery modules and packs, particularly in high-temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a cooling member with a cooling channel and air gaps positioned on the side surfaces or between battery cells, which provides surface cooling and absorbs swelling, enhancing cooling performance and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are densely packed in a confined space to achieve high output, then power density is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling member is divided into multiple cooling channels that are interspersed among the battery cells. This segmentation allows heat to be dissipated from multiple locations simultaneously, improving overall heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining the compact arrangement of battery cells for high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling member is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cells and the external environment. This cooling member contains coolant flow paths that facilitate heat transfer from the battery cells to the coolant, effectively mediating the heat dissipation process without requiring direct exposure of battery cells to external cooling media.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells are stacked in a compact configuration to increase energy density, then space utilization is improved, but swelling control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Air gaps are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery module, particularly between stacked battery cells. These localized air gaps provide expansion space precisely where swelling occurs, allowing the battery cells to expand without compromising the overall compact configuration and energy density of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
Air gaps are pre-designed and incorporated into the battery module structure before battery cells are installed. These air gaps act as predetermined cushioning spaces that accommodate future swelling of battery cells during their operational lifecycle, preventing structural damage and maintaining safety without requiring larger overall module dimensions.
3Temperature
If cooling channels are added to improve heat dissipation, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal management through coolant flow paths, offers structural support for the battery cells, and incorporates air gaps for swelling accommodation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving cooling performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling member merges several functional elements into a single integrated component. The cooling channels, air gaps, and structural support features are combined in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate components. This integration simplifies the overall assembly process and reduces the number of parts while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
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 design effectively controls swelling and improves cooling efficiency, reducing the risk of cracks and explosions while maintaining structural integrity under high stress conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling member arranged on at least one of both side surfaces of the battery cell stack or between the plurality of battery cells. The cooling member includes a cooling channel that is a space inside the cooling member where a coolant flows
Implementation Method 2
an air gap that is an empty space separated from the cooling channel... the air gap may include a first air gap and a second air gap... enabling the control of the swelling of the battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack including a plurality of stacked battery cells; and at least one cooling member arranged on at least one of both side surfaces of the battery cell stack or between the plurality of battery cells. The cooling member includes a cooling channel that is a space inside the cooling member where a coolant flows, and an air gap that is an empty space separated from the cooling channel.