Thermal regulation device for an electrical energy storage member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal regulation devices for electric energy storage members in vehicles have a high carbon footprint due to the use of large quantities of aluminum, which is a concern as vehicles are increasingly powered by larger battery packs to enhance electric range.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device with a support plate and distribution plate secured by ribs, where the plates are made of different materials, with the distribution plate being non-metallic to reduce carbon footprint, and the ribs form a dual barrier to prevent refrigerant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large quantities of aluminum are used to make the plates of the thermal regulation device, then thermal efficiency and structural strength are improved, but carbon footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal (aluminum) and non-metal (polymer) materials in a single structure. The metal plate provides thermal conductivity and structural strength, while the polymer plate reduces carbon footprint and provides adequate thermal regulation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving thermal efficiency without relying entirely on metal, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with large quantities of aluminum.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If non-metal material is used for the distribution plate to reduce carbon footprint, then carbon emissions are reduced, but structural strength and thermal conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure where the metal plate provides the necessary structural strength and thermal conductivity, while the non-metal polymer plate reduces carbon emissions. The ribs connecting the two plates create a reinforced composite structure that maintains structural integrity despite using non-metal materials for part of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal regulation device is segmented into two distinct plates (metal and non-metal) connected by ribs. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function - the metal plate for strength and thermal conduction, and the non-metal plate for environmental sustainability - while together they achieve the required structural performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If ribs are used to secure the plates together, then assembly is simplified and structural integrity is improved, but refrigerant leakage risk increases at the connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are designed with integrated sealing elements or sealing structures that prevent refrigerant leakage at the connection points between plates. This beforehand cushioning approach addresses potential leakage issues by incorporating sealing functionality into the rib structure itself, maintaining both assembly simplicity and leakage prevention.
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 reduces carbon emissions and enhances thermal efficiency while preventing refrigerant leakage, ensuring effective temperature regulation of battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigerant fluid is usually circulated through these thermal regulation devices, said refrigerant fluid being able to absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack in order to cool it
Implementation Method 2
The plates between which the heat-exchange fluid circulates are usually made of metal, for example thin sheets of aluminum, notably to enable the heat transfer between the storage cells to be cooled and the refrigerant fluid intended to capture the calories
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal regulation device for an electric energy storage member includes at least one support plate and at least one distribution plate secured to each other so as to delimit between them one or more circulation ducts for circulating a refrigerant, where the support plate and the distribution plate are two substantially planar plates secured to each other by means of ribs extending perpendicularly to each of the plates, and at least one circulation duct being delimited transversely, on at least one side, by a set of two parallel ribs.