Integrated Battery Immersion Cooling Module With Equalization Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid circuits for immersion cooling of vehicle batteries require complex hydraulic connections, significant space, and extensive maintenance due to multiple components, leading to increased assembly and testing efforts.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a fluid equalization tank, air equalization tank, and dehumidifier within a common housing, reducing the need for separate components and hydraulic interfaces, and incorporating a fluid pump, heat exchanger, and dehumidifier directly attached to the housing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (fluid pump, plate heat exchanger, fluid equalization tank, air equalization tank, dehumidifier) are used in the fluid circuit, then each component can perform its specific function, but the device complexity and number of hydraulic interfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid pump, plate heat exchanger, fluid equalization tank, air equalization tank, and dehumidifier into a single modular unit. This merging of previously separate components reduces the number of hydraulic interfaces and connections required, while maintaining all necessary functions for cooling fluid management in battery immersion cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated supply module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it pumps cooling fluid, exchanges heat, equalizes fluid and air volumes, and dehumidifies the cooling fluid. This multi-functionality within a single unit reduces system complexity compared to using separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used with complex hydraulic connections, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the space required for the fluid circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functional components into a single integrated supply module, the patent reduces the overall space required for the fluid circuit. The compact modular design eliminates the need for extensive piping and spacing between separate components, while maintaining all necessary cooling fluid management functions.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate components with complex hydraulic connections are used, then each component can be independently maintained, but the scope of assembly and maintenance at the customer's site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated supply module consolidates multiple maintenance-requiring components into a single unit, reducing the scope of assembly and maintenance activities at the customer's site. While the internal components remain integrated, the modular design allows for simplified handling and potential replacement as a single unit, reducing on-site 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 integrated design saves space, reduces the number of hydraulic interfaces, and simplifies assembly and maintenance, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the fluid circuit.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid equalization tank is connected to the air equalization tank in an air-conducting manner to equalize pressure differences caused by different fill levels of the cooling fluid in the fluid equalization tank
Implementation Method 2
a plate heat exchanger for cooling the cooling fluid in the fluid circuit
Implementation Method 3
a dehumidifier for drying the cooling fluid in the fluid circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A supply module for a fluid circuit through which a cooling fluid is flowable, for immersion cooling of a battery of a vehicle, may include a fluid equalization tank for equalizing a change in volume of the cooling fluid in the fluid circuit, an air equalization tank for absorbing air, and a common housing for the fluid equalization tank and the air equalization tank. The fluid equalization tank may be connected to the air equalization tank in an air-conducting manner to equalize pressure differences caused by different fill levels of the cooling fluid in the fluid equalization tank. The fluid equalization tank and the air equalization tank may be formed in the housing and may be delimited outwardly by the housing.