Battery Thermal Management Structure With Recessed Expansion Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal management devices for batteries are prone to increased flow resistance and reduced heat exchange efficiency due to being squeezed by expanding battery cells, which cannot absorb expansion stress effectively.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management device with a recessed cavity in its heat exchange body, allowing for expansion space for battery cells, reducing the likelihood of being squeezed and maintaining high heat exchange efficiency by providing a dedicated space for expansion and heat exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a thermal management device is arranged around battery cells to ensure normal operation temperature, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device is likely to be squeezed by expanding battery cells resulting in increased flow resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal management device incorporates a compressible buffer layer between the heat exchange body and battery cells. This buffer layer dynamically adjusts its compression state based on battery expansion, allowing the device to maintain contact for heat exchange while accommodating volume changes without increasing flow resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A buffer layer is pre-installed between the thermal management device and battery cells to cushion against future expansion. This preliminary cushioning prevents direct squeezing of the heat exchange body during battery operation, maintaining flow channel integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Temperature

If the thermal management device is tightly arranged around battery cells to maximize heat exchange, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device cannot absorb expansion stress effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidexpansion stress absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer functions as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate battery expansion. This flexible component maintains the thermal management device's tight arrangement for heat exchange while providing the necessary compliance to absorb expansion stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a rigid fixed arrangement to a dynamic structure where the buffer layer can compress and expand. This allows the thermal management device to maintain both tight contact for heat exchange and the ability to absorb volume changes during battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If battery cells expand during operation, then they enter the receiving cavity to exchange heat, but the top wall or bottom wall is compressed resulting in increased flow resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange rateVSAvoidflow rate of heat exchange medium

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer layer is installed in advance to prevent direct compression of the heat exchange body walls. By cushioning the expansion force before it reaches the top and bottom walls, the flow channels remain open and flow resistance is prevented from increasing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer layer acts as an intermediary between the expanding battery cells and the heat exchange body. It mediates the interaction by absorbing expansion forces while allowing thermal contact, preventing direct compression that would increase flow resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively absorbs expansion stress, preventing damage and ensuring high flow rates and heat exchange efficiency by allowing battery cells to expand into the recessed cavity for direct contact with the heat exchange medium.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving cavity located between the top wall and the bottom wall, the receiving cavity being configured to receive a heat exchange medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of battery cells forming a battery module may generate a lot of heat during rapid charge and discharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20240413457A1Thermal management device, battery, and power consuming device

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED

AI summary

The present application discloses a thermal management device, a battery, and a power consuming device. The thermal management device according to an embodiment of the present application comprises: a heat exchange body comprising a top wall and a bottom wall that are arranged opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and a receiving cavity located between the top wall and the bottom wall, the receiving cavity being configured to receive a heat exchange medium, wherein in the thickness direction, one or each of the top wall and the bottom wall is recessed in a direction approaching the other to form a recessed cavity, and the recessed cavity is configured to provide an expansion space for a battery cell. The thermal management device according to the embodiment of the present application can absorb a squeezing stress and maintain a cooling effect.