Battery Cooling Fin Spacer for Electrical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling fin systems for battery packs in electric vehicles are limited by package space, are complex and expensive, and can cause electrical conductivity issues between battery cells, making it difficult to manage heat effectively while maintaining insulation between cells.
Innovation Solution
The use of battery cell interconnect devices that separate and insulate cooling fins from each other, allowing for independent thermal and electrical control of each battery cell pack, using thermally and electrically insulating materials to prevent heat and electrical current transfer between neighboring cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal cooling fins are used to transfer heat away from battery cells, then heat management is improved, but electrical conductivity between battery cells is created which can be harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating material as an intermediary layer between adjacent metal cooling fins. This intermediary prevents electrical current transfer between battery cells while allowing the metal fins to continue their heat dissipation function. The insulating material is positioned in the interconnect region where fins from different cells would otherwise make direct electrical contact.
2Volume of stationary object
If cooling fins are made thin to fit limited package space, then package space utilization is improved, but heat management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal cooling fins with electrically insulating materials. The metal portion provides thermal conductivity for heat management, while the insulating portion maintains electrical isolation. This composite approach allows the fins to be thin enough for compact packaging while retaining sufficient heat dissipation capability through the metal's thermal properties.
3Temperature
If liquid cooling systems with hollow fins are used to improve heat management, then heat exchange capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex liquid cooling system components (hollow fins, pumps, seals, heat exchangers) and replaces them with simple solid metal cooling fins coupled with electrically insulating materials. This extraction removes the harmful complexity while retaining the essential heat management function through passive thermal conduction and convection.
4Temperature
If cooling fins are placed between battery cells to manage heat, then heat management is improved, but electrical insulation between cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the cooling fin structure non-uniform: the portions of the fins adjacent to other battery cells are covered with or constructed from electrically insulating materials, while other portions can remain as conductive metal for optimal heat transfer. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of heat management and electrical insulation.
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
This solution enables precise thermal and electrical management of each battery cell, preventing overheating and allowing for selective deactivation of cells to maintain overall system efficiency and safety, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The battery cell interconnect device is configured to insulate the first battery cell cooling fin from the second battery cell cooling fin
Implementation Method 2
The battery cell interconnect device is configured to insulate the first battery cell cooling fin from the second battery cell cooling fin
Implementation Method 3
the fins act as heat sinks, drawing heat away from the battery cells and transmitting the heat away from the batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a multi-cell energy storage device is provided and includes a first battery cell pack, a first battery cell cooling fin situated on a side of the first battery cell pack, a second battery cell pack, a second battery cell cooling fin situated on a side of the second battery cell pack, and at least one battery cell interconnect device holding the first battery cell cooling fin separate from the second battery cell cooling fin. The first battery cell cooling fin and the second battery cell cooling fin are situated between the first battery cell pack and the second battery cell pack. The battery cell interconnect device is configured to insulate the first battery cell cooling fin from the second battery cell cooling fin.