Battery Temperature Regulator Flow Paths for Uniform Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulators for battery modules in electric vehicles fail to achieve uniform fluid flow distribution, leading to inconsistent temperature regulation due to varying fluid flow rates across the battery module, which can degrade battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulator design with alternating flow paths of differing cross-sectional areas to manage fluid flow resistance, ensuring equal distribution and maintaining consistent temperature across the battery module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling plates are provided along the battery module with fluid introduction ports, then the battery can be cooled, but the fluid flow rate varies across different cooling plates causing uneven temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow path cross-sectional areas in different regions of the temperature regulating unit. Specifically, the flow path cross-sectional area is made smaller in the upstream region (closer to the introduction port) and larger in the downstream region (closer to the discharge port). This local variation in flow path geometry compensates for the natural tendency of fluid to accumulate upstream, achieving uniform flow distribution across all temperature regulating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the flow path, specifically the cross-sectional area, to control fluid flow distribution. By making the flow path cross-sectional area smaller upstream and larger downstream, the patent modifies the flow resistance characteristics at different locations, thereby equalizing the flow rate through each temperature regulating unit despite their different distances from the fluid introduction port.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flow path cross section area of the second flow path is made smaller than the first flow path, then flow resistance increases and fluid flow is equalized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first flow path and second flow path within the same temperature regulating unit structure. Both flow paths are integrated into a single plate-like component, with the first flow path extending from the introduction port to one end and the second flow path extending from the same introduction port to the other end. This merging approach achieves the desired flow distribution without requiring separate independent components for each flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow path into two distinct paths (first flow path and second flow path) with different cross-sectional area characteristics. The first flow path has a smaller cross-sectional area upstream that increases downstream, while the second flow path has a larger cross-sectional area upstream that decreases downstream. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path's flow characteristics to achieve overall uniform flow distribution.
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 achieves uniform fluid flow and temperature regulation, enhancing battery performance by reducing flow rate differences and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path which communicates with an introduction port of each of the plurality of temperature regulating units and through which the fluid flows, and a second flow path in which the fluid from the first flow path returns and flows
Implementation Method 2
a supply path configured to allow the fluid to be supplied to an introduction port of each of the temperature regulating units; a discharge path configured to allow the fluid to be discharged from a discharge port of each of the temperature regulating units
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature regulator (30) that regulates a temperature of a battery including a battery module (10) having a plurality of cells disposed side by side along a first direction, the temperature regulator includes: a plurality of temperature regulating units (71) provided between side surfaces of two of the cells adjacent to each other along the first direction and each having a first flat plate portion (37) and a second flat plate portion (38) facing each other along the first direction; a supply path (72) configured to allow a fluid to be supplied to an introduction port (30Ba) of each of the temperature regulating units; a discharge path (73) configured to allow the fluid to be discharged from a discharge port (30Bb) of each of the temperature regulating units to an outside; and a plurality of connection walls (74) connecting end portions of the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The temperature regulating unit includes, between the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion, a first flow path (31A) which communicates with the introduction port and through which the fluid flows, and a second flow path (31B) configured to allow the fluid from the first flow path to return and flow and communicating with the discharge port. A flow path cross section area of the second flow path is smaller than a flow path cross section area of the first flow path.