Battery Cooling Plate Layout to Prevent Two-Stage Fluid Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal regulation devices for electrical energy storage units in vehicles face reduced thermal regulation properties when cooling fluid circulates sequentially through multiple stages, leading to excessive heating and inefficient cooling of battery packs.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device with a single closed-loop cooling fluid circuit that includes a first stage and a second stage offset vertically, utilizing an additional plate to bypass the cooling fluid directly to the second stage, ensuring optimal cooling without overheating, and featuring connection means like tubes for fluidic communication between the stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fluid circulates sequentially through the first stage and then the second stage, then the thermal regulation device can cool both stages, but the cooling fluid becomes excessively heated and its thermal regulation properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into two independent circuits: a first circuit for the first stage and a second circuit for the second stage. Each stage has its own dedicated cooling fluid circulation path, preventing the cooling fluid from becoming excessively heated by sequentially cooling multiple stages. This segmentation ensures that each stage receives optimally cooled fluid independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the two stages. The heat exchanger allows thermal coupling between the first and second stages without direct sequential circulation of the same cooling fluid. This mediator enables heat transfer from the first stage to the second stage while maintaining independent cooling circuits, thus preserving thermal regulation properties.
2Device complexity
If a single cooling fluid circuit is used for both stages, then the device structure is simpler, but the cooling efficiency of the second stage is reduced due to overheated cooling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into two separate circuits while maintaining overall structural integration. Each stage has its own cooling fluid circulation path with independent pumps and heat exchangers, ensuring that cooling efficiency is not compromised by sequential heating of a single circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second cooling circuit is positioned within or alongside the first cooling circuit. The second stage's cooling components are integrated into the overall device structure, allowing both independent circuits to coexist without excessive complexity. This nesting approach maintains compact design while enabling separate cooling paths.
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
Ensures homogeneous thermal regulation of both stages, maintaining optimal cooling efficiency and reliability of electrical energy storage units by preventing overheating of the cooling fluid, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal regulation fluid circulating in the channels of the thermal regulation device can exchange calories with the assembly of the electrical energy storage cells
Implementation Method 2
circulation of this type of the thermal regulation fluid, in order to cool the two stages in succession
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal regulation device for cooling of an energy storage unit, including a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a first support plate and a first distribution plate. The thermal regulation device includes at least one additional plate positioned against the first support plate, and delimiting at least one duct for circulation of the cooling fluid. The first stage and the second stage are in fluidic communication via the additional plate and a connection means.