Battery Module Cooling Inserts for Uniform Cell Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stationary battery energy storage systems, heat generated during charging and discharging is not uniformly distributed, leading to reduced performance and faster degradation of central battery cells, as peripheral cells emit heat into the center, causing a heat burden that limits the entire module's efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a battery module design that includes high-thermal-conductivity inserts between battery cells and embedded liquid cooling channels, which transfer heat from the cells to an exterior environment, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and efficient heat management without direct contact between coolant and cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If peripheral cooling is implemented on the battery module, then heat removal from the module is achieved, but central battery cells experience disproportionate heat burden and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermally conductive intermediary elements (metal plates or heat pipes) between battery cells to act as heat transfer mediators. These intermediaries conduct heat from central cells that cannot be directly cooled, transferring it to peripheral cells that are in contact with cooling channels, thereby resolving the heat burden on central cells without requiring direct cooling at every cell location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional approach of direct mechanical cooling contact with each cell by implementing a thermal conduction-based heat transfer system. Instead of applying cooling mechanisms directly to each cell (especially central ones), the system uses thermally conductive materials to passively transfer heat to cooled peripheral cells, substituting active mechanical cooling with passive thermal conduction.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells are stacked multi-dimensionally to increase capacity, then energy storage density is improved, but heat accumulation in central cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive intermediary elements bridge the thermal gap created by multi-dimensional stacking. These intermediaries provide heat transfer pathways from deeply embedded central cells through intermediate cells to the periphery, enabling effective heat removal from the increased battery capacity configuration without thermal runaway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the three-dimensional heat accumulation problem by creating additional thermal conduction pathways through the insertion of conductive plates or heat pipes between cells. This adds thermal transfer dimensions that were not present in simple peripheral cooling, allowing heat to escape from the interior of the multi-dimensional cell stack.
3Reliability
If peripheral battery cells are cooled effectively, then their performance is maintained, but they emit heat into central cells causing them to overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat emission from peripheral cells to central cells into a beneficial heat transfer mechanism. By intentionally designing thermally conductive intermediaries, the heat that would otherwise be harmful is systematically captured and directed to cooling channels, transforming the problem of heat emission into a controlled heat removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive intermediaries serve as controlled mediators that manage heat flow between peripheral and central cells. Rather than allowing uncontrolled heat emission, these intermediaries provide regulated thermal pathways that direct heat from peripheral cells through the intermediary to dedicated cooling interfaces, preventing harmful heat accumulation in central cells.
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 design enhances the uniformity of power storage and production across the battery module, extends the lifespan of both cells and the module, and maintains electrical integrity by effectively managing heat, preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant channel coupled to the first heat transfer insert. The coolant channel can be configured to transfer the heat from the heat transfer insert into an exterior environment of the battery module
Implementation Method 2
utilizing flowing coolant and highly-thermally-conductive plates to transfer heat out of a battery module
Implementation Method 3
a first heat transfer insert, inserted between the first battery cell and the second battery cell. The first heat transfer insert can be configured to thermally conduct heat from the first battery cell and the second battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module is provided. The battery module may comprise a first battery cell of a plurality of battery cells, a second battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, and a heat transfer insert. The heat transfer insert is inserted between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and is configured to thermally conduct heat from the first battery cells and the second battery cell. The battery module may further comprise a cold plate, coupled to the first heat transfer insert. The cold plate may be configured to transfer the heat from the heat transfer insert to an exterior environment of the battery module.