Battery Cooling Interface Geometry for Uniform Cell Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries suffer from non-uniform temperature distribution, which is difficult to control without increasing the battery volume or power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a thermal interface having a funnel-shaped thermal-exchange surface that increases in dimension perpendicular to the cooling direction, ensuring uniform temperature distribution without increasing the battery's volume or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the mass flow rate of coolant fluid is greatly increased to control thermal uniformity, then temperature uniformity is improved, but power consumption and pump size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal interface is designed with non-uniform thickness, where the thickness varies in the cooling direction to create different thermal exchange capacities in different regions. This local variation compensates for the non-uniform temperature distribution, allowing uniform battery temperature without requiring high coolant flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the thermal interface (thickness distribution) to optimize thermal exchange. By adjusting the thickness parameter in the cooling direction, the system achieves uniform temperature distribution while maintaining low power consumption
2Temperature
If the mass flow rate of coolant fluid is greatly increased to control thermal uniformity, then temperature uniformity is improved, but pump size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal interface employs non-uniform thickness distribution in the cooling direction, creating regions with different thermal exchange capacities. This local differentiation enables uniform battery temperature control without requiring large pumps
3Power
If the thickness of thermal interface is increased in certain areas to maximize thermal exchange capacity, then thermal exchange capacity is improved, but battery volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal interface has non-uniform thickness with specific regions having greater thickness to enhance thermal exchange where needed, while other regions maintain smaller thickness. This localized approach maximizes thermal exchange capacity without proportionally increasing overall battery volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the thermal interface thickness in the cooling direction (one dimension) rather than uniformly increasing thickness in all directions. This dimensional specificity allows enhanced thermal exchange capacity while minimizing volume increase
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 solution achieves uniform temperature distribution across the battery cells, reducing temperature differences and optimizing thermal management, thereby extending battery life and performance while minimizing material usage and fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
These systems use a liquid or gas fluid flow to effect a thermal exchange between the fluid and the battery
Implementation Method 2
the thermal interface having a first surface that is at least substantially in contact with the cooling device and a second surface, referred to as the thermal exchange surface, opposite the first surface, intended to come into contact with or to be close to a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system of a battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle includes a cooling device and a thermal interface. The cooling device generates a movement of a cooling fluid between an inlet point and an outlet point in a cooling direction. The thermal interface has a first surface at least substantially in contact with the cooling device and a second surface, referred to as the heat-exchange surface, opposite the first surface, intended to be placed in contact with or near a battery. The size of the heat-exchange surface in a secondary direction, perpendicular to the cooling direction of the cooling system, increases in the cooling direction.