Battery Cooling via Nested Flow Spaces and PCB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery arrangements for motor vehicles face challenges in optimizing cooling efficiency and installation space, particularly in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, with complex control systems and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The battery arrangement features a cell connecting element with battery cells mounted on a printed circuit board, creating multiple flow spaces for efficient cooling and a modular structure, utilizing dielectric cooling oil and temperature sensors for adaptive cooling, and contact elements for voltage measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If battery cells are arranged in a compact configuration with complex control systems, then cooling efficiency is improved, but installation space requirements increase and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuit board with the cooling arrangement into a single integrated unit. The control circuit board is arranged in the cooling arrangement such that it forms part of the cooling medium flow path, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling of the battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit board serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control element for the battery management system and as a structural component of the cooling arrangement. By positioning the board within the cooling medium flow path, it simultaneously performs thermal management functions while housing electronic controls, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Temperature
If multiple flow spaces are created for efficient cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested flow space configuration where the second flow space is positioned between the control circuit board and the cell connecting element, while the first flow space is formed between the battery housing part and the control circuit board. These flow spaces are arranged concentrically and utilize the same vertical space, allowing multiple cooling channels to coexist without proportionally increasing the overall volume of the battery arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension efficiently by stacking flow spaces one above another. The first flow space is located above the control circuit board while the second flow space is positioned below it, creating a multi-layered cooling structure that maximizes cooling surface area without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the battery arrangement.
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 configuration enables simple, cost-effective mounting, efficient cooling, and reduced installation space requirements while ensuring optimal performance and functionality of the battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling arrangement cools the battery cells with a cooling medium. The cooling arrangement has at least one flow space, a conveying device and a heat exchanger for the cooling medium.
Implementation Method 2
The cooling arrangement has at least one flow space, a conveying device and a heat exchanger for the cooling medium.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery arrangement for a motor vehicle has a battery housing (4) with battery cells (6, 8) arranged by a holding apparatus (14). The battery cells (6, 8) are connected electrically to one another via a cell connecting element (14). A cooling arrangement (20, 22, 24, 26) cools the battery cells (6, 8) with a cooling medium. The cooling arrangement has a first one flow space (20), a conveying device and a heat exchanger for the cooling medium. Cell poles (10, 12) of the battery cells (6, 8) are arranged on the cell connecting element (14) and a printed circuit board (18) is parallel to the cell connecting element (14). A second flow space (22) is formed between the printed circuit board (18) and the cell connecting element (14) and has openings (24) in the region of the battery cells (6, 8) arranged on the cell connecting element (14).