Battery Immersion Cooling Tank With Vertical Overflow Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid equalization tanks for vehicle batteries in immersion cooling systems face challenges with irreversible volume changes due to aging, requiring larger tanks to accommodate excess cooling fluid while maintaining ventilation and preventing fluid movement during operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid equalization tank design with a receiving chamber and an overflow chamber connected via an overflow duct, allowing excess cooling fluid to be directed and stored in the overflow chamber, with features like a fill level sensor and controlled outlets to manage fluid flow and prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the fluid equalization tank is enlarged to accommodate excess cooling fluid from aging batteries, then the storage capacity for excess fluid is improved, but the base area is enlarged which creates additional space for fluid movements during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid equalization tank is divided into two separate chambers: a receiving chamber for the cooling fluid circuit and an overflow chamber for excess fluid. These chambers are connected via an overflow duct, allowing the tank to store excess fluid vertically rather than horizontally, thus increasing storage capacity without enlarging the base area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal expansion (enlarging base area) to vertical expansion (increasing height). The overflow chamber is positioned above the receiving chamber, utilizing the vertical dimension to store excess cooling fluid without increasing the tank's footprint on the base area.
2Reliability
If the fluid equalization tank is enlarged to maintain ventilation function, then the ventilation capability is improved, but the base area is enlarged which creates additional space for fluid movements during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into separate chambers with dedicated functions. The receiving chamber handles ventilation for the cooling fluid circuit, while the overflow chamber manages excess fluid. This segmentation allows ventilation to be maintained in the receiving chamber without requiring additional base area.
Solution Approach 2:
Ventilation and overflow functions are separated in the vertical dimension. The receiving chamber maintains its ventilation capability at the original base area, while the overflow chamber is stacked above it, preserving ventilation reliability without horizontal expansion.
3Device complexity
If a single-chamber fluid equalization tank is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to separate and manage excess cooling fluid is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into functionally distinct chambers (receiving chamber and overflow chamber) connected by an overflow duct. This segmentation enables reliable separation and management of excess cooling fluid while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a single integrated tank structure rather than multiple separate components.
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 enables compact tank construction, efficient fluid management, and reliable prevention of fluid overflow, ensuring consistent cooling fluid supply and pressure equalization without enlarging the tank's base area.
Implementation Method 1
The overflow duct (5) is shaped such that the cooling fluid cannot pass from the overflow chamber into the receiving chamber when the fluid equalization tank (1) is aligned for operation
Implementation Method 2
The fill level of the cooling fluid must be equalized due to a temperature-related change in volume
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid equalization tank for equalizing a change in volume of a cooling fluid in a fluid circuit for immersion cooling of a battery of a vehicle is disclosed. with the fluid equalization tank includes a receiving chamber for receiving the cooling fluid and an overflow chamber for receiving the excess cooling fluid from the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber and the overflow chamber are fluidically connected via an overflow duct.