Vehicle Battery Cooling Ducts via Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electric energy storage devices in vehicles, such as those using lithium-ion cells, require effective cooling to ensure efficiency and longevity, but existing cooling systems may not adequately address heat conduction and operational reliability, especially during expansion during charging and discharging processes.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with partitioning devices forming multiple cooling ducts between cells, utilizing heat-conductive materials like aluminum, and a pressure differential between intake and outflow ducts to facilitate airflow, allowing for targeted and efficient heat dissipation without the need for electric air feed devices at certain operating points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is introduced to cool the energy storage device, then the temperature of the cells is reduced, but the structural complexity increases due to the need for cooling ducts and partitioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple partitioning devices that create separate cooling ducts between individual cells or cell groups. This segmentation allows cooling air to be distributed to specific thermal zones, enabling targeted cooling where needed while maintaining structural organization and managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning devices serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the cell arrangement and simultaneously form the walls of cooling ducts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling channel structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective cooling
2Stability of the object's composition
If partitioning devices with webs are used to provide stability during cell expansion, then the structural stability is improved, but the heat conduction capability may be reduced due to the use of lighter materials
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning devices incorporate webs made from materials with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or heat-conductive plastics. These materials provide both the mechanical stability needed to accommodate cell expansion and the thermal conduction capability to efficiently transfer heat from the cells to the cooling air flowing through the ducts
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning devices are designed with varying material properties in different regions: areas in direct contact with cells use high thermal conductivity materials for heat extraction, while other structural portions may use lighter materials for stability, creating localized optimization of both heat conduction and mechanical properties
3Productivity
If multiple cooling ducts are formed between cells, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent ducts formed by partitioning devices between cell groups. Each duct can be manufactured and assembled as a modular unit, allowing for simplified production through standardization and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the presence of multiple cooling channels
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning devices that create cooling ducts are integrated directly into the housing structure and cell mounting system. By merging the cooling duct formation with the structural housing and cell support functions, the number of separate manufacturing steps is reduced, simplifying production while maintaining multiple cooling pathways
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 provides effective and reliable cooling of electric energy storage devices by creating a network of cooling ducts around each cell, enhancing heat conduction and operational reliability, while minimizing the need for electric fans and allowing flexible placement within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the partitioning device is preferably formed from at least two panels, wherein at least one web is provided between the two panels... Both the panels and the web are preferably manufactured from a material which is a good conductor of heat
Implementation Method 2
cooling air can flow through said cooling ducts in order to cool the energy storage device
Implementation Method 3
the housing of the energy storage device is connected both to a cooling air intake duct which has an inlet opening and to a cooling air outflow duct which has an outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having an electric drive device and an energy storage device which is arranged in a housing is disclosed. The energy storage device is formed from a plurality of cells. The housing includes a plurality of partitioning devices, with the result that at least one partitioning device is positioned between two cells. The housing of the energy storage device is connected both to a cooling air intake duct, having an inlet opening, and to a cooling air outflow duct, having an outlet opening. At least one partitioning device is configured in such a way that a plurality of cooling ducts are formed between the cells, and cooling air can flow through the cooling ducts in order to cool the energy storage device.