Battery Cooling Flow Passage Layout for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling systems fail to address temperature differences among batteries in a pack, leading to uneven current distribution and accelerated deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment device with an insulation layer and flow passage forming member that adjusts cooling medium flow passages based on battery temperature, with larger cross-sectional areas for hotter batteries and smaller areas for cooler ones, to equalize temperature and prevent deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cooling system with uniform cooling plates is used to cool each battery, then the cooling structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the temperature differences between batteries cannot be resolved leading to uneven current distribution and accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional areas of cooling flow passages according to the specific temperature conditions of different batteries. Batteries with higher temperatures are assigned larger cooling flow passages to receive more cooling medium, while cooler batteries have smaller passages. This localized differentiation of cooling intensity resolves the temperature uniformity issue while maintaining a relatively simple overall cooling plate structure.
2Reliability
If larger cooling flow passages are provided to batteries with higher temperatures, then temperature differences between batteries are reduced, but the cooling system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the cross-sectional area parameter of cooling flow passages based on battery temperature conditions. Each cooling flow passage is designed with a specific cross-sectional area that corresponds to the thermal characteristics of its associated battery, creating a graduated or stepped configuration rather than uniform passages. This parameter differentiation achieves temperature uniformity while the systematic nature of the variation keeps the design manageable.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform cross-sectional areas are used for all cooling flow passages, then the cooling system is easier to design and manufacture, but batteries at different positions (end vs center) cannot have their temperature variations addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing cooling flow passages with different cross-sectional areas for batteries at different positions within the battery pack. Center batteries, which generate more heat due to surrounding batteries, are equipped with larger cooling flow passages compared to end batteries. This asymmetric configuration directly addresses the positional temperature variations inherent in battery pack thermal management.
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 device effectively reduces temperature differences and suppresses battery deterioration by optimizing cooling based on temperature variations, enhancing overall battery pack performance.
Implementation Method 1
a flow passage forming member configured to be located on a side opposite to the plurality of batteries with the insulation layer interposed therebetween, and forms a flow passage of a cooling medium
Implementation Method 2
a common inflow passage configured to be connected to the plurality of cooling flow passages and to flow the cooling medium in the plurality of cooling flow passages
Implementation Method 3
an insulation layer provided in contact with bottom parts of the plurality of batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjustment device (100 and 100a) includes: an insulation layer (400) provided in contact with bottom parts of the plurality of batteries (Bt); and a flow passage forming member (110) that is located on a side opposite to the plurality of batteries with the insulation layer interposed therebetween, and forms a flow passage (112) of cooling medium. The flow passage includes a plurality of cooling flow passages (f1 to f10) that face the bottom surfaces of one or more different batteries of the plurality of batteries with the insulation layer interposed therebetween, a common inflow passage (112a) that is connected to the plurality of cooling flow passages and in which the cooling medium is flowed, and a common exhaust passage (112b) which collects and exhausts the cooling medium exhausted from the plurality of cooling flow passages. A cross-sectional area of a cooling flow passage corresponding to a first battery of the plurality of batteries among cross-sectional areas of the plurality of cooling flow passages is larger than a cross-sectional area of a cooling flow passage meeting a second battery whose temperature is lower than the temperature of the first battery in a use state. The cross-sectional areas of the plurality of cooling flow passages have cross sections parallel to a face of the insulation layer in contact with the bottom surfaces.