Dual-Channel Battery Module Cooling for Cell Swelling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in efficiently cooling battery cells, leading to potential degradation in electrical performance and increased risk of fires or explosions due to uneven temperature management and structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
The battery module incorporates a dual-cooling system with upper and lower cooling channels, utilizing heat transfer members with high thermal conductivity to manage temperature evenly across the battery cells, while also providing structural support to mitigate swelling and enhance assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only bottom cooling channel is constructed, then cooling structure is simple, but temperature management efficiency is poor due to temperature deviation between top and bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent cooling channels: an upper cooling channel positioned above the battery cell and a lower cooling channel positioned below the battery cell. This segmentation allows each channel to independently cool different regions, eliminating the temperature deviation problem while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Quantity of substance
If many battery cells are mounted to increase capacity, then battery pack capacity increases, but assembly efficiency decreases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side panels are designed with multi-functionality: they provide structural support for stacking battery cells, serve as mounting structures for the upper and lower cooling channels, and act as support structures for the battery cells. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifies assembly, and maintains capacity expansion capability without increasing weight or reducing assembly efficiency.
3Device complexity
If battery cells are cooled only at bottom, then cooling structure is simple, but temperature uniformity is poor leading to performance degradation and fire risk
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the battery cell are provided with different cooling qualities: the upper cooling channel provides cooling to the top region while the lower cooling channel cools the bottom region. This local quality approach ensures uniform temperature distribution across the entire battery cell, preventing hot spots that could lead to performance degradation or fire, while keeping each local cooling structure relatively simple.
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 solution effectively secures the cooling performance and stability of battery cells, preventing overheating and supporting the structural integrity of the battery module, thereby reducing the risk of fires and improving overall performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The lower frame includes a lower heat transfer member that is subjected to a heat exchange with a lower cooling channel. The upper frame includes an upper heat transfer member that is subjected to a heat exchange with an upper cooling channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module secures cooling performance of a battery cell by cooling upper and lower parts of the battery cell, and also secures the assemblability of the battery cell through an upper and lower-side cooling structure. In addition, the battery module includes: a lower frame coupled to lower sides of side panels and cover plates to form a support structure and having a lower heat transfer member; and an upper frame coupled to upper sides of the side panels and the cover plates to form another support structure and having an upper heat transfer member, thereby securing the stability of the battery cells by supporting an expansive force attributable to the swelling of the battery cell.