Battery Pack Edge Cooling to Prevent Swelling-Induced Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct cooling methods for batteries are limited to uni-directional cells and prone to coolant leakage due to swelling, which affects battery life and device operation.
Innovation Solution
A direct cooling-type battery pack with a cooling surface on an edge surface and coolant holes in the frame to prevent leakage and enable bi-directional cell cooling, utilizing a thermal interface material for enhanced heat conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air cooling method is used for battery packs, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency deteriorates and temperature uniformity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels, with each channel equipped with separate flow control valves. This allows independent temperature control for different battery regions, improving temperature uniformity while maintaining system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling flow rates are applied to different regions of the battery pack based on local heat generation characteristics. The flow control valves enable localized adjustment of cooling intensity, ensuring optimal temperature control for high-power discharge regions without over-cooling low-power regions
2Temperature
If cooling channels are added to battery packs, then cooling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated with the battery module structure itself, using the battery housing and spacing elements as part of the cooling pathway. This merging of structural and cooling functions reduces the need for separate, complex cooling components while maintaining effective heat dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes the natural flow of coolant through strategically designed channels and leverage gravity-assisted flow distribution. The passive flow distribution design reduces the need for additional pumps and control mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining cooling efficiency
3Power
If multiple battery modules are connected in parallel, then output power increases, but heat generation increases causing temperature to rise
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery module connected in parallel is equipped with dedicated cooling channels and flow control valves, segmenting the thermal management system. This allows independent temperature control for each module, preventing heat accumulation even when multiple modules operate at high power simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valves dynamically adjust coolant flow rates based on the operating conditions of each battery module. When modules are connected in parallel and generating high heat, the system increases coolant flow to those specific modules, maintaining temperature control while supporting high power output
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
Prevents coolant leakage and enhances cooling efficiency, allowing for a lightweight, cost-effective battery pack design suitable for bi-directional cells.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling plate (300) having a second surface in contact with the other battery modules (310, 320, 330, 340) among the battery modules (310, 320, 330, 340), wherein a cooling method directly contacting the battery edge surface (210) with a cooling medium is applied to the battery pack (300)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery pack using a direct cooling method on the edge surface of a battery. The direct cooling-type battery pack, which is prevented from leakage caused by swelling through a cooling surface formed on an edge surface of a battery cell and is applicable to a bi-directional cell, includes: a battery module having a plurality of battery cells stacked therein; a cooling frame corresponding to a casing in which the battery module is received, and forming a cooling surface on an edge surface in a direction of 90° from a stacking surface on which the battery cells are stacked; and a heat sink which is positioned at the bottom of the cooling surface, is coupled with a cooling frame enclosing the battery module and mounted to the upper part thereof, stores a coolant therein, and supplies the stored coolant to the cooling surface. According to the present disclosure, a direct cooling-type cooling surface is formed on one edge surface of a battery pack to prevent leakage of a coolant caused by swelling and to provide a battery pack applicable to a bi-directional cell.