Battery Enclosure with Selective Airflow and Low Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-based batteries used in automotive applications are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, leading to reduced lifespan and storage capacity, and have higher initial costs compared to traditional batteries.
Innovation Solution
A battery enclosure with a multi-layer architecture featuring low thermal conductivity materials, air inlet and outlet for airflow management, and optional thermoelectric pads or cooling coils to regulate temperature, along with aerogel material and spacer pads for enhanced thermal isolation and airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-based batteries are used to increase energy density and storage capacity, then battery performance is improved, but thermal sensitivity and lifespan reduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The battery enclosure is divided into multiple wall portions (first, second, third, fourth wall portions) that can be separately assembled and configured, allowing optimized thermal management for different battery configurations while maintaining high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary between the battery and the external environment, using controlled airflow through inlet and outlet openings to mediate thermal effects and protect the battery from extreme temperatures that would reduce lifespan
2Temperature
If airflow is provided to the battery enclosure for thermal management, then temperature stability is improved, but additional components and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, enables thermal management through integrated airflow paths, and allows selective ventilation. The same wall portions that provide structural support also incorporate airflow channels and openings, eliminating the need for separate complex thermal management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure includes selectively openable openings that can dynamically adjust airflow based on thermal conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying temperature requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 improved thermal stability, safety, and longevity for lithium-based batteries while reducing overall costs by maintaining battery performance and reducing thermal damage, thus optimizing battery operation within automotive systems.
Implementation Method 1
The outer case portion and the outer lid portion comprise a material having thermal conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/mK
Implementation Method 2
the battery enclosure has an air inlet selectively providing airflow to the battery enclosure and an air outlet selectively providing airflow from the battery enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A battery enclosure shaped and sized to accept and surround a battery includes an outer case defining an aperture and having a base forming a bottom of the battery enclosure, the case having a first wall connected to a second wall, the second wall connected to a third wall, and a fourth wall portion connected to the first and third walls, each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls extending orthogonally from the base. The battery enclosure including a separable outer lid shaped to fit around the aperture of the case. The outer case and the outer lid having a material having thermal conductivity of less than about 0.3 W/mK, the battery enclosure has an air inlet selectively providing airflow to the battery enclosure and an air outlet selectively providing airflow from the battery enclosure, the outer case has a first thickness, the outer lid portion has a second thickness.