Battery Module End Plate Heating for Low-Temperature Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules experience performance deterioration in low-temperature environments, and existing solutions like indirect heating devices increase thickness, weight, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a thin film layer containing CTR ceramic material and doping elements, integrated between busbar frames and end plates, which generates heat at low temperatures to maintain battery performance without external heating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an indirect heating device such as a planar heating element is inserted into the battery module, then the battery performance in low-temperature environment is improved, but the thickness and weight of the battery module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing end plate structure by integrating a heating element into it, eliminating the need for a separate planar heating element. This combination maintains the heating capability while reducing overall module weight and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate is given multiple functions: it serves as both a structural component for housing the battery cells and as a heating device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating components, thereby reducing weight while maintaining low-temperature performance.
2Reliability
If an indirect heating device such as a planar heating element is inserted into the battery module, then the battery performance in low-temperature environment is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional control means
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is integrated into the end plate structure, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. This simplification lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the heating capability for low-temperature performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate performs dual functions as both a structural housing component and a heating device, eliminating the need for separate control means and reducing manufacturing complexity. This multi-functional design reduces both material and assembly costs.
3Temperature
If an indirect heating device is added to the battery module, then the heating capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated into the existing end plate structure rather than being added as a separate component. This merging approach maintains heating capability while avoiding the structural complexity that would arise from adding a dedicated heating device.
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 battery module automatically manages heat based on external temperatures, preventing performance degradation in cold environments while reducing manufacturing costs and module thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film layer which is heated to an appropriate temperature level in a low-temperature environment
Implementation Method 2
The thin film composition may include a CTR (Critical Temperature Resistor) ceramic material
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a housing for the battery cell stack; a pair of busbar frames that cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and a pair of end plates that cover the busbar frames and are coupled to the housing, a busbar mounted on each of the busbar frames, and a thin film layer located between the busbar frame and the respective end plate.