Battery Module End Plates With Integrated Upper-Lower Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module designs require external temperature sensors, leading to increased costs due to the need for dummy insertion when temperature measurement is not needed, and only allow for upper end temperature measurement, complicating the structure and making it difficult to assess temperature deviations between the upper and lower ends of battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery module assembly with integrated sensor devices on both ends of the cell stack, including upper and lower sensor members on the end plates, connected by a substrate member, allowing for internal temperature measurement without external exposure and eliminating the need for dummies, while ensuring accurate temperature monitoring across the entire cell stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is inserted from the outside of the battery cell to sense the temperature, then the temperature can be measured, but the battery module requires an opening which exposes the battery cell to the outside and requires a dummy to close the opening when temperature measurement is not needed, increasing overall cost
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the end plate structure, merging the sensor component with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate dummy components to close openings, as the sensor is built-in and always present, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, seals the battery module, and integrates the temperature sensor for monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dummy components, reducing overall cost while maintaining temperature measurement capability
2Device complexity
If only a temperature sensor for the upper end of the battery cell is installed, then the structure is simpler, but it is difficult to identify temperature deviation between upper and lower ends and requires separate structures for measuring lower end temperature, complicating the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring function is segmented into multiple sensors positioned at different locations (upper and lower ends) within the battery module. This segmentation allows comprehensive temperature monitoring without requiring complex external structures, as each sensor independently monitors its local region and together they provide complete thermal information
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
Enables effective temperature management of battery modules by measuring both upper and lower ends, reducing costs by eliminating dummy components and simplifying the structure, thereby enhancing the life expectancy and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an upper sensor member disposed on an upper part of the at least one end plate and configured to measure a temperature of an upper side of the cell stack
Implementation Method 2
a lower sensor member disposed on a lower part of the at least one end plate and configured to measure a temperature of a lower side of the cell stack
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module assembly including a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and formed in a horizontal direction, a pair of end plates arranged on both a first side and a second side of the cell stack in the horizontal direction, and a sensor device that is coupled to at least one end plate of the pair of end plates and measures a temperature of the cell stack, wherein the sensor device includes an upper sensor member that is disposed above the at least one end plate and measures a temperature of an upper side of the cell stack, and a lower sensor member that is disposed below the at least one end plate and measures a temperature of a lower side of the cell stack.