Battery Module Heat Diffusion Structure for Thermal Propagation Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable battery modules face challenges in achieving effective heat dissipation and preventing thermal propagation between battery cells, especially during rapid charging and high-capacity operations.
Innovation Solution
The rechargeable battery module incorporates a heat diffusion portion with a high melting point, such as silicon, and a rigid/insulating portion with a lower melting point, such as polypropylene, embedded within the heat diffusion portion. This configuration enables efficient heat dissipation during normal operations and forms an air layer to block thermal propagation during events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling plate is mounted on the bottom of the module, then heat dissipation from the bottom surface is improved, but heat dissipation from the entire outer surface (five surfaces) of the battery cell is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling plate function with the insulation-cell by integrating the heat diffusion portion into the insulation-cell structure. This combination allows the insulation-cell to simultaneously provide thermal insulation between cells and active heat diffusion across the entire outer surface of battery cells, eliminating the need for separate cooling components while improving heat dissipation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation-cell is designed to perform multiple functions: thermal insulation between adjacent battery cells, structural support for maintaining module rigidity, and active heat diffusion across the entire outer surface of battery cells through the integrated heat diffusion portion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the existing insulation-cell a universal component that addresses both insulation and comprehensive heat dissipation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If insulation-cells are used between battery cells, then thermal propagation prevention is improved, but heat dissipation performance between battery cells is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct thermal management zones within the insulation-cell structure. The heat diffusion portion with high thermal conductivity is strategically positioned to contact the entire outer surface of battery cells for active heat dissipation, while other portions maintain insulating properties to prevent thermal propagation between cells. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between heat dissipation and thermal blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation-cell employs composite material construction with a heat diffusion portion made of thermally conductive material integrated within the insulating structure. This composite design enables simultaneous heat dissipation through the conductive portion and thermal propagation prevention through the insulating portions, resolving the contradiction between these opposing thermal management requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If the side plate maintains a limited space, then module compactness is improved, but heat dissipation space and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the nesting principle by integrating the heat diffusion portion within the insulation-cell, which itself is nested within the module frame between battery cells. This nested configuration allows the heat diffusion functionality to be embedded within the existing compact structure without increasing overall module volume, thus maintaining compactness while improving heat dissipation efficiency across the entire outer surface of battery cells.
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 effectively enhances heat dissipation across the entire outer surface of the battery cells, preventing thermal runaway and extending the battery's lifespan, while allowing for rapid charging and high-capacity operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat diffusion portion located between battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and having a first melting point
Implementation Method 2
a rigid/insulating portion embedded inside the heat diffusion portion to provide rigidity or insulation and having a second melting point lower than the first melting point
Implementation Method 3
the rigid/insulating portion embedded inside the heat diffusion portion to provide rigidity or insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a pair of end plates located at opposite ends of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction; a pair of side plates at opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells in a second direction crossing the first direction to connect the pair of end plates to each other; a heat diffusion portion located between battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and having a first melting point; and a rigid/insulating portion embedded inside the heat diffusion portion to provide rigidity or insulation and having a second melting point lower than the first melting point.