Modified Heat Pipe Structure for Battery Module Thermal Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face high flow resistance and inefficient heat dissipation, leading to temperature gradients among battery cells, which accelerates aging and poses safety risks due to uneven heating during charging and discharging.
Innovation Solution
A modified heat pipe structure with a metal tube, including a thermal conduction section, first and second container sections, and connection sections, that utilizes a working fluid for heat transfer through evaporation and condensation to maintain thermal balance among battery cells, with the heat sink placed next to a blowing air device for enhanced dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are arranged horizontally at the same height to maximize space utilization, then the quantity of battery cells increases, but flow resistance increases and heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into multiple layers with different heights, segmenting the previously uniform horizontal arrangement. This segmentation allows cold air to flow through multiple elevation levels, reducing flow resistance while maintaining high battery cell density. The multi-layer structure enables better air circulation without sacrificing quantity of battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure by introducing vertical dimension (different heights). Battery cells are arranged at different elevations, allowing cold air to flow through gaps between layers. This dimensional change improves heat dissipation efficiency while accommodating more battery cells in the same space.
2Temperature
If cold air is blown from the front to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is achieved, but temperature gradients among battery cells increase causing uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning battery cells at different heights to create varied local flow paths. Cold air from the blowing fan can reach battery cells at different elevations through gaps between layers, providing more uniform local cooling. This prevents temperature gradients and maintains thermal balance among all battery cells.
3Quantity of substance
If gaps between battery cells are made very small to maximize space utilization, then the quantity of battery cells increases, but flow resistance increases and cold air circulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical space utilization by arranging battery cells at different heights in multiple layers. This creates additional flow paths in the vertical dimension, allowing cold air to circulate through gaps between layers without requiring larger horizontal gaps. Space utilization is maximized while maintaining adequate airflow channels.
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 modified heat pipe structure effectively dissipates heat generated by battery cells, maintains thermal balance, and prevents overheating, thereby extending battery life and ensuring safety by evenly distributing heat across the module.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid in the thermal conduction section can repeatedly perform a phase change process of evaporation and condensation so as to take away the heat generated by the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
a working fluid in the thermal conduction section can repeatedly perform a phase change process of evaporation and condensation so as to take away the heat generated by the battery cells
Implementation Method 3
A modified heat pipe structure with a metal tube, including a thermal conduction section, first and second container sections, and connection sections, that utilizes a working fluid for heat transfer through evaporation and condensation
Implementation Method 4
a thermal conduction section being a vacuum-pumped sealed tube that includes a wick structure and a working fluid thereinside, and transfers a heat through a process of evaporation and condensation of the working fluid
Implementation Method 5
the heat sink placed next to a blowing air device for enhanced dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a battery module having a modified heat pipe structure. The battery module includes a battery fixed holder for accommodating and fixing a plurality of battery cells. The modified heat pipe structure includes a metal pipe, which is defined with a thermal conduction section, a container section, and a connection section thereon. The thermal conduction section is a vacuum-pumped sealed tube, includes a wick structure and a working fluid thereinside, and transfers a heat through a process of evaporation and a condensation of the working fluid. The container section is placed in a gap between the adjacent battery cells, and stores the heat generated by the battery cells in charging or discharging. The connection section is provided with one end connected to the container section, and provided with other end connected to one end of the thermal conduction section by passing through the battery fixed holder vertically.