Battery Module Heat Sink With Shape-Memory Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules and packs face limitations in cooling performance due to the complexity of separate cooling structures and indirect cooling methods, which result in reduced efficiency and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with an integrated heat sink that utilizes a shape memory alloy partition wall to dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow path based on temperature, creating protrusions at high-temperature areas and shortcut paths at low-temperature areas to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cooling structure (heat sink) is used for each battery pack unit, then cooling function is provided, but the cooling structure becomes complicated and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat sink with the module frame to form a unified cooling structure. The heat sink is formed as an integrated component with the module frame, eliminating the need for separate cooling structures for each battery pack unit and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling functionality
2Reliability
If a multi-layer structure (upper plate and module frame bottom portion) is used to form space between refrigerant and battery cell stack, then cooling is achieved, but indirect cooling method limits cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate module frame bottom portion from between the heat sink and battery cell stack, creating direct contact between the heat sink and battery cells. This extraction of the intermediate layer enables direct cooling methodology, improving thermal transfer efficiency and reducing energy loss while maintaining reliable cooling function
3Reliability
If conventional heat sink with fixed structure is used, then cooling is provided, but temperature deviations in battery cells are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a shape memory alloy partition wall that dynamically changes its configuration in response to temperature variations. When temperature increases, the partition wall deforms to create protrusions that redirect refrigerant flow toward higher temperature areas, and when temperature decreases, it returns to its original position. This dynamic adaptation effectively reduces temperature deviations across battery cells while maintaining reliable cooling
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
This solution improves cooling performance by reducing temperature deviations and simplifying the cooling structure, while also enhancing space utilization in battery modules and packs.
Implementation Method 1
the partition wall portion is formed of a shape memory alloy, and a shape of the partition wall portion is deformed according to temperature, thereby changing the flow of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink which is formed under a bottom portion of the module frame and cools the plurality of battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame for housing the battery cell stack; and a heat sink which is formed under the bottom portion of the module frame and cools the plurality of battery cells. The heat sink includes a lower plate and a partition wall portion forming a flowing path of a refrigerant, and the partition wall portion is formed of a shape memory alloy, and the shape of the partition wall portion is deformed according to temperature, thereby changing the flow of the refrigerant.