Integrated Battery Pack Heating Cooling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack heating and cooling devices are inefficient due to poor thermal contact between heating elements and battery cells, leading to reduced performance and power availability at extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The heating device is positioned to match the thermal contact area with the cooling device, using high heat transfer coefficient materials and a pretensioning unit to ensure uniform and efficient heat transfer, with integrated design for standardized and robust heating and cooling functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heating devices are fitted to the outer sides of the battery pack, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the heating efficiency deteriorates because only outer battery cells are heated
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is integrated with the cooling device to form a single combined unit. The heating elements are positioned on the inner sides of the battery pack between the cooling elements, allowing both heating and cooling functions to be performed through one integrated device structure, thereby improving heating efficiency without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are arranged in a different spatial dimension compared to conventional outer-side heating. By placing heating elements on the inner sides of the battery pack between the cooling elements, the patent achieves comprehensive heating of all battery cells including those not accessible from the outer surfaces
2Productivity
If cooling elements are pressed against the battery pack with high pretensioning force, then the cooling efficiency is improved through better thermal contact, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pretensioning units
Solution Approach 1:
The pretensioning units are integrated into the combined heating and cooling device structure. The same mechanical connection elements that secure the cooling elements to the battery pack also position the heating elements, thereby achieving effective thermal contact for both functions without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling elements and heating elements share common mounting structures and pretensioning mechanisms. The device performs multiple functions (cooling and heating) through a unified structure, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate cooling and heating systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate heating and cooling devices are used, then the heating and cooling functions can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and assembly expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device and cooling device are merged into a single integrated unit where heating elements and cooling elements are positioned alternately on the inner sides of the battery pack. This combined structure maintains the ability to independently control heating and cooling functions while reducing overall device complexity and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device structure allows the same mechanical framework to support both heating and cooling operations. The device can selectively activate heating or cooling functions as needed, providing versatile functionality without requiring separate independent device systems
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 configuration enhances thermal contact and efficiency, allowing for effective heating and cooling of battery packs, maintaining optimal performance and power delivery across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling element is formed from a material which has a high heat transfer coefficient
Implementation Method 2
whether the electrical heating element or the coolant circuit is active
Implementation Method 3
the heating device being arranged either directly on that side of the battery pack against which the cooling device is also provided
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention describes a device (18) for heating and cooling a battery pack (12), in particular a vehicle drive battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells, having a heating device (22) which comprises at least one heating element (26), and having a cooling device (20) which comprises at least one cooling element (24) through which a cooling fluid flows in order to carry away thermal energy. The at least one heating element (26) bears directly against the cooling element (24) or directly against a side of the battery pack (12) against which the at least one cooling element (24) also bears. The invention further describes a vehicle drive battery assembly (10) comprising a battery pack (12) which has at least one battery module (14) comprising a plurality of battery cells, and comprising a heating and cooling device (18).