Battery Holder Coolant Channels for Cell Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery cells in electrical propulsion systems face inefficiencies and safety risks due to temperature limitations, leading to reduced power generation and shortened lifetimes, as well as potential explosions at high temperatures, alongside inefficiencies from electrical connections and cell imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system comprising a network of inlet and outlet conduits and battery holders with hollow structures for direct coolant flow, optimizing coolant distribution to maintain an optimal temperature, thereby enhancing energy storage, power performance, and battery longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lithium-ion battery cells operate at high temperatures to increase power generation, then power output is improved, but battery safety deteriorates due to risk of explosion and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by battery operation into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The coolant system absorbs excess heat from battery cells, transforming the thermal hazard into useful thermal energy that can be dissipated safely, thereby preventing thermal runaway while maintaining high power output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coolant as an intermediary substance between the battery cells and the external environment. This mediator transfers heat away from the battery cells through a controlled thermal management system, enabling the battery to operate at high power levels without directly exposing it to dangerous temperature conditions
2Productivity
If lithium-ion battery cells are cooled to maintain efficient operation within narrow temperature range, then performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to thermal management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coolant system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it cools battery cells during high-power operation, prevents thermal runaway, maintains optimal operating temperature for efficiency, and can potentially serve as a structural or protective element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the thermal management functionality directly into the battery cell structure or housing, merging the cooling system with the existing battery assembly rather than adding it as a separate external system. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery cells are operated beyond narrow temperature range to expand operating conditions, then adaptability is improved, but energy storage efficiency deteriorates and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a proactive thermal management system that anticipates temperature excursions and applies cooling before the battery reaches dangerous temperature thresholds. This preliminary action prevents thermal runaway and extends battery life by maintaining safe operating conditions throughout the battery's service life, even when operating in varied environmental conditions
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 thermal management system effectively maintains an optimal temperature for lithium-ion battery cells, improving energy storage, power performance, and extending battery lifetime while preventing thermal runaway and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
circulate through the cavity of the hollow wall structure for exchanging heat generated by the given cell
Implementation Method 2
circulate through the cavity of the hollow wall structure for exchanging heat generated by the given cell
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for battery includes a plurality of cells, at least one inlet element having main inlet conduit and a plurality of inlet rail conduits, at least one outlet element having a main outlet conduit and a plurality of outlet rail conduits, and a plurality of battery holders. Each battery holder of the plurality of battery holders includes: a hollow wall structure surrounding a cavity in which a respective cell of the plurality of cells is to be accommodated; an inlet orifice; and an outlet orifice. The thermal management system may further include a coolant configured to be received via the main inlet conduit into a respective inlet rail conduit, wherein the coolant is configured to: circulate through the cavity of the hollow wall structure and exchange heat generated by the respective cell; and flow via a respective outlet rail conduit to the main outlet conduit.