Battery Cell Holder Layout for Coolant-Guided Traction Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction battery packs in electrified vehicles lack effective thermal management systems that efficiently manage thermal energy while isolating electrical components from coolant exposure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of battery cell holders that partition the array container into coolant and coolant-free sections, guiding coolant through a serpentine path to manage thermal energy and protect electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is introduced into the battery array to manage thermal energy, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but electrical components are exposed to coolant which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The battery array is segmented into multiple channels by battery cell holders, creating alternating coolant channels and electrical component channels. This segmentation allows coolant to flow through dedicated channels that separate electrical components from the coolant, enabling effective cooling while preventing electrical component exposure to coolant.
2Strength
If battery cell holders are used to support battery cells, then mechanical support is provided, but the holders must also guide coolant which adds functional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cell holders are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they mechanically support the battery cells, partition the battery array into channels, and guide coolant flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function and coolant guidance function are merged into a single component structure. The battery cell holders that provide mechanical support also form the walls of coolant channels, combining structural and thermal management functions into one integrated element.
3Reliability
If electrical components are kept isolated from coolant, then safety is improved, but thermal management efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional alternating channel structure where coolant channels and electrical component channels are arranged in adjacent but separated paths. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows thermal energy to be managed effectively through the coolant channels while maintaining electrical component isolation, achieving both safety and thermal management efficiency.
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
Effectively cools battery cells by managing thermal energy while keeping electrical components isolated from coolant, enhancing the performance and safety of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
coolant in the coolant section is configured to directly contact the outer cases
Implementation Method 2
the coolant section includes a coolant path that is serpentine
Data Source
AI summary
A traction battery pack assembly includes an array container, battery cells within the array container, and battery cell holders that each hold at least one of the battery cells. The battery cell holders partition an interior of the array container into a coolant section and a coolant-free section. A traction battery pack thermal management method includes, within an interior of an array container, using battery cell holders to hold battery cells, and additionally using the battery cell holders to partition the interior into a coolant section and a coolant-free section.