Lithium-Ion Battery Housing with Thermal Insulation and Cooling Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of lithium-ion batteries in motor vehicles is complex due to temperature sensitivity, requiring specific temperature ranges and ventilation, which complicates their placement and connection to the vehicle interior, especially in the engine compartment for crash safety reasons, and makes temperature monitoring challenging.
Innovation Solution
A battery housing with a mechanically stable outer shell, solid thermal insulation, and slots for air and cooling system connections allows for efficient heat dissipation and temperature regulation, enabling lithium-ion batteries to be safely and effectively integrated into the engine compartment, using metal or plastic materials and thermoplastic insulation, with connections to the vehicle's cooling and air-conditioning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lithium-ion battery is installed in the engine compartment, then connection to vehicle interior is simplified, but crash safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing acts as an intermediary protective structure between the battery and external mechanical threats. The housing includes a mechanically stable outer shell that absorbs and distributes impact forces during crashes, preventing direct contact between mechanical intrusions and the battery cells, thus maintaining crash safety while allowing engine compartment installation
2Reliability
If lithium-ion battery is installed in the underbody region or trunk, then crash safety is improved, but connection to vehicle interior becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The battery housing includes pre-integrated connection points and routing channels that simplify electrical and thermal connections to the vehicle interior, making the battery adaptable to various installation locations including the engine compartment without compromising connectivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If lithium-ion battery is exposed to engine compartment heat, then installation flexibility is improved, but battery temperature control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing incorporates preliminary thermal protection measures including a layer of solid thermal insulation material between the battery and the outer shell, and integrated cooling channels that are pre-configured to direct coolant flow over critical battery areas. These preventive measures ensure temperature control before excessive heat can damage the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation layer acts as an intermediary barrier that decouples the battery from external temperature extremes in the engine compartment. This insulation layer, combined with active cooling channels, creates a controlled thermal environment around the battery regardless of external conditions
4Temperature
If thermal insulation layer is added to protect battery, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layer is merged with the battery housing structure itself, forming an integrated assembly where the insulation becomes part of the housing wall construction. The cooling channels are also integrated into the housing design, eliminating the need for separate external insulation components and complex assembly procedures
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 allows lithium-ion batteries to be safely and efficiently integrated into the engine compartment, providing protection from mechanical damage and temperature extremes, enabling reliable operation within the desired temperature range and reducing installation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer comprising a solid thermal insulation material
Implementation Method 2
at least one first slot, which is connected to air lines leading to the surroundings
Implementation Method 3
at least one second slot, which is connected to lines associated with at least one cooling system of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A battery housing for a lithium-ion battery of a motor vehicle for arrangement in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle includes at least one structural mechanically stable outer shell having a number of walls corresponding to the shape of the battery, at least one layer of solid thermal insulation material for protecting the battery from thermal effects from the area of the internal combustion engine, at least one first slot, which can be connected to air lines leading to the surroundings, and at least one second slot, which can be connected to lines associated with at least one cooling system of the vehicle.