Battery Module Electrode-Lead Thermal Interface for Short-Circuit-Safe Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery modules face challenges in temperature control, as existing cooling systems struggle to efficiently manage heat generated by battery cells, leading to potential deterioration, short circuits, and reduced performance, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a temperature control unit that directly contacts electrode leads via a metal oxide layer, incorporating a thermoelectric element and metal layer for effective cooling and heating, allowing for efficient heat transfer and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling plate with internal refrigerant circuit is used to cool battery cells, then temperature control is achieved, but cooling efficiency is limited and refrigerant leakage risks cause short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling plate with cooling fins that directly contact the electrode leads as an intermediary heat transfer medium. The cooling fins serve as a mediator between the refrigerant circuit and the battery cells, enabling direct heat extraction from the electrode leads without requiring the refrigerant to be in direct contact with the battery components, thus eliminating short circuit risks while maintaining effective cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional indirect cooling method (cooling plate on battery surface) with a direct thermal contact mechanism where cooling fins attach to electrode leads. This mechanical substitution enables the refrigerant circuit to directly extract heat from the heat generation source through the electrode leads, significantly improving cooling efficiency while the insulation layer prevents electrical contact
2Reliability
If cooling plate is positioned away from electrode leads to avoid short circuit, then safety is improved, but cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an insulation layer as an intermediary element positioned between the cooling fins and the electrode leads. This insulation layer enables the cooling fins to be in direct thermal contact with the electrode leads for efficient heat transfer while simultaneously preventing electrical contact, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and short circuit prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the cooling system: the cooling fins are made thermally conductive to efficiently extract heat from the electrode leads, while the insulation layer is made electrically insulating to prevent short circuits. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the system to achieve both high cooling efficiency and reliable short circuit prevention
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 solution enables direct and efficient cooling and heating of battery modules, enhancing thermal management, reducing the risk of short circuits and performance degradation, while maintaining structural stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer member that makes contact with the electrode leads and a thermoelectric element capable of being heated and cooled
Data Source
AI summary
The battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack, in which a plurality of battery cells comprising electrode leads, are stacked; busbars connecting the electrode leads; and a temperature control unit that makes contact with the electrode leads. The temperature control unit comprises a heat transfer member that makes contact with the electrode leads and a thermoelectric element capable of being heated and cooled, wherein the heat transfer member comprises a metal layer and a metal oxide layer, the metal oxide layer being located between the metal layer and the electrode leads.