Battery Module Liquid Cooling With Protected Sensing Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules using indirect water cooling methods suffer from limited cooling performance and increased volume due to the need for external cooling devices, leading to reduced energy density, and there is a risk of damage to sensing components from direct contact with cooling liquids.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where an insulating cooling liquid directly contacts battery cells and electrical components, with a flow path spacer ensuring smooth liquid flow and protection for sensing lines and temperature sensors, allowing efficient cooling and accurate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If indirect water cooling is used through module housing, then cooling performance is limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the battery module housing by introducing cooling liquid flow paths through the housing structure itself, rather than using separate external cooling devices. The cooling liquid flows directly through channels formed in the module housing, combining the housing structure with the cooling system into a single integrated component, thereby improving cooling performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an insulating cooling liquid as an intermediary substance that transfers heat from the battery cells to the cooling system. The cooling liquid acts as a mediator between the battery cells and the module housing cooling channels, enabling efficient heat transfer while electrically isolating the cooling system from the battery electrical components.
2Temperature
If separate heatsink is provided outside module housing, then cooling flow path is formed, but overall volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heatsink function and cooling flow paths directly into the module housing structure, eliminating the need for separate external heatsinks. The cooling channels are integrated within the housing walls, allowing the housing to serve dual purposes as both structural enclosure and thermal management component, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency while minimizing overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling flow paths are nested within the module housing structure itself, with cooling channels formed inside the housing walls or partitions. This nested arrangement allows the cooling system to occupy space that would otherwise be structural material, effectively embedding the thermal management system within the existing housing volume without increasing overall module dimensions.
3Temperature
If cooling liquid is introduced directly into module housing, then efficient cooling is realized, but sensing components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an insulating cooling liquid as an intermediary that provides both thermal transfer and electrical insulation functions. The insulating properties of the cooling liquid create a protective barrier between the cooling system and the battery electrical components, including sensing lines and temperature sensors, preventing direct contact and potential damage while maintaining effective heat transfer from the battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the module. The cooling liquid is specifically selected to have insulating properties in the regions where it contacts electrical components, while maintaining thermal conductivity for heat transfer. This localized application of insulating properties protects sensing components in critical areas without compromising overall cooling 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
The design enables efficient cooling and rapid heat dissipation while protecting sensing components, maintaining energy density and ensuring accurate temperature sensing.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating cooling liquid flowing into a module housing to cool a battery cell comes into direct contact with parts such as an electrode lead, a bus bar, etc. of the battery cell to realize efficient cooling
Implementation Method 2
the insulating cooling liquid is allowed to efficiently flow through a flow path between adjacent battery cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 3a
AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sub module including a cell stack assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the sub module; a front sealing plate configured to cover an opening at one longitudinal side of the module housing and having an inlet for introducing an insulating cooling liquid; a rear sealing plate configured to cover an opening at the other longitudinal side of the module housing and having an outlet for discharging the insulating cooling liquid; and a sensing assembly configured to sense voltage of the battery cell.