Integrated Battery Module Case for Compact Cooling and Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules are bulky due to separate fixing and cooling components, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and costs, and require additional thermal conductive members that complicate the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a case with an integrated upper cover and side covers that surround the battery cells, incorporating barriers for structural rigidity, surface pressure pads for swelling prevention, and a thermal conductive member for enhanced cooling efficiency, along with a bus bar assembly that includes a sensing unit for temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fixing members and cooling members are used to stack and fix battery cells, then the battery cells are securely fixed and cooled, but the volume of the battery module is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The case integrates both fixing and cooling functions into a single component structure. The case includes a case body that surrounds the battery cells for fixing, and a cooling plate integrated into the case structure that provides cooling, eliminating the need for separate fixing members and separate cooling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support and fixing for the battery cells, houses the cooling plate for thermal management, and acts as a protective enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and minimizes volume.
2Reliability
If separate fixing members and cooling members are used, then the battery cells are securely fixed and cooled, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and manufacturing time and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The case integrates both fixing and cooling functions into a single component structure. The case includes a case body that surrounds the battery cells for fixing, and a cooling plate integrated into the case structure that provides cooling, eliminating the need for separate fixing members and separate cooling members.
3Reliability
If conventional battery module design is used, then the structure is complete, but additional thermal conductive members are required which complicate the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is integrated directly into the case structure, forming a unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate thermal conductive members between the battery cells and the cooling system, as the case itself provides the thermal conduction path through its integrated cooling plate design.
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 design minimizes volume, maximizes energy density, enhances structural strength and assembly performance, simplifies thermal management, and reduces the amount of thermal conductive material needed, while allowing for flexible case length adjustment and improved cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductive member for enhanced cooling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a battery module including: a battery group including a plurality of battery cells stacked with each other; a cooling plate which is located in contact with one side of the battery group to cool the plurality of battery cells; and a case which is located on the other side of the battery group so as to surround the battery group, wherein the case comprises an upper cover located on the other side of the battery group; and side covers which vertically extend from the upper cover so as to surround side portions of the plurality of battery cells from which electrode tabs protrude.