Battery Module Cooling Structure Integrating Heat Transfer Members

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules face challenges in achieving a compact and stable structure with high cooling efficiency, as they require multiple coolant channels and additional components, leading to increased size, complexity, and pressure loss, which can result in accelerated deterioration and safety issues due to inadequate heat removal.

Innovation Solution

A battery module design where heat transfer members are coupled directly to cartridges, eliminating the need for additional cooling components, and are integrated with plate-shaped battery cells to form a compact structure with enhanced thermal conductivity and structural stability, using metal sheets for heat transfer and insulative cartridges to reduce module volume and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple coolant channels are provided to cool battery cells, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and module size are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge structure is merged with the cooling function by integrating coolant flow paths directly into the cartridge body. The cartridge simultaneously performs mechanical support, electrical insulation, and thermal management functions, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed as a multi-functional component that provides structural support, electrical insulation between battery cells, and active cooling through integrated coolant channels. This universal design reduces the total number of components needed in the battery module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If battery cells are stacked at predetermined intervals to remove heat, then cooling is improved, but module size and volume are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat removal capabilityVSAvoidmodule volume

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are nested within the cartridge structure itself, allowing the cooling system to occupy the same spatial envelope as the mechanical support structure. This nesting approach enables effective heat removal without requiring additional external cooling components that would increase module volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of stationary object

If coolant channels are arranged at narrow intervals to reduce module size, then compactness is improved, but pressure loss increases and design becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidcoolant pressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant channels are strategically positioned within the cartridge structure to optimize local heat transfer efficiency. The channel geometry and positioning are designed to maintain adequate flow characteristics while achieving compact overall dimensions, balancing heat removal performance with acceptable pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Temperature

If additional cooling components are added to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are integrated directly into the cartridge manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The cartridge is produced as a single molded component with built-in cooling pathways, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly operations while maintaining effective cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves cooling efficiency, reduces module size, and enhances structural stability while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs, effectively managing heat generation and preventing overheating-related issues such as fires or explosions.

Implementation Method 1

heat transfer members mounted between the respective battery cells, edges of the heat transfer members being partially or entirely fixed to the respective cartridges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2849275B1Battery module including high-efficiency cooling structure

Publication Date: 2017.05.03 LG CHEM LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a battery module including chargeable and dischargeable battery cells which are sequentially arranged in a stacked state, cartridges fixing edges of the respective battery cells to form a battery cell stacked structure, and heat transfer members mounted between the respective battery cells, edges of the heat transfer members being partially or entirely fixed to the respective cartridges. The battery module according to the present invention is configured to have a structure in which the heat transfer members, to which heat generated from the battery cells is conducted, are coupled to the cartridges to fix the battery cells and, at the same time, to cool the battery cells, thereby improving cooling efficiency, reducing the size of the battery module to have a compact structure, and improving structural stability of the battery cells.