Battery Module Heat Exchange Member with Dual Refrigerant Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power battery modules face challenges in efficiently managing heat generated during charging and discharging, which can lead to degradation and safety concerns, especially in applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a heat exchange member with dual refrigerant flow paths that efficiently exchange heat with battery cells, using a laminated structure of plates with integrated guide portions and through-holes to facilitate uniform cooling and reduce temperature differences between cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single refrigerant flow path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency is insufficient to maintain uniform temperatures across battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange member is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate, fourth plate, fifth plate) with distinct refrigerant flow paths. The first refrigerant flow path is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of each battery cell, while the second refrigerant flow path is spaced below the first path, creating segmented cooling zones that address different thermal requirements of the battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane cooling approach to a multi-layered three-dimensional structure. The laminated plate configuration creates vertical stacking with the first refrigerant flow path in the second plate and the second refrigerant flow path in the fourth plate, adding a vertical dimension to heat exchange that improves temperature uniformity across the battery module.
2Productivity
If multiple refrigerant flow paths are implemented, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple refrigerant flow paths are integrated into a single laminated heat exchange member structure. The first and second refrigerant flow paths are combined within the same assembly of five plates, with the third plate serving as a common separator and connection point. This merging approach maintains high heat exchange efficiency while simplifying manufacturing compared to using separate cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange member with multiple refrigerant flow paths serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools different regions of the battery cells through distinct flow paths, provides structural support for the battery cells, and enables phase change heat transfer. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If the refrigerant flow paths are positioned close to the battery cells, then heat exchange efficiency increases, but the risk of thermal runaway propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange member implements different refrigerant flow path configurations for different locations. The first refrigerant flow path is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of each battery cell for efficient cooling, while the second refrigerant flow path is spaced below the first path, creating a graduated thermal management approach that addresses local cooling needs while maintaining safety distances where appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminated plate structure acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant and the battery cells. The multiple plates with integrated flow paths provide a controlled interface that enables efficient heat transfer while the structured design can isolate thermal issues to specific zones, preventing rapid propagation of thermal runaway across the entire battery module.
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 effectively maintains uniform temperatures across battery cells, reducing degradation, improving electrical efficiency, and extending the lifespan of the battery module while minimizing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchange member exchanging heat with the plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 2
Refrigerant in a liquid phase may be flowable in the heat exchange member through the inlet and along the second refrigerant flow path, and the phase of the refrigerant may be changeable in the first refrigerant flow path
Implementation Method 3
the phase of the refrigerant may be changeable in the first refrigerant flow path such that both liquid and gas phases are flowable in the first refrigerant flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module including a plurality of battery cells aligned in a first direction; a heat exchange member supporting a bottom surface of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells, the heat exchange member exchanging heat with the plurality of battery cells, wherein the heat exchange member includes a first refrigerant flow path and a second refrigerant flow path, the first refrigerant flow path is adjacent to the bottom surface of each battery cell, and the second refrigerant flow path is spaced apart from the first refrigerant flow path and below the first refrigerant flow path.