Battery Module End-Face Cooling for Faster Temperature Peak Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery designs face issues with complex structures, uneven heat dissipation, and slow temperature control, which can affect performance and lifespan, particularly due to the integration of cooling devices within each module and varying cell orientations.
Innovation Solution
A battery design with a separate thermally conductive plate on the end face of the battery module, using electrical insulation as a thermal contact element, allows for improved thermal transfer and rapid dissipation of temperature spikes, while maintaining a simple modular structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bottom-side cooling is used with insulating housing, then battery cells can be actively cooled, but temperature peaks are compensated slowly due to thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two parts: bottom-side cooling for general temperature control and head cooling with a heat-conducting plate for rapid temperature peak compensation. This segmentation allows each cooling method to optimize its function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat-conducting plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the battery cells and the cooling system at the head end. This plate has high thermal conductivity to rapidly transfer heat away from temperature peaks, while the insulating housing maintains its thermal insulation properties for overall temperature management.
2Temperature
If a cooling plate is provided between poles and busbars for head cooling, then heat dissipation is increased, but structural complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-conducting plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal conduction for heat dissipation, acts as an electrical insulator between the battery cells and cooling channels, and serves as a mechanical mounting structure for the cooling system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the heat-conducting plate structure, merging the thermal management function with the structural support function. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling plate and housing structures, simplifying the overall design.
3Temperature
If heat-conducting plate is integrated into battery module assembly, then thermal contact is improved, but modular design is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented into the battery cell assembly and the cooling assembly, which are separate modular units. The heat-conducting plate with integrated cooling channels forms a self-contained cooling module that can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced without affecting the battery cells themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-conducting plate acts as an intermediary interface between the battery module and the cooling system. It provides the necessary thermal contact with the battery cells while maintaining electrical insulation, and its separate modular design allows it to be coupled with or without the battery module depending on the application requirements.
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 enhances thermal conductivity, reduces the risk of thermal contact loss, and increases mechanical stability, leading to improved temperature control and extended battery lifespan with high power density.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-conducting plate having cooling channels through which coolant flows, whereby the battery cells can be actively cooled
Implementation Method 2
with the electrical insulation being located between the busbar of the battery module and the heat-conducting plate, which is designed as a thermal contact element
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery (1) is shown, with a plurality of battery modules (2, 3) electrically interconnected, each of which has a plurality of combined battery cells (4) with electrical poles (8, 9) arranged on at least one end face (30, 31) of the battery module (2, 3) and have a plurality of busbars (5, 6) electrically connecting these poles (8, 9), with electrical insulation (14) and with an end face of the battery modules (2, 3) for cooling and/or heating them Battery cells (4) arranged heat conducting plate (11). In order to improve the stability of this while being structurally simple, it is proposed that the heat-conducting plate (11) be provided on the end face (30) of the battery module (2, 3) that has poles (8, 9) of the battery cells (4), whereby the electrical insulation (14), which is designed as a thermal contact element, is located between the busbar (5) of the battery module (2, 3) and the heat-conducting plate (11).