Battery Module Sub-Module Layout for Uniform Cooling and Flame Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules experience cooling performance deviation and safety issues due to uneven cooling and potential flame propagation between sub-modules, especially in high-temperature conditions, which can lead to accelerated deterioration and increased risk of explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design comprising a first and second sub-module with a flame preventing member between them, featuring support and insulating members to facilitate coolant flow while preventing flame propagation, and a module frame to house the sub-modules, enhancing cooling efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are stacked to form a battery module, then high output is achieved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and temperature rises excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple sub-modules, each with its own cooling channel. This segmentation allows heat to be dissipated from each section independently, preventing heat accumulation in any single area while maintaining high overall output capacity.
2Temperature
If a coolant flows through a long module to cool battery cells, then cooling is achieved, but temperature difference occurs between different sub-modules
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into independent cooling channels for each sub-module. Coolant flows through separate channels in each sub-module simultaneously, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across all sub-modules rather than creating temperature gradients along a single long flow path.
3Power
If sub-modules are arranged in a long module configuration, then high output is achieved, but flame can propagate between sub-modules
Solution Approach 1:
Fire-resistant blocking pieces are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent sub-modules. These blocking pieces act as fire barriers that prevent flame propagation while allowing the sub-modules to maintain their high-output configuration. The blocking pieces are positioned in the cooling channels to stop flame spread without compromising the electrical or thermal performance of the battery module.
4Temperature
If coolant flows through one flow path in a long module, then cooling is achieved, but flame propagation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous cooling flow path is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels, one for each sub-module. Fire-resistant blocking pieces are placed within these channels to further segment the flow path, creating isolated cooling zones that prevent flame from traveling along the coolant flow path between sub-modules.
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 improves cooling performance uniformity and enhances safety by preventing flame spread between sub-modules, thereby extending battery life and reducing the risk of explosions.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant such as insulating oil may be injected into the long module to directly cool the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
the coolant flows into the long module 10 via an inlet 3, sequentially passes through the first sub-module 1 and the second sub-module 2, and then discharges to the outside via an outlet 4, thereby capable of cooling the long module 10
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a busbar assembly including a busbar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a busbar frame covering the battery cell stack on at least one side; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are housed; and a flame preventing member located between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.