Modular Battery Module Fluid Channels for Cooling Electrical Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face inefficiencies in heat dissipation at electrical junctions, leading to significant voltage drops due to heating, and there is a need for improved thermal management of battery modules.
Innovation Solution
The design of modular battery systems where electrical contacts and junctions are submerged in a thermal management fluid, forming fluid channels through tubular spaces defined by battery modules and management modules, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrical contacts are exposed in conventional battery systems, then electrical connection is achieved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates leading to voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal management fluid as an intermediary substance that contacts the electrical connections. This fluid serves as a heat transfer medium, absorbing heat from the electrical contacts and junctions, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency and preventing voltage drops while maintaining reliable electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid cooling system where thermal management fluid circulates through channels formed by the modular battery structure. The fluid flow paths are designed to maximize contact with electrical components, using hydraulic principles to efficiently remove heat from high-current junctions and electrical contacts
2Loss of energy
If modular battery systems submerge electrical contacts in thermal management fluid, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the thermal management fluid to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cooling medium for heat dissipation, an electrical insulator for safety, and a dielectric fluid for electrical breakdown prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall structure despite the immersive design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the thermal management function with the electrical connection structure by forming fluid channels through the modular battery housing itself. The housing structure serves both as mechanical support and as a conduit for thermal management fluid, merging structural and thermal functions into a single integrated 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 approach enhances heat dissipation efficiency, preventing voltage drops and ensuring stable operation by submerging electrical contacts in thermal management fluid, thereby maintaining system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid channel is formed by joining the first opening and the first open entrance, and a shape of the fluid channel is defined by the tubular space, a shape of each of the at least one battery cell and the first external space
Implementation Method 2
electrical contacts and junctions are submerged in a thermal management fluid, forming fluid channels through tubular spaces
Data Source
AI summary
A modular battery system and a battery module thereof are provided. The battery module comprises a peripheral sidewall, at least one battery cell and a connector structure. The peripheral sidewall defines a tubular space. The at least one battery cell is disposed in the tubular space. The connector structure is disposed on km edge of the peripheral sidewall and configured to fasten an external module including an open entrance to an external space. The edge defines an opening of the tubular space. When the connector structure fastens the external module, a fluid channel is formed by joining the opening defined by the edge and the open entrance of the external module, and a shape of the fluid channel is defined by the tubular space, a shape of each of the at least one battery cell and the external space.