Variable-Thickness Battery Module for Heat Balance in Cell Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in maintaining heat balance during high-rate discharge, leading to heat accumulation, cell performance deterioration, and potential ignition or explosion due to the high density of battery cells and the 'heat island' phenomenon.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design with battery cells stacked such that inner cells have greater thickness and capacity than outer cells, with integrated electrode leads and exterior cases, and an elastic member to compress the cells, reducing heat resistance and enhancing heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are densely packed to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of individual battery cells based on their position within the module. Inner cells that generate more heat and have poorer heat dissipation are made thicker with greater heat generation capacity, while outer cells are made thinner. This localized differentiation optimizes heat balance across different regions of the battery module, resolving the contradiction between high cell density and effective heat dissipation.
2Temperature
If inner battery cells are made thicker to increase heat dissipation capacity, then heat balance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery module into different regions (inner cells and outer cells) with distinct thickness specifications. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its thermal characteristics, with inner cells designed thicker for better heat management and outer cells designed thinner. The segmentation strategy resolves the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, functionally-differentiated segments.
3Temperature
If battery cells are compressed to reduce gaps, then heat conduction is improved, but cell deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by introducing a cushioning member between battery cells during assembly. This cushioning member fills gaps between cells and applies uniform compression force, ensuring good thermal contact for heat conduction while preventing excessive compression that would cause cell deformation. The cushioning member acts as a buffer that maintains optimal pressure without exceeding the cells' structural tolerance.
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 effectively maintains heat balance, improves performance and life characteristics by reducing heat accumulation and cell imbalance, while also increasing stability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to compress the cells, reducing heat resistance and enhancing heat dissipation
Implementation Method 2
during the secondary battery charging or discharging process, heat is generated due to the electrochemical reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module for improving heat balance of a cell assembly provided in the battery module includes a cell assembly having at least three battery cells stacked along a stacking axis such that at least one battery cell located at an interior position within the cell assembly along the stacking axis has a greater thickness along the stacking axis than a battery cell located at an outer side of the cell assembly. A module housing includes at least one sidewall and is configured to accommodate the cell assembly in an inner space defined by the sidewall.