Battery Module Heat Pipe Cooling for Switching Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module cooling systems, which rely on metal housings for thermal conductivity, face inefficiencies in heat dissipation due to the limitations of metal materials and the need for active cooling of electrical switching devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating heat pipes thermally connected to electrical switching devices within a battery module, with busbars for electrical connections and a plastic housing for insulation and design flexibility, allows for effective heat transfer and reliable temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a metal housing is used for thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation is improved, but weight and design flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining plastic housing material with integrated heat pipes. The heat pipes (made of thermally conductive material) are embedded within or attached to the plastic housing, creating a hybrid structure that provides both the lightweight, design-flexible benefits of plastic and the high thermal conductivity of metal heat pipes for effective heat dissipation
2Temperature
If a metal housing is used for thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation is improved, but design flexibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic housing with integrated heat pipes allows for easier molding and design modifications compared to solid metal housings. The heat pipes can be strategically positioned within the plastic structure to optimize thermal management while maintaining design flexibility for different module configurations and mounting options
3Temperature
If active cooling is implemented, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipes provide passive thermal management by utilizing phase change (evaporation and condensation of working fluid) to automatically transfer heat from the electrical switching device to the housing without requiring external power or active control mechanisms. This self-regulating system simplifies the overall cooling system while maintaining reliable temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipes act as intermediary thermal transfer elements between the electrical switching device (heat source) and the housing (heat sink). This intermediary component efficiently bridges the thermal gap without requiring direct thermal contact or complex cooling systems
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 use of heat pipes enhances heat dissipation efficiency, providing reliable temperature control for electrical switching devices while reducing weight and design constraints compared to metal housings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat pipe (6), in particular two heat pipes (6), which are thermally conductively connected to the electrical switching device (3) and a temperature control body (8)
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and has an electrical switching device. A first connection of the electrical switching device is electrically conductively connected to a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells by a first busbar. A second connection of the electrical switching device is electrically conductively connected by a second busbar to an overall voltage tap of the battery module. At least one heat pipe is thermally conductively connected to the electrical switching device and a temperature control body.