Battery Module Heat Sink Assembly for Uniform Cell Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion battery packs in hybrid vehicles face performance decline and reduced lifespan due to temperature variations among cells, leading to uneven charge and discharge efficiency and capacity loss when operating outside the optimal temperature range.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring thermally conductive heat sinks and a cell retaining device with polymeric material for efficient thermal management, allowing for adaptable packaging configurations and efficient heat transfer, along with a ventilation system to maintain optimal cell temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lithium ion battery packs operate outside the optimal temperature range, then the battery can function in extreme environments, but performance declines and lifespan is reduced due to temperature variations among cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual heat sinks for each battery cell rather than a uniform cooling system. Each heat sink is positioned adjacent to its corresponding cell to facilitate localized heat transfer, ensuring that temperature variations among cells are minimized while maintaining optimal operating temperatures across the entire battery pack
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sinks serve as intermediary thermal management components between the battery cells and the cooling system. These heat sinks facilitate heat transfer from the cells to the cooling fluid or air, acting as a mediator that enables the battery pack to operate in extreme environments while maintaining reliable performance and lifespan
2Adaptability or versatility
If cells are allowed to reach different temperatures during operation, then the battery pack can handle varying thermal conditions, but charge and discharge efficiency becomes uneven leading to performance decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through individual heat sinks positioned adjacent to each battery cell. This localized thermal management approach ensures that each cell maintains its optimal temperature independently, preventing uneven charge and discharge efficiency while enabling the battery pack to handle varying thermal conditions effectively
3Reliability
If a cooling system is added to maintain optimal cell temperatures, then battery lifespan and performance are extended, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management function with the existing battery pack structure by positioning heat sinks adjacent to each cell and integrating them into the overall assembly. This consolidation approach extends battery lifespan through effective cooling while minimizing additional device complexity by utilizing the existing structural framework
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sinks serve multiple functions: they provide thermal management for individual cells, structurally support the battery cells, and facilitate heat transfer to the cooling system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby extending battery lifespan without significantly increasing device complexity
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 solution ensures consistent cell temperatures, enhances charge and discharge efficiency, extends battery life, and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying assembly and design while maintaining high current rates.
Implementation Method 1
each adjacent to a respective heat sink-formed from thermally conductive materials such as, for example, flat stock aluminum alloy foils
Implementation Method 2
along with a ventilation system to maintain optimal cell temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module of the present invention is adaptable to be utilized in various configurations including and not limited to an overlapping battery cell packaging configuration and a vertical stack battery cell packaging configuration used in an automotive and non-automotive applications. The battery module has a plurality of battery heatsink assemblies with the cells disposed therebetween. A plurality of rods extend through the each heatsink assemblies to secure the heatsink assemblies and the cell with one another to form the battery module.