Battery Module Cooling Structure With Insulation Liquid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules using indirect water cooling methods suffer from limited cooling performance due to indirect contact with battery cells and require additional space for cooling devices, leading to energy density losses, and face challenges in preventing leakage of insulation cooling liquids through perforated sealing plates.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where insulation cooling liquid directly contacts battery cells and electrical components, utilizing a channel spacer with cooling liquid channels and a sealing structure with O-rings to prevent leakage, including a front and rear sealing plate with inlets and outlets for efficient cooling and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If indirect water cooling method is used, then cooling device can be provided outside module housing, but cooling performance is limited and overall volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the module housing by forming cooling channels within the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external cooling devices. This integration allows cooling liquid to flow directly through channels that contact battery cells, improving cooling performance while reducing overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an insulating cooling liquid as an intermediary substance that can directly contact the battery cells and electrical connection parts. This insulating liquid provides efficient heat transfer while maintaining electrical insulation, enabling direct cooling without requiring additional external cooling apparatus.
2Temperature
If cooling liquid flows directly into module housing to cool battery cells, then rapid cooling is achieved, but airtightness must be maintained to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealing structures including gaskets or sealing films at the interfaces between the module housing and end plates. These flexible sealing elements maintain airtightness while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, preventing cooling liquid leakage while preserving direct cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating cooling liquid serves as both the cooling medium and the sealing medium. Its insulating properties allow it to fill the module housing and contact electrical components without causing short circuits, while its liquid nature enables it to conform to sealing surfaces and maintain airtightness.
3Ease of operation
If external terminals are exposed outside sealing plate for electrical connection, then electrical connection is enabled, but cooling liquid may leak through perforated portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent structures the terminal assembly with nested sealing elements where sealing rings or gaskets are positioned around the terminal penetration points. These nested sealing structures create multiple barriers against leakage while allowing electrical terminals to pass through the sealing plate for external connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible sealing rings or film structures that can deform around the terminal penetration points. These flexible sealing elements maintain contact with both the sealing plate and the terminal housing, preventing cooling liquid from leaking through the perforated portions while preserving electrical connectivity.
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
Enables efficient and rapid cooling of battery cells and electrical components while effectively preventing leakage of insulation cooling liquid, enhancing energy density and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation cooling liquid introduced into a module housing to cool battery cells comes into direct contact with components such as electrode leads and bus bars of the battery cells to realize efficient cooling
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a sub module including a cell stack assembly having a plurality of battery cells and a channel spacer interposed between adjacent battery cells, a front bus bar frame assembly coupled to one longitudinal side of the cell stack assembly, and a rear bus bar frame assembly coupled to the other longitudinal side of the cell stack assembly; a module housing configured to accommodate the sub module; a front sealing plate configured to cover an opening at one longitudinal side of the module housing and having an inlet for introducing an insulation cooling liquid; and a rear sealing plate configured to cover an opening at the other longitudinal side of the module housing and having an outlet for discharging the insulation cooling liquid.