Battery Module Passive Thermal Management via Heat Sink and Cage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery modules are susceptible to heating or overheating, which can negatively affect the components and electrochemical cells, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of passive thermal management features, including heat sinks and thermal interfaces, which are strategically positioned to enhance heat transfer from the base ends of electrochemical cells, combined with a cage design that utilizes a chimney effect to facilitate airflow and cooling, effectively managing temperature within the battery module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional battery modules are used without passive thermal management features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control and cooling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module employs passive thermal management features that automatically manage heat without requiring external control systems. The heat sinks and thermal interfaces self-regulate heat transfer from the electrochemical cells based on temperature gradients, eliminating the need for active cooling systems while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts heat from the battery module by introducing separate thermal management components (heat sinks and thermal interfaces) that are distinct from the electrochemical cells. These extracted thermal management features are positioned to optimize heat transfer while maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture.
2Temperature
If heat sinks and thermal interfaces are added to manage heat, then the temperature control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management features are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery module where heat generation is most intense. Heat sinks are placed adjacent to groups of electrochemical cells, and thermal interfaces are positioned at critical heat transfer points, providing localized thermal management rather than uniform coverage throughout the entire module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple thermal management functions into integrated components. The heat sinks serve both as thermal transfer devices and as structural elements that can be positioned to optimize both cooling and space utilization. Thermal interfaces merge heat conduction functionality with the mechanical mounting structure.
3Temperature
If thermal management features are strategically positioned, then the heat transfer efficiency improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into segments or groups of electrochemical cells, with thermal management features positioned at regular intervals between these segments. This segmentation approach allows for standardized positioning of heat sinks and thermal interfaces, reducing the need for highly precise custom positioning while maintaining effective heat transfer from each cell group.
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 solution efficiently extracts heat from the battery module, reducing thermal gradients and improving cooling efficiency, thereby protecting the electrochemical cells and maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink coupled with the second side of the housing... efficiently extracts heat from the battery module
Implementation Method 2
heat sink... enhancing heat transfer from the base ends of the electrochemical cells
Implementation Method 3
a thermal interface disposed between, and in contact with, the heat sink and the plurality of electrochemical cells... enhance heat transfer from the base ends of electrochemical cells
Implementation Method 4
a cage design that utilizes a chimney effect to facilitate airflow and cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a battery system with a battery module (20) having electrochemical cells (32) inside a housing (30) which includes a first side (42) and a second side (44) opposite to the first side. The battery module includes a heat sink (49) coupled with the second side (44) of the housing and a thermal interface (50) disposed between, and in contact with, the heat sink (49) and the electrochemical cells (32). The thermal interface (50) contacts the base ends (53) of the electrochemical cells (32). The system further includes a cage (80) disposed about the battery module (20) wherein said cage includes a cage side (85) positioned next to the second side (44) of the housing and having openings (82) which enable air to be drawn into the cage and to pass over the heat sink (49).