Battery Module Cooling via Phase-Change Material and Perforated Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules for electric or hybrid vehicles require substantial height for cooling, which is a challenge in vehicles with limited vertical space, and previous solutions are complex, expensive, and difficult to integrate.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring an enclosure with a condenser above the cells, a phase-change dielectric material that can transition between liquid and vapor phases, and a perforated separation means to manage the material's volume and flow, reducing the overall height and volume of the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cells are constantly immersed in phase-change dielectric material for cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but module height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure space is segmented into multiple zones using perforated separation means, allowing the phase-change material to be distributed in specific regions rather than requiring complete immersion of cells. This segmentation enables cooling functionality while reducing the overall height required for material accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical immersion configuration to a horizontal distribution configuration using perforated separation means. The phase-change material is distributed across multiple horizontal zones rather than requiring vertical depth, effectively moving the cooling function to another spatial dimension and reducing module height.
2Length of stationary object
If complex condenser devices are used to reduce module height, then integration difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the natural phase-change properties of the dielectric material and passive condensation mechanisms within the enclosure. The perforated separation means and enclosure geometry work together with the material's inherent thermodynamic behavior to achieve height reduction without requiring complex active control systems or multiple condenser units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial distribution parameters of the phase-change material within the enclosure, using perforated separation means to control material placement and condensation zones. This parameter optimization achieves height reduction while maintaining simplicity, avoiding the need for complex multi-condenser configurations.
3Temperature
If more phase-change material is used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness improves, but module volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated separation means creates zones with different material distribution characteristics, concentrating phase-change material in specific locations where cooling is most needed. This local optimization ensures effective cooling while minimizing the total volume of material required, as material is placed strategically rather than uniformly throughout the entire module volume.
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 reduces the volume of phase-change material needed while maintaining effective cooling, allowing for a more compact battery module that can be integrated into vehicles with limited space, reducing costs and increasing the number of modules per given size.
Implementation Method 1
a material capable of passing from a liquid phase to a vapor phase and vice versa according to temperature and/or pressure conditions, in particular a dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
The material is in a liquid state in contact with the hot cells evaporates thereby cooling the cells
Implementation Method 3
The vapor is then condensed on a cold wall and falls back into the cell pack as liquid
Implementation Method 4
the perforated separation means makes it possible to protect the cells from the fins of the condenser, to maintain a constant distance between the condenser and the cells, and to create a thin layer of material with a thickness equivalent to the thickness of the grid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a module (51) for a battery, the module (51) comprising a housing (10), cells (2) within the housing (10), a condenser (4), the condenser (4) being arranged within the housing (10) above the cells (2), a material (7) capable of passing from a liquid phase to a vapor phase and vice versa under temperature and/or pressure conditions, in particular a dielectric material (7), the material (7) occupying a volume (V) available within the housing (10), in particular above and/or around the cells (2), the module (51) comprising a perforated separation means (6) extending between the cells (2) and the condenser (4).