Battery Module Protrusions for Internal Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs struggle to efficiently cool battery cells housed in module cases, as cooling is done from outside, leading to ineffective heat dissipation and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage apparatus incorporates protrusions on both the energy storage device surfaces and the module case surfaces to create dedicated spaces for heat dissipation, allowing direct cooling of the devices and maintaining electrical insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling is done from outside the module case, then the module case structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and heat pooling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The module case is segmented into multiple regions by protrusions that extend into the interior space, creating divided cooling channels between the protrusions and the energy storage device surfaces. This segmentation allows coolant to flow through multiple pathways, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency without requiring a completely redesign of the module case structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach transitions from external-only cooling to internal-dimension cooling by adding protrusions that create three-dimensional cooling channels within the module case. This dimensional change allows coolant to directly contact heat-generating surfaces from multiple angles, enhancing cooling efficiency while maintaining the overall simplicity of the module case design.
2Temperature
If protrusions are added to create cooling spaces, then cooling efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they create cooling channels for improved heat dissipation, provide structural support between the energy storage device and module case, and maintain electrical insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving cooling efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling structure is merged with the module case by integrating protrusions directly into the case walls. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling plates or insulators, as the protrusions simultaneously perform cooling, support, and insulation functions, thus improving heat dissipation while minimizing additional structural complexity.
3Temperature
If cooling spaces are formed between energy storage devices and module case, then heat dissipation improves, but electrical insulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions act as intermediary structures that maintain a controlled gap between the energy storage device and module case. This intermediary structure ensures continuous electrical insulation while allowing efficient heat transfer to the coolant flowing through the cooling channels, thus resolving the conflict between heat dissipation and electrical insulation requirements.
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 configuration enables efficient cooling of energy storage devices within the module case, preventing heat pooling and ensuring secure mounting while maintaining electrical insulation, thus enhancing the overall cooling efficiency and safety of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a first protrusion that protrudes from at least one of an energy storage device bottom surface and a first case surface of the module case so as to form a first space defined by the energy storage device bottom surface and the first case surface
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage apparatus including: a module unit including one or more energy storage devices and a module case that is a container that holds the one or more energy storage devices; and a first protrusion that protrudes from at least one of an energy storage device bottom surface and a first case surface of the module case so as to form a first space defined by the energy storage device bottom surface and the first case surface, the energy storage device bottom surface being a bottom surface of at least one of the one or more energy storage devices, the first case surface being opposed to the energy storage device bottom surface.