Battery Module Thermal Conduction Around Cell Sealing Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by a large number of stacked battery cells, leading to accelerated deterioration and increased risk of explosion or ignition, particularly with the trend of higher capacity and rapid charging demands.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a battery cell stack housed within a module frame, with an upper thermal conductive material layer wrapping around sealing parts of the battery cells, extending beyond their length, and a lower thermal conductive layer, minimizing thermal resistance and enhancing cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of battery cells are stacked to increase capacity and output, then high power and large capacity are achieved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult and temperature rises excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part is extended in the vertical direction (upward extension beyond battery cell length) to create additional heat transfer area in a different dimensional space, allowing heat dissipation without increasing horizontal footprint or number of cells
Solution Approach 2:
The upper thermal conductive material layer acts as an intermediary between the battery cell stack and the module frame, facilitating heat transfer from the sealing part through the thermally conductive material to the module frame for external dissipation
2Productivity
If rapid charging is implemented to reduce charging time, then charging speed increases, but heat generation from battery cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended sealing part with thermal conductive material is pre-configured to provide enhanced heat transfer pathways before charging begins, enabling immediate heat dissipation when rapid charging starts and preventing temperature buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The upper thermal conductive material layer serves as a mediator that facilitates rapid heat transfer from battery cells during fast charging, channeling the increased heat generation away from the cells and through the module frame
3Volume of moving object
If battery cells are stacked in a narrow space to reduce module size, then compactness and integration are improved, but heat accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing part extends upward beyond the battery cell length into the vertical space above the cells, utilizing unused vertical dimension for heat transfer without increasing the horizontal footprint or overall module volume
Solution Approach 2:
The upper thermal conductive material layer is selectively applied to the sealing part area where heat transfer is most critical, providing localized thermal management enhancement without adding materials throughout the entire module
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 design improves cooling performance by maximizing heat transfer area and minimizing thermal resistance, thereby extending battery lifespan and reducing the risk of explosion or ignition.
Implementation Method 1
an upper thermal conductive material layer located between the upper surface of the battery cell stack and the upper part of the module frame
Implementation Method 2
to discharge heat generated by the plurality of battery cells externally
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and an upper thermal conductive material layer located between the upper surface of the battery cell stack and the upper part of the module frame, wherein the battery cell includes a sealing part in which a part of an outer peripheral surface of the battery cell is sealed, and the battery cell is configured such that the sealing part is arranged in a direction toward an upper part of the module frame, wherein the upper thermal conductive material layer wraps around the outer surface of the sealing part, and wherein the sealing part has a length extending toward the upper part of the module frame that is equal to or greater than a length extending along the upper part of the battery cell.