Segmented Cooling Plate Structure for High-Capacity Battery Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-capacity battery modules with multiple battery cells face rapid temperature increases due to cell concentration, which can lead to performance deterioration and potential risks such as explosion or ignition, necessitating an efficient cooling structure.
Innovation Solution
A cooling plate with a structured flow path that corresponds to the arrangement of sub-modules, featuring a guide with protrusions to optimize refrigerant flow and prevent pressure drops, is integrated into the battery module to efficiently cool the sub-modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery cells are concentrated in a small space to achieve high capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but the temperature of the battery module increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple sub-modules, each with its own cooling contact area. The cooling plate is segmented to contact multiple sub-modules simultaneously, allowing distributed heat dissipation across the module rather than concentrating cooling at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling plate extends in the third direction (perpendicular to the stacking direction of battery cells) to contact multiple sub-modules at different positions. This dimensional extension allows the cooling structure to span across the entire battery module height, enabling simultaneous cooling of multiple sub-modules through extended thermal contact area.
2Temperature
If a cooling structure is added to control battery temperature, then temperature control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal management component for cooling battery sub-modules, provides structural support between sub-modules, and facilitates refrigerant flow through integrated flow channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling plate is integrated directly with the battery module structure, merging the cooling function with the structural framework. The cooling plate contacts sub-modules and includes embedded flow paths, combining thermal management and structural support into a single unified component rather than separate assemblies.
3Quantity of substance
If sub-modules are coupled together to form a large battery module, then the battery capacity increases, but the refrigerant flow efficiency decreases due to pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate is positioned to contact specific sub-modules at optimized locations, creating localized high-efficiency heat transfer zones. The flow paths are configured to direct refrigerant flow through areas with highest thermal demand, ensuring efficient cooling while minimizing unnecessary flow resistance.
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 cooling plate effectively manages the temperature of high-capacity battery modules by ensuring efficient heat dissipation, reducing the risk of thermal-related issues and enhancing the stability and safety of the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling plate configured to cool the first and second sub-modules... at least a portion of the flow path is disposed to oppose the connection member with the lower cover interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
forming a flow path through which a refrigerant can flow... efficiently cooling the battery module
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each of the first and second sub-modules including a plurality of battery cells; a connection member having a first side coupled to the first sub-module and a second side coupled to the second sub-module, the second side being opposite to the first side; and a cooling plate configured to cool the first and second sub-modules.