Battery Module Thermal Layout With Peltier-Coupled Separator Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery modules in electric cars face a contradiction between minimizing space and effective thermal management, as tight cell stacking for space efficiency hampers heat transfer, while adequate heat transfer requires additional space for channels.

Innovation Solution

A thermo-stabilized module design using flat battery cells within a housing, where thermally conductive separating plates maintain contact with the side wall and a Peltier cell, and a liquid heat exchanger, facilitated by a positioning frame and fastening plate, enhances heat transfer without increasing module size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cells are stacked up very tightly to minimize space, then space efficiency is improved, but heat transfer capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery module volumeVSAvoidheat transfer capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Thermally conductive separating plates are introduced as intermediary elements between battery cells. These plates serve dual functions: they maintain tight cell stacking to minimize module volume while simultaneously providing efficient thermal conduction pathways to remove heat from the cells, thus resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and heat transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If thermally conductive separating plates are added to improve heat transfer, then heat transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer capabilityVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating plates are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal conduction for heat removal, act as structural spacers to maintain cell positioning, and serve as mounting surfaces for the Peltier cell. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If Peltier cell is integrated for active thermal management, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Peltier cell is merged with the separating plates and housing structure through direct thermal contact and mechanical fastening. This integration combines multiple components into a unified assembly that achieves precise temperature control while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps and ensuring reliable thermal coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for efficient thermal management of flat battery cells, minimizing space while ensuring effective heat transfer and easy assembly, thereby maintaining optimal operating parameters and extending cell lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a Peltier cell which, depending on actual thermal conditions, transfers heat into or out of a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

thermally conductive separating plates which remain in contact with at least one side wall of the housing are placed inside the housing with the flat battery cells placed between said separating plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the Peltier cell remains in thermal contact with a liquid heat exchanger, said exchanger preferably having a radiator as well as a cooling fluid collector having outlet and inlet openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2380224B1Electric battery module with temperature control
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 IMPACT CLEAN POWER TECH
  • EP2380224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2380224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2380224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electric cells (6) placed inside a housing (1) are in thermal contact with a Peltier cell providing heat transfer into or out of a cell pack, whereas thermo-conducting separating plates (5) contacting with at least one side wall (2) are placed inside said housing with the electric cells (6) placed between the plates (5), and the side wall (2) of the housing (1) being in contact with said separating plates (5) is in thermal contact with said Peltier cell (8).