Battery Module Heat Transfer via Current Collecting Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules with heat transfer paths in the lamination direction of electrode laminates suffer from poor cooling efficiency due to poor thermal conductivity, leading to increased volume and decreased energy density.
Innovation Solution
The battery module design utilizes dead spaces in laminate cells for heat transfer in the direction of electrode lamination surfaces, employing first heat transfer materials outside the cells to clamp current collecting tabs and second heat transfer materials inside the cells, enhancing thermal conductivity without increasing module volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer paths are arranged in the lamination direction of electrode laminates, then the cooling structure can be implemented, but the thermal conductivity is poor and cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heat transfer direction from the lamination direction (vertical) to the lamination surface direction (horizontal), utilizing the high thermal conductivity plane of the electrode laminate. This dimensional change allows heat to be efficiently transferred through the current collecting tabs and heat transfer members along the lamination surfaces, resolving the contradiction between implementability and thermal conductivity.
2Temperature
If cooling structures are added to improve heat dissipation, then temperature control is enhanced, but the volume of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing current collecting tabs and battery cell structure. The heat transfer members are integrated with the current collecting tabs, and the cooling plate is positioned to work with the natural thermal pathways of the battery module, eliminating the need for separate, volume-consuming cooling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collecting tabs and electrode laminates serve dual functions: electrical current collection and heat transfer. The existing structural components of the battery module are utilized for thermal management, allowing the system to cool itself without additional dedicated cooling components that would increase volume.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling structures are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but energy density decreases due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module's existing components (electrode laminates, current collecting tabs) perform both their primary functions and heat transfer functions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate cooling components that would occupy valuable space, thereby maintaining high energy density while achieving effective heat dissipation.
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 improves cooling efficiency and maintains energy density by utilizing surface heat transfer paths with high thermal conductivity, reducing the impact of external forces and enhancing mechanical durability.
Implementation Method 1
first heat transfer materials are disposed outside the laminate type battery cells in a manner of clamping the current collecting tabs
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery module having a structure for cooling efficiently without affecting the volume of the entire module. By utilizing dead spaces uniquely present in laminate cells and conducting heat in a lamination direction of electrodes to dissipate the heat, the cooling efficiency is improved without increasing the volume of the entire module.