Battery Module Assembly with Tapered Coolant Flow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery module cooling systems face challenges such as large temperature deviations between unit batteries, increased size due to coolant flow paths, and inefficient cooling, which can lead to battery deterioration and incompatibility with compact applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery module assembly with sub-modules arranged laterally to form a coolant flow channel, where the vertical sectional area decreases towards the outlet, providing a compact structure and improved uniform cooling without additional cooling components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are added to battery modules, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the battery module structure by forming coolant flow channels directly within the module case, integrating thermal management into the existing structural framework rather than adding separate cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The module case serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting battery modules and simultaneously acts as a coolant distribution system with integrated flow channels, achieving both structural and thermal management functions in a single component
2Temperature
If coolant flow channels are added to battery modules, then cooling efficiency is improved, but volume of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant flow channels are nested within the existing module case structure, utilizing the available internal volume of the case without requiring additional external space, thus achieving cooling functionality while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional cooling channels that extend in multiple directions within the module case, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to create efficient coolant pathways without increasing the external footprint of the battery module
3Temperature
If uniform cooling is achieved across all battery modules, then temperature deviation is reduced, but coolant flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized cooling channels positioned at specific locations within the module case to address thermal characteristics of different battery module regions, with channels configured to provide targeted cooling where needed most
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent flow channels distributed across the module case, with each channel serving specific battery modules or regions, allowing for localized thermal management while maintaining overall system simplicity
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 reduces temperature deviations, achieves a compact battery module assembly, and enhances cooling efficiency, ensuring stable operation and compatibility with space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow channel having a structure in which a vertical sectional area of the coolant flow channel decreases toward the coolant outlet port
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a battery module assembly including unit modules, each of which includes unit cells mounted to a cartridge in a state of being electrically connected to each other via bus bars, the battery module assembly including two or more sub-modules, each of which includes two or more unit modules vertically stacked from a ground to form a coolant flow channel at an interface therebetween, the unit modules being arranged in a lateral direction in a state of being spaced apart from each other to provide the coolant flow channel, and a module case, in which the sub-modules are received and fixed, the module case having a coolant inlet port, through which a coolant is introduced into the module case, and a cool outlet port, through which the coolant is discharged out of the module case, wherein the coolant flow channel is configured to have a structure in which a vertical sectional area of the coolant flow channel decreases toward the coolant outlet port.