Battery Module Heat Dissipation Structure Against Thermal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries are vulnerable to thermal events, which can lead to thermal propagation and potential fires or explosions, especially in concentrated battery modules used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, posing risks to property and human life.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a heat dissipation member with a plate-shaped body and thicker extension portions inserted into a module case, enhancing heat transfer and stabilization, and optionally including a cooling member to dissipate heat externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of battery cells are concentrated in a narrow space to increase output and capacity, then productivity and energy density are improved, but thermal safety deteriorates due to increased risk of thermal propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module divides the concentrated battery cells into smaller sub-modules or groups, with heat dissipation members inserted between adjacent cells to segment the thermal pathways. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled thermal propagation while maintaining high cell density for improved output and capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation members are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent battery cells. These members act as thermal mediators that actively manage heat transfer, conducting heat away from individual cells and dissipating it through extension portions, thereby preventing thermal runaway propagation while allowing cells to be closely spaced for high productivity.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation members are made thicker to improve heat transfer performance, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation member features non-uniform thickness with a body portion and thicker extension portions. The extension portions are localized at specific positions where heat dissipation is most needed, providing enhanced thermal management at critical interfaces without uniformly increasing the complexity of the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation member extends in multiple spatial dimensions, with extension portions projecting from the body portion in directions that optimize heat dissipation pathways. This multi-dimensional configuration improves thermal management efficiency without requiring proportionally increased overall size or complexity.
3Reliability
If extension portions are inserted into the module case to stabilize the heat dissipation member, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portions of the heat dissipation member are inserted into the module case in a nested configuration, where the heat dissipation member is partially contained within the case structure. This nesting provides mechanical stabilization and secure positioning while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure that does not require complex assembly procedures.
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
Effectively controls thermal events, prevents propagation, and improves cooling performance, maintaining structural integrity and safety by stabilizing the heat dissipation member and module case, even under high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to at least partially contact the module case and transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module with reinforced safety. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in at least one direction; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in an inner space; and a heat dissipation member interposed between at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to at least partially contact the module case and transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells to the module case.