Battery Module Thermoelectric Assembly for Cell Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules lack efficient temperature control mechanisms, which can lead to performance degradation and safety issues due to temperature variations during charging and discharging processes.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design that incorporates a thermoelectric element assembly mounted on the housing, allowing for direct contact with secondary batteries through contact openings. This assembly is configured to heat or cool the batteries independently, using a printed circuit board and thermoelectric elements connected to a battery management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery modules are used without thermoelectric elements, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but temperature control capability is insufficient leading to performance degradation and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into distinct functional zones by introducing contact openings in the housing that allow thermoelectric elements to be positioned at specific locations. Each thermoelectric element can independently control temperature for adjacent batteries, creating segmented thermal management zones that improve reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermoelectric elements as intermediary components between the battery cells and the external environment. These elements serve as mediators that actively transfer heat between batteries and the housing, enabling precise temperature control while maintaining a relatively simple overall module structure
2Temperature
If thermoelectric element assembly is added to the housing, then precise temperature control for each battery is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric element assembly with the existing housing structure by integrating contact openings directly into the housing design. This combining approach allows temperature control functionality to be added without requiring separate manufacturing processes for the housing and thermal management components, thereby improving ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the battery cells, and simultaneously acts as a mounting platform for the thermoelectric element assembly through integrated contact openings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and assembly
3Loss of energy
If contact openings are created in the housing for thermoelectric elements, then heat transfer efficiency to batteries is improved, but the housing structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating contact openings only in specific regions of the housing where thermal management is most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire structure. This allows optimized heat transfer efficiency at critical locations while preserving the structural integrity of the overall housing
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 solution enables precise temperature control for each secondary battery, minimizing temperature deviations and enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the battery module, even in varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element assembly on the housing and in contact with the plurality of secondary batteries through at least one contact opening in the housing, the thermoelectric element assembly being configured to heat or cool the plurality of secondary batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module, a vehicle, and a method of manufacturing a battery module, the battery module including a housing accommodating a plurality of secondary batteries; and a thermoelectric element assembly on the housing and in contact with the plurality of secondary batteries through at least one contact opening in the housing, the thermoelectric element assembly being configured to heat or cool the plurality of secondary batteries.