Battery Pack Cooling Layout for Uniform Module Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs face challenges in individually controlling the temperature of each battery module and cell, leading to temperature deviations that can reduce the lifespan of secondary batteries due to inefficient coolant flow paths.
Innovation Solution
The integration of heat sinks with module frames allows for direct coolant circulation between the heat sinks and module frames, forming separate supply and discharge paths that minimize temperature deviations and enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coolant flow path is used for multiple battery modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but temperature uniformity deteriorates due to temperature deviation between modules and cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple independent flow paths, with each flow path dedicated to a specific battery module. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each module, eliminating temperature deviation between modules and cells while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized cooling by providing dedicated coolant flow paths for each battery module based on their specific thermal requirements. Each module receives coolant at appropriate temperatures and flow rates tailored to its position and thermal characteristics, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across all cells
2Device complexity
If coolant flows only to the lower side of battery modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient heat dissipation from upper cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-sided (lower side only) cooling to multi-sided cooling by introducing flow paths that supply coolant to both the lower and upper sides of battery modules. This dimensional expansion ensures comprehensive heat dissipation from all cells, including upper cells that were previously inadequately cooled
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple flow paths, with some paths directed to the lower side of modules and others to the upper sides. This segmentation enables independent optimization of cooling for different regions, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the battery pack
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 integrated cooling structure reduces temperature variations among battery modules and cells, extending the battery's lifespan and improving space utilization in the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path that supplies the coolant to each of the plurality of heat sinks; and a second flow path that discharges the coolant circulated in each of the plurality of heat sinks
Implementation Method 2
a space for circulating coolant within the heat sink is formed between a lower surface of the heat sink and the lower surface of the module frame
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery modules; a plurality of heat sinks formed on a lower side of each of the plurality of battery modules; a first flow path that supplies a refrigerant to each of the plurality of heat sinks; and a second flow path that discharges the refrigerant circulated in the plurality of heat sinks, wherein the refrigerant supplied to each of the heat sinks circulates in a space formed between the heat sink and the lower surface of the module frame, respectively.