Battery Pack Cooling with Thermoelectric Element and Heat Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack air cooling systems struggle to maintain uniform temperatures across cell module assemblies, leading to performance degradation and potential damage due to temperature and voltage differences, especially in electric vehicles where temperature control is critical for reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack air cooling structure incorporating a thermoelectric element with a housing, heat pipes, and a controller that adjusts the thermoelectric elements' operation to maintain temperature within a range of 25° C to 30° C across cell module assemblies, using a heat transfer plate and heat-exchanging members to manage temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single blower cools the entire battery pack assembly, then the cooling system is simple, but substantial temperature differences occur between cell module assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack assembly is divided into multiple cooling zones, each with its own blower and temperature control system. This segmentation allows independent temperature management for each cell module assembly, preventing substantial temperature differences while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each cooling zone is equipped with localized temperature sensors and control systems that adjust cooling parameters based on the specific thermal conditions of that region. This local quality approach ensures uniform temperature distribution across different areas of the battery pack by addressing each zone's unique thermal characteristics
2Temperature
If air conditioning is used to cool the battery pack assembly, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but additional cooling devices are required and vehicle air conditioner efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing air conditioning system is designed to serve dual purposes: cabin cooling and battery pack cooling. By routing conditioned air through the battery pack assembly via dedicated cooling passages, the system achieves battery cooling without requiring separate air conditioning equipment, thereby maintaining vehicle air conditioner efficiency while improving overall cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cooling system is merged with the vehicle's air conditioning system, sharing common components such as the compressor, condenser, and expansion device. This integration eliminates the need for additional standalone cooling devices while leveraging the existing air conditioning infrastructure to provide effective battery thermal management
3Device complexity
If temperature differences are allowed to occur in cell module assemblies, then cooling system operation is simplified, but voltage differences occur and battery performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are installed in each cooling zone to continuously monitor thermal conditions and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts blower speeds and air flow distribution to maintain uniform temperatures across all cell module assemblies, preventing voltage differences and performance deterioration while operating the cooling system efficiently
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 solution effectively minimizes temperature differences between cell modules, preventing thermal concentration and maintaining optimal battery performance, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electric vehicle systems by ensuring uniform voltage conditions and reducing the risk of damage from temperature extremes.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element formed at an upstream side into which air of the cooling passageway is injected
Implementation Method 2
a heat pipe, a first portion of which may be disposed in the heat transfer plate and a second portion of which may protrude from the heat transfer plate
Implementation Method 3
a heat-exchanging member formed at a protruding end of the heat pipe and configured to perform heat-exchanging with air that passes through the cooling passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack air cooling structure and method having a thermoelectric element are provided. The structure includes a housing having a cooling passageway through which a refrigerant passes and a plurality of cell module assemblies that are disposed inside the housing and each include a pair of unit cells stacked parallel to each other. A heat transfer plate is interposed between the pair of unit cells. A heat pipe has a first portion disposed in the heat transfer plate and protrudes second portion that protrudes out of the heat transfer plate. A heat-exchanging member formed at the second portion of the heat pipe and is configured to perform heat-exchange with air that passes through the cooling passageway; and a thermoelectric element is formed at an upstream side into which air of the cooling passageway is injected.