Battery Pack Cooling via Segmented Air Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in rapidly cooling overheated battery packs and detecting gas leaks, which can lead to inefficient battery performance and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a controller that measures temperatures and gas generation across multiple battery packs, using an air compressor and gas dividing unit with valves to selectively cool overheated packs and release gas leaks, employing compressed cooling air and incombustible gases for efficient cooling and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If known cooling methods are used for the entire battery module, then the battery can be cooled, but the cooling process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple individual battery packs, each with its own temperature sensor and cooling control. This segmentation allows selective cooling of only the overheated battery packs rather than cooling the entire module, thereby reducing cooling time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system applies local quality control by directing cooling air specifically to the battery packs that are overheated, as identified by temperature sensors. This localized approach improves cooling efficiency and reduces the overall cooling time compared to uniform cooling of the entire module.
2Temperature
If known cooling methods are used for the entire battery module, then the battery can be cooled, but the cooling system is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into individual control units for each battery pack, allowing the system to activate only the necessary cooling channels. This reduces the overall complexity and cost compared to a comprehensive cooling system that would cool all battery packs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial cooling action by activating cooling only for the battery packs that require it, rather than providing excessive cooling to the entire module. This partial action approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining effective temperature control.
3Reliability
If the battery system monitors all battery packs continuously, then overheating can be detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented with individual temperature sensors for each battery pack, connected to a controller that independently monitors and controls each pack. This segmentation provides reliable overheating detection while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery pack essentially monitors and controls its own temperature through dedicated sensors and control valves, with the controller coordinating between packs. This self-service approach improves detection reliability while keeping the overall system manageable through decentralized control.
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 allows for rapid cooling of overheated battery packs and detection of gas leaks, improving overall battery performance by selectively addressing temperature and gas issues, thereby enhancing the system's efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor for supplying a compressed cooling air to the plurality of battery packs
Implementation Method 2
cooling the overheated battery pack by introducing the compressed cooling air into the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system capable of cooling overheated battery packs among a plurality battery packs each mounted in a battery case by measuring temperatures of the battery packs is disclosed, and a driving method thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the battery system includes a plurality of battery packs, an air compressor for supplying a compressed cooling air to the plurality of battery packs, a gas dividing unit coupled between the plurality of battery packs and the air compressor and including a plurality of valves, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of each of the plurality of valves according to temperatures of the plurality of battery packs.