Battery Pack Evaporator for Uniform Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face limitations in capacity due to size constraints and require efficient heat dissipation methods to extend lifespan and efficiency, as existing battery packs do not effectively manage heat generated by battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design incorporating an evaporator with a porous medium and a collector in thermal communication with battery cells, along with a coolant storage unit for efficient heat dissipation, utilizing capillary action to circulate refrigerant without requiring power, and varying refrigerant storage based on heat generation for uniform cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If more battery cells are stacked to increase battery capacity, then the battery capacity increases, but the heat generation increases and heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an evaporator as an intermediary component between the battery cells and the coolant storage unit. The evaporator absorbs heat from the battery cells through thermal conduction and transfers it to the coolant via phase change (evaporation), effectively mediating the heat transfer process and enabling efficient heat dissipation in high-capacity battery packs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the coolant (from liquid to vapor in the evaporator, then condensation back to liquid in the condenser) to achieve efficient heat absorption and release. This phase change mechanism allows for high heat transfer efficiency, solving the heat dissipation problem in high-capacity battery packs
2Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but power consumption increases and cooling uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capillary wicks in the evaporator that automatically draw coolant through capillary action without requiring external power. The system self-regulates the coolant flow based on heat demand, eliminating the need for powered pumps while achieving efficient and uniform heat dissipation across all battery cells
3Device complexity
If simple evaporator design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling uniformity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the evaporator with varying characteristics along its length - the wick structure, pore size, and coolant distribution are optimized for different local heat flux conditions. This local quality variation ensures uniform cooling across all battery cells while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the evaporator in multiple directions (first direction along battery cell length, second direction orthogonal to it) to create a two-dimensional heat dissipation structure. This dimensional expansion allows the evaporator to contact and cool multiple battery cells simultaneously, improving cooling uniformity without increasing complexity
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 uniform cooling of battery cells, increasing their efficiency and lifespan by effectively managing heat dissipation without power consumption, allowing for higher capacity and longer-lasting secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capillary action to circulate refrigerant without requiring power
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator disposed adjacent the at least one battery cell in thermal communication therewith
Implementation Method 3
The storage unit may be a condenser
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack includes at least one battery cell, an evaporator disposed adjacent the at least one battery cell in thermal communication therewith, the evaporator including porous medium and a collector in communication with the porous medium, and a coolant storage unit in incoming and outgoing fluid communication with the evaporator.