Battery Pack Heat Path Structure for Cell Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated from unit cells, leading to temperature rises that degrade battery performance and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a case with a cell group abutting on its bottom surface and a fixing member that includes heat paths from the battery's upper and side surfaces to the case, enhancing heat dissipation through multiple transfer paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery packs are made larger to increase energy storage capacity, then the running distance of electric vehicles is extended, but the battery packs become more prone to damage from external forces and the risk of internal injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where multiple protective elements are arranged concentrically around the battery cells. The housing contains the battery modules, which in turn contain individual cells. Protective elements including energy absorption members, fire-resistant barriers, and thermal insulation layers are nested between these structural levels, creating a multi-layered defense system that protects against various hazards while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates energy absorption members positioned between battery modules and within the housing structure to preemptively cushion against external impacts. These members are designed to deform and absorb impact energy before it reaches the battery cells, preventing direct transmission of external forces that could cause cell damage or thermal runaway.
2Reliability
If protective structures are added to battery packs to prevent damage, then safety is improved, but the weight and volume of the battery pack increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective measures selectively at specific locations where risks are highest rather than uniformly throughout the entire battery pack. Energy absorption members are positioned at corners and edges most susceptible to impact, thermal barriers are placed between modules where thermal propagation risk exists, and housing reinforcement is concentrated at stress points. This localized approach provides adequate protection while minimizing unnecessary weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple materials with complementary properties to achieve high safety performance with reduced weight. The housing integrates rigid structural elements with energy-absorbing foam materials, thermal barriers use ceramic coatings or aerogel insulation, and fire-resistant components combine intumescent materials with metal substrates. These composite constructions provide enhanced protection per unit weight compared to solid homogeneous structures.
3Reliability
If protective structures are added to battery packs to prevent damage, then safety is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple protective functions into unified structural components rather than using separate elements for each function. The housing structure simultaneously provides mechanical containment, impact protection through integrated energy absorption members, and thermal management pathways. Protective films serve dual purposes of electrical insulation and thermal barrier functions. This merging approach reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly processes while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A temperature rising between unit cells in a cell group is suppressed. A battery pack disclosed in the invention includes a case, a cell group which connects a plurality of unit cells and is disposed to abut on a bottom surface of the case, and a fixing member which fixes the cell group. The fixing member includes a heat path that links from the upper surface of a battery to the side surface of the case.