Battery Pack Phase Change Heat Absorber Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable battery packs face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated during charging and discharging, leading to performance degradation and reduced lifespan due to poor heat dissipation, especially in applications where circulation cooling methods are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removable heat absorber, such as a phase change material like water or ethanol and glycerin, mounted on the battery modules or cover to increase the heat capacity of the battery pack, allowing for efficient heat dissipation even when circulation cooling is not applicable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a battery pack is designed without circulation cooling systems, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (such as paraffin, gel, or eutectic mixtures) that transition between solid and liquid phases to absorb and release heat. The heat absorber is configured to undergo phase transition at temperatures between -50°C and 150°C, enabling passive thermal management without complex circulation systems. This resolves the contradiction by providing effective heat dissipation through material phase change rather than mechanical cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat absorber operates autonomously through its inherent phase change properties, absorbing heat when temperature rises and releasing it when temperature drops, without requiring external power or control systems. The material automatically responds to thermal conditions, providing self-regulating thermal management that simplifies the overall system while maintaining reliability.
2Temperature
If a heat absorber is added to increase heat capacity, then the cooling characteristics are improved, but the weight of the battery pack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials that store large amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions. Materials like paraffin and eutectic mixtures have high latent heat of fusion, enabling compact heat absorber designs that provide effective thermal management with minimal mass. This allows improved cooling characteristics while keeping the weight increase acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat absorber is strategically positioned in direct thermal contact with battery cells that generate the most heat. By concentrating the phase change material at critical thermal locations rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the battery pack, the design achieves effective cooling where needed while minimizing overall weight addition.
3Ease of repair
If a removable heat absorber is used instead of a fixed one, then the ease of repair and maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The heat absorber is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed and replaced. The mounting structure is simplified to basic attachment points that facilitate easy installation and removal without complex fastening mechanisms. This segmentation enables straightforward maintenance while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat absorber is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced rather than repaired. The mounting structure is intentionally simple to enable quick replacement of the heat absorber when it degrades or is depleted, treating it as a replaceable service life component rather than a permanent fixture.
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 effectively enhances the cooling characteristics of the battery pack by efficiently dissipating heat, reducing temperature increases and extending the battery pack's performance and lifespan, even in scenarios where circulation cooling is not possible, such as in electric vehicles using a quick drop method.
Implementation Method 1
the heat absorber comprises a phase change material, such as water or ethanol and glycerin
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules each comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a heat absorber mounted adjacent to at least one of the battery modules, wherein the heat absorber includes a phase change material.