Liquid-Cooled Battery Pack Pressure Control Against Contaminant Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs in vehicles face contamination risks due to compromised seals, leading to performance degradation and safety hazards from coolant leaks and moisture ingress, which existing solutions like hermetic sealing and fire retardant foams are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A battery system that controls the internal pressure of a liquid-cooled battery pack to be above ambient pressure using a compressed air supply from the vehicle's air-controlled brake system, incorporating pressure-reducing and relief valves, and controllable outlet valves to prevent contaminants and coolant ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hermetic sealing is used to prevent contaminant ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack uses its own operational resources (compressed air from the vehicle's brake system) to maintain positive internal pressure and prevent contaminant ingress. The system serves itself by utilizing existing vehicle systems rather than requiring separate protective systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pneumatic pressure by introducing compressed air into the battery pack to create and maintain positive internal pressure. This pneumatic approach prevents contaminant ingress through pressure differential rather than relying solely on hermetic sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If fire retardant foam is used to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing compressed air brake system to provide protective function for the battery pack, eliminating the need for separate fire retardant foam systems or other complex protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air system serves dual functions: it provides the vehicle's brake system operation and simultaneously protects the battery pack from contamination by maintaining positive pressure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated protective systems.
3Reliability
If positive pressure control is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing contaminant ingress, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and pressure control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air system performs multiple functions including brake operation and battery pack pressure control. The inlet and outlet valves serve both pressure regulation and contaminant prevention functions, reducing overall system complexity despite adding pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system uses feedback from pressure sensors to regulate the inlet and outlet valves, maintaining positive internal pressure within the battery pack. This automated feedback control simplifies operation while ensuring reliable contaminant prevention.
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
Enhances battery pack longevity and safety by preventing contaminants and coolant leaks, while maintaining efficiency and reducing costs compared to traditional sealing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the battery system is configured to control an internal pressure of the battery pack to be greater than an ambient air pressure
Implementation Method 2
a liquid coolant as a heat exchange medium
Implementation Method 3
cooling system configured to cool the battery pack
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A battery system (100) is presented. The battery system (100) comprises a liquid-cooled battery pack (110) and a compressed air supply (105) connected to a high pressure inlet valve (113) of the battery pack (110) and connectable to an air-controlled brake system (14) of a vehicle (10), wherein the battery system (100) is configured to control an internal pressure (Pi) of the battery pack (110) to be greater than an ambient air pressure (Pa).