Battery Pack Thermal Diffusing Plate Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack configurations face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature among batteries, leading to variations in charge-discharge behavior and reduced residual capacity, due to localized heating and gaps in heating coverage.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a thermal diffusing plate with a heater positioned to heat the plate through convection, which in turn heats the batteries uniformly, using a smoke exhaust passage to manage gas release and a compact configuration with an annular skirt for efficient air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heater is directly disposed to the battery holder, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the temperature uniformity among batteries deteriorates due to local heating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal diffusing plate is introduced as an intermediary between the heater and the batteries. The heater heats the thermal diffusing plate, which then distributes the heat uniformly to all batteries through thermal conduction, eliminating direct localized heating while maintaining heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal diffusing plate changes the thermal conduction parameters by providing a large surface area with high thermal conductivity material, transforming the heat distribution pattern from localized to uniform across all batteries
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element contacts part of the battery surface, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the temperature uniformity within each battery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal diffusing plate serves as a mediator that receives heat from the heater and distributes it uniformly across all batteries through its large surface area, preventing localized heating of individual battery surfaces while maintaining efficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal diffusing plate extends the heat distribution from point/line contact in one dimension to a two-dimensional surface, allowing uniform heat distribution across all batteries simultaneously
3Stability of the object's composition
If gaps are not provided below mounting portions, then the structural stability is improved, but the heating coverage deteriorates due to inability to heat batteries in those areas
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal diffusing plate acts as an intermediary that extends heat distribution to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, including regions below mounting portions, by conducting heat across its entire surface area without requiring gaps in the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal diffusing plate performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting portions while simultaneously distributing heat uniformly across all batteries, including areas beneath the mounting portions, eliminating the need to choose between structural stability and heating coverage
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 design effectively suppresses temperature variations among batteries, ensuring uniform heating and maintaining battery performance by using convection to distribute heat evenly and efficiently utilizing the battery pack's space.
Implementation Method 1
the heater positioned to heat the plate through convection
Implementation Method 2
a thermal diffusing plate houses and holds the plurality of batteries
Implementation Method 3
a smoke exhaust passage to discharge gas released form the batteries
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A battery pack (10) is provided. The battery pack (10) includes a battery module (20) and a heater (33). A battery module (20) includes a plurality of cylindrical batteries (21), a thermal diffusing plate (22), a first chamber (40), and a second chamber (50). The thermal diffusing plate (22) houses and holds the plurality of cylindrical batteries (21). The cooling air to cool each of the plurality of cylindrical batteries (21) is introduced into the first chamber (40). The second chamber (50) includes walls, and the walls include a first part and a second part. At least the first part of the walls includes the thermal diffusing plate (22). The heater (33) is disposed with a predetermined distance from the thermal diffusing plate (22), so as to heat the thermal diffusing plate (22) by convection that occurs in the second chamber (50) due to heat emitted from the heater (33; 34).