Battery Module Partition Structure for Inter-Cell Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing power storage modules, heat generated from an electrode assembly in one compartment can easily be transmitted to adjacent compartments through partitions, leading to potential thermal issues and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A power storage module design featuring a case with integral resin layers and a metal layer positioned between them, which extends orthogonally to the direction of the electrode assemblies, preventing heat transfer between compartments and facilitating heat dissipation outside the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a partition is provided in the battery case to separate electrode assemblies, then the battery case can accommodate multiple electrode assemblies in separated compartments, but heat generated from one electrode assembly is easily transmitted to other compartments through the partition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of electrode assembliesVSAvoidheat transmission between compartments
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is constructed as a composite structure with a resin layer and a metal layer having different thermal conductivity characteristics. The resin layer provides thermal insulation to block heat transmission, while the metal layer provides structural strength and rigidity. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both structural integrity and thermal isolation between compartments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The partition structure applies different material properties to different regions or functions: the resin layer specifically addresses the thermal insulation requirement, while the metal layer addresses the structural support requirement. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the partition to simultaneously satisfy both thermal isolation and mechanical strength requirements without compromising either function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively prevents heat transfer between electrode assemblies, enhancing thermal management and maintaining performance by diffusing and discharging heat away from the compartment.

Implementation Method 1

when the heat is transmitted to the metal layer, the heat is diffused in the direction orthogonal to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the metal layer can prevent heat generated from an electrode assembly disposed on one side in the partitioned accommodation space from being transmitted to the other side of the accommodation space through the partition portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4492539A1Power storage module
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4492539A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492539A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492539A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power storage module includes a case (200) that houses a plurality of electrode assemblies (100). The case (200) includes a case body (210) and at least one partition portion (220). The case body (210) surrounds the plurality of electrode assemblies (100). The partition portion (220) is located between the electrode assemblies (100) adjacent to each other to partition an accommodation space (S) of the case body (210). The partition portion (220) includes a pair of resin layers (220R) and a metal layer (220M). The pair of resin layers (220R) is formed integrally with the case body (210) and the resin layers (220R) are arranged in a first direction (D1). The metal layer (220M) is located between the resin layers (220R) and extends in a direction orthogonal to the first direction (D1).