Battery Module PCM Capsule Cooling Without Metal Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face inefficiencies in cooling, leading to increased temperature and potential performance degradation or explosion risks, especially in high-temperature environments, due to the use of metal cooling fins that increase volume and reduce energy density.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating phase change material (PCM) capsules within cell cartridges to enhance cooling efficiency without the need for additional cooling members like cooling fins, where PCM capsules absorb and release heat through phase changes, managing temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal cooling fins are used to cool the battery cells, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the volume of the battery module increases and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase change material (PCM) capsules that utilize phase transitions (solid-liquid) to absorb and release heat. The PCM capsules are filled with paraffin or other phase change materials that melt at temperatures between 20-40°C, absorbing heat from the battery cells during charging/discharging cycles, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency without requiring additional volume for metal cooling fins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal management approach from conductive cooling (metal fins) to phase-change cooling (PCM capsules). By changing the physical state of the PCM material during operation, the system achieves effective heat absorption and dissipation while maintaining a compact battery module design with higher energy density.
2Temperature
If metal cooling fins are used between battery cells, then temperature control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM capsules are nested within the existing battery module structure, placed in the spaces between battery cells without requiring separate mounting structures. The capsules are directly inserted into the module assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating the need for complex cooling fin assembly operations.
3Temperature
If cooling fins are added to the battery module, then cooling performance is improved, but the energy density is reduced due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM capsules utilize phase transitions to provide high heat absorption capacity in a compact form. The phase change process absorbs large amounts of heat without significant temperature increase, providing effective cooling performance while occupying minimal space, thereby maintaining high energy density in the battery module.
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 approach improves cooling efficiency while maintaining energy density, reducing the risk of temperature-related issues and enhancing productivity by eliminating the need for bulky cooling fins.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of PCM capsules disposed in the cell cartridges and containing a phase change material (PCM) therein
Implementation Method 2
PCM capsules absorb and release heat through phase changes, managing temperature effectively
Implementation Method 3
the cooling fins 3 are brought into contact with a cooling plate 4 located therebelow to prevent the overall temperature of the battery module from rising
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells stacked to face each other; a plurality of cell cartridges stacked to surround the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of PCM capsules disposed in the cell cartridges and containing a phase change material (PCM) therein.