Battery Module Thermal Management Using Bidirectional Peltier Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules, particularly those with lithium-ion or lithium polymer cells, face challenges in efficient temperature control due to heating during operation, which affects safety and performance, and existing cooling systems may not adequately manage temperature gradients.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a Peltier element for switchable heat transfer between two thermally conductive members, along with a control device to manage the Peltier element and valve for temperature control fluid flow, allowing for adaptive heating or cooling based on ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid temperature control using water/glycol mixture is used, then cooling capability is improved, but system complexity and response time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active cooling function from the liquid circulation system by introducing Peltier elements that can actively pump heat in either direction, reducing dependence on complex liquid flow systems while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The Peltier elements act as intermediary devices between the battery cells and the thermal management system, providing direct solid-state heat transfer that eliminates the need for liquid circulation infrastructure
2Temperature
If Peltier element is added for active heat transfer, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier element serves multiple functions: it can heat, cool, and maintain temperature by simply reversing the electrical current direction, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating and cooling functions into a single Peltier element component, reducing the number of separate systems needed while achieving precise bidirectional temperature control
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional heat transfer capability is provided, then adaptability to ambient conditions is improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its heat transfer direction based on ambient conditions and battery temperature requirements, switching between heating and cooling modes as needed to optimize energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the Peltier element (current direction and magnitude) based on real-time temperature requirements and ambient conditions, enabling efficient adaptation without wasted energy
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 provides reliable and efficient temperature control for battery cells, enhancing safety and performance by enabling effective heating or cooling, even when natural temperature gradients are insufficient, and optimizing space usage with adaptable design options.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switchably configured Peltier element is arranged between the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member, which is connected thermally conductively to the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member
Implementation Method 2
the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member are connected together directly thermally conductively in places. Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells are connected directly thermally conductively with the second temperature control member
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module with a plurality of battery cells is disclosed, comprising a first temperature control member and second temperature control member, which are connected together directly thermally conductively in places, wherein the plurality of battery cells is connected directly thermally conductively with the second temperature control member and at least one switchably configured Peltier element connected thermally conductively with the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member is arranged between the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member, wherein a control device is configured to drive the at least one Peltier element in such a way that, when switched on, the at least one Peltier element transfers heat from the second temperature control member to the first temperature control member or heat from the first temperature control member to the second temperature control member.