Battery Rack Cooling Layout for Uniform Module Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cooling systems experience significant temperature variations between battery modules in different levels, leading to increased differential pressure and reduced battery lifespan due to the elongated cooling channel design.
Innovation Solution
A battery cooling system with inclined refrigerant guide plates and channel slits between battery modules, allowing refrigerant flow to diverge and reduce channel length, thereby minimizing temperature variations and differential pressure, while integrating a cooling fan for efficient heat absorption and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling channel is formed to pass through battery modules from top to bottom, then cooling function is provided, but temperature variation between battery modules in different levels increases and differential pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel is divided into multiple segments: first cooling channels in upper battery modules, second cooling channels in lower battery modules, and intermediate cooling channels connecting them. This segmentation reduces the overall channel length and enables independent temperature control for different levels, thereby reducing temperature variation and differential pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channel configuration transitions from a simple top-to-bottom vertical path to a multi-dimensional network including horizontal intermediate channels and diagonal connections. This dimensional expansion creates multiple cooling pathways, reducing the effective cooling distance and enabling better temperature distribution across different battery module levels.
2Reliability
If cooling components are integrated into the battery rack, then cooling function is achieved, but appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling components including the refrigerant guide plate, cooling channels, and heat dissipation structures are nested within the battery rack framework and battery module interiors. The cooling system is integrated into the existing structural elements, making cooling components invisible from the exterior while maintaining full cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels serve as intermediary elements that conceal the cooling channels and refrigerant flow paths. These panels are positioned between the external environment and the cooling components, allowing the cooling system to function effectively while presenting a clean, unbroken surface from the outside.
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
The solution effectively decreases temperature variations between battery modules and reduces differential pressure, enhancing battery performance and lifespan while maintaining a sleek appearance by hiding cooling components from view.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generated from the battery modules is absorbed by the refrigerant and discharged to the outside
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom in the battery rack, and the refrigerant flowing from the top to the bottom passes through channels (slits) formed in the battery modules fixed in the lathes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery cooling system having a main frame for defining a structure of a battery rack; a space dividing frame for dividing the inside of the main frame into a plurality of levels; a battery module located inside the main frame and supported by the space dividing frame; a pair of refrigerant guide plates respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the battery module and installed to be inclined in the same direction with predetermined angles with respect to the upper and lower surfaces thereof; and side panels coupled to the sides of the main frame and having a channel slit formed in at least a part thereof.