Battery Shelf Cooling Frame for Data Center Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face thermal management challenges due to heat generated by lithium-ion backup battery units (BBUs) during discharge and recharge, which can lead to overheating and damage if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
A cooling frame and thermal conductive pad system is implemented for BBU shelves and modules, circulating a cooling liquid to absorb and remove heat from lithium-ion battery cells, using a supply and return port system to regulate temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion battery systems are used for backup power in data centers, then power efficiency and performance are improved, but heat generation increases causing thermal management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from the battery system by introducing a separate cooling frame with coolant circulation channels. The cooling frame is positioned around the battery module to extract heat without interfering with the battery's electrical function, thereby resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant as an intermediary substance that mediates heat transfer between the battery module and the external environment. The coolant circulates through channels in the cooling frame, absorbing heat from the battery and transporting it away, thus resolving the thermal management challenge while maintaining power efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If battery modules are placed in shelves for data center deployment, then space utilization is improved, but thermal management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and thermal management function into a single integrated shelf design. The cooling frame is incorporated directly into the shelf structure, allowing the shelf to simultaneously support the battery module and provide cooling pathways, thereby reducing thermal management complexity while maintaining space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical support structure and as a thermal management system. The cooling frame integrated into the shelf performs multiple functions: structural support, heat extraction, and coolant circulation, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient space utilization.
3Temperature
If cooling systems are added to manage battery temperature, then temperature control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling frame is designed to be passively integrated with the battery module, utilizing the battery's own structure and the natural flow of coolant for thermal management. The design minimizes active control components and complex mechanisms, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature through straightforward coolant circulation, thus improving temperature control while limiting complexity increases.
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 solution provides a simple and reliable thermal management system that maintains stable temperatures within BBU modules, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the batteries.
Implementation Method 1
circulating a cooling liquid to absorb and remove heat from lithium-ion battery cells
Implementation Method 2
circulating a cooling liquid to absorb and remove heat from lithium-ion battery cells
Data Source
AI summary
Shelf designs for battery modules are disclosed. A liquid cooling method for battery thermal management is also introduced using the shelf design. A backup battery system shelf comprises a cooling frame and a thermal conductive pad disposed on one or more surfaces of the shelf. The cooling frame can house a backup battery unit (BBU) or module. The cooling frame is configured to circulate a cooling liquid in and out of the cooling frame. The thermal conductive pad is configured to transfer heat from a BBU module to the cooling frame and liquid circulating within the cooling frame. The BBU module can also include a cooling frame circulating a cooling liquid to transfer heat away from the BBU module.