Battery Module Sidewall Cooling for High-Demand Cell Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery stack cooling systems, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, face inefficiencies due to limited cooling performance of traditional bottom cooling plate interfaces, which are insufficient for demanding applications and multilayer cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a liquid cooling system within the side walls of battery modules, featuring a groove for the cooling channel covered by a cover plate, providing direct contact and increased surface area for cooling while maintaining structural support, forming an integrated and simplified cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling plate interface is used at the bottom of battery modules, then the battery cells are supported and some cooling is provided, but the cooling performance is insufficient for demanding applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from bottom cooling (one dimension) to side wall cooling (another dimension). The cooling channels are integrated into the vertical side walls of battery modules, allowing coolant to flow along the sides of battery cells, thereby increasing the cooling surface area and improving cooling performance for demanding applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of battery modules are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for battery cells and simultaneously integrate cooling channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling plates, reducing component complexity while improving cooling efficiency.
2Temperature
If separate cooling plates are used for cooling battery modules, then cooling is provided, but component complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the structural side walls of battery modules. The cooling channels are integrated directly into the side wall structure, eliminating the need for separate cooling plates. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall battery pack design while maintaining effective cooling capability.
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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces component complexity, and allows for robust support of battery cells, enabling effective temperature control and improved performance in high-demand applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first and/or the second supporting side wall comprise a liquid cooling channel, the liquid cooling channel being in the form of a groove provided in the first and/or second supporting side wall
Implementation Method 2
This involves pumping coolant through pipes and plates built into the battery packs
Data Source
AI summary
A battery stack for an electrified vehicle includes a cooling system, a first and a second battery module. Each of the first and the second battery modules includes battery cells stacked in the depth direction. The first and the second battery modules comprising a first and a second supporting side wall for supporting the battery cells in the respective battery module, the first and the second supporting side wall of the battery modules being opposing vertical side walls provided on a respective side of the battery cells in the battery modules, and having a respective inner side facing the battery cells and a respective outer side facing away from the battery cells. The first and/or the second supporting side wall comprising first supporting element(s) adapted to support and bear the load of the battery cells in the first and second battery modules, as seen in the height direction, or alternatively a respective bottom support plate is connected to the first and the second supporting side walls. The first and/or the second supporting side wall comprises liquid cooling channels in the form of a groove provided in the first and/or second supporting side wall on an outer side thereof, the groove being covered by a cover plate, arranged on the outer side of the first and/or the second supporting side wall, thereby forming an integrated liquid cooling system.