Battery Cell Spray Orifice Layout for Lower-Height Dielectric Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles face challenges with uneven cooling, high thermal resistance, and increased cost and weight due to the use of dielectric fluids, which also limit the number of cells that can be packed efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A battery design featuring a dielectric fluid circuit with spray orifices and ramps that are strategically positioned to minimize height and interference with electrical connectors, allowing for closer cell packing and effective cooling while reducing the amount of dielectric fluid used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If cells are immersed in dielectric fluid or dielectric fluid circuits are used for watering the cells, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the height of the battery increases and the number of cells that can be positioned in the battery for a given volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidbattery height
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spray orifices are positioned on the lateral sides of the battery module rather than on the top surface, transferring the cooling function from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement. This dimensional change allows the cooling circuit to be integrated into the side walls of the battery housing, eliminating the need for additional vertical space and reducing battery height while maintaining effective cooling through direct spray contact with the cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If dielectric fluid circuits are positioned directly above the cells, then cooling coverage is improved, but interference with electrical connection connectors occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling coverageVSAvoidconnector interference
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuit is repositioned from a vertical location above the cells to a lateral location on the side walls of the battery module. This spatial relocation separates the cooling system from the electrical connection area, eliminating interference with connectors while maintaining comprehensive cooling coverage through lateral spray distribution across the cell surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Temperature

If cells are spaced apart to allow passage of circuit elements, then cooling access is improved, but the number of cells per unit volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling accessVSAvoidcells per unit volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuit is integrated directly into the lateral walls of the battery housing, merging the structural housing with the cooling function. This integration eliminates the need for separate circuit elements positioned between cells, allowing cells to be packed closely together while maintaining adequate cooling access through spray orifices positioned on the external side walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces the battery's height, and maintains effective temperature regulation within a restricted range, thereby improving performance and lifespan while minimizing material usage and weight.

Implementation Method 1

said circuit comprising one or more spraying orifices for said cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray cooling: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

dielectric fluid circuit, said circuit comprising one or more spraying orifices for said cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3973581B1Battery equipped with a temperature regulation device using a dielectric fluid
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP3973581B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3973581B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3973581B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery comprising at least one row of energy storage cells (10), said row having a longitudinal extension direction, an upper side (12) and lateral sides (14) of the row being respectively defined by a series of upper (10a) and lateral (10b) faces of the cells (10) and spaces (11) separating said cells (10) in the longitudinal extension direction, the battery further comprising a dielectric fluid circuit (20), said circuit (20) comprising one or more spray orifices (22) of the cells (10), the one or more spray orifices (22) being flush with the upper side (12) of the row and/or being located facing at least one of the lateral sides (14) of the row so that the circuit (20) leaves the upper side (12) of the row free.