Battery Cell Terminal Extension for Precise Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management systems for battery cell assemblies fail to accurately and precisely control the temperature of individual battery cells, especially in larger assemblies where thermal gradients occur, leading to inefficient cooling and heating, resulting in suboptimal performance, lifetime, and increased total cost of ownership.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an extension element with high thermal conductivity, such as brass or aluminum, between the terminal of a battery cell assembly and the electrical circuitry to facilitate heat conduction from the assembly to the exterior, allowing for modular and scalable thermal management that accounts for the electrical connection and physical layup of individual cells, thereby ensuring precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermal management systems are used for battery cell assemblies, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature control precision of individual battery cells is insufficient due to thermal gradients in larger assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery cell assembly into multiple segments, each equipped with its own extension element and temperature sensor. This segmentation allows independent temperature monitoring and control of individual cell groups, enabling precise temperature control while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element acts as an intermediary between the battery cell terminals and the cooling/heating system. It provides a dedicated thermal conduction path that directly connects to the battery cells, enabling precise temperature control without requiring complex integrated thermal management systems.
2Power
If battery cell assemblies are made larger to increase current density, then power output increases, but thermal gradients increase making temperature control more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing extension elements with high thermal conductivity materials specifically at the battery cell terminals where heat generation occurs. This localized thermal management approach addresses thermal gradients in large assemblies by creating efficient heat dissipation paths at critical locations without requiring uniform cooling across the entire assembly.
3Measurement precision
If extension elements are added to each battery cell assembly for improved thermal management, then temperature control precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between battery cells, facilitates thermal conduction for temperature control, and acts as a mounting structure for temperature sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while improving temperature supervision accuracy.
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 enables accurate and efficient temperature supervision and control of individual battery cells, improving performance and extending the lifespan of battery systems by ensuring all cells receive optimal cooling or heating, reducing thermal gradients and overall system costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one extension element configured to provide heat conduction from the battery cell assembly to the exterior
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for thermal management of battery cells in a battery system (2), such as a battery system for a charging station for electrical vehicles, the system (1) comprising a battery system (2) comprising a plurality of battery cell assemblies (3), each battery cell assembly (3) comprising a plurality of battery cells, and electrical circuitry (4) connecting the individual battery cell assemblies (3) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (3). At least one battery cell assembly (3) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (3) is provided with an extension element (7) configured to provide heat conduction from the battery cell assembly (3) to the exterior (12), and the at least one extension element (7) is arranged between a terminal (6) of the battery cell assembly (3) and the electrical circuitry (4) connected to the terminal (6) of the battery cell assembly (3).