Battery Thermal Management via Nested Partition Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion battery cells in energy storage devices face heat dissipation challenges, leading to temperature rise, potential fire, and reduced vehicle range due to inefficient cooling methods, which are either bulky or ineffective in preventing thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A thermal barrier assembly with serpentine partition structures and thermal shields is used to enhance heat transfer and prevent fire propagation, comprising thermal pads and heat dissipating structures that channel heat away from cells, while maintaining compactness and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used for lithium ion battery cells, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the cooling system becomes bulky and ineffective in preventing thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier assembly is nested within the battery module structure, with partition structures positioned between cells and thermal shields integrated into the module architecture. This nested arrangement provides effective thermal management without requiring external bulky cooling systems, as the cooling functionality is embedded within the existing battery structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barrier materials and partition structures serve as intermediary elements between the battery cells and the external environment. These intermediaries conduct heat away from the cells through controlled thermal pathways, preventing thermal runaway without requiring complex active cooling systems. The thermal barriers act as passive mediators that manage heat transfer.
2Reliability
If thermal barrier assembly with partition structures is used, then heat transfer is enhanced and fire propagation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier assembly divides the battery module into segmented zones using partition structures positioned between individual cells or cell groups. Each partition creates an isolated thermal zone that prevents fire propagation to adjacent cells. This segmentation approach enhances safety by compartmentalizing potential failure zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barrier properties are applied locally at critical interfaces between battery cells rather than throughout the entire module. The partition structures and thermal shields are strategically positioned only where heat transfer and fire propagation risks exist, providing targeted protection without unnecessarily complicating the entire device structure.
3Temperature
If heat dissipating structures are added to the thermal barrier assembly, then cell temperatures are reduced, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Heat dissipating structures are merged with the thermal barrier partition structures into a single integrated assembly. The partitions serve dual functions as both thermal barriers and heat dissipation pathways, eliminating the need for separate cooling components. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier partition structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing physical separation between cells, acting as thermal barriers to prevent fire propagation, and serving as heat dissipation pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving effective thermal management.
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 thermal barrier assembly effectively reduces cell temperatures, prevents fire spread, and maintains battery performance, enabling safer and more efficient operation of energy storage devices in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one partition structure in thermal contact along a length of at least one row comprising at least one cell for extracting heat from at least one cell
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat dissipating structure positioned proximal to at least one end of the partition structure and thermally coupled to the partition structure for dissipating the extracted heat away from the plurality of cells
Implementation Method 3
at least one heat dissipating structure positioned proximal to at least one end of the partition structure and thermally coupled to the partition structure for dissipating the extracted heat away from the plurality of cells in the plurality of rows
Implementation Method 4
The thermal barrier assembly encapsulating the plurality of cells in the plurality of rows for thermal management of the plurality of cells
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of cells positioned in a plurality of rows enclosed within a casing, each of the plurality of cells includes at least a first plurality of cells and a second plurality of cells; and a thermal barrier assembly encapsulating the plurality of cells in the plurality of for thermal management of the plurality of cells. The thermal barrier assembly includes: at least one partition structure in thermal contact along a length of at least one row of the plurality of rows for extracting heat from the first plurality of cells, and at least one heat dissipating structure positioned proximal to at least one end of the at least one partition structure and thermally coupled to the at least one partition structure for dissipating the extracted heat away from the plurality of cells in the plurality of rows.