Integrated Battery Tray Venting for BEC Cooling and Cable Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery systems in vehicles face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple cables, which increase resistance and hinder performance, and also struggle with thermal management in limited space under the hood for both batteries and battery electrical controllers (BECs).
Innovation Solution
An integrated battery system with a battery tray that directly connects the battery to the BEC, utilizing a vent system with an inlet and outlet to provide airflow for thermal management, eliminating the need for separate cables and allowing for efficient cooling of both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used to connect the battery to the BEC and distribute power to components, then the system can provide power distribution and control functions, but the increased cable resistance deteriorates system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery and BEC into a single integrated assembly where the BEC is mounted directly on the battery housing. This eliminates the need for separate cables to connect the battery to the BEC, removing the resistance associated with these cables while maintaining power distribution functionality through integrated electrical contacts.
2Temperature
If separate cooling systems are provided for the battery and BEC, then each component can be thermally regulated, but the limited space under the hood makes efficient thermal management difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling systems for the battery and BEC into a single integrated thermal management system. A common heat sink with integrated cooling channels is provided, through which coolant flows to simultaneously cool both the battery and BEC. This eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, reducing complexity while maintaining effective thermal regulation for both components.
3Ease of repair
If the BEC is mounted separately from the battery with separate mounting hardware and connections, then the components can be independently serviced, but the overall system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated assembly into modular components - the battery housing with mounted BEC can be treated as a unit, while the battery itself remains a separate replaceable component. The latch system allows the battery to be quickly released and replaced without affecting the BEC, maintaining serviceability while reducing overall system complexity through integration.
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 reduces operating temperatures and simplifies maintenance by integrating thermal management for both the battery and BEC, eliminating the need for multiple cables and facilitating easier replacement of components without professional assistance.
Implementation Method 1
A vent includes an inlet and an outlet exposed to the battery receiving zone... introducing an airflow into a duct connected to the battery tray, and passing the airflow over the battery and the BEC
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system for a vehicle includes a battery tray having a base wall, a plurality of side walls, and a cover that collectively define a receiving zone. A vent includes an inlet and an outlet exposed to the battery receiving zone. A battery is supported by the base wall. A battery electronic controller (BEC) is arranged in the receiving zone and directly connected to the battery.