Electrochemical Cell Duct Cooling for Uniform Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical energy storage devices face challenges in achieving uniform temperature control, leading to potential damage and uncontrolled reactions, particularly in sodium-sulfur batteries, due to inefficient heat transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a first duct running parallel to the top or bottom, featuring heat transfer members such as plates, rods, or pipes arranged between electrochemical cells to minimize distance and enhance heat transfer, using a heat transfer medium like air, and optionally a second duct for additional cooling, with fans for air circulation to maintain uniform temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer medium flows perpendicular to the orientation of the electrochemical cells, then heat transfer occurs, but temperature increases along the flow path leading to poorer cooling and accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple temperature zones with separate temperature control circuits for different regions (first temperature control circuit for first region, second temperature control circuit for second region). This segmentation allows independent temperature management of different cell groups, preventing temperature accumulation along a single flow path and ensuring uniform cooling across all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control members (heat transfer members) are introduced as intermediaries between the electrochemical cells and the temperature control circuits. These members facilitate efficient heat transfer from the cells to the cooling medium while distributing cooling uniformly across multiple zones, preventing localized overheating and temperature gradients.
2Temperature
If electrochemical cells are arranged in suspended fashion, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases and packing density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control members are integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the cooling function with the structural support function. The housing serves dual purposes as both structural enclosure and temperature control system, eliminating the need for separate suspended support structures while achieving uniform temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both structural support and temperature control system. The integrated temperature control members embedded in the housing perform both structural and thermal management functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
3Temperature
If multiple temperature control circuits are implemented, then uniform temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each responsible for a specific region or group of cells. This segmentation allows precise temperature control of individual zones while maintaining overall system manageability, achieving uniform temperature distribution without requiring a single complex centralized control system.
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 configuration allows for effective and uniform temperature control across the electrochemical energy storage device, reducing the risk of damage and improving the longevity of the cells by optimizing heat transfer and dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heat transfer members which are arranged in spaces between the electrochemical cells, wherein at least one of the heat transfer members protrudes into the first duct
Implementation Method 2
Throughflow of a heat transfer medium, in particular if the heat transfer medium flows perpendicular to the orientation of the electrochemical cells
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrochemical energy storage device including a plurality of electrochemical cells in a containing space in a housing. The electrochemical energy storage device includes a first duct that runs parallel to the top or the bottom of the housing and one or more heat transfer members that are arranged in spaces between the electrochemical cells, where at least one of the heat transfer members protrudes into the first duct.