Cooling Plate Mixing Structure for Uniform Battery Cell Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal regulation devices for cooling electrical components, such as battery cells in vehicles, face challenges in achieving homogeneous temperature distribution and efficient heat exchange due to the use of hard and soft dimples that either compromise mechanical strength or fail to generate sufficient turbulence, leading to pressure losses and inadequate thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device with a fluid circulation network that includes a mixing member with openings to separate and mix fluid streams at specific angles, allowing for chaotic mixing at low speeds without excessive pressure loss, thereby homogenizing fluid temperature across the flow cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard dimples (bosses) are used to provide mechanical connection, then mechanical strength is improved, but pressure losses increase and thermal performance is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing member is divided into multiple segments or elements (such as ribs, fins, or protrusions) that are distributed across the plate surface. This segmentation allows the structure to provide mechanical strength through distributed support points rather than single large bosses, reducing flow obstruction and pressure losses while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing member incorporates localized features (such as raised ribs, fins, or protrusions) at specific positions within the circulation channels. These local structures create turbulence and enhance heat transfer in critical areas without blocking the entire flow path, thus improving thermal performance without excessive pressure loss.
2Temperature
If soft dimples (recessed bosses) are used to create turbulence, then thermal performance is improved, but mechanical strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing member combines both mechanical support functions and thermal mixing functions into a single integrated component. The structure serves dual purposes: providing structural reinforcement to maintain plate assembly integrity while simultaneously creating turbulence through its geometric features (ribs, fins, protrusions) to enhance heat transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing member is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple roles: (1) structural support to maintain channel geometry, (2) flow disturbance to create turbulence, (3) heat transfer enhancement through increased surface area, and (4) potential fluid distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical and thermal components.
3Temperature
If mixing elements are added to increase turbulence, then thermal performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing member integrates multiple functions (structural support, flow distribution, turbulence generation, and heat transfer enhancement) into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical support elements and thermal mixing elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced thermal performance.
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 device achieves homogeneous temperature distribution and improved heat exchange by effectively mixing fluid layers at low speeds, reducing pressure losses and enhancing thermal performance without compromising mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the openings are arranged so as to cause the fluid circulating in the channel to be successively separated and mixed... The invention allows wall layers of fluid and inner layers of fluid to be effectively mixed... the mixing can take place at relatively low speeds of the fluid, said mixing being chaotic by virtue of the angles selected for the two flows that lead into the mixing zone
Implementation Method 2
The first plate, or upper plate, which comes into contact with the components to be cooled... a wall layer of fluid, which is on or in the vicinity of a heat exchange wall, is heated more than an inner layer
Data Source
AI summary
A device for thermal regulation, for a component that is liable to release heat during operation, includes a circulation network for a heat-transfer fluid, the circulation network includes a fluid flow channel, and a mixing member. The mixing chamber includes openings that are arranged so as to cause the fluid circulating in the channel to be successively separated and mixed.