Counterflow Battery Housing Cooling for Uniform Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductive temperature control devices for battery cells face inefficiencies due to the temperature control medium adjusting to the object's temperature, reducing heat transfer performance and requiring high temperature differences or volume flows, which increases energy consumption and integration complexity.

Innovation Solution

A counterflow temperature control device with opposing flow directions for two temperature control media, utilizing thermally conductive channels and media to enhance heat transfer efficiency while minimizing energy input and integration effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-direction temperature control channel is used, then the device structure is simple, but the heat transfer performance decreases along the flow path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control channel structureVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a counterflow design where the temperature control medium flows in opposite directions through first and second flow channels that are thermally coupled to the battery cell. This inversion of the conventional single-direction flow allows the medium to maintain a more consistent temperature difference along the entire flow path, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Loss of energy

If high temperature difference is supplied to maintain heat transfer at the end of the channel, then heat transfer performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer performanceVSAvoidenergy input for temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By reversing the flow direction of the temperature control medium through the second flow channel, the system maintains a more uniform temperature gradient along the entire flow path. This eliminates the need to supply high temperature differences specifically at the end of the channel, as the counterflow configuration naturally preserves heat transfer efficiency throughout the system, reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If high volume flow is supplied to maintain heat transfer at the end of the channel, then heat transfer performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer performanceVSAvoidtemperature control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterflow configuration with first and second flow channels operating in opposite directions creates a more uniform temperature distribution along the flow paths. This eliminates the need for high volume flow rates to compensate for temperature equalization at the channel end, as the opposing flows naturally maintain thermal gradients throughout the system, simplifying the overall temperature control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 counterflow design improves heat transfer performance, reduces energy requirements, and simplifies integration by maintaining a consistent temperature difference between the media and objects, leading to more efficient temperature control of battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one first and second flow channels (11, 21) are in thermally conductive connection with at least one surface section to be temperature-controlled of the at least one object to be temperature-controlled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a first flow direction (10) of the at least one first flow channel (11) of the at least one first temperature control section (1) is designed to extend substantially opposite to a second flow direction (20) of the at least one second temperature control section (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20240213575A1Counterflow temperature control device, battery housing for using a temperature control device

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 POLYTEC PLASTICS GERMANY

AI summary

A counterflow temperature control device for the temperature control of at least one object, comprising at least one first temperature control section including at least one first flow channel for a temperature control medium to flow through in a first flow direction from a first channel inflow to a first channel outflow along a first flow path, and at least one second temperature control section including at least one second flow channel for a second temperature control medium to flow therethrough in a second flow direction from a second channel inflow to an opposite second channel outflow along a second flow path, wherein the first flow direction is designed to extend substantially opposite to the second flow direction, and wherein the at least one first and second flow channels are in thermally conductive connection with the at least one object to be temperature-controlled.