Dielectric-Fluid Battery Pack Vent Block for Pressure Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in efficiently packing cylindrical cells due to their curved shape, requiring complex cell support structures that reduce packing efficiency and complicate cell cooling, especially when using liquid coolants.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a sealed housing flooded with a dielectric fluid, incorporating a vent block with bores for pressure management and a thermal management system that uses both passive and active cooling methods, along with bus bar assemblies for efficient electrical connections and insulation to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If complex cell support structures are used to retain cylindrical cells, then cell stability is improved, but device complexity increases and packing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the cooling system by integrating coolant flow channels directly into the structure that holds the cylindrical cells. This combination eliminates the need for separate complex support components while providing both mechanical retention and thermal management functions through a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and retention for the cylindrical cells while also serving as a cooling conduit for liquid coolant flow. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex cell support structures are used to retain cylindrical cells, then cell stability is improved, but volume occupied by support structures increases reducing packing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and cooling system are merged into a single integrated component that provides both mechanical retention and thermal management. This integration eliminates the volume required for separate support structures while maintaining cell stability through the combined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates liquid coolant flow channels, utilizing hydraulic principles to provide cooling functionality within the support structure itself. This approach allows the structure to perform dual functions without requiring additional volume for separate cooling components.
3Temperature
If cell support structures are designed for cooling, then cell cooling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the support structure by integrating coolant flow channels directly into the components that hold the cylindrical cells. This integration simplifies the overall cooling system design while maintaining effective cell cooling through the combined structure.
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 design enhances packing efficiency, simplifies manufacturing, and provides effective cell cooling while preventing short circuits, thereby improving cell function and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The battery pack housing is flooded with a dielectric fluid
Implementation Method 2
provides effective cell cooling
Implementation Method 3
a first vent that is normally closed and opens at a predetermined fluid pressure
Implementation Method 4
a second vent that is fluid impermeable and air permeable
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a battery pack housing that is sealed and flooded with a dielectric fluid. In addition, the battery pack includes a battery module that is disposed in the battery pack housing, and a vent block that is disposed on the lid and communicates with an interior space of the battery pack housing. The vent block is configured to permit the battery pack to accommodate volume changes of the dielectric fluid within the battery pack housing.