Dual-Fluid Battery Cell Holder Circuits for Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in efficiently managing the temperature of battery cells, which can affect the performance and lifespan of the batteries.
Innovation Solution
The battery system incorporates a cell holder with fluid circuits that allow for the circulation of different fluids, including dielectric and non-dielectric fluids, to enhance thermal management. This system includes channels at the axial ends of the cells for fluid circulation, enabling efficient heat transfer and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single fluid circuit is used for thermal management, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature uniformity and thermal management efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple cell holders, each with independent fluid circuits. This segmentation allows different regions to be cooled independently, improving temperature uniformity across the battery pack while managing the complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different fluid circuit configurations in different cell holders based on local thermal requirements. Some cell holders use single fluid circuits while others use dual fluid circuits, allowing localized optimization of thermal management without requiring complete system redesign
2Productivity
If multiple fluids are circulated through the battery system, then the thermal management efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flow control valves that can dynamically switch between single-fluid and dual-fluid circulation modes based on real-time thermal conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize thermal management efficiency while avoiding unnecessary complexity during low-heat conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circulation system is designed to handle both single-fluid and dual-fluid modes through universal circuit pathways and control mechanisms. The same physical infrastructure supports multiple operating modes, reducing the complexity increase that would normally accompany multi-fluid systems
3Temperature
If dual fluid circuits are implemented in all cell holders, then the temperature uniformity is maximized, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows selective implementation of dual fluid circuits in specific cell holders rather than requiring all cell holders to have dual circuits. This segmentation enables manufacturers to focus enhanced thermal management on high-heat regions while simplifying manufacturing in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dual-fluid circuit design with the existing cell holder structure, integrating the second fluid circuit into the same physical framework as the first. This merging approach reduces the incremental manufacturing complexity compared to adding completely separate cooling systems
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 described battery system improves thermal management by allowing for the circulation of different fluids, which enhances the efficiency, lifespan, and temperature uniformity of the battery cells, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
a battery thermal management system having cooling and/or heating functions to maintain desired cell operating temperatures... Such battery thermal management systems may utilize air, oil, coolant, or another gaseous or liquid fluid to heat and/or cool the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
a cell holder fluid circuit formed around and between each of the plurality of cells... The first end fluid circuit, the cell holder fluid circuit, and the second cell holder fluid circuit may be configured to circulate a dielectric fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery system (10) is disclosed. The battery system (10) comprising: a cell holder (20); a plurality of cells (30) disposed in the cell holder (20) and oriented to be aligned with an axis (22); a cell holder fluid circuit (52) formed around and between each of the plurality of cells (30) and extending through the cell holder (20) from a cell holder fluid circuit inlet (32) to a cell holder fluid circuit outlet (34); a first end fluid circuit (156) formed by a first channel (158) at an axial end (48) of the plurality of cells (30) comprising a first end fluid circuit inlet (114) and a first end fluid circuit outlet (116); and a second end fluid circuit (18) formed by a second channel (86) at the axial end (48) of the plurality of cells (30) comprising a second end fluid circuit inlet (88) and a second end fluid circuit outlet (90). Further, a method of circulating a first fluid and a second fluid that is different from the first fluid through a battery system (10) is disclosed.