Embedded Battery Heater Layout for Compact Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for lithium batteries, such as those used in electric tools and electric two-wheeled vehicles, require significant space and weight, making them unsuitable for applications with limited space and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management device comprising a thermal conductor in contact with batteries and a heater with a heat generating portion embedded in the conductor, which is designed to fit within the gaps between batteries, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and reducing overall space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serpentine water-cooling plates are used for thermal management, then thermal management effect is improved, but device weight and occupied space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal management function with the battery module structure itself by filling gaps between batteries with thermal management material, merging the thermal management system with the battery assembly to eliminate separate cooling plates and reduce overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management material is nested within the gaps between adjacent batteries, utilizing the existing space within the battery module rather than adding external components, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining thermal management effectiveness
2Reliability
If serpentine water-cooling plates are used for thermal management, then thermal management effect is improved, but occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management function is merged into the battery module structure by utilizing the gaps between batteries, eliminating the need for separate water-cooling plates and reducing the overall volume occupied by the thermal management system
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management material is nested within the inter-battery gaps, using existing void space within the battery module to house the thermal management function without increasing external dimensions
3Volume of stationary object
If gaps between batteries are filled with thermal management material, then space utilization is improved, but heat transfer efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change material with specific thermal conductivity properties to fill the gaps between batteries, utilizing porous or granular material that can pack into irregular spaces while maintaining effective thermal contact and heat transfer pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects phase change material with specific thermal conductivity parameters optimized for battery thermal management, changing the thermal properties of the gap-filling material to ensure adequate heat transfer efficiency while maximizing space utilization
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 solution effectively utilizes the space between batteries, improving thermal management efficiency and reducing the overall size of the battery module while maintaining temperature uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (1) including a heat generating portion (11) embedded in the thermal conductor (2)
Implementation Method 2
a thermal conductor (2) configured to be in contact with a battery (3), a heater (1) including a heat generating portion (11) embedded in the thermal conductor (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a thermal management device, a battery module, and an electric equipment. The thermal management device includes a thermal conductor configured to be in contact with a battery; and a heater including a heat generating portion embedded in the thermal conductor.