Energy Storage Module Cooling System for Uniform Cell Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage modules face reduced service life due to uneven cooling, which causes significant temperature differences between storage cells, leading to increased thermal stress and premature degradation.

Innovation Solution

The energy storage module incorporates a cooling system that dissipates heat from both storage cells and connection conductors, using a rigid busbar with a flat cooling surface and an electrically insulating, thermally conductive intermediate layer, or flexible power cables wound around a heat sink, to maintain uniform temperature across all cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only storage cells are cooled without cooling connection conductors, then the cooling system is simpler, but temperature differences between storage cells increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system complexityVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductors serve as thermal intermediaries between the storage cells and the cooling device. By cooling the connection conductors, thermal energy is extracted from the storage cells through these intermediary elements, achieving uniform temperature distribution without directly cooling each cell

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection conductors perform dual functions: electrical connection between storage cells and thermal conduction to the cooling device. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both electrical and thermal management purposes, simplifying the overall cooling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If connection conductors are cooled to achieve uniform temperature, then service life of storage cells is extended, but the cooling system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection conductors are designed to serve both electrical connection and thermal conduction functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality extends service life through uniform cooling without requiring separate cooling components for each storage cell

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system merges the electrical connection function and thermal management function into a single integrated approach. The connection conductors are thermally coupled to the cooling device, combining electrical and thermal pathways into one system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach ensures more uniform temperature control, thereby extending the service life of the energy storage module by effectively managing thermal energy dissipation and reducing temperature variations.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically insulating and thermally conductive intermediate layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an electrically insulating and thermally conductive intermediate layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a cooling body of the cooling device... the heat sink can, for example, extend over a housing wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Heat Sink

Implementation Method 4

thermal energy produced in it can be dissipated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2735042B1Energy storage module
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2735042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2735042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2735042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an energy storage module (1), comprising a plurality of storage cells (2', 2) for electrical energy which are electrically connected in series, a module housing (5) which surrounds the storage cells (2', 2), a module port (6) arranged on the module housing (5) for the purpose of making external electrical contact with the storage cells (2', 2), a supply lead that electrically connects the module port (6) to a first of the series-connected storage cells (2', 2), and a cooling device which is thermally coupled to the storage cells (2' 2) for the purpose of absorbing and dissipating heat energy. According to the invention, the supply lead is designed and arranged such that heat energy generated in it can be dissipated. This evens out the cooling of the storage cells and hence extends the life of the storage cells and hence that of the entire energy storage module.