Energy Store Cooling Flow Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy stores face challenges in achieving high power density and efficient heat dissipation, particularly in maintaining uniform cooling across the energy storage cell.
Innovation Solution
The energy store incorporates a central, continuous flow channel acting as a cooling channel, which can be aligned with the direction of movement for active cooling, and is designed with a tubular part that forms a tight seal to prevent coolant penetration, allowing for improved passive and active cooling through convective air flow or actively driven coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling channel is added to the energy store, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel is integrated directly into the housing of the energy store, merging the cooling function with the structural housing. This eliminates the need for separate cooling components and reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves dual purposes: it provides structural containment for the energy storage cell and simultaneously acts as a cooling channel for heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Temperature
If the flow channel is aligned horizontally, then passive cooling is improved, but active cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to adapt its orientation based on operational mode. The flow channel can be aligned horizontally for passive convective cooling during stationary operation, and reoriented or utilized vertically for active cooling during movement, providing dynamic adaptability to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow direction parameter of the coolant based on operational requirements. During passive cooling, horizontal flow maximizes natural convection, while during active cooling, the flow can be directed vertically or through pumped circulation, allowing optimization for each mode.
3Reliability
If the tubular part is designed as one piece, then tightness and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular cooling channel is designed to accommodate flexible hoses or tubes that can be inserted and sealed within the rigid housing structure. This allows the use of flexible sealing methods and simplified assembly processes while maintaining tightness, avoiding the need for complex one-piece molded structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cooling tube is nested within the rigid housing structure, with the tube inserted through the housing and sealed at the ends. This nested configuration allows separate manufacturing of the housing and tube components, simplifying production while ensuring tight seals through the nesting arrangement.
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 configuration enhances heat dissipation by increasing the surface area and ensuring uniform cooling, suitable for various types of energy storage devices, including batteries and capacitors, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the convectively driven flow, for example air flow, flows through the channel and also flows along the outer walls. Improved heat dissipation can thus be achieved.
Implementation Method 2
Actively driven coolant flows can also be used instead of the convectively driven flow.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Energy storage means, wherein at least one recess, in particular a continuous recess, is arranged in the energy storage means, said recess functioning as a throughflow channel for cooling the energy storage means.