Equal-Length Flow Paths for Uniform Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling systems for electric vehicles face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution across battery modules due to temperature spread and require complex refrigerant distribution setups, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A thermal regulation device with multiple circulating channels forming equal-length flow paths for a heat exchange fluid, arranged symmetrically and interconnected through connector blocks, to ensure balanced heat exchange and minimize pressure losses, suitable for both even and odd numbers of battery modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If direct refrigerant cooling system is applied to battery modules, then cooling efficiency is improved, but temperature spread inside battery modules increases making uniform cooling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into multiple independent flow paths (first flow path, second flow path, etc.), each serving specific battery modules. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for different battery groups, enabling uniform cooling across all modules while maintaining high cooling efficiency through direct refrigerant contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow paths are configured with different numbers of circulating channels according to local cooling requirements. For example, the first flow path may have two circulating channels while the second flow path has one, allowing each battery module to receive appropriate cooling intensity based on its specific thermal conditions.
2Temperature
If refrigerant distribution system is tuned to achieve satisfactory temperature balance, then temperature uniformity is improved, but system complexity and testing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are designed with asymmetric configurations adapted to the battery pack layout. The first flow path serves an odd number of battery modules (e.g., 3 modules with 2 circulating channels), while the second flow path serves an even number (e.g., 2 modules with 1 circulating channel). This asymmetric design simplifies the refrigerant distribution system by eliminating the need for complex throttles or repartitions.
3Temperature
If throttles or repartitions are implemented to control refrigerant flow, then temperature balance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device uses a self-balancing refrigerant distribution system where the symmetric and asymmetric flow path configurations automatically regulate refrigerant flow based on thermal demands. The equal-length flow paths and symmetric channel arrangements enable the system to self-regulate temperature balance without requiring additional control components like throttles or repartitions, simplifying manufacturing.
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 balances temperature across battery modules, reducing overheating and cold spots, and simplifies refrigerant distribution, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and adaptability to various vehicle architectures.
Implementation Method 1
a device for thermal regulation, in particular for cooling, for an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation... an inlet and an outlet for a heat exchange fluid, a plurality of circulating channels for the heat exchange fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (100) for thermal regulation, in particular for cooling, for an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation, in particular for an electrical energy storage module, the device (100) comprising an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for a heat exchange fluid, a plurality of circulating channels (5, 6, 15, 16) for the heat exchange fluid, each being connected to the common inlet (2, 12) and outlet (3, 13); wherein the circulating channels (5, 6, 15, 16) form at least two separated flow paths, characterized in that the flow paths have equal lengths for the heat exchange fluid between the inlet (2, 12) and the outlet (3, 13). The device endures symmetric fluid distribution.