EV Battery Case with Integrated Coolant Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle battery cases require separate cooling structures, increasing component count and space requirements, while also compromising cooling efficiency and sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated battery case design with a tray having a coolant flow path in its bottom portion, where the coolant flow path is formed within the case itself, eliminating the need for a separate cooler and enhancing space efficiency and sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling structure is configured below the battery case, then cooling performance is improved, but the number of components increases and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling structure is merged with the battery case by integrating the coolant flow path directly into the bottom portion of the tray. The closing plate is joined to the tray to form the coolant flow path, eliminating the need for a separate cooler component while maintaining effective cooling of the battery.
2Temperature
If a separate cooling structure is configured below the battery case, then cooling performance is improved, but the space required for the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is combined with the battery case structure itself. The coolant flow path is formed within the tray's bottom portion, utilizing the existing space rather than adding external cooling components, thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining cooling performance.
3Temperature
If the coolant flow path area decreases from the inlet toward the outlet, then flow uniformity is improved, but flow rate reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant flow path area is varied along the flow direction to optimize cooling uniformity. The flow path area decreases from the inlet toward the outlet, creating higher flow velocity in regions requiring more cooling, while compensating for flow rate reduction through the branching structure that distributes coolant to multiple batteries.
4Temperature
If the branch path joins the outflow path, then cooling coverage is improved, but flow rate change increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow path area is increased where branch paths join to compensate for the accumulated flow from multiple batteries. This local expansion maintains appropriate flow velocity and prevents excessive pressure drop, enabling the coolant to effectively cool multiple batteries through the branching structure.
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 design improves space efficiency and cooling performance by integrating the coolant flow path within the battery case, ensuring efficient cooling and high sealing performance without the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow path formed in the bottom portion of the placement portion of the tray, wherein the coolant flow path includes an inlet, an outlet, an inflow path extending from the inlet, an outflow path extending to the outlet, and a branch path branching from the inflow path and joining at the outflow path
Implementation Method 2
a coolant flow path formed in the bottom portion of the placement portion of the tray, wherein the coolant flow path includes an inlet, an outlet, an inflow path extending from the inlet, an outflow path extending to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle battery case 100 includes: a tray including a placement portion on which a battery is placed and having a groove formed in a bottom portion of the placement portion; a closing plate joined to the tray to close the groove and define a coolant flow path; and a top cover configured to seal the placement portion of the tray.