Flat Prismatic Cell Cooling via Side Surface Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage devices for motor vehicles face inefficiencies in heat dissipation, leading to heat buildup and reduced service life due to direction-dependent heat conduction in lithium-ion cells, particularly in prismatic cells with film packaging, where sealing seams can be a thermodynamic critical point for hotspot formation.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device is thermally coupled to the first side surface of flat prismatic cells using a thermally conductive connecting layer, such as polyurethane foam, to enhance heat dissipation from the cell bottom, avoiding mechanical stress on sealing seams and incorporating a cooling plate and heat sink for improved thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling plate is placed on the base of prismatic cells to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but heat build-up occurs on the cell bottom due to direction-dependent heat conduction and sealing seams act as thermodynamic critical points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from single-point cooling at the cell base to multi-dimensional cooling by attaching cooling elements to the side surfaces of the cells. This spatial redistribution of cooling contact points eliminates heat accumulation at the bottom by providing alternative heat dissipation pathways through the cell sides, where sealing seams do not interfere with thermal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a thermally conductive adhesive layer as an intermediary between the cooling element and the cell side surface. This mediator ensures efficient thermal contact while accommodating surface irregularities and sealing seams, enabling uniform heat dissipation without creating hotspots at the cooling interface.
2Reliability
If cooling elements are attached to cells using adhesive connections, then stable thermal and mechanical connection is achieved, but sealing seams may be subjected to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies cooling elements specifically to the side surfaces of cells rather than the base, where sealing seams are located. This localized cooling approach provides stable thermal contact while avoiding direct mechanical stress on the sealing seams, as the cooling elements are positioned away from these critical structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally conductive adhesive layer serves as a compliant intermediary that provides stable thermal contact between the cooling element and cell surface while accommodating sealing seams without exerting excessive mechanical stress. The adhesive's viscoelastic properties allow it to conform to surface variations while maintaining reliable thermal and mechanical bonding.
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 optimizes heat conduction, prevents hotspot formation, and extends the service life of energy storage devices by efficiently dissipating heat from lithium-ion cells, particularly in motor vehicles, while minimizing mechanical stress on sealing seams.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling device is thermally coupled to the first side surface of flat prismatic cells using a thermally conductive connecting layer, such as polyurethane foam, to enhance heat dissipation from the cell bottom
Implementation Method 2
This configuration optimizes heat conduction, prevents hotspot formation, and extends the service life of energy storage devices by efficiently dissipating heat from lithium-ion cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy store (ESP1) for storing electrical energy, particularly for a motor vehicle, having the following characteristics. The energy store has at least one flat cell (Z1, Z2) having a flat cell body (ZK), which is bounded by two base surfaces (G11, G12, G21, G22), which extend parallel to a cell body plane, and by a first (ZB) and several second (ZD) side surfaces, which extend perpendicularly to the cell body plane (ZE) and connect the base surfaces. Furthermore, a cooling device having a cooling element (KF) is provided, wherein said cooling element is thermally coupled with the first side surface (ZB) in order to dissipate heat from the flat cell through said side surface. For improved heat removal, the cooling device also has a cooling plate (KB), which is thermally coupled with one of the base surfaces (G12, G21) of the at least one flat cell.