Flexible Battery Module Terminal Positioning and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face limitations in flexibility of structure and cooling efficiency, with restricted spatial installation and high weight due to low mechanical strength, and are challenged by heat accumulation during charge and discharge, which can lead to safety issues like fires or explosions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module configuration where multiple plate-shaped battery cells are stacked with cells connected in parallel within each unit, allowing terminals to be positioned on the same or opposite sides based on unit count, and housed in metal structures with high thermal conductivity to enhance mechanical strength and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery cells are stacked with parallel connections within units and series connections between units, then terminal positioning flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple battery cell units, where each unit contains battery cells connected in parallel. These units are then connected in series to form the complete module. This segmentation allows the terminals to be positioned flexibly on either the same side or opposite sides depending on the number of units, while maintaining a manageable modular structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The module structure is designed to be dynamically configurable based on the number of battery cell units. When an even number of units is used, terminals are positioned on opposite sides; when an odd number is used, terminals are positioned on the same side. This dynamic adaptability allows the same basic structure to serve multiple configuration needs without requiring entirely different designs.
2Temperature
If metal housings with high thermal conductivity are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Metal housings with high thermal conductivity are applied specifically to the battery cell units where heat generation occurs. This localized use of high-conductivity material focuses the heat dissipation capability where it is most needed, rather than using heavy materials throughout the entire module structure. The metal housings directly contact the battery cells to facilitate efficient heat transfer from the heat-generating components.
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 enables flexible module arrangement, reduces weight and size, improves heat dissipation, and enhances safety by preventing terminal separation and facilitating effective cooling, thus addressing spatial and thermal challenges in high-capacity battery packs.
Implementation Method 1
housed in metal structures with high thermal conductivity to enhance mechanical strength and cooling efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5(B)
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a battery module having a plurality of plate-shaped battery cells which are sequentially stacked, wherein the battery module is configured in a structure in which two or more battery cell units are connected in series to each other in a state in which the battery cell units are stacked, each of the battery cell units is configured in a structure in which two or more battery cells are connected in parallel to each other in a state in which the battery cells are in tight contact with each other, the battery cells being mounted in housings, and external input and output terminals, i.e., a module cathode terminal and a module anode terminal, of the battery module are located at the same side or opposite sides of the battery module depending upon the number of the battery cell units constituting the battery module.