Heat Exchange Module Plug Sealing for Compact Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange modules for energy storage in electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently utilizing structural space due to the need for axially compressed molded seals for non-round cooling channels, which increases the structural space requirement.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange module with receiving openings in the operating medium channels that accommodate plugs with a corresponding shape, forming a fluid-tight bond to reduce space usage and enhance sealing, allowing for efficient heat transfer and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axially compressed molded seals are used to seal non-round cooling channels, then sealing reliability is improved, but structural space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the channel structure itself. The receiving opening is formed directly in the channel wall, and the plug is inserted to fill this opening, combining the sealing element with the channel geometry. This eliminates the need for separate axially compressed molded seals that protrude into the channel, thereby reducing structural space while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach transitions from axial compression (one-dimensional) to radial insertion (two-dimensional). Instead of compressing a seal axially to achieve sealing, the invention inserts a plug radially into a receiving opening, using the wall thickness dimension for sealing. This dimensional change allows sealing without axial protrusion, reducing the space requirement in the extrusion direction.
2Quantity of substance
If non-round cross section cooling channels are used, then packing density is improved, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving opening is created locally in the channel wall at the fluid connection position, rather than requiring the entire non-round channel cross-section to be sealed by a complex seal. This localized approach simplifies sealing by addressing only the specific area where fluid connection is needed, while maintaining the advantageous non-round cross-section for heat transfer and packing density.
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 enables efficient heat transfer while minimizing structural space, reducing the need for additional sealing elements and allowing for a more compact and cost-effective heat exchange module design.
Implementation Method 1
in which a plug with a shape filling the predetermined cross section of the receiving opening is received such that the receiving opening is bonded thereto in a fluid-tight manner
Implementation Method 2
at least one operating medium channel for an operating fluid for heat transport
Implementation Method 3
a module housing for heat-transferring contact with an energy storage module
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange module for an energy storage module, having a module housing for heat-transferring contact with an energy storage module; at least one operating medium channel for an operating fluid for heat transport; and at least one fluid connection for at least one external line for the operating fluid of the operating medium channel. There is formed by the at least one operating medium channel at least one receiving opening with a predetermined cross section in a channelward extension of the operating medium channel, in which a plug with a shape filling the predetermined cross section of the receiving opening is received such that the receiving opening is bonded thereto in a fluid-tight manner. With the heat exchange module, efficient use is made of a structural space, while the heat exchange module at the same time is able to be manufactured at low cost.