Immersion Battery Module Cooling Channels for Uniform Cell Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction batteries for battery-powered vehicles face challenges in achieving uniform temperature control and flexibility in design to accommodate varying performance requirements, as they are typically configured and manufactured separately for specific applications, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery module design featuring a fluid distributor plate and housing base with plug-in connections for temperature control fluid channels, allowing for easy assembly and customization, ensuring uniform temperature control and preventing hotspots, while enabling flexible configuration and high performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traction batteries are configured and manufactured separately for specific applications, then they can achieve optimized performance for that specific application, but they lack flexibility and adaptability to accommodate varying performance requirements across different vehicle series
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular battery modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. Each module contains standardized components (battery cells, fluid distributor plate, housing base, cooling channels) that can be combined in various numbers and arrangements to meet different performance requirements while maintaining optimized design principles across all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that allow the same module design to serve multiple vehicle applications. The fluid distributor plate with integrated cooling channels and the housing base with raised edges create a universal platform that can be adapted to different vehicle series through modular assembly rather than requiring application-specific manufacturing.
2Temperature
If complex temperature control systems are implemented to achieve uniform temperature control and avoid hotspots, then temperature distribution improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control functionality is merged directly into the structural components of the battery module. The fluid distributor plate integrates cooling channels and distribution features, while the housing base incorporates raised edges that form part of the cooling fluid pathway. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex temperature control systems while achieving uniform temperature distribution through the immiscible fluid system.
Solution Approach 2:
An immiscible cooling fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that naturally separates into distinct phases, with one phase contacting the battery cells for cooling and the other phase forming an insulating barrier. This intermediary fluid system achieves uniform temperature control and prevents hotspots through its physical properties rather than through complex active control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with plug-in connections is used for easy assembly and flexibility, then adaptability to different vehicle requirements improves, but manufacturing precision and assembly reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in connections are designed with localized precision features at specific interface points rather than requiring high precision across the entire assembly. The fluid distributor plate and housing base have precisely formed mating features (channels, raised edges, sealing surfaces) at the connection interfaces, while other areas of the components can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This localized precision approach enables reliable modular assembly without compromising overall manufacturing feasibility.
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 modular design achieves optimal cooling and heating of battery cells, prevents hotspots, and allows for flexible assembly of traction batteries, enhancing performance and adaptability to different vehicle requirements.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred using a thermally conductive dielectric temperature control fluid, which is preferably a liquid
Implementation Method 2
a temperature control path is formed in the battery housing, which guides the dielectric temperature control fluid through the housing interior
Implementation Method 3
The use of immiscible cooling fluids, in particular phase-separated cooling fluids, is also conceivable
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module for an immersion-tempered traction battery for a battery-powered vehicle may include a fluid distributor plate and a housing base, which may together delimit a housing interior in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged. The fluid distributor plate and the housing base may each include at least one temperature control fluid inlet channel section and at least one temperature control fluid outlet channel section. A first opening may be disposed in at least one of the temperature control fluid inlet channel sections. A temperature control fluid may be suppliable to the housing interior via the first opening. A second opening may be disposed in at least one of the temperature control fluid outlet channel sections. The temperature control fluid and/or gas may be dischargeable from the housing interior via the second opening.