Immersion-Cooled Battery Module with Insulating Flow Blocks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cell cooling technologies face poor cooling performance and difficulty in preventing thermal runaway, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced energy density due to the need for space-consuming cooling systems and pipes.

Innovation Solution

An immersion-cooled battery module design that directly contacts battery cells with a cooling liquid, using an insulating block to support sub-battery modules and facilitate cooling liquid flow, while incorporating a sealing structure to prevent leakage and a waterproof connector for electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat sink contacts only the lower edge portion of battery cells, then the cooling system structure is simple, but the cooling performance is poor and thermal runaway cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal runaway preventionVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses liquid cooling medium flowing through channels formed by the cooling plate to directly cool battery cells. The cooling plate with integrated flow channels replaces complex external piping, achieving both effective cooling and structural simplicity through hydraulic principles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If insulating oil pipes are installed for each battery cell stack, then cooling can be achieved, but a lot of space is required and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidbattery module volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cooling functions into a single integrated cooling plate that serves multiple battery cell stacks simultaneously. The cooling plate with interconnected channels consolidates what would otherwise require separate piping systems, reducing overall volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling plate serves multiple functions: it provides cooling channels for multiple battery stacks, acts as a structural support element, and facilitates uniform heat distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling components for each stack

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If insulating oil pipes are installed for each battery cell stack, then cooling can be achieved, but energy density is reduced due to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidbattery module weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cooling functions into a single integrated cooling plate that serves multiple battery cell stacks simultaneously. The cooling plate with interconnected channels consolidates what would otherwise require separate piping systems, reducing overall volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling plate serves multiple functions: it provides cooling channels for multiple battery stacks, acts as a structural support element, and facilitates uniform heat distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling components for each stack

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances cooling performance, prevents thermal runaway, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves energy density by minimizing space and weight, while ensuring electrical safety and simplifying wiring.

Implementation Method 1

the battery cells should be properly maintained... cooling liquid... direct contact with a cooling liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260066391A1Immersion-Cooled Battery Module, and Battery Pack and Vehicle Including the Same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An immersion-cooled battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery assembly; a module case having an opening at least at one end and accommodating the battery assembly in an internal space connected to the opening; and a sealing cover that airtightly covers the opening, wherein the battery assembly includes a plurality of sub-battery modules each having a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and disposed side by side in one direction; and an insulating block made of an insulating material and disposed between the first sub-battery module and the second sub-battery module adjacent to each other among the plurality of sub-battery modules.