Immersion Battery Cooling Circuit for Thermal Vent Gas Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified vehicle traction battery pack systems face challenges in effectively managing thermal energy levels and venting battery gases across various operating conditions, leading to potential overheating and pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
An immersion cooling system with a dual-loop cooling circuit and a flow control valve that adjusts the flow path based on temperature, diverting cooling fluid through either a primary or secondary loop to manage thermal energy and provide a dedicated gas exit path for vent byproducts during thermal events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cooling circuit is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot effectively manage thermal energy and vent gases across various operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is segmented into a primary cooling circuit and a secondary cooling circuit. The primary circuit handles normal thermal management by directing coolant through both battery modules, while the secondary circuit activates during thermal events to provide dedicated gas venting through one module while maintaining cooling through the other. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring a completely different system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control valves that can redirect coolant flow between the primary and secondary circuits based on real-time temperature sensor readings. When thermal events are detected, the control system dynamically switches the cooling configuration, enabling the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple functions across varying operational states.
2Reliability
If cooling fluid flows through both battery modules, then thermal management is comprehensive, but gas venting capability is reduced during thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is segmented into a primary cooling circuit and a secondary cooling circuit. The primary circuit handles normal thermal management by directing coolant through both battery modules, while the secondary circuit activates during thermal events to provide dedicated gas venting through one module while maintaining cooling through the other. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring a completely different system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control valves that can redirect coolant flow between the primary and secondary circuits based on real-time temperature sensor readings. When thermal events are detected, the control system dynamically switches the cooling configuration, enabling the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple functions across varying operational states.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a dedicated gas exit flow path is provided, then vent gas expulsion is effective, but thermal management coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic flow control valves that can redirect coolant flow between the primary and secondary circuits based on real-time temperature sensor readings. When thermal events are detected, the control system dynamically switches the cooling configuration, enabling the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple functions across varying operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling circuit by switching between two distinct flow configurations. In normal operation, coolant flows through both modules for comprehensive thermal management. During thermal events, the system reconfigures to direct coolant through only one module while establishing a dedicated gas vent path, thereby adapting the thermal management coverage to match the immediate operational requirements.
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 thermal management and vent gas expulsion, preventing excessive pressure and maintaining thermal performance during battery thermal events by dynamically controlling the cooling fluid flow, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
an immersion cooling system for providing enhanced battery cell thermal management
Implementation Method 2
circulating a cooling fluid along a first flow path provided by a primary closed loop cooling circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Immersion cooling systems are provided for managing thermal energy levels within a traction battery pack system. An exemplary immersion cooling system may include a flow control valve that is configured to control a flow of a cooling fluid (e.g., a dielectric fluid) through either a primary closed loop cooling circuit or a secondary closed loop cooling circuit of the immersion cooling system for thermally managing a battery module of a battery pack assembly. A control module may control a position of the flow control valve based at least on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the battery pack assembly. When the flow control valve directs the cooling fluid through the secondary closed loop cooling circuit, a portion of the primary closed loop cooling circuit is reserved for providing a dedicated gas exit flow path for expelling battery vent byproducts from the battery pack assembly.