Battery Module Direct Cooling With Insulating Flow Path Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules using indirect water cooling methods suffer from limited cooling performance and increased volume due to the absence of direct contact between cooling water and battery cells, leading to reduced energy density.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design where an insulating cooling liquid directly contacts battery cells and electrical connection parts, with a flow path spacer allowing direct and indirect cooling paths for efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If indirect water cooling is used, then electrical insulation is maintained, but cooling performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating cooling liquid as an intermediary substance that enables direct thermal contact between the cooling system and battery components while maintaining electrical insulation. The liquid flows through channels in direct contact with battery cells and electrical connection parts, transferring heat efficiently while its insulating properties prevent electrical conduction, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and electrical insulation.
2Temperature
If direct water cooling is used, then cooling performance improves, but electrical short circuit risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the cooling liquid from conductive (water) to insulating (specialized cooling liquid). This parameter change allows the cooling liquid to perform direct thermal contact cooling while simultaneously eliminating the electrical short circuit risk, as the insulating liquid cannot conduct electricity even when in direct contact with battery terminals and electrical components.
3Temperature
If separate heatsink is added, then cooling capability increases, but module volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling liquid flow channels directly into the battery module structure, integrating the cooling system with the battery cell arrangement. The flow path spacer creates cooling channels within the module housing space, allowing the cooling liquid to flow directly through the module and contact battery components, thereby providing effective cooling without requiring external heatsinks and reducing overall module volume.
4Productivity
If cooling liquid flows directly through module, then cooling efficiency increases, but flow path design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into modular flow path spacers that are positioned between adjacent battery cells. Each spacer creates defined flow channels that guide the cooling liquid through specific regions of the module. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall flow path design by breaking it down into repeatable units while maintaining efficient cooling coverage across the entire battery module.
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 design enables rapid and efficient cooling of battery cells while maintaining energy density by allowing insulating cooling liquid to flow smoothly and directly contact critical components.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating cooling liquid flowing into a module housing to cool a battery cell comes into direct contact with parts such as an electrode lead, a bus bar, etc. of the battery cell to realize efficient cooling
Implementation Method 2
a flow path spacer interposed between adjacent battery cells and having a cooling liquid flow path for allowing an insulating cooling liquid to flow in direct contact with the battery cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sub module including a cell stack assembly having a plurality of battery cells and a flow path spacer interposed between adjacent battery cells and having a cooling liquid flow path for allowing an insulating cooling liquid to flow in direct contact with the battery cells; a module housing configured to accommodate the sub module; a front sealing plate configured to cover an opening at one longitudinal side of the module housing and having an inlet for introducing the insulating cooling liquid; and a rear sealing plate configured to cover an opening at the other longitudinal side of the module housing and having an outlet for discharging the insulating cooling liquid.