Insulating Interface Part for Battery Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal-ion accumulator battery packs face challenges in achieving uniform thermal management and electrical control, leading to inefficiencies in performance, safety, and lifespan due to high operating temperatures and temperature disparities among accumulators.
Innovation Solution
A modular approach with a double-walled envelope housing accumulators in a tube configuration, utilizing a heat transfer fluid for thermal management and electrical insulation to maintain uniform temperatures and enhance safety through gas detection and control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accumulators are assembled in a battery pack with traditional mechanical connections, then electrical connection between accumulators is achieved, but thermal management uniformity deteriorates due to temperature disparities among accumulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both electrical connection and thermal management functions into a single interface component. The conductive element serves dual purposes: establishing electrical series connection between accumulators and acting as a thermal conduction path through thermal paste application, thereby simultaneously achieving reliable electrical connection and improved temperature uniformity without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (electrical connection and thermal management) into a unified interface structure. The interface component combines mechanical attachment, electrical conduction, and thermal conduction capabilities, allowing accumulators to be electrically connected while maintaining uniform thermal conditions across the battery pack.
2Power
If high voltage operation is implemented in accumulators, then power density is improved, but safety risks worsen due to increased thermal runaway potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal paste as an intermediary substance between the conductive element and accumulator surfaces. This intermediary serves as a thermal management mediator that facilitates heat dissipation from high-voltage accumulators, reducing thermal runaway risk while preserving the high power density benefits through improved thermal coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods with a system that incorporates thermal conduction materials. Instead of relying solely on mechanical contact for connection, the solution uses thermal paste to create optimal thermal contact, substituting pure mechanical attachment with a hybrid approach that prioritizes thermal management for safety.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular architecture is adopted for battery packs, then ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional interface components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces overall system complexity by designing a universal interface component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The single component provides mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and thermal management capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the modular assembly process while maintaining ease of manufacture and maintenance.
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
This solution effectively reduces operating temperatures, enhances temperature homogeneity, and improves the safety and performance of metal-ion accumulator battery packs by maintaining uniform thermal conditions and preventing thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a heat transfer fluid for thermal management
Implementation Method 2
maintain uniform temperatures
Implementation Method 3
an interface part made of electrically insulating material arranged between two accumulators
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8A
Figure 9~12
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical interface and electrical insulation part, intended to provide the mechanical interface and insulation between two accumulators comprising a casing, the part being made of electrically insulating material and consisting of a collar comprising: - a flat base (55) adapted to come to be applied against the cover (9) of one of the two accumulators, the flat base being pierced with a through opening (56) whose diameter is adapted to that of a part (50) of the output terminal of the accumulator which is housed therein; - an annular wall surrounding the flat base and shaped to delimit on the one hand an annular groove (59) of complementary shape with that of the top of a casing (6) of one of the accumulators, so as to be able to fit into it and on the other hand a bearing surface with the bottom (8) of the casing (6) of the other of the accumulators.