Integrated Heatsink Battery Module Direct Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules experience low cooling efficiency due to indirect cooling methods, which is inadequate for high-specification battery modules.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a pair of heatsinks with coolant injection and discharge portions, and a coolant channel within the battery module, allowing for direct cooling of battery cells, along with insulation pads and heat transfer plates, enhances cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional heatsink structure is used that is separately mounted to the outer side of the battery module, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates due to indirect cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsink is integrated into the battery module structure itself, merging the cooling function with the structural framework. The heatsink forms part of the enclosure that holds the battery cells, eliminating the need for separate external mounting while achieving direct cooling contact with the cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The heatsink acts as an intermediary thermal management component that is structurally embedded within the battery module. It provides a thermal pathway between the battery cells and the cooling system, facilitating efficient heat transfer while maintaining structural integrity.
2Temperature
If heatsinks are integrated within the battery module structure, then cooling efficiency is improved through direct cooling, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsink structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as part of the battery module enclosure, acts as a thermal management component for direct cooling, and serves as a mounting framework for other components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module is segmented into functional zones with the heatsink forming distinct thermal management sections. The module structure is divided to accommodate cooling channels and heatsink surfaces, allowing independent optimization of thermal paths while maintaining overall structural coherence.
3Device complexity
If indirect cooling is used with externally mounted heatsinks, then device complexity is reduced, but the cooling path becomes longer and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsink and battery cell housing are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the thermal gap that exists in separate mounting configurations. This integration shortens the cooling path by removing intermediate thermal barriers and reducing the distance heat must travel from the cells to the cooling medium.
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 configuration significantly improves cooling efficiency by allowing direct cooling of battery cells, reducing temperature variations, and simplifying the cooling path compared to conventional external heatsink structures.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of heatsinks respectively having a coolant injection portion and a coolant discharge portion protruding out of the battery module and respectively provided at the upper side and the lower side of the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
allowing for direct cooling of battery cells, along with insulation pads and heat transfer plates, enhances cooling performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a top plate configured to cover an upper side of the battery cells; a bottom plate configured to cover a lower side of the battery cells; a pair of side plates configured to cover both side surfaces of the battery cells; a bus bar unit configured to cover a front side and a rear side of the battery cells and electrically connected to the battery cells; and a pair of heatsinks respectively having a coolant injection portion and a coolant discharge portion protruding out of the battery module and respectively provided at the upper side and the lower side of the battery cells.