Opposing Diagonal Flow Battery Cooling Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery pack temperature control systems for electric vehicles are inefficient in managing temperature across multiple cells, leading to suboptimal performance and state of health due to inadequate heat transfer and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring two heat exchanger plates per row of cells, with opposing diagonal coolant flow directions and physical formations on the plates to guide coolant flow, along with independent temperature control circuits and pumps, ensures efficient temperature management across the battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single heat exchanger plate is used per row of cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control efficiency and cooling performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger system is segmented into two separate heat exchanger plates (first and second plates) positioned on opposite sides of each cell row. Each plate independently manages heat transfer from one side of the cells, enabling more effective temperature control across the entire cell row by addressing heat dissipation from both sides simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heat exchanger plate is configured with specific flow directions tailored to its position relative to the cells. The first plate directs coolant flow in one direction while the second plate directs coolant flow in the opposite direction, optimizing local heat transfer efficiency at each side of the cell row.
2Temperature
If coolant flows in the same direction in both heat exchanger plates, then the system complexity is reduced, but the temperature uniformity across cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The two heat exchanger plates are configured asymmetrically with respect to coolant flow direction. While the plates are structurally similar, they are oriented to direct coolant flow in opposite directions relative to the cell arrangement, creating an asymmetric flow pattern that optimizes temperature uniformity across the cell row.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant flow direction in the second heat exchanger plate is inverted relative to the first plate. If the first plate directs coolant from left to right, the second plate directs coolant from right to left, creating opposing flow patterns that work together to eliminate temperature gradients across the cell row.
3Temperature
If heat transfer fluid flows in opposing diagonal directions in the two heat exchanger plates, then the temperature control efficiency improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex diagonal flow path is segmented into manageable sections within each heat exchanger plate. Each plate contains internal channels configured for diagonal flow, and the two plates are positioned and oriented to create the opposing diagonal flow pattern, breaking down the complex flow requirement into implementable components.
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 maintains the average temperature of cells within an optimal range, reduces temperature differential, and enhances cooling efficiency, thereby improving the performance and longevity of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
two heat exchanger plates for each of said rows of one or more cells... allow heat transfer fluid to flow internally thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the temperature of a rechargeable electric battery pack for a vehicle includes a plurality of rechargeable electrochemical storage cells disposed in rows of one or more cells each. The system includes two heat exchanger plates for each of the rows of one or more cells. Each heat exchanger plate is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow internally thereof and a first of two heat exchanger plates for one of the rows is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow in a first general direction. A second of the two heat exchanger plates for the row is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow in a second general direction. The first and second general directions are substantially different to one another.