Polymer Thermal Management for Battery Pack Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face performance degradation due to temperature extremes, with low temperatures reducing discharge capacity and power, and high temperatures shortening battery life.
Innovation Solution
The use of upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymers in cooling and thermal management systems, and superabsorbent polymers in liquid leakage control systems, to enhance heating and cooling efficiency and prevent fluid leakage within lithium-ion battery packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If lithium-ion batteries operate at low temperatures (−10° C. or less), then discharge capacity and power are reduced, but if high temperatures (greater than 45° C.) are applied, then battery life is substantially degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to absorb excess heat from the battery. When the battery temperature rises above the phase change temperature, the PCM absorbs heat during its phase transition (e.g., from solid to liquid), effectively cooling the battery and maintaining it within the optimal operating range without requiring active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal properties of the battery system by incorporating polymers with specific glass transition temperatures (Tg) and phase change materials with specific melting points. These parameter changes allow the thermal management system to respond passively to temperature variations, absorbing heat when temperatures rise and releasing it when temperatures fall, thereby maintaining battery temperature within the optimal range.
2Temperature
If active cooling systems are used to manage battery temperature, then temperature control is improved, but water usage increases and cooling activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a passive thermal management system using phase change materials that automatically absorb and release heat based on temperature conditions without requiring external control or water circulation. The PCM system self-regulates battery temperature through its inherent phase transition properties, eliminating the need for water-based cooling systems and their associated pumps, hoses, and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cooling function from active water-based systems and embeds it directly into the battery pack structure using solid-phase change materials. This eliminates the need for separate cooling circuits, pumps, and water management systems, thereby reducing water usage and system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal management systems are implemented to extend battery life, then battery longevity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal management function directly into the battery pack structure by incorporating phase change materials within the battery housing or between cell groups. This merging of thermal management with the structural design eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control to extend battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive phase change materials that can be easily incorporated into the battery pack without requiring complex electronics, sensors, or active control systems. These passive thermal management components provide reliable temperature control throughout the battery's life cycle without adding significant complexity or cost to the overall system.
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
These polymer-based systems improve temperature management, reduce the risk of fluid leakage, and extend battery life by maintaining efficient cooling and thermal isolation, while minimizing water usage and active cooling activation times.
Implementation Method 1
an inner polymer layer including an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymer or a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymer, wherein the UCST polymer or the LCST polymer and the fluid coolant are in separate phases
Implementation Method 2
an inner polymer layer including an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymer or a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymer, wherein the UCST polymer or the LCST polymer and the fluid coolant are in separate phases
Implementation Method 3
The liquid leakage control system disclosed herein includes a superabsorbent polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of battery pack systems that include polymers are a cooling system, a thermal management system, and a liquid leakage control system. The cooling system and the thermal management systems may include an upper critical solution temperature polymer or a lower critical solution temperature polymer. The liquid leakage control system includes a superabsorbent polymer.