Pouch Battery Module Cartridges for Integrated Cooling and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules with vertically or horizontally stacked secondary batteries face issues of increased volume, weight, and complexity due to separate cooling members, which hinder miniaturization and increase fabrication time and cost, while also requiring insulation configurations.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring vertically arranged pouch-type secondary batteries with thermally-conductive cartridges that integrate heat transfer and support, eliminating the need for separate cooling members by using thermally-conductive polymer or filler materials, and incorporating a sensing cover for voltage sensing and electrode protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate cooling members are provided between secondary batteries, then cooling performance is improved, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge structure is merged with cooling functionality by incorporating a cooling member that contacts the pouch-type secondary battery within the cartridge. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling components, achieving effective heat dissipation while minimizing volume and weight increases.
2Temperature
If separate cooling members are provided between secondary batteries, then cooling performance is improved, but structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge and cooling member are integrated into a unified structure where the cooling member is positioned within the cartridge to contact the secondary battery. This merging simplifies the overall battery module structure by eliminating separate cooling components and reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled.
3Temperature
If cooling members made of electrically-conductive metal are provided, then cooling performance is improved, but insulation requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrically-conductive metal cooling member and the pouch-type secondary battery. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical contact while allowing thermal contact, thereby maintaining cooling performance without requiring additional insulation configurations elsewhere in the battery module.
4Temperature
If cooling channels are provided between secondary batteries, then cooling performance is improved, but fabrication time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channel is merged with the cartridge structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate element. This integration allows the cooling channel to be formed simultaneously with the cartridge during the same fabrication process, eliminating additional manufacturing steps and reducing both fabrication time and cost.
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 achieves a simple, lightweight, and efficiently cooled battery module with reduced size and cost, enhanced heat transfer efficiency, and improved productivity through direct heat emission and simplified assembly.
Implementation Method 1
each cartridge being coupled in contact with a sealing portion of the secondary battery to surround the sealing portion and being made of thermally-conductive material
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module which has a simple structure, small volume and weight, and efficient cooling performance. The battery module includes a plurality of secondary batteries, each including an electrode assembly and a pouch exterior configured to accommodate the electrode assembly in an inner space thereof and having a sealing portion provided thereto, the plurality of secondary batteries being arranged in a vertical direction in a state of being laid in a horizontal direction; and a plurality of cartridges configured to be stacked in a vertical direction, each cartridge being coupled in contact with a sealing portion of the secondary battery to surround the sealing portion and being made of thermally-conductive material.