Power Storage Module Circuit Integration for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage modules are large due to separate arrangements of detection wires and power supply wires, which occupy significant wiring space.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module configuration where a circuit unit with high-current and low-current members is integrated with the power storage unit, allowing the high-current and low-current members to be held together, reducing the overall size by arranging the circuit unit along one face of the power storage unit and incorporating insulating cases to manage heat and provide compact overcurrent protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection wires and power supply wires are arranged separately in the wiring module, then the detection function is reliable, but the wiring space around the cells becomes large, causing the entire power storage module to be large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection wires and power supply wires into a single integrated wiring structure. The wiring module contains both detection wires connected to individual cells and power supply wires connected to multiple cells in parallel, combining previously separate wiring functions into one compact unit that reduces overall module size while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both detection wiring for monitoring individual cell states and power supply wiring for connecting multiple cells to the external circuit. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate wiring modules, reducing the overall power storage module size.
2Volume of stationary object
If the circuit unit is attached to the power storage unit, then the power storage module is downsized, but heat generation from composite current flow may cause local temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating member as an intermediary between the power storage unit and the high-current member. This insulating member serves multiple purposes: it provides electrical insulation to prevent short circuits, acts as a thermal barrier to reduce heat transfer from the high-current member to the power storage unit, and maintains the compact integrated structure while addressing thermal management concerns.
3Device complexity
If the high-current member and low-current member are arranged close to each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature of the casing increases locally due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an insulating member specifically at the location where the high-current member is adjacent to the power storage unit. This localized insulation approach addresses the heat generation issue only where it occurs, rather than requiring complete thermal isolation throughout the entire device, thus maintaining compactness while managing local temperature increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage module includes: a power storage unit with a plurality of power storage elements; and a circuit unit attached to the power storage unit. The circuit unit includes: a high-current member through which a composite current obtained from the plurality of power storage elements flows; a low-current member through which a detection current for detecting a state of the individual power storage elements flows; and a lower case and an upper case that hold the high-current member and the low-current member.