Protrusion Interconnect for Thermal Management in Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage systems face performance degradation and potential failure due to increased temperatures resulting from higher operating voltages and currents, which existing technologies fail to adequately address through effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interconnects with protrusions configured to enhance thermal characteristics, providing increased surface area and omnidirectional cooling, which are integrated into the energy storage system to dissipate heat effectively and maintain system performance at higher temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If operating voltages and currents are increased to improve energy storage capacity, then power output is improved, but temperature increases causing performance degradation and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect is segmented into multiple protrusions distributed across its surface, creating multiple discrete heat dissipation zones. Each protrusion acts as an independent heat transfer element, collectively providing comprehensive thermal management across the interconnect surface while maintaining electrical connectivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect design adds vertical dimension with protrusions extending from the flat interconnect surface. This three-dimensional structure increases the heat dissipation surface area without expanding the horizontal footprint, allowing improved thermal management within the same spatial envelope of the energy storage device.
2Device complexity
If conventional interconnect design is used to maintain simple structure, then device complexity is low, but heat dissipation is insufficient leading to temperature-related failures
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the interconnect serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for cell stacking, maintain electrical connectivity between cells, and dissipate heat through increased surface area. This multi-functionality integrates thermal management into the existing interconnect structure without requiring separate cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect structure itself provides heat dissipation functionality through its protrusions, eliminating the need for separate active cooling systems. The thermal management is passively achieved through the geometric design of the interconnect, which naturally conducts and radiates heat away from the energy storage cells during operation.
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 solution effectively reduces temperature within the energy storage system, enabling it to operate at higher voltages and currents while preventing performance degradation and failure, thus improving the system's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The interconnect includes a support member configured to extend between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell... a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions extend upwardly away from the support member
Implementation Method 2
protrusions configured to enhance thermal characteristics, providing increased surface area and omnidirectional cooling
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system is disclosed. The energy storage system includes a first energy storage cell, a second energy storage cell, and a first interconnect connecting the first and second cells. The interconnect includes a support member and a plurality of protrusions extending away from the support member. At least two protrusions are spaced relative to each other along a longitudinal axis of the interconnect.