Reversible Coolant Flow Layout for Battery Module Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature fluctuations in battery modules of electric vehicles hinder their performance and reduce the vehicle's range due to non-uniform temperature distribution among battery cells, leading to premature expiration of modules.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow reversing apparatus is employed within the thermal component of the battery module to control temperature uniformity by reversing the direction of fluid flow, allowing hotter or colder fluid to reach specific portions of the battery module at certain times, optimizing heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid flows through the thermal component in a fixed direction, then the thermal component can provide heat transfer, but temperature uniformity across battery submodules deteriorates due to non-uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reversible flow apparatus that dynamically changes the fluid flow direction through the thermal component. The system switches between first and second flow directions to alternately cool different portions of the battery submodules, transforming a static single-direction flow system into a dynamic multi-directional flow system that achieves uniform temperature distribution across all battery cells.
2Temperature
If a thermal component is added to control temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal component is designed with multiple openings (first opening, second opening, third opening, fourth opening) that serve dual purposes: they function as inlet/outlet ports for fluid flow in different directions and also act as thermal contact surfaces with battery submodules. The thermal component performs both heat transfer and flow direction switching functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If fluid flow direction is reversed to improve temperature uniformity, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional channels and valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow direction control function with the thermal component structure itself. The reversible flow apparatus integrates multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel, fourth channel) and valve mechanisms within the thermal component housing, combining what would traditionally be separate flow control devices and heat exchange components into a single integrated unit. This reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to reverse flow direction for optimized heat transfer.
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 approach enhances temperature uniformity and improves heat transfer efficiency, thereby optimizing battery module performance and extending the electric vehicle's range by maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal component can include a cooling line. The cooling line can define a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening can be connected by the cooling line.
Implementation Method 2
Reversing the flow direction of fluid in the thermal component can help control the temperature of the battery module because it allows for specific portions of the submodules to experience heat transfer either before or after other portions of the submodules.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to reverse the direction of fluid flow is provided. The apparatus can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel and second channel can define a first position to provide a first fluid flow direction via the first channel and the second channel. The apparatus can include a third channel and a fourth channel. The third channel and the fourth channel can define a second position to provide a second fluid flow direction via the third channel and the fourth channel. The apparatus can be configured to actuate from the first position to the second position to reverse flow direction from the first fluid flow direction to the second fluid flow direction.