Segmented Fluid Collector for Uniform Battery Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for batteries suffer from non-uniform heating and a high risk of thermal runaway due to non-uniform heat exchange and cross-flow of heat exchange fluid between channels.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collector with a housing and separation portion that partitions the fluid collecting chamber into concave cavities, connected in series with heat exchange channels, enhancing uniformity and airtightness to improve heat exchange efficiency and reduce thermal runaway risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cavity is provided in the fluid collector, then the structure is simple, but non-uniform heating of battery cell occurs and heat exchange effect is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collector is divided into multiple cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity, fourth cavity) that are spatially separated and independently connected to different heat exchange channels. This segmentation allows the heat exchange fluid to flow through distinct pathways, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the battery cell while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cavity is specifically positioned and shaped to correspond with particular regions of the battery cell, allowing localized optimization of heat exchange. The first and second cavities are arranged to address different thermal zones, ensuring that each region of the battery receives appropriate heat exchange attention.
2Ease of operation
If heat exchange channels are connected in parallel, then fluid flow is simple, but cross-flow between channels occurs causing temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange channels are segmented into distinct series-connected pathways through the multiple cavities. The first heat exchange channel connects to the first and second cavities, while the second heat exchange channel connects to the third and fourth cavities. This segmentation prevents cross-flow between channels and ensures stable, independent temperature control for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple cavities act as intermediary chambers between the heat exchange channels and the battery cell. These cavities serve as isolation zones that prevent direct communication and cross-flow between different heat exchange channels, while still allowing each channel to effectively exchange heat with the battery through its designated cavity interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If housing and separation portion are separate components, then manufacturing is easier, but airtightness and structural strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and separation portion are merged into a single integrated component formed as one piece. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly of these parts, ensuring perfect airtightness at the interface and maximizing structural strength. The integrated design prevents any potential leakage paths that would exist at joints between separate components.
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 series connection of heat exchange channels and integrated structure enhance heat exchange uniformity, reduce cross-flow, and mitigate temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway in batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in series and communicate with each other through the plurality of concave cavities
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid collector applied to a thermal management assembly of a battery includes a housing and a separation portion. The housing has a fluid collecting chamber, where the fluid collecting chamber is configured to be connected to a plurality of heat exchange channels in the thermal management assembly. The separation portion is provided on the housing to partition the fluid collecting chamber into a plurality of concave cavities. The plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in series and communicate with each other through the plurality of concave cavities.