Segmented Battery Pack Architecture for Uniform Cell Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in providing adaptive capacity and output according to demand, with issues related to temperature dispersion and non-uniform cooling among multiple battery cells, particularly in high-power applications like electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a simplified electrical connection structure with unit current collectors and cooling plates, including heat transfer sheets and cooling flow paths, to ensure uniform cooling and prevent temperature dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple battery cells are connected in series-parallel combination to increase output voltage and current, then the power and capacity are improved, but temperature dispersion and non-uniform cooling occur among the battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple unit blocks, each containing a subset of battery cells connected in series. These unit blocks are then connected in parallel to achieve the desired power output. Each unit block has its own current collector plate and cooling plate, enabling independent thermal management. This segmentation allows each module to be cooled uniformly while maintaining high power through parallel connection of multiple units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery cells are arranged in series-parallel combination, then the adaptability for different power requirements is improved, but the cooling structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector plates and cooling plates are designed as universal modular components that can be repeatedly used across different unit blocks. Each unit block uses the same standardized plate designs, which simplifies the overall cooling structure despite the complex series-parallel battery arrangement. The modular plates serve multiple functions: electrical connection, thermal conduction, and structural support, reducing the need for separate dedicated cooling components for each cell.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cooling structures are used for multiple battery cells, then the manufacturing is simpler, but uniform cooling cannot be achieved among all battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery cell or unit block is equipped with its own dedicated cooling plate that makes direct thermal contact with the specific cells in that unit. This localized cooling approach ensures that each cell is cooled uniformly according to its specific thermal conditions, rather than relying on a single centralized cooling structure. The cooling plates are positioned to optimize thermal contact with each unit block, achieving uniform cooling across all cells while maintaining manufacturability through standardized plate designs.
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 enables adaptive capacity and output adjustments while maintaining uniform cooling across battery cells, enhancing performance and stability in high-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
unit cooling plates, which are individualized for each of the unit blocks that comprise unit cells of the plurality of unit cells... heat transfer sheets positioned between the unit cells and unit cooling plates... configured to mediate heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
Each of the unit cooling plates may include a cooling flow path with the inlet and the outlet provided at opposite ends of the cooling flow path. The cooling flow path may extend from the outer edge of the unit cooling plate toward an inner edge of the unit cooling plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack according to the present disclosure is designed to adaptively provide a capacity and an output according to demands for a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and has a simplified electrical connection structure among the plurality of battery cells such that a cooling structure for the plurality of battery cells may have uniform cooling without temperature dispersion.