Shared Cooling Layout for Energy Storage and Power Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems require two separate cooling apparatuses for the energy storage module and power module, leading to increased volume and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage system with a single cooling apparatus that includes a first heat exchange mechanism in thermally-conductive connection with both the energy storage module and power module, allowing a cooling medium to simultaneously absorb heat from both, thereby reducing system volume and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate cooling apparatuses are used to cool the energy storage module and power module separately, then the cooling effectiveness for each module is ensured, but the system volume and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate cooling apparatuses into a single integrated cooling apparatus that serves both the energy storage module and the power module. The first circulation pipeline includes first and second heat exchange mechanisms that can simultaneously cool both modules, reducing system volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness through shared cooling medium flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cooling apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to perform cooling for both the energy storage module and the power module. The heat exchange mechanisms can selectively cool different modules based on thermal requirements, making one apparatus universally applicable to multiple cooling needs that previously required separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two separate cooling apparatuses are used to cool the energy storage module and power module separately, then the cooling effectiveness for each module is ensured, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate cooling apparatuses into a single integrated cooling apparatus that serves both the energy storage module and the power module. The first circulation pipeline includes first and second heat exchange mechanisms that can simultaneously cool both modules, reducing system volume while maintaining cooling effectiveness through shared cooling medium flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cooling apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to perform cooling for both the energy storage module and the power module. The heat exchange mechanisms can selectively cool different modules based on thermal requirements, making one apparatus universally applicable to multiple cooling needs that previously required separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If a single cooling apparatus is used to cool both modules simultaneously, then the system volume and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the temperature control precision for each module may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem volumeVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling apparatus incorporates separate heat exchange mechanisms (first heat exchange mechanism for the energy storage module, second heat exchange mechanism for the power module) within the single circulation pipeline. This allows different local regions of the system to receive customized cooling based on their specific thermal characteristics and requirements, maintaining temperature control precision while using a unified cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The single cooling apparatus is segmented into multiple independent heat exchange mechanisms that can operate semi-independently. The first circulation pipeline can be controlled to prioritize cooling of specific modules based on thermal conditions, allowing precise temperature control for each module while maintaining the benefits of a consolidated cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables simultaneous cooling of both modules, reducing system volume and costs while enhancing reliability through temperature, pressure, and conductivity data sampling for timely power-off protection.

Implementation Method 1

both the energy storage module and the power module are in thermally-conductive connection with the first heat exchange mechanism, enabling a cooling medium within the first heat exchange mechanism to simultaneously absorb heat generated during operation of the energy storage module and the power module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4685922A1Energy storage system

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX FUTURE ENERGY RES INST (SHANGHAI) LTD

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AI summary

This application discloses an energy storage system including an energy storage apparatus (100) and a cooling apparatus (200), where the energy storage apparatus (100) includes an energy storage module (110) and a power module (120), the cooling apparatus (200) includes a first heat exchange mechanism (210), and the energy storage module (110) and the power module (120) are in thermally-conductive connection with the first heat exchange mechanism (210).