High-Thermal-Conductivity Synthetic Ester Fluids for Battery Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for synthetic ester-based dielectric fluids with improved heat transfer properties to effectively cool battery and power generation systems in electric or hybrid vehicles, as traditional fluids rely on conductivity and convection mechanisms that are inadequate for high energy density systems.
Innovation Solution
Formulating heat transfer fluids with a neat ester stock or ester stock blend and additives, including viscosity modifiers, anti-foaming agents, and other performance additives to enhance thermal conductivity and fluidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional dielectric fluids (paraffinic base fluids, mineral oil based fluids) are used for heat removal, then electrical insulation is provided, but thermal conductivity is insufficient for high energy density systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the base fluid from traditional paraffinic or mineral oil bases to synthetic ester bases, which inherently possess superior thermal conductivity properties. This parameter change enables the fluid to effectively remove heat from high energy density systems while maintaining dielectric performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite heat transfer fluid by combining synthetic ester base stocks with specially selected additives. This composite formulation achieves both high thermal conductivity for effective heat removal and maintained dielectric properties, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and electrical insulation
2Reliability
If synthetic ester based fluids are used to improve thermal conductivity, then heat transfer performance is enhanced, but fluidity and viscosity characteristics need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the viscosity parameters of the synthetic ester base stock by selecting specific ester types and molecular weight ranges. This parameter optimization ensures the fluid maintains appropriate viscosity for pumpability and circulation while preserving the high thermal conductivity needed for effective heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces viscosity modifiers and flow improvers as intermediary substances that adjust the fluidity of the synthetic ester base stock. These additives act as mediators to enhance fluid circulation characteristics without compromising the base fluid's superior thermal conductivity properties
3Productivity
If heat transfer efficiency is improved for high energy density systems, then cooling performance increases, but fluid stability and longevity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates antioxidant and stability-enhancing additives as intermediary substances that protect the synthetic ester base stock from degradation. These mediators extend the fluid's service life and maintain its heat transfer efficiency over time, preventing the compromise of fluid longevity that would otherwise result from high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes stability preservatives and protective additives in the formulation before the fluid is put into service. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents thermal degradation and oxidation that would otherwise reduce fluid lifetime, ensuring the heat transfer fluid maintains its performance characteristics throughout its intended service life
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 formulated fluids demonstrate improved thermal conductivity and fluidity, enabling effective heat removal in high-energy density systems.
Implementation Method 1
Traditional fluids remove heat via combination of conductivity and convection mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
Traditional fluids remove heat via combination of conductivity and convection mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Heat transfer fluids were formulated with a neat solution of a synthetic ester base stock. A base stock prepared with a neat ester according to the invention has similar performance characteristics to commercially available heat transfer fluids.