Integrated Upper Heat Sink for Stacked Battery Module Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated by a large number of stacked battery cells, leading to performance deterioration, shortened lifespan, and increased risk of explosion or ignition, particularly in high-temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a first heat sink with an integrated cooling flow passage and a simplified heat transfer path, utilizing a module frame and heat sink structure that enhances direct coolant contact with the battery cells, reducing unnecessary cooling structures and minimizing air gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of battery cells are stacked to increase capacity, then the energy storage increases, but the heat generation increases and cooling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels formed by partition walls within the heat sink. This allows heat from different battery cell regions to be dissipated through separate pathways, improving overall cooling efficiency while accommodating a larger number of battery cells in the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat sink with integrated cooling channels acts as an intermediary between the battery cell stack and the cooling fluid. The heat sink receives heat from the battery cells through thermal conduction and transfers it to the cooling fluid flowing through its channels, effectively mediating the heat transfer process and enabling efficient thermal management of large-scale battery stacks.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling structures with multiple layers are used, then heat transfer path is established, but the structure becomes complex and air gaps reduce cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The module frame and heat sink are merged into an integrated structure where the heat sink is formed as part of the module frame assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate cooling structures and reduces the number of interfaces between components, thereby reducing air gaps and simplifying the overall cooling system while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The module frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the battery cell stack and simultaneously houses the heat sink with cooling channels. This multi-functional design integrates the structural and thermal management functions into a single component, reducing system complexity and eliminating additional cooling structures.
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 improves cooling efficiency by simplifying the heat transfer path, reducing temperature deviations, and enhancing heat dissipation, thereby increasing the module's lifespan and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat sink located at the upper part of the module frame... forms a cooling flow passage as at least one partition wall is formed between the upper plate and the upper cover of the module frame
Implementation Method 2
cooling flow passage... enhances direct coolant contact with the battery cells... improving heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
The battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame housing the battery cell stack; and a first heat sink located at an upper part of the module frame, wherein the first heat sink includes an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein a lower plate of the first heat sink constitutes an upper cover of the module frame, and wherein the first heat sink includes a cooling flow passage having at least one partition wall formed between the upper plate and the upper cover of the module frame.