Voltage Supply Cell Module Cooling Channel Inlet Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid and electric vehicles require an efficient cooling system for their electrical energy storage to prevent overheating, and existing solutions are not simple or compact enough for easy integration with cooling circuits.

Innovation Solution

A voltage supply device with a cell module where storage cells are thermally connected to a plate-like heat sink with a cooling channel system, and the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel system are positioned on the upper side of compression plates, allowing for direct alignment of cell modules and easy connection to a refrigerant circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel system are arranged on the heat sink, then the cooling function is effective, but the connection to the cooling circuit becomes complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet and outlet of the cooling channel system are relocated from the heat sink plane to the compression plate level, representing a dimensional shift in the cooling circuit connection interface. This allows cell modules to be arranged in rows with simplified connections to the cooling circuit, resolving the contradiction between effective cooling and connection complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If the inlet and outlet are arranged on the heat sink, then cooling is effective, but cell modules cannot be easily aligned and connected in rows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidalignment and connection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the cooling circuit connection interface from the heat sink to the compression plate, the system enables straightforward row-wise alignment of cell modules. The upper-level connection points facilitate easier installation and maintenance operations while preserving effective heat dissipation through the heat sink

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact housing is used, then space is optimized, but access to inlet and outlet for connection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing compactnessVSAvoidaccessibility for connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuit connection interface is positioned at the upper compression plate level, which provides accessible connection points even in compact housings. This dimensional relocation allows maintenance and connection operations to be performed easily without requiring excessive housing volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration provides effective active cooling for the energy storage system, preventing overheating while maintaining a compact and simple design, facilitating easy integration with vehicle air conditioning systems and ensuring efficient heat management.

Implementation Method 1

The storage cells of a cell module are arranged on a plate-like heat sink and are thermally conductively connected to the plate-like heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A coolant or a refrigerant can flow through the cooling channel system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2769426B1Apparatus for voltage supply
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2769426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2769426B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2769426B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus for voltage supply, in particular for supplying voltage to a motor vehicle, with - a cell module (1), which has a plurality of storage cells (15-17) which are arranged between a first and a second plate-like element (2), - a plate-like heat sink (5), which is thermally conductively connected to lower sides of the storage cells (15-17), with a cooling channel system (14) being provided in the interior of said heat sink, which cooling channel system is fluidically connected to at least one coolant/refrigerant intake (6) and at least one coolant/refrigerant drain (7), wherein the at least one coolant/refrigerant intake (6) and/or the at least one coolant/refrigerant drain (7) is/are arranged in the region of an upper side of the first and/or second plate-like element (2).