Tesla Battery Module Structure and Thermal Management System
Recently, the US Patent and Trademark Office released a new patent application for Tesla called "Energy Storage Cell", which was filed on September 21, 2021 and published on October 26, 2023. This patent application introduces an energy storage battery designed specifically for integration into large vehicles and power grid energy storage products. The energy storage battery is cylindrical and has specific characteristics that support integration. The battery consists of a top surface configured with concentric and essentially coplanar positive and negative electrodes. This design facilitates the welding of electrical interconnections through manufacturing processes such as laser welding, thereby improving economy and performance.
The side surface of the battery is equipped with a sleeve, which is used to electrically isolate individual batteries and auxiliary components from each other in the battery array. The casing is also connected to the cooling system as part of the battery array and serves as the main channel for extracting the heat generated within a single battery.
The function of the casing:
Electrical insulation: The sleeve is made of electrical insulation material. This feature enables it to electrically isolate individual batteries and auxiliary components in the battery array, prevent electrical short circuits, and improve the safety and reliability of the energy storage system.
Thermal management: The casing is also connected to the cooling system as part of the battery array and serves as the main channel for extracting the heat generated within a single battery. This is crucial for maintaining optimal operating temperature and preventing overheating, which can reduce performance and potentially lead to safety issues.
Structural integrity: The casing includes at least a portion of the battery side surface, which contributes to the structural integrity of the battery. This is particularly important when the battery is subjected to mechanical loads, pressure, or stress to ensure its durability and service life.Manufacturing and assembly: The casing also plays a role in the manufacturing and assembly process of energy storage batteries. The patent mentions that the top surface of the battery adjacent to the side surface covered by the casing can have sufficient ironiness for manufacturing equipment to move through magnetic adhesion. This helps to automatically manufacture energy storage battery packs, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
From the above, it can be seen that the battery casing in Tesla's new patent for energy storage batteries has multiple key functions, including electrical insulation, thermal management, structural support, and facilitating manufacturing processes. These features help improve the overall performance, safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness of energy storage systems. The cylindrical battery casing may replace the glue or polyurethane foam filled in the previous battery pack to enhance battery protection and increase the thermal contact between the cold plate and the battery. The filled glue or polyurethane foam is difficult to peel off from the battery. Therefore, the sleeve will greatly improve the assembly of the battery pack and the disassembly of the faulty battery.
