TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of batteries. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a mechanism to maintain optimum temperature level inside the battery while in use.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] When a battery is in use, its temperature rises due to internal resistance .During operation of batteries their temperature may rise from ambient to a level of 55-60°C. Such high temperatures are detrimental to the battery functioning and degrade their performance, failing to give their optimum output. Same thing happens when temperature of the batteries falls below their optimum operating temperature range, which is around 25°C. [0004] Therefore, it is required to provide cooling/heating means in the batteries that work to maintain their temperature within the optimum operating range in hot/cold weather respectively. Typically, the batteries may incorporate active cooling or passive cooling. In active cooling, a coolant is made to flow through cell walls towards a heat exchanger, which absorbs heat from the coolant to result in moving out the generated heat from the cells, thereby maintaining their optimum temperature. Usually, an external source of energy is used to make the coolant circulate between the cell walls and the heat exchanger. [0005] On the other hand, in passive cooling, a heat exchanger, such as aluminum fins, is configured on the exterior surface of the cells with the help of a thermal paste. The fins dissipate, by either convection or radiation or combination of the two, the heat to atmosphere without any energy consumption.
[0006] However, both these methods suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, in the passive cooling method, the temperature of the cells cannot be lowered below the ambient temperature because heat sink will be at higher temperature than heat source and therefore, passive cooling is ineffective at regions where the ambient temperature is above the temperature range required for optimum operation of a battery. In case of active cooling,

additional external energy for cooling process is required, making it an inefficient mechanism. Further, additional space is required in the battery to accommodate the heat exchanger, in both the active and passive cooling, causing structural complications. [0007] Furthermore, in locations where the ambient temperature falls below the optimum temperature range, the battery needs to be heated, which is done by external heaters which also requires additional energy for the heating process, making it an inefficient mechanism. [0008] Therefore, there is a need in the art of an efficient mechanism to maintain temperature of batteries within the optimum operating range, overcoming drawbacks of the conventional cooling systems and methods.
[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. [0010] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0011] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0012] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification

as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0013] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient system and method for maintaining temperature of batteries to work in their optimum operating range, under high ambient temperature conditions. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for maintaining temperature of a battery pack within their optimum operating range, under high ambient temperature conditions and under low ambient temperature conditions or any temperature in between.
[0015] . Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for maintaining temperature of batteries that overcome drawbacks of the conventional mechanisms.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and cost effective thermal management system for a battery pack to keep temperature of the battery pack within their optimum operating range.
SUMMARY
[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an arrangement for maintaining operating temperature of batteries during their operation, within an optimum operating temperature range. In particular, it pertains to a system and method for the battery that

prevents temperature fluctuations and helps in maintaining temperature levels that match with the required levels for the effective and efficient performance of the battery. [0018] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a battery pack, includes a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that includes one or more battery cells; and one or more thermal bags configured with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials (PCM). The one or more thermal bags can be configured such that an outer surface of each of the one or more thermal bags (also referred to as PCM bag hereinafter) are thermally coupled with the battery pack to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range, which can be an optimum operating temperature range of the batteries. One or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be adapted for fitment with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags. The one or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0019] In an embodiment, the one or more compartments of the support structure can include panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags. The panels of the one or more compartments can be configured as thermal bridges between the one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.
[0020] In an embodiment, the panels of the one or more compartments of the support structure can be made of copper.
[0021] In an embodiment, the support structure can include one or more slots on either or both sides of the structure to accommodate the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps. [0022] In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be peltier devices for either cooling or heating the one or more phase change materials in the one or more thermal bags to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state. [0023] In an embodiment, the one or more phase change materials is either a heat ejector or heat absorber to release or absorb heat from the one or more battery cells of the battery pack when the one or more phase change materials change its phase from liquid to solid or

from solid to liquid respectively to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within the predefined temperature range.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more phase change materials can be selected from a group comprising paraffin wax, hydrated salt, OM32, metallic material and the like.
[0025] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for maintaining operating temperature of a battery pack, the method can include steps of: providing a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that comprises one or more battery cells; configuring one or more thermal bags with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials that comprises cooled thermal absorber materials or heated thermal ejector materials, the one or more thermal bags configured such that an outer surface of each of the one or more thermal bags are thermally coupled with the battery pack to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range; ascertaining ambient temperature; filling the one or more thermal bags with the cooled thermal absorber materials if the ascertained ambient temperature is more than a predefined threshold temperature, and on the other hand, filling the thermal bags with the heated thermal ejector martials if the ascertained ambient temperature is less than the predefined threshold temperature; and configuring one or more thermoelectric heat pumps with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags, wherein the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0026] In embodiment, the one or more compartments of the support structure can be made of panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags. The panels of the one or more compartments can be configured as thermal bridges between the one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.
[0027] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of
the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic view representation of the proposed
thermal management system for a battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0030] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary perspective view and a sectional view
representations of the proposed thermal management system for a battery pack respectively,
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the proposed thermal
management system for a battery pack having cylindrical battery cells, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed thermal
management system for a battery pack having prismatic battery cells, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of the proposed method for
maintaining operating temperature of a battery pack during their operation, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [0035] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0036] Various terms as used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition possible in the pertinent art having given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [0037] Embodiments explained herein relates to a system for maintaining operating temperature of batteries during their operationwithin an optimum range. [0038] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a battery pack that includes a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that includes one or more battery cells; and one or more thermal bags configured with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials. The one or more thermal bags are configured such that an outer surface of each of the one or more thermal bags are thermally coupled with the battery pack to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range. One or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be adapted for fitment with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags. The one or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be configured to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0039] In an embodiment, the one or more compartments of the support structure can includes panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags. The panels of the one or more compartments can be configured as thermal bridges between the one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.
[0040] In a working scenario, while the battery pack is put to discharging mode or in running mode, sufficient amount of heat in generated by the cells. These cells are again subject to outside temperatures owing to various weather and climatic conditions. In summers or when the battery pack is at a region with higher temperatures, the cells will be subject to heat that may be beyond it's recommended working condition ambient temperatures. Hence, it is pertinent that the battery cells are adequately cooled to make it possible to work in higher temperatures.
[0041] In an embodiment, the panels of the one or more compartments of the support structure can be made of copper.

[0042] In an embodiment, the support structure can include one or more slots on either or both sides of the structure to accommodate the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps. [0043] In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be peltier devices for cooling the one or more phase change materials in the one or more thermal bags to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state. [0044] In an embodiment, the one or more phase change materials is a heat absorber with a high heat capacity quotient/specific and absorbs heat generated from the one or more battery cells of the battery pack as a result of cell discharge, and wherein the absorbed heat energy is used to change PCM's phase from solid to semi-liquid
[0045] In embodiment, the thermal bags can be made of a conductive material that allows efficient heat transfer between its contents and objects with outer surface of the thermal bag in contact.
[0046] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for maintaining operating temperature of a battery pack during their operation. The proposed method can include steps of: providing a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that comprises one or more battery cells; configuring one or more thermal bags with the support structure such that when the thermal bags are filled with one or more phase change materials comprising a heat absorber material or a heat thermal ejector material, they come in contact with walls of the support structure to enable heat conduction between the phase change materials of the thermal bag and the corresponding battery cell; ascertaining ambient temperature; filling the thermal bags with the cooled thermal absorber if the ascertained ambient temperature is more than a predefined threshold temperature, and on the other hand, filling the thermal bags with the heated thermal ejector if the ascertained ambient temperature is less than the predefined threshold temperature; and configuring one or more thermoelectric heat pumps with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags, wherein the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0047] In an embodiment, the thermal bags are made of a material that possesses high thermal conductivity.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic view representation of the proposed thermal management system for a battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system can include a support structure 102 having one or more compartments such as a compartment 104 to accommodate a battery cells

106. The battery pack 106 includes one or more battery cells (shown in FIG. 2 to 4). One or more thermal bags such as a thermal bag 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and 18-4 (collectively referred to as thermal bags 108) are provides with the support structure 102 to store one or more phase change materials (PCM). The thermal bags 108 (also referred to as thermal PCM bags 108) can be configured such that an outer surface of each of the thermal bags 108 are thermally coupled with the battery pack 106 to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials stored in the thermal bags 108 and the battery cells of the battery pack 106 to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range. The predefined range can be an optimum operating temperature range of the battery cells.
[0049] In an embodiment, the disclosed system 100 also includes one or more thermoelectric heat pumps or peltier devices, such as a peltier device 110-1 and 110-2 (collectively referred to as peltier devices 110) for fitment with the support structure 102 such that the peltier devices are in thermal communication with the thermal bags 108. The peltier devices 110 can be configured to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state. The peltier devices 110 are configured for either cooling or heating the one or more phase change materials in the one or more thermal bags 108 to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0050] In an embodiment, the phase change materials is either a heat ejector materials or heat absorber materials to release or absorb heat from the one or more barratry cells of the battery pack when the one or more phase change materials change its phase from liquid to solid or from solid to liquid respectively to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within the predefined temperature range. The PCM can be high conductive PCM or low conductive PCM.
[0051] In an embodiment, the phase change materials are a substance with a high heat of fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. When heat is transferred to PCM material, rather than conducting the heat, the heat can be used by the PCM to change its phase from solid to semi-liquid. As a result, the heat is not conducted but absorbed by the PCM.PCMs are classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units and is generally characterized with properties such as high latent heat of fusion per unit volume, high specific heat, high density and high thermal conductivity. Further the congruent melting points, kinetic and chemical properties play a crucial role in deciding the purpose for which the PCM should be used.

[0052] In an embodiment, the one or more phase change materials are selected from a group comprising paraffin wax, hydrated salt, OM32, metallic material and the like. [0053] In an embodiment, OM32 is an organic chemical based PCM having nominal phase change temperature of 32 degree Celsius. A peculiar characteristic of OM32 is that it's highly conductive and stores thermal energy as latent heat. On changing phase, this latent heat is absorbed allowing the ambient temperature within the system to be maintained. [0054] In another embodiment, another material that can be used is Paraffin wax with its melting range of 50-60 degree Celsius. Compared to OM32, Paraffin wax has lower conductivity and when placed at the exterior portion of the chamber acts as heat repellent from conducting outside heat from entering the cells.
[0055] In an embodiment, the chamber 104 of the housing comprises thermal bridges such as a thermal bridge 112-1 and thermal bridge 112-2 (collectively referred to as thermal bridges 112) configured between the battery pack 106 and the thermal bags 108.The thermal bridges 112 are made of highly conductive material to house the battery cells of the battery pack. The conductive nature of the thermal bridges 112 is essential to transfer the heat generated from the battery cells during their discharge to the PCM bags 108. Moreover, the dimension of the thermal bridges 112 have also a larger role in the transmission of heat from the battery cells to the PCM bags 108.There are several materials available that can be used in this present invention for housing the battery cells in the battery pack 106as well as acting as a highly conductive material for transmission of heat generated by the battery cells to the PCM bags.
[0056] In an embodiment, the thermal bridges 112 can be made of copper with a thickness of 3mm. Copper is one of the highest conductive and low cost material available in the market and the lower thickness of 3mm helps in significantly improving the rate at which the heat generated by the cells can be transferred to the PCM bags 108. [0057] In an embodiment, the peltier device 110 or cooler or heater, or thermoelectric heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical energy, depending on the direction of the current. The peltier devices 110 can be positioned in such a way that the side surface that discharges the cooling effect can be in contact with the PCM bags 108 when cooling of the PCM is required.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, for a 27Ah NMC battery pack consisting of 70 battery cells, four peltier devices 110 can be used.

[0059] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary perspective view and a sectional view representations of the proposed thermal management system for a battery pack respectively,in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown the proposed management system 100 can include a support structure 102 having one or more compartments such as a compartment 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4... 104-N (collectively referred to as compartments 104) to accommodate the battery pack 106 that includes one or more battery cells such as a battery cell 202-1, 202-2, 202-3...202-N (collectively referred to as battery cells 202); and one or more thermal bags such as a thermal bag 108-1, 108-2, 108-3....108-N configured with the support structure 102 to store one or more phase change materials. The thermal bags 108 can be configured on either one or both sides of the support structure 102. The thermal bags 108 can be configured such that an outer surface of each of the thermal bags 108 are thermally coupled with the battery pack 106 to enable heat transfer between the phase change materials stored in the thermal bags 108 and the one or more battery cells 202 of the battery pack, through the thermal bridge, to maintain temperature of the battery cells 202 within a predefined temperature range.
[0060] In an embodiment, the phase change materials is either a heat ejector materials or heat absorber materials to released or absorb heat from the barratry cells 202 of the battery pack when the phase change materials change its phase from liquid to solid or from solid to liquid respectively to maintain temperature of the battery cells 202 within the predefined temperature range, which can be optimum operating temperature rage of the battery cells 202. [0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the phase change materials can be selected from a group comprising paraffin wax, hydrated salt, OM32, metallic material and the like. [0062] In a preferred embodiment, the OM32 can be filled in the thermal bags which are adjacent to the compartment 104 and the paraffin wax can be filled in the thermal bags 108 on exterior portion of the chambers 104, to act as heat repellentsfrom conducting outside heat from entering the cells 202.
[0063] In an embodiment, the support structure can include one or more slots such as a slot 204-1 and 204-2 (collectively referred to as slots 204) on either or both sides of the structure 102 to accommodate the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps or peltier devices. The thermoelectric heat pumps can be adapted for fitment with the support structure 102 such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the thermal bags 108. The one or more thermoelectric heat pumps can be configured to keep the one or more phase change materials return into their original state that was seen prior to the beginning of battery cell discharge.

[0064] In an embodiment, the compartments 104 of the support structure 102 can include of panels such as a panel 206-1, 206-2, 206-3...206-N (collectively referred to as panels 206). The panels 206 can be made of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the battery cells 202 and the thermal bags 108. The panels 206 of the one or more compartments 104can be configured as thermal bridges between the thermal bags 108 and the battery cells 202 of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the battery cells 202 and the phase change material stored in the thermal bags 108. The panels is used for housing the battery cells 202 in alignment. To boost the heat flow, the panels 206can be configured to separate layers of the PCM bags 108.
[0065] In an embodiment, the panels 206 of the compartments 108 of the support structure can be made of copper.
[0066] In an embodiment, the compartments 104 of the support structure can be, but not limited to, a shelf like structure or a box shape to accommodate the battery cells 202. [0067] In an embodiment, the peltier devices can help in cooling up the PCM bags 108 to keep the PCM return to their solid state. The utility of the peltier device can come into action once the battery pack is put to charging. In an exemplary embodiment, a unique peltier management arrangement can be built in this regard to channel electric current used to charge the battery towards working of the peltier devices. This thereby may help the peltier devices to cool the PCM.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, when the battery pack 106 is on discharge phase or running mode the battery cells 202 generate/emit heat. The specialized conductive material or the panel 206, because of it's highly conductive property, rapidly transfer the heat generated by the battery cells 202 to the PCM stored in the thermal bags 108.since the PCM in the thermal bags 108 (also referred to as PCM bags hereinafter) will be in a lower state of temperature, the PCM absorbs the heat. The PCM upon absorption of heat, because of its specific characteristics gradually changes the phase from solid to semi-liquid. This flow of temperature from the battery cells 202to the PCM helps the battery cells 202 to retain its ambient temperature suitable for the working condition of the battery cell 202. [0069] In an exemplary embodiment, if the battery pack is exposed to outside high temperatures, the thermal bags 108 can be filled with Paraffin wax, which can be placed at posterior portion to absorb the heat and prevents it from conducting heat into the anterior regions of the battery pack 106. This is maintained through the less conductive property of the paraffix wax. The paraffin wax ensures that outside heat is only absorbed and not easily transmitted towards interior portions of the battery pack.

[0070] Cooling of PCM:
During battery pack charging, the peltier management arrangement configured inside the battery pack draws a portion of the current and acts as a step down converter for supplying current only required for powering the peltier devices. The peltier devices considering its function, cools the side attached to the PCM bags 108 and heats up the other side exposed to outside environment. The cooling effect of the peltier devices helps the PCM bags 108 to revive the PCM to their original solid state from the semi-liquid state which was resulted from heat absorption during the discharging time of the battery pack.
[0071] The cooling effect generated by the peltier devices is sufficient to overcome the heat generated by the battery cells during charging that may again heat up the PCM bags 108 simultaneously. The rate at which the PCM change their state form semi-liquid to solid during charging can be relatively very fast than the rate at which it transforms from solid state to semi-liquid state during cell charging.
[0072] This cycle of charging and discharging helps the battery cells retain ambient temperatures suitable for its operations thereby ensuring effective cooling solution for the battery packs.
[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the proposed thermal management system 100 for a battery pack having cylindrical battery cells, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed thermal management system 100 for a battery pack having prismatic battery cells, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram for maintaining operating temperature of a battery pack during their operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the disclosed method 500 can include at step 502, providing a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that comprises one or more battery cells, and at step 504, configuring one or more thermal bags with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials comprising a heat absorber material or a heat thermal ejector material such that when the thermal bags are filled with the one or more phase change materials, they come in contact with walls of the supporting structure to enable heat conduction between the phase change materials of the thermal bag and the battery cells thereby helping in maintaining the temperature of the one or more battery cells within the predefined temperature range. The disclosed method can include at step 506, ascertaining ambient temperature, and at step 508,

filling the thermal bags with the heat absorber if the ascertained ambient temperature is more than a predefined threshold temperature, and on the other hand, filling the thermal bags with the heated thermal ejector if the ascertained ambient temperature is less than the predefined threshold temperature.
[0076] In an embodiment, the method can include at step 510, configuring one or more thermoelectric heat pumps with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags. The one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
[0077] In an embodiment, the one or more compartments of the support structure can be include panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags. The panels of the one or more compartments can be configured as thermal bridges between the one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.
[0078] In an embodiment, the filling the thermal bags by the phase change materials may be done using a pump.
[0079] In an embodiment, the thermal bags are made of a material that possesses high thermal conductivity.
[0080] In embodiment, the heat absorber and the heat ejectors are chosen such that they possess high heat capacity quotient/specific heat. In embodiment, a small hydraulic pump can be used to fill the heat absorber or ejector material into the thermal bags up to the certain pressure that can be sustained by the bag and to make it come in contact with the cell walls.
[0081] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0082] The present disclosure provides an efficient system and method for maintaining temperature of batteries within their optimum operating range, under high ambient temperature conditions and under low ambient temperature conditions or any temperature.
[0083] The present disclosure provides an arrangement for maintaining temperature of a battery pack within their optimum operating range, under high ambient temperature conditions and under low ambient temperature conditions or any temperature in between.
[0084] The present disclosure provides a system and method for maintaining temperature of batteries that overcome drawbacks of the conventional mechanisms.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost effective thermal management system for a battery pack to keep temperature of the battery pack within their optimum operating range.

We Claim

1.A thermal management system for a battery pack, the thermal management comprising:
a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that comprises one or more battery cells;
one or more thermal bags configured with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials, the one or more thermal bags configured such that an outer surface of each of the one or more thermal bags are thermally coupled with the battery pack to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range; and
one or more thermoelectric heat pumps configured for fitment with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags;
wherein the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
2. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more compartments of the support structure comprise panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags.
3. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the panels of the one or more compartments are configured as thermal bridges between the one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.
4. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the panels of the one or more compartments of the support structure are made of copper.
5. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises one or more slots on either or both sides of the support structure to accommodate the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps.
6. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are peltier devices for cooling or heating the one or more phase change materials in the one or more thermal bags to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.

7. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more phase change materials is either a heat ejector materials or heat absorber material to released or absorb heat from the one or more barratry cells of the battery pack when the one or more phase change materials change its phase from liquid to solid or from solid to liquid respectively to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within the predefined temperature range.
8. The thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more phase change materials are selected from a group comprising paraffin wax, hydrated salt, OM32 and metallic material.
9. A method for maintaining operating temperature of a battery pack, the method comprising steps of:
providing a support structure having one or more compartments to accommodate the battery pack that comprises one or more battery cells;
configuring one or more thermal bags with the support structure to store one or more phase change materials that comprises heat absorber materials or heated ejector materials, the one or more thermal bags configured such that an outer surface of each of the one or more thermal bags are thermally coupled with the battery pack to enable heat transfer between the one or more phase change materials and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to maintain temperature of the one or more battery cells within a predefined temperature range;
ascertaining ambient temperature;
filling the one or more thermal bags with the heat absorber materials if the ascertained ambient temperature is more than a predefined threshold temperature, and on the other hand, filling the thermal bags with the heated ejector martials if the ascertained ambient temperature is less than the predefined threshold temperature; and
configuring one or more thermoelectric heat pumps with the support structure such that the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are in thermal communication with the one or more thermal bags, wherein the one or more thermoelectric heat pumps are adapted to keep the one or more phase change materials into their original state.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more compartments of the support
structure comprises panels of highly thermal conductive material to enable heat transfer
between the one or more battery cells and the one or more thermal bags, and wherein the
panels of the one or more compartments are configured as thermal bridges between the
one or more thermal bags and the one or more battery cells of the battery pack to allow

heat transfer between the one or more battery cells and the one or more phase change material stored in the one or more thermal bags.