The flow channel structure design inside the Liquid Cooling Battery Pack Liquid Cooling Plate has a crucial influence on its heat dissipation performance.
1. Parallel flow channel structure
Parallel flow channels are a common structure. In this structure, the flow channels are arranged parallel to each other. After the coolant enters from the inlet, it is evenly distributed and flows along these parallel flow channels. The advantage of parallel flow channels is that they are simple in structure and easy to manufacture. For example, a liquid cooling plate with parallel flow channels can be easily made by stamping. From the perspective of fluid mechanics, the flow of coolant in parallel flow channels is relatively stable, and the pressure drop is easier to predict and control. However, parallel flow channels also have some limitations. Due to the same flow channel length, the coolant temperature near the inlet is lower and the ability to absorb heat is stronger, while the closer to the outlet, the coolant temperature increases and the heat dissipation capacity may decrease, which may lead to uneven heat dissipation at different positions of the battery pack.
2. Serpentine flow channel structure
The serpentine flow channel presents a curved shape, similar to the crawling trajectory of a snake. This structure allows the coolant to flow through a longer path in the liquid cooling plate. When the coolant flows in the serpentine flow channel, it can fully exchange heat with the wall of the liquid cooling plate. Because the coolant constantly changes its flow direction, secondary flow will be generated at the bend, which enhances the mixing between the coolant and the wall, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency. However, the disadvantage of the serpentine flow channel is that its pressure drop is large. Since the coolant needs to turn continuously, it will generate greater resistance at the bend, which requires the coolant pumping system to have a higher pressure. Moreover, the manufacturing of the serpentine flow channel is relatively complex, requiring more precise processing technology, and the cost may be relatively high.
3. Forked flow channel structure
The forked flow channel structure is a more complex design. It starts from the inlet, and the flow channel gradually forks, extending in different directions like branches. The advantage of this structure is that the coolant can be reasonably distributed to each sub-flow channel according to the heat dissipation requirements of different areas in the battery pack. For example, more coolant can be distributed to areas in the battery pack where heat is more concentrated, thereby achieving more precise heat dissipation control. However, the design and manufacture of bifurcated flow channels are difficult, requiring an in-depth understanding of the thermal distribution of the battery pack. In addition, during actual operation, local pressure unevenness may occur at the bifurcation of the flow channel, and optimization design is required to ensure the stable flow of the coolant.
4. Microchannel flow channel structure
The microchannel flow channel structure is characterized by very small flow channel size, usually at the micron level. This structure can greatly increase the contact area between the coolant and the flow channel wall, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. Due to the narrow channel, the coolant flows faster in it and can quickly take away heat. However, microchannel flow channels are prone to clogging, and the purity of the coolant is very high. The manufacturing process requirements are extremely high, and micro-nano processing technology is required, and the cost is relatively expensive.
