Meaning
Geometric specifications for liquid cooling components define the maximum allowable deviation from a perfectly flat plane. Cooling plate planarity influences the thickness of the thermal interface material applied between the cells and the heat exchanger. A flat surface ensures even pressure across the entire bottom of the battery module.
Surface Tolerance
Variations in the height of the metal plate are measured relative to a theoretical flat surface. Maintaining strict cooling plate planarity prevents the formation of air pockets that would otherwise hinder heat transfer away from the lithium cells. The tolerance is usually measured in fractions of a millimeter across the entire length of the part.
Thermal Contact
Heat removal efficiency depends on the intimacy of the connection between the cooling circuit and the battery. Poor cooling plate planarity forces the use of thicker thermal pads or pastes to fill the resulting gaps.
Measurement Method
Laser scanning or physical contact probes determine the height at multiple points across the surface. This data is used to calculate whether the cooling plate planarity falls within the limits defined on the engineering drawing. If the plate is warped, the manufacturing process is adjusted to correct the bending caused by welding or casting.