Thermoregulation device for immersion thermoregulation and battery cell configuration

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control device for temperature control of battery cells (11), comprising a sheet-like main area (2) with a first plane (21) and a second plane (22), a plurality of first support areas (3) on the first plane (21), a plurality of second support areas (4) on the second plane (22), wherein first temperature control channels (5) are constructed between adjacent first support areas (3), wherein second temperature control channels (6) are constructed between adjacent second support areas (4), wherein the main area (2), the first support areas (3) and the second support areas (4) are integrally formed from reversibly deformable material, and wherein the first temperature control channels (5) and the second temperature control channels (6) extend through the main area from a first side (23) of the main area to a second side (24) of the main area (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature control device for regulating the temperature of individual battery cells, and a battery cell configuration comprising multiple battery cells and the temperature control device according to the invention. The invention can also be used for similar batteries and systems for supercapacitors. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the significantly increased demands on battery system charging processes, especially fast charging, new temperature control solutions must be found for such battery systems. One possible solution for temperature control of battery systems is so-called immersion temperature control, in which a non-conductive liquid temperature-regulating medium umspülts the individual battery cells. To make immersion temperature control as effective as possible, the battery cells must be umspülted as directly and completely as possible using the temperature-regulating fluid. According to current technology, it is impossible to completely umspült the individual battery cells in a battery pack because, to reduce aging effects, the cells must operate under mechanical compression. Therefore, prismatic and pouch cells, in particular, are stretched together on a large side. To compensate for changes in the external shape of the battery caused by charging, discharging, and aging, compressible battery intermediate elements are used.

[0003] Current battery intermediate components (such as foam) are designed in a way that prevents the circulating temperature-regulating medium from coming into direct contact with the battery. Therefore, temperature regulation on the battery is limited to its narrow sides, bottom, and top cover.

[0004] For example, a temperature control device with a grid structure as an external frame for immersion temperature control is known from US 11,626,636 B2. While this allows for free temperature control of the thermostatic fluid between cells, it also prevents the cells from being held together by intermediate cell elements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide, with simplicity and low cost manufacturability, a temperature control device for immersion temperature control of battery cells using a liquid temperature control medium, and a battery cell configuration having such a temperature control device, wherein tension between them can be ensured.

[0006] The above objective is achieved by a temperature regulating device having the features of claim 1 and a battery cell configuration having the features of claim 14. The dependent claims respectively illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The advantage of the temperature-regulating device according to the invention, having the features described in claim 1, is that it can regulate the temperature of battery cells particularly effectively even if the external shape of the battery cells changes. For example, such changes in the external shape of battery cells can occur due to the charging and / or discharging process or other internal and / or external influencing factors on the battery cells, especially aging of the battery cells. Simultaneously, the temperature-regulating device according to the invention, which can be arranged in the intermediate gap between two adjacent battery cells, can securely press the adjacent battery cells relative to each other, enabling battery cell configurations with multiple battery cells to achieve excellent temperature regulation performance and a particularly compact and stable structure for safe use. In this case, the temperature-regulating device according to the invention allows for significant changes in the external shape of the battery cells, thereby ensuring effective temperature regulation throughout the entire lifespan of the battery cells. This is crucial because aged batteries, in particular, have increased internal resistance and therefore release more heat during charging / discharging compared to newer batteries.

[0008] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned measures are achieved by the following means: the temperature regulating device includes a sheet-like main region having a first plane and a second plane, and a plurality of first support regions (especially first spacers) located on the first plane and a plurality of second support regions (especially second spacers) located on the second plane. The sheet-like main region forms a pad-like structure having support regions on both planes. A first temperature regulating channel is constructed between adjacent first support regions. A second temperature regulating channel is constructed between adjacent second support regions in the same manner. The main region of the temperature regulating device and the first and second support regions are integrally formed from a reversibly deformable material. In this case, the first and second temperature regulating channels extend through from a first end side of the temperature regulating device to a second end side of the temperature regulating device.

[0009] In other words, the temperature regulating device according to the invention includes a pad on which two planes are provided with temperature regulating channels by constructing support regions on the planes, wherein the support regions form the lateral boundaries of the temperature regulating channels. Segmental notches may be provided in the support regions of the temperature regulating channels to allow for medium exchange between the individual temperature regulating channels. The bottom or sides of the temperature regulating channels are formed by sheet-like main regions, wherein the temperature regulating channels are particularly open towards the battery cells.

[0010] The temperature regulating channel is preferably open towards the battery cell, allowing the temperature regulating medium to directly contact the wall area of ​​the battery cell. This direct contact between the temperature regulating medium and the battery cell enables effective temperature regulation.

[0011] Simultaneously, the temperature regulating device also forms a spacer in the intermediate gap between two adjacent battery cells. Because the temperature regulating device is made of a reversibly deformable material, its shape changes accordingly when the external shape of the battery cell changes. However, due to the multiple support points or support areas and temperature regulating channels on both sides of the sheet-like main region, even if the external shape of the battery cell changes, sufficient temperature regulating channels are ensured for the temperature regulation process of the battery cell, thus achieving effective temperature regulation.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention includes a battery intermediate element that, on the one hand, ensures battery tension, and on the other hand, especially in the compressed state, has a large free cross-section for a temperature regulating medium.

[0013] According to the present invention, the reversibly deformable material refers to an elastic, viscoelastic, or plastic material that can undergo reversible deformation before reaching its yield point, or refers to a material having open and closed pores, wherein, in particular, the closed pores are filled with air, such as foam. The material of the temperature control device is further preferably having a Shore hardness in the range of 5 to 98 Shore A or 1 to 65 Shore D, respectively, as determined by the Shore hardness test method.

[0014] More preferably, the material of the temperature regulating device has elastic properties within a compression deformation range of 98% to 73%.

[0015] More preferably, the material of the temperature regulating device has a compression set in the range of 0% to 90%.

[0016] Preferably, the material of the temperature control device exhibits hysteresis under tensile and / or compressive strain in the range of 0% to 90%.

[0017] Preferably, elastomers, polyurethanes, thermoplastics, or foams are used as materials for the temperature control device. In particular, NBR, HNBR, TPU, PU-R, FKM, silicone, AEM, ACM, or EPDM are used as materials for the temperature control device.

[0018] More preferably, the material of the temperature control device is selected from the group consisting of: EPM, EPDM, NBR, HNBR, ACM, AEM, ANM, VMQ, FVMQ, PMQ, PVMQ, FKM, FFKM, EVA, SBR, BR, IR, IIR, NR, CR, X-NBR, X-EPDM, X-SBR, AU, TPA, TPC, TPU, TPO, TPV, TPS.

[0019] More preferably, the material of the temperature control device is selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, poly(sulfide) ether, polycarbonate, polyimide, polysulfone, polyketone, polyurethane, polyolefin, halogenated vinyl resin, polyaryl vinyl, (meth)acrylate, provided that the above materials are at least partially reversibly deformable.

[0020] Preferably, all first support areas and / or all second support areas are arranged, configured, and oriented in the same direction, especially in parallel or systematically.

[0021] If the first and / or second support regions are constructed in a straight line, the temperature control device can be manufactured in a particularly simple and low-cost manner. In particular, when the first and second support regions are constructed in a straight line, the temperature control device can be manufactured as a component using an extrusion process.

[0022] According to another preferred design of the invention, both the first and second support regions have the same cross-section.

[0023] More preferably, the first and second support regions are staggered from each other in a transverse direction relative to the flow direction (i.e., transverse to the first and second temperature regulating channels). Particularly preferably, the first and second support regions are staggered from each other on the plane of the main region, such that the support regions are both arranged in the middle region of the temperature regulating channel located on another plane.

[0024] More preferably, the sheet-like main region is constructed in a wave shape with crests and troughs, particularly with a constant wavelength. Therefore, the sheet-like main region is zigzag-shaped, and preferably, both the first and second support regions are arranged at the crests of the wave-like main region. Thus, troughs are formed on opposite planes of the crests, where temperature-regulating channels are constructed. This allows for particularly effective compensation for significant changes in the external shape of the battery cell.

[0025] The materials are preferably selected in a way that results in minimal or controllable expansion upon contact with the medium. Typically, the expansion rate of the material upon contact with the medium should be at most 20%, preferably at most 10%.

[0026] Particularly preferably, after deformation due to changes in the external shape of one or more battery cells, the temperature regulating device is configured to generate a clamping force in the battery pack ranging from 0.03 MPa to 2.00 MPa, preferably between 0.05 and 0.8 MPa. This ensures that the temperature regulating device still bears sufficient clamping force in the battery pack to maintain contact with the battery cells when the external shape change of the battery cells is fully or partially restored.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the length of the temperature regulating channel is 80-150 mm, and the sum of all cross-sections of the temperature regulating channel is preferably about 30 square meters.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the temperature regulating channel is 100 mm long, and the total cross-section of all the temperature regulating channels is approximately 30 square meters.

[0029] Preferably, at the end of its service life, i.e., when the battery has expanded, the free cross-section of the temperature control device is at least 25% of its original value, and more preferably at least 50% of its original value.

[0030] Preferably, a channel structure is employed, in which the support region is partially interrupted, allowing material exchange between adjacent channels. This increases the free cross-section and improves temperature uniformity. The through-holes are preferably through holes or slot-shaped cuts in the support region. The through-holes are preferably staggered along the channel direction in adjacent support regions.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a battery cell configuration comprising at least one first and a second battery cell and a temperature regulating device according to the invention. The temperature regulating device is arranged between the first and second battery cells such that it contacts the first battery cell via a first support region and the second battery cell via a second support region. The first and second battery cells are preferably designed as prismatic cells or pouch cells.

[0032] More preferably, the battery cell configuration includes a frame in which the first and second battery cells and / or the temperature regulating device are housed. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The temperature regulating device and battery cell configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a battery cell configuration with a temperature regulating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The end view schematic diagram of the temperature control device shown is as follows. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The side view of the temperature control device shown is shown. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the temperature control device shown. Figure 5 for Figure 1 The side view diagram of the battery cell configuration shown, and Figure 6 This is a side view of a temperature control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 5 A detailed description will be given of a battery cell configuration 10 having a temperature regulating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the temperature regulating device 1 can be oriented in two directions; that is, the medium can be guided through the temperature regulating device "horizontally" or "vertically".

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown in the top view, each battery cell has an anode 12, a cathode 13, a closed explosion-proof hole 14, and a closed charging hole 16.

[0036] A temperature control device 1 is arranged between each adjacent battery cell 11.

[0037] Temperature control device 1 Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is shown in detail. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the top view, the temperature control device has a sheet-like main region 2. The sheet-like main region 2 is wave-shaped and has a first plane 21 and a second plane 22. A plurality of first support regions 3 are arranged on the first plane 21. A plurality of second support regions 4 are arranged on the second plane 22.

[0038] The first and second support regions 3 and 4 can be constructed in the same manner and can have the same cross-section. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first support region 3 and the second support region 4 can be arranged parallel to each other in a straight line. A first temperature regulating channel 5 is constructed between adjacent first support regions 3. A second temperature regulating channel 6 is constructed between adjacent second support regions 4 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0039] The sheet-like main region 2 and the first and second supporting regions 3 and 4 are integrally formed from a reversibly deformable material, especially an elastic material with at least a certain degree of elasticity. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first and second support regions 3 and 4, and the first and second temperature regulating channels 5 and 6 extend from the first battery cell side 23 of the temperature regulating device 1 to the second battery cell side 24.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the first width B1 of the temperature control channel can be wider than the second width B2 of the support area. The first width B1 is at least twice the second width B2.

[0041] like Figure 3As indicated by arrow 15, which represents the temperature regulating medium, the temperature regulating medium flows through the first and second temperature regulating channels 5 and 6 on both sides of the sheet-like main region 2.

[0042] Therefore, the first and second temperature-regulating channels 5 and 6 are composed of first and second support regions 3 and 4 as wall regions and a sheet-like main region 2 as the bottom of the temperature-regulating channel. The temperature-regulating channels 5 and 6 are constructed in a manner that opens toward the battery cell 11. As a result, the temperature-regulating medium 15 is in direct contact with the outside of the battery cell 11. This achieves particularly good temperature regulation.

[0043] The sheet-like main region 2 is constructed in a wave shape with crests 25 and troughs 26. At the troughs 26, a first groove 7 can be constructed on the first plane 21 of the main region 2, and a second groove 8 can be constructed on the second plane 22 of the main region 2 (see in detail). Figure 4 ).

[0044] Therefore, the first and second temperature regulating channels 5 and 6 are located at the trough 26, and the first and second support regions 3 and 4 are located at the crest 25 (see Figure 4 ).

[0045] The first and second grooves 7 and 8 in the temperature regulating channels 5 and 6 thereby improve the straight flow of the first and second temperature regulating channels 5 and 6.

[0046] Because the main region 2 is tortuous in cross-section, a certain prestress can be applied to the temperature regulating device, thereby pressing the first and second support regions 3 and 4 against the wall of the battery cell 11. After the external shape changes, the temperature regulating device 1 has a clamping force in the range of 0.05 MPa to 2.00 MPa, especially in the range of 0.05 MPa to 0.80 MPa. For example, this change in the external shape of the temperature regulating device 1 can occur due to a change in the external shape of the battery cell 11. Since the external shape may change during charging and discharging, this change in the external shape of the battery cell 11 is also reversible, so that the temperature regulating device 1 always remains in contact with the wall of the battery cell 11 due to its internal clamping force.

[0047] Temperature control device 1 may also cause irreversible changes in the external shape of the battery due to the aging process in the battery during its service life.

[0048] Therefore, the cross-sections of the first support region 3 and the second support region 4 are constructed in a bone-like shape, having a first contact area 31, a second contact area 32, and a connecting area 33. The connecting area 33 connects the free ends of the bone-like support regions to the main region 2.

[0049] The skeletal design of the first and second support regions 3 and 4 at their free ends specifically achieves the following: when the external shape of the battery cell changes, the external shape of the temperature regulating device 1 changes at the first and second contact regions 31 and 32, and this change is laterally eliminated by the change in the external shape of the battery cell 11. Therefore, although the external shape of the battery cell 11 begins to change, the cross-sections of the first and second temperature regulating channels 5 and 6 remain substantially unchanged. If the external shape of the battery cell 11 changes further, the first support region 3 or the second support region 4 is laterally compressed towards the temperature regulating channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature regulating channel may decrease as a result. However, the cross-sections at adjacent temperature regulating channels will increase in the same manner. Therefore, although the external shapes of the battery cell 11 and the temperature regulating device 1 change, the overall temperature regulating performance decreases only to a minimum. In any case, despite the change in the external shape of the battery cell, one temperature regulating channel in each region always remains open. Therefore, temperature regulation can always be ensured despite the change in external shape.

[0050] Because the first and second support regions 3 and 4 are constructed in a straight line, the temperature regulating device 1 can be manufactured as an extruded component at a very low cost. For example, elastomers, polyurethanes, or thermoplastics can be used as materials for the temperature regulating device 1. A temperature regulating device 1 composed of multiple materials can also be used.

[0051] In this embodiment, the battery cell 11 is shown as a prismatic battery. However, batteries of other shapes, such as pouch cells, can also be cooled using the temperature control device 1 according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 6 A temperature regulating device 1 is shown in the battery cell configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Identical or functionally identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the first and / or second support regions 3 and 4 each have at least one through hole 27. Figure 6 An exemplary top view of a first support region 3 is shown. Each support region 3 has a plurality of through holes 27 constructed within the first support region 3. In this embodiment, the through holes are recesses, thereby enabling fluid connection between adjacent temperature-regulating channels. Therefore, fluid exchange can occur between the channels. The through holes 27 can be constructed in the same manner or may have different geometries. Otherwise, this embodiment is comparable to the first embodiment, and reference can be made to the description given for the first embodiment.

[0054] In addition to the foregoing textual description of the present invention, reference is made here to the graphic representation of the present invention in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of supplementing the disclosure of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device for regulating the temperature of a single battery cell (11), comprising: - A sheet-like main region (2) having a first plane (21) and a second plane (22). - Multiple first support regions (3) located on the first plane (21). - Multiple second support areas (4) located on the second plane (22). -The first temperature regulating channel (5) is constructed between adjacent first support areas (3), -The second temperature regulating channel (6) is constructed between adjacent second support areas (4), -The main region (2), the first support region (3), and the second support region (4) are integrally formed from a reversibly deformable material, and - wherein the first temperature regulating channel (5) and the second temperature regulating channel (6) extend through the main region from the first side (23) to the second side (24) of the main region (2).

2. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the first support region (3) and / or the second support region (4) extend in the same direction as each other, in particular in parallel.

3. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support region (3) and / or the second support region (4) extend in a straight line.

4. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, -The temperature control device is constructed as a component made by an extrusion process, and / or -The first support region (3) and / or the second support region (4) have through holes, such that adjacent temperature regulating channels (5) are fluidly connected to each other.

5. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support region (3) and the second support region (4) have the same cross-section.

6. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support region (3) and the second support region (4) are arranged in the sheet-like main region (2) in a manner that is transverse to the flow direction and offset from each other.

7. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet-like main region (2) is constructed as a wave shape having crests (25) and troughs (26).

8. The temperature control device according to claim 7, wherein the first support region (3) and / or the second support region (4) are arranged on the crest (25), and / or wherein the first temperature control channel (5) and the second temperature control channel (6) are arranged on the trough (26).

9. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the first support region (3) and / or the cross-section of the second support region (4) is constructed as a bone and has a first contact area (31), a second contact area (32) and a connection area (33) for connecting with the sheet-like main region (2).

10. The temperature control device according to claim 9, wherein the first contact area (31) and the second contact area (32) are configured to make line contact with the battery cell.

11. The temperature regulating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulating device is an elastomer, a polyurethane component, a thermoplastic, or a foam.

12. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second temperature control channels (5, 6) have a maximum first width B1, the maximum first width being at least twice the maximum second width B2 of the first support region (3) and the second support region (4).

13. The temperature control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control device is configured to self-restore to its initial shape after deformation by means of a restoring force, particularly in the range of 0.05 MPa to 2.00 MPa.

14. A battery cell configuration comprising at least one first and second battery cell (11) and a temperature regulating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulating device (1) is arranged between the first and second battery cells (11) such that the temperature regulating device (1) is in contact with the first and second battery cells.

15. The battery cell configuration according to claim 14, further comprising a frame in which the first and second battery cells (11) and / or the temperature regulating device (1) are arranged.

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