Battery cell module housing for accommodating a battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell module housing (2) for accommodating a battery module (4), which comprises: a battery cell module housing cover part (6) for covering the battery module (4); a battery cell module housing bottom part (8) arranged opposite to the battery cell module housing cover part (6) for accommodating the battery module (4); a battery cell module housing peripheral part (10) arranged between the battery cell module housing cover part (6) and the battery cell module housing bottom part (8), the battery cell module housing peripheral part being used for connecting the battery cell module housing cover part (6) and the battery cell module housing bottom part (8), wherein an air dehumidification unit (12) is provided for dehumidifying the air in the battery cell module housing (2).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell module housing for accommodating a battery module, a battery system for use in a motor vehicle, and a method for operating the battery system. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing acceptance of electric vehicles, the requirements for the safety of battery cells (Batteriezellen) as an energy source for electric vehicles have also increased. Here, a major risk comes from the lack of stability of the battery cells at higher temperatures. Although the safety of the battery cells has been significantly improved over the past years (for example, by adding additives to the electrolyte or by using solid electrolytes), so that the battery cells can in principle be stably operated up to a temperature of 200°C, so far it has not been possible to reliably prevent the melting or decomposition of the battery cell material and the leakage of the battery cell material from the battery cell at lower temperatures below 200°C.

[0003] Therefore, in the case of using lithium-ion battery cells, molten lithium metal usually leaks from the battery cell housing at about 180°C, because the battery cell housing, which is usually configured as a pouch housing (Pouchgehäuse), can become unsealed and open at 180°C. The leaked liquid highly reactive lithium metal not only causes corrosion of the metal parts of the battery system, but can also cause an external short circuit, which can lead to a fire and explosion in the battery system.

[0004] Individual solutions that at least partially solve the above problems are known from the prior art. Thus, DE10157272A1 proposes that when liquid lithium metal leaks from the battery cell housing, or in the case of ignition or explosion caused by the leakage, it is directly absorbed via a suitable absorbent in order to minimize the resulting damage. Disadvantageously, although the liquid lithium metal is usually immediately absorbed, the entire battery module is still damaged, which thus does not only result in the replacement of a single battery cell, but in the replacement of the entire module. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to arrange the battery cells in such a protected manner that even in the case of a temperature-induced leakage of the battery cell material, the destruction of the entire battery module does not occur, but the damage can be limited as much as possible to the relevant leaking battery cell.

[0006] The above task is solved by a cell module housing for accommodating a battery module, a battery system for use in a motor vehicle, and a method for operating the battery system. The technical features disclosed for the cell module housing according to the invention are also applicable here in connection with the battery system according to the invention or the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures regarding the individual inventive aspects can always be referred to each other.

[0007] Here, the cell module housing according to the invention for accommodating a battery module includes a cell module housing cover part for covering the battery module, a cell module housing bottom arranged opposite the cell module housing cover part for accommodating the battery module, and a cell module housing circumference (Zellgehäusemantel) arranged between the cell module housing cover part and the cell module housing bottom for connecting the cell module housing cover part and the cell module housing bottom. Here, the cell module housing according to the invention is characterized in that an air dehumidification unit is provided for dehumidifying the air in the cell module housing.

[0008] It has been recognized within the scope of the present invention that if the water content in the cell surroundings is reduced to a minimum, the probability of a fire or explosion occurring when the cell material of the cell leaks can be extremely reduced. It has also been recognized within the scope of the present invention that the corresponding minimization of the water content in the cell surroundings can be achieved particularly effectively by arranging an air dehumidification unit.

[0009] The representative cell module housing is in particular configured to accommodate a battery module composed of lithium-ion cells, as it is currently set up for use in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. However, it is also conceivable that the representative cell module housing is also set up to accommodate a battery module composed of zinc cells, aluminum cells or metal oxide cells. Here, the representative cell module housing can in particular be used in at least partially electrically operated or fully electrically operated motor vehicles. In addition, it is also conceivable to use the cell module housing according to the invention in cranes, ships, flying objects or stationary objects.

[0010] Representatively arranged components of the battery cell module housing can be detachably or non-detachably connected to each other, and the battery cell module housing is hermetically sealed outward in the connected state. For the simple accessibility to the interior space of the battery cell module housing, it can be particularly advantageous if at least the battery cell module housing cover is detachably connected to the remaining battery cell module housing, in particular to the circumference of the battery cell module housing. Thereby, the battery cell module housing cover can preferably be simply opened or closed to access the interior of the battery cell housing.

[0011] Especially in the range of use in high-voltage applications, the battery cell module housing can be configured to accommodate a battery module composed of a plurality of, preferably a large number of, interconnected battery cells. The air dehumidification unit provided according to the invention can be representatively preferably understood as a device or component for accommodating water in the air, which is especially adjustable and can, for example, have a drying device. Here, the air dehumidification unit can advantageously be at least partially arranged inside the battery cell module housing, for example, partially arranged outside the battery cell module housing, preferably arranged on the battery cell module housing, and partially arranged inside the battery cell module housing, wherein the air dehumidification unit can, for example, be constructed in a multi-piece manner, and the components arranged inside the battery cell module housing can advantageously be connected to the components arranged outside the battery cell module housing.

[0012] In the range of a compact arrangement and a structurally simply establishable fixed air dehumidification unit, according to the invention, it can be especially provided that the air dehumidification unit is arranged at and / or inside the battery cell module housing cover.

[0013] Furthermore, in the range of an as controllable as possible adjustment of the air dehumidification unit, it can be representatively advantageous to provide that the air dehumidification unit is constructed in the form of an electrically operated air dehumidifier.

[0014] Regarding the as user-friendly and comfortable as possible operation of the air dehumidification unit (the as user-friendly and comfortable as possible operation simultaneously enabling an as energy-efficient as possible operation), it is especially conceivable that the air dehumidification unit can be activated remotely. Here, the air dehumidification unit can, for example, be activated by means of remote operation or in a simple manner from a vehicle or the like.

[0015] In order to ensure a reliable and at the same time energy-saving operation of the battery module, it can be provided according to the invention in particular that the air dehumidification unit is automatically activatable, wherein the automatic activation is preferably carried out in a temperature-controlled and / or controlled manner depending on the current air humidity. For the temperature-controlled and / or air humidity-controlled regulation or activation, in particular corresponding sensors, such as temperature sensors or air humidity sensors, can be arranged at and / or in the battery cell module housing. When using air humidity-controlled regulation or activation, it can be provided in particular that the air dehumidification unit is already activated from a temperature of 100° C., preferably from a temperature of 90° C., in particular from a temperature of 80° C. It can also be provided that the air dehumidification unit is already activated at an H2O concentration of 15 ppm, preferably from an H2O concentration of 10 ppm, in particular from an H2O concentration of 5 ppm. Alternatively or in addition to the temperature-controlled regulation or activation of the air dehumidification unit, pressure-controlled regulation or the like can also be provided.

[0016] In order to minimize damage to the battery module when high temperatures are reached and to correspondingly increase the safety of the battery module, according to the present invention, in particular a receiving unit for receiving material leaking from the battery module can be provided, wherein the receiving unit is preferably arranged in the battery cell module housing, in particular at the bottom of the battery cell module housing.

[0017] In order to ensure a stable structure of the battery module while ensuring a large absorption volume, the invention can provide that the receiving unit has a plurality of receiving channels arranged side by side for receiving material leaking from the battery module. The material regions arranged between the individual receiving channels contribute in particular to strengthening the battery module.

[0018] In order to further minimize damage to the battery module when high temperatures are reached and to correspondingly further increase the safety of the battery module, according to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the receiving unit has a coating arranged at least partially on the surface of the receiving unit for reducing the reactivity of materials escaping from the battery module. The coating can in particular consist of a material that effectively reduces the reactivity of materials escaping from the battery cells, for example granular brass and / or graphite and / or pyrene powder, preferably a mixture of silicone and graphite and / or trimethoxyboroxine and / or celogen, in particular a ternary eutectic salt mixture of BaCl, NaCl and KCl and / or a mixture of a ternary eutectic salt and celogen.

[0019] In order to further minimize the damage to the battery module when reaching a high temperature and to correspondingly further improve the safety regarding the battery module, according to the present invention, it can be particularly arranged that a cooling unit for cooling the receiving unit is provided, wherein the cooling unit is preferably arranged below the bottom of the battery cell module housing. The cooling unit can in particular be directly arranged below the bottom of the battery cell module housing and have as large a direct contact surface as possible with the receiving unit, so that the melted material leaking from the battery cells can be cooled down as effectively as possible. It can also be arranged, for example, that the cooling unit is connected to the receiving unit via a heat-conducting layer. The cooling unit can operate using air or water as a coolant here. Other coolants can also be used, such as oil, ethylene glycol, water-ethylene glycol mixture or other alcohols. In addition, when using the representative battery cell module housing in a motor vehicle, it can be arranged that the cooling circuit of the cooling unit is connected to the cooling circuit of the vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, similarly, the subject matter of the present invention is a battery system for use in a motor vehicle. Here, the battery system includes a battery module having a plurality of interconnected battery cells and a battery cell module housing for accommodating the battery module, in particular the battery cell module housing described above, wherein the battery cell module housing has an air dehumidification unit for dehumidifying the air inside the battery cell module housing. Thus, the battery system according to the present invention has the same advantages as those already described in detail regarding the battery cell module housing according to the present invention.

[0021] Similarly, the subject matter of the present invention is also a motor vehicle, which includes the battery cell module housing according to the present invention described above, in particular includes the battery system according to the present invention described above.

[0022] In addition, in ensuring the reliable and at the same time energy-saving operation of the battery module and realizing the automatic activation of the representative air dehumidification unit, according to the present invention, it can be arranged that a detection unit for acquiring data for determining the activation moment of the air dehumidification unit and / or a processing unit for determining the activation moment of the air dehumidification unit based on the acquired data and / or a control unit for activating the air dehumidification unit based on the determined activation moment are provided. The detection unit can preferably include a plurality of sensors for acquiring data for determining the activation moment here, and the sensors can be configured, for example, as temperature sensors and / or air humidity sensors and / or pressure sensors, etc. Then, the activation moment for activating the air dehumidification unit can be determined based on the acquired data by means of the processing unit, in such a way that the air dehumidification unit can be activated by means of the control unit. Here, when acquiring different data combinations, the acquired data can be further processed, preferably averaged, weighted or otherwise processed by the processing unit in terms of improving the persuasiveness of the data.

[0023] Likewise, the subject matter of the present invention is also a method for operating a battery system, in particular the battery system described above. Here, representative methods include the following steps: obtaining data for determining the activation time of the air dehumidification unit of the battery system by means of a detection unit; determining the activation time of the air dehumidification unit of the battery system by means of a processing unit based on the obtained data; and activating the air dehumidification unit by means of a control unit based on the determined activation time. Thus, the method according to the present invention has the same advantages as those already described in detail with respect to the battery system according to the present invention or the battery cell module housing according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other advantages, features and details of the present invention result from the following description, in which embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description are each individually or in any combination important for the present invention.

[0025] In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a battery cell module housing according to the present invention in perspective view according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a part of the battery cell module housing according to the present invention in top view according to a first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing a battery system according to the present invention in sectional view according to a first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4a Schematic diagram showing a battery system according to the present invention in sectional view according to a second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4b Schematic diagram showing a battery system according to the present invention in sectional view according to a third embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing a method for operating a battery system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the battery cell module housing 2 according to the present invention in perspective view according to a first embodiment.

[0033] Here, the battery cell module housing 2 for accommodating the battery module 4 according to the present invention includes a battery cell module housing cover portion 6 for covering the battery module 4, a battery cell module housing bottom portion 8 disposed opposite to the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 for accommodating the battery module 4, and a battery cell module housing peripheral portion 10 disposed between the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 and the battery cell module housing bottom portion 8, which is used to connect the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 and the battery cell module housing bottom portion 8. In addition, according to Figure 1 the battery cell module housing 2 according to the present invention includes an air dehumidification unit 12 for dehumidifying the air in the battery cell module housing 2, and the air dehumidification unit is currently disposed below the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 and is thus shown in dashed lines.

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a part of the battery cell module housing 2 according to the present invention in a top view according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Here, Figure 2 the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 is shown, and the air dehumidification unit 12 currently used for dehumidifying the air in the battery cell module housing 2 is disposed thereon.

[0036] Similarly, the air dehumidification unit 12 can also be disposed within the battery cell module housing cover portion 6.

[0037] In addition, within the range of as controllable adjustment as possible, the air dehumidification unit 12 can in particular be configured in the form of an electrically operated air dehumidifier.

[0038] In addition, with regard to the as user-friendly and comfortable operation as possible of the air dehumidification unit 12 (the as user-friendly and comfortable operation simultaneously achieves the as energy-saving operation as possible), the air dehumidification unit 12 can preferably be activated remotely.

[0039] It is also conceivable that the air dehumidification unit 12 is automatically activatable, and preferably can be automatically activated in a temperature-controlled manner and / or according to the current air humidity.

[0040] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the battery system 1 according to the present invention in a sectional view according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Here, the battery system 1 according to the present invention includes: a battery module 4 having a plurality of interconnected battery cells; and a battery cell module housing 2 for accommodating the battery module 4. The battery cell module housing has a battery cell module housing cover portion 6 for covering the battery module 4, a battery cell module housing bottom 8 disposed opposite to the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 for accommodating the battery module 4, and a battery cell module housing periphery 10 disposed between the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 and the battery cell module housing bottom 8 for connecting the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 and the battery cell module housing bottom 8. In addition, the battery cell module housing 2 of the battery system 1 has an air dehumidifying unit 12 disposed below the battery cell module housing cover portion 6 for dehumidifying the air in the battery cell module housing 2 and a receiving unit 14 for receiving the material leaking from the battery module 4. The receiving unit is currently disposed at the battery cell module housing bottom 8 within the battery cell module housing 2.

[0042] Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the battery system 1 according to the present invention is shown in a sectional view according to the second embodiment.

[0043] According to this second embodiment, the battery cell module housing 2 of the battery system 1 includes a receiving unit 14 having a plurality of receiving channels 16 arranged side by side for receiving the material leaking from the battery module 4. In addition, the battery cell module housing 2 according to the second embodiment includes a cooling unit 18 for cooling the receiving unit 14 and a heat conducting layer 28 disposed between the cooling unit 18 and the receiving unit 14.

[0044] In addition, the battery system 1 includes a detection unit 20 for acquiring data for determining the activation time of the air dehumidifying unit 12, a processing unit 22 for determining the activation time of the air dehumidifying unit 12 based on the acquired data, and a control unit 24 for activating the air dehumidifying unit 12 based on the determined activation time. In addition, a plurality of sensors 26 are provided for acquiring data for determining the activation time, and the plurality of sensors are currently wirelessly connected to the detection unit 20.

[0045] Figure 4b A schematic diagram of the battery system 1 according to the present invention is shown in a sectional view according to the third embodiment.

[0046] According to this third embodiment, the receiving unit 14 has a coating at least partially disposed on the surface of the receiving unit 14, and this coating is used to reduce the reactivity of the materials leaking from the battery module 4. Here, the coating can especially be composed of the following materials, which effectively reduce the reactivity of the materials leaking from the battery cells. Such materials are, for example, granular brass and / or graphite and / or pyrene powder, preferably a mixture composed of silicone and graphite and / or trimethoxyboroxine and / or Celogen, especially a ternary eutectic salt mixture composed of BaCl, NaCl, and KCl and / or a mixture composed of a ternary eutectic salt and Celogen.

[0047] Figure 5 Schematic diagram showing a method for operating the battery system 1 according to the present invention.

[0048] Here, the method includes the following steps: obtaining 30 data for determining the activation time of the air dehumidification unit 12 of the battery system 1 by means of the detection unit 20, determining 32 the activation time of the air dehumidification unit 12 of the battery system 1 based on the obtained data by means of the processing unit 22, and activating 34 the air dehumidification unit 12 based on the determined activation time by means of the control unit 24.

[0049] By means of the battery cell module housing 2 according to the present invention, the battery system 1 according to the present invention, and the method for operating the battery system 1 according to the present invention, especially through the arrangement structure of the air dehumidification unit 12 according to the present invention, it can be achieved that the probability of fire or explosion occurring when the battery cell materials of the battery cells leak is extremely reduced. The method is that the water content in the surrounding environment of the battery cells is minimized by means of the air dehumidification unit 12.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 1 Battery system

[0052] 2 Battery cell module housing

[0053] 4 Battery module

[0054] 6 Battery cell module housing cover

[0055] 8 Battery cell module housing bottom

[0056] 10 Battery cell module housing periphery

[0057] 12 Air dehumidification unit

[0058] 14 Receiving unit

[0059] 16 Receiving channel

[0060] 18 Cooling unit

[0061] 20 Detection unit

[0062] 22 Processing unit

[0063] 24 Control unit

[0064] 26 Sensor

[0065] 28 Heat-conducting layer

[0066] 30 Obtain data for determining the activation moment

[0067] 32 Determine the activation moment

[0068] 34 Activate the air dehumidification unit

Claims

1. A battery cell module housing (2) for accommodating a battery module (4), the battery cell module housing comprising: - A battery cell module housing cover portion (6) for covering the battery module (4); - A battery cell module housing bottom portion (8) arranged opposite to the battery cell module housing cover portion (6) for accommodating the battery module (4); - A battery cell module housing peripheral portion (10) arranged between the battery cell module housing cover portion (6) and the battery cell module housing bottom portion (8), the battery cell module housing peripheral portion being used to connect the battery cell module housing cover portion (6) and the battery cell module housing bottom portion (8), characterized in that an air dehumidification unit (12) for dehumidifying the air in the battery cell module housing (2) is provided, wherein a receiving unit (14) for receiving the material leaking from the battery module (4) is provided, wherein the receiving unit (14) is arranged at the battery cell module housing bottom portion (8) within the battery cell module housing (2), and wherein the receiving unit (14) has a coating at least partially arranged on the surface of the receiving unit (14) for reducing the reactivity of the material leaking from the battery module (4).

2. The battery cell module housing (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air dehumidification unit (12) is arranged at the battery cell module housing cover portion (6) and / or arranged within the battery cell module housing cover portion (6), wherein the air dehumidification unit (12) is configured in the form of an electrically operated air dehumidifier.

3. The battery cell module housing (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air dehumidification unit (12) is remotely activatable.

4. The battery cell module housing (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air dehumidification unit (12) is automatically activatable, and the automatic activation is controlled by temperature and / or according to the current air humidity.

5. The battery cell module housing (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving unit (14) has a plurality of receiving channels (16) arranged side by side for receiving the material leaking from the battery module (4).

6. The battery cell module housing (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A cooling unit (18) for cooling the receiving unit (14) is provided, wherein the cooling unit (18) is arranged below the battery cell module housing bottom portion (8).

7. A battery system (1) for use in a motor vehicle, the battery system comprising: - A battery module (4) having a plurality of interconnected battery cells; - A battery cell module housing (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery cell module housing (2) has an air dehumidification unit (12) for dehumidifying the air within the battery cell module housing (2).

8. The battery system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A detection unit (20) for acquiring data for determining the activation moment of the air dehumidification unit (12) and / or a processing unit (22) for determining the activation moment of the air dehumidification unit (12) based on the acquired data and / or a control unit (24) for activating the air dehumidification unit (12) based on the determined activation moment are provided.

9. A method for operating a battery system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, the method comprising the following steps: - Obtaining data for determining the activation time of the air dehumidification unit (12) of the battery system (1) by means of a detection unit (20); - Determining the activation time of the air dehumidification unit (12) of the battery system (1) by means of a processing unit (22) based on the obtained data; - Activating the air dehumidification unit (12) by means of a control unit (24) based on the determined activation time.

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