A battery module

Abstract

The application discloses a battery module, which comprises a shell, a battery cell assembly and a cooling circulation system; the shell is internally formed with a containing cavity, the containing cavity is internally provided with a partition plate to separate the containing cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber which are arranged at intervals along a left-right direction, the partition plate is provided with a communication port to enable the first chamber and the second chamber to be partially communicated, the shell is further formed with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; the battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells which are distributed in the first chamber and the second chamber; the cooling circulation system comprises a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate which are correspondingly arranged in the first chamber and the second chamber, the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate are both internally formed with a plurality of flow channels which are arranged side by side along the left-right direction, and the lengths of the plurality of flow channels are gradually reduced along the left-right direction. The application aims to solve the problem of uneven cooling of the existing battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and particularly to the field of battery heat dissipation technology, specifically to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid-cooled batteries exist in a relatively enclosed environment. During charging and discharging, the cells generate heat, causing the battery temperature to rise. Temperature is a crucial factor affecting battery performance and lifespan. Liquid cooling plates are typically installed within battery modules to improve heat dissipation efficiency. Each battery module usually contains multiple cell groups, each consisting of multiple cells. While aluminum extrusion profiles are readily available and easy to manufacture and process due to their consistent forming process, the uniformity of the flow field distribution is limited in the flow channel design. For example, the horizontal and vertical flow channels during profile processing, the distribution of flow channel inlets, and the turning points create significant resistance, resulting in inconsistent flow velocities in different channels. Some areas have high flow velocities, while others have slow velocities, leading to uneven heating and cooling and poor overall temperature uniformity. Temperature differences can also cause thermal deformation of the liquid cooling plate, causing it to twist and affecting the adhesion between the battery module and the liquid cooling plate, thus impacting heat transfer performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a battery module that aims to solve the problem of uneven cooling in existing battery modules.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery module comprising:

[0005] The housing has a receiving cavity formed inside, and a partition is provided inside the receiving cavity to divide the receiving cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The partition is provided with a communication port to allow the first chamber and the second chamber to be partially connected. The housing also has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

[0006] A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells distributed in a first chamber and a second chamber; and,

[0007] The cooling circulation system includes a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate, which are respectively disposed in a first chamber and a second chamber. Both the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate have multiple flow channels arranged side by side along the left-right direction, and the length of the multiple flow channels gradually decreases along the left-right direction.

[0008] Optionally, the liquid inlet is provided corresponding to the first chamber, the liquid outlet is provided corresponding to the second chamber, and the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are spaced apart and located on the same side of the housing.

[0009] Optionally, an inlet region and an inlet turning region are formed between the two ends of the first cooling plate and the first chamber, respectively. The inlet region is formed at one end close to the liquid inlet, and the inlet turning region is formed at the other end away from the liquid inlet.

[0010] The second cooling plate and the second chamber have two ends that form an outlet turning area and an outlet area respectively. The outlet area is formed at one end close to the liquid outlet, and the outlet turning area is formed at the other end away from the liquid outlet.

[0011] Optionally, in the left-right direction, the size of the inlet turning area is L5, the size between two adjacent flow channels is T, and the size of each flow channel is B, wherein:

[0012] L5 = k1T, 10 ≤ k1 ≤ 25; and / or,

[0013] B = k2T, 10 ≤ k2 ≤ 20.

[0014] Optionally, the cooling circulation system further includes a flow guide block located within the second chamber and positioned corresponding to the communication port, with the upper end of the flow guide block tapering towards the communication port.

[0015] Optionally, in the left-right direction, the size of the second cavity is L2, and the size of the guide block is L3, wherein 0.3≤L3 / L2≤0.8.

[0016] Optionally, the battery module further includes a cooling flow path, which is located on the outside of the housing and is used to connect the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet;

[0017] The cooling circulation system includes a cooling water tank and a circulating water pump located on the cooling flow path. The inlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the outlet of the cooling water tank, and the outlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the liquid inlet. The cooling water tank is used to contain coolant, and the outlet of the cooling water tank is connected to the liquid outlet.

[0018] Optionally, in the left-right direction, the size of the housing is L1, and the distance between the centerline of the liquid inlet and the centerline of the liquid outlet is L4, wherein 0.3≤L4 / L1≤0.7.

[0019] Optionally, on the first cooling plate, the plurality of flow channels include a first flow channel with the longest length and a second flow channel with the shortest length. The distance between the first flow channel and the inner wall of the housing on the liquid inlet side is H1, and the distance between the second flow channel and the inner wall of the housing on the liquid inlet side is H2, wherein:

[0020] 1mm≤H1≤10mm;

[0021] 20mm≤H2≤50mm.

[0022] Optionally, the material of the first cooling plate includes aluminum alloy; and / or,

[0023] The second cooling plate is made of aluminum alloy.

[0024] In the technical solution of this invention, the lengths of the multiple flow channels gradually decrease along the left-right direction, ensuring that the flow velocity of the coolant in each flow channel is equal or similar. This achieves uniform heat dissipation of the battery module and also ensures a more balanced surface temperature between the first and second cooling plates, reducing thermal deformation. The battery module can fit well against the surfaces of the first and second cooling plates, ensuring the heat transfer performance of the battery module. Specifically, the coolant flows from the first chamber into the second chamber through the connecting port, avoiding the presence of coolant located in the first chamber near the second chamber. The coolant in the multiple channels near the connection port passes through the connection port faster than the coolant in the multiple channels far from the connection port, and the coolant in the multiple channels near the connection port in the second chamber enters the multiple channels faster than the coolant in the multiple channels far from the connection port. This ensures that the flow rate of the coolant in the multiple channels is equal or similar, achieving uniform heat dissipation and reducing the distortion caused by temperature differences between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate due to uneven temperature, thereby preventing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the battery module provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of an embodiment of the battery module provided by the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 100 Battery Module 31 First cooling plate 1 case 32 Second cooling plate 11 Receiving cavity 33 flow channel 112 First chamber 34 Entrance area 113 Second chamber 35 Entrance turning area 12 partition 36 Export area 13 Connecting port 37 Exit turning area 14 Inlet 4 Guide block 15 Liquid outlet 5 Cooling flow path 2 Battery cell assembly 6 Cooling water tank 3 Cooling circulation system 7 Circulating water pump

[0030] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0034] Liquid-cooled batteries exist in a relatively enclosed environment. During charging and discharging, the cells generate heat, causing the battery temperature to rise. Temperature is a crucial factor affecting battery performance and lifespan. Liquid cooling plates are typically installed within battery modules to improve heat dissipation efficiency. Each battery module usually contains multiple cell groups, each consisting of multiple cells. While aluminum extrusion profiles are readily available and easy to manufacture and process due to their consistent forming process, the uniformity of the flow field distribution is limited in the flow channel design. For example, the horizontal and vertical flow channels during profile processing, the distribution of flow channel inlets, and the turning points create significant resistance, resulting in inconsistent flow velocities in different channels. Some areas have high flow velocities, while others have slow velocities, leading to uneven heating and cooling and poor overall temperature uniformity. Temperature differences can also cause thermal deformation of the liquid cooling plate, causing it to twist and affecting the adhesion between the battery module and the liquid cooling plate, thus impacting heat transfer performance.

[0035] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery module, Figure 1 This is an embodiment of the battery module provided by the present invention. The battery module will be described below with reference to the specific accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 100 includes a housing 1, a cell assembly 2, and a cooling circulation system 3. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity 11, which is divided into a first chamber 112 and a second chamber 113 spaced apart in a left-right direction by a partition 12. The partition 12 has a connecting port 13, allowing partial communication between the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113. The housing 1 also has a liquid inlet 14 and a liquid outlet 15. The cell assembly 2 includes multiple cells distributed in the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113. The cooling circulation system 3 includes a first cooling plate 31 and a second cooling plate 32, correspondingly disposed within the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113. Both the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 have multiple flow channels 33 arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction, with the length of the multiple flow channels 33 gradually decreasing in the left-right direction.

[0037] In the technical solution of this invention, the lengths of the multiple flow channels 33 gradually decrease along the left-right direction, so that the flow velocity of the coolant in each flow channel 33 is equal or similar, achieving uniform heat dissipation of the battery module 100. Simultaneously, it ensures a more balanced surface temperature between the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32, reducing thermal deformation. The battery module 100 can fit well against the surfaces of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32, ensuring the heat transfer performance of the battery module 100. Specifically, the coolant flows from the first chamber 112 into the second chamber 113 through the connecting port 13, avoiding the presence of coolant located in the first chamber 112 near the connecting port. The coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 of the port 13 passes through the communication port 13 faster than the coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 farther from the communication port 13. Additionally, the coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 located in the second chamber 113 near the communication port 13 enters the multiple flow channels 33 faster than the coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 farther from the communication port 13. This ensures that the flow rates of the coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 are equal or similar, achieving uniform heat dissipation. This reduces the distortion and deformation caused by temperature differences between the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 due to uneven temperature, thereby preventing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the battery module 100.

[0038] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inlet 14 corresponds to the first chamber 112, and the outlet 15 corresponds to the second chamber 113. The inlet 14 and the outlet 15 are spaced apart and located on the same side of the housing 1. In this embodiment, to ensure uniform heat dissipation, both the inlet 14 and the outlet 15 are located on the same side of the housing 1. During actual heat dissipation, the coolant enters from the inlet 14, passes through the first cooling plate 31 located in the first chamber 112, enters the second chamber 113 through the connecting port 13, passes through the second cooling plate 32 located in the second chamber 113, and then flows out from the outlet 15. This arrangement allows the coolant to flow evenly and comprehensively through each cell during the cooling process, achieving uniform heat dissipation and preventing the battery module 100 from burning out due to excessive temperature.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The first cooling plate 31 has an inlet region 34 and an inlet turning region 35 formed between its two ends and the first chamber 112, respectively. The inlet region 34 is formed at one end close to the liquid inlet 14, and the inlet turning region 35 is formed at one end away from the liquid inlet 14. The second cooling plate 32 has an outlet turning region 37 and an outlet region 36 formed between its two ends and the second chamber 113, respectively. The outlet region 36 is formed at one end close to the liquid outlet 15, and the outlet turning region 37 is formed at one end away from the liquid outlet 15. In this embodiment, when the coolant enters from the inlet 14, it first enters the inlet region 34. Since the lengths of the multiple flow channels 33 gradually decrease along the left-right direction, and the ends of the multiple flow channels 33 located in the first chamber 112 that are gradually decreasing in size face the inlet region 34, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet region 34 gradually increases from left to right. As a result, the flow velocities of the coolant in the inlet region 34 are all different, allowing the coolant to flow into the multiple flow channels 33 located in the first chamber 112 at equal or similar speeds. Simultaneously, the other ends of the multiple flow channels 33 are flush, thus the inlet turning area... Since the cross-sectional areas of the regions 35 are equal, the coolant flows at a uniform speed in the inlet turning region 35. Similarly, the multiple flow channels 33 located in the second chamber 113 are arranged with gradually decreasing sizes, one end facing the outlet turning region, and the other end being flush. This arrangement ensures that the flow velocity of the coolant in each flow channel 33 is equal or similar, achieving uniform heat dissipation of the battery module 100. At the same time, it can also ensure that the surface temperature of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 is more balanced, which can reduce thermal deformation. The battery module 100 can fit well against the surfaces of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32, ensuring the heat transfer performance of the battery module 100.

[0040] The dimension from the flush end of the plurality of flow channels 33 to the inner wall of the housing 1 is H3, and the value of H3 ranges from 30 to 60 mm. As a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the value of H3 ranges from 40 to 50 mm. Within the above range, the smoothness of the coolant turning in the inlet turning area 35 can be ensured.

[0041] Furthermore, to ensure that the coolant flow rate is the same in the multiple flow channels 33, the dimension of the inlet turning area 35 in the left-right direction is L5, the dimension between two adjacent flow channels 33 is T, and the dimension of each flow channel 33 is B, where: L5 = k1T, 10 ≤ k1 ≤ 25; B = k2T, 10 ≤ k2 ≤ 20. Within the above ranges, the support strength of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 can be satisfied, and the smoothness of the coolant flow in the multiple flow channels 33 can also be satisfied.

[0042] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The cooling circulation system 3 further includes a flow guide block 4, which is located within the second chamber 113 and corresponding to the connecting port 13. The upper end of the flow guide block 4 tapers towards the connecting port 13. In this embodiment, the function of the flow guide block 4 is to slow down the flow rate of the coolant, allowing the coolant to flow into the second chamber 113 more slowly, thereby ensuring that the flow rates of the coolant in the multiple flow channels 33 within the second chamber 113 are equal or similar.

[0043] Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the size of the second cavity is L2, and the size of the guide block 4 is L3, wherein 0.3≤L3 / L2≤0.8.

[0044] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The battery module 100 further includes a cooling flow path 5, which is located on the outside of the housing 1 and connects the outlet 15 and the inlet 14. The cooling circulation system 3 includes a cooling water tank 6 and a circulating water pump 7 located on the cooling flow path 5. The inlet of the circulating water pump 7 is connected to the outlet of the cooling water tank 6, and the outlet of the circulating water pump 7 is connected to the inlet 14. The cooling water tank 6 is used to contain coolant, and the outlet of the cooling water tank 6 is connected to the outlet 15. Specifically, the cooling water tank 6 is used to recover the coolant that has absorbed heat. The coolant is cooled in the cooling water tank 6, and then the circulating water pump 7 draws out the cooled coolant and sends it into the cooling plate for continued cooling. This arrangement enables circulating cooling.

[0045] Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the size of the housing 1 is L1, and the distance between the center line of the liquid inlet 14 and the center line of the liquid outlet 15 is L4, wherein 0.3≤L4 / L1≤0.7. Within the above range, it can be ensured that the flow rate of the coolant in each of the flow channels 33 is equal or the same.

[0046] Furthermore, on the first cooling plate 31, the plurality of flow channels 33 include a first flow channel 33 with the longest length and a second flow channel 33 with the shortest length. The distance between the first flow channel 33 and the inner wall of the housing 1 on the side of the liquid inlet 14 is H1, and the distance between the second flow channel 33 and the inner wall of the housing 1 on the side of the liquid inlet 14 is H2, wherein: 1mm≤H1≤10mm; 20mm≤H2≤50mm. Within the above range, the cross-sectional area from the inlet turning region to the outlet turning region decreases, and the overall shape is wedge-shaped, which reduces the pressure loss of the coolant along the turning region of the flow channel 33, so that the flow velocity of the coolant in each of the flow channels 33 is equal or similar.

[0047] Specifically, the materials of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 are not limited. However, in this embodiment, in order to ensure cooling efficiency, the material of the first cooling plate 31 includes aluminum alloy, and the material of the second cooling plate 32 includes aluminum alloy.

[0048] Furthermore, the thickness of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 is T, wherein 1.5mm≤T≤3mm. As a preferred embodiment of this example, 2mm≤T≤2.5mm. Within the above range, the processing and manufacturing of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32 are more efficient, while also ensuring the supporting strength of the first cooling plate 31 and the second cooling plate 32.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: The housing has a receiving cavity formed inside, and a partition is provided inside the receiving cavity to divide the receiving cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The partition is provided with a communication port to allow the first chamber and the second chamber to be partially connected. The housing also has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells distributed in a first chamber and a second chamber; and, A cooling circulation system includes a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate, which are respectively disposed in a first chamber and a second chamber. Both the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate have multiple flow channels arranged side by side along the left-right direction. The length of the multiple flow channels gradually decreases along the direction from the first chamber to the second chamber. The cooling circulation system further includes a flow guide block, which is located in the second chamber and is positioned corresponding to the communication port. The upper end of the flow guide block is tapered towards the communication port. The liquid inlet is provided corresponding to the first chamber, and the liquid outlet is provided corresponding to the second chamber. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are spaced apart and located on the same side of the housing. An inlet region and an inlet turning region are formed between the two ends of the first cooling plate and the first chamber, respectively. The inlet region is formed at one end close to the liquid inlet, and the inlet turning region is formed at the other end away from the liquid inlet. The second cooling plate and the second chamber have two ends that form an outlet turning area and an outlet area respectively with the second chamber. The outlet area is formed at one end close to the liquid outlet, and the outlet turning area is formed at the other end away from the liquid outlet. The entrance turning area and the exit turning area are connected through the connecting port; The multiple flow channels of the first cooling plate are arranged in a gradually decreasing manner, with one end facing the inlet area and the other end flush with it; The multiple flow channels of the second cooling plate are arranged in a gradually decreasing manner, with one end facing the outlet turning area and the other end flush with it.

2. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, the size of the inlet turning area is L5, the size between two adjacent flow channels is T, and the size of each flow channel is B, wherein: L5=k1T, 10≤k1≤25; and / or, B = k2T, 10 ≤ k2 ≤ 20.

3. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, the size of the second cavity is L2, and the size of the guide block is L3, wherein 0.3≤L3 / L2≤0.

8.

4. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module also includes a cooling flow path, which is located on the outside of the housing and is used to connect the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The cooling circulation system includes a cooling water tank and a circulating water pump located on the cooling flow path. The inlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the outlet of the cooling water tank, and the outlet of the circulating water pump is connected to the liquid inlet. The cooling water tank is used to contain coolant, and the outlet of the cooling water tank is connected to the liquid outlet.

5. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, the size of the shell is L1, and the distance between the center line of the liquid inlet and the center line of the liquid outlet is L4, wherein 0.3≤L4 / L1≤0.

7.

6. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, On the first cooling plate, the plurality of flow channels include a first flow channel with the longest length and a second flow channel with the shortest length. The distance between the first flow channel and the inner wall of the housing on the liquid inlet side is H1, and the distance between the second flow channel and the inner wall of the housing on the liquid inlet side is H2, wherein: 1mm≤H1≤10mm; 20mm≤H2≤50mm.

7. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first cooling plate includes aluminum alloy; and / or, The second cooling plate is made of aluminum alloy.

Images