Battery and temperature equalization method, device and storage medium thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a battery and a temperature equalization method and device thereof and a storage medium, wherein the battery comprises a cooling loop configured to exchange heat with the battery through a cooling liquid; the temperature equalization method comprises: acquiring a standing time of the battery; and applying an excitation signal to the cooling loop when the standing time of the battery reaches a set time, wherein the excitation signal is used to cause the cooling liquid in the cooling loop to change in flow state and form. According to the method, the excitation signal is applied to the cooling liquid in the cooling loop, shock waves are generated in the cooling liquid, a certain kinetic energy is obtained, the form and flow state of the cooling liquid are changed, the temperature exchange between the cooling liquids at different positions is promoted, the heat exchange coefficient of the cooling liquid is increased, and the temperature difference between the cooling liquids is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery and its temperature equalization method, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Current batteries have beams around their outer perimeter, which exchange heat with nearby battery cells, affecting the temperature distribution between the cells. Traditional cooling systems, to meet structural strength requirements, often directly connect the cooling plate to the casing, resulting in heat exchange between the cooling plate and the casing. This leads to poor insulation, large temperature differences between battery cells in different locations within the battery, and reduced heat exchange efficiency, resulting in power loss.

[0003] Related technologies have proposed a control strategy of adding heat-insulating materials for insulation, but this leads to wasted space and increased costs. Another related technology proposes a battery insulation structure with a heat storage chamber, an air inlet pipe, and a primary electronic valve. After the primary electronic valve on the surface of the air inlet pipe is activated, hot air inside the battery or the heat storage chamber can be exchanged under the blowing or suction of a fan, achieving cooling and preheating of the battery's internal structure. All of the above technical solutions suffer from low heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a battery and its temperature equalization method, device and storage medium. By applying an excitation signal to the coolant in the cooling circuit, the coolant generates a shock wave and gains a certain kinetic energy, thereby changing the shape and flow state of the coolant, promoting temperature exchange between coolants at different locations, enhancing the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant, and reducing the temperature difference between coolants.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for temperature equalization of a battery, the battery including a cooling circuit configured to exchange heat with a coolant, the method including: obtaining the resting time of the battery; when the resting time of the battery reaches a set time, applying an excitation signal to the cooling circuit, wherein the excitation signal is used to cause changes in the flow state and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit.

[0006] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, when the battery is left to stand still for a period of time, an excitation signal is given to the cooling circuit. At this time, the coolant will gain a certain kinetic energy, causing changes in the shape and flow of the coolant. This can promote temperature exchange between coolants in different locations, reduce the temperature difference between coolants, and increase the heat transfer coefficient by changing the flow state. On the basis of improving the temperature difference of the coolant, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved, the temperature difference between battery cells can be reduced, and temperature balance can be achieved.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cooling circuit is equipped with a water pump, wherein applying an excitation signal to the cooling circuit includes controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, wherein the on-time of the set cycle is less than the off-time. In order to reduce energy consumption, the on-time of the water pump can be less than the off-time, which not only ensures that the coolant can obtain kinetic energy, but also reduces the overall vehicle energy consumption.

[0008] In some embodiments, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the method further includes: acquiring basic parameters of the coolant, wherein the basic parameters include viscosity; and determining the start time of the set cycle based on the viscosity of the coolant, wherein the viscosity of the coolant is positively correlated with the start time of the set cycle. This allows for determining different start times based on different coolant viscosities, which can reduce overall vehicle energy consumption to some extent.

[0009] In some embodiments, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the method further includes: detecting the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant; and determining the start time of the set cycle based on the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant.

[0010] In some embodiments, applying an excitation signal to the cooling circuit includes: providing kinetic energy to the coolant using a vibration method, wherein the vibration method includes at least one of mechanical vibration and high-frequency vibration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a water-cooled plate assembly, with the individual battery cells disposed in contact with the water-cooled plate assembly. By allowing the individual battery cells to have a large contact area with the water-cooled plate assembly, the heat exchange effect can be improved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the water-cooled plate assembly is integrated onto the reinforcement of the battery, the reinforcement connecting the upper cover and the lower housing, and the individual battery cells are arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly. When an excitation signal is input to the cooling circuit to generate a shock wave, a driving force is generated. When this driving force acts on the bubbles, due to the low density and low viscosity of the bubbles, this force makes the bubbles more prone to displacement than the liquid, which can assist the bubbles in the cold plate to gradually move towards the outlet end until they are discharged.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a battery temperature equalization device, the battery including a cooling circuit configured to exchange heat with the battery through a coolant, the device including: an acquisition module for acquiring the resting time of the battery; and an excitation signal application module for applying an excitation signal to the cooling circuit when the resting time of the battery reaches a set time, wherein the excitation signal is used to cause changes in the flow state and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit.

[0014] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, when the battery is left to stand still for a period of time, an excitation signal is given to the cooling circuit to generate a shock wave in the coolant in the cooling circuit. At this time, the coolant will gain a certain kinetic energy, causing changes in the shape and flow state of the coolant. This can promote temperature exchange between coolants at different locations, reduce the temperature difference between coolants, and increase the heat transfer coefficient by changing the flow state. On the basis of improving the temperature difference of the coolant, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved, the temperature difference between battery cells can be reduced, and temperature balance can be achieved.

[0015] Thirdly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a battery temperature equalization program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the battery temperature equalization method of the first aspect.

[0016] Fourthly, this application provides a battery, including a memory, a processor, and a battery temperature equalization program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the battery temperature equalization program, it implements the battery temperature equalization method of the first aspect.

[0017] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a battery temperature equalization method according to some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the molecular changes of the coolant in some embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a water-cooled plate assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a battery temperature equalization device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 6This is a block diagram of a battery according to some embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] The battery includes a temperature equalization device 100, an acquisition module 110, an excitation signal application module 120, a battery 200, a memory 210, a processor 220, a water-cooled plate assembly 230, a battery cell 240, and a bubble 250. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0030] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Current batteries have beams around their outer perimeter, which exchange heat with nearby battery cells, affecting the temperature distribution between the cells. Traditional cooling systems, to meet structural strength requirements, often directly connect the cooling plate to the casing, resulting in heat exchange between the cooling plate and the casing. This leads to poor insulation, large temperature differences between battery cells in different locations within the battery, and reduced heat exchange efficiency, resulting in power loss.

[0036] Related technologies have proposed adding heat insulation materials for heat preservation, but this leads to wasted space and increased costs. A new battery heat preservation structure is proposed, which includes a heat storage chamber, an air inlet pipe, and a primary electronic valve. After the primary electronic valve on the surface of the air inlet pipe is activated, hot air inside the battery body or the heat storage chamber can be exchanged under the blowing or suction of a fan, achieving cooling and preheating of the battery body.

[0037] The above-mentioned solution has a complex structure for battery insulation, requiring an additional pipe and an electronic valve, and the air heat transfer coefficient is low, resulting in low heat transfer efficiency.

[0038] The applicant's research found that current batteries utilize large-area cooling of individual battery cells, accounting for over 80% of the heat dissipation paths, with the coolant acting as a conductor to continuously exchange heat with the battery cells. However, when the vehicle is stationary, the coolant flow rate is zero. Due to structural inconsistencies, the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant varies at different locations, ultimately leading to different temperatures of battery cells in different locations within the battery after a period of inactivity, with the temperature difference increasing with the duration of inactivity. To address this issue of significant temperature differences among battery cells in different locations during inactivity, this application proposes a battery temperature equalization method. When the battery has been in inactivity for a set time, an excitation signal is input to the cooling circuit to cause changes in the flow and morphology of the coolant, promoting temperature exchange between different locations, improving the heat transfer coefficient, and equalizing the temperature of the battery cells.

[0039] The battery temperature equalization method of this application embodiment can be applied to batteries of pure electric vehicles as well as batteries of hybrid vehicles.

[0040] The following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are combined with... Figure 1 The temperature equalization method for the battery in this application is described.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery temperature equalization method in this application may include the following steps:

[0042] S1, obtain the battery's resting time.

[0043] S2, when the battery resting time reaches the set time, an excitation signal is applied to the cooling circuit. The excitation signal is used to cause changes in the flow and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit. The set time can be calibrated according to the actual situation.

[0044] Specifically, taking battery applications in vehicles as an example, during vehicle operation, the coolant circulates in the cooling circuit, and the temperature difference between individual battery cells is very small. Only when the battery has been idle for a certain period will the temperature difference between the individual cells gradually increase. When the vehicle is detected as off, or after a period of time, the vehicle controller starts timing. When the timing reaches the set time, it is determined that there is a temperature difference between battery cells in different locations. If no measures are taken at this point, the temperature difference between the individual cells will increase with the extension of the idle time, which is detrimental to extending the battery's lifespan. It should be noted that the battery temperature can also be monitored after the vehicle is turned off, and temperature equalization can begin when the temperature falls below a set threshold.

[0045] After the battery has been idle for a period of time, an excitation signal can be periodically input into the cooling circuit to generate a shock wave in the coolant, allowing the coolant to gain some kinetic energy (driving force), such as... Figure 2 As shown, after the battery has been left to stand for a period of time, the coolant molecules are arranged in a regular pattern. Figure 2 On the left side, the heat transfer coefficient is relatively small. After the coolant receives a shock wave, the coolant molecules instantly gain kinetic energy and move in a chaotic manner. Figure 2 (On the right side) This causes two changes in the coolant in the cooling circuit. One is a change in morphology: because the coolant generates shock waves, although the coolant does not flow, it will oscillate due to inertia, enhancing heat transfer between coolant cells. The other is a change in flow regime: because the coolant can gain kinetic energy in a short time, the flow velocity will increase instantaneously from 0 m / s. Although it will not flow due to inertia, the instantaneous change in velocity will increase the Reynolds number in a short time, thereby changing the instantaneous flow regime. The heat transfer coefficient between the coolant and the battery cells increases, improving the heat transfer capacity and reducing the temperature difference between battery cells.

[0046] It should be noted that the period of the shock wave signal input to the cooling circuit can be set according to the actual situation. For example, it can be determined based on the intensity of the shock wave. When the shock wave intensity is large, the period can be shorter, and when the shock wave intensity is small, the period can be longer. In addition, the magnitude of the excitation signal can be such that it causes the coolant to flow, or it can stop the coolant from flowing and only obtain a certain amount of kinetic energy. Regardless of whether the coolant flows or not, it can achieve the effect of reducing the temperature difference between battery cells.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the water-cooled plate assembly contains air bubbles, the air bubbles have a lower density and viscosity coefficient than the coolant. The rearrangement of the coolant molecules causes the air molecules to move under the action of force, allowing the internal air molecules to be expelled from the water-cooled plate assembly, which further improves the heat transfer coefficient.

[0048] It is understandable that the Reynolds number is a dimensionless number used to characterize fluid flow. Other factors related to the fluid's velocity, density, and viscosity are also considered. When the density and viscosity are constant, the Reynolds number is positively correlated with the fluid velocity. When the fluid velocity increases, the Reynolds number also increases, and the corresponding heat transfer coefficient also increases.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this application, a cooling circuit is provided with a water pump, which is used to apply an excitation signal to the cooling circuit. The method includes controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, wherein the on-time of the set cycle is less than the off-time.

[0050] Taking a battery used in a vehicle as an example, the vehicle is equipped with a water tank to hold coolant. A cooling circuit is installed between the water tank and the battery. During vehicle operation, the water pump is on, pumping the coolant from the water tank through the cooling circuit into the battery's water-cooled plate assembly to exchange heat with the individual battery cells. After the battery has been idle for a period of time, the water pump is controlled to turn on and off according to a set cycle. This provides an excitation signal to the coolant in the cooling circuit, giving it kinetic energy and causing a change in the arrangement of coolant molecules, thus improving the heat transfer coefficient. To reduce energy consumption while ensuring an improved coolant heat transfer coefficient, the water pump's on-time can be shorter than its off-time. This not only ensures the coolant receives kinetic energy but also reduces overall vehicle energy consumption.

[0051] The water pump can be turned on and off using a PWM pulse signal. The water pump is triggered to turn on at the rising edge of the control signal. The turn-on time of the water pump is the duty cycle of the PWM pulse signal. The larger the duty cycle, the longer the turn-on time, and the smaller the duty cycle, the shorter the turn-on time.

[0052] According to some embodiments of this application, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the above method includes: obtaining basic parameters of the coolant, wherein the basic parameters include viscosity; determining the start time of the set cycle based on the viscosity of the coolant, wherein the viscosity of the coolant is positively correlated with the start time of the set cycle.

[0053] The set operating time of the pump is related to the basic parameters of the coolant, such as viscosity. The operating time of the pump is determined based on the viscosity of the coolant. When the coolant viscosity is high, the resistance is greater. In this case, to allow the coolant to undergo changes in its morphology and flow pattern, the pump operating time needs to be longer. Conversely, when the coolant viscosity is low, the resistance is lower, and a shorter operating time will allow the coolant to undergo changes in its morphology and flow pattern.

[0054] In some other embodiments of this application, the basic parameters of the coolant may also include mass. The start-up time of the water pump is determined based on the mass of the coolant. For example, when the mass of the coolant is relatively large, the resistance generated is relatively large, and the start-up time of the water pump is relatively long; when the mass of the coolant is relatively small, the resistance generated is relatively small, and the start-up time of the water pump is relatively short.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this application, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the above method further includes: detecting the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant; and determining the start-up time of the set cycle based on the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant.

[0056] The relationship between the heat transfer coefficient and the pump start-up time can be obtained in advance. For example, the start-up cycle of the pump can be calibrated based on the change of the heat transfer coefficient. Specifically, when the pump is not turned on, the heat transfer coefficient remains constant. When the pump is turned on at a certain flow rate, the time is started from the moment the pump is turned on until the moment the heat transfer coefficient rises sharply. The difference between the two moments is calculated as the PWM pulse width value at that flow rate.

[0057] It should be noted that the upper limit of the opening time of the set cycle in the above embodiments can be the opening time when the coolant is about to flow but has not yet flowed.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this application, applying an excitation signal to a cooling circuit includes: providing kinetic energy to the coolant using a vibration method, wherein the vibration method includes at least one of mechanical vibration and high-frequency vibration.

[0059] Not only can kinetic energy be supplied to the coolant by turning on the water pump, but the coolant can also gain kinetic energy through high-frequency vibration or mechanical vibration.

[0060] According to some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery 200 also includes a water-cooled plate assembly 230, and the battery cell 240 is disposed in contact with the water-cooled plate assembly 230.

[0061] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 240 is positioned as close as possible to the water-cooled plate assembly 230, which increases the contact area between the battery cell 240 and the water-cooled plate assembly 230 and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0062] According to some embodiments of this application, the water-cooled plate assembly 230 is integrated on the reinforcing body of the battery 200, the reinforcing body connects the upper cover and the lower housing, and the battery cells 240 of the battery 200 are arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly 230.

[0063] Since the battery cell 240 is arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly 230, the water-cooled plate is placed vertically. Due to the low density of air, the air is above the coolant. When the water pump is turned on, a certain pressure is generated at the inlet of the battery cooling system. This force is transmitted to the air bubbles 250 through the coolant molecules, pushing the air towards the outlet. Because the air in the water-cooled plate assembly 240 affects the heat exchange effect, in severe cases, it can cause the coolant to flow unevenly, resulting in swirling noises. By expelling the air, the heat exchange effect can be improved.

[0064] In summary, in the technical solution of this application embodiment, when the battery is left to stand for a period of time, an excitation signal is given to the cooling circuit to generate a shock wave in the coolant in the cooling circuit. At this time, the coolant will gain a certain kinetic energy, causing changes in the shape and flow state of the coolant. This can promote temperature exchange between coolants at different locations, reduce the temperature difference between coolants, and increase the heat transfer coefficient due to the change in flow state. On the basis of improving the temperature difference of the coolant, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved, the temperature difference between battery cells can be reduced, and temperature balance can be achieved.

[0065] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also proposes a battery temperature equalization device.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the battery includes a cooling circuit configured to exchange heat with the battery via a coolant.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery temperature equalization device 100 of this application may include: an acquisition module 110 and an excitation signal application module 120.

[0068] The acquisition module 110 is used to acquire the battery's resting time. The excitation signal application module 120 is used to apply an excitation signal to the cooling circuit when the battery's resting time reaches a set time. The excitation signal is used to indicate changes in the flow state and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit.

[0069] Specifically, taking battery applications in vehicles as an example, during vehicle operation, the coolant circulates in the cooling circuit, and the temperature difference between individual battery cells is very small. Only when the battery has been idle for a certain period will the temperature difference between the individual cells gradually increase. When the vehicle is detected as off, or after a period of time, the vehicle controller starts timing. When the timing reaches the set time, it is determined that there is a temperature difference between battery cells in different locations. If no measures are taken at this point, the temperature difference between the individual cells will increase with the extension of the idle time, which is detrimental to extending the battery's lifespan. It should be noted that the battery temperature can also be monitored after the vehicle is turned off, and temperature equalization can begin when the temperature falls below a set threshold.

[0070] The acquisition module 110 is used to acquire the battery's resting time. After the battery has been resting for a period of time, the excitation signal application module 120 can periodically input an excitation signal into the cooling circuit to generate a shock wave in the coolant, allowing the coolant to gain some kinetic energy (driving force). Figure 2 As shown, after the battery has been left to stand for a period of time, the coolant molecules are arranged in a regular pattern. Figure 2 On the left side, the heat transfer coefficient is relatively small. After the coolant receives a shock wave, the coolant molecules instantly gain kinetic energy and move in a chaotic manner. Figure 2(On the right side) This causes two changes in the coolant in the cooling circuit. One is a change in morphology: because the coolant generates shock waves, although the coolant does not flow, it will oscillate due to inertia, enhancing heat transfer between coolant cells. The other is a change in flow regime: because the coolant can gain kinetic energy in a short time, the flow velocity will increase instantaneously from 0 m / s. Although it will not flow due to inertia, the instantaneous change in velocity will increase the Reynolds number in a short time, thereby changing the instantaneous flow regime. The heat transfer coefficient between the coolant and the battery cells increases, improving the heat transfer capacity and reducing the temperature difference between battery cells.

[0071] It should be noted that the period of the shock wave signal input to the cooling circuit can be set according to the actual situation. For example, it can be determined based on the intensity of the shock wave. When the shock wave intensity is large, the period can be shorter, and when the shock wave intensity is small, the period can be longer. In addition, the magnitude of the excitation signal can be such that it causes the coolant to flow, or it can stop the coolant from flowing and only obtain a certain amount of kinetic energy. Regardless of whether the coolant flows or not, it can achieve the effect of reducing the temperature difference between battery cells.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the water-cooled plate assembly contains air bubbles, the air bubbles have a lower density and viscosity coefficient than the coolant. The rearrangement of the coolant molecules causes the air molecules to move under the action of force, allowing the internal air molecules to be expelled from the water-cooled plate assembly, which further improves the heat transfer coefficient.

[0073] It is understandable that the Reynolds number is a dimensionless number used to characterize fluid flow. Other factors related to the fluid's velocity, density, and viscosity are also considered. When the density and viscosity are constant, the Reynolds number is positively correlated with the fluid velocity. When the fluid velocity increases, the Reynolds number also increases, and the corresponding heat transfer coefficient also increases.

[0074] According to some embodiments of this application, the cooling circuit is provided with a water pump, which is used to apply an excitation signal to the cooling circuit. The excitation signal application module 120 is specifically used to control the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, wherein the on-time of the set cycle is less than the off-time.

[0075] Taking a battery used in a vehicle as an example, a water tank is installed in the vehicle to hold coolant. A cooling circuit is set between the water tank and the battery. During vehicle operation, the water pump is on, pumping the coolant from the water tank through the cooling circuit into the battery's water-cooled plate assembly to exchange heat with the individual battery cells. After the battery has been stationary for a period of time, the excitation signal application module 120 controls the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle. This provides an excitation signal to the coolant in the cooling circuit, giving it kinetic energy and causing a change in the arrangement of coolant molecules, thus improving the heat transfer coefficient. To reduce energy consumption while ensuring an improved coolant heat transfer coefficient, the water pump's on-time can be shorter than its off-time. This not only ensures the coolant receives kinetic energy but also reduces overall vehicle energy consumption.

[0076] The water pump can be turned on and off using a PWM pulse signal. The water pump is triggered to turn on at the rising edge of the control signal. The turn-on time of the water pump is the duty cycle of the PWM pulse signal. The larger the duty cycle, the longer the turn-on time, and the smaller the duty cycle, the shorter the turn-on time.

[0077] According to some embodiments of this application, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the excitation signal application module 120 is further configured to: acquire basic parameters of the coolant, wherein the basic parameters include viscosity; determine the start time of the set cycle based on the viscosity of the coolant, wherein the viscosity of the coolant is positively correlated with the start time of the set cycle.

[0078] The set operating time of the pump is related to the basic parameters of the coolant, such as viscosity. The operating time of the pump is determined based on the viscosity of the coolant. When the coolant viscosity is high, the resistance is greater. In this case, to allow the coolant to undergo changes in its morphology and flow pattern, the pump operating time needs to be longer. Conversely, when the coolant viscosity is low, the resistance is lower, and a shorter operating time will allow the coolant to undergo changes in its morphology and flow pattern.

[0079] According to some embodiments of this application, before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the excitation signal application module 120 is further used to: detect the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant; and determine the start time of the set cycle based on the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant.

[0080] The relationship between the heat transfer coefficient and the pump start-up time can be obtained in advance. For example, the start-up cycle of the pump can be calibrated based on the change of the heat transfer coefficient. Specifically, when the pump is not turned on, the heat transfer coefficient remains constant. When the pump is turned on at a certain flow rate, the time is started from the moment the pump is turned on until the moment the heat transfer coefficient rises sharply. The difference between the two moments is calculated as the PWM pulse width value at that flow rate.

[0081] According to some embodiments of this application, the excitation signal application module 120 applies an excitation signal to the cooling circuit, specifically for: providing kinetic energy to the coolant through vibration, wherein the vibration includes at least one of mechanical vibration and high-frequency vibration. Kinetic energy can be provided to the coolant not only by turning on the water pump, but also through high-frequency vibration or mechanical vibration.

[0082] According to some embodiments of this application, the battery 200 also includes a water-cooled plate assembly 230, and the battery cells 240 of the battery 200 are disposed in contact with the water-cooled plate assembly 230.

[0083] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 240 is positioned as close as possible to the water-cooled plate assembly 230, which increases the contact area between the battery cell 240 and the water-cooled plate assembly 230 and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0084] According to some embodiments of this application, the water-cooled plate assembly 230 is integrated on the reinforcing body of the battery 200, the reinforcing body connects the upper cover and the lower casing, and the battery cell 240 is arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly 230.

[0085] Since the battery cell 240 is arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly 230, the water-cooled plate is placed vertically. Due to the low density of air, the air is above the coolant. When the water pump is turned on, a certain pressure is generated at the inlet of the battery cooling system. This force is transmitted to the air bubbles 250 through the coolant molecules, pushing the air towards the outlet. Because the air in the water-cooled plate assembly 240 affects the heat exchange effect, in severe cases, it can cause the coolant to flow unevenly, resulting in swirling noises. By expelling the air, the heat exchange effect can be improved.

[0086] It should be noted that for details not disclosed in the battery temperature equalization device of this application embodiment, please refer to the details disclosed in the battery temperature equalization method of this application embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0087] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium.

[0088] The computer-readable storage medium of this application stores a battery temperature equalization program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the battery temperature equalization method in the above embodiments.

[0089] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also proposes a battery.

[0090] like Figure 6As shown, the battery 200 of this application includes a memory 210, a processor 220, and a battery temperature equalization program stored in the memory 210 and executable on the processor 220. When the processor executes the battery temperature equalization program, it implements the battery temperature equalization method in the above embodiments.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for temperature equalization of a battery, the battery including a cooling circuit configured to exchange heat with the battery via a coolant, characterized in that, include: Obtain the resting time of the battery; When the battery resting time reaches a set time, an excitation signal is applied to the cooling circuit, wherein the excitation signal is used to cause changes in the flow state and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit; The cooling circuit is equipped with a water pump, which is used to apply the excitation signal to the cooling circuit. The method further includes: The water pump is controlled to turn on and off according to a set cycle, wherein the on-time of the set cycle is shorter than the off-time; Before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant is detected; the start time of the set cycle is determined based on the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant, wherein timing is started from the moment the water pump turns on and stopped at the moment when the heat transfer coefficient rises sharply, and the difference between the two moments is calculated as the start time of the set cycle.

2. The battery temperature equalization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery also includes a water-cooled plate assembly, and the individual cells of the battery are mounted in contact with the water-cooled plate assembly.

3. The battery temperature equalization method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-cooled plate assembly is integrated on the reinforcing body of the battery. The reinforcing body connects the upper cover and the lower casing. The individual battery cells are arranged longitudinally along the water-cooled plate assembly.

4. A temperature equalization device for a battery, the battery including a cooling circuit configured to exchange heat with the battery via a coolant, characterized in that, include: An acquisition module is used to acquire the resting time of the battery; An excitation signal application module is used to apply an excitation signal to the cooling circuit when the battery resting time reaches a set time, wherein the excitation signal is used to cause changes in the flow state and morphology of the coolant in the cooling circuit; The cooling circuit is equipped with a water pump, which is used to apply the excitation signal to the cooling circuit and control the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, wherein the on-time of the set cycle is shorter than the off-time. Before controlling the water pump to turn on and off according to a set cycle, the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant is detected; the start time of the set cycle is determined based on the heat transfer coefficient of the coolant. Furthermore, the timing begins from the moment the water pump is turned on and ends when the heat transfer coefficient suddenly increases. The difference between these two moments is calculated as the start-up time of the set period.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a battery temperature equalization program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the battery temperature equalization method according to any one of claims 1-3.

6. A battery, characterized in that, The device includes a memory, a processor, and a battery temperature equalization program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the battery temperature equalization program, it implements the battery temperature equalization method according to any one of claims 1-3.

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