Liquid cooling system and battery pack

Abstract

The application provides a liquid cooling system and a battery pack. The liquid cooling system comprises: a plurality of combined liquid cooling modules, an inlet pipeline assembly and an outlet pipeline assembly. The plurality of combined liquid cooling modules are arranged in sequence in a first direction. Each combined liquid cooling module comprises a plurality of liquid cooling units arranged in a second direction in a stacked manner, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The inlet pipeline assembly comprises a plurality of inlet pipeline main lines arranged in sequence in the first direction, and the plurality of inlet pipeline main lines are connected in series with each other. The plurality of liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are connected in communication with corresponding inlet pipeline main lines. The outlet pipeline assembly comprises a plurality of outlet pipeline main lines arranged in sequence in the first direction and connected in series with each other. The plurality of liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are connected in communication with corresponding outlet pipeline main lines. The liquid cooling system provided by the application has the advantages of small system pressure drop, few flow regulation variables and high flow regulation consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to a liquid cooling system and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] The power battery pack, as the energy storage and power output device of an electric vehicle, is the power source of the electric vehicle and the guarantee of its driving range. In order for the power battery pack to operate normally and safely, it is necessary to equip the battery modules in the power battery pack with appropriate heat dissipation structures, such as liquid cooling systems, to dissipate the heat generated by the battery modules as quickly as possible.

[0003] Traditional power battery packs typically consist of multiple battery modules, with the cells arranged in a single layer within each module. To meet users' higher demands for the range of electric vehicles and to enable each battery module to contain more cells and store greater capacity, researchers have creatively proposed a double-layer battery module arrangement. However, the liquid cooling system of the double-layer battery module suffers from issues such as significant system pressure drop, numerous flow regulation variables, and inconsistent flow regulation.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical shortcomings, there is an urgent need to design a liquid cooling system that can reduce system pressure drop and facilitate flow regulation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid cooling system and a battery pack, which can improve the technical problems of large system pressure drop and difficult flow regulation in liquid cooling systems applied to dual-layer battery modules in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system comprising: m combined liquid cooling modules arranged sequentially in a first direction, wherein each combined liquid cooling module includes n liquid cooling units stacked in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and m and n are both integers greater than 1; an inlet pipe assembly including m main inlet pipes arranged sequentially in the first direction, the m main inlet pipes being connected in series, and the n liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module being respectively connected to the corresponding main inlet pipe; and an outlet pipe assembly including m main outlet pipes arranged sequentially in the first direction, the m main outlet pipes being connected in series, and the n liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module being respectively connected to the corresponding main outlet pipe.

[0007] In one embodiment, the combined liquid cooling module has a central axis parallel to the first direction, and the liquid inlet pipeline assembly and the liquid outlet pipeline assembly are symmetrical about the central axis.

[0008] In one embodiment, the liquid inlet pipeline assembly further includes m*n liquid inlet pipe branches, and the liquid cooling unit is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline through the liquid inlet pipe branches, wherein the n liquid inlet pipe branches in the second direction are symmetrical about the main liquid inlet pipeline; the liquid outlet pipeline assembly further includes m*n liquid outlet pipe branches, and the liquid cooling unit is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline through the liquid outlet pipe branches, wherein the n liquid outlet pipe branches in the second direction are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipeline.

[0009] In one embodiment, the liquid inlet assembly includes a main liquid inlet connected to a first main liquid inlet pipe arranged in the first direction; the liquid outlet assembly includes a main liquid outlet connected to a first main liquid outlet pipe arranged in the first direction; wherein, the liquid cooling system further includes a cold plate, a cold plate inlet pipe, and a cold plate outlet pipe, the cold plate being disposed on the side of the m-th combined liquid cooling module arranged in the first direction away from the 1-th combined liquid cooling module arranged in the first direction, the cold plate inlet pipe connected to the main liquid inlet pipe corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module, and the cold plate outlet pipe connected to the main liquid outlet pipe corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module.

[0010] In one embodiment, m = 3, wherein the inner diameter of the m main inlet pipes and the m main outlet pipes is the first inner diameter; the inner diameter of the cold plate inlet pipe, the cold plate outlet pipe, and the first inlet pipe branch and the first outlet pipe branch arranged in the first direction is the second inner diameter; the inner diameter of the second inlet pipe branch, the third inlet pipe branch, and the second outlet pipe branch and the third outlet pipe branch arranged in the first direction is the third inner diameter; wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.

[0011] In one embodiment, n=2, wherein the liquid inlet pipeline assembly further includes m liquid inlet four-way connectors, each liquid inlet four-way connector including a first liquid inlet end, a first liquid outlet end, and two second liquid outlet ends, wherein the first liquid inlet end is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline; the first liquid inlet end and the first liquid outlet end extend along the first direction, and the first liquid outlet end is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline or the cold plate liquid inlet pipeline; the two second liquid outlet ends are symmetrical about the main liquid inlet pipeline; wherein the liquid outlet pipeline assembly further includes m liquid outlet four-way connectors, each liquid outlet four-way connector including a third liquid outlet end, a third liquid inlet end, and two fourth liquid inlet ends, wherein the third liquid outlet end is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline; the third liquid outlet end and the third liquid inlet end extend along the first direction, and the third liquid inlet end is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline or the cold plate liquid outlet pipeline; the two fourth liquid inlet ends are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipeline.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inlet four-way connector is provided with a first throttling device, and the outlet four-way connector is provided with a second throttling device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the liquid-cooled unit includes: a plurality of serpentine tubes arranged sequentially in the first direction, each serpentine tube including a first end and a second end, the first end being used for inputting coolant and the second end being used for outputting coolant; a first corrugated connection assembly including a first inlet, a plurality of first outlets, and a plurality of first corrugated connection pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction, wherein the first inlet is connected to the main channel of the inlet pipe, the first outlet is connected to the first end of the serpentine tube, and the first corrugated connection pipe connects two adjacent first outlets; and a second corrugated connection assembly including a second outlet, a plurality of second inlets, and a plurality of second corrugated connection pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction, wherein the second outlet is connected to the main channel of the outlet pipe, the second inlet is connected to the second end of the serpentine tube, and the second corrugated connection pipe connects two adjacent second inlets.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack, the battery pack comprising m battery modules and a liquid cooling system as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid cooling system comprises m combined liquid cooling modules arranged sequentially in a first direction, and m is an integer greater than 1.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery module includes n battery module units stacked in a second direction and a tray disposed between any two adjacent liquid-cooled units, wherein the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe of the combined liquid-cooled module are fixed on the tray, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] This invention provides a liquid cooling system and a battery pack. The liquid cooling system includes: multiple combined liquid cooling modules, an inlet pipe assembly, and an outlet pipe assembly. The multiple combined liquid cooling modules are arranged sequentially in a first direction, and each combined liquid cooling module includes multiple liquid cooling units stacked in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The inlet pipe assembly includes multiple main inlet pipes arranged sequentially in the first direction, and these main inlet pipes are connected in series. Multiple liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are respectively connected to their corresponding main inlet pipes. The outlet pipe assembly includes multiple main outlet pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction, and multiple liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are respectively connected to their corresponding main outlet pipes. The liquid cooling system provided by this invention enables the stacked liquid cooling units to be connected in parallel through the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe. Since the flow rate in the pipe is equal to the flow rate in each parallel pipe segment, and the resistance loss of each parallel pipe segment is equal, the resistance of the fluid flowing into each liquid cooling unit can be reduced, and the resistance of the fluid flowing into each liquid cooling unit can be made more balanced, thus improving the problem of large system pressure drop caused by the multi-layer arrangement of liquid cooling units. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a rear view schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combined liquid cooling module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] First direction X; Second direction Y; Coolant flow direction K; Central axis AA parallel to the first direction; Liquid cooling system 01; Modular liquid cooling module 10; Liquid cooling unit 11; Serpentine tube 111; First end 1111; Second end 1112; First corrugated connection assembly 112; First inlet 1121; First outlet 1122; First corrugated connection tube 1123; Second corrugated connection assembly 113; Second outlet 1131; Second inlet 1132; Second corrugated connection tube 1133; First quick connector A1; Second quick connector A2; Liquid inlet pipe assembly 20; main liquid inlet pipe 21; branch liquid inlet pipe 22; main liquid inlet 23; liquid inlet four-way connector 24; first liquid inlet end 241; first liquid outlet end 242; second liquid outlet end 243; liquid outlet pipe assembly 30; main liquid outlet pipe 31; branch liquid outlet pipe 32; main liquid outlet 33; liquid outlet four-way connector 34; third liquid outlet end 341; third liquid inlet end 342; fourth liquid inlet end 343; cold plate 40; cold plate liquid inlet pipe 41; cold plate liquid outlet pipe 42; battery pack 100; battery module 101; battery module cell 1011; tray 1012 Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the present invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0027] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid cooling system.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a rear view schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a combined liquid cooling module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1-4As shown, the liquid cooling system 01 includes: m combined liquid cooling modules 10, an inlet pipe assembly 20, and an outlet pipe assembly 30. The m combined liquid cooling modules 10 are arranged sequentially in a first direction X, and each combined liquid cooling module 10 includes n liquid cooling units 11 stacked in a second direction Y, where the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X, and m and n are both integers greater than 1; the inlet pipe assembly 20 includes m main inlet pipes 21 arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction X, and the n liquid cooling units 11 in each combined liquid cooling module 10 are respectively connected to the corresponding main inlet pipe 21; the outlet pipe assembly 30 includes m main outlet pipes 31 arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction X, and the n liquid cooling units 11 in each combined liquid cooling module 10 are respectively connected to the corresponding main outlet pipe 31.

[0029] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, since m main inlet pipes 21 are connected in series and n liquid cooling units 11 in each combined liquid cooling module 10 are respectively connected to the corresponding main inlet pipe 21; and since m main outlet pipes 31 are connected in series and n liquid cooling units 11 in each combined liquid cooling module 10 are respectively connected to the corresponding main outlet pipe 31, the stacked liquid cooling units 11 can be connected in parallel through the main inlet pipe 21 and the main outlet pipe 31. The principle of parallel pipe connection is similar to that of parallel circuit connection. The flow rate in the pipe is equal to the flow rate in each parallel pipe segment, and the resistance loss of each parallel pipe segment is equal. Therefore, the resistance of the fluid flowing into each liquid cooling unit 11 can be reduced, and the resistance of the fluid flowing into each liquid cooling unit 11 can be made more balanced, thus improving the problem of large system pressure drop caused by the multi-layer arrangement of liquid cooling units 11.

[0030] Furthermore, the fluid in the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention is a coolant. The coolant is transmitted through the inlet pipe assembly 20 to the n liquid cooling units 11 in the combined liquid cooling module 10, and then discharged outside the liquid cooling system 01 through the outlet pipe assembly 30, thereby achieving cooling and heat dissipation. Here, K represents the flow direction of the coolant.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, the combined liquid cooling module 10 has a central axis AA parallel to the first direction X, and the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 and the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 are symmetrical about the central axis AA.

[0032] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, the inlet pipe assembly 20 and the outlet pipe assembly 30 are symmetrical about the central axis AA parallel to the first direction X. This means that the inlet pipe assembly 20 and the outlet pipe assembly 30 are symmetrical about the central axis AA. This symmetrical arrangement allows for the interchangeability of components in the inlet pipe assembly 20 and the outlet pipe assembly 30, and ensures that the structure, total length of the pipes, and structure of the outlet pipe assembly 30 are consistent. The total length of the pipelines is the same, which makes the liquid inlet efficiency of the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 and the liquid outlet efficiency of the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 the same or nearly the same. Furthermore, the flow rate of the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 can be controlled by directly adjusting the flow rate of the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20, thereby reducing the flow rate adjustment variables and making the flow rates of the coolant in the symmetrical liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 and the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 the same or nearly the same, which is beneficial to improving the circulation efficiency and heat dissipation stability of the liquid cooling system 01.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 further includes m*n liquid inlet pipeline branches 22, the liquid cooling unit 11 being connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline 21 through the liquid inlet pipeline branches 22, wherein the n liquid inlet pipeline branches 22 in the second direction Y are symmetrical about the main liquid inlet pipeline 21; the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 further includes m*n liquid outlet pipeline branches 32, the liquid cooling unit 11 being connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline 31 through the liquid outlet pipeline branches 32, wherein the n liquid outlet pipeline branches 32 in the second direction Y are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipeline 31.

[0034] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, the n inlet pipe branches 22 in the second direction Y are symmetrical about the main inlet pipe 21, and the n outlet pipe branches 32 in the second direction Y are symmetrical about the main outlet pipe 31. This means that the n inlet pipe branches 22 in the second direction Y are vertically symmetrical about the main inlet pipe 21, and the n outlet pipe branches 32 in the second direction Y are vertically symmetrical about the main outlet pipe 31. This ensures that the flow rates of the n / 2 inlet pipe branches 22 above the main inlet pipe 21 and the n / 2 inlet pipe branches 22 below the main inlet pipe 21 are the same or nearly the same, and that the flow rates of the n / 2 outlet pipe branches 32 above the main outlet pipe 31 and the n / 2 outlet pipe branches 32 below the main outlet pipe 31 are the same. The flow rates of the n / 2 outlet pipe branches 32 below the main outlet pipe 31 are the same. Correspondingly, the resistance of fluid flowing into the n / 2 inlet pipe branches 22 located above the main outlet pipe 21 is the same as or tends to be the same as the resistance of fluid flowing into the n / 2 inlet pipe branches 22 located below the main outlet pipe 21. The resistance of fluid flowing into the n / 2 outlet pipe branches 32 located above the main outlet pipe 31 is the same as or tends to be the same as the resistance of fluid flowing into the n / 2 outlet pipe branches 32 located below the main outlet pipe 31. This can effectively improve the problem of inconsistent flow distribution between the upper and lower parts of the inlet pipe assembly 20 and the outlet pipe assembly 30, reduce flow regulation variables, and make the flow velocity of coolant in the symmetrical pipes the same or tends to be the same, which is conducive to balancing the heat dissipation efficiency of the liquid cooling units 11 located at different levels.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 includes a main liquid inlet 23, which is connected to the first main liquid inlet pipeline 21 arranged in the first direction X; the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 includes a main liquid outlet 33, which is connected to the first main liquid outlet pipeline 31 arranged in the first direction X; wherein, the liquid cooling system 01 further includes a cold plate 40, a cold plate inlet pipe 41, and a cold plate outlet pipe 42, wherein the cold plate 40 is disposed on the side of the m-th combined liquid cooling module 10 arranged in the first direction X away from the first combined liquid cooling module 10 arranged in the first direction X, wherein the cold plate inlet pipe 41 is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline 21 corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module 10; and the cold plate outlet pipe 42 is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline 31 corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module 10.

[0036] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, since the cold plate inlet pipe 41 is connected to the main inlet pipe 21 corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module 10, the cold plate inlet pipe 41 and n liquid cooling units 11 are connected in parallel; since the cold plate outlet pipe 42 is connected to the main outlet pipe 31 corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module 10, the cold plate outlet pipe 42 and n liquid cooling units 11 are connected in parallel; thus, the cold plate 40 and each of the liquid cooling units 11 can be connected in parallel. The principle of parallel pipe connection is similar to that of parallel circuit connection. The flow rate in the pipe is equal to the flow rate in each parallel pipe segment. The resistance loss of each parallel pipe segment is equal. Therefore, the resistance of the coolant flowing into the cold plate 40 can be reduced, and the consistency of the resistance of the coolant flowing into the cold plate 40 and the resistance of the fluid flowing into each liquid cooling unit 11 can be improved. In this way, the problem of large system pressure drop between the liquid cooling unit 11 and the cold plate 40 can be effectively improved. It should be noted that the cold plate 40 is used to cool and dissipate heat from electrical heat-generating components other than the battery module.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, m = 3, that is, the liquid cooling system 01 includes three combined liquid cooling modules 10 arranged sequentially in the first direction X.

[0038] Optionally, the inner diameter of the m main inlet pipes 21 and the m main outlet pipes 31 is the first inner diameter; the inner diameter of the cold plate inlet pipe 41, the cold plate outlet pipe 42, and the first inlet pipe branch 22 and the first outlet pipe branch 32 arranged in the first direction X is the second inner diameter; the inner diameter of the second inlet pipe branch 22, the third inlet pipe branch 22, and the second outlet pipe branch 32 and the third outlet pipe branch 32 arranged in the first direction X is the third inner diameter; wherein, the first inner diameter is larger than the third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter.

[0039] Specifically, the first inner diameter is 15mm, the second inner diameter is 8mm, and the third inner diameter is 12mm. Since the main inlet pipes 21 are connected in series and the main outlet pipes 31 are connected in series, setting the inner diameters of the m main inlet pipes 21 and m main outlet pipes 31 to a first inner diameter larger than the inner diameters of the branch inlet pipes 22 and branch outlet pipes 32 is beneficial for improving the consistency of flow rate in each pipe. Since the branch inlet pipes 22 near the main inlet 23 and the branch outlet pipes 32 near the main outlet 33 often receive more flow, the inner diameters of these branches need to be set smaller so that the second inner diameter of the first branch inlet pipe 22 and the first branch outlet pipe 32 arranged in the first direction X is smaller than the second inner diameter of the branch outlet pipes 32 arranged in the first direction X. The third inner diameter of the second inlet pipe branch 22 and the second outlet pipe branch 32 in the first direction X is increased to improve the consistency of flow rate in each pipe. Since m=3 in this embodiment, that is, the third inlet pipe branch 22 and the third outlet pipe branch 32 arranged in the first direction X are located at the end of each outlet pipe branch 32. In the pipe design, the pipe at the end has additional resistance, so it is necessary to increase its inner diameter. Therefore, the inner diameter of the third inlet pipe branch 22 and the third outlet pipe branch 32 arranged in the first direction X is set to be greater than the third inner diameter of the second inner diameter of the first inlet pipe branch 22 and the first outlet pipe branch 32 arranged in the first direction X, which is beneficial to improve the consistency of flow rate in each pipe.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, n = 2, that is, each of the combined liquid cooling modules 10 includes two liquid cooling units 11 stacked in the second direction Y.

[0041] Optionally, the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20 further includes m liquid inlet four-way connectors 24, each liquid inlet four-way connector 24 including a first liquid inlet end 241, a first liquid outlet end 242 and two second liquid outlet ends 243, wherein the first liquid inlet end 241 is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline 21; the first liquid inlet end 241 and the first liquid outlet end 242 extend along the first direction X, and the first liquid outlet end 242 is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline 21 or the cold plate liquid inlet pipeline 41; the two second liquid inlet ends are symmetrical about the main liquid inlet pipeline 21.

[0042] Specifically, the first inlet end 241 and the first outlet end 242 of the liquid inlet four-way connector 24 can connect two adjacent main inlet pipes 21 or adjacent main inlet pipes 21 and the cold plate inlet pipe 41; the two second outlet ends 243 of the liquid inlet four-way connector 24 can connect the upper and lower branch inlet pipes 22 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, since the two second outlet ends 243 are symmetrical about the main inlet pipe 21, the two second outlet ends 243 have the same structural design, which makes the angle between the two second outlet ends 243 and the main inlet pipe 21 consistent, reducing flow regulation variables, and making the resistance and flow velocity of the coolant flowing into the two second outlet ends 243 the same or tend to be the same, which is beneficial to improving the flow consistency of liquid-cooled units 11 with different film layers.

[0043] Optionally, the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30 further includes m liquid outlet four-way connectors 34, each liquid outlet four-way connector 34 including a third liquid outlet end 341, a third liquid inlet end 342 and two fourth liquid inlet ends 343, wherein the third liquid outlet end 341 is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline 31; the third liquid outlet end 341 and the third liquid inlet end 342 extend along the first direction X, and the third liquid inlet end 342 is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline 31 or the cold plate liquid outlet pipeline 42; the two fourth liquid inlet ends 343 are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipeline 31.

[0044] Specifically, the third liquid outlet end 341 and the third liquid inlet end 342 of the liquid outlet four-way connector 34 can connect two adjacent main liquid outlet pipes 31 or adjacent main liquid outlet pipes 31 and the cold plate liquid outlet pipe 42; the two fourth liquid inlet ends 343 of the liquid outlet four-way connector 34 can connect the upper and lower branch liquid outlet pipes 32 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, since the two fourth liquid inlet ends 343 are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipe 31, the angle between the two fourth liquid inlet ends 343 and the main liquid outlet pipe 31 can be made consistent, reducing flow rate adjustment variables and improving the flow rate consistency of liquid-cooled units 11 with different film layers.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inlet four-way connector 24 is provided with a first throttling device, and the outlet four-way connector 34 is provided with a second throttling device.

[0046] Specifically, the first throttling device can regulate the flow rate of the liquid inlet pipeline assembly 20, and the second throttling device can regulate the flow rate of the liquid outlet pipeline assembly 30. By providing a first throttling device on the liquid inlet four-way connector 24 and a second throttling device on the liquid outlet four-way connector 34, this invention helps to further improve the consistency of flow rates entering the pipelines of each liquid-cooled unit 11 and the cold plate 40, and improve the consistency of flow rates exiting the pipelines of each liquid-cooled unit 11 and the cold plate 40.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid-cooled unit 11 includes: a plurality of serpentine tubes 111, a first corrugated connection assembly 112, and a second corrugated connection assembly 113.

[0048] The serpentine tube 111 is used to dissipate heat from the battery cells. Specifically, each serpentine tube 111 can cool two rows of battery cells simultaneously. The serpentine tube 111 includes a first end 1111 and a second end 1112. The first end 1111 is used to input coolant, and the second end 1112 is used to output coolant.

[0049] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, the serpentine tube 111 has a tortuous and uneven surface, so as to increase the contact area between the serpentine tube 111 and the battery cell when applied to the battery pack, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0050] The first corrugated connection assembly 112 includes a first liquid inlet 1121, a plurality of first liquid outlets 1122, and a plurality of first corrugated connection pipes 1123 arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction X. The first liquid inlet 1121 is connected to the main inlet pipe 21, the first liquid outlet 1122 is connected to the first end 1111 of the serpentine pipe 111, and the first corrugated connection pipe 1123 connects two adjacent first liquid outlets 1122.

[0051] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, since multiple first corrugated connecting pipes 1123 are connected in series, and the first end 1111 of each serpentine pipe 111 is connected to the first corrugated connecting pipe 1123 through the first liquid outlet 1122, the first ends 1111 of each serpentine pipe 111 can be connected in parallel, thereby improving the heat dissipation uniformity of the liquid cooling unit 11.

[0052] The second corrugated connection assembly 113 includes a second liquid outlet 1131, a plurality of second liquid inlets 1132, and a plurality of second corrugated connection pipes 1133 arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction X. The second liquid outlet 1131 is connected to the main outlet pipe 31, the second liquid inlets 1132 are connected to the second end 1112 of the serpentine pipe 111, and the second corrugated connection pipes 1133 connect two adjacent second liquid inlets 1132.

[0053] In the liquid cooling system 01 provided by the present invention, since multiple second corrugated connecting pipes 1133 are connected in series, and the second end 1112 of each serpentine pipe 111 is connected to the second corrugated connecting pipe 1133 through the second liquid inlet 1132, the second ends 1112 of each serpentine pipe 111 can be connected in parallel, thereby improving the heat dissipation uniformity of the liquid cooling unit 11.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling system 01 further includes a plurality of first quick-connect connectors A1 and a plurality of second quick-connect connectors A2, wherein the first quick-connect connectors A1 are used to connect the first liquid inlet 1121 of the first corrugated connecting assembly 112 to the main liquid inlet pipe 21; and the second quick-connect connectors A2 are used to connect the second liquid outlet 1131 of the second corrugated connecting assembly 113 to the main liquid outlet pipe 31.

[0055] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (In conjunction with...) Figures 1-5 As shown, the battery pack 100 includes m battery module units 1011 and the liquid cooling system 01 described in any of the above-mentioned claims. The liquid cooling system 01 includes m combined liquid cooling modules 10 arranged sequentially in the first direction X, where m is an integer greater than 1. The combined liquid cooling modules 10 are used to dissipate heat from the battery module units 1011.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the battery module unit 1011 includes n battery module units 1011 stacked in the second direction Y, and a tray 1012 disposed between any two adjacent liquid-cooled units 11, wherein the main inlet pipe 21 and the main outlet pipe 31 of the combined liquid-cooled module 10 are fixed on the tray 1012, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X, and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0058] Optionally, the battery module unit 1011 includes multiple cells arranged in an array, and the shape of the cells is, for example, cylindrical; structural adhesive is provided between the liquid-cooled unit 11 and the tray 1012, and the structural adhesive is used to fix the liquid-cooled unit 11 and the tray 1012.

[0059] In summary, this invention provides a liquid cooling system and a battery pack. The liquid cooling system includes: multiple combined liquid cooling modules, an inlet pipe assembly, and an outlet pipe assembly. The multiple combined liquid cooling modules are arranged sequentially in a first direction, and each combined liquid cooling module includes multiple liquid cooling units stacked in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. The inlet pipe assembly includes multiple main inlet pipes arranged sequentially in the first direction, and these main inlet pipes are connected in series. Multiple liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are respectively connected to their corresponding main inlet pipes. The outlet pipe assembly includes multiple main outlet pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction, and multiple liquid cooling units in each combined liquid cooling module are respectively connected to their corresponding main outlet pipes. The liquid cooling system provided by this invention has the advantages of low system pressure drop, few flow regulation variables, and high flow regulation consistency.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system includes: m combined liquid cooling modules are arranged sequentially in a first direction, wherein each combined liquid cooling module includes n liquid cooling units stacked in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The liquid inlet piping assembly includes m main liquid inlet pipes arranged sequentially in the first direction, with the m main liquid inlet pipes connected in series. Each of the n liquid cooling units in the combined liquid cooling module is connected to its corresponding main liquid inlet pipe. The liquid outlet pipeline assembly includes m main liquid outlet pipelines arranged sequentially in the first direction, and the m main liquid outlet pipelines are connected in series with each other. Each of the n liquid cooling units in the combined liquid cooling module is connected to the corresponding main liquid outlet pipeline. The liquid inlet pipeline assembly also includes m The liquid cooling unit has n inlet pipe branches, and the liquid cooling unit is connected to the main inlet pipe through the inlet pipe branches. The n inlet pipe branches in the second direction are symmetrical about the main inlet pipe. The liquid outlet pipeline assembly also includes m The liquid cooling unit has n outlet pipe branches, and the liquid cooling unit is connected to the main outlet pipe through the outlet pipe branches. The n outlet pipe branches in the second direction are symmetrical about the main outlet pipe. The liquid inlet pipeline assembly further includes m liquid inlet four-way connectors, each liquid inlet four-way connector including a first liquid inlet end, a first liquid outlet end and two second liquid outlet ends, wherein the first liquid inlet end is connected to the main liquid inlet pipeline; The first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet extend along the first direction, and the first liquid outlet is connected to the main liquid inlet pipe or the cold plate liquid inlet pipe; the two second liquid outlets are symmetrical about the main liquid inlet pipe. The liquid outlet pipeline assembly also includes m liquid outlet four-way connectors, each liquid outlet four-way connector including a third liquid outlet end, a third liquid inlet end and two fourth liquid inlet ends, wherein the third liquid outlet end is connected to the main liquid outlet pipeline; The third liquid outlet and the third liquid inlet extend along the first direction, and the third liquid inlet is connected to the main liquid outlet pipe or the cold plate liquid outlet pipe; the two fourth liquid inlets are symmetrical about the main liquid outlet pipe.

2. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combined liquid cooling module has a central axis parallel to the first direction, and the liquid inlet pipeline assembly and the liquid outlet pipeline assembly are symmetrical about the central axis.

3. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet pipeline assembly includes a main liquid inlet, which is connected to the first main liquid inlet pipeline arranged in the first direction; The liquid outlet pipeline assembly includes a main liquid outlet, which is connected to the first main liquid outlet pipeline arranged in the first direction; The liquid cooling system further includes a cold plate, a cold plate inlet pipe, and a cold plate outlet pipe. The cold plate is disposed on the side opposite to the first combined liquid cooling module arranged in the first direction. The cold plate inlet pipe is connected to the main inlet pipe corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module, and the cold plate outlet pipe is connected to the main outlet pipe corresponding to the m-th combined liquid cooling module.

4. The liquid cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, m=3， Wherein, the inner diameter of the m main inlet pipes and the m main outlet pipes is the first inner diameter; the inner diameter of the cold plate inlet pipe, the cold plate outlet pipe, and the first inlet pipe branch and the first outlet pipe branch arranged in the first direction is the second inner diameter; the inner diameter of the second inlet pipe branch, the third inlet pipe branch, and the second outlet pipe branch and the third outlet pipe branch arranged in the first direction is the third inner diameter; The first inner diameter is larger than the third inner diameter, and the third inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter.

5. The liquid cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, n=2。 6. The liquid cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet four-way connector is equipped with a first throttling device, and the outlet four-way connector is equipped with a second throttling device.

7. The liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The liquid-cooled monomer includes: Multiple serpentine tubes are arranged sequentially in the first direction. Each serpentine tube includes a first end and a second end, the first end being used for inputting coolant and the second end being used for outputting coolant. The first corrugated connection assembly includes a first liquid inlet, a plurality of first liquid outlets, and a plurality of first corrugated connection pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction. The first liquid inlet is connected to the main channel of the liquid inlet pipe, the first liquid outlet is connected to the first end of the serpentine pipe, and the first corrugated connection pipe connects two adjacent first liquid outlets. The second corrugated connection assembly includes a second liquid outlet, a plurality of second liquid inlets, and a plurality of second corrugated connection pipes arranged sequentially and connected in series in the first direction. The second liquid outlet is connected to the main outlet pipe, the second liquid inlet is connected to the second end of the serpentine pipe, and the second corrugated connection pipe connects two adjacent second liquid inlets.

8. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes m battery modules and a liquid cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the liquid cooling system includes m combined liquid cooling modules arranged sequentially in a first direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery module includes n battery module units stacked in a second direction, and a tray disposed between any two adjacent liquid-cooled units, wherein the main inlet pipe and the main outlet pipe of the combined liquid-cooled module are fixed on the tray, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Images