Battery cell cooling device, battery pack including the same, and method of cooling battery cell using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell cooling device, a battery pack including the same, and a method for cooling battery cells of an application battery cell cooling device, the device including: a main body portion protruding on one side to be fitted in a one-to-one manner with a unit battery cell; a hollow portion provided inside the main body portion and separated from the outside; a refrigerant contained in the hollow portion and insulated; and a heat transfer member provided on one side of the main body portion to be able to contact the unit battery cell, and discloses: a battery cell cooling device having a simplified configuration and capable of effectively cooling each of a plurality of battery cells by means of a simplified structure; a battery pack; and a method for cooling battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell cooling device, a battery pack, and a method for cooling battery cells. More specifically, it relates to a battery cell cooling device with a simplified configuration, a battery pack including a battery cell cooling device to effectively cool each of a plurality of battery cells using a simplified structure, and a method for cooling battery cells using the battery cell cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries, as rechargeable batteries, are used in a variety of devices such as electric vehicles and smartphones. Depending on the type of device using the secondary battery, they are classified into single-cell types and battery pack types that include multiple cells.

[0003] That is, a single-cell rechargeable battery is used in small devices such as smartphones. Additionally, a pack-type rechargeable battery, comprising multiple cells, is used in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles.

[0004] Battery packs for medium and large-sized devices include can-type or pouch-type secondary batteries. Can-type secondary batteries are generally used in electric vehicle battery packs due to their superior rigidity and durability compared to pouch-type batteries. However, because the can-type secondary batteries are concentrated within the battery pack casing, they are prone to heat accumulation due to the barriers they create between each other. When this accumulated heat is not dissipated quickly, the can-type secondary batteries will be exposed to high temperatures for extended periods and degrade rapidly.

[0005] Therefore, managing the heat within the battery pack casing to prevent the temperature of the canned secondary batteries from rising rapidly is a key factor in battery pack performance management.

[0006] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in the following patent documents.

[0007] (Patent Document 1) KR10-2019-0047499A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure provides a battery cell cooling device with a simplified configuration.

[0010] This disclosure also provides a battery pack capable of cooling multiple battery cells using a simplified structure, and a method for cooling the battery cells.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery cell cooling device includes: a main body portion, one side of which protrudes to be assembled with a cell-type battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence; a hollow portion, which is defined in the main body portion and isolated from the outside; a refrigerant, which is isolated and contained in the hollow portion; and a thermal interface material (TIM), which is arranged on one side of the main body portion to contact the cell-type battery cell.

[0013] The main body may include: a column having the hollow portion therein; and a retainer protruding from one surface of the column for connection to the outer peripheral surface of the cell.

[0014] The retainer can protrude from the edge of the base plate of the column, and the thermal interface material can be attached to the base plate on the inside of the retainer to contact the base plate of the column and the unit cell between the base plate of the column and the unit cell.

[0015] The volume of the refrigerant can be smaller than the capacity of the hollow section.

[0016] The pressure in the hollow section can be less than atmospheric pressure.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment, a battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; a housing housing the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of battery cell cooling devices, which are assembled with the plurality of battery cells in a one-to-one correspondence to cool each of the battery cells. Here, the battery cell cooling devices are arranged in the housing and spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing so that the battery cell cooling devices are cooled by air cooling.

[0018] The multiple battery cell cooling devices can have different cooling capacities depending on their location.

[0019] A battery cell cooling device assembled to an external battery cell may have at least one of the following: a smaller surface area and a smaller refrigerant storage capacity than a battery cell cooling device assembled to an internal battery cell.

[0020] The battery cell cooling device may include: a main body having one surface in contact with the battery cell and another surface opposite to the one surface and exposed to the interior space of the housing, wherein one side of the main body protrudes and is detachably coupled to the battery cell while surrounding an end of the battery cell; a hollow portion defined in the main body and isolated from the interior space of the housing; a refrigerant isolated and contained in the hollow portion; and a thermal interface material (TIM) attached to the main body to contact the battery cell.

[0021] The refrigerant can fill a portion of the hollow section.

[0022] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for cooling a battery cell includes: a process for cooling individual battery cells by absorbing heat from each of the plurality of battery cells and dissipating the absorbed heat to a refrigerant contained in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices, which are connected in a one-to-one correspondence to the plurality of battery cell cooling devices; and a process for cooling the entire battery cell by dissipating the heat absorbed by the plurality of battery cell cooling devices in a housing containing the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] The process of cooling each battery cell can vaporize the refrigerant contained in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices while the refrigerant is isolated in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices.

[0024] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for cooling a battery cell includes: a cooling device configuration process that allows the battery cell cooling device to contact the battery cell by arranging a thermal interface material between one end of the battery cell and a battery cell cooling device having a refrigerant therein; and a battery cell cooling process that cools the heat generated from the battery cell by using the temperature of the refrigerant or the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant.

[0025] Technical effect

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell cooling device can be assembled to the unit battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the battery cells equipped with the battery cell cooling device can be effectively cooled individually by using a refrigerant that is isolated and contained within the battery cell cooling device. Therefore, the configuration for cooling the battery cells can be simplified, and heat can be effectively dissipated from each of the multiple battery cells using only a simplified structure, enabling rapid individual cooling of multiple battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1This is an exploded view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the heat dissipation flow in a method for cooling a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the invention thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the figures, the dimensions of the layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Similar reference numerals refer to all similar elements.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] 1. A battery cell cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a battery cell cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a main body 600, one side of which protrudes to be assembled in a one-to-one correspondence with a cell 40; a hollow portion C defined in the main body 600 and isolated from the outside; a refrigerant contained in and isolated in the hollow portion C; and a thermal interface material 500 arranged on one side of the main body 600 to contact the cell 40.

[0036] 1.1. 40-cell unit battery

[0037] The unit-type battery cell 40 can be a can-type secondary battery. The unit-type battery cell 40 may include a cylindrical battery can and an electrode assembly (not shown) arranged in the battery can.

[0038] The battery can may include a conductive metallic material. The battery can may extend vertically. The battery can may include a cap assembly (not shown) and electrode terminals located at its lower end. Here, the battery can have various shapes, including rectangular battery cans.

[0039] The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate, which are overlapped and wound in a core shape. Each of the positive and negative electrode plates may include an electrode connector. The electrode connectors may be connected to electrode terminals, respectively.

[0040] 1.2. Main body 600

[0041] The main body 600 can be connected to the upper end of the unit cell 40. Specifically, the main body 600 can surround the upper end of the unit cell 40. Here, the main body 600 can be detachably assembled to the upper end of the unit cell 40 by mating, screw connection, or adhesive. Therefore, various units for assembling the inner peripheral surface of the main body 600 and the outer peripheral surface of the unit cell 40 can be provided at the portion of the main body 600 facing each other, such as slots, protrusions, threads, and structural adhesives. Here, thermally conductive paste particles can be mixed into the structural adhesive.

[0042] The main body 600 can function as a heat pipe. For example, the main body 600 may include thermally conductive metal materials such as copper and aluminum. The main body 600 may be referred to as a unit heat pipe, a single-unit heat pipe, or an independent heat pipe.

[0043] 1.3. Detailed structure of the main body 600

[0044] The main body 600 may include: a column 610, which includes a hollow portion C therein; and a retainer 620, which protrudes from one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the column 610, thereby connecting the retainer 620 to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the cell 40. Here, the column 610 may be referred to as a frame.

[0045] The shape of the cylinder 610 can correspond to the shape of the unit cell 40. For example, the cylinder 610 can have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the unit cell 40. Alternatively, when the unit cell 40 has a rectangular shape, the cylinder 610 can also have a rectangular shape. The diameter of the cylinder 610 can be larger than the diameter of the unit cell 40. Alternatively, the diameter of the cylinder 610 can be equal to the diameter of the unit cell 40. That is, the cylinder 610 can have various diameters.

[0046] The column 610 may include: a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart from each other in a vertically opposite direction; and a side plate connecting the edges of the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom plate may be thermally connected to the top surface of the cell 40 via a thermal interface material 500. In addition, the top plate may be spaced apart from the top surface of the cell 40 by a predetermined height.

[0047] The column 610 may have an internal pressure that varies over time because at least a portion of the refrigerant 700 contained in the column 610 vaporizes and liquefies according to the temperature of the cell 40. Therefore, each of the top plate, bottom plate, and side plates may have a predetermined thickness to allow the column 610 to withstand predetermined pressure changes.

[0048] The retainer 620 can project downwards from the edge of the base plate of the column 610. The retainer 620 may have a predetermined inner diameter, allowing the cell 40 to be inserted therein. The retainer 620 may have a hollow tube shape. For example, grooves, protrusions, threads, and structural adhesives may be provided differently in the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620. When a groove or protrusion is provided to the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620, a protrusion or groove may be provided to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cell 40. When threads are provided to the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620, threads may also be provided to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cell 40. Structural adhesive may be provided only to the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620, only to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cell 40, or both surfaces may be provided with structural adhesive. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620 can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the cell 40. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the retainer 620 may mate with and connect to the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the unit cell 40.

[0049] 1.4. Thermal Interface Material (TIM) 500

[0050] The thermal interface material 500 can be attached to the base plate of the column 610 inside the retainer 620 to contact the base plate of the column 610 and the unit cell 40 between them. Here, the thermal interface material 500 can have a circular plate shape. Alternatively, when the unit cell 40 is a rectangular secondary battery cell, the shape of the thermal interface material 500 can be changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the unit cell 40.

[0051] The vertical thickness of the thermal interface material 500 can be less than the vertical length of the retainer 620. The thermal interface material 500 can have a bottom surface that contacts the top surface of the cell 40. In addition, the thermal interface material 500 can have a top surface that contacts the bottom plate of the column 610.

[0052] The thermal interface material 500 can transfer predetermined heat from the interior of the cell 40 to its top surface to the main body 600. For this purpose, the thermal interface material 500 may include a material having predetermined thermal conductivity. Materials having predetermined thermal conductivity may include various materials such as polymers, epoxy resins, silicone, polyurethane, and acrylics.

[0053] Additionally, the thermal interface material 500 may include carbon nanotubes (not shown). The thermal interface material 500 may be configured to control the internal heat transfer rate and internal heat distribution by using carbon nanotubes having various patterns and arranged therein, according to a preferred method.

[0054] 1.5. Refrigerant 700

[0055] When the cell 40 generates heat, the refrigerant 700 can vaporize by absorbing the predetermined heat applied from the cell 40. Therefore, the refrigerant 700 can cool the cell 40 by utilizing the heat of vaporization.

[0056] Refrigerant 700 can be a liquid at room temperature or a gas at the heating temperature of the cell 40.

[0057] The refrigerant 700 can maintain its temperature by using an air-cooled column, which will be described later, instead of the heat of vaporization, and reduce the temperature of the heated cell to the maintained temperature.

[0058] The refrigerant 700 can be contained in the hollow portion C defined in the column 610. Here, the volume of the refrigerant 700 can be smaller than the capacity of the hollow portion C. Therefore, a refrigerant storage space for storing liquid refrigerant 700 and an empty space S1 where refrigerant 700 is present in a gaseous state or not can coexist.

[0059] That is, additional space for the refrigerant 700 to vaporize can be ensured by reducing the volume of the refrigerant 700 to less than the capacity of the hollow section C, thereby creating an empty space S1 in the hollow section C. In other words, the refrigerant 700, which vaporizes by absorbing heat from the lower part of the hollow section C, can be introduced into the empty space S1.

[0060] Here, the empty space S1 represents a space where liquid refrigerant 700 does not exist, not a space where nothing exists. That is, the empty space S1 can be a space containing various gases such as air. The empty space S1 in the hollow section C can have a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the pressure of the empty space S1 in the hollow section C can be less than atmospheric pressure. The refrigerant 700 can have a vaporization temperature determined by the pressure of the empty space.

[0061] For example, the pressure in the empty space S1 within the hollow section C can be less than atmospheric pressure. Here, the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant 700 contained in the hollow section C can be reduced from the temperature at atmospheric pressure in the empty space S1 by a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when the pressure in the empty space S1 is less than atmospheric pressure, the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant 700 can be lowered, and as the temperature of the battery cell increases, the refrigerant 700 can further vaporize smoothly in the hollow section C, and the cell-type battery cell 40 can be further cooled smoothly. When the battery cell is cooled to normal temperature, the vaporized refrigerant returns to a liquid state and remains in the hollow section.

[0062] Furthermore, when the pressure in the empty space S1 within the hollow section C is greater than atmospheric pressure, the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant 700 can be greater than the vaporization temperature of the empty space S1 at atmospheric pressure. That is, when the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant 700 is greater than room temperature but less than the temperature generated by the unit cell 40, by making the pressure in the empty space S1 greater than atmospheric pressure, the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant 700 can be approximately matched to the heating temperature of the unit cell 40. Therefore, the refrigerant 700 can be actively vaporized near the heating temperature of the unit cell 40, and the efficiency of cooling the unit cell 40 can be improved.

[0063] As described above, the vaporization temperature of the refrigerant can be adjusted by changing the internal pressure of the hollow section C according to the heating temperature of the battery cell. The vaporization temperature of the refrigerant can be adjusted based on its own properties and the pressure of the hollow section.

[0064] Here, the heating temperature of the unit cell 40 can be a predetermined temperature selected within a temperature range greater than that of the normal operation of the unit cell 40 and less than a predetermined temperature range of thermal degradation of the unit cell 40.

[0065] The refrigerant 700 can undergo a phase change from liquid to gaseous by receiving heat from the base plate of the column 610, and dissipates as much heat from the base plate of the column 610 as the predetermined heat for the phase change. The gaseous refrigerant 700 can contact the top plate of the column 610 and liquefy while dissipating heat to the top plate of the column 610. The heat contained in the top plate of the column 610 can be dissipated to the outside of the column 610. Here, a heat-insulating ring can be arranged between the top plate and the side plates of the column 610. The refrigerant 700 can include various types of refrigerants. The refrigerant 700 can include various volatile materials that readily undergo phase change at the heating temperature of the cell 40. Alternatively, the refrigerant 700 can also include water.

[0066] 1.6. Operation of the battery cell cooling device

[0067] As described above, the battery cell cooling device can be assembled to the unit battery cell 40 in a one-to-one correspondence to cool each unit battery cell 40. That is, the heat generated inside the unit battery cell 40 can be conducted to the battery canister and dissipated from the top of the battery canister to the main body 600 via the thermal interface material 500.

[0068] The heat dissipated into the main body 600 can evaporate the refrigerant 700 from a liquid state to a gaseous state, and the degree to which the bottom plate of the main body 600 is cooled is comparable to the heat used for evaporation. The vaporized refrigerant 700 in a gaseous state can rise along the empty space S1 to contact the top plate of the main body 600, thereby being liquefied. The heat transferred to the top plate of the main body 600 can dissipate into the atmosphere outside the main body 600.

[0069] According to one exemplary embodiment, when the heat from the battery cell is transferred to the main body 600 via the thermal interface material 500, heat transfer from the bottom plate to the top plate of the main body 600 can be achieved by isolating the phase change of the refrigerant 700 in the hollow portion C of the main body 600. Therefore, the battery cell can be cooled smoothly without using a power unit for refrigerant circulation, such as a pump, and the cooling device can have a simplified configuration.

[0070] 2. A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment

[0071] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0072] The following text will refer to Figures 1 to 3 This describes a battery pack including a battery cell cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0073] Here, features that overlap with those described in the battery cell cooling device according to the exemplary embodiment will be omitted or simply described.

[0074] A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a plurality of battery cells 40; a housing 10 for accommodating the plurality of battery cells 40; and a plurality of battery cell cooling devices 500, 600, 700 and C, which are assembled with the plurality of battery cells 40 in a one-to-one correspondence to cool the respective battery cells.

[0075] Furthermore, the battery pack may further include a cover 20 connected to the housing 10 and a tray 30 arranged in the housing 10 to fix the battery cells 40.

[0076] 2.1. Multiple battery cells 40

[0077] Each of the plurality of battery cells 40 may be a cylindrical can-type secondary battery. Alternatively, each of the plurality of battery cells 40 may be a rectangular can-type secondary battery. The plurality of battery cells 40 may be arranged in a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction. The electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells 40 may face downward. The plurality of battery cells 40 may be electrically connected to each other by means of a busbar (not shown).

[0078] 2.2. Shell 10

[0079] The housing 10 may include: a bottom portion having a predetermined area; and a sidewall portion extending upward from the edge of the bottom portion to a predetermined height. The housing 10 may have the shape of a rectangular prism with an open upper portion. Alternatively, the housing 10 may have various shapes.

[0080] 2.3. Cover 20

[0081] The cover 20 can extend to have a predetermined area so that it is mounted to the upper end of the side wall portion of the housing 10. Since the cover 20 is connected to the housing 10, an internal space for accommodating multiple battery cells 40 can be defined between the cover 20 and the housing 10. Here, the internal space is not limited to a sealed space. That is, a portion of the internal space can be open to the atmosphere as needed. Multiple battery cells 40 can be accommodated within the internal space.

[0082] The cover 20 may have the shape of a rectangular plate. Alternatively, the cover 20 may have a shape that varies depending on the shape of the housing 10. For example, when the housing 10 has a cylindrical shape, the cover 20 may have a circular plate shape.

[0083] 2.4. Pallet 30

[0084] The tray 30 can be mounted on the bottom portion of the housing 10. The tray 30 can support the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of each of the plurality of battery cells 40. Specifically, the tray 30 can have a plurality of holes defined in the vertical direction, and the plurality of battery cells 40 can be inserted into and supported by the plurality of holes respectively. Here, each of the plurality of battery cells 40 can be referred to as a unit battery cell 40. A busbar with a predetermined pattern can be provided to the top or bottom surface of the tray 30, and the busbar can connect the plurality of battery cells 40 to each other. The busbar can be connected to predetermined input and output terminals (not shown) provided in the housing 10.

[0085] 2.5. Battery cell cooling devices 500, 600, 700 and C

[0086] The battery cell cooling device can be arranged in the housing 10 and spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 10 so that the battery cell cooling device can be cooled by air cooling.

[0087] The battery cell cooling device may include: a main body 600, one surface of which is in contact with the battery cell 40, and another surface which is opposite to the first surface and exposed to the internal space S2 of the housing 10; a hollow part C, which is isolated from the internal space S2 of the housing 10; and a refrigerant 700, which is isolated and contained in the hollow part C.

[0088] One side of the main body 600 can protrude and be detachably connected to the battery cell 40, while surrounding the upper end of the battery cell 40. The refrigerant 700 can be contained within the hollow portion C defined in the main body 600. Here, the refrigerant 700 can be filled to partially fill the hollow portion C, and the remaining portion of the hollow portion C can exist as an empty space S1. Here, as a space where liquid refrigerant 700 is absent, the empty space S1 can be filled with a predetermined gas. Alternatively, the empty space S1 can be formed into a vacuum state as needed.

[0089] The battery cell cooling device may further include a thermal interface material 500 disposed between the main body 600 and the battery cell 40. The thermal interface material 500 may be attached to the bottom surface of the main body 600 to contact the top surface of the battery cell 40. Additionally, the battery cell cooling device may further include a heat dissipation pin (not shown) protruding from the surface of the main body 600 to increase the surface area of ​​the main body 600. Besides the methods described above, various other methods can be used to increase the surface area of ​​the main body 600. For example, the surface area of ​​the main body 600 can be increased by forming a wrinkled structure on the surface of the main body 600.

[0090] Since the detailed configuration of the battery cell cooling device has already been described in detail, redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0091] Multiple battery cell cooling devices can have different cooling capacities depending on their location. In particular, battery cell cooling devices mounted on external battery cells can have at least one of the following: smaller surface area and smaller refrigerant storage capacity than battery cell cooling devices mounted on internal battery cells.

[0092] For example, since multiple battery cells 40 are concentrated in the housing 10 of the battery pack, the battery cells 40 can act as barriers to each other and easily accumulate heat. In particular, when multiple battery cells 40 are arranged in predetermined rows and columns, the temperature of the inner battery cells may rise more because the inner battery cells are disadvantageous relative to the outer battery cells.

[0093] Therefore, for example, when the main body 600 of the battery cell cooling device assembled to the external battery cell has a relatively short vertical length, and the main body 600 of the battery cell cooling device assembled to the internal battery cell has a relatively long vertical length, the difference between their surface areas can be reduced, and the internal battery cell can be cooled more quickly to achieve the effect of uniformly cooling the entire battery cell in the horizontal direction.

[0094] Similarly, when a relatively small amount of refrigerant 700 is stored in the main body 600 of the battery cell cooling device assembled to the external battery cell, and a relatively large amount of refrigerant 700 is stored in the main body 600 of the battery cell cooling device assembled to the internal battery cell, the difference between the amounts of refrigerant can be reduced, and the internal battery cell can be cooled faster than the external battery cell, thereby uniformly cooling multiple battery cells in the horizontal direction.

[0095] That is, the heat distribution of the battery cells in the casing can be easily adjusted by using a simple method of different sizes or cooling doses.

[0096] 3. A method for cooling battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment

[0097] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the heat dissipation flow in a method for cooling a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 This describes a method for cooling a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment. Redundant descriptions will be omitted here.

[0099] A method for cooling a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a process S100 for cooling individual battery cells; and a process S200 for cooling the entire battery cell.

[0100] 3.1. Process S100 for cooling each battery cell

[0101] The process S100 of cooling each battery cell involves using multiple battery cell cooling devices that are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple battery cells 40 to absorb heat from each of the multiple battery cells 40 and dissipate the heat to the refrigerant 700 contained in the multiple battery cell cooling devices.

[0102] Here, heat generated inside the battery cell is transferred to the thermal interface material 500, and then to the liquid refrigerant L via the bottom surface of the cooling device (e.g., the bottom surface of the main body 600). As a result, the liquid refrigerant L changes phase to gaseous refrigerant V and is discharged to the top surface of the cooling device (e.g., the top surface of the main body 600).

[0103] As described above, the process of cooling each battery cell can be carried out in a state in which the refrigerant contained in each of the multiple battery cell cooling devices is isolated from each of the multiple battery cell cooling devices, so that the refrigerant can absorb heat by using a vaporization method.

[0104] 3.2. Cooling the entire battery cell (S200)

[0105] The process S200 of cooling the entire battery cell dissipates all the heat absorbed by the multiple battery cell cooling devices into the housing 10 that houses the multiple battery cells 40.

[0106] That is, the refrigerant V can change phase to gaseous state, and the heat discharged to the top surface of the cooling device (e.g., the top surface of the main body 600) can be discharged to the internal space S2 of the housing 10.

[0107] Furthermore, the heat dissipated into the housing 10 can be exhausted to the outside of the housing 10. Various methods can be used for heat dissipation.

[0108] For example, heat can dissipate from the interior of the housing 10 to the exterior via the cover 20. Alternatively, heat can dissipate to the exterior via a vent (not shown) defined in at least one of the housing 10 and the cover 20. Although the heat in the housing 10 is not dissipated to the exterior, the interior space S2 of the housing 10 can accommodate the heat dissipated to the top surface of the main body 600, which can cause a predetermined temperature to be reached, which can regulate the gas present in the interior space S2 of the housing 10. Here, the degree of heat containment can be determined based on the temperature difference between the interior space S2 of the housing 10 and the battery cell, as well as the type of gas contained in the interior space S2 of the housing 10.

[0109] 4. A method for cooling battery cells according to another exemplary embodiment

[0110] A method for cooling a battery cell according to another exemplary embodiment includes: a cooling device configuration process; and a battery cell cooling process.

[0111] 4.1. Cooling device configuration process

[0112] The cooling device is configured such that a thermal interface material 500 is placed between one end of the battery cell 40 and the battery cell cooling device having a hollow portion C, enabling the battery cell cooling device to contact the battery cell 40. That is, the battery cell cooling device with the thermal interface material 500 attached can contact the upper end of the battery cell 40, and the main body 600 of the battery cell cooling device and the refrigerant disposed therein can contact the battery cell 40 via the thermal interface material 500.

[0113] 4.2. Battery cell cooling process

[0114] The battery cell cooling process utilizes the temperature or heat of vaporization of the refrigerant 700 to cool the heat generated in the battery cell 40.

[0115] 4.2.1. Battery cell cooling process utilizing a refrigerant temperature of 700°C

[0116] The battery cell cooling process utilizing the temperature of the refrigerant 700 employs an air-cooled column. The temperature of the column 610 and the refrigerant 700 disposed therein can be maintained by air-cooling the column 610 of the main body 600 in the battery pack housing 10. Furthermore, since the heated cell 40 is in thermal contact with the refrigerant 700 maintaining the temperature, heat can be transferred from the cell to the refrigerant 700, and the heating temperature of the cell 40 can be reduced to the maintenance temperature of the refrigerant 700.

[0117] 4.2.2. Battery cell cooling process utilizing the heat of vaporization of refrigerant 700

[0118] The battery cell cooling process utilizing the heat of vaporization of refrigerant 700 involves vaporizing the liquid refrigerant 700 when the heated cell 40 comes into thermal contact with the refrigerant 700, which maintains the temperature. The cell 40 is then cooled by utilizing the heat of vaporization absorbed by the gaseous refrigerant 700. Here, the vaporized refrigerant 700 can come into thermal contact with the top plate of the column 610, dissipating the predetermined heat into the battery pack via the top plate of the column 610, and then returning to a liquid state and being contained again in the lower part of the hollow section C.

[0119] While configurations and methods have been described with reference to specific embodiments, the apparatus and methods are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the above description merely illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the invention, which can be used in various combinations, variations, and environments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0120] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0121] 10: Shell

[0122] 20: Cover

[0123] 30: Pallet

[0124] 40: Unit-type battery cell

[0125] 500: Thermal interface material

[0126] 600: Main body

[0127] 610: Column

[0128] 620: Cage

[0129] 700: Refrigerant

[0130] C: Hollow section

[0131] S1: Empty space

[0132] S2: Interior space

Claims

1. A battery cell cooling device, the battery cell cooling device comprising: The main body has one side protruding and is assembled to one end of the unit battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence manner. A hollow portion, which is confined within the main body and isolated from the outside; Refrigerant, which is isolated and contained within the hollow portion; as well as Thermal interface material (TIM) is arranged on one side of the main body to contact the unit cell. Wherein, the volume of the refrigerant is smaller than the capacity of the hollow section, and The pressure in the hollow section is less than atmospheric pressure.

2. The battery cell cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes: A column, wherein the column has the hollow portion; and A retainer protrudes from one surface of the column to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the cell.

3. The battery cell cooling device according to claim 2, wherein, The retainer protrudes from the edge of the base plate of the column, and The thermal interface material is attached to the base plate on the inside of the retainer to contact the base plate of the column and the unit cell between the base plate of the column and the unit cell.

4. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A housing that houses the plurality of battery cells; as well as A plurality of battery cell cooling devices are provided, wherein the battery cell cooling devices are according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the plurality of battery cell cooling devices are assembled with the plurality of battery cells in a one-to-one correspondence to cool each of the battery cells. The battery cell cooling device is arranged in the housing and spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing so that the battery cell cooling device is cooled by air cooling.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The multiple battery cell cooling devices have different cooling capacities depending on their location.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The battery cell cooling device assembled to an external battery cell has a smaller surface area than the battery cell cooling device assembled to an internal battery cell and at least one of the following: storage capacity of refrigerant.

7. A method for cooling a battery cell, the method comprising: The process of cooling individual battery cells involves absorbing heat from each of a plurality of battery cells and dissipating the absorbed heat to a refrigerant contained in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery cell cooling devices, wherein the battery cell cooling device is a battery cell cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. as well as The process of cooling the entire battery cell dissipates the heat absorbed by the multiple battery cell cooling devices into the housing containing the multiple battery cells.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The process of cooling each battery cell involves vaporizing the refrigerant contained in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices while the refrigerant is isolated in each of the plurality of battery cell cooling devices.

9. A method for cooling a battery cell, the method comprising: The cooling device configuration process allows the battery cell cooling device to contact the battery cell by arranging a thermal interface material between one end of the battery cell and the battery cell cooling device having a hollow portion for containing refrigerant. The battery cell cooling device is the battery cell cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. as well as The battery cell cooling process cools the heat generated from the battery cell by using the temperature of the refrigerant or the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant.

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