Temperature control system of battery module and battery module

Abstract

The application provides a temperature control system of a battery module and the battery module, which comprises a heat conduction plate, the heat conduction plate is in contact with adjacent single batteries to conduct heat between the heat conduction plate and the adjacent single batteries; a heat equalizing plate connected with the heat conduction plate, used for heat equalizing each heat conduction plate; a heat dissipation assembly and a temperature sensor, the heat dissipation assembly comprises a liquid cooler and an air cooler; a controller used for controlling the liquid cooler or the air cooler to dissipate heat of the heat equalizing plate alone when the temperature of the heat equalizing plate detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a first set temperature and less than a second set temperature; the controller is also used for controlling the liquid cooler and the air cooler to dissipate heat of the heat equalizing plate together when the temperature of the heat equalizing plate detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the second set temperature. In the above scheme, the heat equalizing of multiple single batteries is realized through the heat conduction plate and the heat equalizing plate, the problems of overcharging and overdischarging of some single batteries in the use process are reduced, the consistency of the single batteries is improved, the quality of the battery module is improved, and the service life is prolonged.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application filed on December 20, 2022, with application number 202211642362.1 and invention title: A battery module and its temperature control method. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a temperature control system for a battery module and a battery module. Background Technology

[0003] Battery modules generate heat during charging and discharging. Since a battery module is generally assembled from multiple individual cells, the heat generated by different individual cells within the same battery module varies due to various factors such as circuit connection location and differences in the properties of the individual cells themselves. This results in different temperatures among the individual cells within the module. Even with existing battery modules using heat sinks to dissipate heat and cool different parts of the module, temperature differences still exist among the individual cells in different locations.

[0004] Under different temperatures, especially with prolonged use, the different temperatures acting on multiple individual batteries cause varying degrees of aging in their properties. This leads to differences in the charging and discharging processes of the multiple individual batteries within the battery module during subsequent use, making it difficult to achieve synchronization among the multiple individual batteries. This results in some batteries experiencing overcharging and over-discharging issues, reducing the lifespan of the battery module and increasing safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a temperature control system for a battery module and a battery module, which reduces the property differences of multiple individual cells in the battery module under different temperatures, ensures the synchronicity of the state changes of multiple individual cells, extends the service life of the equipment, and improves safety.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a temperature control system for a battery module, comprising:

[0007] A heat-conducting plate, wherein the heat-conducting plate contacts an adjacent single cell via a flexible heat-conducting layer to conduct heat between the heat-conducting plate and the adjacent single cell;

[0008] A heat spreader plate is connected to the heat conduction plates and is used to heat each of the heat conduction plates evenly.

[0009] A heat dissipation assembly and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a heat spreader, wherein the heat dissipation assembly includes a liquid cooler and an air cooler;

[0010] The controller is configured to control either the liquid cooler or the air cooler to dissipate heat from the heat spreader individually when the temperature of the heat spreader detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a first set temperature and less than a second set temperature; the controller is also configured to control the liquid cooler and the air cooler to dissipate heat from the heat spreader together when the temperature of the heat spreader detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the second set temperature.

[0011] As an alternative implementation, the temperature control system for the battery module also includes:

[0012] A timer is used to detect the working time of the liquid cooler or the air cooler for heat dissipation alone. The controller is also used to control the liquid cooler and the air cooler to jointly dissipate heat from the heat spreader when the detected working time is greater than a set duration and the temperature of the heat spreader is still greater than a first set temperature.

[0013] As one possible implementation, the heat-conducting plate is provided with a bent portion;

[0014] The heat spreader plate is provided with through holes that mate with the bent portion;

[0015] The bent portion passes through the through hole, and the bent portion of the bent portion is in contact with the side of the heat spreader plate away from the heat conduction plate, and the bent portions of adjacent bent portions do not overlap.

[0016] As an implementation method, the heat spreader is provided with a relief groove on the side of the heat spreader away from the single cell to accommodate the bent portion of the bent portion, so that the side of the bent portion away from the single cell is flush with the side of the heat spreader away from the single cell.

[0017] As one possible implementation, the air cooler is located on the side of the liquid cooler opposite to the heat spreader;

[0018] The heat dissipation component is located on the side of the heat spreader away from the individual battery cell.

[0019] As an implementation, there are two temperature sensors arranged along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of individual cells, and the distance from each temperature sensor to the end of the heat spreader closest to it is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the length of the heat spreader.

[0020] As one possible implementation, the liquid cooler includes a liquid cooling block, which is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet;

[0021] The air cooler includes fins and / or heat pipes disposed on the liquid cooling block, and the air cooler employs fan cooling and / or natural cooling.

[0022] As an implementation method, the heat-conducting plate is provided on both sides of the two largest opposite sides of each individual battery cell.

[0023] As an implementation method, two heat spreaders are provided, with the two heat spreaders located on both sides of multiple individual cells, and the two ends of each heat-conducting plate are connected to the heat spreader on the corresponding side.

[0024] As one possible implementation, a thermally conductive material is provided between the bent portion of the bent section and the heat spreader, and / or,

[0025] A thermally conductive material is provided between the heat dissipation component and the heat spreader;

[0026] The thermally conductive material is at least one of phase change thermally conductive material, thermally conductive pad, thermally conductive tape, thermally conductive rubber, thermally conductive potting compound, and thermally conductive silicone grease.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a battery module, including: multiple individual battery cells, and the aforementioned temperature control system.

[0028] In the above solution, the heat-conducting plate and the heat-spreading plate are set to achieve uniform heat distribution to multiple individual cells, reducing the problem of overcharging and over-discharging of some individual cells during use, improving the consistency of individual cells, improving the quality of the battery module, and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the heat-conducting plate and flexible heat-conducting layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the heat-conducting plate and the heat-spreading plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat dissipation assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the temperature control principle provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a temperature control method for a battery module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] 1. Single cell; 2. Encapsulation shell; 3. Heat-conducting plate; 31. Flexible heat-conducting layer; 32. Bending section; 4. Heat dissipation plate; 41. Through hole; 42. Clearance groove; 5. Heat dissipation assembly; 51. Liquid cooler; 511. Liquid cooling block; 512. Liquid inlet; 513. Liquid outlet; 52. Air cooler; 6. Temperature sensor; 7. Controller; 8. Timer. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Through these descriptions, the features and advantages of the present application will become clearer and more apparent.

[0039] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. Although various aspects of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0040] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the battery module provided in this application, the application scenario of the battery module is first explained. The battery module provided in this application includes multiple individual batteries, which are connected and encapsulated in a casing to form a whole, serving as an energy supply unit. In addition, a heat dissipation module is provided to dissipate the heat generated by the individual batteries during use. However, the heat dissipation of the multiple individual batteries within the battery module varies, resulting in different temperatures in different parts of the battery module. When multiple individual batteries are exposed to different temperatures for extended periods, the aging of different individual batteries will vary, making it difficult to achieve synchronized changes in the individual batteries. Subsequently, the charging and discharging processes of the multiple individual batteries within the battery module will differ during use, leading to overcharging and over-discharging problems in some batteries, reducing the lifespan of the battery module and increasing safety hazards. Therefore, this application provides a battery module to improve the consistency of multiple individual batteries, improve the quality of the battery module, extend its lifespan, and enhance safety. The battery module will now be described in detail with reference to specific drawings and embodiments.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of the battery module structure is shown. The battery module includes multiple individual battery cells 1 and a package shell 2. The multiple individual battery cells 1 are arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction and connected by circuits. The package shell 2 is composed of multiple side plates, which surround the multiple individual battery cells 1 and are fixedly connected to each other to encapsulate the multiple individual battery cells 1.

[0043] The specific structure and encapsulation method of the encapsulation shell 2 can be selected and adapted according to the arrangement of the individual battery cells 1. The encapsulation shell 2 will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0044] The battery module also includes multiple heat-conducting plates 3 and two heat-spreading plates 4; wherein, the multiple heat-conducting plates 3 are respectively sandwiched between two adjacent single cells 1, and the two single cells 1 at both ends are also respectively provided with heat-conducting plates 3 on the side facing outward. Each heat-conducting plate 3 is in contact with the largest side of the adjacent single cell 1, so that each heat-conducting plate 3 and the adjacent single cell 1 can generate heat conduction, that is, the heat generated by each single cell 1 during charging and discharging is transferred to the heat-conducting plate 3.

[0045] Two heat spreaders 4 are arranged one-to-one on opposite sides of multiple individual cells 1, and the opposite sides of each heat conduction plate 3 are connected one-to-one to the two heat spreaders 4 to realize heat conduction between each heat conduction plate 3 and the two heat spreaders 4.

[0046] Heat from the heat-conducting plate 3 is conducted to the heat spreader 4, and then from the heat spreader 4 to the heat-conducting plate 3 at the corresponding temperature and the individual battery cell 1. In this way, the heat spreader 4 forms a channel for heat transfer between the multiple heat-conducting plates 3. Heat from the higher-temperature heat-conducting plates 3 is conducted to the lower-temperature heat-conducting plates 3 through the heat spreader 4, causing the temperatures of the multiple heat-conducting plates 3 to tend to be the same, and thus the temperatures of the multiple individual battery cells 1 to tend to be the same.

[0047] During the operation of a single cell 1, the single cell 1 generates heat, causing its temperature to rise. The heat from the single cell 1 is conducted to the adjacent heat-conducting plate 3. Since the heat generated by the single cells 1 at different locations is different, the temperatures of the different heat-conducting plates 3 vary. The heat from the heat-conducting plates 3 is transferred to the heat spreader 4, causing the various parts of the heat spreader 4 connected to the heat-conducting plates 3 to gradually approach the same temperature as the corresponding heat-conducting plates 3. The heat on the heat spreader 4 is conducted from the high-temperature area to the low-temperature area, and then to the lower-temperature heat-conducting plate 3. At the same time, the single cell 1 and the adjacent heat-conducting plates 3 are brought to the same temperature through thermal conduction.

[0048] Ultimately, through the heat conduction of the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat equalization of the heat-spreading plate 4, although the heat generated by individual cells 1 in different parts is different, the temperature of multiple individual cells 1 tends to be the same through the heat conduction of the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat-spreading plate 4. As the usage time increases, the properties of multiple individual cells 1 tend to change synchronously, and the charging and discharging process remains synchronized, reducing the problem of overcharging and over-discharging of some individual cells 1, improving the quality of the battery module, extending its service life, and making it safer to use.

[0049] It should be noted that the number of heat-conducting plates 3 can be adjusted based on actual conditions, such as the type of individual battery 1, the heat generation of the individual battery 1, and the thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting plate 3. One heat-conducting plate 3 can be placed every two or three individual batteries 1. The number of individual batteries 1 between adjacent heat-conducting plates 3 can be adjusted according to actual conditions, as long as the heat can be transferred from the individual battery 1 to the heat spreader 4 through the heat-conducting plate 3.

[0050] Similarly, the heat spreader 4 can also be a single unit located on one side of multiple individual cells 1 and connected to multiple heat conduction plates 3. Heat conduction between the heat conduction plates 3 and individual cells 1 at different locations is achieved through the heat spreader 4. This embodiment of the application only illustrates the example of setting two heat spreaders 4, with each pair of adjacent heat conduction plates 3 spaced apart by one individual cell 1.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the heat-conducting plate and the flexible heat-conducting layer is shown. To ensure good heat transfer between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the adjacent single battery cell 1, a flexible heat-conducting layer 31 is provided on the heat-conducting plate 3, and the heat-conducting plate 3 and the adjacent single battery cell 1 are connected through the flexible heat-conducting layer 31. The flexible heat-conducting layer 31 achieves a flexible connection between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the single battery cell 1. The flexible heat-conducting layer 31 abuts against the large surface of the single battery cell 1, and when the heat-conducting plate 3 and the adjacent single battery cell 1 are engaged to clamp the flexible heat-conducting layer 31, the flexible heat-conducting layer 31 can automatically adapt to the large surface of the single battery cell 1, ensuring complete contact between the flexible heat-conducting layer 31 and the large surface of the single battery cell 1; at the same time, the flexible heat-conducting layer 31 can also achieve complete contact with the heat-conducting plate 3.

[0052] The flexible heat-conducting layer 31 enables the heat-conducting plate 3 and the adjacent single cell 1 to achieve maximum heat conduction connection. Compared with the case where the heat-conducting plate 3 directly contacts the large surface of the single cell 1, it is less likely that the heat-conducting plate 3 and the large surface of the single cell 1 will not be able to fully fit together. The heat conduction efficiency is higher, and the heat generated by the single cell 1 can be transferred to the adjacent heat-conducting plate 3 more quickly, resulting in better heat uniformity for the single cells 1 in different locations.

[0053] Meanwhile, when multiple individual cells 1 are encapsulated in the encapsulation shell 2, the multiple individual cells 1 are in a tight state. The flexible heat-conducting layer 31 can also reduce the problem of excessive pressure on the individual cells 1. When the individual cells 1 bulge, the flexible heat-conducting layer 31 can absorb the space compression caused by the bulge, reducing the problem of damage to the individual cells 1 caused by excessive pressure due to the bulge.

[0054] The flexible thermally conductive layer 31 can be made of one or more of the following materials: thermally conductive silicone grease, thermally conductive pad, and thermally conductive rubber. For example, if thermally conductive silicone grease is used, it can be directly applied to the thermally conductive plate 3 or the individual battery 1, and the thermally conductive plate 3 and the individual battery 1 can be arranged in a predetermined order. The thermally conductive silicone grease enables thermal conductivity between the thermally conductive plate 3 and the adjacent individual battery 1. If thermally conductive rubber is used, it can be directly fixed to the thermally conductive plate 3, and the thermally conductive plate 3 can be sandwiched between adjacent individual batteries 1.

[0055] When using two different materials, for example, thermal grease and thermal rubber are used simultaneously. The thermal rubber is fixedly connected to the heat-conducting plate 3. Specifically, the thermal rubber and the heat-conducting plate 3 can be fixed by heat melting. Then, thermal grease is applied to the thermal rubber to achieve the connection between the heat-conducting plate 3, the thermal rubber and the single cell 1, and to achieve heat conduction.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,in, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the heat-conducting plate is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the heat-conducting plate and the heat spreader is shown. The heat-conducting plate 3 has bent portions 32 along the edges of the heat spreader 4 facing both sides, and the bent portions 32 are integrally formed with the heat-conducting plate 3. The heat spreader 4 has multiple through holes 41, each corresponding to a bent portion 32 on the heat-conducting plate 3. The bent portion 32 passes through the corresponding through hole 41, and the portion of the bent portion 32 passing through the through hole 41 is bent to form a bent portion, which is in contact with the side of the heat spreader 4 facing away from the heat-conducting plate 3.

[0057] The bending part 32 is connected to the heat spreader 4, which makes the connection between the two more convenient. At the same time, the bent part of the bending part 32 is in contact with the heat spreader 4, making the connection between the two more stable. Compared with the method of connecting the heat spreader 4 through the edge of the bending part 32, the heat conduction efficiency between the two is higher.

[0058] To maximize the heat conduction area between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat spreader 4, the bent portion of each bend 32 covers a first region on the heat spreader 4. This first region is the area between two adjacent through holes 41 on the heat spreader 4. The extent of the first region outside the end through hole 41 can be referenced to the extent of the first region before the other two adjacent through holes 41. By having the bent portion of the bend 32 cover the first region, the heat conduction area between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat spreader 4 is increased without interference between two adjacent bends 32, resulting in higher heat conduction efficiency.

[0059] Of course, in other embodiments, the bent portion of the bending part 32 may not completely cover the first region, or the bent portion of the bending part 32 may cover a portion of the area outside the first region. All of the above settings are intended to increase the heat conduction area between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat-spreading plate 4, and do not limit the specific connection position between the heat-conducting plate 3 and the heat-spreading plate 4.

[0060] Furthermore, a clearance groove 42 is provided on the side of the heat spreader 4 facing away from the heat conduction plate 3 to accommodate the bent portion of the bent part 32. When the bent portion of the bent part 32 is in contact with the heat spreader 4, it is located within the clearance groove 42, ensuring that the side of the bent portion 32 facing away from the individual battery 1 is flush with the side of the heat spreader 4 facing away from the individual battery 1. Firstly, this keeps the side of the heat spreader 4 facing away from the individual battery 1 flush, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Secondly, it facilitates installation of components such as heat dissipation modules or other components, and makes it easier to ensure the flatness of the mounting base.

[0061] The above settings enable uniform heating of multiple individual battery cells 1, ensuring that the temperature of multiple individual battery cells 1 is adjusted to be similar during use, thereby extending the service life of the battery module, improving the quality of the battery module, and making the battery module safer.

[0062] Reference Figure 5 and combined Figure 1 ,in, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the heat dissipation assembly is shown. To reduce the overall temperature of the multiple individual battery cells 1, the battery module is equipped with two heat dissipation assemblies 5, which are respectively mounted on two heat dissipation plates 4 to dissipate heat from the two heat dissipation plates 4, thereby cooling the individual battery cells 1, reducing the problems of the individual battery cells 1, and minimizing the performance degradation of the individual battery cells 1 caused by high temperature environment.

[0063] A thermally conductive material is provided between the heat dissipation component 5 and the heat spreader 4. The thermally conductive material is filled or sandwiched between the heat dissipation component 5 and the heat spreader 4. The thermally conductive material is also a flexible material to ensure the integrity of the contact between the heat dissipation component 5 and the heat spreader 4, increase the thermal conduction area between the two, and improve the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation component 5.

[0064] In addition, a heat-conducting material is also provided between the bent portion of the bending section 32 and the heat-spreading plate 4. The heat-conducting material can also be filled or sandwiched between the bent portion of the bending section 32 and the heat-spreading plate 4 to improve the heat conduction effect between the bending section 32 and the heat-spreading plate 4, resulting in better heat conduction.

[0065] For the thermally conductive material, one or more of the following can be selected: phase change thermally conductive material, thermally conductive pad, thermally conductive tape, thermally conductive rubber, thermally conductive potting compound, or thermally conductive silicone grease. When using a sticky material, it can also play an adhesive role, making the connection between the bent part 32 and the heat dissipation plate 4, as well as between the heat dissipation component 5 and the heat dissipation plate 4, more secure.

[0066] Continuing with the description of the heat dissipation component 5, this component is an integrated heat sink, comprising a liquid cooler 51 and an air cooler 52. The liquid cooler 51 is mounted on the heat spreader 4, and the air cooler 52 is disposed on the side of the liquid cooler 51 facing away from the heat spreader 4. Of course, in other embodiments, the heat dissipation component 5 may be configured to be only liquid-cooled or only air-cooled. This embodiment is only described using the example of the heat dissipation component 5 including both a liquid cooler and an air cooler.

[0067] The liquid cooler 51 includes a liquid cooling block 511 fixed on the heat spreader 4. The liquid cooling block 511 has an inlet 512 and an outlet 513. Coolant is introduced into the liquid cooling block 511 to cool the heat spreader 4. The air cooler 52 includes multiple fins and / or heat pipes fixedly connected to the liquid cooling block 511. The fins and / or heat pipes increase the contact area between the liquid cooling block 511 and the outside environment. In addition, the air cooler 52 also includes a cooling fan, which is fixed on the fins and / or heat pipes. The fan speeds up air circulation and improves the heat dissipation effect. In one embodiment, the cooling fan may not be provided, and heat dissipation can be achieved through natural cooling via the fins and / or heat pipes. Of course, only the cooling fan may be provided, without fins and heat pipes. Different heat dissipation methods can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0068] The heat dissipation component 5 is set to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4, thereby reducing the temperature of multiple individual cells 1, slowing down the aging of individual cells 1, extending their service life, and improving the working efficiency of the battery module. In order to keep the working temperature of individual cells 1 at a suitable temperature value, and to balance the heat dissipation effect and power consumption, the battery module is also equipped with a component to regulate the operation of the heat dissipation component 5 according to the temperature of the heat spreader 4.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in, Figure 6 for Figure 1 An enlarged diagram of part A in the middle. Figure 7 This is a control diagram for temperature regulation. The battery module also includes a temperature sensor 6 and a controller 7. The temperature sensor 6 is mounted on the heat spreader 4 and is used to detect the temperature of the heat spreader 4. The controller 7 is signal-connected to the temperature sensor 6 and the heat dissipation assembly 5. Specifically, the controller 7 receives the temperature value of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 and controls the operation of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 respectively. For ease of explanation, the following embodiment of this application uses the air cooler 52 with fan cooling as an example.

[0070] When the temperature sensor 6 detects different temperatures on the heat spreader 4, the controller 7 compares the detected temperature value of the heat spreader 4 with the first set temperature and the second set temperature, and controls the heat dissipation component 5 to perform corresponding heat dissipation actions based on the comparison results. Specifically, the first set temperature value is lower than the second set temperature value, and the first set temperature value is the maximum value within the suitable operating temperature range specified for the individual battery cell 1. This includes the following situations:

[0071] When the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is higher than the first set temperature, the heat dissipation component 5 is controlled to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0072] When the heat dissipation assembly 5 includes a liquid cooler 51 and an air cooler 52, the following examples illustrate how the heat dissipation assembly 5 can dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0073] When the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is greater than the first set temperature but less than the second set temperature, the controller 7 controls the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 to work alone to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 and cool it down until the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 drops to less than the first set temperature, so that the single cell 1 is within a fixed suitable operating temperature range.

[0074] When the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is higher than the second set temperature, the controller 7 controls the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 to work together to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4. For example, in this case where the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is higher than the second set temperature, during the process of either the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 working alone to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4, the individual battery 1 continuously generates heat, and the heat generated by the individual battery 1 is greater than the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation component 5, causing the temperature of the heat spreader 4 to continuously rise to a level higher than the second set temperature.

[0075] In addition, the battery module also includes a timer 8, which is used to detect the time for the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 when working alone. When the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 continues to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 for a set duration and the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is still greater than the first set temperature, the controller 7 controls the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 to work together to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 until the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is less than the first set temperature.

[0076] The specific duration of the set duration can be determined based on the type of the individual battery 1. Personnel in the relevant field can determine the specific value of the set duration based on existing standards and common knowledge in the field.

[0077] Of course, in actual use, there are also the following situations: the temperature of the heat spreader 4 detected by the temperature sensor 6 is lower than the first set temperature. At this time, the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 are controlled to be in standby or off state; that is, when the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is lower than the first set temperature, the heat spreader 4 is not actively cooled.

[0078] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation of the heat exchange plate 4 at different temperature values ​​is achieved by adjusting the open and closed states of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52. In other embodiments, when the heat dissipation component 5 needs to dissipate heat from the heat exchange plate 4, the heat dissipation effect on the heat exchange plate 4 can also be adjusted by adjusting the operating power of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52.

[0079] For example, when the temperature sensor 6 detects that the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is greater than a first set temperature but less than a second set temperature, the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 is first controlled to operate at a lower power to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 alone. After a certain period of time, if the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is still greater than the first set temperature, the operating power of the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 is gradually increased. In this mode, the initial power of the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52, the power value adjusted each time, and the duration of operation at each power level are all determined by factors such as the type of single battery 1, the type and model of the liquid cooler 51, and the type and model of the air cooler 52. Specifically, those skilled in the art can determine these directly or by calculation based on existing knowledge, and this embodiment will not elaborate on this part.

[0080] Reference Figure 1Two temperature sensors 6 are provided, arranged along the direction of the arrangement of the multiple individual cells 1. The distance between each temperature sensor 6 and the end of the heat spreader 4 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the overall length of the heat spreader 4. For example, the distance between each temperature sensor 6 and the end of the heat spreader 4 is 1 / 4 of the overall length of the heat spreader 4, that is, each temperature sensor 6 is responsible for detecting the temperature of half of the heat spreader 4, and each temperature sensor 6 is located in the middle of each half of the heat spreader 4. Each temperature sensor 6 is responsible for detecting the temperature of one half of the heat spreader 4, reducing cross-interference between the two temperature sensors 6.

[0081] The distance between the sensor and the end of the heat spreader 4 is set to 1 / 3 of the overall length of the heat spreader 4. The heat generated by the single cell 1 located in the middle part is greater than that of the single cell 1 located on the side. That is, the temperature change range of the single cell 1 in the middle part is greater than that of the single cell 1 on the side. The area between the two temperature sensors 6 is detected by the two temperature sensors 6 together, which helps to improve the accuracy of the detection.

[0082] This application also provides a temperature control method for a battery module, applied to the battery module provided in this application, to control the temperature of a single cell 1, referring to... Figure 8 Specifically, it includes the following steps:

[0083] Step 01: Detect the temperature of heat spreader 4.

[0084] Specifically, the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is detected by temperature sensor 6. The number and location of temperature sensor 6 can be the same as the temperature sensor 6 in the battery module provided in this application.

[0085] Step 02: When the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is greater than the first set temperature, control the heat dissipation component 5 to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0086] Specifically, when the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is detected by the temperature sensor 6 to be greater than the first set temperature, the heat dissipation component 5 is controlled by the controller 7 to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0087] When the heat dissipation assembly 5 includes a liquid cooler 51 and an air cooler 52, controlling the heat dissipation assembly 5 to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4 may include the following steps:

[0088] Step a: When the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is greater than the first set temperature and less than the second set temperature, control the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 to work alone to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0089] Step b: When the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is greater than the second set temperature, control the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 to work together to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4.

[0090] In one of the cases where the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is higher than the second set temperature, for example, the liquid cooler 51 or the air cooler 52 works alone to dissipate heat from the heat spreader 4. The heat dissipated is less than the heat generated by the individual battery 1, causing the temperature to continue to rise to a level higher than the second set temperature.

[0091] Step c: Detect the working time of liquid cooler 51 or air cooler 52 for heat dissipation alone. When the detected working time of liquid cooler 51 or air cooler 52 for heat dissipation alone is greater than the set time, and the detected temperature of heat spreader 4 is greater than the first set temperature and less than the second set temperature, control liquid cooler 51 and air cooler 52 to work together to dissipate heat from heat spreader 4 until the detected temperature of heat spreader 4 is less than the first set temperature.

[0092] Specifically, the timer 8 is used to detect the working time of liquid cooler 51 or air cooler 52 for heat dissipation alone.

[0093] Of course, the above method may also include step 03, which is: when the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is lower than the first set temperature, the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 are controlled to be in a shutdown or standby state. That is, when the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is lower than the first set temperature, no heat is dissipated from the heat spreader 4.

[0094] It should be understood that controlling the operation of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 to either on or off in the above method adjusts the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation component 5, thereby adjusting the heat dissipation capacity of the heat spreader 4. In other embodiments, in addition to controlling the operation of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 to either on or off, the operating power of the liquid cooler and the air cooler 52 can also be adjusted to regulate the heat dissipation capacity of the heat dissipation component 5. The specific method for adjusting the operating power can refer to the principle of adjusting the operating power of the liquid cooler 51 and the air cooler 52 in the battery module disclosed in this application, and will not be elaborated here.

[0095] It should be further explained that, in the description of this application, corresponding control needs to be performed according to the relationship between the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 and the first set temperature and the second set temperature. When the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is the first set temperature, a heat dissipation action is performed when the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is lower than the first set temperature; when the detected temperature of the heat spreader 4 is the second set temperature, a heat dissipation action is performed when the temperature of the heat spreader 4 is higher than the first set temperature and lower than the second set temperature.

[0096] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship in the working state of this application. They are only for the convenience of describing 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 this application.

[0097] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly; furthermore, "multiple" in this application refers to two or more. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0098] The present application has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative. Various substitutions and modifications can be made to the present application based on these embodiments, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A temperature control system for a battery module, comprising: A heat-conducting plate, wherein the heat-conducting plate contacts an adjacent single cell via a flexible heat-conducting layer, the flexible heat-conducting layer being disposed on both sides of the heat-conducting plate to conduct heat between the heat-conducting plate and the adjacent single cell; A heat spreader plate is connected to the heat conduction plates and is used to heat each of the heat conduction plates evenly; the heat conduction plates are provided with bending portions; The heat spreader plate is provided with through holes that mate with the bent portion; The bent portion passes through the through hole, and the bent portion of the bent portion is in contact with the side of the heat spreader plate away from the heat conduction plate, and the bent portions of adjacent bent portions do not overlap; the bent portion of the bent portion covers a first area, which is the area between every two through holes; The heat spreader plate is provided with a relief groove on the side away from the single cell to accommodate the bent portion of the bending part, so that the side of the bent portion away from the single cell is flush with the side of the heat spreader plate away from the single cell. A heat dissipation assembly and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a heat spreader, wherein the heat dissipation assembly includes a liquid cooler and an air cooler; The controller is configured to control either the liquid cooler or the air cooler to dissipate heat from the heat spreader individually when the temperature of the heat spreader detected by the temperature sensor is greater than a first set temperature and less than a second set temperature; the controller is also configured to control the liquid cooler and the air cooler to dissipate heat from the heat spreader together when the temperature of the heat spreader detected by the temperature sensor is greater than the second set temperature. A timer is used to detect the working time of the liquid cooler or the air cooler for heat dissipation alone. The controller is also used to control the liquid cooler and the air cooler to jointly dissipate heat from the heat spreader when the detected working time is greater than a set duration and the temperature of the heat spreader is still greater than a first set temperature.

2. The temperature control system of a battery module according to claim 1, wherein The air cooler is located on the side of the liquid cooler away from the heat spreader; The heat dissipation component is located on the side of the heat spreader away from the individual battery cell.

3. The temperature control system of a battery module according to claim 1, wherein The number of temperature sensors is two, and the two temperature sensors are arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of individual cells. The distance from each temperature sensor to the end of the heat spreader closest to it is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the length of the heat spreader.

4. The temperature control system of a battery module according to claim 1, wherein The liquid cooler includes a liquid cooling block, and the liquid cooling block is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The air cooler includes fins and / or heat pipes disposed on the liquid cooling block, and the air cooler employs fan cooling and / or natural cooling.

5. The temperature control system of a battery module according to claim 1, wherein The heat-conducting plates are provided on both sides of the two largest opposite sides of each individual battery cell.

6. The temperature control system of a battery module according to claim 1, wherein Two heat spreaders are provided, and the two heat spreaders are respectively located on both sides of multiple individual cells. The two ends of each heat conduction plate are respectively connected to the heat spreader on the corresponding side. A thermally conductive material is provided between the bent portion of the bending section and the heat spreader plate, and / or, A thermally conductive material is provided between the heat dissipation component and the heat spreader; The thermally conductive material is at least one of phase change thermally conductive material, thermally conductive pad, thermally conductive tape, thermally conductive rubber, thermally conductive potting compound, and thermally conductive silicone grease.

7. A battery module comprising: A plurality of single cells, and the temperature control system of any one of claims 1-6.

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