A method for air cooling energy storage pack

Abstract

The application discloses a method for air cooling of energy storage pack, air conditioner cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the bottom plate from the air inlet, directly exchanges heat with the bottom of the battery module, then blows out from the air outlet on the support sheet, enters the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the shell, then the air conditioner cold air moves forward along the side air duct to the first gap, blows out from the first gap into the upper half of the side air duct formed between the battery module and the side plate of the shell, then the air conditioner cold air moves backward along the side air duct to the second gap, blows out from the second gap into the rear part of the top air duct formed between the battery module and the top plate of the shell, finally the air conditioner cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows to the air outlet, so that the top of the battery module and the ccs (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar) are cooled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of battery energy storage technology, specifically relating to a method for air-cooling an energy storage pack. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of energy storage, battery modules are usually installed in a pack structure. However, with the increasing demand for battery module capacity in industry, the modules contained in the pack structure are composed of multiple batteries connected in series. Although the battery capacity of the module has increased, the heat generation has also increased, which has a significant negative impact on battery life and normal use. However, the existing cooling methods for long modules usually adopt a direct cooling method, with cold air entering from the rear of the pack structure and exiting from the front. However, this cooling method results in poor cooling effect on the batteries, large temperature difference between batteries, large loss of cold air volume, and high cooling cost. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method of air cooling for energy storage packs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a method for air-cooling an energy storage pack.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for air-cooling an energy storage pack includes a pack housing, which includes a bottom plate, a top plate, a rear plate, a front plate, and two side plates; the front plate and the rear plate are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate, the two side plates are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the bottom plate, and the top plate is installed on top of the front plate and the rear plate.

[0006] Inside the housing, support plates for supporting the battery module are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the bottom plate, and there is a gap between the support plates and the bottom plate; the middle or lower part of the rear plate is provided with an air inlet for air intake into the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the bottom plate; the support plates are provided with air outlets for air outlet into the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the housing; the upper part of the front panel is provided with an air outlet for air outlet into the top air duct formed between the top of the battery module and the top plate.

[0007] A flow guiding structure is provided within the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side panel of the housing. The flow guiding structure includes a front flow guiding strip, a rear flow guiding strip, a middle flow guiding strip, and a top flow guiding strip. The front and rear flow guiding strips are vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate, respectively, and extend upward to the top of the battery module. The middle flow guiding strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear flow guiding strips, with its rear end connected to the rear flow guiding strip. Its front end has a first notch with the front flow guiding strip, thus forming an air outlet for the upper part of the side air duct. The top flow guiding strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear flow guiding strips and located at the top of the battery module. Its front end has a connection to the front flow guiding strip, and its rear end has a second notch with the rear flow guiding strip, thus forming an air outlet for the rear end of the top air duct.

[0008] The method for air-cooling the energy storage pack is as follows: Air conditioning cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the base plate through the air inlet, directly exchanging heat with the bottom of the battery module. Then, it blows upwards from the air outlet on the support plate, entering the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the casing. The air conditioning cold air then moves forward along the side air duct to the first notch, and from the first notch, it blows into the upper half of the side air duct formed by the side plates of the battery module and the casing. Next, the air conditioning cold air moves backward along the side air duct to the second notch, and from the second notch, it blows into the rear part of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the casing. Finally, the air conditioning cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows towards the air outlet, thereby cooling the top of the battery module and the CCS (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar).

[0009] In the above technical solution, a fan for suction is installed at the air outlet.

[0010] In the above technical solution, a first support column and a second support column are respectively installed on the front and rear ends of the support plate above the base plate.

[0011] In the above technical solution, a cable outlet is provided at the top of the front panel, a wind baffle is provided on the rear side of the front panel, and bolts are installed on the side of the front panel, thereby realizing the installation of the front panel and the side panel.

[0012] In the above technical solution, when multiple rows of battery modules are arranged inside the box, in order to allow air to enter the central air duct formed by the gap between adjacent rows of battery modules, a support plate is also provided at the bottom of the adjacent battery modules. The air outlet of the support plate corresponds to the central air duct formed between adjacent rows of battery modules.

[0013] In the above technical solution, a flow guiding structure is also provided in the central air duct.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the airflow guiding structure includes a front airflow guide strip, a rear airflow guide strip, a middle airflow guide strip, and a top airflow guide strip; wherein, the front airflow guide strip and the rear airflow guide strip are respectively vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate and extend upward to the top of the battery module; the middle airflow guide strip is horizontally arranged between the front airflow guide strip and the rear airflow guide strip, and its rear end is connected to the rear airflow guide strip, and its front end is provided with a first notch with the front airflow guide strip, thereby forming an air outlet for the upper part of the middle air duct; the top airflow guide strip is horizontally arranged between the front airflow guide strip and the rear airflow guide strip and is located at the top of the battery module, its front end is connected to the front airflow guide strip, and its rear end is provided with a second notch with the rear airflow guide strip, thereby forming an air outlet for the rear airflow of the top air duct.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the material of the flow guiding structure is foam.

[0016] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] (1) The air conditioner's cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the base plate from the air inlet, directly exchanging heat with the bottom of the battery module. Then, it blows upward from the air outlet on the support plate and enters the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the housing. Then, the air conditioner's cold air moves forward along the side air duct to the first notch and blows out from the first notch into the upper half of the side air duct formed by the side plate of the battery module and the housing. Then, the air conditioner's cold air moves backward along the side air duct to the second notch and blows out from the second notch into the rear part of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the housing. Finally, the air conditioner's cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows towards the air outlet, thereby cooling the top of the battery module and the CCS (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar), thus forming a multi-dimensional cooling effect on the battery module.

[0018] (2) Compared with the traditional cooling structure with rear air intake and front air outlet, the module's highest temperature after a 0.5C charge-discharge cycle is 36.1℃, which is 2.8℃ lower. The maximum temperature difference is 16℃, which is 0.2℃ lower, thus meeting the design requirements.

[0019] (3) The airflow guiding structure of the present invention can guide the air conditioning cold air blown towards the side air duct and the middle air duct into an S-shaped movement trajectory, which has better temperature uniformity and allows the cold air to carry away more heat; at the same time, the air conditioning cold air is concentrated and guided to the rear of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the housing, and the air conditioning cold air is then blown out from the air outlet located at the rear of the top air duct, thereby enabling the air conditioning cold air to have a more sufficient heat exchange with the top of the battery module.

[0020] (4) The front panel of the present invention has a cable outlet at the top to prevent air leakage; at the same time, a wind baffle is provided on the rear side of the front panel to prevent the formation of eddies; and bolts are installed on the side of the front panel to realize the installation of the front panel with the left and right panels, so as to make the front of the front panel aesthetically pleasing.

[0021] (5) The present invention adopts a strip-shaped support plate to support the bottom sides of the battery module instead of a plate-shaped structure to support the bottom of the battery module. This structural design can reduce production costs. At the same time, after the air conditioner's cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the bottom plate from the air inlet, the air conditioner's cold air can directly contact the bottom of the battery module for heat exchange, resulting in a better cooling effect. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal battery module structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is an internal sectional view of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air distribution of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram, the components are: base plate 1, top plate 2, rear plate 3, front panel 4, side plate 5, first support column 6.1, second support column 6.2, support plate 6.3, air inlet 6.4, air outlet 6.5, air outlet 7, air guide structure 8, front air guide strip 8.1, rear air guide strip 8.2, middle air guide strip 8.3, top air guide strip 8.4, battery module 9, wind deflector 10, CCS (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar) 11, cable outlet 12, fan 13, first notch a, second notch b, and bolt c.

[0029] For those skilled in the art, other related figures can be obtained from the above figures without any creative effort. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Example 1

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0032] A method for air-cooling an energy storage pack is described in the appendix. Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 2 The package includes a bottom plate 1, a top plate 2, a rear plate 3, a front panel 4, and two side plates 5. The front panel 4 and the rear plate 3 are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 1, the two side plates 6 are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the bottom plate 1, and the top plate 2 is installed on top of the front panel 4 and the rear plate 3.

[0033] See appendix Figure 3 - Appendix Figure 4 Inside the housing, support plates 6.3 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the base plate 1 to support the battery module 9. There is a gap between the support plates 6.3 and the base plate 1. The support plates 6.3 support the bottom sides of the battery module 9, raising the battery module 9 to a certain height, so that the gap between the bottom of the battery module 9 and the base plate 1 forms a bottom air duct. An air inlet 6.4 is provided in the middle or lower part of the rear plate 3 for air intake into the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module 9 and the base plate 1. This invention uses strip-shaped support plates 6.3 to support the bottom sides of the battery module 9, rather than a plate-shaped structure supporting the entire bottom of the battery module 9. This structural design reduces production costs. Furthermore, after the air conditioning cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module 9 and the base plate 1 through the air inlet 6.4, the air conditioning cold air can directly contact the bottom of the battery module 9 for heat exchange, resulting in a better cooling effect. When the battery module 9 is placed on the support plate 6.3, the gap between the side of the battery module 9 and the side plate 5 of the housing forms a side air duct. The support plate 6.3 has an air outlet 6.5 for discharging air into the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module 9 and the side plate 5 of the housing. Therefore, the air conditioning cool air from the bottom air duct can be delivered into the side air duct through the air outlet 6.5. The upper part of the front panel is provided with an air outlet 7 for discharging air from the top of the battery module 9 and the top plate 2, forming a top air duct (see Appendix). Figure 1 ).

[0034] A flow guiding structure 8 is provided within the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module 9 and the side panel 5 of the housing. The flow guiding structure 8 includes a front flow guiding strip 8.1, a rear flow guiding strip 8.2, a middle flow guiding strip 8.3, and a top flow guiding strip 8.4. The front flow guiding strip 8.1 and the rear flow guiding strip 8.2 are vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate 6.3, respectively, and extend upwards to the top of the battery module 9. The middle flow guiding strip 8.3 is horizontally positioned between the front flow guiding strip 8.1 and the rear flow guiding strip 8.4. The top guide strip 8.2 is positioned between the front guide strip 8.1 and the rear guide strip 8.2, and its front end is connected to the front guide strip 8.1 with a first notch a, thereby forming an air outlet for the upper part of the side air duct; the top guide strip 8.4 is horizontally positioned between the front guide strip 8.1 and the rear guide strip 8.2 and located at the top of the battery module 9, its front end is connected to the front guide strip 8.1, and its rear end is connected to the rear guide strip 8.2 with a second notch b, thereby forming an air outlet for the rear part of the top air duct.

[0035] The method for air-cooling the energy storage pack is as follows: Air conditioning cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module 9 and the base plate 1 through the air inlet 6.4, directly exchanging heat with the bottom of the battery module 9; then, it blows upwards from the air outlet 6.5 on the support plate 6.3, entering the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module 9 and the side plate 5 of the housing; then, the air conditioning cold air moves forward along the side air duct to the first notch a, and blows out from the first notch a into the upper half of the side air duct formed by the side plates of the battery module 9 and the housing; then, the air conditioning cold air moves backward along the side air duct to the second notch b, and blows out from the second notch b into the rear part of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the housing; finally, the air conditioning cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows towards the air outlet 7, thereby cooling the top of the battery module 9 and the CCS (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar) 11.

[0036] Preferably, a fan 13 for air intake is installed at the air outlet 7 (see Appendix). Figure 1 ).

[0037] Preferably, a first support column 6.1 and a second support column 6.2 are installed on the base plate 1 at the front and rear ends of the support piece 6.3, respectively.

[0038] Preferably, the top of the front panel 4 is provided with a cable outlet 12 (see Appendix). Figure 5 ( ), to prevent air leakage.

[0039] Preferably, a wind deflector 10 is provided on the rear side of the front panel 4 (see Appendix). Figure 5 To prevent the formation of eddies.

[0040] Preferably, bolts c are installed on the side of the front panel 4 to achieve the installation of the front panel 4 and the side panel 5, making the front of the front panel aesthetically pleasing (see Appendix). Figure 3 ).

[0041] Example 2

[0042] When multiple rows of battery modules 9 are installed inside the box, in order to allow air to enter the central air duct formed by the gap between adjacent rows of battery modules 9, a support plate 6.3 is also installed at the bottom of the adjacent battery modules 9. The air outlet 6.5 of the support plate 6.3 corresponds to the central air duct formed between adjacent rows of battery modules 9.

[0043] A flow guiding structure 8 is provided within the central air duct formed between adjacent rows of battery modules 9. The flow guiding structure 8 includes a front flow guiding strip 8.1, a rear flow guiding strip 8.2, a middle flow guiding strip 8.3, and a top flow guiding strip 8.4. The front flow guiding strip 8.1 and the rear flow guiding strip 8.2 are vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate 6.3, respectively, and extend upwards to the top of the battery module 9. The middle flow guiding strip 8.3 is horizontally positioned between the front flow guiding strip 8.1 and the rear flow guiding strip 8.4. The top guide strip 84 is horizontally positioned between the front guide strip 8.1 and the rear guide strip 8.2 and is located at the top of the battery module 9. Its front end is connected to the front guide strip 8.1 and its rear end is provided with a first notch a, thereby forming an air outlet for the upper part of the middle air duct; the top guide strip 84 is horizontally positioned between the front guide strip 8.1 and the rear guide strip 8.2 and is located at the top of the battery module 9. Its front end is connected to the front guide strip 8.1 and its rear end is provided with a second notch b, thereby forming an air outlet for the rear end of the top air duct.

[0044] The air conditioner's cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module 9 and the base plate 1 through the air inlet 6.4, directly exchanging heat with the bottom contact of the battery module 9. Then, it blows upwards from the air outlet 6.5 on the support plate 6.3, entering the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module 9 and the side plate 5 of the housing, and the lower half of the central air duct formed between adjacent rows of battery modules 9. The air conditioner's cold air then moves forward along the side and central air ducts to the first notch a, from which it exits and enters the battery module. The upper half of the side air duct formed by the side plate of the battery module 9 and the housing, and the upper half of the middle air duct formed between the adjacent battery modules 9; then the air conditioner's cold air moves backward along the side air duct and the middle air duct to the second notch b, and blows out from the second notch b into the rear part of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the housing; finally, the air conditioner's cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows towards the air outlet 7, thereby cooling the top of the battery module 9 and the CCS (CellsContactSystem, integrated busbar) 11.

[0045] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” are used in the embodiments to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures relative to another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatial terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, an element described as being “down” of other elements or features would be positioned “up” of those other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term “down” can encompass both up and down orientations. The device may be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] Moreover, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish one component from another that has the same name, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between the components.

[0047] The present invention has been described above by way of example. It should be noted that any simple modifications, alterations or other equivalent substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort without departing from the core of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for air-cooling an energy storage pack, characterized in that: The package includes a pack body, which comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a rear plate, a front plate, and two side plates; the front plate and the rear plate are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate, the two side plates are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the bottom plate, and the top plate is installed on top of the front plate and the rear plate. Inside the housing, support plates for supporting the battery module are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the bottom plate, and there is a gap between the support plates and the bottom plate; the middle or lower part of the rear plate is provided with an air inlet for air intake into the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the bottom plate; the support plates are provided with air outlets for air outlet into the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the housing; the upper part of the front panel is provided with an air outlet for air outlet into the top air duct formed between the top of the battery module and the top plate. A flow guiding structure is provided within the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side panel of the housing. The flow guiding structure includes a front flow guiding strip, a rear flow guiding strip, a middle flow guiding strip, and a top flow guiding strip. The front and rear flow guiding strips are vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate, respectively, and extend upward to the top of the battery module. The middle flow guiding strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear flow guiding strips, with its rear end connected to the rear flow guiding strip. Its front end has a first notch with the front flow guiding strip, thus forming an air outlet for the upper part of the side air duct. The top flow guiding strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear flow guiding strips and located at the top of the battery module. Its front end has a connection to the front flow guiding strip, and its rear end has a second notch with the rear flow guiding strip, thus forming an air outlet for the rear end of the top air duct. The method for cooling the energy storage pack by air is as follows: the air conditioner's cold air enters the bottom air duct formed between the bottom of the battery module and the base plate from the air inlet, and directly exchanges heat with the bottom contact of the battery module. Then, the air blows upward from the air outlet on the support plate and enters the lower half of the side air duct formed between the side of the battery module and the side plate of the housing. Then, the air conditioner's cold air moves forward along the side air duct to the first notch and blows out from the first notch into the upper half of the side air duct formed by the side plate of the battery module and the housing. Then, the air conditioner's cold air moves backward along the side air duct to the second notch and blows out from the second notch into the rear part of the top air duct formed by the top plate of the battery module and the housing. Finally, the air conditioner's cold air moves forward along the top air duct and blows towards the air outlet, thereby cooling the top of the battery module and the CCS.

2. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fan for drawing air is installed at the air outlet.

3. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first support column and the second support column are respectively installed on the front and rear ends of the support plate above the base plate.

4. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front panel has a cable outlet at the top, a wind deflector at the rear, and bolts on the side to allow for the installation of the front panel and the side panel.

5. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: When multiple rows of battery modules are installed inside the housing, a support plate is also installed at the bottom of the adjacent battery modules. The support plate has an air outlet for discharging air into the central air duct formed between the adjacent rows of battery modules.

6. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: A flow guiding structure is also installed in the central air duct.

7. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The airflow guiding structure includes a front airflow guide strip, a rear airflow guide strip, a middle airflow guide strip, and a top airflow guide strip. The front and rear airflow guide strips are vertically installed at the front and rear ends of the support plate, respectively, and extend upwards to the top of the battery module. The middle airflow guide strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear airflow guide strips, with its rear end connected to the rear airflow guide strip, and its front end having a first notch with the front airflow guide strip, thus forming an air outlet for the upper part of the middle airflow duct. The top airflow guide strip is horizontally positioned between the front and rear airflow guide strips and located at the top of the battery module, with its front end connected to the front airflow guide strip, and its rear end having a second notch with the rear airflow guide strip, thus forming an air outlet for the rear end of the top airflow duct.

8. The method for air-cooling an energy storage pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the flow guiding structure is foam.

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