Top-immersed battery pack

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of energy storage equipment, and particularly relates to a top immersed type battery pack which comprises a first partition plate, the first partition plate divides a box body into a battery cabin and an electrical cabin, the battery cabin is provided with a plurality of second partition plates at intervals in the width direction, and the second partition plates enable a plurality of mounting grooves to be formed in the battery cabin. The plurality of battery modules are respectively mounted in the corresponding mounting grooves, elastic fillers are arranged between the plurality of battery modules and the box body as well as between the plurality of battery modules and the first partition plate, and the insulating cooling liquid is arranged at the tops of the battery modules; through the arrangement of the first partition plate, the second partition plate and the elastic filler, the use amount of the insulating cooling liquid is reduced, and the cost is saved; the cooling liquid on the periphery of the battery module is reduced, the top of the battery module is immersed in the cooling liquid, and compared with overall immersion, the heat dissipation effect can still be ensured while the use amount is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy storage equipment, and in particular to a top immersed battery pack. Background Art

[0002] When the battery pack is charging and discharging, the internal battery module will generate heat. When the internal battery module is overheated, it will affect the stability of the battery pack, causing battery performance to deteriorate. What's worse, it will cause the battery module pressure relief valve to open and spray electrolyte, causing internal short circuit and spark, leading to fire and explosion.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, an immersed battery pack is currently used to completely immerse the battery module in an insulating coolant. A liquid cooling plate is set at the bottom of the battery module for cooling. When the electrolyte sprays out, the insulating coolant prevents sparks from being generated above the battery module. However, considering the volume expansion of the battery module itself, there is often a large gap between the battery pack box and the battery pack. If the battery module is immersed in coolant, more coolant is needed to fill the gap and the top of the battery module. When the electrolyte leaks, it will contaminate the coolant. During maintenance, all the coolant needs to be replaced, which makes the maintenance cost high. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a top-flooded battery pack that saves cooling liquid.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A top immersed battery pack comprises a first partition, wherein the first partition divides a box body into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment, wherein the battery compartment is provided with a plurality of second partitions spaced apart along the width direction, wherein the plurality of second partitions form a plurality of mounting grooves in the battery compartment, and a plurality of battery modules are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting grooves, and elastic fillers are arranged between the plurality of battery modules and the box body and the first partition, and an insulating coolant is arranged on the top of the battery module.

[0006] Principle of the technical solution: The first partition divides the box into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment. When the battery module fails and overheats, the electrolyte sprayed out cannot enter the electrical compartment. Since the electrical compartment has a smaller demand for heat dissipation than the battery compartment, the electrical compartment does not need to be immersed, saving the amount of insulating coolant. The second partition fills part of the gap between two adjacent battery modules, and the elastic filler fills the gap between the battery module and the box, further reducing the amount of insulating coolant. Since the current density at the tab position of the battery cell is relatively high, the high-temperature area is mainly concentrated at the position of the battery near the tab. In this solution, the insulating coolant around the battery module is mainly reduced, and the insulating coolant on the top can still quickly absorb the heat near the pole ear to avoid local excessive temperature. The second partition is provided to form an installation groove, which is convenient for positioning when installing the battery module, and the elastic filler forms support for the battery module after being tightened. Compared with only connecting the battery module to the box body with bolts, the battery module is not easy to shake when the entire battery pack is moved, avoiding the collision between the battery module and the box body, and the elastic filler can still support the battery module when the battery module expands and deforms.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By setting the first partition, the second partition and the elastic filler, the amount of insulating coolant is reduced and the cost is saved.

[0008] 2. The amount of coolant around the battery module is reduced, and the top of the battery module is immersed in the coolant. Compared with the entire module being immersed, it can still ensure the heat dissipation effect while reducing the amount used.

[0009] 3. The elastic filler can support the battery module and adapt to the thermal deformation of the battery module. It is not easy to shake during transportation and movement, causing the battery module to collide with the inner wall of the box.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pole ears, battery cell exhaust valve ports and electrical connection bars are arranged on the top of the battery module, the battery cell exhaust valve ports and electrical connection bars are both located below the pole ears, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant is at the same height as the highest point of the pole ears.

[0011] Beneficial effect: The heat generated by the pole ear is relatively high, and the insulating coolant quickly absorbs the heat of the pole ear to avoid local overheating. Therefore, by completely immersing the pole ear in the insulating coolant, the amount of insulating coolant can be reduced while ensuring a good heat dissipation effect. At this height, the battery cell exhaust valve port and the electrical connection bar are immersed, which can prevent short circuits between battery cells and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cooling plate is provided at the bottom of the box, and a thermal conductive adhesive is provided between the liquid cooling plate and the plurality of battery modules.

[0013] Beneficial effects: The thermal conductive adhesive can effectively fill the tiny gap between the battery cell and the liquid cooling plate, can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the box to a certain extent, and help absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a top cover is installed on the upper end of the box body, a sealant is provided between the top cover and the box body, and a plurality of elastic blocks are provided between each of the battery modules and the top cover.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The elastic block is arranged between the battery module and the top cover, which can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the box to a certain extent, and helps to absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use. In addition, due to the space occupied by multiple elastic blocks, the amount of insulating coolant used is reduced.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic filler is integrally formed with the plurality of second partitions.

[0017] Beneficial effects: 1. The elastic filler and the multiple second partitions are made of the same material. The one-piece structure has a lower processing cost and can be directly placed in the box during installation. The structure is slightly squeezed and can be clamped in the box using its own elasticity. Then, each battery module is installed. The four sides of the battery module are supported by the structure, making the whole more stable.

[0018] 2. The insulating coolant on the top will exchange heat with the liquid cooling plate on the bottom through the elastic filler, the second partition, and the elastic filler. Since the elastic filler and multiple second partitions are made of the same material and have the same heat exchange efficiency, the temperature of each area in each battery compartment is more uniform.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, hollow cavities are provided on both sides of the box body, and the outer walls of the two hollow cavities are provided with a plurality of openings communicating with the corresponding hollow cavities.

[0020] Beneficial effects: By providing a hollow cavity with an opening, the weight of the box is reduced, and it is easier to exchange heat with the air through the thinner outer wall of the box. During transportation and handling, the opening is used for easy clamping or holding.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mounting frame is provided on the outer wall of the hollow cavity.

[0022] Beneficial effect: The battery pack is installed in other equipment through the mounting bracket. Since the inner wall of the hollow cavity is closer to the battery cell, it is easy to deform due to heat. Under the influence of the liquid cooling plate, the temperature difference varies greatly. If the hollow cavity is not set, after long-term use, the side wall of the box will deform as a whole, which may affect the position of the mounting bracket, and then cause the bolts on the mounting bracket to get stuck or loosen. If the mounting bracket is set on the outer wall of the hollow cavity, the deformation is smaller, which ensures that the connection of the mounting bracket is more stable.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic filler is made of foam plastic or insulating rubber.

[0024] Beneficial effects: Both foam plastics and insulating rubber can play an insulating role and have a certain elasticity, while foam plastics have a lower cost and insulating rubber can be integrally molded.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution flows in the liquid cooling plate, and the upper part of the battery module is immersed in insulating oil.

[0026] Beneficial effects: Ethylene glycol aqueous solution as coolant has the advantages of low freezing point, high boiling point, corrosion resistance and high safety; insulating oil as immersion liquid has the advantages of high insulation performance, efficient cooling, environmental friendliness and high ignition point.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a power line interface and a low-voltage collection harness interface are provided on the first partition.

[0028] Beneficial effect: By providing the above-mentioned interface on the partition, it is convenient to connect other lines when the battery compartment is sealed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a top immersed battery pack of the present invention; Figure 2 is an internal top view of a first embodiment of a top immersed battery pack of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a top immersed battery pack of the present invention; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the box body in the first embodiment of the top immersed battery pack of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling plate in the third embodiment of the top immersed battery pack of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the flow channel of the liquid cooling plate in the third embodiment of the top immersed battery pack of the present invention.

[0030] The reference numerals include: box body 1, battery compartment 11, electrical compartment 12, first partition 13, hollow cavity 14, opening 15, mounting frame 16, power line interface 17, low-voltage collection harness interface 18, elastic filler 21, second partition 22, insulating coolant 3, liquid cooling plate 4, liquid inlet 41, liquid outlet 42, main channel 43, branch channel 44, return channel 45, thermal conductive glue 5, top cover 6, sealant 7, elastic block 8, battery module 9, liquid inlet hole 101, first liquid return hole 102, second liquid return hole 103, liquid outlet hole 104. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Typical embodiments that embody the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various changes in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are essentially used for illustration purposes rather than for limiting the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to facilitate the description of the present application and simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0033] Embodiment 1: See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top immersed battery pack of this embodiment includes a first partition 13, which divides the box body 1 into a battery compartment 11 and an electrical compartment 12. The battery compartment 11 is provided with a plurality of second partitions 22 spaced apart along the width direction. The plurality of second partitions 22 form a plurality of mounting grooves in the battery compartment 11, and a plurality of battery modules 9 are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting grooves. Elastic fillers 21 are arranged between the plurality of battery modules 9 and the box body 1 and the first partition 13, and the insulating coolant 3 is arranged on the top of the battery module 9; the elastic filler 21 is made of foam plastic.

[0034] Among them, see Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of tabs, battery cell exhaust valve ports and electrical connection bars are provided on the top of the battery module 9, and the battery cell exhaust valve ports and electrical connection bars are both located below the tabs, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant 3 is at the same height as the highest point of the tabs; the tabs are completely immersed in the insulating coolant 3, which can reduce the amount of insulating coolant 3 while ensuring a better heat dissipation effect. At this height, the battery cell exhaust valve ports and electrical connection bars are immersed, which can prevent short circuits between battery cells and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0035] Among them, see Figure 3As shown, a liquid cooling plate 4 is provided at the bottom of the box body 1, and a thermal conductive adhesive 5 is provided between the liquid cooling plate 4 and the multiple battery modules 9; the thermal conductive adhesive 5 can effectively fill the tiny gap between the battery cell and the liquid cooling plate 4, can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the box body 1 to a certain extent, and helps to absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use.

[0036] Among them, see Figure 1 As shown, a top cover 6 is installed at the upper end of the box body 1, a sealant 7 is arranged between the top cover 6 and the box body 1, and a plurality of elastic blocks 8 are arranged between each of the battery modules 9 and the top cover 6; the elastic blocks are arranged between the battery module 9 and the top cover 6, and can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the box body 1 to a certain extent, and help to absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use, and due to the space occupied by the plurality of elastic blocks 8, the amount of insulating coolant 3 is reduced.

[0037] Among them, see Figure 4 As shown, hollow cavities 14 are provided on both sides of the box body 1, and the outer walls of the two hollow cavities 14 are provided with a plurality of openings 15 connected with the corresponding hollow cavities 14; by providing the hollow cavities 14 with the openings 15, the weight of the box body 1 is reduced, and the insulating coolant 3 in the box body 1 is more easily exchanged with the air through the thinner outer wall of the box body 1, and during transportation and handling, the openings 15 are used for convenient clamping or holding.

[0038] Among them, see Figure 1 As shown, a mounting bracket 16 is provided on the outer wall of the hollow cavity 14; the battery pack is installed in other equipment through the mounting bracket 16. Since the inner wall of the hollow cavity 14 is closer to the battery cell, it is easy to deform when heated. Under the influence of the liquid cooling plate 4, the temperature difference varies greatly. If the hollow cavity 14 is not provided, after long-term use, the side wall of the box body 1 will deform as a whole, which may affect the position of the mounting bracket 16, and further cause the bolts on the mounting bracket 16 to get stuck or loosen. However, when the mounting bracket 16 is provided on the outer wall of the hollow cavity 14, the deformation is small, which ensures that the connection of the mounting bracket 16 is more stable.

[0039] Among them, ethylene glycol aqueous solution flows in the liquid cooling plate 4, and the upper part of the battery module 9 is immersed in insulating oil; a power line interface 17 and a low-voltage collection harness interface 18 are provided on the first partition 13; by arranging the above-mentioned interfaces on the partition, it is convenient to connect other lines when the battery compartment is sealed.

[0040] Embodiment 2: On the basis of the first embodiment, in the top immersed battery pack of this embodiment, the elastic filler 21 is made of insulating rubber, and the elastic filler 21 and the multiple second partitions 22 are integrally formed; the elastic filler 21 and the multiple second partitions 22 are made of the same material, and the integrally formed structure has a lower processing cost, and during installation, it can be directly placed in the box body 1. The structure is slightly squeezed and can be clamped in the box body 1 by its own elasticity, and then each battery module 9 is installed. The four sides of the battery module 9 are supported by the structure, and the whole is more stable; the insulating coolant 3 on the top will exchange heat with the liquid cooling plate 4 on the bottom through the elastic filler 21 and the second partition 22. Since the elastic filler 21 and the multiple second partitions 22 are made of the same material, the heat exchange efficiency is the same, so that the temperature of each area in each battery compartment 11 is more uniform.

[0041] Embodiment three: See also Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the top immersed battery pack of this embodiment includes a support for supporting multiple groups of battery modules and for the circulation of immersion liquid, and the support is provided with a liquid inlet hole 101 and a first liquid return hole 102 located outside the frame, and a second liquid return hole 103 and a plurality of spaced liquid outlet holes 104 located inside the frame. The immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and the plurality of liquid outlet holes 104 on the support to immerse the battery cells. After the immersion liquid dissipates heat for the battery cells, it flows out of the battery pack through the second liquid return hole 103 and the first liquid return hole 102 on the support. The liquid inlet hole 101, the liquid outlet hole 104, the second liquid return hole 103 and the first liquid return hole 102 on the support form a circulation path for the immersion liquid to dissipate heat for the battery cells; a valve is provided between the liquid inlet hole 101 and the first liquid return hole 102. When the sensor of the battery cell detects the spraying, the valve is closed, so that the single battery pack is in a closed state and no longer flows, thereby preventing the coolant containing the electrolyte from entering the main circuit for circulation.

[0042] Principle of the technical solution: The immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and multiple liquid outlet holes 104 on the support, and then flows out of the battery pack through the second liquid return hole 103 and the first liquid return hole 102. Since the number of liquid outlet holes 104 is greater than the number of second liquid return holes 103, the amount of immersion liquid entering the battery pack is greater than the amount of immersion liquid flowing out of the battery pack, so that the battery pack is accumulated with immersion liquid, and the battery cells in the battery pack are immersed in the immersion liquid. Since the multiple liquid outlet holes 104 are distributed at intervals, the immersion liquid contacts each battery cell in the battery pack at the same time through the liquid outlet holes 104.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1) The liquid outlet 104 and the second liquid return hole 103 are directly arranged on the support member, and the support member is used to support multiple groups of battery modules. The support member is also the bottom of the battery pack box. There is no need to additionally set a flow channel structure for the immersion liquid to flow into the battery pack, which can save the internal space of the battery pack and save the cost of manufacturing the battery pack; 2) The design of multiple liquid outlet holes 104 distributed at intervals. Since the number of liquid outlet holes 104 is greater than the number of second liquid return holes 103, the amount of immersion liquid entering the battery pack is greater than the amount of immersion liquid flowing out of the battery pack, so that the immersion liquid can be stored in the battery pack and immerse the battery cells in the battery pack. The immersion liquid can flow to the battery cells at different positions in the battery pack through the liquid outlet holes 104 at the same time, dissipating heat for each battery cell in the battery pack at the same time, reducing the temperature difference between multiple battery cells in the battery pack, and improving the service life of the battery pack; 3) Since the immersion liquid has a fast flow rate when flowing in the support member and a slow flow rate when located in the battery pack, the provision of multiple liquid outlet holes 104, compared with only one liquid outlet hole 104, can allow the immersion liquid flowing out of the liquid outlet holes 104 on the support member to quickly flow to the surroundings of the battery cell, so that multiple battery cells can quickly contact the immersion liquid, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency; since the flow rate of the immersion liquid flowing out of the liquid outlet holes 104 is greater than the flow rate of the immersion liquid located in the battery pack, the immersion liquid flowing out of the multiple liquid outlet holes 104 can drive the immersion liquid in the battery pack to circulate, so that the immersion liquid in various places in the battery pack is evenly mixed, ensuring that the temperature of the immersion liquid in various places in the battery pack is consistent, ensuring the uniformity of temperature between multiple battery cells, and improving the service life of the battery cells; 4) The immersion liquid flows through the support and flows into the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and the liquid outlet hole 104 on the support, and the support plays a supporting role for multiple groups of battery modules. That is to say, when the immersion liquid flows in the support, the support is equivalent to a liquid cooling plate and dissipates heat from the bottom of the battery cell in the battery pack. After the immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and the liquid outlet hole 104 on the support, the immersion liquid dissipates heat around the battery cell. That is, the two heat dissipation methods of liquid cooling and immersion are combined to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell in the battery pack.

[0044] The above-mentioned embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by technicians in this field on the basis of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A top submerged battery pack, comprising a first partition, wherein the first partition divides a box into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment, wherein: The battery compartment is provided with a plurality of second partitions spaced apart along the width direction, and the plurality of second partitions form a plurality of mounting grooves in the battery compartment, and a plurality of battery modules are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting grooves, and elastic fillers are arranged between the plurality of battery modules and the box body and the first partitions, and insulating coolant is arranged on the top of the battery module.

2. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the battery module is provided with a plurality of pole ears, a battery cell exhaust valve port and an electrical connection bar, the battery cell exhaust valve port and the electrical connection bar are both located below the pole ears, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant is at the same height as the highest point of the pole ears.

3. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: A liquid cooling plate is arranged at the bottom of the box body, and heat conductive glue is arranged between the liquid cooling plate and the plurality of battery modules.

4. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: A top cover is installed at the upper end of the box body, a sealant is arranged between the top cover and the box body, and a plurality of elastic blocks are arranged between each of the battery modules and the top cover.

5. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic filler is integrally formed with the plurality of second partitions.

6. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: Hollow cavities are arranged on both sides of the box body, and the outer walls of the two hollow cavities are provided with a plurality of openings communicating with the corresponding hollow cavities.

7. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting frame is arranged on the outer wall of the hollow cavity.

8. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic filler is made of foam plastic or insulating rubber.

9. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: An ethylene glycol aqueous solution flows in the liquid cooling plate, and the upper part of the battery module is immersed in insulating oil.

10. The top-flooded battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition is provided with a power line interface and a low-voltage collection harness interface.

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