A top-immersion battery pack

Abstract

This patent application belongs to the field of energy storage equipment technology, specifically relating to a top-immersed battery pack, including a first partition that divides the housing into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment. The battery compartment is provided with multiple second partitions spaced along its width, forming multiple mounting slots within the battery compartment. Multiple battery modules are respectively installed in their corresponding mounting slots. Elastic fillers are provided between the multiple battery modules, the housing, and the first partitions. Insulating coolant is disposed on the top of the battery modules. By using the first partition, second partitions, and elastic fillers, the amount of insulating coolant used is reduced, saving costs. The amount of coolant around the battery modules is also reduced, as the top of the battery modules is immersed in coolant. Compared to complete immersion, this reduces the amount of coolant used while still ensuring effective heat dissipation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy storage equipment technology, and more specifically to a top-submersible battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] When the battery pack is charging and discharging, the internal battery modules will generate heat. When the internal battery modules overheat, it will affect the stability of the battery pack, leading to a decrease in battery performance. In more serious cases, it may cause the pressure relief valve of the battery module to open and spray out electrolyte, which may cause internal short circuits and sparks, resulting in fires and explosions.

[0003] To address these issues, current solutions employ submersible battery packs, where the battery modules are completely immersed in an insulating coolant. A liquid cooling plate is installed at the bottom of the battery module for cooling. When electrolyte is sprayed out, the insulating coolant prevents sparks from forming above the battery module. However, considering the volume expansion of the battery module itself, there is often a large gap between the battery pack casing and the battery pack itself. If the battery module is submerged in coolant, a large amount of coolant is needed to fill the gap and the area above the battery module. If electrolyte leaks, it will contaminate the coolant, requiring the entire coolant to be replaced during maintenance, resulting in high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a top-immersed battery pack that saves coolant consumption.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A top-submersible battery pack includes a first partition that divides the housing into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment. The battery compartment is provided with a plurality of second partitions spaced apart along its width. The plurality of second partitions form a plurality of mounting slots in the battery compartment. A plurality of battery modules are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting slots. An elastic filler is provided between the plurality of battery modules and the housing and the first partition. An insulating coolant is provided on the top of the battery modules.

[0007] The principle of the technical solution: The first partition divides the casing into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment. When a battery module overheats due to a malfunction, the electrolyte sprayed out cannot enter the electrical compartment. Since the electrical compartment has lower heat dissipation requirements than the battery compartment, it does not need to be submerged, saving on the amount of insulating coolant. The second partition fills part of the gap between two adjacent battery modules, and elastic filler fills the gap between the battery module and the casing, further reducing the amount of insulating coolant used. Because the current density is higher at the electrode tabs, the high-temperature area is mainly concentrated near the electrode tabs of the battery cell. In this solution, the amount of insulating coolant around the battery module is reduced, while the insulating coolant at the top can still quickly absorb heat near the tabs, preventing local overheating. By setting a second partition to form an installation groove, it is easy to position the battery module during installation. The elastic filler, after tightening, forms support for the battery module. Compared to connecting the battery module to the box only with bolts, the battery module is less likely to shake when the entire battery pack moves, avoiding collisions between the battery module and the box. Furthermore, the elastic filler can still provide support for the battery module when it expands and deforms.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0009] 1. By setting up the first partition, the second partition, and the elastic filler, the amount of insulating coolant used is reduced, saving costs.

[0010] 2. The amount of coolant around the battery module has been reduced, and the top of the battery module is submerged in coolant. Compared with full submersion, the amount of coolant used is reduced while still ensuring heat dissipation.

[0011] 3. The elastic filler can support the battery module, adapt to the thermal deformation of the battery module, and is not easy to shake during transportation and movement, so as not to cause the battery module to collide with the inner wall of the box.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top of the battery module is provided with multiple tabs, cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs, the cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs are located below the tabs, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant is the same as the height of the highest point of the tabs.

[0013] Beneficial effects: The tabs generate a lot of heat. The insulating coolant quickly absorbs the heat from the tabs, preventing local overheating. Therefore, by completely immersing the tabs in the insulating coolant, the amount of insulating coolant used can be reduced while ensuring good heat dissipation. At this height, the cell vent valve and electrical connection bar are submerged, which can prevent short circuits between battery cells and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cooling plate is provided at the bottom of the housing, and thermally conductive adhesive is provided between the liquid cooling plate and the multiple battery modules.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Thermally conductive adhesive can effectively fill the tiny gaps between the battery cell and the liquid cooling plate, can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the casing to a certain extent, and helps to absorb the vibration and impact that the battery is subjected to during transportation or use.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a top cover is installed on the upper end of the housing, a sealant is provided between the top cover and the housing, and multiple elastic blocks are provided between each battery module and the top cover.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The elastic blocks are placed 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 help absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use. In addition, the amount of insulating coolant used is reduced due to the space occupied by multiple elastic blocks.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic filler is integrally formed with a plurality of second partitions.

[0019] Beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The elastic filler and multiple second separators are made of the same material and are integrally molded, which reduces the processing cost. During installation, it can be directly placed into the box. When the structure is slightly compressed, it can be locked into the box by its own elasticity. Then, each battery module is installed. The four sides of the battery module are supported by the structure, making the whole structure more stable.

[0021] 2. The insulating coolant at the top exchanges heat with the elastic filler, the second partition and the liquid cooling plate at the bottom. Since the elastic filler and multiple second partitions are made of the same material, the heat exchange efficiency is the same, which makes the temperature of each area in each battery compartment more uniform.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two sides of the box are provided with hollow cavities, and the outer walls of the two hollow cavities are provided with a plurality of openings communicating with the corresponding hollow cavities.

[0023] Beneficial effects: By setting up 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. In addition, the opening makes it convenient to clamp or hold the box during transportation and handling.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mounting bracket is provided on the outer wall of the hollow cavity.

[0025] Beneficial effects: When the battery pack is installed in other equipment using a mounting bracket, the inner wall of the hollow cavity is closer to the battery cells and is prone to deformation when heated. Under the influence of the liquid cooling plate, the temperature difference changes significantly. If the hollow cavity is not provided, the side wall of the enclosure will deform as a whole after long-term use, which may affect the position of the mounting bracket and cause the bolts on the mounting bracket to jam or loosen. However, by placing the mounting bracket on the outer wall of the hollow cavity, the deformation is smaller, ensuring a more stable connection of the mounting bracket.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic filler is made of foam plastic or insulating rubber.

[0027] Beneficial effects: Both foam plastics and insulating rubber can provide insulation and have a certain degree of elasticity. However, foam plastics are less expensive, while insulating rubber can be molded in one piece.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol flows inside the liquid cooling plate, and the upper part of the battery module is immersed in insulating oil.

[0029] Beneficial effects: Ethylene glycol aqueous solution, as a coolant, has the advantages of low freezing point, high boiling point, corrosion resistance and high safety; insulating oil, as an immersion liquid, has the advantages of high insulation performance, efficient cooling, environmental friendliness and high ignition point.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first partition is provided with a power line interface and a low-voltage acquisition harness interface.

[0031] Beneficial effect: By setting the above-mentioned interface on the partition, it is convenient to connect other lines while the battery compartment is sealed. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a top-immersed battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an internal top view of a first embodiment of the top-immersed battery pack of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the top-immersed battery pack of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective sectional view of the housing in Embodiment 1 of the top-immersed battery pack of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate in Embodiment 3 of the top-immersed battery pack of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel of the liquid cooling plate in Embodiment 3 of the top-immersed battery pack of the present invention.

[0038] The attached reference numerals include: housing 1, battery compartment 11, electrical compartment 12, first partition 13, hollow cavity 14, opening 15, mounting bracket 16, power line interface 17, low-voltage acquisition harness interface 18, elastic filler 21, second partition 22, insulating coolant 3, liquid cooling plate 4, liquid inlet 41, liquid outlet 42, main flow channel 43, branch flow channel 44, return flow channel 45, thermally conductive adhesive 5, top cover 6, sealant 7, elastic block 8, battery module 9, liquid inlet hole 101, first return hole 102, second return hole 103, and liquid outlet hole 104. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be specifically described in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the structure referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0041] Example 1:

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top-immersed battery pack of this embodiment includes a first partition 13, which divides the housing 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 its width. The plurality of second partitions 22 form a plurality of mounting slots in the battery compartment 11. A plurality of battery modules 9 are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting slots. An elastic filler 21 is provided between the plurality of battery modules 9 and the housing 1 and the first partition 13. An insulating coolant 3 is provided on the top of the battery modules 9. The elastic filler 21 is made of foam plastic.

[0043] Among them, see Figure 3 As shown, the top of the battery module 9 is provided with multiple tabs, cell vent valves, and electrical connection tabs. The cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs are located below the tabs, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant 3 is the same as the height of the highest point of the tabs. By completely immersing the tabs with the insulating coolant 3, the amount of insulating coolant 3 used can be reduced while ensuring good heat dissipation. At this height, the cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs are submerged, which can prevent short circuits between battery cells and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0044] Among them, see Figure 3As shown, a liquid cooling plate 4 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1, and thermally conductive adhesive 5 is provided between the liquid cooling plate 4 and multiple battery modules 9. The thermally conductive adhesive 5 can effectively fill the tiny gaps between the battery cells and the liquid cooling plate 4, can adapt to the deformation of the battery cells and housing 1 to a certain extent, and helps to absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use.

[0045] Among them, see Figure 1 As shown, a top cover 6 is installed on the upper end of the housing 1, and a sealant 7 is provided between the top cover 6 and the housing 1. Multiple elastic blocks 8 are provided between each battery module 9 and the top cover 6. The elastic blocks are provided between the battery module 9 and the top cover 6, which can adapt to the deformation of the battery cell and the housing 1 to a certain extent, and help absorb the vibration and impact of the battery during transportation or use. Furthermore, due to the space occupied by the multiple elastic blocks 8, the amount of insulating coolant 3 is reduced.

[0046] Among them, see Figure 4 As shown, hollow cavities 14 are provided on both sides of the box body 1, and multiple openings 15 communicating with the corresponding hollow cavities 14 are provided on the outer walls of the two hollow cavities 14. By providing hollow cavities 14 with openings 15, the weight of the box body 1 is reduced, and the insulating coolant 3 inside the box body 1 can more easily exchange heat with the air through the thinner outer wall of the box body 1. In addition, during transportation and handling, the openings 15 facilitate clamping or holding.

[0047] 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 prone to deformation when heated. Under the influence of the liquid cooling plate 4, the temperature difference changes greatly. If the hollow cavity 14 is not provided, the side wall of the box 1 will deform as a whole after long-term use, which may affect the position of the mounting bracket 16, and thus cause the bolts on the mounting bracket 16 to be stuck or loose. However, by setting the mounting bracket 16 on the outer wall of the hollow cavity 14, the deformation is smaller, which ensures that the connection of the mounting bracket 16 is more stable.

[0048] The liquid cooling plate 4 contains an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, and the upper part of the battery module 9 is immersed in insulating oil. The first partition 13 is provided with a power line interface 17 and a low-voltage acquisition harness interface 18. By setting the above interfaces on the partition, it is convenient to connect other lines while the battery compartment is sealed.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] Based on the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the top-immersed battery pack uses insulating rubber for the elastic filler 21, which is integrally formed with multiple second separators 22. The elastic filler 21 and the multiple second separators 22 are made of the same material, resulting in lower processing costs. During installation, the pack can be directly placed into the housing 1. Under slight pressure, the structure's elasticity allows it to be secured within the housing 1 before installing the battery modules 9. All four sides of the battery modules 9 are supported by this structure, making the overall structure more stable. The insulating coolant 3 at the top exchanges heat with the elastic filler 21, the second separators 22, and the liquid cooling plate 4 at the bottom. Because the elastic filler 21 and the multiple second separators 22 are made of the same material, their heat exchange efficiency is the same, resulting in more uniform temperature distribution within each area of ​​the battery compartment 11.

[0051] Example 3:

[0052] See Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the top-immersed battery pack of this embodiment includes a support for supporting multiple battery modules and a support for the flow of immersion liquid. The support is provided with an inlet hole 101 and a first return hole 102 located outside the frame, and a second return hole 103 and multiple spaced outlet holes 104 located inside the frame. Immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the inlet hole 101 and multiple outlet holes 104 on the support and immerses the battery cells. After the immersion liquid dissipates heat from the battery cells, it flows out of the battery pack through the second return hole 103 and the first return hole 102 on the support. The inlet hole 101, outlet hole 104, second return hole 103, and first return hole 102 on the support form a path for the flow of immersion liquid to dissipate heat from the battery cells. A valve is provided between the inlet hole 101 and the first return hole 102. When the sensor of the battery cell detects the spray, the valve closes, so that the individual battery pack is in a closed state and no longer flows, preventing the coolant containing electrolyte from entering the main pipeline circulation.

[0053] The principle of the technical solution:

[0054] The immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the inlet hole 101 and multiple outlet holes 104 on the support, and then flows out of the battery pack through the second return hole 103 and the first return hole 102. Since the number of outlet holes 104 is greater than the number of second 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 filled with immersion liquid. The battery cells in the battery pack are immersed in the immersion liquid. Since the multiple outlet holes 104 are distributed at intervals, the immersion liquid comes into contact with each battery cell in the battery pack at the same time through the outlet holes 104.

[0055] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0056] 1) The liquid outlet 104 and the second liquid return hole 103 are directly set on the support, which is used to support multiple battery modules. The support is the bottom of the battery pack box. There is no need to set an additional 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 manufacturing cost of the battery pack.

[0057] 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 return holes 103, allows more immersion liquid to enter the battery pack than to flow out of the battery pack. This allows the immersion liquid to be stored in the battery pack and to immerse the battery cells. It also allows the immersion liquid to flow through the liquid outlet holes 104 to the battery cells located at different positions in the battery pack at the same time, so as to dissipate heat from each battery cell in the battery pack at the same time, reduce the temperature difference between multiple battery cells in the battery pack, and improve the service life of the battery pack.

[0058] 3) Because the immersion fluid flows at a high speed inside the support and a slow speed inside the battery pack, the multiple outlet holes 104, compared to a single outlet hole 104, allow the immersion fluid flowing out of the outlet holes 104 on the support to flow quickly to the periphery of the battery cells, enabling multiple battery cells to quickly come into contact with the immersion fluid and improving heat dissipation efficiency. Since the flow rate of the immersion fluid flowing out of the outlet holes 104 is greater than that of the immersion fluid inside the battery pack, the immersion fluid flowing out of the multiple outlet holes 104 can drive the circulation of the immersion fluid inside the battery pack, making the immersion fluid in all parts of the battery pack evenly mixed, ensuring that the temperature of the immersion fluid in all parts of the battery pack is consistent, ensuring temperature uniformity among multiple battery cells, and improving the service life of the battery cells.

[0059] 4) The immersion liquid flows through the support component and enters the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and liquid outlet hole 104 on the support component. The support component also supports multiple battery modules. In other words, when the immersion liquid flows in the support component, the support component is equivalent to a liquid cooling plate and dissipates heat to the bottom of the battery cells in the battery pack. After the immersion liquid enters the battery pack through the liquid inlet hole 101 and liquid outlet hole 104 on the support component, the immersion liquid dissipates heat to the surrounding area of ​​the battery cells. This combines liquid cooling and immersion cooling methods to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells in the battery pack.

[0060] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A top-submersible battery pack, comprising a first partition that divides the housing into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment, characterized in that: The battery compartment is provided with multiple second partitions spaced apart along its width, which form multiple mounting slots inside the battery compartment. Multiple battery modules are respectively installed in the corresponding mounting slots. An elastic filler is provided between the multiple battery modules, the housing, and the first partitions. The elastic filler is integrally formed with the multiple second partitions. An insulating coolant is provided on the top of the battery modules. Hollow cavities are provided on both sides of the housing. Multiple openings communicating with the corresponding hollow cavities are provided on the outer walls of the two hollow cavities. Mounting brackets are provided on the outer walls of the hollow cavities. The bottom of the housing is equipped with a liquid cooling plate, and thermally conductive adhesive is provided between the liquid cooling plate and multiple battery modules; the insulating coolant at the top exchanges heat with the liquid cooling plate at the bottom through an elastic filler and a second partition. It also includes a support for supporting multiple battery modules and for the flow of immersion liquid. The support is provided with an inlet hole, a first return hole, a second return hole and multiple spaced outlet holes. Immersion liquid flows into the battery pack through the inlet hole and multiple outlet holes on the support to immerse the battery cells. After the immersion liquid dissipates heat from the battery cells, it flows out of the battery pack through the second return hole and the first return hole on the support. The inlet hole, outlet hole, second return hole and first return hole on the support form a path for the flow of immersion liquid to dissipate heat from the battery cells.

2. The top-immersed battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the battery module is provided with multiple tabs, cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs. The cell vent valves and electrical connection tabs are located below the tabs, and the liquid level of the insulating coolant is the same as the height of the highest point of the tabs.

3. The top-immersed battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: A top cover is installed on the upper end of the box, and a sealant is provided between the top cover and the box. Multiple elastic blocks are provided between each battery module and the top cover.

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

5. The top-immersed battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: An aqueous solution of ethylene glycol flows inside the liquid cooling plate, and the upper part of the battery module is immersed in insulating oil.

6. The top-immersed battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition is equipped with a power line interface and a low-voltage acquisition harness interface.

Images