Immersion cooling system for traction battery pack

Abstract

An immersion cooling system for a traction battery pack is provided. An example immersion cooling system may include an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, a first intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and a first interior volume of a separated battery module, and a first exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the first interior volume. A cooling fluid (e.g., a dielectric) may be selectively passed through the first interior volume to thermally manage the battery module. A flow control valve may be positioned within the first intake runner for controlling flow through the first interior volume, and a control module may control a position of the valve based at least on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the first interior volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electrified vehicle traction battery packs and, more particularly, to immersion cooling systems capable of managing thermal energy levels within the traction battery pack. Background Art

[0002] An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery pack for powering the vehicle's electric motor and other electrical loads. The traction battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and various other battery internal components that support electric vehicle propulsion. Summary of the invention

[0003] A traction battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia: a first battery module, the first battery module including a first internal volume; and an immersion cooling system for thermally managing the first battery module. The immersion cooling system includes an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, a first intake runner fluidically connected to the intake manifold and the first internal volume, and a first exhaust runner fluidically connected to the exhaust manifold and the first internal volume.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing traction battery pack, the second battery module includes a second interior volume that is fluidly isolated from the first interior volume.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the immersion cooling system includes: a second intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the second interior volume; and a second exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the second interior volume.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a first flow control valve is positioned within the first intake runner, and a second flow control valve is positioned within the second intake runner.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a first temperature sensor is positioned in or adjacent to the first exhaust runner, and a second temperature sensor is positioned in or adjacent to the second exhaust runner.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a first flow control valve is positioned in the first intake runner, and a first temperature sensor is positioned in or adjacent to the first exhaust runner.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the immersion cooling system is configured to circulate a dielectric fluid through the first interior volume.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the immersion cooling system further includes a reservoir fluidly connected to the intake manifold.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the immersion cooling system further includes a liquid-gas separator fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the immersion cooling system further includes a pump configured to circulate a dielectric fluid through the intake manifold.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the first battery module includes a plurality of battery cells housed within an outer housing including a plurality of plates.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, at least one plate of the plurality of plates includes a battery cell holder arranged to maintain a spaced relationship between the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] A traction battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia: a first battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged within a first internal volume; an intake manifold configured to receive a cooling fluid; a first intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the first internal volume; a first exhaust runner fluidly connected to the first internal volume and the exhaust manifold; a first flow control valve configured to control a flow of the cooling fluid through the first internal volume; and a control module programmed to control a position of the first flow control valve based on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the first internal volume through the first exhaust runner.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing traction battery pack, the second battery module includes a second interior volume that is fluidly isolated from the first interior volume.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a second intake runner is fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the second interior volume; and a second exhaust runner is fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the second interior volume.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a second flow control valve is configured to control a flow of the cooling fluid through the second interior volume.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the control module is further programmed to control a position of the second flow control valve based on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the second internal volume through the second exhaust runner.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, a temperature sensor is positioned within or adjacent to the first exhaust runner and is configured to sense the temperature.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the control module is further programmed to control a speed of a pump based on the temperature.

[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the cooling fluid is a dielectric fluid.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features) may be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An immersion cooling system for a traction battery pack is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exemplary battery module for a traction battery pack.

[0028] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The top plate of the outer shell of the battery module.

[0029] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 The bottom plate of the outer shell of the battery module.

[0030] Figure 6 Shows Figure 3 A first end plate of an outer casing of the battery module.

[0031] Figure 7 Shows Figure 3A second end plate of an outer casing of the battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure details an immersion cooling system for managing thermal energy levels of a traction battery pack. An exemplary immersion cooling system may include an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, a first intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and a first internal volume of a separated battery module, and a first exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the first internal volume. A cooling fluid (e.g., a dielectric) may be selectively passed through the first internal volume to thermally manage the battery module. A flow control valve may be positioned within the first intake runner for controlling flow through the first internal volume, and a control module may control the position of the valve based at least on a temperature of the cooling fluid leaving the first internal volume. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this specific embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle 10 is schematically shown. The electrified vehicle 10 may include any type of electrified powertrain. In an embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and may be extended to other electrified vehicles, including but not limited to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and the like. Therefore, although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiment, the powertrain of the electrified vehicle 10 may be equipped with an internal combustion engine, which may be employed alone or in combination with other power sources to propel the electrified vehicle 10.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is depicted as an automobile. However, the electrified vehicle 10 may alternatively be a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, a pickup truck, or any other vehicle configuration. Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the drawings are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the electrified vehicle 10 are schematically shown, and the placement and orientation may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various drawings attached to the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component or system.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle that is propelled solely by electricity, such as by one or more electric machines 12, without assistance from an internal combustion engine. The electric machines 12 may operate as electric motors, generators, or both. The electric machines 12 receive electricity and may convert the electricity into torque for driving one or more wheels 14 of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0036] Voltage bus 16 may electrically couple electric machine 12 to traction battery pack 18. Traction battery pack 18 is an exemplary electrified vehicle battery. Traction battery pack 18 may be a high voltage traction battery pack assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells capable of outputting electrical power to power electric machine 12 and / or other electrical loads of electrified vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices may alternatively or additionally be used to power electrified vehicle 10.

[0037] The traction battery pack 18 may be secured to an underbody 20 of the electrified vehicle 10 . However, the traction battery pack 18 may be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 The traction battery pack 18 of the electrified vehicle 10 may include a plurality of battery modules 22 (e.g., a battery assembly or group of rechargeable battery cells 24) capable of outputting electrical power to power the electric machine 12 and / or other electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0039] The battery cells 24 may be stacked side-by-side along a stacking axis to construct a group of battery cells 24 , sometimes referred to as a “cell stack.” The total number of battery modules 22 and battery cells 24 provided within the traction battery pack 18 is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0040] In an embodiment, the battery cells 24 of each battery module 22 are prismatic lithium-ion cells. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, pouch, etc.), other chemistries (nickel metal hydride, lead acid, etc.), or both may alternatively be utilized.

[0041] The battery modules 22 may be arranged in one or more rows within the traction battery pack 18. In an embodiment, the traction battery pack 18 includes three battery modules 22, and each battery module 22 includes four battery cells 24 (a total of twelve battery cells 24). However, other configurations are possible, and thus the traction battery pack 18 may include a greater or lesser number of battery modules and battery cells within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] The battery modules 22 and various other battery internal components (e.g., bus electrical center, battery electrical control module, wiring, connectors, etc.) can be housed within the interior of the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18. Although shown schematically, the housing assembly 28 can embody a single-piece design or a multi-piece design (e.g., a housing cover and a housing tray that are combined together to establish an interior for housing the battery modules 22). The size, shape, and overall configuration of the housing assembly 28 are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the housing assembly 28 provides a sealed housing around the battery modules 22 and other battery internal components of the traction battery pack 18. Thus, the housing assembly 28 provides the outermost surface of the traction battery pack 18.

[0043] Each battery module 22 is spaced and therefore fluidly isolated from the other battery modules 22 of the traction battery pack 18. Thus, gases, effluent particles, and / or other exhaust byproducts exhausted by one of the battery cells 24 of one of the battery modules 22 cannot flow directly to another of the battery modules 22.

[0044] Each battery module 22 can be separated from the other battery modules 22 of the traction battery pack 18. For example, the battery modules 22 can be separated from each other by their respective housings and an insulating shield 30 disposed between the housings. Additional insulating shields 30 can be positioned between the outermost battery modules 22 and the end wall 26 of the housing assembly 28. The insulating shields 30 can be configured to prevent heat energy from being transferred from one battery module 22 to another battery module. The insulating shields 30 can also provide a desired level of compressibility to more easily position the battery modules 22 within the housing assembly 28. The insulating shields 30 can be made of mica, aerogel, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

[0045] The traction battery pack 18 may additionally include an immersion cooling system 32 . As explained further below, the immersion cooling system 32 may provide a closed-loop flow circuit for thermal management of the battery modules 22 and / or other electrical components of the traction battery pack 18 .

[0046] The immersion cooling system 32 may be configured to directly contact various surfaces of the battery cells 24 by introducing a cooling fluid F into the interior of each battery module 22. In an embodiment, the cooling fluid F is a dielectric fluid. However, other fluids may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The immersion cooling system 32 may include an intake manifold 34, an exhaust manifold 36, a plurality of intake runners 38, and a plurality of exhaust runners 40. The intake manifold 34 and the exhaust manifold 36 may each extend outside of the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18, and at least a portion of the intake runners 38 and the exhaust runners 40 may extend into the interior of the housing assembly 28. The intake runners 38 may be fluidly connected to the intake manifold 34, and the exhaust runners 40 may be fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold 36. Each intake runner 38 and each exhaust runner 40 may also be fluidly connected to an interior volume 42 of one of the battery modules 22.

[0048] The intake manifold 34 may be fluidly connected to a reservoir 44 that may store cooling fluid F. A pump 46 may be operated to selectively force cooling fluid F through the intake manifold 34. As schematically shown, both the reservoir 44 and the pump 46 may be located outside of the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18.

[0049] The cooling fluid F may be selectively routed from the reservoir 44 through the intake manifold 34 before being separated into the plurality of intake runners 38. The cooling fluid F may then individually enter the interior volume 42 of each battery module 22 through the intake runners 38. As the cooling fluid F flows through the interior volume 42 of each battery module 22, the cooling fluid may absorb heat from the battery cells 24 through convective heat transfer, thereby removing excess heat and stabilizing the temperature of the battery cells 24.

[0050] The cooling fluid F may exit each battery module 22 through the exhaust runner 40 before being merged within the exhaust manifold 36. The exhaust manifold 36 may be fluidly connected to a liquid-gas separator 48. Gases may be separated from the cooling fluid F within the liquid-gas separator 48 and may be exhausted to the atmosphere as schematically shown at arrow 50. As schematically shown, the liquid-gas separator 48 may be located outside the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18. The degassed cooling fluid F may be returned to the reservoir 44 as part of a closed-loop flow circuit via a connecting line 52 that is fluidly connected to both the liquid-gas separator 48 and the reservoir 44.

[0051] The immersion cooling system 32 may also include a plurality of flow control valves 54, a plurality of temperature sensors 56, and a control module 58. Each flow control valve 54 may be configured to control the flow of the cooling fluid F into one of the battery modules 22. In an embodiment, a flow control valve 54 is provided in or near each intake flow passage 38 for controlling the fluid flow. However, other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Each flow control valve 54 may be a multi-position solenoid valve or any other suitable type of valve.

[0052] The temperature sensor 56 may be configured to sense the temperature of the cooling fluid F. In an embodiment, one temperature sensor 56 is disposed in or near each exhaust flow passage 40 . Thus, the temperature sensor 56 may be arranged to sense the temperature of the cooling fluid F as it leaves each battery module 22 .

[0053] The control module 58 may be operably connected to the pump 46, the flow control valve 54, and the temperature sensor 56, and may be programmed to control the operation of the immersion cooling system 32 to thermally manage the traction battery pack 18. The control module 58 may include both hardware and software, and may be part of an overall vehicle control system, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC), or alternatively may be an independent controller or set of controllers separate from the VSC. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the present disclosure, the control module 58 and one or more additional controllers operably coupled thereto may be collectively referred to as a "control module".

[0054] The control module 58 may be programmed with executable instructions for interfacing with and commanding the operation of various components of the immersion cooling system 32 as part of a control strategy for controlling the flow rate of the cooling fluid F through each individual battery module 22. The control module 58 may include a processor 60 and a non-transitory memory 62 for executing various control strategies and modes associated with the immersion cooling system 32. The processor 60 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory 62 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements. The processor 60 may be operatively coupled to the memory 62 and may execute one or more programs stored in the memory 62 based on various inputs received from other devices associated with the immersion cooling system 32 (e.g., the temperature sensor 56).

[0055] The control module 58 may be programmed to control the flow rate of the cooling fluid F for thermal management of the battery cells 24 and / or for responding to battery thermal events that may occur within one or more of the battery modules 22. A battery thermal event may occur, for example, during an overcharge condition, an overdischarge condition, or other condition, and may cause one or more of the battery cells 24 to expel battery exhaust byproducts, which may include gases, effluent particles, and / or other exhaust byproducts.

[0056] The temperature sensor 56 may periodically provide an input signal to the control module 58 indicating the temperature of the cooling fluid F leaving each battery module 22. In response to receiving the input signal, the control module 58 may control the operation of the pump 46 and the flow control valve 54 so as to achieve a desired flow rate of the cooling fluid F through each corresponding battery module 22. For example, when the temperature input signal for one of the corresponding battery modules 22 indicates a temperature below a first predefined temperature threshold (e.g., about 60 degrees Celsius), the control module 58 may command the pump 46 and the flow control valve 54 associated with the corresponding battery module 22 to operate in a manner suitable for achieving a first or "low" flow rate. It is worth noting that the "low" flow rate may include zero flow through the corresponding battery module 22 during some conditions. When the temperature input signal for one of the corresponding battery modules 22 indicates a temperature greater than a second predefined temperature threshold (e.g., about 100 degrees Celsius), the control module 58 may command the pump 46 and the flow control valve 54 associated with the corresponding battery module 22 to operate in a manner suitable for achieving a second or "high" flow rate. In addition, when the temperature input signal associated with one of the corresponding battery modules 22 indicates a temperature between the first and second predefined temperature thresholds, the control module 58 can command the pump 46 and the flow control valve 54 associated with the corresponding battery module 22 to operate in a manner suitable for achieving a third or "intermediate" flow rate.

[0057] Controlling the operation of the pump 46 may include adjusting the speed of the pump 46 , and controlling the operation of each flow control valve 54 may include controlling the percentage of opening of the valve. In this way, the flow rate of the cooling fluid F may be individually controlled relative to each battery module 22 .

[0058] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 1. An exemplary design of a battery module 22 of a traction battery pack 18 is shown in FIG. Each battery module 22 of the traction battery pack 18 may include Figure 3 The battery modules 22 shown are of the same design or of a similar design as their electrical connections to adjacent battery modules may be varied in order to complete the necessary electrical circuits of the traction battery pack 18 .

[0059] The battery module 22 includes a plurality of battery cells 24 housed within an outer shell 64. The outer shell 64 may be configured as a six-sided box-like structure including a top plate 66, a bottom plate 68, a first side plate 70, a second side plate 72, a first end plate 74, and a second end plate 76. The top plate 66, the bottom plate 68, the first side plate 70, the second side plate 72, the first end plate 74, and the second end plate 76 may be connected together to establish an interior volume 42. The battery cells 24 may be positioned within the interior volume 42.

[0060] The battery cells 24 may be arranged such that the larger sides of the cells extend parallel to the first side plate 70 and the second side plate 72, and the smaller sides of the cells extend parallel to the first end plate 74 and the second end plate 76. The battery cells 24 may also be arranged such that the terminals 78 and the exhaust port 80 of each battery cell 24 face downstream (e.g., toward the exhaust manifold 36 and away from the intake manifold 34). Thus, the battery cells 24 may be considered to be "sideways oriented" within the outer housing 64.

[0061] Reference now Figures 3 to 7 , at least a portion of the replacement plate of the outer housing 64 of the battery module 22 may include one or more battery cell retainers 82. The battery cell retainers 82 may be configured to at least partially separate the battery cells 24 from each other and maintain their spaced relationship within the interior volume 42. The battery cell retainers 82 may be configured to exert a relatively small amount of compression on the battery cells 24 in order to maintain their positioning within the outer housing 64 of the battery module 22.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the top plate 66 and the first end plate 74 of the outer shell 64 are each equipped with one battery cell holder 82, the bottom plate 68 and the second end plate 76 of the outer shell 64 are each equipped with two battery cell holders 82, and the first side plate 70 and the second side plate 72 are not equipped with any battery cell holders 82. However, other configurations of the outer shell 64 are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Each battery cell holder 82 may include a base 84 and a plurality of spacing fingers 86 protruding outward from the base 84. The base 84 may be fixed (e.g., welded, adhered, etc.) to the inner surface of one of the plates of the outer shell 64. The spacing fingers 86 may be arranged to extend between adjacent battery cells 24 to maintain a gap relationship between them. The outer spacing fingers 86 of the battery cell holder 82 may be arranged to extend between the outermost battery cell 24 and the outer shell 64 to maintain a gap relationship between them. When the cooling fluid F is introduced into the internal volume 42 of the battery module 22, the cooling fluid F may flow over and around each battery cell 24 and between the battery cell 24 and the outer shell 64, including flowing within various gaps established by the battery cell holder 82. Therefore, the cooling fluid F may contact all battery cell 24 surfaces, thereby improving convective heat transfer and calming exhaust gases more quickly during battery thermal events.

[0064] The spacing fingers 86 can be designed to extend far enough into the gaps between the battery cells 24 to provide adequate retention while avoiding blocking the flow path of the cooling fluid F. In an embodiment, the length of each spacing finger 86 is approximately 1 / 8 of the length of the larger side of the battery cell 24. However, other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] Some of the battery cell holders 82 may be arranged to avoid interference with other components and / or to perform specific functions. For example, the battery cell holders 82 of the second end plate 76 may be arranged to either side of the discharge port 80 of the battery cell 24 to avoid discharge interference, and the battery cell holders 82 of the bottom plate 68 may be spaced apart a sufficient distance to adequately balance the battery cells 24.

[0066] An exemplary traction battery pack of the present disclosure includes an immersion cooling system for providing enhanced thermal management of battery cells. The cooling fluid flow rate can be optimized for each individual battery module of the traction battery pack by providing a compartmentalized design, thereby maximizing heat transfer from the battery surface to the cooling fluid during a thermal event and calming exhaust gas temperature peaks more quickly.

[0067] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features from any one of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any one of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0068] It should be understood that like reference numerals indicate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings.It should be understood that although particular component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0069] The above description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A traction battery pack, comprising: a first battery module, the first battery module comprising a first internal volume; as well as An immersion cooling system is provided for thermally managing the first battery module, wherein the immersion cooling system includes an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, a first intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the first internal volume, and a first exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the first internal volume.

2. The traction battery pack of claim 1 , comprising a second battery module, the second battery module comprising a second internal volume fluidly isolated from the first internal volume, and optionally wherein the immersion cooling system comprises a second intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the second internal volume and a second exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the second internal volume.

3. The traction battery pack according to claim 2, comprising: a first flow control valve positioned in the first intake runner; a second flow control valve positioned in the second intake runner; a first temperature sensor positioned in or near the first exhaust runner; and a second temperature sensor positioned in or near the second exhaust runner.

4. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: a first flow control valve positioned within the first intake runner; and a first temperature sensor positioned in or adjacent to the first exhaust runner.

5. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the immersion cooling system is configured to circulate a dielectric fluid through the first interior volume.

6. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the immersion cooling system further comprises a reservoir fluidly connected to the intake manifold.

7. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the immersion cooling system further comprises a liquid-gas separator fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold.

8. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the immersion cooling system further comprises a pump configured to circulate a dielectric fluid through the intake manifold.

9. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells housed within an outer housing, the outer housing comprising a plurality of plates, and optionally wherein at least one of the plurality of plates comprises a battery cell holder arranged to maintain a spaced relationship between the plurality of battery cells.

10. A traction battery pack, comprising: a first battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells disposed within a first interior volume; an intake manifold configured to receive a cooling fluid; a first intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the first interior volume; a first exhaust runner fluidly connected to the first interior volume and an exhaust manifold; a first flow control valve configured to control a flow of the cooling fluid through the first internal volume; as well as A control module is programmed to control a position of the first flow control valve based on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the first interior volume through the first exhaust runner.

11. The traction battery pack of claim 10, comprising a second battery module including a second internal volume fluidly isolated from the first internal volume, and optionally including a second intake runner fluidly connected to the intake manifold and the second internal volume and a second exhaust runner fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold and the second internal volume.

12. The traction battery pack of claim 11 , comprising a second flow control valve configured to control flow of the cooling fluid through the second internal volume, and optionally wherein the control module is further programmed to control a position of the second flow control valve based on a temperature of the cooling fluid exiting the second internal volume through the second exhaust runner.

13. The traction battery pack of any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a temperature sensor positioned in or adjacent the first exhaust runner and configured to sense the temperature.

14. The traction battery pack of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the control module is further programmed to control the speed of a pump based on the temperature.

15. A traction battery pack as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the cooling fluid is a dielectric fluid.

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