Coolant containment system for battery pack

Abstract

A coolant containment system for a battery pack includes a coolant holding container defining a containment space, an inlet connected to the coolant holding container, an outlet connected to the coolant holding container, and a drain plug connected to the coolant holding container and in communication with the containment space, the inlet is connected with an inlet line configured to receive the coolant, and the outlet is connected with an outlet line configured to return the coolant. The inlet pipeline and the outlet pipeline are completely arranged in the containing space, and any leaked coolant can be reserved in the containing space and discharged out of the containing space through the discharge plug to flow to the environment outside the battery tray.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coolant retention system for a battery pack. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coolant containment system that blocks leaked coolant from battery cells or other high-voltage components within a battery pack. Technical Field

[0002] Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles employ high voltage battery systems that include multiple battery cells that are typically packaged as multiple battery modules within a battery pack. The battery pack is typically located under the vehicle body between the front and rear wheels. The battery pack includes a thermal management system that heats and / or cools the battery cells during use. These thermal management systems may include cooling plates that circulate coolant. Battery packs with cooling plates may present a risk of coolant leaks at the joints between various coolant carrying components. While these systems are effective, there is still a need in the art for a system that isolates possible coolant leaks from the battery cells and other high voltage components. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a coolant containment system for a battery pack. The coolant containment system includes a coolant holding container defining a containment space, an inlet connected to the coolant holding container, an outlet connected to the coolant holding container, and a drain plug connected to the coolant holding container and in communication with the containment space, wherein the inlet is connected to an inlet pipeline configured to receive a coolant, the outlet is connected to an outlet pipeline, and the outlet pipeline is configured to return the coolant. The inlet pipeline and the outlet pipeline are completely placed in the containment space. The leaked coolant is retained in the containment space and is discharged from the containment space via the drain plug and flows to the environment outside the battery pack.

[0004] In one aspect, a coolant holding container includes a holder side wall and a bottom wall, and an inlet and an outlet are disposed on one of the holder side walls.

[0005] In another aspect, a one-way valve is provided on one of the holder side walls of the coolant holding container, the one-way valve being configured to allow the coolant of the battery pack to enter the accommodation space.

[0006] In another aspect, the one-way valve is located adjacent a bottom wall of the coolant holding container.

[0007] In another aspect, the bottom wall defines an opening configured to align with an inlet spigot and an outlet spigot of the cooling plate.

[0008] In another aspect, a seal is disposed about the opening to seal the opening to the cooling plate.

[0009] In another aspect, the drain plug is disposed below the inlet and the outlet relative to the coolant holding container.

[0010] In another aspect, the inlet and the outlet extend through the coolant holding vessel.

[0011] In another embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a battery tray, a cooling plate disposed in the battery tray, and a coolant containment system connected to the battery tray, the cooling plate having an inlet nozzle connected to an inlet line for receiving a coolant. The coolant containment system includes a coolant retaining container defining a containment space, an inlet disposed in the coolant retaining container, the inlet being connected to the inlet line, and a drain plug connected to the coolant retaining container and communicating with the containment space, the drain plug being configured to provide a one-way fluid communication from the containment space to an environment outside the battery pack. The inlet nozzle and the inlet line are completely placed within the containment space. The leaked coolant is retained within the containment space and is discharged from the containment space via the drain plug, flowing to an environment outside the battery tray.

[0012] In one aspect, the cooling plate further comprises an outlet nozzle connected to the outlet pipeline, wherein the coolant containing system further comprises an outlet disposed in the coolant holding container, the outlet being connected to the outlet pipeline, wherein the outlet nozzle and the outlet pipeline are disposed in the containing space.

[0013] In another aspect, a cooling plate is disposed between a base plate of the battery tray and a bottom wall of the coolant containment system.

[0014] In another aspect, the coolant holding container includes a holder side wall connected to the bottom wall to define a receiving space, and the inlet and the outlet are provided on one of the holder side walls.

[0015] In another aspect, the battery tray includes a sidewall defining a window, the inlet and the outlet being aligned with the window.

[0016] In another aspect, a seal is disposed between the battery tray and the coolant holding container and surrounding the window.

[0017] In another aspect, the bottom wall of the coolant holding container defines an opening, and the water inlet nozzle and the water outlet nozzle extend through the opening into the accommodation space.

[0018] In another aspect, another seal is disposed between the cooling plate and the bottom wall of the coolant holding container and around the opening.

[0019] In another aspect, a one-way valve is disposed on one of the retainer side walls of the coolant retaining container, the one-way valve being configured to allow any coolant located in the battery tray to enter the accommodation space.

[0020] In another aspect, the one-way valve is located adjacent a bottom wall of the coolant holding container.

[0021] In another aspect, the drain plug is disposed below the inlet and the outlet relative to the coolant holding container and above the one-way valve relative to the coolant holding container.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a battery tray; a cooling plate disposed within the battery tray, the cooling plate having an inlet nozzle connected to an inlet line for receiving a coolant; and an outlet nozzle connected to an outlet line for returning the coolant; a plurality of battery modules disposed on the cooling plate; and a coolant containment system connected to the battery tray. The coolant containment system includes a coolant retaining container having a plurality of retainer side walls connected to a bottom wall and defining a containment space, the bottom wall defining an opening through which the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle extend; an inlet disposed on one of the retainer side walls of the coolant retaining container and extending through it, the inlet being connected to the inlet line; an outlet disposed on one of the retainer side walls of the coolant retaining container and extending through it, the outlet being connected to the outlet line; a drain plug disposed on one of the retainer side walls of the coolant retaining container and communicating with the containment space, the drain plug allowing one-way fluid communication from the containment space to an environment outside the battery pack; and a one-way valve disposed on another retainer side wall of the coolant retaining container, the one-way valve being configured to allow any coolant located in the battery tray to enter the containment space. The inlet nozzle, the outlet nozzle, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are completely arranged in the receiving space. The leaked coolant is retained in the receiving space and is discharged out of the receiving space through the drain plug to the environment outside the battery tray.

[0023] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary motor vehicle having a battery pack and a coolant containment system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the battery pack and coolant containment system;

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of a battery pack and coolant containment system; and

[0028] Figure 4 It is the battery pack and coolant containment system along Figure 3 The cross section is observed in the direction of arrow 4-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , a battery pack 10 having a coolant containment system (discussed in more detail below) according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The battery pack 10 is illustrated together with an exemplary vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 is preferably an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle having wheels 14 driven by a motor / inverter 16. The motor / inverter 16 receives power from the battery pack 10. Although the vehicle 12 is illustrated as a passenger road vehicle, it should be understood that the battery pack 10 can be used with various other types of vehicles. For example, the battery pack 10 can be used in a marine vehicle such as a ship, or an aviation vehicle such as a drone or a passenger aircraft. In addition, the battery pack 10 can be used as a stationary power source that is separate and independent from the vehicle.

[0031] Go to Figure 2 The battery pack 10 generally includes a battery tray 18, a plurality of battery modules 20, a cooling plate 22, a cover 24, and a coolant containment system 26. The cooling plate 22 forms part of a battery thermal management system. The battery pack 10 may also include a battery management system (not shown).

[0032] The battery tray 18 is connected to the frame of the vehicle 12. The battery tray 18 provides structural support for the plurality of battery modules 20. The battery tray 18 includes side walls 28, end walls 30, and a base plate 32. The side walls 28 and end walls 30 are connected to the base plate 32 and cooperate to define a battery module cavity 34.

[0033] A plurality of battery modules 20 are disposed within the battery module cavity 34 of the battery tray 18. Each of the plurality of battery modules 20 includes a plurality of battery cells (not shown). The battery cells are lithium-ion battery cells. However, it should be understood that any type of battery cell may be employed. In addition, the battery cells may be cylindrical battery cells, prismatic can battery cells, or pouch-shaped battery cells without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The plurality of battery modules 20 provide power to the motor / inverter 16 ( Figure 1 ).

[0034] The cooling plate 22 is part of the battery thermal management system and provides heating and cooling to the battery modules 20. The cooling plate 22 is disposed between the battery tray 18 and the plurality of battery modules 20. The cooling plate includes a body 36 defining a coolant channel 38 therethrough. The coolant channel 38 guides the coolant through the body 36 to provide heat transfer to the plurality of battery modules 20. An inlet line 40 and an outlet line 42 are connected to the coolant channel 38. The inlet line 40 provides coolant to the cooling plate 22. The outlet line 42 receives coolant from the cooling plate 22. The inlet line 40 and the outlet line 42 are in fluid communication with the battery thermal management system, which includes a pump, a heat exchanger, and a fluid reservoir (not shown).

[0035] The cover 24 is disposed on top of the plurality of battery modules 20. The cover 24 is connected to the battery tray 18 and cooperates with the battery tray 18 to enclose the plurality of battery modules 20.

[0036] The coolant containment system 26 provides a containment or holding area around certain components of the battery pack 10 in the event of a coolant leak. The coolant containment system 26 is connected to the battery tray 18 at the side wall 28. Alternatively, the coolant containment system 26 may be connected to the end wall 30.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a coolant containment system 26 is shown in association with the battery tray 18 and the cooling plate 22. The coolant containment system 26 includes a coolant holding container 50, an inlet 52, an outlet 54, a drain plug 56, and a check valve 58.

[0038] The coolant retaining container 50 is configured to surround or encircle the connection joints (including the inlet line 40 and the outlet line 42) of the cooling plate 22 and retain the coolant therein, as will be described in more detail below. Therefore, a portion of the cooling plate 22 is disposed between the coolant retaining container 50 and the battery tray 18. The coolant retaining container 50 includes a retainer side wall 60 connected to a bottom wall 62. The retainer side wall 60 and the bottom wall 62 cooperate to define a receiving space 64 within the coolant retaining container 50.

[0039] The coolant holding container 50 includes an opening 66 defined in the bottom wall 62. The cooling plate 22 includes an inlet nozzle 68 and an outlet nozzle 70 extending through the opening 66. The inlet nozzle 68 is connected to the inlet line 40. The outlet nozzle 70 is connected to the outlet line 42. Therefore, the connection between the cooling plate 22 and the inlet line 40 and the outlet line 42 is arranged in the accommodation space 64. Likewise, the inlet line 40 and the outlet line 42 are arranged in the accommodation space 64.

[0040] The inlet 52 is disposed in and extends through the holder sidewall 60 and is connected to the inlet conduit 40 within the receiving space 64. Likewise, the outlet 54 is disposed in and extends through the holder sidewall 60 and is connected to the outlet conduit 42 within the receiving space 64. The inlet 52 and the outlet 54 are aligned with the window 76 in the sidewall 28 of the battery tray 18.

[0041] The inlet 52 and the outlet 54 are configured to be connected to the battery thermal management system 78 to receive the coolant 80 therefrom. The battery thermal management system 78 typically includes a pump 82, a heat exchanger 84, and a recovery tank 86. The battery thermal management system 78 may include various other components, including temperature and humidity sensors, valves, and electronic controllers, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Typically, the pump 82 is in fluid communication with the recovery tank 86 and pumps the coolant 80 from the recovery tank 86 to the inlet 52. The coolant 80 is directed to the cooling plate 22 via the inlet line 40 to regulate the temperature of the battery cells within the battery module 20. The coolant 80 then returns from the cooling plate 22 to the outlet 54 via the outlet line 42 and then communicates with the heat exchanger 84. The heat exchanger 84 removes heat from the coolant 80, for example, using a liquid-to-air heat exchanger with a fan, but other types of heat exchangers may also be used. The coolant 80 returns to the recovery tank 86.

[0042] The drain plug 56 is configured to drain the coolant 80 from the coolant holding container 50 when there is a leak. The drain plug 56 is disposed within the retainer side wall 60 and is aligned with the window 76 of the battery tray 18. The drain plug 56 is a passive one-way valve that allows fluid communication from the receiving space 64 to the external environment of the battery tray 18. The drain plug 56 can be a passive valve that opens based on pressure to communicate with the fluid, or an active valve electronically controlled by a solenoid. The drain plug 56 is disposed below the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 relative to the coolant holding container 50. The drain plug 56 and the one-way valve 58 are preferably disposed as low as possible in the coolant holding container 50, but their height can be adjusted based on the packaging space.

[0043] The one-way valve 58 is configured to allow coolant 80 leaking from the cooling plate 22 outside the connection points (i.e., nozzles 68, 70, pipes 40, pipes 42, and inlet 52 and outlet 54) to enter the receiving space 64 of the coolant retaining container 50. The one-way valve 58 is disposed in the retainer side wall 60 at the bottom of the coolant retaining container 50 (i.e., adjacent to or directly adjacent to the bottom wall 62) and extends through the retainer side wall 60. Therefore, the one-way valve 58 is connected to the battery module cavity 34 and the receiving space 64. In one embodiment, the one-way valve 58 is disposed on the retainer side wall 60 opposite to the drain plug 56. The coolant 80 leaking within the battery tray 18 but outside the coolant retaining container 50 enters the receiving space 64 through the one-way valve 58 and remains in the receiving space 64 until it is discharged through the drain plug 56.

[0044] The coolant retaining container 50 is connected to the battery tray 18 and the cooling plate 22 by mechanical fasteners 90. For example, the bottom wall 62 of the coolant retaining container 50 is connected to the base plate 32 of the battery tray 18 and the cooling plate 22 by mechanical fasteners 90. In addition, one or more retainer side walls 60 are connected to one or more side walls 28 of the battery tray 18 by mechanical fasteners 90.

[0045] A plurality of annular seals 92 are disposed about the mechanical fasteners 90 at the connection points between the coolant holding container 50 and the battery tray 18 and the cooling plate 22 , and around the openings 66 and windows 76 .

[0046] The coolant containment system 26 is configured to isolate and retain any coolant leaks that occur within the battery pack 10. By positioning the connector or joint that contains the coolant within the containment space 64, the coolant is prevented from reaching high-voltage components or other sensitive components. Excess coolant is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10 via the drain plug 56. Any coolant leak that occurs outside the coolant containment system 26 can enter the containment space 64 via the one-way valve 58, thereby protecting the battery pack components. Therefore, if a coolant leak occurs inside the battery pack 10, the coolant containment system 26 reduces the risk of high-voltage arcs and battery thermal runaway. The coolant is isolated at a single location, and the coolant containment system 26 facilitates the rapid discharge of the coolant to the outside of the battery pack 10. Finally, the integration of the inlet 52, outlet 54, drain plug 56 and one-way valve 58 in the coolant holding container 50 reduces assembly time.

[0047] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Battery tray; a cooling plate disposed within the battery tray, the cooling plate having an inlet nozzle connected to an inlet line for receiving a coolant; as well as A coolant containing system connected to the battery tray, the coolant containing system comprising: a coolant holding container defining a receiving space; an inlet disposed in the coolant holding container, the inlet being connected to the inlet line; and a drain plug connected to the coolant holding container and in communication with the receiving space, the drain plug being configured to provide one-way fluid communication from the receiving space to an environment external to the battery pack, wherein the inlet nozzle and the inlet pipeline are completely placed in the accommodation space, and The leaked coolant is retained in the accommodation space and is discharged from the accommodation space through the drain plug to flow to the environment outside the battery tray.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling plate further comprises an outlet nozzle connected to an outlet line, and wherein the coolant containing system further comprises an outlet disposed in the coolant holding container, the outlet being connected to the outlet line, and wherein the outlet nozzle and the outlet line are disposed within the containing space.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The cooling plate is disposed between a base plate of the battery tray and a bottom wall of the coolant containment system.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The coolant holding container includes a holder side wall connected to the bottom wall to define the accommodation space, and the inlet and the outlet are provided on one of the holder side walls.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The battery tray includes a side wall defining a window, and the inlet and the outlet are aligned with the window. 6 . The battery pack according to claim 5 , further comprising a seal disposed between the battery tray and the coolant holding container and surrounding the window.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein: The bottom wall of the coolant holding container defines an opening through which the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle extend into the accommodation space. 8 . The battery pack according to claim 7 , further comprising another sealing member disposed between the cooling plate and a bottom wall of the coolant holding container and surrounding the opening.

9. The battery pack according to claim 4, further comprising a one-way valve disposed on one of the retainer side walls of the coolant retaining container, the one-way valve being configured to allow any coolant located in the battery tray to enter the accommodation space.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The one-way valve is located near a bottom wall of the coolant holding container.

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