Battery holder with fluid cooling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery holder (100) with fluid cooling for holding a plurality of battery cells (102) in a vehicle, the battery holder having a base plate (104) comprising: a plurality of through openings (106), each opening configured to allow gas exhaust from the battery cells; and a closed compartment (108) partially filled with a fluid (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to battery packs for vehicles. In particular aspects, the present disclosure relates to battery packs including a fluid cooling solution. The present disclosure may be applicable to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as other vehicle types. The present disclosure may be applied to ships, etc. Although the present disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Maintaining an ideal temperature range within a battery pack is critical for both short-term performance and long-term durability. Accurate temperature control ensures that the battery operates at peak efficiency, delivering the expected capacity and output power for a wide range of applications. At the same time, it protects the battery's longevity by preventing extreme temperatures, which can accelerate chemical degradation and shorten the battery's operating period. In addition, uniform temperature distribution throughout the battery module is critical to preventing local stress and uneven cell performance. Inconsistent temperatures can lead to overall performance degradation, capacity loss, uneven aging between cells, and safety issues. Therefore, it is desirable to develop cooling solutions that are both efficient and promote uniform temperature distribution within the battery pack. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery holder for holding a plurality of battery cells of a vehicle, the battery holder having a bottom plate, the bottom plate comprising: a plurality of through openings, each opening being configured to allow gas from the battery cells to escape; and a closed compartment partially filled with a fluid. The first aspect of the present disclosure can seek to improve cooling in a battery pack by providing a fluid-filled compartment, wherein the fluid is used to diffuse heat generated by the battery cells, thereby reducing the risk of uneven temperature distribution in a battery comprising a plurality of battery cells.

[0004] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the enclosed compartment extends within the plane of the base plate over the entire extension of the base plate. Technical benefits may include that heat may be evenly diffused throughout the battery holder, thereby promoting uniform temperature distribution throughout the battery holder.

[0005] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the enclosed compartment includes a plurality of sub-compartments, each sub-compartment partially filled with a fluid. Technical benefits may include that the size and shape of the sub-compartments may be adapted to the distribution of the battery cells in the battery holder.

[0006] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the base plate further comprises at least one groove, the at least one groove being arranged on a side of the base plate opposite to the side configured to hold the battery cell and extending to at least a first edge portion of the base plate, and wherein each through-opening terminates in at least one groove. Technical benefits may include that in the event of a thermal runaway event, the groove may act as an exhaust channel, where heated gases and particles need to be directed away from the battery cell to avoid a chain reaction inside the battery. The through-opening leading to the groove also means that any heated gases or particles are cooled by the fluid in the enclosed compartment, whether in the flow path from the battery cell to the groove, i.e., through the through-opening, or when flowing in the groove itself.

[0007] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, at least one groove extends across the bottom plate from a first edge portion of the bottom plate to a second edge portion of the bottom plate opposite the first edge portion. Technical benefits may include: the groove can thereby transport gas and particles from any portion of the bottom plate to the edge of the bottom plate for extraction.

[0008] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, at least one groove is substantially straight.Technical benefits may include that flow through the groove is not interrupted, thereby providing a flow path with low flow resistance.

[0009] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, at least one groove includes a protective coating.Technical benefits may include that the groove resists high temperature gases and particles from the battery cell during thermal runaway.

[0010] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the protective coating includes glass fibers. Technical benefits may include that the glass fibers resist high temperature gases and particles, which reduces the risk of damage to the grooves.

[0011] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the inner surface of the enclosed compartment includes a surface structure configured to promote heat transfer between the bottom plate and the fluid. Technical benefits may include that heat transfer between the battery cell and the fluid in the enclosed compartment may be improved due to the increased surface area of ​​the inner wall.

[0012] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the through opening includes a side wall between the opening and the enclosed compartment, so that the fluid contacts the side wall. Technical benefits may include that gases and particles flowing out of the battery cell can also be cooled by the fluid during passage through the through opening.

[0013] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the fluid comprises a phase change material. Technical benefits may include that the phase change material in the closed compartment is fluid only at temperatures where cooling or heat redistribution is desired.

[0014] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the phase change material is in solid form at the normal operating temperature of the battery. Technical benefits can include that the material in the closed compartment is in solid form without the need to redistribute heat. Technical benefits can also include: using phase change materials to reduce the formation of gas within the closed compartment, thereby avoiding pressure accumulation and compartment leakage or rupture. In addition, by using a phase change material in solid form, even if a phase change to gas form occurs, the material undergoes two phase changes (solid to liquid and liquid to gas), which means that more energy is absorbed to resist sudden temperature fluctuations.

[0015] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the phase change temperature of the phase change material from solid to liquid is in the range of 20° C. to 30° C. Technical benefits may include the phase change material being in solid form at common operating temperatures of the battery cell.

[0016] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase is in the range of 35° C. to 45° C. Technical benefits may include the phase change material being in solid form up to a temperature that may damage the battery cell.

[0017] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the phase change temperature of the phase change material from solid to liquid is in the range of 110° C. to 130° C. Technical benefits may include the phase change material being in solid form up to a temperature indicating the onset of a thermal runaway event.

[0018] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the fluid comprises a mixture of materials.Technical benefits may include the ability to tailor the properties of a fluid to suit any particular application, such as flowability, flammability, heat capacity, etc.

[0019] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the fluid is selected from the group consisting of dielectric oil, water glycol, and water. Technical benefits may include the fluid having a high heat capacity, thereby achieving efficient heat redistribution and resisting temperature increases. Another benefit may include the dielectric fluid reducing the risk of electrical failure of surrounding systems and batteries in the event of fluid leakage.

[0020] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the fluid fill level in the enclosed compartment is in the range of 50% to 70%. Technical benefits may include then allowing the fluid to splash around, thereby efficiently transferring heat within the compartment.

[0021] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the bottom plate further includes a partition wall configured to form a cell compartment for holding the battery cell. Technical benefits may include that the battery cell may be arranged in the battery holder in a cell compartment-guided manner.

[0022] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, a vehicle comprising a battery holder according to any one of the preceding claims is provided. Technical benefits may include that efficient heat redistribution may be achieved in an electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery holder.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or the accompanying claims may be appropriately combined with each other. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is an exemplary battery holder according to an example.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exemplary battery holder according to an example.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exemplary battery holder according to an example.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exemplary battery holder according to an example.

[0029] Figure 5 A vehicle according to an example includes an example battery holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1is an exemplary battery holder 100 for holding a plurality of battery cells 102 in a vehicle according to an example. The battery holder has a bottom plate 104, which includes: a plurality of through-openings 106, each of which is configured to allow gas from the battery cell to vent; and a closed compartment 108 partially filled with a fluid 110. The through-openings 106 are preferably arranged at positions corresponding to the expected positions of the battery cells 102, so that each battery cell is positioned aligned with the corresponding through-opening. In addition, the battery cell can be provided with an appropriate portion, which is configured to vent the battery cell in the event of thermal runaway, and such a vent of the battery cell is then preferably aligned with the through-opening to guide the gas from the battery cell in a controlled manner through the through-opening 106 of the bottom plate 104.

[0032] Figure 1 The battery holder of FIG. 100 shows a plurality of battery cells arranged on a partially hollow bottom plate 104. The temperature of the battery cells may increase during operation, and in order to avoid hot spots or areas in the battery as a whole having higher temperatures, it is desirable to provide a cooling solution that evenly distributes the heat on the battery holder 100. During operation of a vehicle including the battery holder 100, the fluid 110 in the partially filled closed compartment 108 may be expected to splash around in the compartment 108, which effectively redistributes the heat in the bottom plate 104. The closed compartment 108 is a completely closed and hermetically sealed compartment 108, at least during operation of a battery using the battery holder 100.

[0033] Furthermore, the proposed voids formed by filling the enclosed compartments 108 with the fluid 110 using an optimized fill rate result in the liquid sloshing while driving. This improves convective heat transfer, which is generally faster than other heat transfer methods, resulting in a more even distribution of heat within the base plate 104.

[0034] Furthermore, the cooling solution requires no moving parts, no leak-prone fluid connections, and no additional components external to the base plate itself. Thus, the battery holder 100 provides a simple, compact, reliable, and cost-effective cooling solution to achieve uniform heat distribution in the battery holder.

[0035] The fluid 110 in the closed compartment can be a single fluid or a mixture of different fluids. Preferably, the fluid includes a material with a high specific heat, which has a high ability to absorb and store thermal energy. As described herein, the advantage of using a high heat capacity material in a battery holder is that the fluid can be used to reduce the active cooling power for the recirculating coolant and provide protection against extreme and rapid temperature fluctuations. For example, the specific heat of aluminum is 0.89 J / (ks), and the specific heat of water is 4.18 J / (ks). For example, if water is used in a closed compartment, the thermal mass provided by the battery holder is about 70% higher than that of a solid aluminum plate at the same weight and a filling rate of 70% water. In addition, since the closed compartment is completely closed, the contents of the filling can be adjusted by combining different materials (such as a mixture of phase change materials (PCM) and liquids) to control the behavior of the fluid for increasing temperatures.

[0036] The fill level of the fluid 110 in the closed compartment can be in the range of 50% to 70% to allow the desired movement of the fluid 110 in the compartment. However, it should be noted that other fill levels can also be used to achieve the same effect as long as the compartment is not filled to 100%. In general, for a given implementation, it is preferred to select the fill level to achieve the best heat transfer capability, i.e., to have the greatest temperature uniformity in the event of evaporation of the material in the closed compartment while not damaging the battery holder.

[0037] Thus, the fluid 110 may include a phase change material that is in solid form at the normal operating temperature of the battery. The phase change material may, for example, be provided as particles, granules, or the like that are solid at temperatures below a predetermined threshold temperature. The phase change material may then be mixed into the fluid in an appropriate proportion while maintaining the compartment only partially filled to allow splashing and movement of the mixture.

[0038] The phase change temperature of the phase change material from the solid phase to the liquid phase may be in the range of 20°C to 30°C. The phase change temperature of the phase change material from the solid phase to the liquid phase may also be in the range of 35°C to 45°C. The phase change temperature of the phase change material from the solid phase to the liquid phase may also be in the range of 110°C to 130°C. The phase change material provides additional heat resistance at the corresponding phase change temperature, wherein the temperature range of 20°C to 30°C corresponds to the normal operating temperature of the battery cell, 35°C to 45°C corresponds to a temperature that is harmful to the battery cell, and wherein a temperature in the range of 110°C to 130°C indicates the beginning of a severe thermal runaway event.

[0039] Furthermore, the fluid may advantageously be a dielectric material to avoid electrical problems in the event of fluid leakage. The enclosed compartment may be damaged by melting or rupture due to, for example, a battery cell failure, accident or thermal runaway. Examples of suitable dielectric materials with high heat capacity include dielectric oils, water glycol hybrids and pure water.

[0040] In a battery pack including a battery holder 100 and a plurality of battery cells 102, each battery cell 102 is arranged above a corresponding through-opening 106, so that in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 102, heated gases and particles can be drawn out of the battery cell 102 through the through-opening 106 in the bottom plate 104. Thus, the heated gases are separated from adjacent battery cells by the bottom plate 104, and the gases can also be cooled during passage through the through-opening 106. The closed compartment 108 can also include a plurality of sub-compartments, each of which is partially filled with a fluid.

[0041] Figure 2 An example battery holder 200 is shown, in which the bottom plate 104 includes a plurality of grooves 202 arranged on a side of the bottom plate opposite to the side configured to hold the battery cells and extending to at least a first edge portion 204 of the bottom plate. The grooves 202 may also be referred to as trenches, channels, etc. When the battery holder is placed on a planar support structure, the grooves 202 will form a closed channel together with such a support structure to which the bottom plate 104 is attached. However, the channels may also be formed in the bottom plate itself, such that the openings of the channels are located at the edges of the bottom plate.

[0042] like Figure 2 As further shown, each through opening 106 terminates in a groove 202. Thus, all of the battery cells 102 are provided with a flow path for heated gas that is directed away from the plurality of battery cells 102 and wherein the heated gas is isolated from the battery cells by the fluid-filled compartments 108. Although the battery cells 102 are shown as cylindrical battery cells, the battery holder and base plate may be used equally well with battery cells having other shapes.

[0043] In some examples, one or more grooves 202 extend across the base plate from a first edge portion of the base plate to a second edge portion of the base plate opposite the first edge portion. Thus, the grooves 202 extend across the entire base plate. The grooves can also be arranged in two mutually perpendicular directions so that the grooves form a cross-shaped channel arrangement in the base plate. Therefore, the grooves can in principle terminate on all four sides of the base plate. Preferably, an additional structure for handling or guiding the airflow is arranged near the base plate for receiving the airflow from the end portion of the groove and for guiding the airflow away from the battery holder.

[0044] The grooves 202 are shown as being substantially straight, but may also be curved, zigzag, or have similar shapes, as long as airflow along the grooves is not impeded.

[0045] Figure 3An example battery holder 300 is shown, in which the groove 202 includes a protective coating 302. Specifically, the outer wall of the groove 202 can be coated with a heat-resistant material, such as glass fiber, for resisting high-temperature gases and particles from the battery cell during thermal runaway. Therefore, the coating 302 further reduces the risk of damage to adjacent battery cells in the event of thermal runaway of one battery cell. In addition, the inner wall of the through opening 106 can advantageously be provided with the coating.

[0046] Figure 4 An example battery holder 400 is shown in which the inner surface of the enclosed compartment includes a surface structure 402 configured to promote heat transfer between the bottom plate 104 and the fluid 110. The surface structure 402 increases the surface area of ​​the inner wall of the bottom plate 104 forming the enclosed compartment 108, so that when the fluid contacts the inner wall including the surface structure 402, more heat can be transferred from the bottom plate itself to the fluid 110.

[0047] Figure 4 It is also shown that the battery holder may include partition walls 404, which are configured to form cell compartments for holding battery cells. In the example shown, the partition walls 404 are arranged on the bottom plate to form a wave shape, so that cylindrical battery cells can be arranged in a space-efficient manner in the compartments formed by the partition walls 404. These walls can also form part of an active cooling system, in which a coolant flows in a closed loop in the wall.

[0048] Figure 4 The enclosed compartment 108 is also shown extending throughout the extent of the base plate 104 within the plane of the base plate 104, wherein the plane of the base plate is defined by the length and width of the base plate (ie, the xy plane).

[0049] Figure 5 A vehicle 500 comprising a battery holder 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 according to any of the aforementioned examples is schematically shown.

[0050] Example 1. A battery holder (100) for holding a plurality of battery cells (102) for a vehicle, the battery holder having a base plate (104) comprising: a plurality of through openings (106), each opening configured to allow gas from the battery cells to escape; and an enclosed compartment (108) partially filled with a fluid (110).

[0051] Example 2. The battery holder of Example 1, wherein the enclosed compartment extends within the plane of the base plate over the entire extension of the base plate.

[0052] Example 3. The battery holder of Example 1, wherein the enclosed compartment comprises a plurality of sub-compartments, each sub-compartment being partially filled with a fluid.

[0053] Example 4. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the base plate further comprises at least one groove (202), the at least one groove being arranged on a side of the base plate opposite to a side configured to hold the battery cell and extending to at least a first edge portion (204) of the base plate, and wherein each through opening terminates in the at least one groove.

[0054] Example 5. The battery holder of Example 4, wherein the at least one groove extends across the bottom plate from a first edge portion of the bottom plate to a second edge portion of the bottom plate opposite the first edge portion.

[0055] Example 6. A battery holder according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the at least one groove is substantially straight.

[0056] Example 7. The battery holder of any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the at least one groove comprises a protective coating (302).

[0057] Example 8. A battery holder according to Example 7, wherein the protective coating comprises glass fiber.

[0058] Example 9. The battery holder of any of the preceding examples, wherein an inner surface of the enclosed compartment comprises a surface structure (402) configured to facilitate heat transfer between the base plate and the fluid.

[0059] Example 10. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the through-opening comprises a side wall between the opening and the enclosed compartment such that the fluid is in contact with the side wall.

[0060] Example 11. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid comprises a phase change material.

[0061] Example 12. The battery holder of Example 11, wherein the phase change material is in solid form at a normal operating temperature of the battery.

[0062] Example 13. The battery holder according to Example 11, wherein a phase transition temperature at which the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase is in the range of 20°C to 30°C.

[0063] Example 14. The battery holder according to Example 11, wherein a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase is in a range of 35°C to 45°C.

[0064] Example 15. The battery holder according to Example 11, wherein a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase is in a range of 110°C to 130°C.

[0065] Example 16. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid comprises a mixture of materials.

[0066] Example 17. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of dielectric oil, water glycol and water.

[0067] Example 18. A battery holder according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid fill level in the closed compartment is in the range of 50% to 70%.

[0068] Example 19. The battery holder according to any of the preceding examples further comprises a partition wall (404) configured to form a cell compartment for holding a battery cell.

[0069] Example 20. A vehicle (500) comprising a battery holder (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding examples.

[0070] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprising" when used herein indicate the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0071] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element.

[0072] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0073] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise clearly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0074] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the drawings and description, various aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery holder (100) for holding a plurality of battery cells (102) of a vehicle, the battery holder having a base plate (104), the base plate comprising: a plurality of through openings (106), each opening being configured to allow gas from the battery cell to escape; as well as A closed compartment (108) is partially filled with a fluid (110). 2 . The battery holder according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosed compartment extends in the plane of the base plate over the entire extension of the base plate. 3 . The battery holder of claim 1 , wherein the enclosed compartment comprises a plurality of sub-compartments, each sub-compartment being partially filled with a fluid.

4. A battery holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate further comprises at least one groove (202), the at least one groove being arranged on a side of the base plate opposite to a side configured to hold the battery cell and extending to at least a first edge portion (204) of the base plate, and wherein each through opening terminates in the at least one groove. 5 . The battery holder of claim 4 , wherein the at least one groove extends across the bottom plate from a first edge portion of the bottom plate to a second edge portion of the bottom plate opposite the first edge portion.

6. A battery holder according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one groove is substantially straight.

7. The battery holder according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one groove comprises a protective coating (302). The battery holder of claim 7 , wherein the protective coating comprises glass fibers.

9. The battery holder according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface of the enclosed compartment comprises a surface structure (402) configured to promote heat transfer between the base plate and the fluid.

10. A battery holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through opening comprises a side wall between the opening and the closed compartment such that the fluid is in contact with the side wall.

11. A battery holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid comprises a phase change material.

12. The battery holder of claim 11, wherein the phase change material is in solid form at normal operating temperature of the battery.

13. The battery holder according to claim 11, wherein a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase is in the range of 20°C to 30°C, in the range of 35°C to 45°C, and / or in the range of 110°C to 130°C.

14. A battery holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid fill level in the closed compartment is in the range of 50% to 70%.

15. A vehicle (500) comprising a battery holder (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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