Battery thermal management equipment, management method and detection method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of battery management, and provides battery thermal management equipment, a management method and a detection method.The pipeline equipment comprises a liquid cooling plate and a battery management unit, and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a cooling runner are integrated in the liquid cooling plate; and the battery management unit is electrically connected with the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor respectively. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor and the cooling flow channel are integrated in the liquid cooling plate, the electric heating function on the basis of liquid cooling is achieved, high integration is achieved, meanwhile, the first cross beam, the second cross beam and other structures are additionally arranged on the surface of the liquid cooling plate, the restraining effect can be achieved when a battery pack expands due to heat, and the battery pack is protected. And the grouping efficiency and the energy density of the battery pack are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of battery management, and in particular relates to battery thermal management equipment, management methods and detection methods. Background Art

[0002] As the industry continues to improve battery performance, high-performance, high-integration, and high-grouping battery packs have become the trend of industry development. At present, battery packs have made certain progress in high integration such as cooling, heating, and grouping.

[0003] However, despite some progress, technical challenges remain in high-level integration such as cooling, heating, and grouping, while heat dissipation and fault detection in battery assemblies also need to be optimized. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems in the background technology, the present invention proposes a battery thermal management device, a management method and a detection method.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A battery thermal management device, comprising a liquid cooling plate and a battery management unit;

[0007] A first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are respectively installed at two ends of a surface of the liquid cooling plate;

[0008] The space formed between the liquid cooling plate, the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam is used to install a battery pack, and the battery pack is divided into several areas;

[0009] The liquid cooling plate is internally integrated with a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a cooling channel;

[0010] The inlet of the cooling channel is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the outlet is connected to a water outlet pipe;

[0011] The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are distributed around the liquid cooling plate;

[0012] The battery management unit is electrically connected to the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor respectively.

[0013] Preferably, reinforcing ribs are fixedly connected between the end of the first cross beam and the liquid cooling plate, and between the second cross beam and the liquid cooling plate.

[0014] Preferably, in the battery pack, each area is provided with a plurality of batteries connected in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel.

[0015] A thermal management method, applied to the above-mentioned battery thermal management device, comprises the following steps:

[0016] Detect the real-time temperature of the battery pack through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor;

[0017] Analyze the real-time temperature through the battery management unit and send out control signals;

[0018] The parameters of the cooling channel are adjusted based on the control signal, and / or the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor is adjusted.

[0019] Preferably, detecting the real-time temperature of the battery pack by a positive temperature coefficient thermistor comprises the following steps:

[0020] The real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a time period of 10 to 40 seconds are collected through a number of positive temperature coefficient thermistors;

[0021] The real-time temperature data of different areas within 10 to 40 seconds are sent to the battery management unit.

[0022] Preferably, the battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and issues a control signal, including the following steps:

[0023] Determine, by the battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any of the areas exceeds a preset temperature;

[0024] If the preset temperature is not exceeded, the battery management unit waits to analyze the real-time temperature data of the next time period;

[0025] If the preset temperature is exceeded, the temperature change rate of the corresponding area within 10 to 40 seconds is calculated, and a control signal is issued based on the temperature change rate.

[0026] Preferably, adjusting the parameters of the cooling channel and / or adjusting the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor based on the control signal comprises the following steps:

[0027] adjusting a coolant flow rate of the cooling channel based on a control signal, wherein the coolant flow rate is proportional to the temperature change rate;

[0028] And / or, reducing the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor to reduce the heat generated by the positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0029] A detection method, applied to the above-mentioned battery thermal management device, comprises the following steps:

[0030] Acquiring temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor;

[0031] The battery management unit analyzes the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period and determines the working status of different areas of the battery pack.

[0032] Preferably, obtaining temperature data of different areas of a battery pack within a preset time period by using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor comprises the following steps:

[0033] Acquire real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset period through positive temperature coefficient thermistors;

[0034] The real-time temperature data of different areas within a preset period are sent to the battery management unit.

[0035] Preferably, analyzing the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period by the battery management unit and determining the working status of different areas of the battery pack includes the following steps:

[0036] Determine, by the battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any area in a preset time period is within a preset range;

[0037] If it is within the preset range, continue to collect real-time temperature data;

[0038] If it is greater than the upper limit of the preset range, check whether there is a battery short circuit in the corresponding area;

[0039] If it is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a battery short circuit or battery damage.

[0040] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0041] 1. The present invention integrates a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a cooling channel inside the liquid cooling plate to realize the electric heating function based on liquid cooling, thereby achieving high integration. At the same time, structures such as a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are added to the surface of the liquid cooling plate to restrain the battery pack from expanding due to heat, thereby improving the grouping efficiency and energy density of the battery pack;

[0042] 2. The main effect of the management device of the present invention is to quickly obtain the working status of the battery pack. Through the collection and analysis of real-time temperature data, it can quickly determine whether the battery pack is overheated, so as to adopt a corresponding cooling strategy; in addition, the management device is not limited to managing the battery temperature, but can further determine whether the battery pack has a fault, such as a battery short circuit, open circuit or damage, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become obvious from the description, or be understood by implementing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an integrated battery thermal management device of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated battery thermal management device of the present invention after being assembled with a battery pack is shown;

[0047] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a thermal management method of the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 4 A flow chart of a detection method of the present invention is shown.

[0049] In the figure: 1. Liquid cooling plate; 2. First cross beam; 3. Reinforcement ribs; 4. Second cross beam; 5. Water inlet pipe; 6. Water outlet pipe; 7. Battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery thermal management device is provided, and its main structure is a liquid cooling plate 1, and a first crossbeam 2 and a second crossbeam 4 are respectively provided at both ends of the upper surface of the liquid cooling plate 1, and reinforcing ribs 3 are fixedly connected between the end of the first crossbeam 2 and the liquid cooling plate 1 and between the second crossbeam 4 and the liquid cooling plate 1. Figure 2 As shown, the space formed between the liquid cooling plate 1, the first beam 2 and the second beam 4 is used to install a battery pack, which is divided into several areas, each area has multiple batteries 7, and the batteries 7 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel.

[0052] It should be noted that the battery 7 generates heat during operation. Since the battery pack is divided into several areas, each area has multiple batteries 7, and these batteries 7 are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel, the heat generated by each battery 7 will accumulate. In the space formed by the liquid cooling plate 1 and the first beam 2 and the second beam 4 on its upper surface, the heat generated by the battery pack will be conducted and dissipated through the liquid cooling plate 1 to maintain the battery 7 operating within a suitable temperature range.

[0053] In order to improve the heat dissipation effect, a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) and a cooling channel are integrated inside the liquid cooling plate 1. The inlet of the cooling channel is connected to a water inlet pipe 5, and the outlet is connected to a water outlet pipe 6. The water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 6 are generally installed on the side of the liquid cooling plate 1. Figure 1 The water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 6 are both located on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 1 .

[0054] in addition, Figure 1 The battery management device generally also includes a battery management unit, which is electrically connected to the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor. The battery management unit is mainly used to monitor the battery status, adjust the battery charging and discharging process, ensure the safe operation of the battery, and communicate with the external system, as follows:

[0055] Monitor the status of battery 7: detect the voltage, current, temperature and other parameters of battery 7 in real time, as well as the charging and discharging status of battery 7.

[0056] Adjust the charging and discharging process: adjust the charging and discharging current and voltage according to the status and requirements of the battery 7 to achieve efficient and safe charging and discharging.

[0057] Ensure safe operation of battery 7: By monitoring the temperature of battery 7, when the temperature of battery 7 is too high, take measures to reduce the temperature to prevent battery 7 from overheating; at the same time, when the voltage or current of battery 7 is abnormal, cut off the charge and discharge circuit in time to protect battery 7 from damage.

[0058] Communication with external systems: The battery management unit can exchange data with external systems and transmit battery 7 status information so that the external system can make corresponding adjustments based on the battery 7 status.

[0059] In general, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The PTC heating function is added inside the liquid cooling plate 1 to realize the electric heating function based on liquid cooling. At the same time, the module end plate beam and other structures are added on the upper part to realize the high integration of the module and the liquid cooling system. The high integration of system functions is achieved, which improves the performance of the whole package while improving the grouping efficiency and energy density.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, this is a thermal management method used in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery thermal management device comprising the following steps:

[0061] S1: Detecting the real-time temperature of the battery pack through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, specifically including the following steps:

[0062] S101: collecting real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a time period of 10 to 40 seconds through a plurality of positive temperature coefficient thermistors;

[0063] S102: Send the real-time temperature data of different areas within 10 to 40 seconds to the battery management unit.

[0064] S2: Analyze the real-time temperature through the battery management unit and send a control signal, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] S201: Determine, by a battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any area exceeds a preset temperature;

[0066] S202: If the preset temperature is not exceeded, the battery management unit waits to analyze the real-time temperature data of the next time period; if the preset temperature is exceeded, the temperature change rate of the corresponding area within 10 to 40 seconds is calculated, and a control signal is issued based on the temperature change rate.

[0067] S3: adjusting the parameters of the cooling channel and / or adjusting the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor based on the control signal, specifically comprising the following steps:

[0068] S301: adjusting the coolant flow rate of the cooling channel based on the control signal, wherein the coolant flow rate is proportional to the temperature change rate;

[0069] S302: and / or, reducing the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor to reduce the heat generated by the positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0070] Exemplarily, some optional implementations are as follows:

[0071] S1: Detect the real-time temperature of the battery pack through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor:

[0072] S101: Use 4 positive temperature coefficient thermistors arranged at the four corners of the battery pack, collect temperature data every 20 seconds, and continue collecting for 40 seconds.

[0073] S2: Analyze the real-time temperature through the battery management unit and send out a control signal:

[0074] S201: The collected temperature data is transmitted to the battery management unit in real time via a data line.

[0075] S202: Analyze the real-time temperature through the battery management unit and send a control signal:

[0076] S203: The battery management unit presets a temperature threshold of 50° C. and determines whether the real-time temperature of any area exceeds the threshold.

[0077] S204: If the temperature does not exceed the threshold, the battery management unit waits for the temperature data of the next 20-second cycle; if the temperature exceeds the threshold, the temperature change rate of the area within 40 seconds is calculated and a corresponding control signal is issued.

[0078] S3: Adjust the parameters of the cooling channel and / or adjust the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor based on the control signal:

[0079] S301: According to the control signal, the coolant flow rate of the cooling channel is adjusted so that the coolant flow rate is proportional to the temperature change rate. For example, the coolant flow rate increases by 10% for every 1° C. increase in temperature.

[0080] S302: and / or reducing the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor to reduce its heat generation, thereby helping to reduce the temperature of the battery pack.

[0081] It should be noted that for the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, it detects the temperature of the four corners of the battery pack in real time through the characteristic that its resistance value changes with temperature. Every 20 seconds, these four thermistors will collect temperature data once, and continue to collect for 40 seconds to obtain accurate temperature information. In addition, although the resistance of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor increases with the increase of temperature, in this scenario, they are not directly used to heat up the battery pack. However, when the battery management unit detects that the temperature of a certain area is too low or needs to be heated, for example, when the temperature of battery 7 is too low, the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor related to the area can be increased to generate more heat, thereby extending the use time of battery 7. This heat will indirectly help to increase the temperature of the battery pack, but the main function is to trigger the corresponding temperature regulation measures through the monitoring function of the thermistor. It should be noted that directly increasing the temperature by increasing the PTC voltage is not its main or common function, but more of an auxiliary means in the temperature regulation system.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, this is a detection method, which is applied to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery thermal management device, comprising the following steps:

[0083] D1: The temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period are obtained through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including:

[0084] D101: obtains real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset period through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor;

[0085] D102: Send the real-time temperature data of different areas within a preset period to the battery management unit.

[0086] D2: Analyze the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period through the battery management unit and determine the working status of different areas of the battery pack, including:

[0087] Determine, by the battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any area in a preset time period is within a preset range;

[0088] If it is within the preset range, continue to collect real-time temperature data;

[0089] If it is greater than the upper limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a short circuit in battery 7;

[0090] If it is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a short circuit or battery 7 is damaged.

[0091] It should be noted that the main effect of the management device of the present invention is to quickly obtain the working status of the battery pack. Through the collection and analysis of real-time temperature data, it can quickly determine whether the battery pack is overheated, so as to adopt a corresponding cooling strategy; in addition, the management device is not limited to managing the temperature of battery 7, but can further determine whether the battery pack has a fault, such as battery 7 short circuit, open circuit or damage, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0092] Exemplarily, some optional implementations are as follows:

[0093] The case design parameters are as follows:

[0094] Area 1: Top of battery pack

[0095] Area 2: Bottom of the battery pack

[0096] Area 3: Left side of battery pack

[0097] Area 4: Right side of battery pack

[0098] Default time period: every 10 minutes

[0099] Preset temperature range:

[0100] Zone 1: 20℃-40℃

[0101] Zone 2: 20℃-40℃

[0102] Zone 3: 20℃-40℃

[0103] Zone 4: 20℃-40℃

[0104] Preset short circuit check parameters:

[0105] Short circuit detection threshold: The temperature exceeds the upper limit of the preset range by 5°C (i.e. 45°C)

[0106] Short circuit inspection time: immediately after abnormal temperature is found

[0107] Preset disconnection or damage detection parameters:

[0108] Break or damage detection threshold: The temperature is 5°C below the lower limit of the preset range (i.e. 15°C)

[0109] Circuit breaker or damage inspection time: immediately after abnormal temperature is found

[0110] Detection method steps:

[0111] D1: The temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period are obtained through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including:

[0112] D101: The real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset period are obtained through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and recorded as follows:

[0113] Zone 1: 25°C

[0114] Zone 2: 30°C

[0115] Zone 3: 28°C

[0116] Zone 4: 35°C

[0117] D102: Send the real-time temperature data of different areas within a preset period to the battery management unit. D2: The battery management unit analyzes the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period and determines the working status of different areas of the battery pack, including:

[0118] D201: The battery management unit receives temperature data from a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0119] D202: The battery management unit determines whether the real-time temperature data of any area in a preset time period is within a preset range:

[0120] Area 1: 25°C (continue to collect real-time temperature data within the preset range)

[0121] Area 2: 30°C (within the preset range, continue to collect real-time temperature data)

[0122] Area 3: 28°C (within the preset range, continue to collect real-time temperature data)

[0123] Area 4: 35°C (exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, proceed to the next short circuit check)

[0124] D203: If it is greater than the upper limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a short circuit in battery 7:

[0125] Zone 4: The temperature reaches 35°C, exceeding the preset upper limit of 40°C for the short-circuit check threshold (45°C), and a short-circuit check is immediately performed.

[0126] Short circuit inspection results: There is no short circuit in area 4. Record the inspection results and continue monitoring.

[0127] D204: If it is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a short circuit or battery 7 is damaged:

[0128] In this case, the temperature of all zones did not fall below the preset lower limit of 15°C, so no circuit break or damage inspection was required.

[0129] Subsequent steps: Continue to monitor and analyze the data of D1 and D2 to ensure that the temperature of the battery pack in different areas is within the preset range, and promptly detect and handle abnormal conditions such as short circuit, open circuit or damage of battery 7.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery thermal management device, characterized in that: It comprises a liquid cooling plate (1) and a battery management unit; A first crossbeam (2) and a second crossbeam (4) are respectively installed at two ends of a surface of the liquid cooling plate (1); The space formed between the liquid cooling plate (1), the first crossbeam (2) and the second crossbeam (4) is used to install a battery pack, and the battery pack is divided into a plurality of areas; The liquid cooling plate (1) has a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a cooling channel integrated therein; The inlet of the cooling channel is connected to a water inlet pipe (5), and the outlet is connected to a water outlet pipe (6); The water inlet pipe (5) and the water outlet pipe (6) are distributed around the liquid cooling plate (1); The battery management unit is electrically connected to the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor respectively.

2. A battery thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Reinforcing ribs (3) are fixedly connected between the end of the first crossbeam (2) and the liquid cooling plate (1), and between the second crossbeam (4) and the liquid cooling plate (1).

3. A battery thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the battery pack, each area is provided with a plurality of batteries (7) connected in series, in parallel or in series and in parallel.

4. A thermal management method, characterized in that: The battery thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprises the following steps: Detect the real-time temperature of the battery pack through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor; Analyze the real-time temperature through the battery management unit and send out control signals; The parameters of the cooling channel are adjusted based on the control signal, and / or the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor is adjusted.

5. A thermal management method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The real-time temperature of the battery pack is detected by a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including the following steps: The real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a time period of 10 to 40 seconds are collected through a number of positive temperature coefficient thermistors; The real-time temperature data of different areas within 10 to 40 seconds are sent to the battery management unit.

6. A thermal management method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and issues a control signal, including the following steps: Determine, by the battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any of the areas exceeds a preset temperature; If the preset temperature is not exceeded, the battery management unit waits to analyze the real-time temperature data of the next time period; If the preset temperature is exceeded, the temperature change rate of the corresponding area within 10 to 40 seconds is calculated, and a control signal is issued based on the temperature change rate.

7. A thermal management method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Adjusting the parameters of the cooling channel and / or adjusting the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor based on the control signal includes the following steps: adjusting a coolant flow rate of the cooling channel based on a control signal, wherein the coolant flow rate is proportional to the temperature change rate; And / or, reducing the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor to reduce the heat generated by the positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

8. A detection method, characterized in that: A battery thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: Acquiring temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor; The battery management unit analyzes the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period and determines the working status of different areas of the battery pack.

9. A detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period are obtained by using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including the following steps: Acquire real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset period through positive temperature coefficient thermistors; The real-time temperature data of different areas within a preset period are sent to the battery management unit.

10. A detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The battery management unit analyzes the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period and determines the working status of different areas of the battery pack, including the following steps: Determine, by the battery management unit, whether the real-time temperature data of any area in a preset time period is within a preset range; If it is within the preset range, continue to collect real-time temperature data; If it is greater than the upper limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has a battery (7) short circuit; If it is less than the lower limit of the preset range, the corresponding area is checked to see whether the battery (7) is short-circuited or damaged.

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