Battery thermal management device, management method and detection method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of battery management, and provides a battery thermal management device, a management method and a detection method, wherein a pipeline device comprises a liquid cooling plate and a battery management unit, the liquid cooling plate is internally integrated with a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a cooling flow channel, and the battery management unit is electrically connected with the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor respectively. The application internally integrates the positive temperature coefficient thermistor and the cooling flow channel in the liquid cooling plate, realizes the electric heating function on the basis of liquid cooling, realizes high integration, and increases the first cross beam and the second cross beam and other structures on the surface of the liquid cooling plate, so that the constraint effect can be achieved when the battery pack expands due to heat, and the grouping efficiency and the energy density of the battery pack are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of battery management technology, and specifically relates to battery thermal management equipment, management methods, and testing methods. Background Technology

[0002] As the industry continues to improve battery performance, high-performance, highly integrated, and highly modular battery packs are becoming the industry trend. Currently, battery pack components have made certain progress in terms of high integration in cooling, heating, and assembly.

[0003] However, despite some progress, there are still technical challenges in highly integrated aspects such as cooling, heating, and assembly, and optimization is also needed for heat dissipation and fault detection of battery assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the background art, this invention proposes a battery thermal management device, management method, and testing method.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

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

[0007] A first crossbeam and a second crossbeam are respectively installed at both ends of one 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 the battery pack, which is divided into several areas.

[0009] The liquid cooling plate integrates a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and cooling channels.

[0010] The cooling channel is connected to a water inlet pipe at its inlet and a water outlet pipe at its outlet.

[0011] The inlet pipe and 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 crossbeam and the liquid cooling plate, and between the second crossbeam and the liquid cooling plate.

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

[0015] A thermal management method, applied to the aforementioned battery thermal management device, includes the following steps:

[0016] The real-time temperature of the battery pack is detected using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0017] The battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and sends 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, the real-time temperature of the battery pack is detected using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including the following steps:

[0020] Real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack were collected over a time period of 10 to 40 seconds using several positive temperature coefficient thermistors.

[0021] Real-time temperature data of different areas within 10 to 40 seconds is 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] The battery management unit determines 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 for the next time period;

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

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

[0027] The flow rate of the coolant in the cooling channel is adjusted based on the control signal, and the flow rate of the coolant is proportional to the rate of temperature change.

[0028] And / or, reduce 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 aforementioned battery thermal management device, includes the following steps:

[0030] Temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period are obtained by using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

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

[0032] Preferably, acquiring temperature data of different regions of the battery pack within a preset time period using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor includes the following steps:

[0033] Real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset cycle is obtained by using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

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

[0035] Preferably, the battery management unit analyzes temperature data of different areas within a preset time period and determines the operating status of different areas of the battery pack, including the following steps:

[0036] The battery management unit determines whether the real-time temperature data of any region within a preset time period is within a preset range.

[0037] If the temperature is within the preset range, continue collecting real-time temperature data.

[0038] If the value exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, check if a battery short circuit has occurred in the corresponding area.

[0039] If the value is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether there is a battery open circuit or battery damage in the corresponding area.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0041] 1. This invention integrates a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and cooling channels inside the liquid cooling plate to achieve electric heating function on the basis of liquid cooling, realizing a high degree of integration. At the same time, the surface of the liquid cooling plate is added with structures such as the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam, which can play a restraining role when the battery pack expands due to heat, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and energy density of the battery pack.

[0042] 2. The main advantage of the management device of the present invention is that it can quickly obtain the working status of the battery pack. By collecting and analyzing real-time temperature data, it can quickly determine whether the battery pack is overheating and take corresponding cooling strategies. In addition, the management device is not limited to managing battery temperature, but can also further determine whether the battery pack has malfunctioned, such as short circuit, open circuit or damage, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated battery thermal management device according to 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 assembling a battery pack is shown.

[0047] Figure 3 A flowchart of a thermal management method according to the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 4 A flowchart of a detection method according to the present invention is shown.

[0049] In the diagram: 1. Liquid cooling plate; 2. First crossbeam; 3. Reinforcing rib; 4. Second crossbeam; 5. Water inlet pipe; 6. Water outlet pipe; 7. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery thermal management device has a main structure of a liquid cooling plate 1. 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. 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 crossbeam 2, and the second crossbeam 4 is used to install the battery pack. The battery pack is divided into several areas, and each area has multiple batteries 7. The batteries 7 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a series-parallel manner.

[0052] It should be noted that the battery 7 generates heat during operation. Since the battery pack is divided into several regions, each region contains multiple batteries 7, which are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel configurations. Therefore, the heat generated by each battery 7 will accumulate. Within the space formed by the liquid cooling plate 1 and the first crossbeam 2 and the second crossbeam 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] To improve heat dissipation, the liquid cooling plate 1 integrates a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) and cooling channels. The inlet of these cooling channels is connected to an inlet pipe 5, and the outlet is connected to an outlet pipe 6. The inlet pipe 5 and outlet pipe 6 are typically installed around the periphery of the liquid cooling plate 1. Figure 1 The inlet pipe 5 and the 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 typically includes a battery management unit (BMU), which is electrically connected to both the battery pack and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor. The BMU is primarily used to monitor the battery status, regulate the charging and discharging process, ensure safe operation of the battery, and communicate with external systems, as detailed below:

[0055] Monitor battery 7 status: Real-time detection of parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature of battery 7, as well as the charging and discharging status of battery 7.

[0056] Adjusting the charging and discharging process: Adjust the charging and discharging current and voltage according to the state and needs of battery 7 to achieve efficient and safe charging and discharging.

[0057] To ensure the safe operation of battery 7: By monitoring the temperature of battery 7, measures are taken to reduce the temperature when the temperature of battery 7 is too high to prevent overheating; at the same time, when the voltage or current of battery 7 is abnormal, the charging and discharging circuit is cut off 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 status information so that the external system can make corresponding adjustments based on the battery status.

[0059] In general, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A PTC heating function is added inside the liquid cooling plate 1 to achieve electric heating on the basis of liquid cooling. At the same time, the upper part is equipped with modules, end plates, crossbeams, and other structures to achieve a high degree of integration between the module and the liquid cooling system. This achieves a high degree of integration of system functions, improving the overall package performance while increasing assembly efficiency and energy density.

[0060] like Figure 3 The image shows a thermal management method applied to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery thermal management device, comprising the following steps:

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

[0062] S101: Real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a time period of 10 to 40 seconds are collected by several positive temperature coefficient thermistors.

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

[0064] S2: The battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and issues control signals, specifically including the following steps:

[0065] S201: The battery management unit determines whether the real-time temperature data of any area exceeds the preset temperature;

[0066] S202: If the preset temperature is not exceeded, the battery management unit waits to analyze the real-time temperature data for 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: Adjust the parameters of the cooling channel based on the control signal, and / or adjust the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, specifically including the following steps:

[0068] S301: Adjusts the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel based on the control signal. The coolant flow rate is proportional to the rate of temperature change.

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

[0070] For example, some alternative implementations are as follows:

[0071] S1: Real-time temperature of the battery pack is detected using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0072] S101: Four positive temperature coefficient thermistors are arranged at the four corners of the battery pack, and temperature data is collected every 20 seconds for a total of 40 seconds.

[0073] S2: Analyzes real-time temperature via the battery management unit and sends control signals.

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

[0075] S202: Analyzes real-time temperature and sends control signals via the battery management unit.

[0076] S203: The battery management unit has a preset temperature threshold of 50°C. It determines whether the real-time temperature of any region exceeds this 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, it calculates the rate of temperature change in the area within 40 seconds and issues a corresponding control signal.

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

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

[0080] S302: and / or reduce 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's important to note that positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors detect the temperature of the four corners of the battery pack in real time by observing the change in their resistance with temperature. These four thermistors collect temperature data every 20 seconds for a total of 40 seconds to obtain accurate temperature information. While the resistance of PTC thermistors increases with temperature, they are not directly used to heat the battery pack in this scenario. However, when the battery management unit detects that a certain area is too cold or needs to be heated (e.g., battery 7 is too cold), it can increase the voltage of the PTC thermistor associated with that area to generate more heat, thus extending the battery 7's lifespan. This heat indirectly helps raise the battery pack temperature, but the primary function is to trigger appropriate temperature regulation measures through the thermistor's monitoring function. It's crucial to understand that directly increasing the PTC voltage to raise the temperature is not its primary or common function; it's more of an auxiliary means within the temperature regulation system.

[0082] like Figure 4 The image shows a detection method applied to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery thermal management device includes the following steps:

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

[0084] D101: Acquires real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset cycle using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor;

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

[0086] D2: Analyzes temperature data in different areas within a preset time period using the battery management unit, and determines the operating status of different areas of the battery pack, specifically including:

[0087] The battery management unit determines whether the real-time temperature data of any region within a preset time period is within a preset range.

[0088] If the temperature is within the preset range, continue collecting real-time temperature data.

[0089] If the value exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, check if the corresponding area has a short circuit in battery 7.

[0090] If the value is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether the corresponding area has an open circuit in battery 7 or whether 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. By collecting and analyzing real-time temperature data, it can quickly determine whether the battery pack is overheating and thus take corresponding cooling strategies. In addition, the management device is not limited to managing the temperature of battery 7, but can also further determine whether the battery pack has malfunctioned, such as short circuit, open circuit or damage of battery 7, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0092] For example, some alternative implementations are as follows:

[0093] The case design parameters are as follows:

[0094] Area 1: Top of the battery pack

[0095] Area 2: Bottom of the battery pack

[0096] Area 3: Left side of the battery pack

[0097] Area 4: Right side of the battery pack

[0098] Preset time interval: 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 check threshold: Temperature exceeds the upper limit of the preset range by 5℃ (i.e., 45℃).

[0106] Short circuit check time: Immediately after abnormal temperature is detected.

[0107] Preset open circuit or damage detection parameters:

[0108] Open circuit or damage inspection threshold: Temperature below the preset lower limit of 5℃ (i.e., 15℃).

[0109] Circuit break or damage inspection time: Immediately after abnormal temperature is detected.

[0110] Detection method steps:

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

[0112] D101: Real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset cycle is obtained using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and recorded as follows:

[0113] Zone 1: 25℃

[0114] Zone 2: 30℃

[0115] Zone 3: 28℃

[0116] Zone 4: 35℃

[0117] D102: Sends real-time temperature data of different areas within a preset period to the battery management unit. D2: Analyzes the temperature data of different areas within a preset time period through the battery management unit and determines the operating status of different areas of the battery pack, specifically 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 region within a preset time period is within a preset range.

[0120] Zone 1: 25℃ (Continue to collect real-time temperature data within the preset range)

[0121] Zone 2: 30℃ (Continue to collect real-time temperature data within the preset range)

[0122] Zone 3: 28℃ (Continue to collect real-time temperature data within the preset range)

[0123] Zone 4: 35℃ (Exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, proceed to the next short circuit check)

[0124] D203: If the value exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, check if a short circuit occurs in battery 7 in the corresponding area.

[0125] Zone 4: When the temperature reaches 35°C, exceeding the preset upper limit of 40°C for short circuit checks, a short circuit check will be performed immediately.

[0126] Short circuit check results: No short circuit was found in area 4. Record the check results and continue monitoring.

[0127] D204: If the value is less than the lower limit of the preset range, check whether there is an open circuit in battery 7 or damage to battery 7 in the corresponding area.

[0128] In this case, the temperature in all areas did not fall below the preset lower limit of 15°C, so there was no need to perform a circuit break or damage check.

[0129] Next steps: Continue monitoring and data analysis 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 situations 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 foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to 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, Includes a liquid cooling plate (1) and a battery management unit; The liquid cooling plate (1) has a first crossbeam (2) and a second crossbeam (4) installed at both ends of one surface. The space formed between the liquid cooling plate (1), the first crossbeam (2), and the second crossbeam (4) is used to install the battery pack, which is divided into several areas. The liquid cooling plate (1) integrates a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and cooling channels. 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 inlet pipe (5) and 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. When the battery thermal management device is being tested: The method involves acquiring temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a preset time period using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, including: acquiring real-time temperature data of different areas of the battery pack within a time period of 10 to 40 seconds using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor; and sending the real-time temperature data of different areas within 10 to 40 seconds to the battery management unit. 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: determining whether the real-time temperature data of any area within a preset time period is within a preset range; if it is within the preset range, then continue to collect real-time temperature data; if it is greater than the upper limit of the preset range, then check whether the battery (7) is short-circuited in the corresponding area; if it is less than the lower limit of the preset range, then check whether the battery (7) is open-circuited or damaged in the corresponding area. The management method of the battery thermal management device includes the following steps: The real-time temperature of the battery pack is detected using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor. The battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and sends control signals. Adjusting the parameters of the cooling channel based on a control signal, and / or adjusting the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, includes: adjusting the coolant flow rate of the cooling channel based on a control signal, wherein the coolant flow rate is proportional to the rate of temperature change; and / or, reducing the voltage of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor to reduce the heat generation of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

2. The battery thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib (3) is 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. The battery thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the battery pack, each region is provided with several batteries connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel connection (7).

4. The battery thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery management unit analyzes the real-time temperature and issues control signals, including the following steps: The battery management unit determines 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 for the next time period; If the temperature exceeds the preset temperature, the rate of temperature change in the corresponding area within 10 to 40 seconds is calculated, and a control signal is issued based on the rate of temperature change.

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