Liquid cooling pipe device for immersed cooling energy storage battery pack

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid cooling pipe device for an immersed cooling energy storage battery pack, which comprises a confluence plate and a plurality of branch pipes, the confluence plate and the branch pipes are internally provided with inner cavities, each branch pipe is communicated with the confluence plate, the inner cavity of each branch pipe is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are separated and communicated, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are communicated with each other. A first flow path and a second flow path which are separated and independent are arranged in an inner cavity of the confluence plate, the first flow channel is communicated with the first flow path, the second flow channel is communicated with the second flow path, and an inlet and an outlet which are communicated with the inner cavity of the confluence plate are formed in the confluence plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid cooling tube device for an immersion cooling energy storage battery pack. Background Art

[0002] Energy storage immersion liquid cooling technology achieves full contact cooling of the cell surface by directly immersing the battery cell in insulating coolant. This technology can significantly improve heat exchange efficiency and reduce the risk of local overheating. While reducing the peak temperature of the cell, it also helps to reduce the temperature gradient, thereby extending the life of the cell and improving the overall safety and operating efficiency of the system. With the continuous improvement of immersion cooling medium performance and sealing structure design technology, the reliability and controllability of immersion cooling are continuously increasing, and more and more companies and research institutions are beginning to try to adopt this solution in actual projects.

[0003] However, some of the immersion liquid cooling solutions currently on the market still have many problems. On the one hand, in order to control the initial investment cost of the system, some solutions have simplified the structural design, liquid selection and flow control, and failed to effectively reduce the temperature difference of the battery cells in actual operation, resulting in unsatisfactory thermal management effects; on the other hand, although some products are advertised as having immersion cooling functions, they are more for marketing purposes and have not been optimized in key performance parameters such as temperature difference control and average temperature regulation. In this case, immersion liquid cooling technology has failed to truly play its due advantages and it is difficult to support the efficient and stable operation of the energy storage system.

[0004] It is worth noting that the temperature difference control of the battery cell is one of the key factors that determine the performance of the energy storage system. The smaller the temperature difference, the higher the consistency between the state of charge and temperature of the battery cell, and the more stable the conversion efficiency of the entire system; on the contrary, if the temperature distribution is uneven, it is easy to cause local aging, capacity reduction, and even safety hazards. Therefore, how to effectively optimize the heat flow path and temperature balance control strategy of the immersion liquid cooling system while controlling the system cost is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the current energy storage thermal management field. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above deficiencies in the prior art and to provide a liquid cooling tube device for immersion cooling of an energy storage battery pack.

[0006] A liquid cooling tube device for an immersion cooling energy storage battery pack comprises a manifold and a plurality of branch pipes, wherein the manifold and the branch pipes are provided with inner cavities, each branch pipe is communicated with the manifold, the inner cavity of each branch pipe is divided into a plurality of communicating flow channels, the plurality of flow channels are communicated with the inner cavity of the manifold, and the manifold is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicated with its inner cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, a plurality of guide ribs are provided on the inner wall of the flow channel, and the coverage area of ​​the guide ribs is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the guide ribs are arranged at intervals and staggered on the inner side walls opposite to each other of the flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the front end surface of the branch pipe is an open structure, the rear end surface of the manifold is provided with a connection port, and the branch pipes are connected to the rear end surface of the manifold in parallel and at intervals in sequence.

[0010] Furthermore, a battery cell module is provided between adjacent branch pipes, the size of the branch pipe located on the outside is smaller than the size of the branch pipe located on the inside, and buckles for connecting with the branch pipes are provided on both sides of the battery cell module.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the manifold is divided into a plurality of independent flow paths, the number of the flow paths is the same as the number of the flow channels, and each flow channel is connected to each flow path in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0012] Furthermore, the flow channel and the flow path are both structures distributed up and down.

[0013] Further, the number of the flow channels and the flow paths are both two, namely, a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a first flow path, and a second flow path.

[0014] Furthermore, the inlet and the outlet are both connected to the first flow path, a baffle is provided between the inlet and the outlet, the baffle is located in the first flow path, and the baffle is used to isolate the inlet from the outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, the interconnection between the flow channels in each branch pipe is located at the rear end of the inner cavity of the branch pipe.

[0016] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] Each branch pipe is divided into multiple interconnected flow channels, which, together with the multiple independent flow paths in the manifold, enable efficient circulation of the liquid cooling medium, which is beneficial to the uniform cooling of the battery module.

[0018] A plurality of guide ribs are arranged in the flow channel and staggeredly distributed on the inner wall, which can enhance liquid disturbance, improve heat exchange efficiency and avoid the generation of local hot spots.

[0019] The branch pipe has an open structure and is installed at parallel intervals at the rear end of the busbar. It is also equipped with a snap-on design to facilitate the assembly and replacement of the battery module, improving the maintainability and modularity of the system.

[0020] The size of the outer branch pipe is smaller than that of the inner branch pipe, which can adapt to the regional design with different heat dissipation requirements, improve the space utilization and the heat dissipation capacity of the overall system.

[0021] The inner cavity of the manifold is divided into multiple flow paths corresponding to the flow channels, which facilitates precise control of fluid flow direction, flow rate and temperature management.

[0022] A baffle is set between the inlet and outlet to effectively isolate the inlet and outlet paths, prevent coolant short circuit, and improve the stability and efficiency of the cooling system.

[0023] The flow channels and flow paths are both up-and-down structures, simplifying the fluid dynamics design and facilitating the flow management of the coolant from top to bottom or from bottom to top. The multiple flow channels in each branch pipe are interconnected at the rear end to ensure the flow continuity of the liquid and ensure that the liquid can evenly cool down every location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid cooling tube device;

[0025] Figure 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the manifold;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the branch pipe;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the branch pipe;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a transverse cross-sectional view of the branch pipe;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the battery module in the cooling tube device;

[0030] In the figure, 1, busbar, 2, branch pipe, 3, inlet, 4, outlet, 5, first flow path, 6, second flow path, 7, baffle, 8, first flow channel, 9, second flow channel, 10, guide ribs, 11, battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings. The embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

[0032] A liquid cooling tube device for an immersion cooling energy storage battery pack comprises a manifold 1 and a plurality of branch pipes 2, wherein the manifold 1 and the branch pipes 2 are both provided with inner cavities, each branch pipe 2 is communicated with the manifold 1, the inner cavity of each branch pipe 2 is divided into a plurality of communicating flow channels, and the plurality of flow channels are all communicated with the inner cavity of the manifold 1, and the manifold 1 is provided with an inlet 3 and an outlet 4 communicated with its inner cavity.

[0033] In this embodiment, multiple branch pipes 2 are arranged at the rear end of the manifold 1, and multiple intercommunication channels are provided inside the branch pipes 2, so as to achieve the distribution and reflux of the coolant between the branch pipes 2. The inner cavity inside the manifold 1 plays the role of liquid confluence and distribution. The coolant is introduced through the inlet 3 and discharged from the outlet 4 after completing heat transfer through the channel.

[0034] This structure enables the coolant to cover multiple branch pipes 2 and distribute inside them, improving the heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the structure is compact and convenient for modular design and assembly. The setting of the manifold 1 makes the liquid flow path clear and controllable, which helps to evenly conduct and diffuse heat and avoid local overheating.

[0035] In a possible implementation, a plurality of guide ribs 10 are provided on the inner wall of the flow channel, and the coverage area of ​​the guide ribs 10 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel.

[0036] In this embodiment, guide ribs 10 are added to the inner wall of each flow channel. These ribs are arranged along the direction of the liquid flow or in a staggered manner to change the liquid flow path and enhance the fluid disturbance, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the liquid and the wall. Through the design of the guide ribs 10, the laminar boundary layer can be effectively broken, the turbulent effect can be enhanced, the coolant can be more fully in contact with the hot surface, the heat exchange efficiency can be significantly improved, and the pressure drop can be controlled within an acceptable range.

[0037] The size, shape and arrangement of the guide ribs 10 can be customized according to the cooling intensity requirements, for example, they can be zigzag, spiral or wavy, and the material can be high thermal conductivity plastic or metal inserts.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the guide ribs 10 are arranged at intervals and staggered on the inner side walls opposite to each other of the flow channel.

[0039] The structure staggers ribs on opposite side walls, so that the coolant forms more flow disturbances during the flow process, and the liquid streamlines are constantly interrupted and deflected, thereby further enhancing the convective heat transfer effect. Through staggered arrangement, the coolant flows to form a complex path, avoid dead zones, fully cover the hot surface of the flow channel, and significantly improve the uniformity and efficiency of heat exchange.

[0040] The staggered spacing and inclination angle of the guide ribs 10 can be optimally set according to the length of the branch pipe 2 and the flow velocity characteristics to obtain the best heat transfer performance and flow stability.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the front end face of the branch pipe 2 is an open structure, the rear end face of the manifold 1 is provided with a connection port, and the branch pipes 2 are connected to the rear end face of the manifold 1 in parallel and at intervals. This structure allows liquid to enter or discharge directly from the front end of the branch pipe 2, forming a shorter liquid flow path, which is conducive to rapid heat exchange. At the same time, modular layout and installation are achieved through the connection port of the manifold 1, which is convenient for maintenance and replacement. The use of an open branch pipe 2 structure simplifies the manufacturing process, facilitates the integration of the branch pipe 2 with the battery cell 11 module and the heat dissipation system, and improves the overall assembly efficiency and flexibility.

[0042] In a possible implementation, a battery cell 11 module is provided between adjacent branch pipes 2, the size of the outer branch pipe 2 is smaller than the size of the inner branch pipe 2, and buckles for connecting with the branch pipe 2 are provided on both sides of the battery cell 11 module. The overall structure has the advantages of high modularity, fast assembly, and uniform cooling, which effectively improves the system integration and thermal management performance. The buckle connection method can be replaced by magnetic positioning, latch clamping, or spring sheet crimping to meet different mechanical strength or disassembly and assembly frequency requirements.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the inner cavity of the manifold 1 is divided into multiple independent flow paths, the number of flow paths is the same as the number of flow channels, and each flow channel is connected to each flow path one by one. This structure realizes the independent liquid supply and return path control of the internal flow channel of each branch pipe 2, so that the flow channels at different positions can obtain stable flow and cooling capacity. This design enables the system to have higher liquid flow distribution accuracy and heat dissipation controllability, which helps to reduce the temperature gradient and improve the balance of the thermal management of the whole package.

[0044] The number and correspondence of flow paths can be adjusted through partitions, and distributed control valves can also be introduced to adapt to different operating modes.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the flow channel and the flow path are both distributed in an up-and-down structure. This implementation separates the hot flow and the cold flow in space through a vertical layered structure, which helps to form a stable convection loop and reduce fluid short circuit or backflow problems. The up-and-down structure is conducive to forming natural convection or optimizing the forced flow path, improving the efficiency of the overall thermal management system.

[0046] The distribution pattern can also be bilaterally symmetrical or inclined to meet different layout space and fluid mechanics requirements.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the number of the flow channels and flow paths are both two, namely, the first flow channel 8 , the second flow channel 9 , the first flow path 5 , and the second flow path 6 .

[0048] This structure refines the cooling path, which is conducive to implementing differentiated control, such as using coolants with different flow rates or temperatures in different battery cell 11 areas to cope with uneven heat source distribution. Too many flow channels will cause the liquid to flow through the entire module for too long, resulting in a large temperature difference between battery cells 11 that are far apart. It is conducive to directional cooling control and zoned thermal management, while improving the system's adjustment ability and response speed.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the inlet 3 and the outlet 4 are both connected to the first flow path 5, and a baffle 7 is provided between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4. The baffle 7 is located in the first flow path 5, and the baffle 7 is used to isolate the inlet 3 from the outlet 4. This structure limits the short-circuit reflux of the liquid through the baffle 7, ensuring that the liquid flows through the entire cooling path and improving the cooling effect. The baffle 7 is located in the first flow path 5 to force the liquid to move forward along the set path and then return to form a complete cycle. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture, and can effectively improve the fluid path utilization and heat exchange efficiency. The baffle 7 can adopt a plug-in type, a sliding type or a rotating structure, and can also be replaced by a dynamically adjustable baffle component to achieve adjustable flow direction control.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the interconnection between the flow channels in each branch pipe 2 is located at the rear end of the inner cavity of the branch pipe 2. This structure allows the coolant to converge or switch flow direction at the rear of the branch pipe 2 after passing through each flow channel, which is conducive to controlling the liquid flow rate, pressure and heat exchange balance. The rear end interconnection arrangement helps prevent the front end temperature from being too high, while optimizing the overall flow path of the liquid and improving the cooling efficiency.

[0051] The flow of coolant in this device is as follows:

[0052] The coolant enters the first flow path 5 of one side of the baffle 7 from the inlet 3, and then enters the first flow channel 8 of the branch pipe 2 in this part, flows to the end of the branch pipe 2, enters the second flow channel 9 of these branch pipes 2, and then enters the second flow path 6 of the manifold 1 from the second flow channel 9. Since each of the second flow paths 6 is blocked, the entire second flow path 6 is connected, and the coolant enters the second flow channel 9 of the branch pipe 2 on the other side of the baffle 7 through the second flow path 6. As the coolant gradually increases, the water level gradually rises, and enters the first flow channel 8 of the other branch pipe 2, and then enters the first flow path 5 on the other side of the baffle 7, and is discharged from the outlet 4 to complete the cycle.

[0053] Working principle: guide ribs are added to the internal flow channel of the branch pipe to increase the resistance of the internal liquid flow, which not only increases the heat exchange contact area, but also optimizes the flow trajectory of the internal flow channel. The size of the branch pipe located on the inside is increased to obtain a larger heat flow.

[0054] In terms of temperature difference, the rear busbar is eliminated and a single branch pipe layered solution is adopted. One branch pipe has two layers, which form a channel. The exchange of imports and exports is completed at the front busbar, and all branches are formed into a reflux. A combination of large and small branches is adopted. The large branch pipe is used in the area where the heat of the entire battery pack is most concentrated, that is, the inside. The small branch pipe is at the edge. There are battery cell modules on both sides of the inner branch pipe, and the heat dissipation work it bears is twice that of the edge branch pipe. Therefore, the heat dissipation load capacity is increased by increasing the size of the middle branch pipe on the inside. This design balances the heat distribution in the battery pack and further reduces the temperature difference of the battery pack.

[0055] In addition, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are respectively provided at the inlet and outlet of the busbar, and threads are provided on the pipe bodies, which fit with the outer shell of the battery pack and are locked by nuts.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling tube device for immersion cooling of energy storage battery pack, characterized in that: It includes a manifold and multiple branch pipes, wherein the manifold and the branch pipes are provided with inner cavities, each branch pipe is communicated with the manifold, the inner cavity of each branch pipe is divided into multiple communicating flow channels, the multiple flow channels are all connected with the inner cavity of the manifold, and the manifold is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicated with its inner cavity.

2. The liquid cooling tube device according to any one of claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of guide ribs are arranged on the inner wall of the flow channel, and the coverage area of ​​the guide ribs is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel.

3. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide ribs are arranged at intervals and staggered on the inner side walls opposite to the flow channel.

4. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end face of the branch pipe is an open structure, the rear end face of the manifold is provided with a connection port, and the branch pipes are connected to the rear end face of the manifold in parallel and at intervals in sequence.

5. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A battery cell module is arranged between adjacent branch pipes, the size of the branch pipe located on the outside is smaller than the size of the branch pipe located on the inside, and buckles for connecting with the branch pipes are arranged on both sides of the battery cell module.

6. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity of the manifold is divided into a plurality of independent flow paths, the number of the flow paths is the same as the number of the flow channels, and each flow channel is connected to each flow path in a one-to-one correspondence.

7. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow channel and the flow path are both structures distributed up and down.

8. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The number of the flow channels and the flow paths are both two, namely a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a first flow path, and a second flow path.

9. The liquid cooling tube device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inlet and the outlet are both connected to the first flow path. A baffle is arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The baffle is located in the first flow path and is used to isolate the inlet from the outlet.

10. The liquid cooling tube device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The interconnection between the flow channels in each branch pipe is located at the rear end of the inner cavity of the branch pipe.

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