Heat exchange assembly

Abstract

A heat exchange assembly for a battery system is provided. The heat exchange element extends in a first direction with at least one first channel and at least one second channel disposed between the first surface and the second surface, each channel extending in the first direction. At least one first opening is disposed on the first surface and at least one second opening is disposed on the second surface. A fluid distribution member is mounted on the heat exchange element, the fluid distribution member including an inlet port for distributing a fluid and an outlet port for distributing an outflow of the fluid.

Description

Cross-reference

[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 23216652.0, filed on December 14, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of battery systems including a plurality of battery cells, and more particularly to the field of heat exchange in battery systems. Background Art

[0003] Batteries including a plurality of battery cells play an increasingly important role in energy storage for both mobility and grid storage applications.

[0004] The temperature of the battery cells is crucial for the performance of the battery cells, such as for the charge and discharge capacity of the battery cells. The temperature of the battery cells also affects the lifespan of the battery cells and thus the lifespan of the battery.

[0005] During operation, the battery cells generate heat, and the heat needs to be properly discharged from the battery to ensure the safe operation of the battery.

[0006] In addition, in cases where the battery temperature, which is affected by, for example, the temperature of the environment surrounding the battery, is not conducive to the operation of the battery, it may be necessary to heat the battery cells. In such cases, it may be necessary to heat the battery to at least a predetermined temperature above which safe operation of the battery can be guaranteed before the battery is operated.

[0007] To this end, batteries are typically equipped with a system for heat exchange transfer. The system for heat exchange transfer typically employs a heat exchange fluid for heat exchange between the battery cells and the heat exchange fluid.

[0008] The temperature of the heat exchange fluid typically varies as the heat exchange fluid flows through the heat exchange system. For cooling, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid typically increases as the battery cells release heat to the heat exchange fluid. For heating, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid typically decreases as the heat exchange fluid releases heat to the battery cells. This variation in the temperature of the heat exchange fluid causes some battery cells to exhibit a higher degree of heat exchange than other battery cells in the battery.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a heat exchange system that can maintain a more uniform temperature of the heat exchange fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To achieve this object, in one aspect, the present invention provides a heat exchange assembly for a battery system, the battery system including a plurality of battery cells, the heat exchange assembly including: A heat exchange element extending along a first direction and having: - A first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction ; - At least one first channel and at least one second channel, both for accommodating a fluid and disposed between the first surface and the second surface, each of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel extending along the first direction, and - At least one first opening, disposed on the first surface, the at least one first opening being in fluid communication with the at least one first channel, and at least one second opening, disposed on the second surface, the at least one second opening being in fluid communication with the at least one second channel, The heat exchange assembly further comprises: A fluid distribution member mounted on the heat exchange element, the fluid distribution member comprising: an inlet port for distributing the fluid into the at least one first channel via the first opening; and an outlet port for distributing the fluid out of the at least one second channel via the second opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented for a better understanding of the inventive concept of the present invention but should not be construed as limiting the present invention, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 The heat exchange assembly is schematically shown;

[0013] Figure 2a The heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0014] Figure 2b A cross-section of the heat exchange element of the heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 3a The heat exchange element of the heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 3b The heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 Elements of the fluid distribution member of the heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0018] Figure 5 Elements of the heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0019] Figure 6 A cross-section of a part of the heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 7 Shows a cross-section of a part of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 Shows a heat exchange element of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figures 9a to 9d Shows an example of an end member of a heat exchange assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 10a Shows the distribution of a first opening and a second opening on a heat exchange element of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10b Shows the distribution of a first opening on a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11a and Figure 11b Shows an example of a fluid distribution member of a heat exchange assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 12a and Figure 12b Shows a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 13 Shows an element of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 14 Shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid distribution member of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 15 Shows a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 16 Shows a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0031] In Figure 1 the upper half of which is schematically shown a heat exchange assembly, which includes a heat exchange element extending along a first direction (represented by x in the figure). The heat exchange element can be used in a battery system including a plurality of battery cells. The heat exchange element can have a parallelepiped shape, having a front surface ( Figure 1 the surface shown in Figure 1is schematically indicated by an arrow. The heat exchange element further includes: an inlet port for distributing the heat exchange fluid in one or more channels; and an outlet port for distributing the heat exchange fluid outside the one or more channels and thus outside the heat exchange element.

[0032] In Figure 1 the upper part of, it is shown that the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged at two end surfaces of the heat exchange element, and the two end surfaces face each other along a first direction. In Figure 1 the upper part of, it is shown that the inlet port is arranged at the end surface on the left side of the figure (left end surface), and the outlet port is arranged at the end surface on the right side of the figure (right end surface). With this arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port, the heat exchange fluid flows from the left end surface towards the right end surface.

[0033] With this arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port, when the fluid flows towards the outlet port arranged at the right end surface, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid changes (which is schematically indicated by the arrows shown as solid lines, dash-dotted lines and dotted lines in Figure 1 ). In other words, with this arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port, in the middle part of the heat exchange element, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid (dash-dotted line arrow) is different from the temperature of the heat exchange fluid in the part closer to the left end surface (solid line arrow). In the part of the heat exchange element closer to the right end surface, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid (dotted line arrow) is even more different from the temperature of the heat exchange fluid in the part closer to the left end surface.

[0034] In Figure 1 the lower part of, the heat exchange element is schematically shown, on which the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged at the same end surface, here the left end surface. In this arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port, the heat exchange element includes at least one channel arranged in the upper part of the heat exchange element (the upper part is above the dotted line in Figure 1 ), and at least one channel arranged in the lower part of the heat exchange element (the lower part is below the dotted line in Figure 1 ). At least one channel arranged in the upper part and at least one channel arranged in the lower part are in fluid communication near the right end surface. The heat exchange fluid enters at least one channel arranged in the upper part via the inlet port and flows towards the right end surface. Near the right end surface, the heat exchange fluid makes a U-turn and enters at least one fluid channel arranged in the lower part, and flows towards the outlet port arranged at the left end surface. The heat exchange fluid leaves the heat exchange element via the outlet port. In this arrangement of the inlet port and the outlet port, the temperature of the heat exchange fluid changes as it flows towards the outlet port (which is schematically indicated by the arrows shown as solid lines, dash-dotted lines and dotted lines in Figure 1 ).

[0035] Therefore, in the heat exchange element shown in the upper part as in Figure 1 and the heat exchange element shown in the lower part as in Figure 1 , it is difficult to maintain a uniform temperature of the heat exchange fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port. Due to the non-uniform temperature of the heat exchange fluid, some battery cells will exhibit a higher degree of heat transfer than other battery cells in the battery cell.

[0036] To solve this, the present invention proposes a heat exchange assembly that provides a better flow distribution of the heat exchange fluid in terms of thermal performance.

[0037] Figure 2a Fig. schematically shows a heat exchange assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchange assembly 100 is for a battery system. The battery system includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells can be mounted on the heat exchange assembly 100, or can be in direct or indirect contact with the heat exchange assembly 100 without being fixed to the heat exchange assembly 100. The battery system can be a battery module or a battery pack. The battery pack can include one or more battery modules. In other embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack can include a battery cell group. The battery cells in each group can be mounted on the heat exchange assembly 100, or can be in direct or indirect contact with the heat exchange assembly 100 without being fixed to the heat exchange assembly.

[0038] The heat exchange assembly 100 includes a heat exchange element 1. The heat exchange element 1 can have the form of a parallelepiped. The surface can be a flat surface, however this is not restrictive, as further elaborated below. In other words, at least one or more surfaces can not be flat surfaces. The heat exchange element 1 extends along a first direction. In Figure 2a , the first direction is denoted as x. The dimension of the heat exchange element 1 along the first direction is also referred to as the length of the heat exchange element 1 hereinafter.

[0039] The heat exchange element 1 has a first surface 2. The first surface 2 is shown in Figure 2a . This surface can also be referred to as the front surface. The heat exchange element 1 also has a second surface ( Figure 2a not shown in the figure), and the second surface faces the first surface 2 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The direction in which the second surface faces the first surface is denoted as z in Figure 2a . The dimension of the heat exchange element 1 between the first surface 2 and the second surface is also referred to as the thickness of the heat exchange element 1 hereinafter.

[0040] The heat exchange element 1 further includes at least one first channel 4 (schematically indicated by arrows) and at least one second channel 5 (schematically indicated by arrows), each channel for accommodating a fluid and arranged between the first surface 2 and the second surface. The fluid may also be referred to hereinafter as a heat exchange fluid. Each of the at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 extends along a first direction (x direction).

[0041] As further elaborated below, the at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 may be in fluid communication with each other. In Figure 2a it is shown that the at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 may be in fluid communication with each other at each end side of the heat exchange element 1. The end sides are the end sides facing each other along the x direction. They may also be referred to hereinafter as the left end side and the right end side ( Figure 2a the left end side in Figure 2a and the right end side in).

[0042] The heat exchange element 1 further includes at least one first opening 6 provided on the first surface 2. The at least one first opening 6 is in fluid communication with the at least one first channel 4. The heat exchange element 1 further includes at least one second opening ( Figure 2a not shown in) provided on the second surface 3. The at least one second opening is in fluid communication with the at least one second channel 5.

[0043] Each of the at least one first opening 6 and the at least one second opening 7 being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 means that the fluid can enter or leave a corresponding one of the at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 via a corresponding one of the at least one first opening 6 and the at least one second opening 7.

[0044] The heat exchange assembly 100 further includes a fluid distribution member 8 mounted on the heat exchange element 1. The fluid distribution member 8 includes: an inlet port 9 for distributing the fluid in the at least one first channel 4 via the at least one first opening 6; and an outlet port 10 for distributing the fluid out of the at least one second channel 5 via the at least one second opening 7.

[0045] The at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 may be arranged along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (z direction). In Figure 2a the third direction is represented by y. The dimension of the heat exchange element 1 along the y direction is also referred to herein as the height of the heat exchange element 1. The at least one first channel 4 and the at least one second channel 5 may be arranged to face each other along the third direction.

[0046] Preferably, at least one first channel 4 is arranged in the top (the upper side in the figure) of the heat exchange element 1, and at least one second channel 5 is arranged in the bottom (the lower side in the figure) of the heat exchange element 1. In other words, preferably, the heat exchange assembly 100 is arranged in the battery system such that at least one first channel 4 is above at least one second channel 5.

[0047] At least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 may be arranged along a third direction (y direction). At least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 may be respectively provided on the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1.

[0048] In Figure 2a it is shown that at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 are respectively provided on the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1.

[0049] The fluid distribution member 8 may be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 in a part of the heat exchange element 1 where at least one of the at least one first opening 6 and the at least one second opening 7 is provided. As Figure 2a shown, the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted on the heat exchange element 1 in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1.

[0050] The middle part of the heat exchange element 1 may be a part of the heat exchange element 1, which may include the center line m of the heat exchange element 1, but may also be a part of the heat exchange element 1 on one side or the other side of the center line along the extension direction of the heat exchange element 1. Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention, the middle part is a part of the heat exchange element 1 that includes the center line m and extends to a predetermined position x1 and a predetermined position x2 on both sides (along the first direction) of the center line m. The term "center line" m represents a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the heat exchange element (this direction is Figure 2a represented as the y direction in Figure 2a ), and symbolically cuts the heat exchange element 1, and thus symbolically divides the heat exchange element 1 into two equal parts (

[0051] The fluid distribution member 8 does not need to be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1. Further, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 do not need to be provided in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid distribution member 8 may be mounted in a part of the heat exchange element 1 closer to the left end side or the right end side of the heat exchange element 1. Further, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 may be provided in a part of the heat exchange element 1 closer to the left end side or the right end side of the heat exchange element. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 are provided in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1.

[0052] Compared with Figure 1 the arrangement shown in Figure 2a the heat exchange module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in is capable of achieving a better flow distribution of the heat exchange fluid in terms of heat performance. Since the temperature of the heat exchange fluid is more uniform closer to the left end side and the right end side of the heat exchange element 1, battery cells that can be mounted on the heat exchange module 100 (for example, mounted on the first surface 2 and / or the second surface 3 of the heat exchange element 1) or can be in direct or indirect contact with the heat exchange module 100 without being fixed to the heat exchange module 100 can be cooled more uniformly. The arrangement in which the heat exchange fluid makes a U-turn (double U-turn) near the left end side and the right end side ensures that the battery cells receive a more uniform heat exchange effect from the heat exchange fluid. Further, the heat exchange fluid has a shorter heat exchange path, which increases the heat exchange efficiency.

[0053] The external shape of the heat exchange element 1 can vary in terms of the thickness t, the thickness between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5 (also referred to as the rib thickness r), the cross-section of each of at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5 (also referred to as the void size v), and the number of first channels 4 and the number of second channels 5. This external shape of the heat exchange element 1 affects the heat performance of the heat exchange element 1, the pressure drop of the heat exchange element 1, and the structural stiffness. Therefore, generally, the external shape of the heat exchange element 1 is selected according to the application environment of the heat exchange element 1. Generally, the external shape of the heat exchange element 1 is selected to balance the heat performance, the pressure drop, and the structural stiffness.

[0054] In Figure 2b is shown a cross-section of the heat exchange element 1 including a plurality of first channels 4 and a plurality of second channels 5 in an embodiment of the present invention. Typical dimensions are, for example, 3.68 mm for v, 0.80 mm for r, 2.25 mm for d, and 0.60 mm for t.

[0055] The central rib 50 is a separating rib between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5, and in this embodiment, it is a separating rib between a plurality of first channels 4 and a plurality of second channels 5. The thickness of the central rib 50 may be different from the thicknesses of other ribs. The thickness of the central rib 50 can be adjusted to prevent or reduce heat transfer between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5 as much as possible. More specifically, the thickness of the central rib 50 can be adjusted to prevent or reduce heat transfer between adjacent first channels 4 and second channels 5 as much as possible. The thickness of the central rib 50 can be greater than the thicknesses of other ribs. In this case, less heat is exchanged between adjacent first channels 4 and second channels 5.

[0056] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange element 1 can be a one-piece extruded element. Therefore, it should be understood that the heat exchange element 1 can be formed into a one-piece element or a one-piece component by extrusion. The term "component" can be used interchangeably with the term "element" herein. A one-piece element or a one-piece component should be understood as a single physically undivided piece. In other words, to manufacture the heat exchange element 1, a piece of material can be formed by extrusion for forming the first surface 2, the second surface 3, at least one first channel 4, and at least one second channel 5. Then, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 can be formed by drilling in a corresponding one of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3.

[0057] Since at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 are provided on the heat exchange element 1 on a corresponding one of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3, the heat exchange element 1 can be provided as a one-piece extruded element. This eliminates the need to provide the heat exchange element 2 as at least two components and connect them in the portion where the fluid distribution member 8 is installed. The one-piece heat exchange element 1 has increased structural stability compared to a heat exchange element 1 provided in two or more pieces.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 can be arranged along the center line m on a corresponding one of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3. In other embodiments of the present invention, at least one first opening 6 can be arranged on one side of the center line m and / or at least one second opening 7 can be provided on the opposite side of the center line m. In other words, in these embodiments of the present invention, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 can be arranged on opposite sides of the center line m. In other embodiments of the present invention, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 can be provided on the same side of the center line m.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 may have the same shape and / or the same size. For example, at least one first opening 6 and at least one second opening 7 may have a circular shape.

[0060] In other embodiments of the present invention, the shape of at least one first opening 6 may be different from the shape of at least one second opening 7, and / or the size of at least one first opening 6 may be different from the size of at least one second opening 7.

[0061] As described above, in an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid distribution member 8 may be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1. The fluid distribution member 8 may be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 such that the inlet port 9 is arranged to face the first surface 2 and the outlet port 10 is arranged to face the second surface 3.

[0062] In Figure 3a a part of the heat exchange element 1 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the heat exchange element 1 has a plurality of first openings 6 provided on the first surface 2 and a plurality of second openings 7 provided on the second surface 3.

[0063] In addition, in Figure 3a it is shown that the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 are not flat surfaces but have formed undulations. Each undulation may be arranged to accommodate at least one battery cell. In other words, in each undulation on the first surface 2, a battery cell may be arranged. The battery cell may be arranged in the undulation by gluing it in the corresponding undulation on the first surface 2. However, gluing may not be necessary, and other ways of providing the battery cell in the undulation may also be used. Similarly, in each undulation on the second surface 3, a battery cell may be arranged.

[0064] The undulations increase the stacking density of the battery cells and increase the compactness of the battery system. Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention where the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1, the undulations are provided in a part of the heat exchange element 1 other than the middle part. In other words, the undulations are preferably provided in a part of the heat exchange element 1 other than the part where the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted on the heat exchange element 1. In other embodiments, undulations may also be provided in the part of the heat exchange element 1 where the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted on the heat exchange element 1.

[0065] In Figure 3b it is shown the fluid distribution member 8 mounted on the heat exchange element 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 3bAs shown, the fluid distribution member 8 is mounted on the heat exchange element 1 such that the inlet port 9 is arranged to face the first surface 2 and the outlet port 10 is arranged to face the second surface 3.

[0066] Preferably, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the fluid distribution member 8 is a preformed one-piece element (preformed one-piece part) which is arranged to be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 by sliding along a third direction (y direction).

[0067] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 4 shown, the fluid distribution member 8 may have a fluid distribution member plate 81, on which the inlet port 9 and the outlet port 10 are arranged. The fluid distribution member plate 81 may be a curved plate having a curved portion 811 and two side surfaces 812, 813 facing each other, the distance between the two side surfaces being arranged to fit on the heat exchange element 1 on the first surface 2 and the second surface 3. The fluid distribution member 8 is arranged to be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 by sliding along the third direction (y direction) such that one side surface 812 slides on the first surface 2 and the other side surface 813 slides on the second surface 3. It should be understood that although the elements are shown as separate elements in Figure 4 , preferably, the fluid distribution member 8 is a preformed one-piece element. In other words, Figure 4 the elements shown in

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange assembly 100 may further include a first support element 21. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchange assembly 100 may include a second support element 22. The first support element 21 and the second support element 22 may both be mounted on the fluid distribution member 8. The first support element 21 may include: an inlet opening 211 for receiving the inlet port 9; and an outlet opening 212 for receiving the outlet port 10 of the fluid distribution member 8. Similarly, the second support element 22 may include: an inlet opening 221 for receiving the inlet port 9; and an outlet opening 222 for receiving the outlet port 10 of the fluid distribution member 8.

[0069] In Figure 5 , an exploded view of the heat exchange element 1, the fluid distribution member 8, the first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 in an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The fluid distribution member 8 may be mounted on the heat exchange element 1 by sliding, as described above.

[0070] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the inlet port 9, the outlet port 10, and the first support element 21 may be assembled together. In a further step, the fluid distribution member 81 may be mounted around the heat exchange member 1 along the y direction. In yet another step, the assembled inlet port 9, outlet port 10, and first support element 21 may be positioned on the fluid distribution member 81. Subsequently, the second support element 22 may be installed to connect the inlet port 9 and the outlet port 10. In yet another step, brazing may be performed.

[0071] The first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 contribute to the alignment of the fluid distribution member 8 on the heat exchange element 1 and increase the structural stability of the heat exchange assembly 100.

[0072] Figure 3b A fluid distribution member 8 mounted on the heat exchange element 1 is shown, where the first support plate 21 and the second support plate 22 are mounted on respective sides.

[0073] The inlet port 9 may include at least one inlet opening 91 arranged to be in fluid communication with at least one first opening 6, and the outlet port 10 may include at least one outlet opening 101 arranged to be in fluid communication with at least one second opening 7.

[0074] In Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange assembly 100 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 6 it is shown that the inlet port 9 of the fluid distribution member 8 includes one inlet opening 91, and the outlet port 10 of the fluid distribution member 8 includes one outlet opening 101. In Figure 6 the embodiment shown, the heat exchange element 1 includes a plurality of first openings 6 and a plurality of second openings 7. One inlet opening 91 is in fluid communication with the plurality of first openings 6, and one outlet opening 101 is in fluid communication with the plurality of second openings 7 (the fluid communication is schematically indicated by arrows).

[0075] In other embodiments of the present invention, the inlet port 9 may include a plurality of inlet openings 91, and the outlet port 10 may include a plurality of outlet openings 101. The plurality of inlet openings 91 may be arranged in fluid communication with at least one opening 6, and the plurality of outlet openings 101 may be arranged in fluid communication with at least one second opening 7. Providing a plurality of inlet openings 91 and a plurality of outlet openings 101 increases the structural stability of the fluid distribution member 8, but also increases the pressure drop across the heat exchange element 1. On the other hand, one inlet opening 91 and one outlet opening 9 achieve a better pressure drop across the heat exchange element 1. Depending on the material of the heat exchange element 1 and the material of the fluid distribution member 8, as well as depending on the specific application of the heat exchange assembly 100 in the battery system and the specific application of the battery system, the number of inlet openings 91 and the number of outlet openings 101 can be selected to balance between the pressure drop and the structural stability.

[0076] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the heat exchange element 1, in the portion where the fluid distribution member 8 is to be installed, for example, in the middle portion as described above, the first surface 2 may have a first protrusion 11 extending outward from the heat exchange element 1, and the second surface 3 may have a first protrusion 12 extending outward from the heat exchange element 1. The first protrusion 11 of the first surface 2 may form an inlet chamber 111 around at least one first opening 6, and the first protrusion 12 of the second surface 3 may form an outlet chamber 121 around at least one second opening 7.

[0077] In Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange assembly in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 7 a first surface 2 having a first protrusion 11 is shown. The first protrusion 11 forms an inlet chamber 111 around at least one first opening 6. The inlet opening 91 of the inlet port 9 leads to the inlet chamber 111. In Figure 7 a second surface 3 having a first protrusion 12 is shown. The first protrusion 12 forms an outlet chamber 121 around at least one second opening 7. The outlet opening 101 leads to the outlet chamber 121.

[0078] Figure 7 It is also shown in that the first surface 2 has a second protrusion 13 extending outward from the heat exchange element 1. The second surface 3 has a second protrusion 14 extending outward from the heat exchange element 1. The wall of the inlet port 9 abuts at least a part of the second protrusion 13 of the first surface 2, and the wall of the outlet port 10 abuts at least a part of the second protrusion 14 of the second surface 3. Each of the second protrusions 13, 14 of the corresponding one of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 helps to align the fluid distribution member 8 on the heat exchange element.

[0079] Each of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 between the corresponding first protrusions 11, 12 and the corresponding second protrusions 13, 14 may have a flat shape.

[0080] This form of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3 prevents the heat exchange fluid to be distributed in at least one first channel 4 from mixing with the heat exchange fluid to be distributed out of at least one second channel 5.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange assembly 100 may further include: a first end member 15 disposed on one end side of the heat exchange element 1; and a second end member 16 disposed on the other end side of the heat exchange element 1. This is schematically shown in Figure 8 Each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 may be arranged to establish fluid communication between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to establish fluid communication between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5, each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 may have a curved shape for guiding fluid between at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5. The curved shape is shown in Figure 9a The curved shape gives each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 a "banana" - like shape. The path along which the heat exchange fluid is guided from at least one first channel 4 to at least one second channel 5 is shown by arrows in Figure 9a In each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16, no more channels need to be provided. The fluid is guided to flow from at least one first channel 4 to at least one second channel 5 through the shape of each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16, and this shape naturally forces the fluid to flow from at least one first channel to at least one second channel. For this purpose, as described above, preferably, at least one first channel 4 is provided in the top of the heat exchange element 1, and at least one second channel 5 is provided in the lower part of the heat exchange element 1. Thus, each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 may be a one - piece member that is pushed on the corresponding end - side surface of the heat exchange element 1, thereby closing the heat exchange element 1.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 may have other shapes. Examples in embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figure 9b and Figure 9c Examples of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 having a rectangular shape are shown in Figure 9b Examples of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 having a cylindrical shape are shown in Figure 9c ​

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 may include at least one opening 151, 161. The at least one opening 151, 161 may be used to suspend the heat exchange element 1 during coating application to add an insulating material on the outer surface of the heat exchange element 1. Figure 9d An example of the first end member 15 and the second end member 16 provided with two such openings 151, 161 is shown.

[0085] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the heat exchange element 1, a plurality of first channels 4 may be arranged along a third direction and / or a plurality of second channels may be arranged along the third direction. Preferably, the total number of the first channels and / or the second channels is a multiple of 2.

[0086] The cross-section of each of the plurality of first channels 4 may be the same as or different from the cross-section of another one of the plurality of first channels 4 and / or from the cross-section of one or more or all of the plurality of second channels 5.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present invention where the number of the first channels 4 is greater than the number of the second channels 5, it may be preferable to provide one or more or all of the plurality of second channels 5 having a cross-section larger than the cross-section of one or more or all of the plurality of first channels 4.

[0088] However, it is preferable to provide the same number of first channels 4 and second channels 5 having the same cross-section to ensure a uniform distribution of the fluid passing through the first channels 4 and the second channels 5.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of first channels 4 and / or a plurality of second channels 5 are provided, a first opening 6 may be provided which is arranged to be in fluid communication with each of the plurality of first channels 4, and a second opening 7 may be provided which is arranged to be in fluid communication with each of the plurality of second channels 5.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of first channels 4 and / or a plurality of second channels 5 are provided, a plurality of first openings 6 may be provided on a first surface. Each of the plurality of first openings 6 may be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first channels 4. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of second openings 7 may be provided on the second surface 3. Each of the plurality of second openings 7 may be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second channels 5.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible that the number of the first openings 6 is less than or greater than the number of the first channels 4, and the number of the second openings 7 is less than or greater than the number of the second channels 5.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first openings 6 may be less than the number of the first channels 4. In this embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of first openings 6 may be in fluid communication with a group of first channels 4. Additionally or alternatively, the number of the second openings 7 may be less than the number of the second channels 5. Each of the plurality of second openings 7 may be in fluid communication with a group of second channels 5.

[0093] In this embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of secondary first channels may be provided in the heat exchange element 1, and each of the plurality of secondary first channels establishes fluid communication between a first opening 6 and a corresponding group of first channels 4. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of secondary second channels may be provided in the heat exchange element 1, and each of the plurality of secondary second channels establishes fluid communication between a second opening 7 and a corresponding group of second channels 5.

[0094] The plurality of first openings 6 and the plurality of second openings 7 may be arranged along the center line m or may be arranged on opposite sides of the center line m. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first openings 6 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern on one side of the center line, and the plurality of second openings may be arranged in a zigzag pattern on the opposite side of the center line m. Figure 10a This arrangement is shown in. In this embodiment, the plurality of first openings 6 may be provided in the top of the first surface 2, while the plurality of second openings 7 may be provided in the bottom of the second surface 3.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first openings 6 may be provided on the first surface 2 in a zigzag pattern extending from the top to the bottom of the first surface 2. Similarly, the plurality of second openings 7 may be provided on the second surface 3 in a zigzag pattern extending from the top to the bottom of the second surface 3. Figure 10b The arrangement of the plurality of first openings 6 is shown in.

[0096] The arrangement of the first openings 6 and / or the second openings 7 in a zigzag pattern enables an increase in the number of the corresponding first openings 6 and second openings 7 and maintains the structural stability of the heat exchange element 1.

[0097] In Figure 11a and Figure 11b A fluid distribution member 8 in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment of the present invention, the fluid distribution member 8 consists of two pieces and is thus a two-piece element. Each of the inlet port 9 and the outlet port 10 is mounted on a different piece of the fluid distribution member 8. In this embodiment of the present invention, the fluid distribution member 8 may not be mounted by sliding as described above, but each piece may be mounted on a corresponding one of the first surface 2 and the second surface 3. Then, the mounted pieces may be connected to each other and / or to the heat exchange element 1.

[0098] In Figure 11a the illustrated embodiment, each of the first piece and the second piece is fixed to the heat exchange element 1 (the positions where one piece is fixed to the heat exchange element 1 are shown by dashed circles in the figure). In Figure 11b the illustrated embodiment, each of the first piece and the second piece is fixed to each other on the upper side and the lower side of the heat exchange element 1 (in the figure, the dashed circles show the positions where these pieces are fixed to each other).

[0099] In Figure 12a an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the fluid distribution member 8 is provided at one end side of the heat exchange element 1. In this embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange element 1 may be a one-piece extrusion element as described above. The fluid distribution member 8 may be provided at one end side of the heat exchange element 1, and an end member 15 may be provided at the opposite side of the heat exchange element 1. In this embodiment, the fluid makes a U-turn only at the end side where the end member 15 is provided.

[0100] In this embodiment of the present invention, a separator 60 for separating at least one first channel 4 and at least one second channel 5 may be provided in the fluid distribution member 8. In Figure 12b it, a part of the heat exchange assembly 100 having the fluid distribution member 8 is shown in the left half, and a cross-sectional view of the part shown in the left half is shown in the right half.

[0101] In another embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange element 1 may be a two-piece extrusion element. The fluid distribution member 8 may also be a two-piece element. In Figure 13 a exploded view of the heat exchange element 1, the fluid distribution member 8, and the elements 71, 72, 73 for mounting the fluid distribution member 8 is shown. The mounting element 73 may also have the function of separating the fluid flowing in at least one first channel 4 from the fluid flowing in at least one second channel 5 to leave via the outlet port 10. Each of the elements 71 and 73 may have corresponding openings for allowing the fluid to enter at least one first opening 6 (not shown in the figure) and leave via at least one second opening 7 (not shown in the figure).

[0102] In Figure 14 another embodiment of the present invention shown, the heat exchange element 1 may be a two-piece element formed by extrusion, and the fluid distribution member 8 may be a one-piece element. The cross-sectional view of the fluid distribution member 8 in this embodiment is as Figure 14 shown.

[0103] In Figure 15In one embodiment of the present invention as shown, the heat exchange element 1 may be a two-piece element formed by extrusion. In this embodiment, a separator 80 may be provided in the heat exchange element 1, and the separator 80 divides the heat exchange element 1 into an upper half 1t and a lower half 1b. The separator 80 separates the upper half 1t and the lower half 1b such that fluid flow is not allowed in a part of the heat exchange element (indicated by arrows in Figure 15 ). The connection between the fluid flows in the upper half 1t and the lower half 1b is achieved at the end sides by the above-mentioned end elements. In this embodiment, the fluid distribution member 8 may be the fluid distribution member described in detail with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0104] In Figure 16 one embodiment of the present invention as shown, the heat exchange element 1 may be a four-piece component. The separator 80 is provided as in the embodiment described with reference to Figure 15 . The separator 80 separates the upper half and the lower half such that fluid flow is not allowed in a part of the heat exchange element (indicated by arrows in Figure 16 ). In addition, a connecting member 85 in the middle part is provided. Thus, the heat exchange element 1 is divided into an upper left part 1tl, an upper right part 1tr, a lower left part 1bl, and a lower right part 1br. The four-piece structure of the heat exchange element 1 provides greater flexibility in designing the fluid distribution member 8 in the middle section, where the four pieces are connected to each other. The connection between the fluid flows in the upper half and the lower half is achieved at the end sides by the above-mentioned end elements. In this embodiment, the fluid distribution member 8 may be the fluid distribution member described in detail with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0105] In embodiments of the present invention, at least the following combinations are possible. The fluid distribution member 8 may be provided in the middle part of the heat exchange element 1, or at one end side or at both end sides. It may be a one-piece preformed element or may be a two-piece element.

[0106] The heat exchange element 1 may be formed by extrusion and may be a one-piece element, or a two-piece element or a four-piece element.

[0107] The heat exchange element 1 may be provided with a separator, which may separate in the left and right halves along the y direction in the middle part or separate in the upper and lower halves along the x direction. The first end element 15 and / or the second end element 16 may have any of the forms shown in Figure 9a , Figure 9b and Figure 9c .

[0108] In summary, the present invention provides a heat exchange component 100 which provides a more uniform distribution of the temperature of the heat exchange fluid and thus provides better thermal performance.

[0109] Although detailed embodiments have been described, these embodiments are provided only for a better understanding of the invention as defined by the appended claims and should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A heat exchange assembly for a battery system, the battery system comprising a plurality of battery cells, the heat exchange assembly comprising: A heat exchange element extending along a first direction and comprising: a first surface and a second surface, the second surface facing the first surface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; at least one first channel and at least one second channel, each for containing a fluid and disposed between the first surface and the second surface, each of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel extending along the first direction; and at least one first opening disposed on the first surface, the at least one first opening being in fluid communication with the at least one first channel; and at least one second opening disposed on the second surface, the at least one second opening being in fluid communication with the at least one second channel; The heat exchange assembly further comprises a fluid distribution member mounted on the heat exchange element, the fluid distribution member comprising: an inlet port for distributing the fluid in the at least one first channel via the at least one first opening; and an outlet port for distributing the fluid out of the at least one second channel via the at least one second opening; wherein the fluid distribution member is mounted on the heat exchanging element in a middle portion of the heat exchanging element, wherein the inlet port is arranged to face the first surface and the outlet port is arranged to face the second surface.

2. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchange element is a one-piece extruded element.

3. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one first channel and the at least one second channel are arranged along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.

4. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are disposed on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, in the middle portion of the heat exchange element.

5. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are arranged along a center line of the middle portion, or on opposite sides of the center line, the center line extending along the third direction and dividing the middle portion into two sub-portions.

6. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The shape of the at least one first opening is different from the shape of the at least one second opening, and / or the size of the at least one first opening is different from the size of the at least one second opening.

7. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The fluid distribution member is a preformed one-piece element arranged to be mounted on the heat exchange element by sliding along the third direction.

8. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first support element and / or a second support element, both mounted on the fluid distribution member, each of the first support element and / or the second support element comprising: an inlet opening for receiving the inlet port of the fluid dispensing member; and an outlet opening for accommodating the outlet port of the fluid dispensing member.

9. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet port includes at least one inlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the at least one first opening, and the outlet port includes at least one outlet opening arranged in fluid communication with the at least one second opening.

10. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In the middle portion of the heat exchange element, the first surface has a first protrusion extending outward from the heat exchange element, and the second surface has a first protrusion extending outward from the heat exchange element, wherein the first protrusion of the first surface forms an inlet chamber around the at least one first opening, and the first protrusion of the second surface forms an outlet chamber around the at least one second opening.

11. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In the middle portion of the heat exchange element, the first surface has a second protrusion extending outward from the heat exchange element, and the second surface has a second protrusion extending outward from the heat exchange element, wherein the wall of the inlet port abuts at least a portion of the second protrusion of the first surface, and the wall of the outlet port abuts at least a portion of the second protrusion of the second surface.

12. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first surface and the second surface has an undulation, wherein each undulation is arranged to accommodate at least one battery cell, wherein the undulation is provided in a portion of the heat exchange element other than the middle portion.

13. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a first end member disposed on one end of the heat exchange element; and a second end member arranged on the other end of the heat exchange element, each of the first end member and the second end member establishing fluid communication between the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel, wherein each of the first end member and the second end member has a curved shape for guiding the fluid between the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel.

14. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, wherein: In the heat exchange element, a plurality of first channels are arranged along the third direction and / or a plurality of second channels are arranged along the third direction, wherein a total number of the plurality of first channels and / or the plurality of second channels is a multiple of 2.

15. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 14, wherein: A plurality of first openings are disposed on the first surface, wherein each of the plurality of first openings is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of first channels, and / or a plurality of second openings are disposed on the second surface, wherein each of the plurality of second openings is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of second channels.

16. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 14, wherein: A plurality of first openings are disposed on the first surface, wherein each of the plurality of first openings is in fluid communication with a group of the plurality of first channels, and / or a plurality of second openings are disposed on the second surface, wherein each of the plurality of second openings is in fluid communication with a group of the plurality of second channels.

17. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 16, wherein: A plurality of secondary first channels are provided in the heat exchange element, each of which establishes fluid connection between a first opening and a corresponding group of the plurality of first channels, and a plurality of secondary second channels are provided in the heat exchange element, each of which establishes fluid connection between a second opening and a corresponding group of the second channels.

18. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are arranged along a center line or on opposite sides of the center line, wherein the plurality of first openings are arranged in a zigzag pattern on one side of the center line, and the plurality of second openings are arranged in a zigzag pattern on opposite sides of the center line.

19. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are arranged along a center line or on opposite sides of the center line, wherein the plurality of first openings are arranged in a zigzag pattern on one side of the center line, and the plurality of second openings are arranged in a zigzag pattern on opposite sides of the center line.

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