Cooling plate and battery module having same

Abstract

A cooling plate and a battery module having the same are disclosed. The cooling plate includes: a cooling body; a cooling passage inside the cooling body and configured to guide a flow of a coolant; and a dispersion member inside the cooling passage and configured to disperse a flow of the coolant passing through the cooling passage. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, uniform cooling performance can be ensured over the entire area of the cooling plate by continuously dispersing the flow direction of the coolant flowing through the cooling channel, and temperature deviation between a plurality of battery cells can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cooling plate and a battery module having the cooling plate. Background Art

[0002] In general, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, camcorders, and portable phones and the substantial commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, and the like, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge is being actively conducted.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used to power or store energy in small devices such as portable electronic devices, as well as medium to large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, in the case of medium to large devices, a battery module may include multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other to relatively increase the power and / or capacity of the battery.

[0004] The operation of the battery module may be affected by the temperature of the surrounding environment, and the heat generated by the battery module during charging and discharging may cause the performance and efficiency of the battery module to be relatively reduced.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background technology and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of some embodiments may include an effective thermal management system capable of maintaining and relatively improving the performance of a battery module.

[0007] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure include a cooling plate capable of effectively cooling battery cells and a battery module having the cooling plate.

[0008] These and other aspects and features of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cooling plate includes: a cooling body; a cooling channel inside the cooling body and configured to guide the flow of a coolant; and a dispersion member inside the cooling channel and configured to disperse the flow of the coolant through the cooling channel.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the cooling channel may include: a first channel configured to guide the flow of the coolant in a first direction; a second channel spaced apart from the first channel and configured to guide the flow of the coolant in a second direction different from the first direction; and a third channel connected to the first channel and the second channel and configured to change the flow of the coolant from the first direction to the second direction.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the cooling body may include: a first stage portion protruding inside the first channel and extending in the first direction; and a second stage portion protruding inside the second channel and extending in the second direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the first stage portion may be arranged such that an end thereof faces a first port supplying the coolant to the first channel, and the second stage portion may be arranged such that an end thereof faces a second port discharging the coolant from the second channel.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the cooling plate may further include a partition wall between the first channel and the second channel and separating the first channel from the second channel.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the third channel may extend in a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the third channel may face an end portion of the partition wall.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the dispersion member may include a plurality of main dimples protruding from any one of a bottom surface and a top surface of the cooling body toward the cooling channel.

[0017] According to some embodiments, an end portion of each of the plurality of main dimples may contact a remaining one of the bottom surface and the top surface of the cooling body.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of primary dimples may decrease towards an end thereof.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the maximum width of each of the plurality of main dimples may be greater than or equal to 12 mm and less than or equal to 18 mm.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the plurality of main dimples may be arranged in a plurality of rows in an extension direction of the cooling channel.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the main dimples in adjacent rows in the extension direction of the cooling channel may be offset in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the cooling channel.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the dispersion member may further include a side recess protruding from a side surface of the cooling body toward the cooling channel.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the side recess may include: a first side recess, protruding from the first side surface of the cooling body toward the first channel; a second side recess, protruding from the second side surface of the cooling body toward the second channel; and a third side recess, protruding from the third side surface of the cooling body toward the third channel.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the width of the third channel may be narrower than the width of the first channel and the width of the second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third side recess may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first side recess and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second side recess.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a shell surrounding the plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate between the shell and the plurality of battery cells and including a cooling body, a cooling channel guiding the flow of a coolant inside the cooling body, and a dispersion member inside the cooling channel and configured to disperse the flow of the coolant through the cooling channel; and an insulating member to electrically insulate the shell from the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the plurality of battery cells may include: a plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first direction; and a plurality of second battery cells spaced apart from the plurality of first battery cells and arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, and the cooling channel may include: a first channel configured to guide the flow of the coolant in the first direction and facing the plurality of first battery cells; a second channel configured to guide the flow of the coolant in the second direction and facing the plurality of second battery cells; and a third channel connected to the first channel and the second channel and configured to change the flow of the coolant from the first direction to the second direction.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the insulation member may include: an insulation body between the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate; and a support member extending from the insulation body and supporting the insulation body with respect to the housing.

[0028] According to some embodiments, an area of ​​the cooling body facing the plurality of battery cells may be smaller than a sum of areas of the plurality of battery cells facing the cooling body, and the support member may be in contact with the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an installation state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of a main dimple according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of a lateral recess according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operating state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the results of simulating the operating state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure using computational fluid dynamics technology; and

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an insulating member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Herein, aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to common or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0043] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Further, when describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of," when following a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," are used to specify a column of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0045] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural form. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0047] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0), that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification including the claims to explicitly list any subranges contained within the range explicitly listed herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include variations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or positioned or placed) "on (or under)" or "on (or under)" a component, this may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element arranged (or positioned or placed) on (or under) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or one or more intervening elements may exist therebetween through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to the other element. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intervening components may exist therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0053] The terms used in this specification are used to describe aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 , a battery module according to some embodiments includes a battery cell 10 , a housing 20 , a cooling plate 30 , and an insulating member 40 .

[0056] The battery cell 10 serves as a unit structure for storing and supplying electric power through charge and discharge operations. A plurality of battery cells 10 electrically connected to each other may be provided.

[0057] The plurality of battery cells 10 according to some embodiments may include a plurality of first battery cells 11 and a plurality of second battery cells 12 .

[0058] According to some embodiments, the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 may be exemplified as prismatic secondary batteries capable of being charged and discharged with a preset amount of electric power by an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate disposed on both sides of a separator interposed therebetween. The first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 may be formed to have the same shape and size.

[0059] The plurality of first battery cells 11 may be arranged in one or more rows in the first direction. Figure 1 Any direction parallel to the X-axis.

[0060] The plurality of second battery cells 12 may be arranged in one or more columns in a second direction different from the first direction. Here, the second direction may be a direction parallel to and opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the second battery cells 12 may be spaced apart from the first battery cells 11.

[0061] One of the first battery cells 11 may be arranged to face one of the second battery cells 12 in a direction intersecting the first direction. Figure 1 As shown, each first battery cell 11 may be arranged so that its side surface is based on Figure 1 The side surfaces of the second battery cells 12 face different ones in a direction parallel to the Y-axis.

[0062] The outer case 20 is disposed to surround the battery cells 10. That is, the outer case 20 may serve as a component that protects the battery cells 10 from external impacts and foreign substances and combines the plurality of battery cells 10 into one module unit.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the housing 20 may include a bottom plate 21 arranged to face the lower surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, a top plate 22 arranged to face the upper surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, a pair of side plates 23 arranged to face the side surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, respectively, and a pair of end plates 24 arranged to face the front and rear surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, respectively.

[0064] The cooling plate 30 is located between the housing 20 and the battery cells 10 and cools the battery cells 10. For example, the cooling plate 30 may function as a component for cooling the battery cells 10 through heat exchange between a coolant supplied from the outside and the battery cells 10. Here, in addition to water, the coolant may also include various types of liquid refrigerants capable of heat exchange with the battery cells 10.

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an installation state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The cooling plate 30 according to some embodiments may include a cooling body 100 , a cooling channel 200 , and a dispersion member 300 .

[0067] The cooling body 100 forms a schematic appearance of the cooling plate 30. The cooling body 100 according to some embodiments may be formed to have a substantially flat shape. The cooling body 100 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum having high thermal conductivity. The cooling body 100 may be located between the lower surface of the battery cell 10 and the bottom plate 21. The cooling body 100 may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction is a first direction, that is, based on Figure 1 It is parallel to the X-axis direction, and its width direction is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0068] The cooling body 100 may be arranged such that its upper surface faces the lower surface of the battery cell 10. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the cooling body 100 can be arranged so that the center line C of the cooling body 100 faces the boundary area between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12. The upper surface of the cooling body 100 can be arranged so that both sides in the width direction based on the center line C face the lower surface of the first battery cell 11 and the lower surface of the second battery cell 12, respectively. The upper surface of the cooling body 100 can directly contact the lower surface of the first battery cell 11 and the lower surface of the second battery cell 12, and can indirectly contact the lower surface of the first battery cell 11 and the lower surface of the second battery cell 12 through a separate sheet 50, etc., which will be described below.

[0069] The lower surface of the cooling body 100 may be arranged to face the upper surface of the bottom plate 21. The cooling body 100 may be integrally coupled to the upper surface of the bottom plate 21 by welding or the like, and may also be detachably assembled to the upper surface of the bottom plate 21 by insertion coupling or the like.

[0070] The area of ​​the cooling body 100 facing the multiple battery cells 10 can be smaller than the total area of ​​the multiple battery cells 10 facing the cooling body 100. Because the centerline C of the cooling body 100 is arranged to face the boundary area between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, the ends of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 can protrude on both sides of the cooling body 100 in the width direction. Accordingly, the cooling body 100 can provide a space between the battery cell 10 and the bottom plate 21 to support the insulating member 40, which will be described below.

[0071] The cooling channel 200 is located inside the cooling body 100 and guides the flow of the coolant inside the cooling body 100. That is, the cooling channel 200 may serve as a component forming a circulation path of the coolant inside the cooling body 100.

[0072] The cooling channel 200 according to some embodiments may include a first channel 210 , a second channel 220 , and a third channel 230 .

[0073] The first channel 210 and the second channel 220 guide the flow of coolant within the cooling channel 200 in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. According to some embodiments, the first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be empty spaces formed within the cooling channel 200. The first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Since the first direction and the second direction are parallel to each other, the first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cooling body 100.

[0074] The first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cooling body 100. The first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C of the cooling body 100. Since the center line C of the cooling body 100 is arranged to face the boundary area between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, the first channel 210 may be arranged to face the lower surface of the first battery cell 11, and the second channel 220 may be arranged to face the lower surface of the second battery cell 12.

[0075] Since the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other, the front end of the first channel 210 and the rear end of the second channel 220 can be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the cooling body 100, and the rear end of the first channel 210 and the front end of the second channel 220 can be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the cooling body 100.

[0076] The first channel 210 may receive the coolant through the first port 101. The first port 101 according to some embodiments may be formed to have a hollow interior and have both ends open in the form of a tube, a nozzle, etc. The first port 101 may be located outside the cooling body 100. One end of the first port 101 may pass through the cooling body 100 and be connected to the front end of the first channel 210. The first port 101 may be formed as Figure 3 The first port 101 is shown as being fixed to the upper surface of the cooling body 100, and alternatively, the first port 101 may be fixed to the lower surface or end surface of the cooling body 100. The other end of the first port 101 may be connected to a heat exchanger mounted outside the battery module, and may receive coolant whose temperature has been relatively lowered through the heat exchanger. The diameter of the first port 101 may be greater than or equal to 8 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0077] The second channel 220 may discharge the coolant to the outside of the cooling body 100 through the second port 102. The second port 102 according to some embodiments may be formed to have a hollow interior and have both ends open in the form of a tube, a nozzle, etc. The second port 102 may be located outside the cooling body 100. One end of the second port 102 may pass through the cooling body 100 and be connected to the rear end of the second channel 220. Accordingly, the first port 101 and the second port 102 may be arranged to face each other in the width direction of the cooling body 100 at the end side of the cooling body 100. Figure 3 As shown, the second port 102 may be fixed to the upper surface of the cooling body 100, and alternatively, the second port 102 may be fixed to the lower surface or end surface of the cooling body 100. The other end of the second port 102 may be connected to a heat exchanger mounted outside the battery module, and the coolant, whose temperature rises while circulating through the first channel 210 and the second channel 220, may be transferred to the heat exchanger. The diameter of the second port 102 may be 8 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0078] The partition wall 103 for separating the first channel 210 and the second channel 220 may be located between the first channel 210 and the second channel 220. That is, the partition wall 103 may serve as a structure that separates the coolant flow spaces formed in the first channel 210 and the second channel 220 from each other. Accordingly, the partition wall 103 may prevent the coolant from flowing out of the first channel 210 to the second channel 220 or from the second channel 220 to the first channel 210 without passing through the third channel 230.

[0079] The partition wall 103 may protrude from the bottom surface toward the top surface of the cooling body 100. The upper end of the partition wall 103 may contact the top surface of the cooling body 100. Here, the bottom surface and the top surface of the cooling body 100 may refer to different inner surfaces of the cooling body 100 that contact the lower surface and the upper surface of the cooling channel 200, respectively. Accordingly, the partition wall 103 may completely seal the space between the first channel 210 and the second channel 220. The partition wall 103 may be formed by press working. The partition wall 103 may be formed to narrow toward its end. Accordingly, during press working, the partition wall 103 may be easily separated from the mold.

[0080] The partition wall 103 may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cooling body 100. The length of the partition wall 103 may be shorter than the lengths of the first channel 210 and the second channel 220. The center line of the partition wall 103 may coincide with the center line C of the cooling body 100.

[0081] The first land portion 104 protruding from the interior of the first channel 210 may be formed in the cooling body 100. According to some embodiments, the first land portion 104 may protrude from the bottom surface of the cooling body 100 toward the interior of the first channel 210. The first land portion 104 may be arranged so that its upper end is spaced apart from the top surface of the cooling body 100 by a distance (e.g., a set or predetermined distance). The first land portion 104 may be arranged so that its two side surfaces face the partition wall 103 and the side surface of the cooling body 100, respectively. The first land portion 104 may extend longitudinally along the first direction. One end of the first land portion 104 may be arranged to face the first port 101. Accordingly, the first land portion 104 may form the flow area in the region facing the first port 101 of the total flow area of ​​the first channel 210 to be smaller than the flow area in the remaining region, thereby preventing the coolant supplied to the first channel 210 from being concentrated on the region facing the first port 101 due to the supply pressure, and causing the coolant to be dispersed in the width direction of the first channel 210.

[0082] The second land portion 105 protruding inside the second channel 220 can be formed in the cooling body 100. The second land portion 105 according to some embodiments can protrude from the bottom surface of the cooling body 100 toward the inside of the second channel 220. The second land portion 105 can be arranged so that its upper end is spaced apart from the top surface of the cooling body 100 by a distance (e.g., a set or predetermined distance). The second land portion 105 can be arranged so that its two side surfaces face the partition wall 103 and the side surface of the cooling body 100, respectively. The second land portion 105 can extend in the longitudinal direction along the second direction. One end of the second land portion 105 can be arranged to face the second port 102. Accordingly, the second land portion 105 can form the flow area in the area facing the second port 102 of the total flow area of ​​the second channel 220 to be smaller than the flow area in the remaining area, thereby preventing the coolant discharged from the second channel 220 from being concentrated on the area facing the second port 102 due to the suction pressure, and causing the coolant to be dispersed in the width direction of the second channel 220.

[0083] In the above, as an example, the partition wall 103, the first stage portion 104 and the second stage portion 105 have been described as protruding from the bottom surface toward the top surface of the cooling body 100, but the partition wall 103, the first stage portion 104 and the second stage portion 105 are not limited to this and can also protrude from the top surface toward the bottom surface of the cooling body 100.

[0084] The third channel 230 is connected to the first channel 210 and the second channel 220 and changes the flow of the coolant from the first direction to the second direction. That is, the third channel 230 can serve as a component that transfers the coolant that has passed through the first channel 210 to the second channel 220. Accordingly, the third channel 230 can circulate the coolant through the entire area of ​​the cooling body 100 with only one coolant supply.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the third channel 230 may be an empty space formed inside the cooling body 100. The third channel 230 may extend in a direction intersecting the first and second directions. That is, the third channel 230 may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the width direction of the cooling body 100. The ends of the third channel 230 may be connected to the first channel 210 and the second channel 220, respectively. The third channel 230 may be arranged to face the end of the partition wall 103. In this case, the ends of the third channel 230 may be connected to the rear end of the first channel 210 and the front end of the second channel 220, respectively.

[0086] The width of the third channel 230 may be narrower than the width of the first channel 210 and the width of the second channel 220. Accordingly, the third channel 230 may flow the coolant faster than the first channel 210 and the second channel 220, thereby causing the coolant to change flow direction faster.

[0087] The dispersion member 300 is located inside the cooling channel 200 and disperses the flow of coolant through the cooling channel 200. For example, the dispersion member 300 can function as a component that disperses the flow of coolant in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cooling channel 200 extends, thereby causing the coolant to undergo a continuous mixing action. Accordingly, the cooling plate 30 can ensure uniform cooling performance across the entire area facing the battery cells 10 and prevent temperature deviations between the multiple battery cells 10.

[0088] Figure 6 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of a main dimple according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] refer to Figures 3 to 6 According to some embodiments, the dispersion member 300 may include a main recess 310 .

[0090] The main dimple 310 serves as a component that disperses the flow of coolant to both sides when the main dimple 310 contacts the coolant inside the cooling channel 200. According to some embodiments, the main dimple 310 may protrude from the bottom surface of the cooling body 100 toward the cooling channel 200. The main dimple 310 may be formed by press working. The main dimple 310 may be formed to narrow toward its ends. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main dimple 310 may decrease toward its ends. Accordingly, the main dimple 310 may be easily separated from the mold during press working. The upper end of the main dimple 310 may contact the top surface of the cooling body 100. The surface of the main dimple 310 may have a curved shape. Accordingly, when the main dimple 310 contacts the coolant, the main dimple 310 may allow the coolant to flow smoothly along the surface, thereby preventing the flow rate of the coolant from decreasing rapidly.

[0091] In the following, Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the cross section of the main dimple 310 perpendicular to the Z axis will be described as having a circular shape by way of example. However, the main dimple 310 is not limited thereto, and the cross section perpendicular to the Z axis may have a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or an irregular shape.

[0092] The maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 may be greater than or equal to 12 mm and less than or equal to 18 mm. Here, the maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 may refer to the maximum width of the main dimple 310 in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Figure 6As shown, the maximum width of the main dimple 310 may refer to the width of the main dimple 310 on the bottom surface of the cooling body 100. When the cross section of the main dimple 310 perpendicular to the Z axis has a circular cross section, the radius of the main dimple 310 may be greater than or equal to 6 mm and less than or equal to 9 mm. When the maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 is less than 12 mm, the vortex generation performance may be reduced, and thus the heat exchange efficiency may be reduced. When the maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 is greater than 18 mm, the flow rate may be excessively reduced due to the increase in the geometric friction length, which may relatively reduce the heat exchange efficiency.

[0093] A plurality of main dimples 310 may be provided. The plurality of main dimples 310 may be arranged in multiple rows in the direction in which the cooling channel 200 extends. For example, the plurality of main dimples 310 may be arranged in multiple rows in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 210, the second channel 220, and the third channel 230. Furthermore, the plurality of main dimples 310 may be arranged in multiple rows in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cooling channel 200 extends. In other words, the plurality of main dimples 310 may be arranged in multiple rows in the width direction of the first channel 210, the second channel 220, and the third channel 230.

[0094] A pair of primary dimples 310 arranged in adjacent rows in the direction in which the cooling channel 200 extends can be arranged to be offset in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cooling channel 200 extends. For example, any one of the primary dimples 310 arranged in any one of the adjacent rows in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 210 can be arranged to face the region between any one of the primary dimples 310 arranged in the width direction of the first channel 210 in the remaining one of the adjacent rows in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 210. Furthermore, any one of the primary dimples 310 arranged in any one of the adjacent rows in the longitudinal direction of the second channel 220 can be arranged to face the region between any one of the primary dimples 310 arranged in the width direction of the second channel 220 in the remaining one of the adjacent rows in the longitudinal direction of the second channel 220. Accordingly, the plurality of primary dimples 310 can further improve the coolant dispersion efficiency.

[0095] As described above, the main dimples 310 have been described as protruding from the bottom surface toward the top surface of the cooling body 100 by way of example, but the main dimples 310 are not limited thereto and may also protrude from the top surface toward the bottom surface of the cooling body 100 .

[0096] The dispersion member 300 according to some embodiments may further include a lateral recess 320 .

[0097] The side recesses 320 may protrude from the side surface of the cooling body 100 toward the cooling channel 200. In other words, the side recesses 320 may serve as a component for dispersing the flow of the coolant at the interface between the cooling channel 200 and the cooling body 100. Accordingly, the side recesses 320 may prevent the coolant flowing through the cooling channel 200 from being concentrated on the side area of ​​the cooling body 100 due to centrifugal force or the like.

[0098] Figure 7 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of a side recess according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 According to some embodiments, the side recess 320 may include a first side recess 321 , a second side recess 322 , and a third side recess 323 .

[0100] The first side recess 321 may protrude from the first side surface of the cooling body 100 toward the first channel 210. The first side recess 321 may be formed by press working. The end of the first side recess 321 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the partition wall 103 in the width direction of the first channel 210 (i.e., the direction parallel to the Y-axis). The first side recess 321 may be formed to narrow toward the end. The side surface of the first side recess 321 may have a curved shape. Hereinafter, the cross section of the first side recess 321 perpendicular to the Z-axis will be described as having an arc shape by way of example. However, the cross section of the first side recess 321 perpendicular to the Z-axis is not limited thereto, and the design may be changed to various shapes such as a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, and an irregular shape. A plurality of first side recesses 321 may be provided. The plurality of first side recesses 321 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals (e.g., set or predetermined intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 210.

[0101] The second side recess 322 may protrude from the second side surface of the cooling body 100 toward the second channel 220. The second side recess 322 may be formed by press working. The end of the second side recess 322 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the partition wall 103 in the width direction of the second channel 220 (i.e., the direction parallel to the Y axis). The second side recess 322 may be formed to narrow toward the end. The side surface of the second side recess 322 may have a curved shape. Hereinafter, the cross section of the second side recess 322 perpendicular to the Z axis will be described as having an arc shape by way of example. However, the cross section of the second side recess 322 perpendicular to the Z axis is not limited thereto, and the design may be changed to various shapes such as a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, and an irregular shape. A plurality of second side recesses 322 may be provided. The plurality of second side recesses 322 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals (e.g., set or predetermined intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the second channel 220.

[0102] The third side recess 323 may protrude from the third side surface of the cooling body 100 toward the third channel 230. The third side recess 323 may be formed by press working. The end of the third side recess 323 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the end of the partition wall 103 in the width direction of the third channel 230 (i.e., the direction parallel to the X-axis). The third side recess 323 may be formed to narrow toward the end. The side surface of the third side recess 323 may have a curved shape. Hereinafter, the cross-section of the third side recess 323 perpendicular to the Z-axis will be described as having an arc shape by way of example. However, the cross-section of the third side recess 323 perpendicular to the Z-axis is not limited thereto, and the design may be varied to various shapes such as polygonal, elliptical, and irregular. A plurality of third side recesses 323 may be provided. The plurality of third side recesses 323 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals (e.g., set or predetermined intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the third channel 230.

[0103] The cross-sectional area of ​​the third side recess 323 can be smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the first side recess 321 and the cross-sectional areas of the second side recess 322. For example, the distance L3 between the end of the third side recess 323 and the side surface of the cooling body 100 can be shorter than the distance L2 between the end of the first side recess 321 and the side surface of the cooling body 100. The distance L2 between the end of the first side recess 321 and the side surface of the cooling body 100 can be equal to the distance between the end of the second side recess 322 and the side surface of the cooling body 100. For example, the distance L3 between the end of the third side recess 323 and the side surface of the cooling body 100 can be 5 mm, and the distance L2 between the end of the first side recess 321 and the side surface of the cooling body 100 can be 10 mm. Accordingly, the third side recess 323 can further increase the flow velocity of the coolant in the third channel 230, thereby causing the coolant to change flow direction more quickly.

[0104] Hereinafter, the operation of the cooling plate 30 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0105] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operating state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 is a diagram showing the results of simulating the operating state of a cooling plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure using computational fluid dynamics technology.

[0106] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The coolant supplied through the first port 101 is dispersed to both sides of the first channel 210 in the width direction at the front end of the first channel 210 by the first stage portion 104 .

[0107] Then, the coolant contacts the main dimple 310 while flowing in the first direction along the first channel 210 , and is dispersed to both sides of the main dimple 310 .

[0108] Since the main recesses 310 are arranged in multiple rows in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 210 and the main recesses 310 arranged in adjacent rows are arranged to be offset in the width direction of the first channel 210, the coolant dispersion performed by the main recesses 310 can be repeated over the entire area of ​​the first channel 21.

[0109] The coolant flowing toward the interface between the cooling body 100 and the first channel 210 collides with the first side dimples 321 , and the flow direction is changed to a direction away from the interface between the cooling body 100 and the first channel 210 .

[0110] Then, the coolant flowing to the rear end of the first channel 210 is introduced into the front end of the second channel 220 through the third channel 230 , and the flow direction is changed from the first direction to the second direction.

[0111] The coolant flows along the third channel 230 , contacts the main dimple 310 , and is dispersed to both sides of the main dimple 310 .

[0112] The coolant flowing toward the interface between the cooling body 100 and the third channel 230 collides with the third side dimples 323 , and the flow direction is changed to a direction away from the interface between the cooling body 100 and the third channel 230 .

[0113] Meanwhile, since the width of the third channel 230 is formed narrower than that of the first channel 210 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third side recess 323 is formed smaller than that of the first side recess 321 , it can be confirmed that the flow rate of the coolant increases in the third channel 230 .

[0114] The coolant introduced into the front end of the second channel 220 through the third channel 230 is dispersed to both sides in the width direction of the second channel 220 by the second land portion 105 .

[0115] Then, the coolant contacts the main dimple 310 while flowing in the second direction along the second channel 220 , and is dispersed to both sides of the main dimple 310 .

[0116] Since the main recesses 310 are arranged in multiple rows in the longitudinal direction of the second channel 220 and the main recesses 310 arranged in adjacent rows are arranged to be offset in the width direction of the second channel 220, the dispersion of the coolant through the main recesses 310 can be repeated over the entire area of ​​the second channel 220.

[0117] The coolant flowing toward the interface between the cooling body 100 and the second channel 220 collides with the second side dimples 322 , and the flow direction is changed to a direction away from the interface between the cooling body 100 and the second channel 220 .

[0118] Then, the coolant flowing to the rear end of the second channel 220 is discharged to the outside of the cooling body 100 through the second port 102 .

[0119] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail through a specific example of the cooling plate 30. The following examples are merely examples to help understand the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0120] Example 1

[0121] A cooling plate 30 having a main dimple 310 with a maximum width L1 of 17.66 mm was manufactured.

[0122] Example 2

[0123] The cooling plate 30 in which the maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 in Example 1 was changed to 10 mm was manufactured.

[0124] Example 3

[0125] The cooling plate 30 in which the maximum width L1 of the main dimple 310 in Example 1 was changed to 20 mm was manufactured.

[0126] Experimental Example 1

[0127] Results of flow analysis experiments conducted while supplying the coolant at flow rates of 0.5 lpm, 1 lpm, and 1.5 lpm to the cooling plate 30 according to each example are shown in Tables 1 to 3 below.

[0128] Table 1

[0129]

[0130] Table 2

[0131]

[0132] Table 3

[0133]

[0134] Referring to Tables 1 to 3, except for the higher average vorticity of Examples 2 and 3 at 0.5 lpm than that of Example 1, the measured average flow velocity, average vorticity, pressure drop, and average turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) of Example 1 were generally higher in all flow rate ranges than those of Examples 2 and 3. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the heat exchange efficiency of Example 1 is superior to that of Examples 2 and 3.

[0135] The insulating member 40 electrically insulates the outer case 20 from the battery cell 10. That is, the insulating member 40 may serve as a component that ensures a sufficient insulation distance between the outer case 20 and the battery cell 10.

[0136] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of an insulating member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 10 , the insulating member 40 according to some embodiments may include an insulating body 41 and a supporting member 42 .

[0138] The insulating body 41 may be formed to have a substantially flat shape and be located between the battery cell 10 and the cooling plate 30. The insulating body 41 may be made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin material. The upper surface of the insulating body 41 may be in contact with the lower surface of the battery cell 10, and the lower surface of the insulating body 41 may be in contact with the upper surface of the cooling body 100. The thickness of the insulating body 41 may be designed in various ways according to the insulation distance between the bottom plate 21 of the housing 20 and the battery cell 10.

[0139] In the insulation body 41 , a plurality of first through holes 41 a and a plurality of second through holes 41 b may be formed passing through the insulation body 41 up and down.

[0140] The plurality of first through holes 41 a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the insulating body 41. The number of the plurality of first through holes 41 a may be equal to the number of the first battery cells 11. Each first through hole 41 a may be located in the insulating body 41 at a position facing the corresponding first battery cell 11.

[0141] The plurality of second through holes 41b may be arranged to be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the insulating body 41. Each second through hole 41b may be arranged to be spaced apart from the corresponding first through hole 41a in the width direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the insulating body 41. The number of the plurality of second through holes 41b may be equal to the number of the second battery cells 12. Each second through hole 41b may be located in the insulating body 41 at a position facing the corresponding second battery cell 12.

[0142] The support member 42 extends from the insulating body 41 and supports the insulating body 41 relative to the outer shell 20. According to some embodiments, the support member 42 may extend from the lower surface of the insulating body 41 toward the bottom plate 21. Since the area of ​​the cooling body 100 is formed to be smaller than the sum of the areas of the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 10, the support member 42 can directly contact the upper surface of the bottom plate 21 of the outer shell 20. The support member 42 may be made of the same material as the insulating body 41.

[0143] The sheet 50 may be located within the first through-hole 41 a and the second through-hole 41 b .

[0144] The sheet 50 may serve to relatively (eg, as much as possible) reduce a tolerance formed between the battery cell 10 and the cooling plate 30 due to the thickness of the insulating body 41 itself.

[0145] The sheet 50 according to some embodiments may include a first sheet 51 and a second sheet 52 .

[0146] The first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 can be made of a material that is elastically deformable and has high thermal conductivity, such as silicone. The first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 can be located in the first through hole 41a and the second through hole 41b, respectively. The first sheet 51 and the second sheet 52 can be formed in a number corresponding to the first through hole 41a and the second through hole 41b, respectively. The upper surface and lower surface of the first sheet 51 can contact the lower surface of the first battery cell 11 and the upper surface of the cooling body 100, respectively. The upper surface and lower surface of the second sheet 52 can contact the lower surface of the second battery cell 12 and the upper surface of the cooling body 100, respectively.

[0147] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by continuously dispersing the flow direction of the coolant flowing through the cooling channels, uniform cooling performance can be ensured over the entire area of ​​the cooling plate, and temperature deviation among a plurality of battery cells can be prevented.

[0148] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the coolant from being concentrated on the interface between the cooling channel and the cooling body due to centrifugal force.

[0149] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by increasing the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the third channel relative to the flow rates of the coolant through the first channel and the second channel, the flow direction of the coolant can be changed more quickly.

[0150] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by ensuring an insulation distance between a case and a battery cell using an insulating member, a safety accident due to a short circuit or the like can be prevented.

[0151] However, the effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects that are not mentioned from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0152] Although aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. A cooling plate comprising: Cooling the main body; a cooling channel inside the cooling body and configured to guide a flow of a coolant; as well as A dispersion member is inside the cooling channel and is configured to disperse the flow of the coolant through the cooling channel.

2. The cooling plate of claim 1 , wherein the cooling channel comprises: a first channel configured to direct the flow of the coolant in a first direction; a second passage spaced apart from the first passage and configured to direct the flow of the coolant in a second direction different from the first direction; as well as A third channel is connected to the first channel and the second channel and is configured to change the flow of the coolant from the first direction to the second direction.

3. The cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein the cooling body comprises: a first platform portion protruding inside the first channel and extending in the first direction; as well as The second stage portion protrudes inside the second passage and extends in the second direction.

4. The cooling plate according to claim 3, wherein the first stage portion is arranged so that an end thereof faces a first port for supplying the coolant to the first channel, and The second stage portion is arranged so that an end portion thereof faces a second port that discharges the coolant from the second passage. 5 . The cooling plate of claim 2 , further comprising a partition wall between and separating the first channel and the second channel. 6 . The cooling plate according to claim 2 , wherein the third channel extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The cooling plate according to claim 5 , wherein the third channel faces an end portion of the partition wall. 8 . The cooling plate according to claim 2 , wherein the dispersion member comprises a plurality of main dimples protruding from any one of a bottom surface and a top surface of the cooling body toward the cooling channel. 9 . The cooling plate of claim 8 , wherein an end portion of each of the plurality of main dimples contacts a remaining one of the bottom surface and the top surface of the cooling body.

10. The cooling plate of claim 8, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of primary dimples decreases toward an end thereof. 11 . The cooling plate according to claim 8 , wherein a maximum width of each of the plurality of main dimples is 12 mm or more and 18 mm or less. 12 . The cooling plate according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of main dimples are arranged in a plurality of rows in an extending direction of the cooling channel. 13 . The cooling plate of claim 12 , wherein the main dimples in adjacent rows in the extension direction of the cooling channels are offset in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the cooling channels. 14 . The cooling plate according to claim 8 , wherein the dispersion member further comprises a side recess protruding from a side surface of the cooling body toward the cooling channel.

15. The cooling plate of claim 14, wherein the undercut dimples comprise: a first side recess protruding from a first side surface of the cooling body toward the first channel; a second side recess protruding from a second side surface of the cooling body toward the second channel; as well as A third side recess protrudes from a third side surface of the cooling body toward the third channel.

16. The cooling plate of claim 15, wherein a width of the third channel is narrower than a width of the first channel and a width of the second channel, and The cross-sectional area of ​​the third side recess is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first side recess and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second side recess.

17. A battery module comprising: Multiple battery cells; a housing surrounding the plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate between the housing and the plurality of battery cells and including a cooling body, a cooling channel guiding a flow of a coolant inside the cooling body, and a dispersion member inside the cooling channel and configured to disperse the flow of the coolant through the cooling channel; as well as An insulating member electrically insulates the housing from the plurality of battery cells.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of battery cells comprises: A plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first direction; as well as a plurality of second battery cells spaced apart from the plurality of first battery cells and arranged along a second direction different from the first direction, and The cooling channel comprises: a first channel configured to direct the flow of the coolant in the first direction and facing the plurality of first battery cells; a second channel configured to guide the flow of the coolant in the second direction and facing the plurality of second battery cells; and A third channel is connected to the first channel and the second channel and is configured to change the flow of the coolant from the first direction to the second direction.

19. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the insulating member comprises: an insulating body, between the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate; as well as A support member extends from the insulating body and supports the insulating body relative to the housing.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein an area of ​​the cooling body facing the plurality of battery cells is smaller than a sum of areas of the plurality of battery cells facing the cooling body, and The supporting member is in contact with the housing.

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