Traction battery pack coolant guide baffle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a traction battery pack coolant guide baffle. A traction battery pack assembly includes: a housing assembly; the first battery cell pile is accommodated in the shell assembly; the second battery cell stack is accommodated in the shell assembly; and a baffle plate received within the housing assembly and positioned between the first cell stack and the second cell stack. The baffle includes a plurality of openings that permit coolant to flow from a location adjacent the first cell stack to a location adjacent the second cell stack. The plurality of openings are located in a vertical upper region of the baffle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure details an exemplary system for guiding coolant within a battery pack, and more specifically relates to a system for guiding coolant between battery cell stacks. Background Technology

[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because they include a powertrain with one or more electric motors. As a replacement or supplement to an internal combustion engine, the electric motor can drive the electrified vehicle. A traction battery pack assembly can power the electric motors. As part of a submersible thermal management system, liquid coolant can be moved through the traction battery pack to help manage the heat within it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly comprising: a housing assembly; a first cell stack housed within the housing assembly; a second cell stack housed within the housing assembly; and a baffle housed within the housing assembly and positioned between the first and second cell stacks, the baffle including a plurality of openings that allow coolant to flow from a location adjacent to the first cell stack to a location adjacent to the second cell stack, the plurality of openings being located within a vertically upper region of the baffle.

[0004] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly, wherein the housing assembly includes a tray and a cover, wherein each of the plurality of openings has a circumferential periphery provided by the baffle and the cover.

[0005] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly, wherein the plurality of openings each lead to the vertical upper edge of the baffle.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly, wherein the second cell stack includes a plurality of battery cell groups arranged along the cell stack axis, the battery cell groups being separated from each other along the cell stack axis by spacers, the plurality of openings being aligned with the spacers along the cell stack axis.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly in which the circumferential peripheral portion of each of the plurality of openings is provided by the baffle and in part by the cover of the housing assembly.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly, wherein the plurality of battery cells are a plurality of pouch cell battery cells.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly in which the coolant is a liquid coolant of an immersion cooling system.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly comprising: a housing assembly; a first cell stack housed within the housing assembly, the first cell stack including a plurality of first battery cell groups arranged along an axis of the first cell stack; a second cell stack housed within the housing assembly, the second cell stack including a plurality of second battery cell groups arranged along an axis of the second cell stack; and a baffle housed within the housing assembly and positioned between the first cell stack and the second cell stack, the baffle including a plurality of baffle openings that allow coolant to flow from a location adjacent to the first cell stack to a location adjacent to more than one of the second battery cell groups within the second cell stack.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly in which the first cell stack and the second cell stack are immersed in the coolant.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly that further includes: a plurality of second separators of the cell stack, the second separators alternating with the second battery cell group along the axis of the second cell stack, each of the baffle openings within the plurality of baffle openings being aligned with one of the second separators along the axis of the second cell stack.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly, wherein the plurality of openings are located within the vertical upper region of the baffle.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly in which the circumferential peripheral portion of each of the plurality of openings is provided by the baffle and in part by the cover of the housing assembly.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack assembly in which the coolant is a liquid coolant of an immersion cooling system.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for managing thermal energy levels within a traction battery pack, comprising: guiding coolant through a housing assembly accommodating a first cell stack and a second cell stack; and within the housing assembly, guiding the coolant through an opening in a baffle disposed between the first cell stack and the second cell stack, the opening being aligned with a separator of the second cell stack such that coolant already passing over the first cell stack is directed toward the separator of the second cell stack, the separator being disposed between groups of battery cells within the second cell stack.

[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the opening is one of a plurality of openings in the baffle, and the separator is one of a plurality of separators in the second cell stack, the method comprising: aligning each of the plurality of openings with one of the plurality of separators.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which all of the coolant guided through the housing assembly passes through one of the plurality of openings.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the opening is located in the vertical upper region of the baffle.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the opening leads to the vertical upper edge of the baffle.

[0021] In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to a method in which the coolant is a liquid coolant in an immersion cooling system.

[0022] Embodiments, examples, and alternatives, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be adopted independently or in any combination of the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0023] According to the specific embodiments, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments can be briefly described as follows:

[0024] Figure 1 A side view of an electrified vehicle with a battery pack is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery pack along with the various parts of the immersion thermal management system.

[0026] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An unfolded diagram of the battery pack.

[0027] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A top view of the battery pack, with the cover removed.

[0028] Figure 5 It shows that Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 5-5 in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0029] An immersion thermal management system can be used to manage thermal energy in a traction battery pack by immersing at least some components in a liquid coolant. The immersion components may include a stack of battery cells housed within a casing. This disclosure relates to guiding the liquid coolant within the casing.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 The electrified vehicle 10 includes a traction battery pack 14, a motor 18, and wheels 22. The traction battery pack 14 supplies power to the motor 18, which converts electrical energy into mechanical power to drive the wheels 22. The traction battery pack 14 may be a relatively high-voltage battery.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the traction battery pack 14 is fixed to the bottom 26 of the electric vehicle 10. In other examples, the traction battery pack 14 may be located elsewhere on the electric vehicle 10.

[0032] Electrified vehicle 10 is a purely electric vehicle. In other examples, electrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle that selectively uses torque provided by an internal combustion engine (as a replacement or supplement to the electric motor) to drive the wheels. In general, electrified vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle with a traction battery pack.

[0033] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. Some components or features from one example may be used in combination with features or components from another example. In addition, the various drawings accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0034] Figures 2 to 5 Additional details of the example battery pack 14 are shown. In this example, the battery pack 14 includes a housing assembly 30. The housing assembly 30 includes a cover 34 and a tray 38. In this example, the cover 34 is vertically above the tray 38. However, in other examples, the cover 34 may be positioned below or to the side of the tray 38.

[0035] Various terms such as “above,” “below,” “top,” and “bottom” are used in the various figures to refer to the arrangement of components of battery pack 14 and should not be considered limiting in any other way. These terms are for illustrative purposes only when the battery pack is installed... Figure 1 The overall orientation of the battery pack 14 within the vehicle 10.

[0036] In one example of this disclosure, the cover 34 is welded to the tray 38. While welding is mentioned, the cover 34 and tray 38 can be joined using other fluid-sealing connection techniques, such as adhesives. Furthermore, although an exemplary housing assembly 30 is shown in the figures, the size, shape, and configuration of the housing assembly 30 may vary within the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] In the example embodiment, multiple cell stacks 42A, 42B are housed within the housing assembly 30. Each cell stack 42A, 42B includes components along its respective cell stack axis A. A A B Multiple individual battery cells 46 and separators 50 are provided. The battery cells 46 may be lithium-ion pouch cells. However, within the scope of this disclosure, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, etc.), other chemical substances (nickel metal hydride, lead acid, etc.), or both may be used alternatively.

[0038] Battery cell 46 along the corresponding cell stack axis A A A B Arranged in group 54. Separator 50 is along the corresponding cell stack axis A. A A B The groups 54 of battery cells 46 are separated from each other. In this example, each group 54 includes four individual battery cells 46. In other examples, other numbers of battery cells 46 may be included in the groups 54. In some examples, each group 54 may include a single battery cell 46. There are three groups 54 in cell stack 42A and three groups 54 in cell stack 42B, but other numbers of groups 54 may be used.

[0039] Cell stacks 42A and 42B are housed within a tray 38 and beneath a cover 34 inside the housing assembly 30. A thermal management system is used to manage the thermal levels within the battery pack 14, including the thermal levels of cell stacks 42A and 42B.

[0040] The example thermal management system is an immersion cooling system that circulates liquid coolant C into the interior of the housing assembly 30 to manage thermal levels within the cell stacks 42A and 42B and other locations within the battery pack 14. The cell stacks 42A and 42B are at least partially immersed in the liquid coolant C. The liquid coolant C can be a non-conductive (i.e., dielectric) liquid coolant C. The thermal management system is considered an immersion thermal management system, at least because portions of the battery pack 14 (here, at least the battery cells 46 of the cell stacks 42A and 42B) are immersed in the coolant C.

[0041] In this example, coolant C flows into the interior through inlet port 58 formed in cover 34. Coolant C exits the interior of the housing through outlet port 62 formed in cover 34 at the end of housing assembly 30 opposite to inlet port 58.

[0042] The thermal management system includes a pump 70, a coolant supply source 74, and a heat exchange device 78. The pump 70 can be activated to circulate coolant C along a coolant loop that passes through the housing assembly 30, the heat exchange device 78, the coolant supply source 74, and the pump 70. As it passes through the housing assembly 30, the coolant C can absorb heat from components of the battery pack 14 (including but not limited to the cell stacks 42A and 42B).

[0043] A baffle 80 is housed within the housing assembly 30. The baffle 80 is positioned within the housing assembly 30 between cell stacks 42A and 42B. The baffle 80 includes a plurality of openings 84 that allow coolant C to flow from a location adjacent to cell stack 42A to a location adjacent to another cell stack 42B. The baffle 80 may be directly attached to a tray 38. In some examples, the baffle 80 may be formed together with the tray 38.

[0044] In this example, the opening 84 is located within the vertical upper region of the baffle 80. Specifically, in this example, each opening 84 leads to the vertical upper edge 88 of the baffle 80. The circumferential periphery of each of the openings 84 is provided by the baffle 80 and the cover 34.

[0045] For the purposes of this disclosure, vertical is the general orientation of the ground and the battery pack 14 when it is installed in the vehicle 10.

[0046] In this example, each of the openings 84 is aligned with one of the separators 50 in the cell stack 42B. The opening 84 can be considered as being along the cell stack axis A. B Align with separator 50.

[0047] The coolant C, having moved from inlet port 58 into the interior of housing assembly 30, first moves over cell stack 42A and absorbs heat energy from cell stack 42A—and sometimes absorbs energy associated with thermal events in which one or more of the battery cells 46 in cell stack 42A are discharged into the coolant C. After moving over cell stack 42A, coolant C then moves through one of openings 84. Because opening 84 is aligned with partitions 50 in cell stack 42B, the flow moving through opening 84 is directed toward partitions 50 within cell stack 42B.

[0048] The heat energy absorbed by the coolant C from the cell stack 42A is initially directed to the separator 50 in the cell stack 42B and to more than one of the groups 54 within the cell stack 42B. This helps distribute the heat energy within the liquid coolant C to more than one of the groups 54 of the battery cells 46 within the cell stack 42B. Directing the heat energy within the liquid coolant C to more than one of the groups 54 helps prevent heat energy from accumulating in one of the groups 54 and causing cascading thermal events.

[0049] When opening 84 is located within the vertically upper region of baffle 80, any gaseous exhaust byproducts released from cell stack 42A and rising to the top of housing assembly 30 are guided through opening 84 and then to outlet port 62 of housing assembly 30. Positioning opening 84 in the upper region of baffle 80 facilitates the transfer of gaseous exhaust byproducts from the interior of housing assembly 30 as they tend to rise within coolant C to the vertically upper region of housing assembly 30.

[0050] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications made to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection accorded to this disclosure can only be determined by examining the appended claims.

[0051] According to the present invention, a traction battery pack assembly is provided, the traction battery pack assembly comprising: a housing assembly; a first cell stack housed within the housing assembly, the first cell stack including a plurality of first battery cell groups arranged along an axis of the first cell stack; a second cell stack housed within the housing assembly, the second cell stack including a plurality of second battery cell groups arranged along an axis of the second cell stack; and a baffle housed within the housing assembly and positioned between the first cell stack and the second cell stack, the baffle including a plurality of baffle openings that allow coolant to flow from a location adjacent to the first cell stack to a location adjacent to more than one of the second battery cell groups within the second cell stack.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack are immersed in the coolant.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a further feature of the invention is a plurality of second separators in the cell stack, the second separators alternating with the second battery cell group along the axis of the second cell stack, each of the baffle openings in the plurality of baffle openings being aligned with one of the second separators along the axis of the second cell stack.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the plurality of openings are located in the vertical upper region of the baffle.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the circumferential peripheral portion of each of the plurality of openings is provided by the baffle and in part by the cover of the housing assembly.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the coolant is a liquid coolant for an immersion cooling system.

Claims

1. A traction battery pack assembly, comprising: Housing assembly; A first cell stack, the first cell stack being housed within the housing assembly; The second battery cell stack is housed within the housing assembly; as well as A baffle, which is housed within the housing assembly and positioned between the first cell stack and the second cell stack, includes a plurality of openings that allow coolant to flow from a location adjacent to the first cell stack to a location adjacent to the second cell stack, the plurality of openings being located in the upper vertical region of the baffle.

2. The traction battery pack assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly includes a tray and a cover, wherein each of the plurality of openings has a circumferential periphery provided by the baffle and the cover.

3. The traction battery pack assembly as claimed in claim 1, further wherein each of the plurality of openings leads to the vertical upper edge of the baffle.

4. The traction battery pack assembly of claim 1, wherein the second cell stack includes a plurality of battery cell groups arranged along the cell stack axis, the battery cell groups being separated from each other along the cell stack axis by separators, the plurality of openings being aligned with the separators along the cell stack axis.

5. The traction battery pack assembly of claim 1, wherein the circumferential peripheral portion of each of the plurality of openings is provided by the baffle and in part by the cover of the housing assembly.

6. The traction battery pack assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells are pouch cells.

7. The traction battery pack assembly of claim 1, wherein the coolant is a liquid coolant of an immersion cooling system.

8. A method for managing the thermal energy level within a traction battery pack, comprising: The coolant is guided through the housing assembly that houses the first and second battery cell stacks; as well as Within the housing assembly, the coolant is guided through an opening in a baffle disposed between the first cell stack and the second cell stack, the opening being aligned with a separator in the second cell stack, such that coolant that has passed over the first cell stack is directed toward the separator in the second cell stack, the separator being disposed between groups of battery cells within the second cell stack.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the opening is one of a plurality of openings in the baffle, and wherein the separator is one of a plurality of separators in the second cell stack, the method comprising: Align each of the plurality of openings with one of the plurality of separators.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein all the coolant guided through the housing assembly passes through one of the plurality of openings.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the opening is located in the vertical upper region of the baffle.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the opening leads to the vertical upper edge of the baffle.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the coolant is a liquid coolant of an immersion cooling system.

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