Battery pack and energy storage system

Abstract

The invention provides a battery pack and an energy storage system, and the battery pack comprises at least two battery cells which are arranged at intervals along a first direction; the at least two flow guide pieces are arranged at intervals in the second direction; wherein at least part of each flow guide part is arranged between two adjacent battery cells, so that two adjacent battery cells in the first direction and two adjacent flow guide parts in the second direction define a heat exchange flow channel through which a heat exchange working medium flows; the first direction intersects with the second direction. According to the embodiment of the invention, the flow guide part is arranged between the two adjacent battery cells, and the battery cells and the flow guide part are matched to define the heat exchange flow channel, so that the heat exchange working medium is in direct contact with the battery cells to exchange heat when flowing through the heat exchange flow channel, and the heat transfer path is shortened, so that the heat exchange effect is improved, and the temperature of the battery cells can be effectively controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery pack and energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, some battery packs use heat exchange plates to exchange heat with the battery cells. The heat transfer between the battery cells and the heat exchange medium needs to pass through the heat exchange plates. In this heat exchange method, the heat exchange efficiency is limited by the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchange plates, and the heat transfer path is relatively long, resulting in poor heat exchange effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a battery pack and energy storage system to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery pack, comprising:

[0005] At least two battery cells are spaced apart along a first direction;

[0006] At least two current-conducting elements are at least partially disposed between two adjacent battery cells;

[0007] Wherein, at least two flow guides are provided between two adjacent cells along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction, so that the two adjacent cells in the first direction and the two adjacent flow guides in the second direction form a heat exchange channel through which the heat exchange working fluid flows.

[0008] The first direction and the second direction are intersecting.

[0009] By adopting the above scheme, a flow guide is set between two adjacent cells, and the cells and the flow guide are combined to form a heat exchange channel. This allows the heat exchange medium to directly contact the cells for heat exchange when it flows through the heat exchange channel, shortening the heat transfer path and thus improving the heat exchange effect. This can effectively control the temperature of the cells.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the spacing between two adjacent cells in the first direction ranges from 3 mm to 7 mm;

[0011] And / or, the number of current-conducting elements between two adjacent cells ranges from 2 to 7.

[0012] By adopting the above scheme and limiting the range of the spacing between two adjacent cells, the overall size of the battery pack and the flow heat transfer effect can be better balanced. By limiting the number of the flow guides between two adjacent cells, the squeezing force on the cells during installation can be better dispersed, avoiding excessive concentration of squeezing force at the flow guides and damage to the cells. At the same time, it can also ensure that the heat exchange channel between the two cells has a suitable flow area, thus ensuring the heat exchange effect.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0014] At least two battery packs are spaced apart along a third direction;

[0015] Each of the battery packs includes a plurality of cells spaced apart along the first direction; the flow guide is disposed in at least two of the battery packs along the third direction, so that the same heat exchange channel passes through at least two of the battery packs;

[0016] The first direction and the second direction are respectively set to intersect with the third direction.

[0017] Using the above solution, there is no need to set up an additional alignment process to align the heat exchange channels of the two battery packs, which simplifies the heat exchange channel design in multi-battery pack designs and reduces manufacturing difficulty.

[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0019] The frame has a storage space, multiple liquid inlets and multiple liquid outlets;

[0020] The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are respectively connected to the accommodating space;

[0021] Both the battery cell and the flow guide are installed in the accommodating space, and the heat exchange channel is connected between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet.

[0022] By adopting the above solution, the frame of this application has space to accommodate the battery cells and current guides as a whole, while integrating the liquid inlet and liquid outlet into the frame, reducing the internal piping design of the battery pack, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery pack and reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the framework further comprises:

[0024] The inner cavity is connected to the plurality of liquid inlets;

[0025] The battery pack also includes:

[0026] Liquid inlet connector, used to inject heat exchange medium into the inner cavity;

[0027] The liquid inlet connector is fixedly connected to the frame.

[0028] By adopting the above solution, the inner cavity is connected between the liquid inlet connector and the liquid inlet, which can meet the liquid supply needs of multiple liquid inlets while reducing the number of liquid inlet connectors in the battery pack and reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the framework includes:

[0030] Base plate;

[0031] The first side plate forms the liquid outlet;

[0032] The second side plate forms the liquid inlet and the inner cavity;

[0033] The first side plate and the second side plate are respectively fixedly connected to the base plate, and the accommodating space is located between the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0034] By adopting the above scheme, the first side plate and the second side plate are set to form the liquid outlet, the liquid inlet and the inner cavity respectively, which facilitates the processing and forming of the frame.

[0035] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the framework further includes:

[0036] At least two support plates are spaced apart along the first direction;

[0037] The first side plate and at least one of the second side plates are fixedly connected to the support plate, and the support plate is fixedly connected to the bottom plate.

[0038] By adopting the above scheme and setting up the support plate, the structural strength of the first or second side plate can be enhanced, and deformation can be avoided under the action of the battery cell.

[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the flow guide includes an elastic material;

[0040] The elastic coefficient k of the flow guide is a The following conditions must be met:

[0041] k a =F m / (nx);

[0042] Among them, F m The value represents the compressive strength of the battery cell, n represents the number of current guides between two adjacent battery cells, and x represents the preset deformation of the current guide.

[0043] By adopting the above solution, the elastic coefficient of the current guide can be quickly selected to meet the buffering and positioning requirements between cells, while ensuring the safety of the battery pack.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0045] A frame having a space for mounting the battery cell and the current guide;

[0046] The frame includes a box and a cover, and the accommodating space is formed by at least the box and the cover;

[0047] The cover is installed to the housing along the first direction to apply pressure to the battery cell and the current guide.

[0048] The above solution uses the combination of the enclosure and the cover to install the battery cells, resulting in a simple installation structure and saving on the use of materials such as steel strips.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0050] Liquid inlet connector, used to supply the heat exchange working fluid into the heat exchange channel;

[0051] The liquid inlet connector is fixedly connected to the housing;

[0052] The cover also has:

[0053] A clearance notch is provided, penetrating the cover along the first direction;

[0054] At least a portion of the liquid inlet connector is located in the clearance notch.

[0055] By adopting the above solution and setting the avoidance notch, interference between the cover and the liquid inlet connector can be avoided.

[0056] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0057] A handle is located on the side of the cover away from the box body;

[0058] The handle is detachably connected to the cover.

[0059] By adopting the above solution and adding a handle, the operability of the cover is improved, making it easier to move and assemble with the box.

[0060] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes:

[0061] A frame having a space for mounting the battery cell and the current guide;

[0062] A heating element, at least for providing heat to the battery cell;

[0063] The heating element is fixedly connected to the outside of the frame.

[0064] By adopting the above solution and setting heating elements on the outside of the frame, the operating temperature of the battery cell can be quickly increased in low-temperature environments.

[0065] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an energy storage system, including a heat exchanger and a battery pack as described above;

[0066] The heat exchanger is configured to provide a heat exchange medium to the heat exchange channels of the battery pack.

[0067] Using the above method, the heat exchanger can adjust the temperature of the heat exchange medium, ensuring that the heat exchange medium at the preset temperature is input into the battery pack. The circulation of the heat exchange medium is achieved through a liquid cooler, resulting in lower temperature difference control throughout the battery pack.

[0068] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the energy storage system includes multiple battery packs;

[0069] The energy storage system also includes:

[0070] The battery compartment has internal space, an inlet for filling liquid, and an outlet for draining liquid.

[0071] The battery packs are respectively installed in the chamber space; one end of the heat exchange channel is connected to the liquid injection port, and the other end is connected to the chamber space.

[0072] The input end of the heat exchanger is connected to the drain port, and the output end of the heat exchanger is connected to the injection port.

[0073] By adopting the above scheme, the internal space of the storage chamber is filled with a heat exchange medium, which immerses the battery pack in the medium. This allows for further heat exchange between the outer surface of the battery pack and the surrounding environment, improving the heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, the immersion of the battery pack in the heat exchange medium isolates it from oxygen, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and significantly enhancing the safety of the energy storage system.

[0074] In this setup, the battery compartment is filled with heat exchange medium, but the heating power of the heat exchanger is limited. During cold starts, the temperature of the heat exchange medium cannot rise quickly. Therefore, by using a heating element, the heat exchange medium inside the compartment can be heated, rapidly raising the battery pack to its operating temperature and meeting the needs of extremely cold applications. Attached Figure Description

[0075] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a portion of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 3 This is a side view of a portion of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the battery pack after removing the cover and some of the battery cells according to an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of section A;

[0082] Figure 7 This is an internal cross-sectional view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of section B;

[0084] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the battery cell and the first buffer in the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the frame in the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of the battery pack housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the frame in the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of section C;

[0090] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0091] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Enlarged view of section D;

[0092] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of another part of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0095] 100. Battery pack;

[0096] 100a, heat exchange flow channel;

[0097] 110. Battery pack; 111. Battery cell; 120. Current guide component;

[0098] 100b, Frame;

[0099] 130, housing; 130a, containment space; 130b, liquid inlet; 130c, liquid outlet; 130d, inner cavity; 130e, open opening;

[0100] 131. Base plate; 132. First side plate; 133. Second side plate; 134. End plate; 135. Support plate;

[0101] 140. Cover; 141. Reinforcing rib; 140a. Clearance notch;

[0102] 151. First buffer component; 152. Second buffer component; 153. Liquid inlet connector; 154. First fastener; 155. Second fastener;

[0103] 161. Heating element; 162. Insulating element; 163. Enclosure; 164. Bottom cover;

[0104] 171. Cell connection assembly; 172. Inter-group copper busbar; 180. Handle;

[0105] 10. Energy storage system; 210. Heat exchanger;

[0106] 220. Battery compartment; 221. Internal space of the compartment; 222. Injection port; 223. Drain port. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0108] In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in its actual use or operating state, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the term "comprising" means "including but not limited to". The terms first, second, third, etc., are used merely as illustrative purposes and do not impose numerical requirements or establish a numerical order.

[0109] In this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0110] Firstly, referring to Figures 1 to 4 This application provides a battery pack 100, including: a battery cell 111 and a current guide 120.

[0111] At least two battery cells 111 are spaced apart along a first direction; at least two flow guides 120 are provided, and at least a portion of the flow guides 120 are disposed between two adjacent battery cells 111; at least two flow guides 120 are spaced apart along a second direction between two adjacent battery cells 111 along the first direction, so that two adjacent battery cells 111 in the first direction and two adjacent flow guides 120 in the second direction form a heat exchange channel 100a through which the heat exchange medium flows; the first direction and the second direction are intersecting.

[0112] It is understood that the flow channel wall that constitutes the heat exchange flow channel 100a in this application is partly provided by the outer surface of the flow guide 120 and partly provided by the outer surface of the battery cell 111, so that the outer surface of the battery cell 111 can directly contact the heat exchange working medium in the heat exchange flow channel 100a for heat exchange.

[0113] Through the above technical solution, by setting a flow guide 120 between two adjacent cells 111 and making the cells 111 and the flow guide 120 cooperate to form a heat exchange channel 100a, the heat exchange medium can directly contact the cells 111 for heat exchange when it flows through the heat exchange channel 100a, shortening the heat transfer path and thus improving the heat exchange effect, and effectively controlling the temperature of the cells 111.

[0114] In some specific implementations, the first direction and the second direction are inclined to intersect or are perpendicular to each other.

[0115] In one example of this application, the first direction and the second direction are set perpendicular to each other.

[0116] It should be noted that the first direction here refers to the front-back direction only for the convenience of introducing specific embodiments of this application. There is no absolute correspondence between the first direction and the front-back direction. Similarly, there is no absolute correspondence between the second direction and the up-down direction, and between the third direction and the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first direction, second direction, and third direction of this application are only used to express relative positional relationships. They only indicate approximate locations, not absolute geometric relationships.

[0117] In one example of this application, reference is made to Figure 2 In this application, the battery cell 111 is a square battery cell 111, and the outer surface of the side with a larger area of ​​the battery cell 111 is set towards the flow guide 120, which increases the contact area between the battery cell 111 and the heat exchange medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0118] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 The surface of the current guide 120 near the battery cell 111 is set as a plane to ensure effective contact between the current guide 120 and the battery cell 111, thereby maintaining a uniform spacing between two adjacent battery cells 111 in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, in a cross-section perpendicular to the left-to-right direction, the cross-sectional shape of the current guide 120 can be rectangular.

[0119] In some embodiments of this application, the surface shape of the guide member 120 in the vertical direction can be at least one of a straight line, a wavy line, and a multi-zigzag line. Since the extension length of the heat exchange channel 100a is related to the surface shape of the guide member 120 in the vertical direction, the heat exchange time of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 100a can be adjusted by selecting a suitable surface shape of the guide member 120.

[0120] If the spacing between two adjacent cells 111 is too large, the overall size of the battery pack 100 will be too large; if the spacing between two adjacent cells 111 is too small, the size of the heat exchange channel 100a will be too small, affecting the flow and heat transfer effect of the heat exchange medium. In some embodiments of this application, refer to Figure 3 In the first direction, the spacing L1 between two adjacent cells 111 ranges from 3mm to 7mm. This value can better balance the overall size of the battery pack 100 and the heat transfer effect.

[0121] It can be understood that the spacing L1 is the distance between two adjacent cells 111 in the first direction when the battery pack 100 is in operation. In the first direction, the value of the spacing L1 between two adjacent cells 111 can be one of 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm, or 6mm to 7mm.

[0122] In some specific embodiments, the spacing L1 between two adjacent cells 111 in the first direction ranges from 4 mm to 6 mm. This spacing allows for better heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the cells 111 in the heat exchange channel 100a, while minimizing the impact on the overall size of the battery pack 100.

[0123] In one example of this application, in the first direction, the spacing L1 between two adjacent cells 111 is 5 mm.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, the number of guide members 120 between two adjacent cells 111 in the first direction ranges from 2 to 7. That is, one to six heat exchange channels 100a can be formed between two adjacent cells 111 in the first direction. Using this range of numbers can better disperse the compressive force on the cells 111 during installation, avoiding excessive concentration of compressive force at the guide members 120 and damage to the cells 111. At the same time, it can also ensure that the heat exchange channels 100a between two cells 111 have a suitable flow area, thus guaranteeing the heat exchange effect.

[0125] It is understood that, in the first direction, the number of current guides 120 between two adjacent cells 111 can be one of 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, or 6 to 7.

[0126] In one example of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the first direction, there are 4 flow guides 120 between two adjacent cells 111, and correspondingly, there are 3 heat exchange channels 100a between two adjacent cells 111.

[0127] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 8 The battery pack 100 also includes: battery pack 110.

[0128] At least two battery packs 110 are spaced apart along a third direction; each battery pack 110 includes a plurality of cells 111 spaced apart along a first direction; a flow guide 120 passes through at least two battery packs 110 along a third direction so that the same heat exchange channel 100a passes through at least two battery packs 110; the first direction and the second direction are respectively intersecting with the third direction.

[0129] It is understood that a portion of the same heat exchange channel 100a is located inside one of the battery packs 110, and another portion is located inside another battery pack 110. With this arrangement, there is no need to set up an additional alignment process to align the heat exchange channels 100a of the two battery packs 110, which simplifies the design of the heat exchange channels 100a in the multi-battery pack 110 design and reduces the manufacturing difficulty.

[0130] In some specific implementations, the second direction is inclined to intersect with or perpendicular to the third direction.

[0131] In one example of this application, the second direction is set perpendicular to the third direction.

[0132] In some specific embodiments, to avoid direct hard contact between the cells 111 of two adjacent battery packs 110, refer to Figure 9 The battery pack 100 also includes a first buffer 151. The first buffer 151 is disposed between two adjacent cells 111 in the third direction, providing buffering between the two cells 111 to protect the cells 111. More specifically, the material of the first buffer 151 can be at least one of foam, silicone, and rubber.

[0133] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 10 The battery pack 100 also includes: frame 100b.

[0134] The frame 100b has a receiving space 130a, multiple liquid inlets 130b, and multiple liquid outlets 130c; the liquid inlets 130b and liquid outlets 130c are respectively connected to the receiving space 130a; the battery cell 111 and the flow guide 120 are both installed in the receiving space 130a, and the heat exchange channel 100a is connected between the liquid inlets 130b and the liquid outlets 130c. The liquid inlets 130b are used to allow the heat exchange medium to flow into the heat exchange channel 100a, and the liquid outlets 130c are used to allow the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 100a to flow out.

[0135] It is understood that each heat exchange channel 100a can correspond to one liquid inlet 130b and one liquid outlet 130c, or at least two heat exchange channels 100a between two adjacent cells 111 in the first direction can simultaneously correspond to one liquid inlet 130b and one liquid outlet 130c. After the cells 111 and the flow guide 120 are installed in the frame 100b, the alignment of the heat exchange channels 100a with the liquid inlet 130b and the liquid outlet 130c can be achieved.

[0136] By adopting this approach, the frame 100b of this application has a accommodating space 130a to assemble the battery cell 111 and the current guide 120 into a whole. By integrating the liquid inlet 130b and the liquid outlet 130c into the frame 100b, the internal piping design of the battery pack 100 is reduced, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery pack 100 and reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0137] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 At least two liquid inlets 130b are spaced apart in the second direction, and at least two liquid outlets 130c are spaced apart in the second direction, with the liquid inlets 130b and liquid outlets 130c arranged symmetrically.

[0138] In some specific embodiments, the liquid inlet 130b is shaped like an oblong hole, a rectangular hole, or the like; the liquid outlet 130c is shaped like an oblong hole, a rectangular hole, or the like.

[0139] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 To prevent direct hard contact between the battery cell 111 and the frame 100b, the battery pack 100 further includes a second buffer 152. The second buffer 152 is disposed between the battery cell 111 and the inner wall of the frame 100b, providing cushioning between the battery cell 111 and the frame 100b to protect the battery cell 111. More specifically, the material of the second buffer 152 can be at least one of foam, silicone, and rubber.

[0140] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The frame 100b also has an inner cavity 130d. The inner cavity 130d is formed inside the frame 100b and communicates with a plurality of liquid inlets 130b.

[0141] The battery pack 100 also includes a liquid inlet connector 153. The liquid inlet connector 153 is connected to the inner cavity 130d and is used to inject the heat exchange working fluid into the inner cavity 130d, and then input it into the heat exchange flow channel 100a through the inner cavity 130d and the liquid inlet 130b; the liquid inlet connector 153 is fixedly connected to the frame 100b.

[0142] By setting the inner cavity 130d, it connects the liquid inlet connector 153 and the liquid inlet 130b, which can meet the liquid supply needs of multiple liquid inlets 130b, while reducing the number of liquid inlet connectors 153 in the battery pack 100 and reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 100.

[0143] In one example of this application, reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11In the left-right direction, the inlet 130b and the outlet 130c are respectively located on opposite sides of the frame 100b, while the inner cavity 130d is located on the same side as the inlet 130b. More specifically, the inner cavity 130d extends along the first direction to connect all the inlets 130b.

[0144] In some specific embodiments, the liquid inlet connector 153 may be connected to the upper end of the inner cavity 130d in the first direction, or the liquid inlet connector 153 may be connected to the middle of the inner cavity 130d in the first direction. The installation position of the liquid inlet connector 153 can be selected according to the design requirements of the battery pack 100.

[0145] In some embodiments of this application, the flow guide 120 includes an elastic material, which allows the flow guide 120 to buffer between the cells 111 while also sealing the heat exchange channel 100a, preventing leakage of the heat exchange medium, reducing the use of other sealing structures, and lowering the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 100.

[0146] It is understood that, in a cross-section perpendicular to the left and right direction, the flow guide 120 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in its free state, and the compressed cross-sectional shape allows for appropriate deformation. The spacing between two adjacent cells 111 depends on the thickness of the compressed silicone strip.

[0147] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic coefficient k of the guide member 120 a The following conditions must be met:

[0148] k a =F m / (nx) Formula 1;

[0149] Among them, F m The extrusion resistance of cell 111 is represented by n, the number of current guides 120 between two adjacent cells 111 is represented by x, and the preset deformation of current guide 120 is represented by x.

[0150] It is understandable that the compressive strength of the battery cell 111 can be the maximum external force that the battery cell 111 can withstand under the condition that no fire, explosion or structural damage occurs; the preset deformation of the guide member 120 can be the difference between the initial free state thickness of the guide member 120 and the thickness after compression.

[0151] Using Formula 1 above, the elastic coefficient of the current guide 120 can be quickly selected to meet the buffering and positioning requirements between the cells 111, while ensuring the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0152] Specifically, Formula 1 above can be obtained through the following calculation process:

[0153] Since the dimensions of the current guides 120 between the two battery cells 111 are the same, and the deformation x of each current guide 120 is the same, according to Hooke's Law F = kx, the total force F of the squeezing force between the two battery cells 111 is... m (That is, the compressive strength of cell 111) can be expressed as:

[0154] F m = (k1x)+(k2x)+…+(k n x)=(k1+k2+…+k n Formula 2;

[0155] Where, k n This represents the elastic coefficient of the nth guide element 120;

[0156] Therefore, assuming the elastic coefficient of each guide element 120 is the same, the total elastic coefficient k m It can be represented as:

[0157] k m =F m / x=k1+k2+…+k n =nk a Formula 3;

[0158] Conversion yields:

[0159] k a = k m / n= F m Formula 4;

[0160] In some specific embodiments, the above-mentioned elastic material can be at least one of the following materials that are insoluble in the heat exchange medium: silicone, rubber, foam, polyurethane, polypropylene, etc.

[0161] In one example of this application, the initial thickness of the guide member 120 in its free state is 6 mm to 7 mm, and the thickness of the guide member 120 after extrusion is 5 mm.

[0162] In one example of this application, the compressive strength F of the battery cell 111 is ≤ 1400 kgf, the number of guide elements 120 between two adjacent battery cells 111 is 4, and the preset deformation of the guide elements 120 is 1 mm ≤ x ≤ 2 mm; according to Formula 1 above, the range of the elastic coefficient k of the guide element 120 in this example can be derived as: 1.75 × 10 6 N / m≤k≤3.5×10 6 N / m.

[0163] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 10 to 12The frame 100b has a receiving space 130a for mounting the battery cell 111 and the current guide 120. The frame 100b includes a housing 130 and a cover 140; the receiving space 130a is at least enclosed by the housing 130 and the cover 140; the cover 140 is mounted to the housing 130 along a first direction to apply pressure to the battery cell 111 and the current guide 120.

[0164] It is understood that the cover 140 is disposed at the end of the housing 130 along the first direction. During the installation of the cover 140 and the housing 130 along the first direction, the cover 140 gradually applies pressure to the battery cell 111 and the current guide 120 to compress and deform the current guide 120 until two adjacent battery cells 111 obtain the required spacing. At this time, the multiple battery cells 111 and multiple current guides 120 in the battery pack 110 are combined into a whole.

[0165] This design allows for the installation of the battery cell 111 through the cooperation of the housing 130 and the cover 140. The installation structure is simple and saves on the use of materials such as steel strips.

[0166] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figures 10 to 12 The inlet 130b and outlet 130c are respectively provided on the housing 130, and the inlet connector 153 is fixedly connected to the housing 130. The cover 140 is also provided with a clearance notch 140a, and at least a part of the inlet connector 153 is located in the clearance notch 140a, thereby avoiding interference between the cover 140 and the inlet connector 153.

[0167] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The battery pack 100 also includes a handle 180. The handle 180 is located on the side of the cover 140 away from the housing 130; the handle 180 is detachably connected to the cover 140.

[0168] Specifically, at least two handles 180 are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The handles 180 facilitate the handling and transfer of the cover 140. Furthermore, when assembling the cover 140 with the housing 130, external force can be applied to the cover 140 through the handles 180, preventing the external force from directly acting on the cover 140 and causing deformation. After the cover 140 and housing 130 are installed, the handles 180 can be removed, preventing the presence of the handles 180 from increasing the overall size of the battery pack 100.

[0169] By adopting the above solution and setting the handle 180, the operability of the cover 140 is improved, making it easier to transport the cover 140 and assemble it with the box 130.

[0170] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 10 to 12The housing 130 includes a bottom plate 131, a first side plate 132, a second side plate 133, and an end plate 134;

[0171] The first side plate 132 forms an outlet 130c; the second side plate 133 forms an inlet 130b and an inner cavity 130d; the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133 are respectively fixedly connected to the bottom plate 131, and the accommodating space 130a is located between the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133. The first side plate 132, the end plate 134 and the second side plate 133 are arranged around the bottom plate 131 in sequence, so that the housing 130 forms an opening 130e on the front side for inserting the power supply core 111.

[0172] With this design, the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133 form the liquid outlet 130c, the liquid inlet 130b, and the inner cavity 130d, respectively, which facilitates the processing and forming of the frame 100b.

[0173] In some specific embodiments, the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133 are fixedly connected to the base plate 131 by means of welding, bolting or other methods.

[0174] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 The frame 100b also includes a support plate 135. At least two support plates 135 are spaced apart along a first direction; at least one of the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133 is fixedly connected to the support plate 135, and the support plate 135 is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 131.

[0175] By adopting this solution, the structural strength of the first side plate 132 or the second side plate 133 can be enhanced by setting the support plate 135, so as to avoid deformation under the action of the battery cell 111.

[0176] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 12 The support plate 135 can be triangular in shape to improve the structural stability of the support plate 135.

[0177] In one example of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 The first side plate 132 is a single-layer metal plate. To enhance the structural strength of the first side plate 132, multiple support plates 135 are welded to the outer side of the first side plate 132. The multiple support plates 135 and the liquid outlets 130c are alternately spaced in the first direction. Specifically, the multiple liquid outlets 130c spaced apart in the second direction are defined as a group of liquid outlets, and the support plates 135 can be arranged with a group of liquid outlets or at least two groups of liquid outlets spaced apart.

[0178] In one example of this application, the second side plate 133 forms an inner cavity 130d by welding steel plates, and the structural strength of the second side plate 133 is greater than that of the first side plate 132. The second side plate 133 can be equipped with a support plate according to design requirements; it is understood that if the structural strength of the second side plate 133 is sufficient, the support plate 135 may not be provided.

[0179] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figures 13 to 16 The battery pack 100 also includes a plurality of first fasteners 154 and a plurality of second fasteners 155. The first fasteners 154 pass through the cover 140 and lock the cover 140 to the first side plate 132 and the second side plate 133 respectively in a first direction. The second fasteners 155 pass through the cover 140 and lock the cover 140 to the base plate 131 in a second direction. The cooperation of the first fasteners 154 and the second fasteners 155 improves the reliability of the installation of the cover 140 and the housing 130.

[0180] More specifically, the first fastener 154 and the second fastener 155 are respectively connected by one of the following: fastening bolts, pins, and snap-fit ​​connections.

[0181] In one example of this application, reference is made to Figure 16 The cover 140 includes multiple reinforcing ribs 141, which are arranged in a crisscross pattern on the side of the cover 140 away from the battery cell 111 to improve the structural strength of the cover 140 and reduce its deformation. Correspondingly, the second fastener 155 is a long screw that passes through the multiple reinforcing ribs 141 along a second direction, so that the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 141 does not affect the arrangement of the second fastener 155.

[0182] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 17 The battery pack 100 also includes a heating element 161. The heating element 161 is used to provide heat to the battery cell 111 to adjust the temperature of the battery cell 111, and the heating element 161 is fixedly connected to the outside of the frame 100b. By setting the heating element 161, the operating temperature of the battery cell 111 can be quickly increased in low-temperature environments.

[0183] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 17 The heating element 161 is located at the bottom of the frame 100b, so that the heating element 161 has a large heating area.

[0184] In some specific embodiments, the heating element 161 is an electric heating element. To precisely control the heating effect, the battery pack 100 is also equipped with a thermocouple, which can detect the temperature of the battery pack 100 or the temperature of the surrounding environment of the battery pack 100, thereby realizing the power adjustment of the heating element 161.

[0185] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 17 The battery pack 100 also includes an insulating component 162. The insulating component 162 is disposed on the side of the heating element away from the base plate 131 to provide insulation protection for the heating element 161. Specifically, the insulating component 162 and the heating element 161 are fastened and fixed to the base plate 131 by a plurality of screws.

[0186] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 17 The battery pack 100 also includes a baffle 163 and a bottom cover 164. The baffle 163 is welded to the bottom of the housing 130 and surrounds the heating element 161, providing protection during the flat placement and installation of the battery pack 100. The bottom cover 164 is located on the side of the insulating sheet away from the bottom plate 131 to protect the heating element 161 and the insulating element 162.

[0187] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 1 The battery pack 100 also includes a cell contact system (CCS) and an inter-pack copper busbar 172. The cell contact system 171 is correspondingly configured with the battery pack 110 to realize functions such as high-voltage series and parallel connection of the cells 111, temperature sampling, and voltage sampling. The two battery packs 110 are connected in series through the inter-pack copper busbar 172.

[0188] This application exemplarily describes the assembly process of the battery pack 100:

[0189] 1) Weld the base plate 131, the first side plate 132, the end plate 134 and the second side plate 133 into one piece to obtain the box body 130.

[0190] 2) Flip over the box 130, weld the bottom of the box 130 with the baffle 163, and install the heating element, the insulating element and the bottom cover 164 in sequence.

[0191] 3) Stack the battery cells 111 and the current guide 120 inside the housing 130.

[0192] 4) The cover 140 is pressed to the specified position by the extrusion tool, and the first fastener 154 and the second fastener 155 are locked in place.

[0193] 5) Place and weld the cell connection assembly 171 to the battery pack 110.

[0194] 6) Install the component copper busbars to connect adjacent battery packs 110 in series.

[0195] Secondly, referring to Figure 18 This application provides an energy storage system 10, including the battery pack 100 as described above. The energy storage system 10 possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery pack 100 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0196] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 18 The energy storage system 10 also includes a heat exchanger 210. The heat exchanger 210 is configured to provide a heat exchange medium to the heat exchange channel 100a of the battery pack 100. The heat exchanger 210 is used to adjust the temperature of the heat exchange medium so that a heat exchange medium at a preset temperature is input into the battery pack 100. The circulation of the heat exchange medium is achieved through a liquid cooler, resulting in lower temperature difference control throughout the battery pack 100.

[0197] In some specific implementations, each heat exchanger 210 can provide a heat exchange medium for one or at least two battery packs 100.

[0198] In some specific implementations, the heat exchanger 210 is a liquid cooler to circulate and cool the heat exchange medium.

[0199] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 18 The energy storage system 10 includes multiple battery packs 100.

[0200] The energy storage system 10 also includes a battery compartment 220. The battery compartment 220 has an internal space 221, an injection port 222, and an outlet 223; multiple battery packs 100 are respectively installed in the internal space 221; one end of the heat exchange channel 100a is connected to the injection port 222, and the other end is connected to the internal space 221; the input end of the heat exchanger 210 is connected to the outlet 223, and the output end of the heat exchanger 210 is connected to the injection port 222.

[0201] It is understandable that the internal space 221 is filled with a heat exchange medium so that the battery pack 100 is immersed in the heat exchange medium, allowing the outer side of the battery pack 100 to exchange heat further with the battery pack 100, thereby improving the heat exchange effect. At the same time, the immersion of the battery pack 100 in the heat exchange medium can isolate oxygen, reduce the risk of thermal runaway, and significantly improve the safety of the energy storage system 10.

[0202] In this configuration, the battery compartment 220 is filled with heat exchange medium, while the heating power of the heat exchanger 210 is limited. During cold starts, the temperature of the heat exchange medium cannot be raised quickly. Therefore, by using the heating element 161, the heat exchange medium in the compartment 221 can be heated, which can quickly raise the battery pack 100 to the operating temperature, meeting the needs of extremely cold application scenarios.

[0203] In some specific implementation methods, refer to Figure 18Each battery pack 100 has an inlet connector 153 connected to an inlet port 130b to obtain the heat exchange medium output from the heat exchanger 210; each battery pack 100 has an outlet port 130c connected to the chamber space 221, so that the heat exchange medium after passing through the heat exchange channel 100a is first discharged into the chamber space 221, and the heat exchange medium in the chamber space 221 is uniformly returned to the heat exchanger 210 through the outlet port 223 to realize the circulation of the heat exchange medium.

[0204] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: At least two battery cells are spaced apart along a first direction; At least two current-conducting elements are at least partially disposed between two adjacent battery cells; Wherein, at least two flow guides are provided between two adjacent cells along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction, so that the two adjacent cells in the first direction and the two adjacent flow guides in the second direction form a heat exchange channel through which the heat exchange working fluid flows. The first direction and the second direction are intersecting.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent cells ranges from 3mm to 7mm; And / or, the number of current-conducting elements between two adjacent cells ranges from 2 to 7.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: At least two battery packs are spaced apart along a third direction; Each of the battery packs includes a plurality of cells spaced apart along the first direction; the flow guide is disposed in at least two of the battery packs along the third direction, so that the same heat exchange channel passes through at least two of the battery packs; The first direction and the second direction are respectively set to intersect with the third direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: The frame has a storage space, multiple liquid inlets and multiple liquid outlets; The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are respectively connected to the accommodating space; Both the battery cell and the flow guide are installed in the accommodating space, and the heat exchange channel is connected between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The framework also has: The inner cavity is connected to the plurality of liquid inlets; The battery pack also includes: Liquid inlet connector, used to inject heat exchange medium into the inner cavity; The liquid inlet connector is fixedly connected to the frame.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The framework includes: Base plate; The first side plate forms the liquid outlet; The second side plate forms the liquid inlet and the inner cavity; The first side plate and the second side plate are respectively fixedly connected to the base plate, and the accommodating space is located between the first side plate and the second side plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The framework also includes: At least two support plates are spaced apart along the first direction; The first side plate and at least one of the second side plates are fixedly connected to the support plate, and the support plate is fixedly connected to the bottom plate.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The flow guide component includes an elastic material; The elastic coefficient k of the flow guide is a The following conditions must be met: k a =F m / (nx); Among them, F m The value represents the compressive strength of the battery cell, n represents the number of current guides between two adjacent battery cells, and x represents the preset deformation of the current guide.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: A frame having a space for mounting the battery cell and the current guide; The frame includes a box and a cover, and the accommodating space is formed by at least the box and the cover; The cover is installed to the housing along the first direction to apply pressure to the battery cell and the current guide.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: Liquid inlet connector, used to supply the heat exchange working fluid into the heat exchange channel; The liquid inlet connector is fixedly connected to the housing; The cover also has: A clearance notch is provided, penetrating the cover along the first direction; At least a portion of the liquid inlet connector is located in the clearance notch.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: A handle is located on the side of the cover away from the box body; The handle is detachably connected to the cover.

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes: A frame having a space for mounting the battery cell and the current guide; A heating element, at least for providing heat to the battery cell; The heating element is fixedly connected to the outside of the frame.

13. An energy storage system, characterized in that, Includes a heat exchanger and a battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; The heat exchanger is configured to provide a heat exchange medium to the heat exchange channels of the battery pack.

14. The energy storage system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The energy storage system includes multiple battery packs; The energy storage system also includes: The battery compartment has internal space, an inlet for filling liquid, and an outlet for draining liquid. The battery packs are respectively installed in the chamber space; one end of the heat exchange channel is connected to the liquid injection port, and the other end is connected to the chamber space. The input end of the heat exchanger is connected to the drain port, and the output end of the heat exchanger is connected to the injection port.

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