A dehumidification device, battery pack assembly, dehumidification method, and vehicle
The dehumidification system, consisting of a deflector, condenser fins, and a gas delivery device, solves the problem of condensate accumulation inside the battery pack components, achieving stable collection and safe operation of condensate.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-31
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, oversaturation of air inside battery pack components can easily lead to the accumulation of condensate, affecting the operational safety of the battery pack components.
The dehumidification device consists of a flow guide hood, condenser fins, a gas delivery device, and a water storage device. It guides the condensate to the water storage device through active airflow circulation and the flow guide grooves on the condenser fins, preventing the condensate from seeping into critical parts. It also optimizes the airflow speed and water droplet flow through the gradually expanding airflow channel and the flow guide plane to ensure stable collection of condensate.
It effectively prevents condensate from accumulating inside the battery pack components, reduces the risk of short circuits and corrosion, improves condensation efficiency, and ensures the safe operation of the battery pack components.
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Figure CN121260970B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack dehumidification technology, specifically to a dehumidification device, battery pack assembly, dehumidification method, and vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] The development of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems has driven the widespread application of high-capacity power battery pack components. These components generate a large amount of heat during charging, and if this heat is not dissipated in time, it can easily reduce charging efficiency, shorten battery life, and even lead to thermal runaway. Currently, cold plate cooling systems are commonly used, which circulate coolant to cool the battery and maintain its stable operation.
[0003] However, the surface temperature of the cold plate is low during operation, which causes the humid air inside the battery pack to become supersaturated, resulting in condensation on and around the surface of the cold plate. Some of the condensation accumulates inside the battery pack, posing a potential hazard to the safe operation of the battery pack.
[0004] Chinese invention patent CN202210350651.8, filed on April 2, 2022, discloses a dehumidifier for a vehicle battery pack and a vehicle. Specifically, the dehumidifier includes a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, and an airflow path connecting the air inlet and outlet within the housing. The dehumidifier also includes a condenser and a water-absorbing component disposed within the airflow path. Air flows into the housing from the air inlet and travels along the airflow path, contacting the condenser. The condenser condenses water vapor in the air into liquid water, and the water-absorbing component absorbs the liquid water. Thus, after the air flows out of the housing, the humidity inside the battery pack (i.e., the battery pack assembly) is reduced, preventing condensation from forming inside the battery pack assembly and thus preventing short circuits caused by condensation. However, the water-absorbing component has limited absorption capacity; when the air moisture content is high, condensation will still accumulate inside the battery pack assembly, affecting the operational safety of the battery pack assembly. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a dehumidification device, a battery pack assembly, a dehumidification method and a vehicle, which aims to solve the problem that the supersaturated air inside the battery pack assembly easily leads to the accumulation of condensate, which affects the operational safety of the battery pack assembly.
[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a dehumidification device, comprising: a flow guide shroud, condenser fins, a gas conveying device, and a water storage device; an airflow channel is formed inside the flow guide shroud, and an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the airflow channel are also formed on the flow guide shroud; the water storage device is disposed at the air outlet; the condenser fins are disposed inside the airflow channel, and a guide groove is formed on the condenser fins, the guide groove being disposed along the extension direction of the airflow channel, the guide groove being used to guide the condensate on the condenser fins to flow to the water storage device; the gas conveying device is adapted to convey gas from the air inlet to the air outlet.
[0007] Based on the aforementioned technical means, the gas delivery device forcibly sends air from the battery pack assembly into the airflow channel through the air inlet, and then discharges (or recirculates) it from the air outlet, forming an active airflow circulation. This circulation can promptly bring locally supersaturated air (such as high-humidity air generated during charging or heating) into the condensation fin area for treatment, preventing supersaturated air from lingering in the battery pack assembly and eliminating condensation. Furthermore, because the guide grooves on the condensation fins extend along the airflow channel and can directly guide water droplets condensed on the fin surface to the water storage device at the air outlet, it can prevent water droplets from seeping into critical components such as battery modules and circuit interfaces, avoiding the risk of short circuits and corrosion caused by moisture. The guide grooves on the condensation fins also increase the heat exchange area between the gas and the condensation fins, which is beneficial for improving condensation efficiency.
[0008] In one possible embodiment, the equivalent diameter of the airflow channel gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.
[0009] According to the aforementioned technical means, as the equivalent diameter of the airflow channel gradually decreases from the air inlet to the air outlet, the airflow velocity will increase as the channel narrows. This accelerated airflow simultaneously assists the condensate in the guide channel to flow towards the water storage device, preventing water droplets from remaining in the guide channel, evaporating, and then re-entering the air, thus further ensuring the stability of condensate collection.
[0010] In one possible embodiment, a flow guide plane is formed at the end of the condenser fin near the air outlet, and the flow guide plane is located between the flow guide groove and the air outlet.
[0011] According to the aforementioned technical methods, since the guide channel needs to guide water flow, it requires a large contact area with the water droplets (e.g., both sides and the bottom of the channel wall are in contact with the water droplets). However, according to surface tension characteristics, the larger the contact area, the stronger the adhesion between the water droplets and the channel wall. This adhesion significantly counteracts the weight of the water droplets, causing them to easily stagnate in the channel. They may even re-evaporate back into the airflow channel due to prolonged retention, weakening the dehumidification effect. In contrast, when the guide plane receives water droplets, it only forms a single contact surface with them. Compared to the multi-faceted contact of the guide channel, its contact area is significantly reduced. This reduction in contact area directly lowers the adhesion between the water droplets and the surface, making the weight of the water droplets more likely to dominate. This allows the water droplets to more easily transition from a stagnant state to a flowing state under the influence of airflow, ensuring a stable flow of water into the water storage device.
[0012] In one possible embodiment, the height of the guide groove gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.
[0013] Based on the aforementioned technical means, the height of the inlet end trough allows water droplets to have high gravitational potential energy when received there. As the flow direction advances, the trough height decreases, and the gravitational potential energy of the water droplets gradually converts into kinetic energy, propelling the droplets to accelerate directionally along the trough. This shortens the residence time of the water droplets in the guide trough, ensuring that the condensate enters the water storage device intact in liquid form. Furthermore, the water droplets accelerated by gravitational potential energy have a stronger scouring force, which can carry any remaining tiny water droplets in the trough along with it, preventing these tiny droplets from remaining for extended periods due to slow flow and high adhesion. This further reduces residue in the trough and improves the integrity of condensate collection.
[0014] In one possible embodiment, a water storage space is formed inside the water storage device, and an exhaust port and a drain port communicating with the water storage space are also formed on the water storage device, with the exhaust port located above the drain port.
[0015] Based on the aforementioned technical means, since the vent is located above the drain outlet, condensate in the water storage space will not overflow the vent, preventing water from spilling out. Furthermore, since the drain outlet is located below, outside air can be replenished to the water storage space through the vent above during drainage, preventing negative pressure from forming within the space and thus hindering drainage.
[0016] In one possible embodiment, the dehumidification device further includes a drain channel and a solenoid valve, one end of the drain channel being connected to a drain outlet, and the solenoid valve being located in the drain channel.
[0017] According to the above-mentioned technical means, when the condensate in the water storage space reaches the preset liquid level, the solenoid valve is energized and opened, the drainage channel is opened, and the condensate is discharged from the drain outlet along the channel; when the liquid level is lower than the threshold, the solenoid valve is de-energized and closed, blocking the drainage channel. In this way, water overflow is avoided, and the drainage time of condensate is controllable.
[0018] In one possible embodiment, the dehumidification device further includes: a support member having an air guide channel, and the support member also having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the air guide channel, the outlet communicating with the air inlet; the equivalent diameter of the air guide channel gradually increases along the direction from the inlet to the outlet.
[0019] Based on the aforementioned technical means, the inner wall of the gradually expanding air guide channel can guide the airflow to spread evenly in all directions, preventing the airflow from entering the air inlet in a bundled manner. When the airflow is discharged from the outlet of the support (i.e., the gradually expanding end), it can evenly cover every area of the fins, ensuring that the condensation area of the fins is fully utilized, reducing the problem of insufficient local condensation or local water overflow, increasing the amount of water vapor condensation, and reducing the residual rate of supersaturated air in the battery pack assembly.
[0020] In one possible embodiment, multiple condenser fins are provided, all of which are disposed within the airflow channel, and the multiple condenser fins are spaced apart along the extension direction perpendicular to the airflow channel.
[0021] Based on the above technical means, multiple condensing fins are spaced apart along the extension direction perpendicular to the airflow channel, which can ensure that both sides of each fin can contact the airflow, thereby increasing the contact area between the fins and the airflow and further reducing the residual rate of uncondensed water vapor.
[0022] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack assembly, which further includes a battery body, a housing, a cold plate, and a dehumidification device described in the first aspect. An accommodating space is formed inside the housing. The battery body, the dehumidification device, and the cold plate are all disposed within the accommodating space. The cold plate is capable of heat exchange with the condensing fins, and the gas conveying device is also adapted to guide the gas in the accommodating space into the airflow channel.
[0023] According to the above-mentioned technical means, due to heat exchange between the cold plate and the condenser fins, the temperature of the condenser fins is relatively low when the cold plate is cooling. Therefore, when the battery body generates heat during charging and discharging, the temperature within the containment space rises. After the gas delivery device guides the gas from the containment space into the airflow channel, the higher-temperature gas encounters the lower-temperature condenser fins, causing water vapor in the gas to condense on the condenser fins, forming water droplets that flow along the guide channels of the condenser fins. Finally, the water droplets flow into the water storage device through the guide channels. Thus, this embodiment of the application achieves condensation using waste heat generated during charging, without the need for an additional heat or cold source. However, its condensation efficiency is low and its energy consumption is high.
[0024] Thirdly, this application embodiment also provides a dehumidification method applied to the battery pack assembly described in the second aspect above. The dehumidification method includes: when the battery pack assembly is in a charging state and the cold plate is activated, when the air humidity in the accommodating space is greater than or equal to a first threshold, controlling the gas delivery device to start; detecting the water level in the water storage device, and when the water level is greater than or equal to a second threshold, controlling the solenoid valve to open for a preset time and then close.
[0025] Based on the aforementioned technical means, if the humidity does not reach the first threshold and the air in the containment space is in a dry state, forcibly activating the conveying device will consume additional battery power. Especially during charging, it is necessary to prioritize charging efficiency, and excessive dehumidification is both unnecessary and increases energy consumption. The setting of the first threshold aligns with the safety standards of the battery pack components. When the humidity approaches the critical point for condensation, the conveying device is activated, which guides the high-humidity air in the containment space to the condensation fins through forced airflow circulation, quickly completing the liquefaction of water vapor. This avoids the problem of delayed treatment after humidity has accumulated to the point of condensation formation, thereby preventing the possibility of condensation formation. In addition, the solenoid valve adopts a mode of opening for a preset time and then closing, rather than continuously opening until the water level is below the threshold. This design can prevent the solenoid valve from being open for a long time, causing external moisture to backflow into the water storage device through the drainage channel. On the other hand, it can reduce the frequency of opening and closing of the solenoid valve, avoiding frequent power-on and power-off cycles that shorten the component life. Furthermore, the timed closing ensures that the channel is sealed in time after drainage, maintaining the isolation between the water storage device and the outside world and preventing the reverse diffusion of moisture.
[0026] In one possible embodiment, the battery pack assembly further includes: a heating device adapted to heat the condenser fins; controlling the gas delivery device to start when the air humidity in the containment space is greater than or equal to a first threshold includes: controlling the gas delivery device to start in a first operating state when the air humidity in the containment space is greater than or equal to the first threshold; the dehumidification method further includes: when the battery pack assembly is in a charging state and the temperature in the containment space is less than or equal to 0 degrees, the heating device is started; when the temperature in the containment space is greater than 0 degrees, the gas delivery device is controlled to start in a second operating state, and the solenoid valve is controlled to open for a preset time, the power of the second operating state being higher than the power of the first operating state.
[0027] Based on the aforementioned technical methods, when the battery pack assembly is located in a low-temperature environment, the surface of the condenser fins is prone to frost or ice formation due to the low temperature. Ice will cover the condensation area of the fins, preventing water vapor from effectively contacting the fins and completely eliminating the condensation and dehumidification capacity. On the other hand, the ice layer may block the guide channel, preventing subsequent condensate from flowing into the water storage device. The heating device, when activated under these conditions, can precisely maintain the temperature of the condenser fins above the freezing point. This ensures that the fins always have the ability to condense water vapor, guaranteeing that moisture generated by the battery during charging can still be liquefied in a timely manner, while also preventing the guide channel from freezing and becoming blocked, maintaining the unobstructed flow of condensate.
[0028] In one possible embodiment, the dehumidification method further includes: when the battery pack assembly is finished, the gas delivery device is started in a first operating state; after the gas delivery device has been operating for a first preset time, the gas delivery device switches to a second operating state and operates for a second preset time, and controls the solenoid valve to open, wherein the first preset time is longer than the second preset time.
[0029] According to the above technical means, after the gas conveying device has been working for a first preset time, the gas conveying device switches to a second operating state with higher power to ensure that the water droplets are impacted by strong wind after they are gathered, thereby washing away dust and other stains to the water storage device and directly discharging them to the outside of the battery.
[0030] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a vehicle, including: the dehumidification device described in the first aspect, or the battery pack assembly described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description
[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be described below.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dehumidification device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 3 This is a partition diagram of a condenser fin disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a front view of a condenser fin arrangement disclosed in an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of a dehumidification device disclosed in an embodiment of this application within a battery pack assembly.
[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0038] 1000 - Vehicle; 100 - Battery pack assembly; 200 - Vehicle body;
[0039] 10 - Housing; 11 - Accommodation space;
[0040] 20-Cold plate;
[0041] 30-Dehumidifier; 31-Air guide shroud; 311-Air inlet; 312-Air outlet; 313-Airflow channel; 32-Condensation fins; 32A-Wide end fins; 32B-Narrow end fins; 321-Airflow groove; 322-Airflow guide plane; 33-Gas conveying device; 34-Water storage device; 341-Exhaust port; 342-Drain port; 35-Drainage channel; 36-Solenoid valve; 37-Support component; 371-Inlet; 372-Outlet; 373-Airflow channel; 38-Temperature sensor; 39-Humidity sensor;
[0042] 40 - Heating device;
[0043] 50 - Water level sensor;
[0044] 60-Battery body. Detailed Implementation
[0045] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and have no sequential or technical meaning, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Directional terms used in this application, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are merely for reference to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The use of directional terms is for better and clearer explanation and understanding of this application, and does not indicate the orientation of the referred device or component in an actual application scenario.
[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed connection" refers to a connection where the relative positional relationship remains unchanged after connection. "Rotary connection" refers to a connection where the two parts can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" refers to a connection where the two parts can slide relative to each other after connection.
[0047] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of 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. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0048] The terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" are relative to the current technological level, not absolute mathematical definitions. Slight deviations are permissible; approximations of parallelism or perpendicularity are acceptable. For example, "A and B are parallel" means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, with the angle between them ranging from 0 to 5 degrees. Similarly, "A and B are perpendicular" means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, with the angle between them ranging from 85 to 95 degrees.
[0049] The term "electrical connection" refers to the flow of current or signal from one conductor to another. An electrical connection between A and B means that current or signal can flow from A to B and vice versa. This connection includes direct and indirect electrical connections. A direct electrical connection between A and B means that A and B are physically connected. An indirect electrical connection between A and B means that A and B are connected via C, where C can be at least one wire or device.
[0050] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0051] Please see Figure 1 Vehicle 1000 can be, but is not limited to, pure electric vehicle (PEV / BEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, etc.
[0052] In this embodiment of the application, the vehicle 1000 includes a body 200 and a battery pack assembly 100 ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and an electric drive system, the battery pack assembly 100 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the vehicle body 200, and the electric drive system is located at the front drive and / or rear drive position of the vehicle body 200 and is fixedly connected to the vehicle body 200. The battery pack assembly 100 is electrically connected to the electric drive system and is used to supply power to the electric drive system. After receiving power, the electric drive system converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle 1000 to move.
[0053] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The battery pack assembly 100 includes a battery body 60, a housing 10, a cooling plate 20, and a dehumidification device 30. A receiving space 11 is formed within the housing 10, and the battery body 60, dehumidification device 30, and cooling plate 20 are all located within the receiving space 11. The dehumidification device 30 removes water vapor from the receiving space 11, preventing oversaturation of the air inside the battery pack assembly 100 and thus avoiding condensation buildup, thereby improving the operational safety of the battery pack assembly 100.
[0054] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The dehumidification device 30 includes: a flow guide 31, condenser fins 32, a gas conveying device 33, and a water storage device 34.
[0055] The flow guide shroud 31 has an airflow channel 313 inside, and an air inlet 311 and an air outlet 312 connected to the airflow channel 313 are also formed on the flow guide shroud 31. A water storage device 34 is disposed at the air outlet 312. A condenser fin 32 is disposed inside the airflow channel 313, and a guide groove 321 is formed on the condenser fin 32. The guide groove 321 is arranged along the extension direction of the airflow channel 313 and is used to guide the condensed water on the condenser fin 32 to flow to the water storage device 34. A gas conveying device 33 is adapted to convey gas from the air inlet 311 to the air outlet 312.
[0056] Thus, the gas delivery device 33 forces the air inside the battery pack assembly 100 from the air inlet 311 into the airflow channel 313, and then discharges (or recirculates) it from the air outlet 312, forming an active airflow circulation. This circulation can promptly bring locally supersaturated air (such as high-humidity air generated during charging or heating) inside the battery pack assembly 100 into the condenser fin area for treatment, preventing supersaturated air from lingering inside the battery pack assembly 100 for a long time and eliminating condensation inside the battery pack assembly 100. In addition, since the guide grooves 321 on the condenser fins 32 extend along the airflow channel 313 and can directly guide the water droplets condensed on the fin surface to the water storage device 34 at the air outlet 312, it can prevent water droplets from seeping into critical parts such as the battery module and circuit interfaces, avoiding the risk of short circuits and corrosion caused by moisture. The guide grooves 321 on the condenser fins 32 also increase the heat exchange area between the gas and the condenser fins 32, which is beneficial to improving condensation efficiency.
[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the equivalent diameter of the airflow channel 313 gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet 311 to the air outlet 312. The equivalent diameter can also be called the equivalent sphere diameter, which simplifies an airflow channel 313 with an irregular cross-section into an equivalent circle. For example, when the cross-section of the airflow channel 313 is a square with an area of 1 square centimeter, the equivalent diameter is the diameter of a circle with an area of 1 square centimeter.
[0058] As the equivalent diameter of the airflow channel 313 gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet 311 to the air outlet 312, the airflow velocity will increase as the channel narrows. This increased airflow can also simultaneously assist the condensate in the guide channel 321 to flow towards the water storage device 34, preventing water droplets from remaining in the guide channel 321, evaporating, and then re-entering the air, further ensuring the stability of condensate collection.
[0059] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery body 60, dehumidification device 30, and cold plate 20 are all housed within the accommodating space 11. The cold plate 20 can exchange heat with the condenser fins 32. The cold plate 20 can be in contact with the condenser fins 32. For example, the condenser fins 32 can be integrated and welded onto the cold plate 20 to achieve heat exchange with the cold plate 20. For example, the condenser fins 32 can also be integrated with the cold plate 20 to achieve heat exchange with the cold plate 20 without the need to connect the condenser fins 32 to the cold plate 20, thus reducing production steps.
[0060] Additionally, the gas delivery device 33 is also adapted to guide the gas within the accommodating space 11 into the airflow channel 313. The gas delivery device 33 can be a fan. For example, the fan can be a centrifugal fan or an axial flow fan, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.
[0061] Because the cold plate 20 exchanges heat with the condenser fins 32, the temperature of the condenser fins 32 is relatively low when the cold plate 20 is cooling. Therefore, when the battery body 60 generates heat during charging and discharging, the temperature inside the containment space 11 rises. The gas inside the containment space 11 flows into the airflow channel 313, and the higher-temperature gas encounters the lower-temperature condenser fins 32. Water vapor in the gas condenses on the condenser fins 32, forming water droplets that flow along the guide grooves 321 of the condenser fins 32. Finally, the water droplets flow into the water storage device 34 through the guide grooves 321. Thus, this embodiment of the application achieves condensation using waste heat generated during charging, without the need for an additional heat or cold source. However, its condensation efficiency is low and its energy consumption is high.
[0062] In some embodiments of this application, a guide plane 322 is formed at one end of the condenser fin 32 near the air outlet 312, and the guide plane 322 is located between the guide groove 321 and the air outlet 312. That is, the guide groove 321 does not extend to the air outlet 312, but a section of guide plane 322 is formed between the guide groove 321 and the air outlet 312.
[0063] Since the guide channel 321 is designed to guide water flow, it needs to have a large contact area with the water droplets (e.g., both sides and the bottom of the channel wall are in contact with the water droplets). However, according to surface tension characteristics, the larger the contact area, the stronger the adhesion between the water droplets and the channel wall. This adhesion will significantly offset the weight of the water droplets, causing them to easily stagnate in the channel. They may even re-evaporate back into the airflow channel 313 due to prolonged retention, weakening the dehumidification effect. In contrast, when the guide plane 322 receives water droplets, it only forms a single contact surface with them. Compared to the multi-faceted contact of the guide channel 321, its contact area is significantly reduced. This reduction in contact area directly lowers the adhesion between the water droplets and the surface, making the weight of the water droplets more likely to dominate. This allows the water droplets to more easily transition from a stagnant state to a flowing state under the influence of airflow, ensuring that the water droplets can flow stably into the water storage device 34.
[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the height of the guide groove 321 gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet 311 to the air outlet 312. Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the condenser fin 32 can be a trapezoidal fin. The lower base (i.e., the longer base, hereinafter referred to as the wide-end fin 32A) of the trapezoidal fin is located near the air inlet 311, and the upper base (i.e., the shorter base, hereinafter referred to as the narrow-end fin 32B) of the trapezoidal fin is located near the air outlet 312. The inclined side of the trapezoidal fin can form an angle of 30° to 45° with the horizontal plane. This allows the gas velocity to increase as the airflow passes through the condenser fin 32, impacting the liquid droplets and achieving rapid drainage.
[0065] For example, the trapezoidal fin can be a right trapezoid, with the right-angled side of the trapezoidal fin fitting against the cold plate 20. The right-angled side of the trapezoidal fin can be in contact with the surface of the cold plate 20. This can improve the heat exchange efficiency between the condensing fin 32 and the cold plate 20, thereby improving the condensation effect of water vapor.
[0066] Thus, the inlet 311 has a relatively high trough, giving the water droplets high gravitational potential energy when they are received there. As the flow direction advances, the trough height decreases, and the gravitational potential energy of the water droplets is gradually converted into kinetic energy, propelling the water droplets to accelerate directionally along the trough. This shortens the residence time of the water droplets in the guide trough 321, ensuring that the condensate enters the water storage device 34 intact in liquid form. In addition, the water droplets accelerated by gravitational potential energy have a stronger scouring force, which can carry away any tiny water droplets that may remain in the trough, preventing them from remaining for a long time due to slow flow and high adhesion. This further reduces residue in the trough and improves the integrity of condensate collection.
[0067] In one possible embodiment, a water storage space is formed within the water storage device 34, and an exhaust port 341 and a drain port 342 communicating with the water storage space are also formed on the water storage device 34, with the exhaust port 341 located above the drain port 342. The water storage device 34 may be located within the accommodating space 11.
[0068] Since the vent 341 is located above the drain 342, the condensate in the water storage space will not overflow into the vent 341, preventing water from overflowing from the vent 341. In addition, since the drain 342 is located below, when the drain 342 drains, outside air can be replenished to the water storage space in a timely manner through the vent 341 above, preventing negative pressure from forming in the space due to drainage, which would then hinder drainage.
[0069] In one possible embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2 The dehumidification device 30 also includes a drain channel 35 and a solenoid valve 36. One end of the drain channel 35 is connected to a drain outlet 342, and the solenoid valve 36 is located in the drain channel 35. The drain channel 35 can be formed on the housing 10, meaning a drain connection is formed on the housing 10. The drain channel 35 penetrates the housing 10, with one end connected to the drain outlet 342 of the water storage device 34 within the accommodating space 11, and the other end connected to the outside of the housing 10.
[0070] In addition, the working principle of the solenoid valve 36 is as follows: when the coil is energized, the generated electromagnetic force directly lifts the valve core, overcoming the spring force or the medium pressure, so that the valve opens; when the power is cut off, the electromagnetic force disappears, the spring force presses down the valve core, and the valve closes.
[0071] Thus, when the condensate in the water storage space reaches the preset level, the solenoid valve 36 is energized and opens, the drainage channel 35 is opened, and the condensate is discharged from the drain outlet 342 along the channel; when the level is lower than the threshold, the solenoid valve 36 is de-energized and closes, blocking the drainage channel 35. In this way, water overflow is avoided, and the drainage time of the condensate is controllable.
[0072] In one possible embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2The dehumidification device 30 further includes a support member 37, which forms an air guiding channel 373. The support member 37 also has an inlet 371 and an outlet 372 communicating with the air guiding channel 373. The outlet 372 communicates with the air inlet 311. Along the direction from the inlet 371 to the outlet 372, the equivalent diameter of the air guiding channel 373 gradually increases. For example, the support member 37 can be formed by multiple plate-like structures enclosed together, or it can be a block structure; this embodiment does not limit the specific form. The gas conveying device can be located at the inlet 371 of the support member 37.
[0073] In this way, the inner wall of the gradually expanding air guide channel 373 can guide the airflow to spread evenly in all directions, avoiding the airflow from entering the air inlet 311 in a bundle shape. When the airflow is discharged from the outlet 372 (i.e. the gradually expanding end) of the support 37, it can evenly cover each area of the fin, ensuring that the condensation area of the fin is fully utilized, reducing the problem of insufficient local condensation or local water overflow, increasing the amount of water vapor condensation, and reducing the residual rate of supersaturated air in the battery pack assembly 100.
[0074] In one possible embodiment, the dehumidification device 30 further includes a temperature sensor 38, a water level sensor 50, and a humidity sensor 39. The temperature sensor 38 is adapted to detect the temperature value within the accommodating space 11, the humidity sensor 39 is adapted to detect the humidity value within the accommodating space 11, and the water level sensor 50 is disposed on the water storage device 34 and adapted to detect the water level within the water storage device 34. The temperature sensor 38 and the humidity sensor 39 may be disposed on the support member 37 or on the inner wall of the housing 10; this embodiment does not limit the specific placement of these components.
[0075] Optionally, the temperature sensor 38 and the humidity sensor 39 can be an integrated structure, i.e., a temperature and humidity sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 38 and the humidity sensor 39 can also be set separately. This application embodiment does not limit this.
[0076] In one possible embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Multiple condenser fins 32 are provided, all of which are disposed within the airflow channel 313 and are spaced apart along an extension direction perpendicular to the airflow channel 313. The gap between two adjacent condenser fins 32 is suitable for airflow. For example, the condenser fins 32 can be 6, 8, 10, or 12, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the number of fins.
[0077] In this way, the multiple condensing fins 32 are spaced apart along the extension direction perpendicular to the airflow channel 313, which can ensure that both sides of each fin can contact the airflow, thereby increasing the contact area between the fin and the airflow and further reducing the residual rate of uncondensed water vapor.
[0078] In some embodiments of this application, the battery pack assembly 100 further includes a heating device 40, which is electrically connected to the battery body 60 and is adapted to heat the condenser fins 32. For example, the heating device 40 can be a heating film, which can be disposed in contact with the condenser fins 32. The heating film is a thin electrothermal device that utilizes the principle of resistance heating, fabricating conductive circuits on a flexible insulating film substrate, and generating uniform heat when energized. Furthermore, in related technologies, heating films are typically responsible for heating the battery cells of the battery pack assembly 100. In this embodiment, by placing the heating film, originally responsible for heating the battery cells, on the condenser fins without requiring additional heating components, the heating of the condenser fins 32 can be achieved. It should be noted that when the battery pack assembly 100 operates in scenarios with temperatures ≤0℃, such as winter or in extremely cold regions, the condenser fins 32 are prone to forming an ice layer on their surface due to continuous heat exchange with the cold plate 20 to maintain a low temperature. This ice layer covers the condensation surface of the condenser fins 32, blocking the heat exchange between water vapor and the fins, causing the dehumidification function to fail. At the same time, the ice layer may block the flow channel 321, preventing the generated condensate from flowing to the water storage device 34. Uneven melting of the ice layer may even cause water droplets to splash, contacting the battery interface or module and causing a short circuit risk. However, after the heating device 40 is powered by the battery body 60, it can precisely heat the condenser fins 32, causing the ice layer to melt quickly and maintaining the fin temperature above the freezing point. This avoids the ice layer blocking the condensation area and ensures the smooth flow of the flow channel 321, allowing the dehumidification device 30 to operate normally in low-temperature environments.
[0079] In addition, this application embodiment also provides a dehumidification method applied to the battery pack assembly 100 described above. The dehumidification method includes multiple operating modes, wherein the multiple operating modes include at least: charging dehumidification mode, low temperature de-icing mode, forced dehumidification mode and self-cleaning mode.
[0080] The charging dehumidification mode includes: when the battery pack assembly 100 is charging and the cold plate 20 is activated, if the air humidity in the containment space 11 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the gas delivery device 33 is activated; the water level in the water storage device 34 is detected, and if the water level is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the solenoid valve 36 is activated for a preset time and then closed. Specifically, activating the gas delivery device 33 when the air humidity in the containment space 11 is greater than or equal to the first threshold can include: activating the gas delivery device 33 in a first operating state when the air humidity in the containment space 11 is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first operating state can be the power of the gas delivery device. For example, when the gas delivery device is a fan, activating the fan in the first operating state can be activating the fan at a low speed.
[0081] For example, when the battery enters the charging state and the cooling plate 20 is already turned on for cooling, the battery management system (BMS) detects the current air humidity inside the containment space 11 through the humidity sensor 39. If the air humidity inside the containment space 11 is ≥70%, the gas delivery device 33 is turned on to enter the charging dehumidification mode. The hot airflow generated by the battery heats up is guided by the gas delivery device 33 and comes into contact with the wide-end fin 32A. Since the condensing fin 32 is welded to the straight cooling plate 20, the surface temperature of the fin is low when the cooling plate 20 is turned on. The hot air cools down and condenses into small droplets after reaching saturation. The condensate is pushed by the airflow along the guide groove 321 on the condensing fin 32 towards the narrow-end fin 32B and gathers into large droplets. The cross-section of the guide shroud 31 is reduced at the narrow end, the airflow is accelerated, and the droplets are accelerated to be discharged in the narrow-end drainage area. At the same time, since no guide groove 321 is provided at the drain outlet 342, a guide plane 322 is formed on the fin surface. Thus, the droplets cannot be retained, increasing the drainage efficiency. The discharged condensate temporarily stays in the water storage chamber. When the water level reaches the set value, the solenoid valve 36 opens and the condensate is discharged through the inclined hole. After 1 minute of drainage, the solenoid valve 36 closes. If the water level does not reach the set value, the solenoid valve 36 remains closed, and the water level is continuously monitored.
[0082] Thus, if the humidity does not reach the first threshold, the air in the containment space 11 will be dry. Forcibly activating the conveying device will consume additional battery power, especially since charging efficiency must be prioritized during charging. Excessive dehumidification is unnecessary and will increase energy consumption. The setting of the first threshold aligns with the safety standards of the battery pack assembly 100. The conveying device is activated only when the humidity approaches the critical point for condensation. This allows for forced airflow circulation to guide the high-humidity air in the containment space 11 to the condensation fins 32, quickly completing the liquefaction of water vapor. This avoids the problem of delayed treatment after humidity has accumulated to the point of condensation, thereby preventing the possibility of condensation formation. In addition, the solenoid valve 36 adopts a mode of opening for a preset time and then closing, rather than continuously opening until the water level is below the threshold. This design can prevent external moisture from flowing back into the water storage device 34 through the drainage channel 35 due to the solenoid valve 36 being open for a long time. On the other hand, it can reduce the frequency of opening and closing of the solenoid valve 36, avoiding frequent power-on and power-off cycles that shorten the life of the components. Furthermore, the timed closing ensures that the channel is sealed in time after drainage, maintaining the isolation of the water storage device 34 from the outside world and preventing the reverse diffusion of moisture.
[0083] In one possible embodiment, the low-temperature de-icing mode includes: when the battery pack assembly 100 is in a charging state and the temperature in the containment space 11 is less than or equal to 0 degrees, the heating device 40 is activated; when the temperature in the containment space 11 is greater than 0 degrees, the gas delivery device 33 is activated in a second operating state, and the solenoid valve 36 is opened for a preset time, the power of the second operating state is higher than the power of the first operating state.
[0084] Specifically, when the battery enters charging mode, and the BMS detects an air temperature ≤0℃ and a water level ≥3mm, the axial fan operates at low speed and the battery heating film is activated. At this time, the fins heat up under the action of the battery heating film, melting any remaining ice into droplets, which are then carried away by the airflow. This continues until the battery air temperature reaches ≥5℃, the heating time reaches 1 hour, or the highest temperature of the battery body 60 reaches ≥15℃. Then, the solenoid valve 36 opens for 1 minute, and the axial fan enters high speed. When the water level ≤2mm, the de-icing mode is exited.
[0085] When the battery pack assembly 100 is in a low-temperature environment, the surface of the condenser fins 32 is prone to frost or ice formation due to the low temperature. On the one hand, this will cover the condensation area of the fins, preventing water vapor from effectively contacting the fins and completely losing the condensation and dehumidification capacity. On the other hand, the ice layer may block the guide channel 321, preventing condensate from flowing into the water storage device 34 even if it is subsequently generated. The heating device 40 is activated under this condition, which can precisely maintain the temperature of the condenser fins 32 above the freezing point. This ensures that the fins always have the ability to condense water vapor, ensuring that the moisture generated by the battery during charging can still be liquefied in time, and also prevents the guide channel 321 from freezing and blocking, maintaining the smooth flow of condensate collection.
[0086] In one possible embodiment, the forced dehumidification mode further includes: when the device is not charging and the humidity sensor 39 detects that the humidity has reached a preset value, the cold plate 20 is turned on, the refrigerant enters the cold plate 20 to cool the condenser fins 32, the gas delivery device 33 is turned on and operates at a medium fan speed, and the dehumidification is stopped when the humidity is lower than a threshold (e.g., 50%).
[0087] In one possible embodiment, the dehumidification method further includes: when the battery charging is complete, the gas delivery device 33 is activated in a first operating state; after the gas delivery device 33 has operated for a first preset time, it switches to a second operating state for a second preset time, and controls the solenoid valve 36 to open, with the first preset time being longer than the second preset time. Thus, after the gas delivery device 33 has operated for the first preset time, it switches to a higher-power second operating state, ensuring that water droplets accumulate and are impacted by strong winds, thereby washing away dust and other dirt into the water storage device 34 and directly discharging it to the outside of the battery.
[0088] For example, when the battery pack assembly 100 finishes charging, the gas delivery device 33 operates at a low fan speed. During the dehumidification process, every 10 minutes of condensation, the gas delivery device 33 implements a high-speed strong fan for 10 seconds, while the solenoid valve 36 opens. In this way, the strong wind impact ensures that water droplets accumulate and are washed away by the water storage device 34 and directly discharged to the outside of the battery pack assembly 100.
[0089] This application discloses an electronic device, which may include a processor and a memory. The processor and the memory are communicatively connected. The memory is used to store programs, and the processor is used to execute the programs, specifically performing the relevant steps in the above-described dehumidification method embodiments.
[0090] Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer-executable instructions. The memory may include high-speed RAM or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one executable instruction that, when executed on a battery pack assembly, causes the battery pack assembly to perform the dehumidification method in any of the above method embodiments.
[0091] It should be understood that the application of this application is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can understand that implementing all or part of the processes of the above embodiments and making equivalent changes according to the claims of this application still fall within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. A dehumidifying device (30) characterized by, The device comprises a deflector (31), a condensation fin (32), a gas conveying device (33) and a water storage device (34). The deflector (31) is provided with an air flow channel (313) and an air inlet (311) and an air outlet (312) which are in communication with the air flow channel (313); the water storage device (34) is arranged at the air outlet (312); the condensation fin (32) is arranged in the air flow channel (313) and is provided with a deflector groove (321) which is arranged along the extension direction of the air flow channel (313) and is used to guide the condensed water on the condensation fin (32) to the water storage device (34); the gas conveying device (33) is adapted to convey the gas from the air inlet (311) to the air outlet (312); the equivalent diameter of the air flow channel (313) gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet (311) to the air outlet (312). The condensation fin (32) is provided with a deflector plane (322) at one end close to the air outlet (312), and the deflector plane (322) is located between the deflector groove (321) and the air outlet (312).
2. The dehumidification device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The height of the deflector groove (321) gradually decreases along the direction from the air inlet (311) to the air outlet (312).
3. The dehumidification device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The water storage device (34) is provided with a water storage space, and is further provided with an air outlet (341) and a water outlet (342) which are in communication with the water storage space, and the air outlet (341) is arranged above the water outlet (342).
4. The dehumidification device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The dehumidifying device (30) further comprises a water outlet channel (35) and an electromagnetic valve (36), one end of the water outlet channel (35) is in communication with the water outlet (342), and the electromagnetic valve (36) is arranged in the water outlet channel (35).
5. The dehumidification device (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that The dehumidifying device (30) further comprises a support (37) which is provided with a gas guide channel (373) and is further provided with an inlet (371) and an outlet (372) which are in communication with the gas guide channel (373), and the outlet (372) is in communication with the air inlet (311); the equivalent diameter of the gas guide channel (373) gradually increases along the direction from the inlet (371) to the outlet (372).
6. The dehumidification device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The battery pack assembly (100) further comprises a battery body (60), a shell (10), a cold plate (20) and the dehumidifying device (30) of any one of claims 1-6, the shell (10) is provided with a containing space (11), the battery body (60), the dehumidifying device (30) and the cold plate (20) are arranged in the containing space (11), the cold plate (20) can exchange heat with the condensation fin (32), and the gas conveying device (33) is further adapted to guide the gas in the containing space (11) into the air flow channel (313).
7. A battery pack assembly (100) characterized by, The dehumidifying method comprises:
8. A dehumidification method applied to the battery pack assembly (100) of claim 7, characterized in that, When the battery pack assembly (100) is in a charging state and the cold plate (20) is started, when the air humidity in the accommodation space (11) is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the gas conveying device (33) is controlled to start; The water level in the water storage device (34) is detected, and when the water level is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the electromagnetic valve (36) is controlled to open for a preset time and then close.
9. The dehumidification method of claim 8, wherein, The battery pack assembly (100) further comprises a heating device (40) adapted to heat the condensation fin (32); When the air humidity in the accommodation space (11) is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the gas conveying device (33) is controlled to start in a first operating state. The dehumidification method further comprises: When the battery pack assembly (100) is in the charging state and the temperature in the accommodation space (11) is less than or equal to 0 degrees, the heating device (40) is started; when the temperature in the accommodation space (11) is greater than 0 degrees, the gas conveying device (33) is controlled to start in a second operating state, and the electromagnetic valve (36) is controlled to open for a preset time, the power of the second operating state being higher than that of the first operating state.
10. The dehumidification method of claim 9, wherein, The dehumidification method further comprises: when the battery pack assembly (100) is in the charging state, the gas conveying device (33) is started in the first operating state; when the gas conveying device (33) works for a first preset time, the gas conveying device (33) switches to the second operating state and works for a second preset time, and the electromagnetic valve (36) is controlled to open, the first preset time being greater than the second preset time.
11. A vehicle (1000), characterized in that The dehumidification method further comprises: The dehumidification device (30) of any one of claims 1-6, or the battery pack assembly (100) of claim 7. The dehumidification device (30) of any one of claims 1-6, or the battery pack assembly (100) of claim 7.
Citation Information
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