Immersion cooled battery array design for providing enhanced traction battery thermal management

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an immersion cooled battery array design for providing enhanced traction battery thermal management. A submerged cooling system for managing thermal energy levels of a traction battery pack is provided. A battery array of a traction battery pack may be configured to establish a multi-flow cooling fluid flow path. A cooling fluid (e.g., a dielectric fluid) may be passed through a multi-flow cooling fluid flow path for immersion cooling of battery cells of a battery array. During a battery thermal event originating from one or more upstream battery cells of the battery array, the multi-stream cooling fluid flow path may be configured to isolate the hot gas and thereby prevent the hot gas from generating a thermal effect on downstream battery cells of the battery array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to traction battery packs for electrified vehicles, and more particularly to immersion cooling systems capable of managing the thermal energy levels within the traction battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Electrified vehicles include a traction battery pack that powers the vehicle's motor and other electrical loads. The traction battery pack comprises multiple battery cells and various other internal battery components that support the propulsion of the electric vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A battery array for a traction battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure particularly includes: an array housing providing an internal volume; a mounting plate disposed within the internal volume; a first battery cell pack and a second battery cell pack positioned on the mounting plate; and an intermediate plate disposed between the first battery cell pack and the second battery cell pack. A first slot of the mounting plate is located upstream of the intermediate plate, and a second slot of the mounting plate is located downstream of the intermediate plate.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned battery array, the mounting plate is arranged to subdivide the internal volume between a first internal volume segment and a second internal volume segment.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first internal volume section extends between the bottom plate of the array housing and the mounting plate, and the second internal volume section extends between the mounting plate and the top plate of the array housing.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, an intake air passage is fluidly connected to both the first internal volume section and the second internal volume section, and an exhaust air passage is fluidly connected to the second internal volume section.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first slot and the second slot are formed through the mounting plate.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first slot is fluidly connected to a first flow path extending between the intermediate plate and the first battery cell pack, and the second slot is fluidly connected to a second flow path extending between the intermediate plate and the second battery cell pack.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the intermediate plate extends vertically from the mounting plate toward the top plate of the array housing.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the upper edge portion of the intermediate plate terminates before reaching the top plate.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the upper edge portion includes a rearwardly sloping surface.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the backward-sloping surface is flat.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the backward-tilted surface is curved or circular.

[0014] A battery array for a traction battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure particularly includes: an array housing providing an internal volume extending between a top plate and a bottom plate; a mounting plate arranged to subdivide the internal volume into a first internal volume segment and a second internal volume segment; an intermediate plate arranged to subdivide the second internal volume segment into an upstream segment and a downstream segment; a first battery cell pack positioned within the upstream segment; a second battery cell pack positioned within the downstream segment; an inlet air passage fluidly connected to both the first and second internal volume segments and configured to receive cooling fluid for immersion cooling of the first and second battery cell packs; and an exhaust air passage fluidly connected to the second internal volume segment and configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the internal volume.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned battery array, the first internal volume section extends between the base plate and the mounting plate, and the second internal volume section extends between the mounting plate and the top plate.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first internal volume section is configured to receive a first portion of the cooling fluid, and the second internal volume section is configured to receive a second portion of the cooling fluid.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, a first slot is formed in the mounting plate and configured to guide a first flow of the first portion of the cooling fluid into the upstream section of the second internal volume section.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, a second slot is formed in the mounting plate and configured to guide a second flow of the first portion of the cooling fluid into the downstream section of the second internal volume section.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first slot is located upstream of the intermediate plate, and the second slot is located downstream of the intermediate plate.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the first flow is configured to be a mixture of a second portion of the cooling fluid that redirects during a battery thermal event and battery venting byproducts released from the first battery cell pack.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the upper edge portion of the intermediate plate includes a rearwardly sloping surface.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned battery arrays, the backward-sloping surface is flat or curved.

[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives (including any of their various aspects or corresponding features) described in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] Various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings, which briefly describe the specific embodiments, are as follows. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 An electric vehicle is shown schematically.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a traction battery pack equipped with an immersion cooling system.

[0027] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An exemplary battery array for a traction battery pack.

[0028] Figure 4 Is it through Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of section 4-4.

[0029] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 The selection section of the battery array.

[0030] Figure 6The upper edge portion of an exemplary middle plate of the battery array is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 The upper edge portion of another exemplary middle plate of the battery array is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure details an immersion cooling system for managing the thermal energy level of a traction battery pack. The battery array of the traction battery pack can be configured to establish a multi-flow cooling fluid path. Cooling fluid (e.g., a dielectric fluid) can be delivered through the multi-flow cooling fluid path to immerse and cool the battery cells of the battery array. During battery thermal events originating from one or more upstream battery cells of the battery array, the multi-flow cooling fluid path can be configured to isolate hot gases and thereby prevent the hot gases from having a thermal impact on the downstream battery cells of the battery array. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this specific embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle 10 is schematically illustrated. The electrified vehicle 10 may include any type of electrified powertrain. In this embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and can be extended to other electrified vehicles, including but not limited to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, etc. Therefore, although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiments, the powertrain of the electrified vehicle 10 may be equipped with an internal combustion engine, which may be used alone or in combination with other power sources to propel the electrified vehicle 10.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is depicted as an automobile. However, the electrified vehicle 10 may alternatively be a sports utility vehicle (SUV), van, pickup truck, or any other vehicle configuration. Although specific component relationships are shown in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the electrified vehicle 10 are schematically shown and may vary within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various drawings accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to emphasize certain details of particular components or systems.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a purely electric vehicle propelled solely by electricity (such as by one or more motors 12) without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. The motor 12 may operate as an electric motor, a generator, or both. The motor 12 receives electricity and may convert the electricity into torque for driving one or more wheels 14 of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0036] Voltage bus 16 can electrically connect motor 12 to traction battery pack 18. Traction battery pack 18 is an exemplary electric vehicle battery. Traction battery pack 18 can be a high-voltage traction battery pack assembly including multiple battery cells capable of outputting power to supply motor 12 and / or other electrical loads of electric vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices may alternatively or additionally be used to supply power to electric vehicle 10.

[0037] The traction battery pack 18 can be fixed to the bottom 20 of the electric vehicle 10. However, within the scope of this disclosure, the traction battery pack 18 can be located elsewhere on the electric vehicle 10.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 Additional details relating to the traction battery pack 18 of the electrified vehicle 10. The traction battery pack 18 may include multiple battery arrays 22 (e.g., groups of battery modules or rechargeable battery cells 24) capable of outputting power to power the motor 12 and / or other electrical loads of the electrified vehicle 10 to support electric propulsion. Each battery array 22 may include multiple battery cells 24. The total number of battery arrays 22 and battery cells 24 provided within the traction battery pack 18 is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0039] In this embodiment, the battery cell 24 of each battery array 22 is a lithium-ion pouch cell. However, battery cells having other geometries (prismatic, cylindrical, etc.), other chemical substances (nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, etc.), or both may be used alternatively within the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The battery arrays 22 may be arranged in one or more rows and / or layers within the traction battery pack 18. In one embodiment, the traction battery pack 18 includes three battery arrays 22, and each battery array 22 may include a plurality of battery cells 24, with the plurality of battery cell molecules forming two or more battery cell packs. However, other configurations are also possible, and therefore within the scope of this disclosure, the traction battery pack 18 may include more or fewer battery arrays and battery cells.

[0041] The battery array 22 and various other battery internal components (e.g., bus electrical hubs, battery electrical control modules, wiring, connectors, etc.) can be housed within the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18. Although schematically shown, the housing assembly 28 can embody a single-piece or multi-piece design (e.g., combined to form a housing cover and housing tray for housing the interior of the battery array 22). The size, shape, and overall configuration of the housing assembly 28 are not intended to limit this disclosure. In embodiments, the housing assembly 28 provides a sealed enclosure surrounding the battery array 22 and other battery internal components of the traction battery pack 18. The housing assembly 28 provides the outermost surface of the traction battery pack 18.

[0042] Each battery array 22 can be isolated from and thus fluidly isolated from the other battery arrays 22 of the traction battery pack 18. Therefore, gases, effluent particles and / or other venting byproducts V emitted by one or more of the battery cells 24 in one or more of the battery arrays 22 (such as during a battery thermal event) cannot flow directly to another of the battery arrays 22 in the traction battery pack 18.

[0043] Each battery array 22 can be separated from the other battery arrays 22 of the traction battery pack 18. For example, the battery arrays 22 can be separated from each other by their respective housings. Although not specifically shown, insulating shields may be provided between the respective housings of adjacent battery arrays 22 to prevent heat from being transferred from one battery array 22 to another.

[0044] The traction battery pack 18 may additionally include an immersion cooling system 32. The immersion cooling system 32 can provide a closed-loop flow path for thermal management of the battery array 22 of the traction battery pack 18. For example, the immersion cooling system 32 can be configured to introduce cooling fluid F into the interior of each battery array 22 to directly contact the individual surfaces of the battery cells 24. However, other cooling fluids may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] The immersion cooling system 32 may include an intake manifold 34, an exhaust manifold 36, a plurality of intake air passages 38, and a plurality of exhaust air passages 40. The intake manifold 34 and the exhaust manifold 36 may each extend at least partially outside the housing assembly 28 of the traction battery pack 18, and at least a portion of the intake air passages 38 and the exhaust air passages 40 may extend into the interior of the housing assembly 28. The intake air passages 38 may be fluidly connected to the intake manifold 34, and the exhaust air passages 40 may be fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold 36. Each intake air passage 38 and each exhaust air passage 40 may also be fluidly connected to an internal volume 42 of one of the battery arrays 22.

[0046] Cooling fluid F can be selectively delivered from a reservoir (not shown) through an intake manifold 34 before being separated into multiple intake air passages 38. The cooling fluid F can then individually enter the internal volume 42 of each battery array 22 through the intake air passages 38. As the cooling fluid F flows through the internal volume 42 of each battery array 22, it absorbs heat from the battery cells 24 via convection heat transfer, thereby removing excess heat and stabilizing the temperature of the battery cells 24.

[0047] The cooling fluid F can exit each battery array 22 through the exhaust passage 40 before being re-integrated into the exhaust manifold 36. The cooling fluid F can then return to the storage tank. Although in Figure 2 Not specifically shown in the highly schematic depiction, but the closed-loop flow circuit of the immersion cooling system 32 may additionally include features such as pumps, flow control valves, sensors, controllers, etc.

[0048] One or more of the battery cells 24 encapsulated within the traction battery pack 18 may periodically release venting byproducts V, such as during overcharge, over-discharge, or short circuit conditions. The venting byproducts V can be released from the battery cells 24 through vent ports. An increase in pressure within one of the battery cells 24 may cause the vent port to rupture, thereby creating a path for the venting byproducts V to be released from within the battery cell 24.

[0049] The released ventilation byproduct V can be discharged from the traction battery pack 18 through the exhaust channel 40 and the exhaust manifold 36. Therefore, the ventilation byproduct V can travel along a ventilation flow path combined with the coolant flow path of the cooling fluid F. As discussed further below, the cooling fluid F can mix with the ventilation byproduct V during a thermal event to thermally manage the heat associated with the ventilation byproduct V during the thermal event.

[0050] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary design of the battery array 22 of the traction battery pack 18. Each battery array 22 of the traction battery pack 18 may include... Figure 3 The battery array 22 shown is the same design, or a similar design, because its electrical connection with the adjacent battery array can vary in order to complete the necessary circuitry for the traction battery pack 18.

[0051] The battery array 22 includes a plurality of battery cells 24 housed within an array housing 44. The array housing 44 can be configured as a six-sided box-like structure, including a top plate 46, a bottom plate 48, a pair of side plates (not shown for simplicity and clarity), and a pair of end plates (not shown for simplicity and clarity). The top plate 46, bottom plate 48, side plates, and end plates can be connected together to form an internal volume 42 of the battery array 22. The battery cells 24 can be positioned in two or more groups within the internal volume 42.

[0052] Mounting plate 50 may be arranged within the internal volume 42 at a location between one of the replacement plates of array housing 44 and the battery cell 24. In an embodiment, mounting plate 50 is positioned vertically above the base plate 48 of array housing 44. However, other arrangements are possible and are therefore contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. Mounting plate 50 may be integrated into array housing 44 or may be a structure completely separate from array housing 44.

[0053] The mounting plate 50 can subdivide the internal volume 42 into a first internal volume segment 52 and a second internal volume segment 54. The first internal volume segment 52 can extend between the base plate 48 and the mounting plate 50, and the second internal volume segment 54 can extend between the mounting plate 50 and the top plate 46. In an embodiment, the second internal volume segment 54 includes a larger volume than the first internal volume segment 52.

[0054] The intermediate plate 56 may be arranged within the second internal volume section 54. In an embodiment, the intermediate plate 56 is positioned to extend vertically from the mounting plate 50 in a direction toward the top plate 46. The intermediate plate 56 may be mounted to the mounting plate 50 and may terminate before reaching the top plate 46. However, other arrangements are possible and are therefore contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The intermediate plate 56 may be integrated into the array housing 44, or may be a structure completely separate from the array housing 44.

[0055] The intermediate plate 56 can be arranged to subdivide the second internal volume section 54 of the internal volume 42 into an upstream section 58 and a downstream section 60. The upstream section 58 can extend between the intake passage 38 and the intermediate plate 56, and the downstream section 60 can extend between the intermediate plate 56 and the exhaust passage 40.

[0056] Battery cells 24 can be arranged in multiple cell packs 62 in both the upstream section 58 and the downstream section 60 of the second internal volume section 54. Cell packs 62 can be positioned on the mounting plate 50 (on top). Each cell pack 62 may include multiple battery cells 24 stacked between a pair of insulating shields 64. The cell packs 62 positioned in the upstream section 58 provide the upstream cell packs of the battery array 22, and the cell packs 62 positioned in the downstream section 60 provide the downstream cell packs of the battery array 22. The downstream cell packs 62 are downstream of the upstream cell packs 62 in the flow direction of the cooling fluid F, and therefore can receive the cooling fluid F in series with respect to the upstream cell packs 62. The upstream cell packs 62 of the battery array 22 can receive the cooling fluid F parallel to each other.

[0057] The insulating shield 64 can be configured to prevent heat transfer from one cell pack 62 to another. The insulating shield 64 can also provide a desired level of compressibility to facilitate easier positioning of the cell packs 62 within the array housing 44. Each insulating shield 64 can be made of mica, aerogel, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

[0058] The battery cells 24 in each cell pack 62 can be arranged such that the main side of the cell extends parallel to the side plate of the array housing 44, and the secondary side of the cell extends parallel to the end plate of the array housing. However, other arrangements are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] A first slot 66 and a second slot 68 may be formed through the mounting plate 50 for fluidly connecting the first internal volume section 52 and the second internal volume section 54 of the internal volume 42. The first slot 66 and the second slot 68 allow cooling fluid F to flow vertically upward from the first internal volume section 52 to the second internal volume section 54, facilitating the immersion and cooling of the battery cell 24. The first slot 66 may be located on the upstream side of the intermediate plate 56, axially positioned between the upstream cell pack 62 and the intermediate plate 56, and the second slot 68 may be located on the downstream side of the intermediate plate 56, axially positioned between the intermediate plate 56 and the downstream cell pack 62.

[0060] The air intake passage 38 of the battery array 22 can be fluidly connected to both the first internal volume section 52 and the second internal volume section 54 of the internal volume 42, and the exhaust passage 40 can be fluidly connected to the second internal volume section 54 of the internal volume 42. Therefore, the cooling fluid F can enter the internal volume 42 near the bottom of the battery array 22 and flow into both the first internal volume section 52 and the second internal volume section 54, and the cooling fluid F can exit the internal volume 42 from the second internal volume section 54 near the top of the battery array 22.

[0061] like Figure 4 As best shown in the cross-sectional view, cooling fluid F enters the battery array 22 through the inlet channel 38. A first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F enters the first internal volume section 52, and a second portion F2 of the cooling fluid F enters the second internal volume section 54. The first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F can flow laterally (e.g., from right to left in the illustrated embodiment) through the first internal volume section 52, and the second portion F2 of the cooling fluid F can flow upward toward the top plate 46 and then laterally downstream to provide thermal management for the upstream cell packs 62 connected in parallel with each other.

[0062] The first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F flowing through the first internal volume section 52 can be divided into multiple flow streams by means of the first slot 66 and the second slot 68 of the mounting plate 50. For example, the first flow S1 of the first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F can flow upward through the first slot 66 to enter the second internal volume section 54, and the second flow S2 of the first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F can flow upward through the second slot 68 to enter the second internal volume section 54. The first flow S1 can flow upward from within the second internal volume section 54 through the first flow channel 80 located between the intermediate plate 56 and the upstream cell pack 62 to facilitate thermal management of the battery cell 24 of the upstream cell pack 62, and the second flow S2 can flow upward through the second flow channel 82 located between the intermediate plate 56 and the downstream cell pack 62 to facilitate thermal management of the battery cell 24 of the downstream cell pack 62. Before exiting the internal volume 42 through the exhaust channel 40, the first flow S1 and the second flow S2 can eventually converge with the second portion F2 of the cooling fluid F near the top of the battery array 22. Furthermore, the first portion F1 of the cooling fluid F flowing through the first internal volume section 52 can eventually flow upward through the second internal volume section 54 within the third flow channel 84 located downstream of the downstream cell pack 62, and then exit the internal volume 42 through the exhaust channel 40.

[0063] With the aforementioned flow pattern, the cooling fluid F can sweep across and around the primary and secondary surfaces of the battery cell 24 to provide thermal management of the battery cells 24 of the battery array 22 during normal operation of the traction battery pack 18. This flow pattern may also be beneficial for managing battery thermal events that may occur within the battery array 22. For example, one or more of the battery cells 24 in the upstream cell pack 62 may release venting byproducts V directly into the internal volume 42 during a battery thermal event. Once released, the venting byproducts V can mix with a second portion F2 of the cooling fluid F to provide a mixed fluid F3. The mixed fluid F3 typically has a higher temperature than the second portion F2 of the cooling fluid F. As the mixed fluid F3 flows downstream toward the exhaust channel 40, a first flow stream S1 and a second flow stream S2 can push the mixed fluid F3 toward the top plate 46, thereby isolating the mixed fluid F3 and substantially preventing it from contacting the upper surface of the battery cells 24 of the downstream cell pack 62 before it leaves through the exhaust channel 40. Therefore, during a battery thermal event, the ventilated battery cell 24 of the upstream cell pack 62 has almost no thermal impact on the battery cell 24 of the downstream cell pack 62.

[0064] Currently, the main reference is... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The upper edge portion 70 of the intermediate plate 56 may include features designed to further limit the thermal impact on the battery cells 24 of the downstream cell pack 62 during battery thermal events. For example, the upper edge portion 70 may include a rearwardly sloping surface 72 configured to redirect the mixed fluid F3 flowing from the upstream cell pack 62 toward the top plate 46 of the battery array 22 and away from the upper surface of the battery cells 24 of the downstream cell pack 62. Thus, the rearwardly sloping surface 72 can enhance the isolation of the mixed fluid F provided by the first flow flow S1 and the second flow flow S2.

[0065] The backward-tilted surface 72 may be angled relative to the fluid flow path through the battery array 22 in the upstream to downstream direction. In an embodiment, the backward-tilted surface 72 may be a flat surface (see [link]). Figure 6 In another embodiment, the backward-tilted surface 72 may be a curved or circular surface (see [reference]). Figure 7 ).

[0066] The exemplary traction battery pack of this disclosure includes an immersion cooling system for providing enhanced thermal management of the battery cells. The battery array of the traction battery pack can be provided with a partitioned design that maximizes heat transfer from both the primary and secondary surfaces of the battery cells. Furthermore, the unique arrangement and design of slots formed in the mounting plate and an intermediate plate disposed between the upstream and downstream cell packs effectively isolates hot gases originating from the upstream battery cells, thereby preventing the hot gases from having a thermal impact on the battery cells located downstream of the ventilated battery cells.

[0067] While different non-limiting embodiments are shown having specific components or steps, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those particular combinations. Some of the components or features from any of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0068] It should be understood that the same reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout all the figures. It should be understood that although particular arrangements of components are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0069] The foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications may be made within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the appended claims should be examined to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery array for a traction battery pack, comprising: An array housing that provides internal volume; Mounting plate, the mounting plate being arranged within the internal volume; The first and second battery cell packs are positioned on the mounting plate. An intermediate plate is disposed between the first battery cell pack and the second battery cell pack; The first slot of the mounting plate is located upstream of the intermediate plate; as well as The second slot of the mounting plate is located downstream of the intermediate plate.

2. The battery array of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is arranged to subdivide the internal volume between a first internal volume segment and a second internal volume segment.

3. The battery array of claim 2, wherein the first internal volume section extends between the bottom plate of the array housing and the mounting plate, and the second internal volume section extends between the mounting plate and the top plate of the array housing, and optionally includes: An air intake passage, which is fluidly connected to both the first internal volume section and the second internal volume section; And an exhaust channel, which is fluidly connected to the second internal volume section.

4. The battery array as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first slot and the second slot are formed through the mounting plate.

5. The battery array of claim 4, wherein the first slot is fluidly connected to a first flow path extending between the intermediate plate and the first battery cell pack, and the second slot is fluidly connected to a second flow path extending between the intermediate plate and the second battery cell pack.

6. The battery array of any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate plate extends vertically from the mounting plate toward the top plate of the array housing.

7. The battery array of claim 6, wherein the upper edge portion of the intermediate plate terminates before reaching the top plate.

8. The battery array of claim 7, wherein the upper edge portion includes a rearwardly sloping surface.

9. The battery array of claim 8, wherein the backward-tilted surface is flat, curved, or circular.

10. A battery array for a traction battery pack, comprising: An array housing that provides an internal volume extending between a top plate and a bottom plate; Mounting plate, the mounting plate being arranged to subdivide the internal volume into a first internal volume segment and a second internal volume segment; An intermediate plate, the intermediate plate being arranged to subdivide the second internal volume section into an upstream section and a downstream section; The first battery cell pack is located within the upstream section; The second battery cell pack is located within the downstream section; An air intake duct is fluidly connected to both the first internal volume section and the second internal volume section, and is configured to receive cooling fluid for immersion cooling of the first battery cell pack and the second battery cell pack. as well as An exhaust channel is fluidly connected to the second internal volume section and configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the internal volume.

11. The battery array of claim 10, wherein the first internal volume section extends between the base plate and the mounting plate, and the second internal volume section extends between the mounting plate and the top plate.

12. The battery array of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first internal volume section is configured to receive a first portion of the cooling fluid, and the second internal volume section is configured to receive a second portion of the cooling fluid.

13. The battery array of claim 12, comprising a first slot formed in the mounting plate and configured to direct a first flow of the first portion of the cooling fluid into the upstream section of the second internal volume section, and optionally comprising a second slot formed in the mounting plate and configured to direct a second flow of the first portion of the cooling fluid into the downstream section of the second internal volume section.

14. The battery array of claim 13, wherein the first slot is located upstream of the intermediate plate and the second slot is located downstream of the intermediate plate, and optionally wherein the first flow is configured to redirect a second portion of the cooling fluid and a mixture of battery venting byproducts released from the first battery cell pack during a battery thermal event.

15. The battery array of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the upper edge portion of the intermediate plate includes a rearwardly sloping surface, and optionally wherein the rearwardly sloping surface is flat or curved.

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