Battery device and method for cooling battery device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery device and a cooling method of the battery device, the battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of stack cases accommodating a plurality of cells; a cooling plate facing the stack shell; and a cooling channel provided in the cooling plate and having a refrigerant flow space in which a refrigerant flows, the cooling channel including regions in which values of cross-sectional areas of the refrigerant flow space differ.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery device and a cooling method of a battery device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A battery is widely used in small electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and the like, and in medium and large mechanical devices such as electric vehicles (EVs), and the like, and has the advantage of being rechargeable and reusable.

[0003] An electrode assembly can be composed of electrode plates including positive and negative electrode plates, and a separator for separating the positive and negative electrode plates. The electrode assembly manufactured in a stacked type, a stacked-folding type, a wound type, or the like is accommodated in a case such as a pouch type, a prismatic type, a cylindrical case, or the like, which is selected according to the purpose of use, and the case is sealed after an electrolyte is injected to manufacture a battery cell.

[0004] A plurality of battery cells can be accommodated in a stack case, and the plurality of battery cells can be connected with bus bars to form a battery device. The battery device can be, for example, a battery module and / or a battery pack.

[0005] A battery device generates heat during use, and thus, in order to cool the battery device, a refrigerant can be used. SUMMARY

[0006] (1) Technical Problem to be Solved

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery device and a cooling method of a battery device that improve cooling performance and cooling efficiency.

[0008] In addition, the present disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as solar power generation, wind power generation, and the like.

[0009] In addition, the present disclosure can be applied to eco-friendly devices such as eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like, which prevent climate change by suppressing atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (2) Technical Solution

[0011] A battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a plurality of stack cases accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a cooling plate facing the stack cases, and a cooling channel provided in the cooling plate and having a refrigerant flow space in which a refrigerant flows, the cooling channel can include regions in which a value of a cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space is different.

[0012] In one embodiment, the edge of the cooling plate can be disposed outside the edge of the plurality of stack cases, the refrigerant flow space can include: a cross-sectional area increasing region that is a region in which the cross-sectional area increases in the flow direction of the refrigerant; and a cross-sectional area decreasing region that is a region in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the flow direction of the refrigerant, the cross-sectional area increasing region and the cross-sectional area decreasing region can be located outside the edge of the plurality of stack cases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space can include: a plurality of stack cooling regions facing the plurality of stack cases; and at least one peripheral cooling region connected to the plurality of stack cooling regions and not facing the plurality of stack cases, the at least one peripheral cooling region can include the cross-sectional area increasing region and the cross-sectional area decreasing region.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions can include at least one first extension extending in a direction in which the plurality of electric cell stacks are stacked, i.e., a stacking direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions can include: a plurality of first extensions; and at least one second extension connecting the plurality of first extensions, at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions can be curvedly disposed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of first extensions can be spaced apart from each other by a first interval.

[0017] In one embodiment, there can be further included: an inlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which the refrigerant flows in; and an outlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which the refrigerant is discharged, the at least one peripheral cooling region can include: a first peripheral cooling region extending from the inlet and facing a spaced apart space formed between the plurality of stack cases; and a plurality of second peripheral cooling regions facing side edge spaces formed between the edges of the plurality of stack cases and the edge of the cooling plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first peripheral cooling region can include the cross-sectional area decreasing region, at least one of the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions can include the cross-sectional area increasing region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space can further include: a plurality of stack inflow areas through which refrigerant flowing into the plurality of stack cooling areas flows; and a plurality of stack outflow areas through which refrigerant flowing out of the plurality of stack cooling areas flows, the refrigerant supplied from the first peripheral cooling area can flow into the plurality of stack inflow areas, and the refrigerant flowing out of the plurality of stack outflow areas can flow through the plurality of second peripheral cooling areas.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area increasing region can include: a first flow area disposed behind a first stack outflow area of a first stack case in a flow direction of refrigerant and having a first cross-sectional area; a second flow area into which a second stack outflow area of a second stack case adjacent to the first stack case merges and having a second cross-sectional area; and a third flow area into which a third stack outflow area of a third stack case adjacent to the second stack case merges and having a third cross-sectional area, among the first cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area, and the third cross-sectional area, the third cross-sectional area can have a maximum value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area decreasing region can include: a fourth flow area supplying refrigerant to a fifth stack inflow area of a fifth stack case opposite to a fourth stack case adjacent to the third stack case in a direction in which a plurality of cell stacks are stacked, and having a fourth cross-sectional area; a fifth flow area disposed behind the fourth flow area in a flow direction of refrigerant and having a fifth cross-sectional area; and a sixth flow area disposed behind the fifth flow area in the flow direction of refrigerant and having a sixth cross-sectional area, among the fourth cross-sectional area, the fifth cross-sectional area, and the sixth cross-sectional area, the sixth cross-sectional area can have a minimum value.

[0022] In one embodiment, in the cooling passage, the flow inlet, the refrigerant flow space, and the flow outlet can form a closed loop in which refrigerant can circulate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cooling plate can be made of a material including aluminum, and the cooling passage can be a hollow portion formed in the cooling plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, a device case housing the plurality of stack cases and the cooling plate and including the partition space and the side space, and a busbar assembly connected with the plurality of cells and disposed in the side space can be further included.

[0025] A battery device according to another embodiment of the disclosure can include: a device case; a plurality of stack cases accommodated in the device case and accommodating a plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate facing the plurality of stack cases and internally including a refrigerant flow space; an inflow port connected with the refrigerant flow space through which a refrigerant flows in; and an outflow port connected with the refrigerant flow space through which a refrigerant flows out, the plurality of stack cases can include at least one inflow portion stack case and at least one outflow portion stack case, the at least one inflow portion stack case and the at least one outflow portion stack case can be spaced apart from each other to form a spaced apart space, the refrigerant flow space includes a region in which a cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space has a different value, a region in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space has a decreased value, i.e., a cross-sectional area-decreased region, can face the spaced apart space.

[0026] In one embodiment, a region in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space has an increased value, i.e., a cross-sectional area-increased region, can be disposed outside the spaced apart space.

[0027] On the other hand, the disclosure provides a cooling method of a battery device.

[0028] A cooling method of a battery device according to one embodiment of the disclosure can be used to cool the battery device, and the cooling method of a battery device can include: a refrigerant flow step of causing a refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow space in a stacking direction of a plurality of battery cells; and a refrigerant adjustment step of changing at least one of a flow velocity and a flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow space.

[0029] In one embodiment, the refrigerant adjustment step can include: a decreasing step of linearly decreasing the flow velocity; and an increasing step of linearly increasing the flow velocity.

[0030] (Three) Advantages

[0031] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a battery device and a cooling method of a battery device that improve cooling performance and cooling efficiency can be provided.

[0032] In addition, the disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as solar power generation, wind power generation, etc.

[0033] In addition, the disclosure can be applied to eco-friendly devices such as eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. that prevent climate change by suppressing atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a cooling plate and a stack case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 is a refrigerant flow pattern diagram of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is shown in a plan view.

[0038] Figure 5 is a pattern diagram of an inflow stack case including four stack cases disposed in a first column among a plurality of stack cases.

[0039] Figure 6 is a pattern diagram of an outflow stack case including four stack cases disposed in a second column among a plurality of stack cases.

[0040] Figure 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 is a graph schematically showing analysis results of a refrigerant flow velocity of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 9 is a graph schematically showing a cooling method of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] 110: stack case 111: accommodation space

[0045] 120: cooling plate 121: second edge

[0046] 130: cooling passage 132: inflow port

[0047] 133: outflow port 140: cooling portion

[0048] 150: device case 151: internal space

[0049] 152: partition member 160: busbar assembly

[0050] 230: refrigerant flow space 230a: first opening portion

[0051] 230b: second opening portion 231: main flow region

[0052] 232: direction conversion region 233: side discharge region

[0053] 330: stack cooling region 331: first extension portion

[0054] 332: second extension portion 430: peripheral cooling region

[0055] 530: stack inflow region 630: stack discharge region DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] For the convenience of understanding the explanation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, components denoted by the same symbols in the drawings are the same components. Some components in the drawings can be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size.

[0057] In addition, in order to clarify the gist of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of components and technologies well known in the prior art are omitted, and the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Hereinafter, the X-axis shown in the drawings is the length direction of the battery cell 10, the Y-axis is the thickness direction or the stacking direction of the battery cell 10, and the Z-axis is the width direction or the height direction of the battery cell 10. However, these directions are arbitrarily set for the convenience of understanding, and the above directions can be changed.

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery device 100 can include a plurality of stack housings 110 accommodating a plurality of battery cells 10, a cooling plate 120 facing the stack housings 110, and a cooling passage 130 provided in the cooling plate 120 and having a refrigerant flow space 230 in which a refrigerant flows. The cooling passage 130 can include regions in which the cross-sectional area value of the refrigerant flow space 230 is different.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cooling passage 130 can include a flow channel located inside the cooling plate 120. For example, the cooling passage 130 can be a pipe located inside the cooling plate 120 or a hollow portion formed in the cooling plate 120. For example, the hollow portion can be an empty space formed inside the cooling plate 120. In addition, for example, the cooling passage 130 can be a heat sink.

[0062] The refrigerant flow space 230 can be a space or area in which a refrigerant can flow in a pipe or a hollow portion. The refrigerant can flow in pipelines in the refrigerant flow space 230.

[0063] In one embodiment, the battery device 100 can include a flow inlet 132 connected to the refrigerant flow space 230 through which a refrigerant flows in, and a discharge outlet 133 connected to the refrigerant flow space 230 through which a refrigerant is discharged. The refrigerant can flow into the refrigerant flow space 230 through the flow inlet 132, pass through the refrigerant flow space 230 provided inside the cooling plate 120, and be discharged through the discharge outlet 133.

[0064] In one embodiment, the flow inlet 132 and the discharge outlet 133 can include a pipe. The refrigerant can flow inside the pipe.

[0065] At least one of at least a portion of an area of the flow inlet 132 and at least a portion of an area of the discharge outlet 133 can be located inside the cooling plate 120, and the entire area of the flow inlet 132 and the entire area of the discharge outlet 133 can also be located outside the cooling plate 120. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] In some cases, the connection area of the flow inlet 132 to the cooling passage 130 and the connection area of the discharge outlet 133 to the cooling passage 130 can be provided with at least one of a sealing member, a packing member, a coupling member.

[0067] In one embodiment, the flow inlet 132 and the discharge outlet 133 can be connected to the cooling portion 140. The cooling portion 140 can include at least one of a heat exchanger, a pump, a condenser, a valve.

[0068] The cooling portion 140 can supply a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space 230 at an appropriate pressure through the flow inlet 132 and exchange heat with the refrigerant discharged through the discharge outlet 133. The cooling portion 140 can cool the refrigerant discharged through the discharge outlet 133 using air cooling or water cooling, or cool the refrigerant using a cooling fluid other than air or water.

[0069] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow space 230 can be water. However, the disclosure does not limit the type of refrigerant.

[0070] In one embodiment, the cooling plate 120 can be disposed at a lower portion in the -Z direction of the plurality of stack cases 110.

[0071] The cooling plate 120 can face or contact the plurality of stack cases 110. In some cases, a heat transfer material or an adhesive material can be further provided between the plurality of stack cases 110 and the cooling plate 120.

[0072] The plurality of stack cases 110 can include a receiving space 111. The plurality of battery cells 10 can be stacked or arranged in the receiving space 111.

[0073] The plurality of battery cells 10 can be stacked or arranged in the receiving space 111 in a thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0074] The battery cell 10 can be a secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion battery. The battery cell 10 can include an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and an electrolyte inside an outer material.

[0075] The battery cell 10 can be a pouch-type battery cell 10, and according to a position at which an electrode lead 11 is drawn out of the outer material, the battery cell 10 can be a bidirectional battery cell 10 or a unidirectional battery cell 10.

[0076] Hereinafter, a bidirectional battery cell in which a first electrode lead 11a is drawn out from one side of the battery cell 10 and a second electrode lead 11b is drawn out from the other side of the battery cell 10 will be described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to the type of the battery cell 10, and the battery cell 10 can be a secondary battery, a lithium ion battery, a pouch-type battery, or another type of battery cell.

[0077] In the cooling plate 120, the refrigerant flow space 230 can be provided in a curved manner. For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 can include a curved region and a straight region. The curved region and the straight region can each have a plurality of regions.

[0078] The curved region can be a section (or region) in which the refrigerant flow space 230 has a curved shape in a cross section or a plane (X-Y plane) in the thickness direction of the battery cell 10. The curved region can be the entire refrigerant flow space 230 corresponding to the section in which the refrigerant flow space 230 has a curved shape in the plane (X-Y plane).

[0079] That is, it can refer to the volume of the refrigerant flow space 230 or a pipe forming the refrigerant flow space 230 in the section in which the refrigerant flow space 230 has a curved shape in the plane (X-Y plane).

[0080] The straight region can also be a section (or region) in which the refrigerant flow space 230 has a straight shape in a cross section or a plane (X-Y plane) in the thickness direction of the battery cell 10. The straight region can be the entire refrigerant flow space 230 corresponding to the section in which the refrigerant flow space 230 has a straight shape in the plane (X-Y plane).

[0081] That is, the linear region of the refrigerant flow space 230 refers to the refrigerant flow space 230 or the volume of the pipe forming the refrigerant flow space 230 in the section in which the shape of the refrigerant flow space 230 in the plane (X-Y plane) is linear. Here, the volume of the pipe can be calculated with the outer contour line of the refrigerant flow space 230 in the plane (X-Y plane) as a bottom surface and the Z axis (the height direction of the electric chip 10) as a height.

[0082] The meaning of the "region of the refrigerant flow space 230" described below is the specific region of the refrigerant flow space 230 in the thickness direction cross section or the plane (X-Y plane) of the electric chip 10 and the entire region extending in the Z axis direction of the specific region.

[0083] That is, the volume of the specific region of the refrigerant flow space 230 can be calculated with the outer contour line of the specific region of the refrigerant flow space 230 in the thickness direction cross section or the plane (X-Y plane) of the electric chip 10 as a bottom surface and the Z axis as a height. The meaning of the "region" described below is the volume of the space or region in which the refrigerant can flow in the refrigerant flow space 230.

[0084] The refrigerant flow space 230 can face the plurality of stack cases 110 and the partition space DS1 formed between the plurality of stack cases 110. The partition space DS1 can include not only the space in which the plurality of stack cases are partitioned in the X axis direction, but also the space in which the plurality of stack cases are partitioned in the Y axis direction. The partition space DS1 can be a space formed in the device case 150.

[0085] The refrigerant flow space 230 can face or contact the cooling object to cool the cooling object. In one embodiment, the cooling object can be the plurality of stack cases 110 and the plurality of electric chips 10.

[0086] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space 230 can face the plurality of stack cases 110 through the surface of the cooling plate 120 and / or the heat transfer material. Accordingly, the refrigerant can cool the plurality of electric chips 10. Hereinafter, the expression that the refrigerant flow space 230 faces the stack case 110 refers to the fact that the surface of the refrigerant flow space 230, for example, the pipe, faces the surface of the stack case 110 through the surface of the cooling plate 120 and / or the heat transfer material.

[0087] In one embodiment, the linear region of the refrigerant flow space 230 can be a straight line parallel to the Y axis. For example, the linear region of the refrigerant flow space 230 can be disposed in parallel with the stacking direction of the plurality of electric chips 10.

[0088] Further, for example, the plurality of linear regions can be disposed in parallel with a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 10, the plurality of linear regions can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and can be parallel to each other. Here, the plurality of linear regions can be spaced apart from each other in a length direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0089] The linear region of the refrigerant flow space 230 can face a region of the battery cell 10 located between the first electrode lead 11a and the second electrode lead 11b, and can face the first electrode lead 11a, and can face the second electrode lead 11b.

[0090] Further, the plurality of linear regions can face a region of the battery cell 10 located between the first electrode lead 11a and the second electrode lead 11b, and can face the first electrode lead 11a, and can face the second electrode lead 11b.

[0091] The linear region can extend from a lower portion of the -Z direction of the plurality of battery cells 10 disposed in the accommodation space 111 of one stack case 110, in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0092] According to the linear region, the plurality of battery cells 10 disposed in one stack case 110 can be uniformly cooled. Further, a cooling deviation between the plurality of battery cells 10 disposed in one stack case 110 can be prevented.

[0093] An upper portion of the +Z direction of the cooling plate 120 can be provided with a plurality of stack cases 110, and the plurality of stack cases 110 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0094] The plurality of stack cases 110 can be spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10 and / or a length direction (X direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0095] The plurality of linear regions of the refrigerant flow space 230 can respectively face the plurality of stack cases 110. Accordingly, the plurality of stack cases 110 can be uniformly cooled, and a cooling deviation between the plurality of stack cases 110 can be prevented.

[0096] In one embodiment, a space formed by the plurality of stack cases 110 being spaced apart in the length direction (X direction) of the battery cell 10 can be a spaced apart space DS1. The refrigerant flow space 230 can be disposed in the cooling plate 120 to face the spaced apart space DS1.

[0097] For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the spaced apart space DS1 can include a linear region parallel to a thickness direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10. The refrigerant flow space 230 facing the spaced apart space DS1 can include a main flow region (231) to be described later. Figure 5

[0098] ​Further, in one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space 230 can include regions having different cross-sectional areas in the height direction cross section (X-Z plane) of the electric chip 10.

[0099] For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 can include a region in which the cross-sectional area increases in the flow direction of the refrigerant and a region in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0100] The cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space 230 can vary in the flow direction of the refrigerant. Accordingly, the battery device 100 can change the flow rate, flow volume, and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow space 230. Accordingly, the battery device 100 can change the flow rate, flow volume, and pressure of the refrigerant according to different regions of the cooling plate 120. Accordingly, cooling suitable for the characteristics of different regions and different positions of the battery device 100 can be achieved.

[0101] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a battery device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] As Figure 2 shown, in one embodiment, the edge of the cooling plate 120 can be disposed outside the edges of the plurality of stack cases 110. Further, the refrigerant flow space 230 can include a cross-sectional area increasing region CA1 that is a region in which the cross-sectional area increases in the flow direction of the refrigerant and a cross-sectional area decreasing region CA2 that is a region in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the flow direction of the refrigerant, and the cross-sectional area increasing region CA1 and the cross-sectional area decreasing region CA2 can be located outside the edges of the plurality of stack cases 110.

[0103] The cross-sectional area increasing region CA1 and the cross-sectional area decreasing region CA2 can be located outside or outside the plurality of first edges 112 in a direction away from the electric chip 10 with reference to the first edges 112 of the plurality of stack cases 110.

[0104] "Outside" means a meaning of being more distant or located with reference to a certain reference.

[0105] The edge of the stack case 110 can include the first edge 112. The first edge 112 can be an outer contour line of the stack case 110. The first edge 112 can be disposed in each of the plurality of stack cases 110.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first edge 112 can be a polygon. For example, the first edge 112 can be a quadrilateral.

[0107] The edge of the cooling plate 120 may include a second edge 121. The second edge 121 may be the outer contour line of the cooling plate 120. The second edge 121 may be located outside the first edge 112. The second edge 121 may be located outside or outside the first edge 112 in a direction away from the battery cell 10 with reference to the first edge 112.

[0108] For example, in a cross section (XY plane) of the stacking direction of the battery cell 10, the area of ​​the cooling plate 120 can be greater than the total area of ​​the multiple stack shells 110.

[0109] In one embodiment, multiple stack shells 110 may contact or face the cooling plate 120, or be housed within the cooling plate 120. In this case, in the XY plane, the area of ​​the cooling plate 120 may be greater than or equal to the sum of the areas of each of the multiple stack shells 110, the area of ​​the separating space DS1, the area of ​​the first side space DS2, and the area of ​​the second side space DS3.

[0110] The outer contour of the stack shell 110 can be a first edge 112, which can be located within a second edge 121 with the cell 10 as a reference. The interior of the second edge 121 refers to the interior of the cooling plate 120 in the XY plane, in the direction toward the centroid of the cooling plate 120.

[0111] "Inside" or "within" refers to something that is closer in distance or location than a certain reference point.

[0112] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space 230 may include: a plurality of stack cooling regions 330 facing a plurality of stack outer shells 110; and at least one peripheral cooling region 430 connected to the plurality of stack cooling regions 330 and not facing the plurality of stack outer shells 110. In one embodiment, the at least one peripheral cooling region 430 may include a cross-sectional area increasing region CA1 and a cross-sectional area decreasing region CA2.

[0113] The stack cooling region 330 can be the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the stack outer shell 110 within the refrigerant flow space 230. The stack cooling region 330 can be the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the lower part of the stack outer shell 110 in the -Z direction within the refrigerant flow space 230.

[0114] The stack cooling region 330 can be the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the first edge 112 of the stack shell 110, and is the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the interior of the first edge 112 in the direction toward the centroid of the first edge 112 or the stack shell 110.

[0115] The stack cooling region 330 may further include a refrigerant flow space 230 facing the first edge 112. The stack cooling region 330 may be a refrigerant flow space 230 located inside the first edge 112 and in a direction toward the centroid of the first edge 112.

[0116] The number of stack cooling regions 330 can be the same as the number of stack casings 110. For example, one stack casing 110 can face one stack cooling region 330. Furthermore, the multiple stack cooling regions 330 can be interconnected.

[0117] The peripheral cooling region 430 can be a region within the refrigerant flow space 230 that does not belong to the stack cooling region 330. The peripheral cooling region 430 may not face any of the stack outer shells 110.

[0118] The peripheral cooling area 430 can be located in the thickness direction plane (XY plane) of the cell and not face the multiple stacked shells 110 in the Z-axis direction.

[0119] The peripheral cooling area 430 can be the refrigerant flow space 230 located between the first edge 112 projected onto the cooling plate 120 and the second edge 121 of the cooling plate 120 when the first edge 112 of the stack shell 110 is projected onto the cooling plate 120 in the -Z direction.

[0120] The peripheral cooling area 430 can be the refrigerant flow space 230 in which the refrigerant flow space faces or contacts the surface of the cooling plate 120 located between the first edge 112 and the second edge 121 projected onto the cooling plate 120.

[0121] In one embodiment, at least one peripheral cooling region 430 may include: a first peripheral cooling region 431 extending from the inlet 132 and facing a spaced space DS1 formed between the plurality of stack shells 110; and a plurality of second peripheral cooling regions 432 facing a side space formed between the edges of the plurality of stack shells 110 and the edges of the cooling plate 120.

[0122] For example, at least one peripheral cooling area 430 may include multiple peripheral cooling areas 430. The multiple peripheral cooling areas 430 may include a first peripheral cooling area 431 and multiple second peripheral cooling areas 432.

[0123] The first peripheral cooling region 431 may be the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the spaced space DS1. The first peripheral cooling region 431 may face the spaced space DS1 located at the upper part of the cooling plate 120 in the +Z direction.

[0124] The separation space DS1 can be formed by multiple stacked shells 110 separated along the length direction (X direction) of the cell 10. The separation space DS1 can be the space sandwiched between multiple stacked shells 110 that are separated from each other in the X direction. The separation space DS1 can extend along the stacking direction (Y direction) of the cell 10.

[0125] One of the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions 432 may be disposed between the second edge 121 and the first edge 112 at the end of the cooling plate 120 in the -X direction. Another of the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions 432 may be disposed between the second edge 121 and the first edge 112 at the end of the cooling plate 120 in the +X direction.

[0126] Multiple second peripheral cooling zones 432 can be separated from each other in the XY plane by stack cooling zone 330 and first peripheral cooling zone 431.

[0127] Multiple second peripheral cooling regions 432 can be disposed on the outer side of the first edge 112 of the outermost stack shell 110 along the length direction (X direction) of the cell 10. Here, "outer side" refers to the direction from the first edge 112 toward the second edge 121, that is, the outside of the first edge 112.

[0128] In one embodiment, in the cooling channel 130, the inlet 132, the refrigerant flow space 230, and the outlet 133 can form a closed loop in which the refrigerant can circulate.

[0129] For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 of the cooling channel 130 may be a single pipe or a hollow section having a first opening 230a and a second opening 230b. The refrigerant flow space 230 may include a flow section that extends from the first opening 230a and is distributed over the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 120.

[0130] The flow section can be connected to a first opening 230a and a second opening 230b. The flow section may include multiple stack cooling regions 330 and multiple peripheral cooling regions 430. Refrigerant can flow in through the first opening 230a, pass through the flow section, and then discharge through the second opening 230b.

[0131] In one embodiment, in the thickness direction section (XY plane) of the cell 10, the first opening 230a can extend from the first peripheral cooling region 431, and the second opening 230b can also extend from the first peripheral cooling region 431.

[0132] The first opening 230a can be connected to the inlet 132, and the second opening 230b can be connected to the outlet 133. In the thickness direction section (XY plane) of the cell 10, the connection area 132a between the refrigerant flow space 230 and the inlet 132 and the connection area 133a between the refrigerant flow space 230 and the outlet 133 can overlap with or be included in the first peripheral cooling area 431.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first peripheral cooling region 431 may include a region with a reduced cross-sectional area CA2, and at least one of the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions 432 may include a region with an increased cross-sectional area CA1.

[0134] Specifically, the refrigerant can flow in through the first opening 230a of the refrigerant flow space 230, pass through the stack cooling region 330, and flow into the second peripheral cooling region 432, which includes the cross-sectional area increase region CA1.

[0135] In the second peripheral cooling region 432, which includes the cross-sectional area increase region CA1, the refrigerant can flow along the first flow direction D1. The cross-sectional area (area of ​​the XZ plane) of the refrigerant flow space 230 in the cross-sectional area increase region CA1 in the Z-axis direction can have multiple values. These multiple cross-sectional area values ​​can gradually increase along the first flow direction D1.

[0136] For example, in the region CA1 where the cross-sectional area increases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can increase linearly or gradually along the first flow direction D1. The first flow direction D1 can be the stacking direction (Y direction) of the multiple cells 10. Therefore, in the region CA1 where the cross-sectional area increases, the refrigerant flow rate can gradually decrease along the first flow direction D1.

[0137] In the XY plane, the cross-sectional area increase region CA1 of the refrigerant flow space 230 can face the sides of multiple stack shells 110 respectively. The refrigerant flow space 230 can change its flow direction at the +Y end of the cross-sectional area increase region CA1.

[0138] For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 can flow along a second flow direction D2 at the +Y end of the cross-sectional area increase region CA1. The second flow direction D2 can intersect or be perpendicular to the first flow direction D1. The second flow direction D2 can be from the cross-sectional area increase region CA1 toward another second peripheral cooling region 432, that is, the direction excluding the second peripheral cooling region 432 of the cross-sectional area increase region CA1.

[0139] On the other hand, the direction of the decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 in the region CA2 with a reduced cross-sectional area can be opposite to the direction of the increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 in the region CA1 with an increased cross-sectional area.

[0140] The refrigerant flowing through the reduced cross-sectional area region CA2 can be the refrigerant flowing in through inlet 132, and can also be the refrigerant that does not flow through the increased cross-sectional area region CA1. The refrigerant flowing through the reduced cross-sectional area region CA2 can be supplied to other stack cooling regions 330 opposite to the multiple stack cooling regions 330 that discharge refrigerant to the increased cross-sectional area region CA1, rather than being supplied to the multiple stack cooling regions 330 that discharge refrigerant to the increased cross-sectional area region CA1.

[0141] In one embodiment, in the first peripheral cooling region 431 including the reduced cross-sectional area region CA2, the refrigerant may flow along a third flow direction D3. The third flow direction D3 may be the opposite direction to the first flow direction D1, and may be the direction from the outermost stack shell 110 in the +Y direction toward the discharge port 133.

[0142] In the region CA2 where the cross-sectional area decreases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can decrease linearly or gradually along the third flow direction D3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can be the cross-sectional area in the height direction of the cell 10 (the cross-sectional area of ​​the XZ plane). Therefore, in the region CA2 where the cross-sectional area decreases, the refrigerant flow velocity can gradually increase along the third flow direction D3.

[0143] The temperature of the refrigerant near the inlet 132 is relatively low, while the temperature of the refrigerant near the outlet 133 is relatively high. Therefore, this disclosure can increase the flow velocity of the relatively low-temperature refrigerant in the region relatively close to the inlet 132 in the direction of refrigerant flow, i.e., the cross-sectional area increase region CA1, so that the relatively low-temperature refrigerant can flow quickly through the region facing the entire area of ​​the stack shell 110 (e.g., the cooling target region).

[0144] Furthermore, in this disclosure, relatively cool refrigerant can be rapidly flowed into the area facing the stack shell 110 (e.g., the area to be cooled), thus increasing the time it takes for the relatively cool refrigerant to cool the stack shell 110.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the increased cross-sectional area region CA1 of this disclosure, the relatively low-temperature refrigerant discharged from the inlet 132 can be exposed to the largest possible area of ​​the reactor casing 110 before its temperature rises. Therefore, this disclosure can improve the cooling efficiency of the reactor casing 110.

[0146] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow velocity can be increased in the region CA2, which has a reduced cross-sectional area, relatively close to the outlet 133 in the refrigerant flow direction. This allows the relatively high-temperature refrigerant to be quickly discharged through the outlet 133. Additionally, increasing the refrigerant flow velocity can prevent refrigerant flow stagnation. Therefore, the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with the battery cell 10 can be quickly recooled, and the cooling cycle can be shortened. This helps improve the cooling performance and efficiency of the battery device 100.

[0147] On the other hand, the refrigerant discharged through the outlet 133 can be cooled in the cooling section 140 and then flow back in through the inlet 132, thereby circulating in the refrigerant flow space 230. This disclosure does not limit the refrigerant flow velocity, the number of stack shells 110, the total length of the refrigerant flow space 230, the area of ​​the cooling plate 120, etc. Furthermore, the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the cooling section 140 can be appropriately determined taking into account the refrigerant flow velocity, the number of stack shells 110, the total length of the refrigerant flow space 230, the area of ​​the cooling plate 120, etc.

[0148] Figure 3 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a cooling plate 120 and a stack shell 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions 330 may include at least one first extension 331, which extends along the stacking direction of the plurality of cells 10.

[0150] The first extension 331 can be a straight region in the refrigerant flow space 230, and can be a region in the refrigerant flow space 230 that is parallel to the stacking direction.

[0151] At least one first extension 331 may include a plurality of first extensions 331. The plurality of first extensions 331 may be interconnected through at least one second extension 332.

[0152] For example, at least one second extension 332 may include a plurality of second extensions 332. In the XY plane, the plurality of second extensions 332 may be straight lines or curves.

[0153] The second extension 332 may extend in a direction intersecting with or perpendicular to the first extension 331. The first extension 331 and the second extension 332 may be a refrigerant flow space 230 located in the stack cooling region 330.

[0154] The first extension 331 and the second extension 332 may be provided in each of the plurality of stack cooling regions 330.

[0155] In one embodiment, the refrigerant flow space 230 may be curved within the stack cooling region 330. Within the stack cooling region 330, the first extension 331 and the second extension 332 may be connected or linked, and the curved shape of the refrigerant flow space 230 may be formed by the connection or combination of the first extension 331 and the second extension 332.

[0156] For example, multiple first extensions 331 and multiple second extensions 332 may be alternately arranged in the stack cooling region 330.

[0157] Multiple first extensions 331 may be disposed at the lower part of the first electrode lead 11a in the -Z direction and at the lower part of the second electrode lead 11b in the -Z direction. The multiple first extensions 331 may face the multiple first electrode leads 11a and the multiple second electrode leads 11b respectively.

[0158] In one embodiment, one first extension 331 may face the first electrode lead 11a of the plurality of battery cells 10, and another first extension 331 may face the second electrode lead 11b of the plurality of battery cells 10. According to the first extension 331, the plurality of battery cells 10 in a stack housing 110 can be cooled uniformly. Furthermore, cooling misalignment between the plurality of battery cells 10 can be prevented.

[0159] The temperature of the regions in cell 10 adjacent to the first electrode lead 11a and the regions adjacent to the second electrode lead 11b may be relatively high. Therefore, by having the plurality of first extensions 331 face the first electrode lead 11a and the second electrode lead 11b respectively, the cooling efficiency of cell 10 can be improved.

[0160] Furthermore, in one embodiment, at least one first extension 331 may be configured to face the center of the cell 10 in the X-axis direction. At least one first extension 331 may be configured to face the center of a plurality of cells 10. According to the first extension 331, the heat transfer path of the cell 10 can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the center of the cell 10 where thermal resistance is concentrated can be improved.

[0161] In one embodiment, a plurality of first extensions 331 disposed in a stack cooling region 330 may be spaced apart from each other by a first interval W.

[0162] The plurality of first extensions 331 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction (X direction) intersecting or perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell 10. The first interval W may be the length of a straight line connecting the outer contour lines of a pair of first extensions 331 in the X-axis direction. In this case, the straight line may be the straight line connecting the shortest distance of the outer contour lines.

[0163] Based on the first interval W, an optimized number of first extensions 331 can be provided in a stack cooling region 330. That is, the maximum cooling efficiency can be achieved with the minimum number of first extensions 331.

[0164] In one embodiment, the first interval W can be greater than or equal to 10 mm. Furthermore, for example, the first interval W1 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm. This prevents the multiple first extensions 331 from being excessively spaced, thereby preventing a reduction in cooling performance.

[0165] Furthermore, the heat exchange range of the refrigerant existing in the multiple facing first extensions 331 can be set. Therefore, cooling between the refrigerants flowing through the refrigerant flow space 230 can be induced, or a rapid rise in the temperature of the refrigerant can be prevented, etc.

[0166] Based on the same principle, the above can be applied to multiple stack cooling zones 330 facing multiple stack casings 110.

[0167] Figure 4 This is a refrigerant flow pattern diagram of a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 Shown from the perspective of a plan view.

[0168] like Figure 4 As shown, a refrigerant flow space 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a plurality of stack inflow regions 530 through which refrigerant flowing into a plurality of stack cooling regions 330 flows; and a plurality of stack discharge regions 630 through which refrigerant discharged from the plurality of stack cooling regions 330 flows.

[0169] Here, refrigerant supplied from the first peripheral cooling zone 431 flows into the plurality of stack inflow zones 530, and refrigerant discharged from the plurality of stack discharge zones 630 flows through the plurality of second peripheral cooling zones 432.

[0170] Multiple stack casings 110 may each face multiple stack cooling regions 330. The refrigerant flow space 230 may include multiple stack inflow regions 530 supplying refrigerant to each stack cooling region 330. Furthermore, the refrigerant flow space 230 may include multiple stack discharge regions 630 through which refrigerant flows into and out of each stack cooling region 330.

[0171] Multiple stack inflow areas 530 and multiple stack outflow areas 630 may face the stack shell 110, and in some cases may not face the stack shell 110.

[0172] For example, the multiple inflow regions 530 and multiple outflow regions 630 may be refrigerant flow spaces 230 parallel to the length direction (X direction) of the cell 10. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0173] In one embodiment, the plurality of stack shells 110 may include eight stack shells 110. Four of the eight stack shells 110 may be arranged in a first column, and the other four stack shells 110 may be arranged in a second column.

[0174] The four stacked housings 110 arranged in the first column of the plurality of stacked housings 110 can be arranged along the stacking direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10 and can be separated from each other by a predetermined interval in the stacking direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0175] The other four stacked housings 110 arranged in the second column of the plurality of stacked housings 110 can be arranged along the stacking direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10 and can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the stacking direction (Y direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0176] The four stacked housings 110 arranged in the first column and the four stacked housings 110 arranged in the second column can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the length direction (X direction) of the cell 10. However, the number of stacked housings 110 can be changed, and the number of columns in which multiple stacked housings 110 are arranged can also be changed.

[0177] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the side space may include a first side space DS2 formed between the edge of the inflow section stack housing 210 in the -X direction and the edge of the cooling plate 120 in the -X direction, and a second side space DS3 formed between the edge of the discharge section stack housing 310 in the +X direction and the edge of the cooling plate 120 in the +X direction.

[0178] The refrigerant flow space 230 may also face or contact the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3, and the refrigerant may also cool the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3.

[0179] The inflow section of the stack shell 210 can be Figure 4 Multiple stack casings 210 are disposed at the upper part in the -X direction relative to the inlet 132. Refrigerant discharged from the inlet stack casings 210 can flow into the second peripheral cooling zone 432.

[0180] For example, the width of the first side space DS2 in the X-axis direction can be the width in the X-axis direction between the second edge 121 at the end of the cooling plate 120 in the -X direction and the first edge 112 of the stack shell 110. The maximum value of the length of the first side space DS2 in the Y-axis direction can be the maximum value of the length of the cooling plate 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0181] Furthermore, the width of the second side space DS3 in the X-axis direction can be the width in the X-axis direction between the second edge located at the +X end of the cooling plate 120 and the first edge 112 of the stack shell 110. The maximum value of the length of the second side space DS3 in the Y-axis direction can be the maximum value of the length of the cooling plate 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0182] The refrigerant flow space 230 can also be located at the lower part of the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3 in the -Z direction, and the refrigerant flow space 230 can face or contact the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3.

[0183] The outer contour lines of the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3 may include the second edge 121 of the cooling plate 120 and the first edges 112 of the plurality of stack shells 110. For example, in regions where the plurality of stack shells 110 are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, the first edges 112 of the plurality of stack shells 110 may extend along the Y-axis direction, such that the plurality of first edges 112 of the plurality of stack shells 110 are continuous in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in the outermost stack shell 110, the first edges 112 of the outermost stack shell 110 may extend to the second edge 121 of the cooling plate 120, such that the plurality of first edges 112 of the plurality of stack shells 110 are continuous in the Y-axis direction.

[0184] The stack shell 110 may not be provided in the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3. In some cases, at least a portion of the busbar assembly 160, which will be described later, may be provided in the first side space DS2 and the second side space DS3, but it is not limited thereto.

[0185] The first side space DS2 can face the second peripheral cooling region 432a of the inflow section and the cross-sectional area increase region CA1, and the second side space DS3 can face the second peripheral cooling region 432b of the discharge section.

[0186] The separation space DS1 can be a space formed by separating the inflow stack housing 210 and the discharge stack housing 310 along the length direction (X direction) of the cell 10. The refrigerant flow space 230 can also face the separation space DS1. The separation space DS1 can also face the first peripheral cooling region 431 and the cross-sectional area reduction region CA2.

[0187] The cross-sectional area increase region CA1 can be located outside the separating space DS1, and the cross-sectional area increase region CA1 does not need to face the separating space DS1 in the Z direction. In this case, the cross-sectional area increase region can be a region where the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 increases in the direction of fluid or refrigerant flow, and the cross-sectional area decrease region can be a region where the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 decreases in the direction of fluid or refrigerant flow.

[0188] The region where the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 increases can be any region within the refrigerant flow space 230 where the cross-sectional area increases relative to the direction in which the fluid or refrigerant flows from the inlet 132 to the outlet 133. Similarly, the region where the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 decreases can be any region within the refrigerant flow space 230 where the cross-sectional area decreases relative to the direction in which the fluid or refrigerant flows from the inlet 132 to the outlet 133.

[0189] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a flow section stack housing 210, which includes four stack housings 110 arranged in the first column among multiple stack housings 110. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a discharge section stack housing 310 of a plurality of stack housings 110 including four stack housings 110 arranged in the second column.

[0190] like Figure 4 to Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, refrigerant can flow from the main flow region 231 to each stack cooling region 330. The main flow region 231 may branch to each stack cooling region 330. The main flow region 231 may face the spaced-out space DS1 and may include a first peripheral cooling region 431.

[0191] The refrigerant supplied from the inlet 132 to the refrigerant flow space 230 can be supplied to the first peripheral cooling zone 431. A portion of the refrigerant can flow through the main flow zone 231 of the first peripheral cooling zone 431, and another portion of the refrigerant can be supplied to the refrigerant flow space 230 facing the inlet stack shell 210.

[0192] For example, the refrigerant flow space 230 can branch from the main flow region 231 to each stack inflow region 530. The main flow region 231 can be connected to the inflow inlet 132 and the stack inflow region 530 of the inflow section stack casing 210.

[0193] The stack inflow region 530 of the inflow section stack housing 210 may include a first stack inflow region 530a for refrigerant to flow into the first stack housing 110a, a second stack inflow region 530b for refrigerant to flow into the second stack housing 110b, a third stack inflow region 530c for refrigerant to flow into the third stack housing 110c, and a fourth stack inflow region 530d for refrigerant to flow into the fourth stack housing 110d.

[0194] Refrigerant can be supplied from the main flow region 231 to the stack cooling region 330 facing the inflow stack casing 210. In the main flow region 231, the refrigerant can flow along a first flow direction D1, and in each stack inflow region 530, the refrigerant can flow in a direction intersecting the first flow direction D1, i.e., parallel to the X-axis.

[0195] Refrigerant discharged from the stack cooling region 330 facing the inflow stack shell 210 can flow through the stack discharge region 630 and into the second peripheral cooling region 432.

[0196] Here, the second peripheral cooling region 432 may include a second peripheral cooling region 432 containing the cross-sectional area increase region CA1, namely the inflow second peripheral cooling region 432a, and a second peripheral cooling region 432 not containing the cross-sectional area increase region CA1, namely the discharge second peripheral cooling region 432b. The inflow second peripheral cooling region 432a and the discharge second peripheral cooling region 432b may be separated from each other by the first peripheral cooling region 431.

[0197] The cross-sectional area increase region CA1 of the second peripheral cooling region 432a of the inflow section may include a section of the refrigerant flow space 230 with a first cross-sectional area C1, a second cross-sectional area C2, and a third cross-sectional area C3. The sections with the first cross-sectional area C1, the second cross-sectional area C2, and the third cross-sectional area C3 may extend by a predetermined distance in the first flow direction D1. That is, the sections with the first cross-sectional area C1, the second cross-sectional area C2, and the third cross-sectional area C3 may each have a predetermined length in the Y-axis direction.

[0198] like Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the cross-sectional area increase region CA1 may include: a first flow region FA1, disposed behind the first discharge region 630a of the first stack shell 110a in the refrigerant flow direction, and having a first cross-sectional area C1; a second flow region FA2, where the second discharge region 630b of the second stack shell 110b adjacent to the first stack shell 110a merges with the first flow region FA1, and has a second cross-sectional area C2; and a third flow region FA3, where the third discharge region 630c of the third stack shell 110c adjacent to the second stack shell 110b merges with the second flow region FA2, and has a third cross-sectional area C3. In this case, among the first cross-sectional area C1, the second cross-sectional area C2, and the third cross-sectional area C3, the value of the third cross-sectional area C3 can be the largest.

[0199] Refrigerant passing through the first discharge zone 630a can flow into the first flow zone FA1. Positioning it at the rear in the refrigerant flow direction means the refrigerant flows in relatively later.

[0200] The second flow region FA2 can be positioned behind the first flow region FA1 in the first flow direction D1 of the refrigerant, and the third flow region FA3 can be positioned behind the second flow region FA2 in the first flow direction D1 of the refrigerant. The refrigerant can first flow through the first flow region FA1, then through the second flow region FA2, and then through the third flow region FA3.

[0201] The refrigerant flowing through the third flow region FA3 may include the refrigerant discharged from the fourth pile discharge region 630d of the fourth pile casing 110d, the refrigerant discharged from the third pile discharge region 630c, and the refrigerant flowing into the second flow region FA2.

[0202] The third flow region FA3 can be connected to the direction reversal region 232, and refrigerant can flow from the third flow region FA3 into the direction reversal region 232. The third flow region FA3 can be the area where refrigerant is discharged from the stack casing 210.

[0203] In one embodiment, in the first discharge region 630a, the second discharge region 630b, and the third discharge region 630c, the refrigerant can flow in the +X direction, which intersects the first flow direction D1. This can be achieved by arranging the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 in the direction (+X direction) intersecting the first flow direction D1. As described above, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be determined based on the arrangement of the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230.

[0204] The refrigerant flow space 230 may include a first flow region FA1, a second flow region FA2, and a third flow region FA3. The first flow region FA1, the second flow region FA2, and the third flow region FA3 of the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 may be arranged along a direction (parallel to the Y-axis) intersecting with the first pile discharge region 630a, the second pile discharge region 630b, and the third pile discharge region 630c.

[0205] In the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230, the first flow region FA1 can extend to the second stack housing 110b. In addition, the second flow region FA2 can extend to the third stack housing 110c, and the third flow region FA3 can extend to the fourth stack housing 110d.

[0206] In one embodiment, among the first cross-sectional area C1 and the second cross-sectional area C2, the value of the second cross-sectional area C2 can be larger. Therefore, among the first cross-sectional area C1, the second cross-sectional area C2, and the third cross-sectional area C3, the value of the first cross-sectional area C1 is the smallest, the value of the third cross-sectional area C3 is the largest, and the value can increase linearly from the first cross-sectional area C1 to the third cross-sectional area C3.

[0207] The first cross-sectional area C1 can be the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow space of the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 in the Z-axis direction, and can be the area of ​​the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 in the first flow space on the XZ plane.

[0208] The second cross-sectional area C2 can be the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow space of the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 in the Z-axis direction, and the third cross-sectional area C3 can be the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow space of the pipe including the refrigerant flow space 230 in the Z-axis direction.

[0209] Based on the aforementioned cross-sectional area increase region CA1, among the first flow region FA1, the second flow region FA2, and the third flow region FA3, the refrigerant flow velocity is fastest in the first flow region FA1 and slowest in the third flow region FA3. Therefore, in the third flow region FA3, which is relatively farthest from the inlet 132, the refrigerant can remain for a relatively long time, and a relatively long heat exchange time can be ensured in the third flow region FA3.

[0210] The fourth stack of casings 110d is relatively the farthest from the inlet 132, therefore the refrigerant arrives at a relatively later time compared to the first stack of casings 110a, the second stack of casings 110b, and the third stack of casings 110c. This can be compensated for by ensuring sufficient heat exchange time.

[0211] Furthermore, by increasing the flow rate in the first flow region FA1, refrigerant stagnation can be prevented, thereby achieving smooth refrigerant circulation. Additionally, in the cross-sectional area increasing region CA1, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 increases sequentially, refrigerant can be stably and uniformly supplied from the first stack shell 110a to the fourth stack shell 110d.

[0212] The refrigerant passing through the third flow region FA3 can flow into the direction switching region 232, and in the direction switching region 232, the refrigerant can flow along the second flow direction D2.

[0213] like Figure 6 As shown, refrigerant passing through direction conversion region 232 can flow into side discharge region 233. In side discharge region 233, refrigerant can flow along the third flow direction D3. Side discharge region 233 can be the second peripheral cooling region 432b of the discharge section excluding the cross-sectional area reduction region CA2. Side discharge region 233 can be located outside the edge of the discharge section stack shell 310 in the +X direction.

[0214] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 to Figure 6 As shown, the discharge section housing 310 can be separated from the inflow section housing 210 in the X-axis direction, and the discharge section housing 310 can be opposite to the inflow section housing 210. The first peripheral cooling region 431 and the cross-sectional area reduction region CA2 can be located between the discharge section housing 310 and the inflow section housing 210.

[0215] The discharge section housing 310 may include a fifth housing 110e, which is spaced apart from and opposite to the fourth housing 110d in the +X direction; a sixth housing 110f, which is spaced apart from and adjacent to the fifth housing 110e in the -Y direction; a seventh housing 110g, which is spaced apart from and adjacent to the sixth housing 110f in the -Y direction; and an eighth housing 110h, which is spaced apart from and adjacent to the seventh housing 110g in the -Y direction. In the discharge section housing 310, the eighth housing 110h may be positioned closest to the discharge section, and the fifth housing 110e may be positioned furthest from the discharge section.

[0216] The main flow region 231 can be connected to the stack inflow region 530 of the discharge section stack casing 310. The main flow region 231 can supply refrigerant to the stack inflow region 530 of the discharge section stack casing 310 in a region where the refrigerant flows along the third flow direction D3. Conversely, the main flow region 231 can supply refrigerant to the stack inflow region 530 of the inflow section stack casing 210 in a region where the refrigerant flows along the first flow direction D1.

[0217] The stack inflow region 530 of the discharge stack housing 310 may include a fifth stack inflow region 530e for refrigerant to flow into the fifth stack housing 110e, a sixth stack inflow region 530f for refrigerant to flow into the sixth stack housing 110f, a seventh stack inflow region 530g for refrigerant to flow into the seventh stack housing 110g, and an eighth stack inflow region 530h for refrigerant to flow into the eighth stack housing 110h.

[0218] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area reduction region CA2 may include: a fourth flow region FA4, which supplies refrigerant to the fifth inflow region 530e of the fifth stacked housing 110e opposite to the fourth stacked housing 110d, and has a fourth cross-sectional area C4, wherein the fourth stacked housing 110d is adjacent to the third stacked housing 110c in the stacking direction of the plurality of cells 10; a fifth flow region FA5, which is disposed behind the fourth flow region FA4 in the refrigerant flow direction and has a fifth cross-sectional area C5; and a sixth flow region FA6, which is disposed behind the fifth flow region FA5 in the refrigerant flow direction and has a sixth cross-sectional area C6, wherein the value of the sixth cross-sectional area C6 may be the smallest among the fourth cross-sectional area C4, the fifth cross-sectional area C5, and the sixth cross-sectional area C6.

[0219] The fourth flow region FA4 may include a region positioned in front of the fifth pile inflow region 530e in the direction of refrigerant flow. The fourth flow region FA4 may face the fifth pile casing 110e. Furthermore, the fourth flow region FA4 may branch into the fifth pile inflow region 530e, the fifth flow region FA5, and the sixth pile inflow region 530f.

[0220] Setting the refrigerant in front in the direction of refrigerant flow means that the refrigerant flows through the region relatively early. For example, the refrigerant may first flow through the region in the fourth flow region FA4 that is located in the direction of refrigerant flow ahead of the fifth pile inflow region 530e, and then flow into the fifth pile inflow region 530e.

[0221] Refrigerant not supplied to the fifth stack inflow area 530e and refrigerant not supplied to the sixth stack inflow area 530f in the fourth flow area FA4 can flow into the fifth flow area FA5. The fifth flow area FA5 can face the sixth stack casing 110f.

[0222] The fifth flow zone FA5 can branch into the sixth flow zone FA6 and the seventh inflow zone 530g. Refrigerant not supplied to the seventh inflow zone 530g can flow into the sixth flow zone FA6. Refrigerant flowing through the sixth flow zone FA6 can flow into the eighth inflow zone 530h.

[0223] Refrigerant passing through each of the stack cooling zones 330 facing the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth stack casings 110 can be discharged through the stack discharge zone 630. The stack discharge zone 630 of the discharge section stack casing 310 may include a fifth stack discharge zone 630e for discharging refrigerant from the fifth stack casing 110e, a sixth stack discharge zone 630f for discharging refrigerant from the sixth stack casing 110f, a seventh stack discharge zone 630g for discharging refrigerant from the seventh stack casing 110g, and an eighth stack discharge zone 630h for discharging refrigerant from the eighth stack casing 110h.

[0224] The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth pile discharge zones 630e, 630f, 630g and 630h can be connected to the side discharge zone 233, and the refrigerant discharged from the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth pile discharge zones 630e, 630f, 630g and 630h can be discharged through the side discharge zone 233 and through the discharge port 133.

[0225] On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can decrease linearly from the fourth flow region FA4 to the sixth flow region FA6. For example, among the fourth cross-sectional area C4, the fifth cross-sectional area C5, and the sixth cross-sectional area C6, the value of the fourth cross-sectional area C4 can be the largest, and the value of the sixth cross-sectional area C6 can be the smallest. Therefore, in the discharge section stack casing 310, the refrigerant flow velocity in the fourth flow region FA4 is the slowest, and the refrigerant flow velocity in the sixth flow region FA6 is the fastest.

[0226] From the fourth flow region FA4 to the sixth flow region FA6, the refrigerant flow velocity can increase linearly.

[0227] In the discharge section housing 310, the sixth flow region FA6 can be closer to the discharge section than the fourth flow region FA4. Therefore, according to the reduced cross-sectional area region CA2, the flow of refrigerant can be prevented from stagnating near the discharge section.

[0228] On the other hand, in one embodiment, within the cross-sectional area increasing region CA1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can be increased sequentially within a range of more than 1.5 times and less than 2 times. For example, the second cross-sectional area C2 can be a value within a range of more than 1.5 times and less than 2 times the first cross-sectional area C1. Furthermore, the third cross-sectional area C3 can be a value within a range of more than 1.5 times and less than 2 times the second cross-sectional area C2. This prevents a sharp increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230.

[0229] Furthermore, in the area reduction region CA2, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow space 230 can be reduced by a factor of 0.5 or more but less than 1. For example, the minimum value of the fifth cross-sectional area C5 can be 0.5 times the value of the fourth cross-sectional area C4. Similarly, the minimum value of the sixth cross-sectional area C6 can be 0.5 times the value of the fifth cross-sectional area C5.

[0230] Therefore, when the refrigerant is used as a coolant, factors such as the viscosity of the coolant can be considered to ensure that the refrigerant remains in the refrigerant flow space 230 for a sufficiently long time to cool the stack shell 110. Thus, the cooling performance of the refrigerant can be fully utilized.

[0231] For example, vehicle coolants may include coolants such as water, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol, as well as antifreeze additives, but this disclosure does not limit the type and composition of the coolant.

[0232] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] like Figure 7 As shown, a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a device housing 150 that accommodates a plurality of stack housings 110 and the cooling plate 120, and includes the separation space DS1 and the side space; and a busbar assembly 160 that is connected to the plurality of battery cells 10 and disposed in the side space.

[0234] The device housing 150 may include an internal space 151 that accommodates a plurality of stack housings 110. The internal space 151 may include the spacer space DS1 and the side space.

[0235] In one embodiment, the device housing 150 may include at least one partition member 152 for dividing the internal space 151 into multiple spaces. Multiple partition members 152 may be provided, and the multiple partition members 152 may be arranged intersecting each other. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The multiple divided internal spaces 151 may accommodate multiple stack housings 110.

[0236] In the device housing 150, a cooling plate 120 may be provided at the lower part of the cell 10 of the plurality of stack housings 110 in the height direction (Z direction). The edge of the cooling plate 120 may extend to the outer side of the edge of the stack housing 110.

[0237] Within the device housing 150, the cooling plate 120 may contact or face the spaced space DS1, the side space, and the multiple stack housings 110.

[0238] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the first electrode lead 11a and the second electrode lead 11b of the battery cell 10 housed in multiple stack housings 110 can be connected to the busbar assembly 160. The busbar assembly 160 may include busbar components connected to the first electrode lead 11a and the second electrode lead 11b and an insulating plate supporting the busbar components.

[0239] In one embodiment, the cooling section 140 may be disposed outside the device housing 150. However, this disclosure does not limit the location of the cooling section 140.

[0240] In one embodiment, the device housing 150 may be supported by a vehicle's crossbeam, side beam, or the like, or may be housed inside the vehicle. Furthermore, for example, the cooling unit 140 may be a vehicle's cooling unit 140.

[0241] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cooling plate 120 may be made of a material containing aluminum, and the cooling channel 130 may be formed in the hollow portion of the cooling plate 120. Therefore, the thermal conductivity of the cooling plate 120 can be improved. Additionally, when a hollow portion is formed in the cooling plate 120 to realize the refrigerant flow space 230, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow space 230 can also be improved.

[0242] In addition, in some cases, the material of the tubes installed on the cooling plate 120 may also include aluminum.

[0243] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the analysis results of the refrigerant flow velocity of a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and it is contour data. The analysis results were obtained using the computational fluid dynamics software "Simcenter STAR-CCM+".

[0244] from Figure 8 It can be seen that the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow space 230 at a relatively high velocity. According to this disclosure, in the first peripheral cooling zone 431, the refrigerant flows relatively quickly, allowing it to rapidly flow into multiple stack cooling zones 330. Furthermore, it allows refrigerant to flow into each stack cooling zone 330 while preventing refrigerant flow stagnation.

[0245] Furthermore, by introducing a reduced cross-sectional area region CA2 into the first peripheral cooling region 431, flow stagnation in both the first peripheral cooling region 431 and the reduced cross-sectional area region CA2 can be prevented. Therefore, cooling deviations between the multiple stack cooling regions 330 or deviations in the cooling flow supplied to the multiple stack cooling regions 330 can be prevented.

[0246] Furthermore, by introducing an area-increasing region CA1 in the second peripheral cooling region 432a of the inlet section, flow stagnation in both the second peripheral cooling region 432a and the area-increasing region CA1 can be prevented. Therefore, refrigerant discharge can proceed smoothly even in the stack cooling region 330, which is relatively far from the outlet 133.

[0247] As described above, according to this disclosure, deviations in cooling flow or cooling performance in the battery device 100 due to the placement position of the stack housing 110 can be prevented.

[0248] In addition, it can prevent cooling deviations caused by length deviations in the refrigerant flow space 230 from the inlet 132 to each stack cooling zone 330.

[0249] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a cooling method for a battery device 100.

[0250] Figure 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a cooling method for a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 As shown, a cooling method for a battery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a refrigerant flow step S110, in which refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow space 230 along the stacking direction of a plurality of battery cells 10; and a refrigerant adjustment step S120, in which at least one of the flow velocity and flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow space 230 is changed.

[0251] The cooling method for the battery device 100 can be a cooling reference. Figure 1 to Figure 8 A method of using a battery device 100 as described.

[0252] The flow velocity of a refrigerant can be the speed at which the refrigerant flows.

[0253] In the refrigerant flow step S110, refrigerant can flow from the cooling section 140 into the refrigerant flow space 230. In the refrigerant flow step S110, refrigerant can be supplied to each stack cooling region 330, and each stack outer shell 110 can be cooled. In the refrigerant conditioning step S120, the refrigerant can flow through the cross-sectional area increasing region CA1 and the cross-sectional area decreasing region CA2. In the regions of the refrigerant flow space 230 where the cross-sectional area changes, at least one of the refrigerant flow velocity and flow rate can be varied.

[0254] In one embodiment, the refrigerant adjustment step S120 may include a reduction step S121 that linearly reduces the flow rate and an increase step S122 that linearly increases the flow rate.

[0255] According to the refrigerant adjustment step S120, at least one of the refrigerant flow rate and flow rate can be changed. Therefore, deviations in cooling performance or cooling efficiency due to factors such as the shape of the refrigerant flow space 230, the distance from the refrigerant flow space 230 to the inlet 132, and the distance from the refrigerant flow space 230 to the outlet can be prevented.

[0256] The above content is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure. Other configurations may be included or replaced and applied without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery device comprising: a plurality of stack casings that house a plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate facing the stack casings; and a cooling passage provided in the cooling plate and having a refrigerant flow space in which a refrigerant flows, the cooling passage including regions in which a value of a cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space differs.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the cooling plate is disposed outside edges of the plurality of stack casings, the refrigerant flow space includes: a cross-sectional area increasing region that is a region in which the cross-sectional area increases in a flow direction of the refrigerant; and a cross-sectional area decreasing region that is a region in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the flow direction of the refrigerant, the cross-sectional area increasing region and the cross-sectional area decreasing region are located outside the edges of the plurality of stack casings.

3. The battery device according to claim 2, wherein the refrigerant flow space includes: a plurality of stack cooling regions facing the plurality of stack casings; and at least one peripheral cooling region connected to the plurality of stack cooling regions and not facing the plurality of stack casings, the at least one peripheral cooling region includes the cross-sectional area increasing region and the cross-sectional area decreasing region.

4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions includes at least one first extension portion that extends in a stacking direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked.

5. The battery device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions includes: a plurality of first extension portions; and at least one second extension portion that connects the plurality of first extension portions, at least one of the plurality of stack cooling regions is curvedly disposed.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of first extension portions are spaced apart from each other by a first interval.

7. The battery device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: a flow inlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which a refrigerant flows in; and a discharge outlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which a refrigerant is discharged, the at least one peripheral cooling region includes: a first peripheral cooling region that extends from the flow inlet and faces a spaced-apart space formed between the plurality of stack casings; and a plurality of second peripheral cooling regions that face side edge spaces formed between edges of the plurality of stack casings and an edge of the cooling plate.

8. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein the first peripheral cooling region includes the cross-sectional area decreasing region, at least one of the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions includes the cross-sectional area increasing region.

9. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein the refrigerant flow space further includes: a plurality of stack inflow regions through which a refrigerant that flows into the plurality of stack cooling regions flows; and a plurality of stack discharge regions through which a refrigerant that is discharged from the plurality of stack cooling regions flows, the plurality of stack inflow regions and the plurality of stack discharge regions are provided in the at least one peripheral cooling region. ​ The refrigerant supplied from the first peripheral cooling region flows into the plurality of stack inflow regions, The refrigerant discharged from the plurality of stack outflow regions flows through the plurality of second peripheral cooling regions.

10. The battery device according to claim 9, wherein The cross-sectional area increasing region includes: a first flow region disposed behind a first stack outflow region of a first stack case in a flow direction of refrigerant and having a first cross-sectional area; a second flow region in which a second stack outflow region of a second stack case adjacent to the first stack case merges with the first flow region and has a second cross-sectional area; and a third flow region in which a third stack outflow region of a third stack case adjacent to the second stack case merges with the second flow region and has a third cross-sectional area, Among the first cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area, and the third cross-sectional area, the third cross-sectional area has the largest value.

11. The battery device according to claim 10, wherein The cross-sectional area decreasing region includes: a fourth flow region that supplies refrigerant to a fifth stack inflow region of a fifth stack case opposite to a fourth stack case adjacent to the third stack case in a stacking direction in which a plurality of cell stacks are stacked and has a fourth cross-sectional area; a fifth flow region disposed behind the fourth flow region in a flow direction of refrigerant and having a fifth cross-sectional area; and a sixth flow region disposed behind the fifth flow region in the flow direction of refrigerant and having a sixth cross-sectional area, Among the fourth cross-sectional area, the fifth cross-sectional area, and the sixth cross-sectional area, the sixth cross-sectional area has the smallest value.

12. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein In the cooling passage, the flow inlet, the refrigerant flow space, and the discharge outlet form a closed loop, Refrigerant circulates in the closed loop.

13. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The cooling plate is made of a material containing aluminum, The cooling passage is a hollow portion formed in the cooling plate.

14. The battery device according to claim 7, further comprising: a device case that houses the plurality of stack cases and the cooling plate and includes the partitioned space and the side space; and a bus bar assembly connected to the plurality of cells and disposed in the side space.

15. A battery device comprising: a device case; a plurality of stack cases housed in the device case and housing a plurality of cells; a cooling plate facing the plurality of stack cases and internally including a refrigerant flow space; a flow inlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which refrigerant flows in; a discharge outlet connected to the refrigerant flow space through which refrigerant is discharged, The plurality of stack cases includes at least one inflow portion stack case and at least one outflow portion stack case, The at least one inflow portion stack case and the at least one outflow portion stack case are partitioned from each other to form a partitioned space, ​ ​ The refrigerant flow space includes regions in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space differs in value, and a region in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space decreases in value, that is, a cross-sectional area decrease region, faces the partition space.

16. The battery device according to claim 15, wherein A region in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space increases in value, that is, a cross-sectional area increase region, is provided outside the partition space.

17. A method of cooling a battery device for cooling a battery device, the battery device comprising: A plurality of stack casings that house a plurality of battery cells; A cooling plate that faces the stack casings; and a cooling passage that is provided in the cooling plate and has a refrigerant flow space in which a refrigerant flows, the cooling passage including regions in which the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow space differs in value, The cooling method for the battery device includes: A refrigerant flow step of causing a refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow space in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells; and A refrigerant adjustment step of changing at least one of the flow rate and the flow volume of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow space.

18. The cooling method for the battery device according to claim 17, wherein The refrigerant adjustment step includes: A decrease step of linearly decreasing the flow rate; and An increase step of linearly increasing the flow rate.

Images