Battery module cooling system

Abstract

A cooling system of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inlet portion into which a cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system formed by connecting in parallel n battery modules to which the cooling fluid introduced from the inlet part is supplied; a second parallel system formed by connecting m battery modules of less than n to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system is supplied in parallel; a third parallel system formed by connecting s battery modules of less than m to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system is supplied in parallel; and an outlet portion through which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system flows out. The cooling system of the battery module according to the present disclosure has an effect of being able to maximize the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid by appropriately adjusting the circulation path and the circulation flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing between the plurality of battery modules.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module cooling system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, as mobile information terminals such as mobile phones or notebook computers are being miniaturized and lightened, and as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles that require high-capacity power sources are being developed, various batteries are being developed and used.

[0003] As the application fields are different, the efficiency of the secondary battery becomes more and more important, and thus various problems such as heat generation or fire due to external environments during charging or operation have occurred.

[0004] Therefore, various technologies for improving the operation efficiency of the secondary battery and securing safety are being developed.

[0005] In addition, due to the increase in carbon emissions and global warming problems caused by the recent rapid increase in power usage, more efficient device operation mechanisms and maximization of cooling efficiency for the same are increasingly required.

[0006]

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0007]

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-0221057 B1 SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module cooling system can be provided, and the cooling efficiency of a plurality of battery modules can be improved, and the use efficiency of a cooling fluid can be improved by adjusting the flow rate and speed of the cooling fluid circulating to cool the plurality of battery modules.

[0011] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] The cooling system of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include: an inlet portion into which a cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system in which n battery modules to which the cooling fluid flowing from the inlet portion is supplied are connected in parallel; a second parallel system in which m battery modules, which are less than n, to which the cooling fluid flowing from the first parallel system is supplied are connected in parallel; a third parallel system in which s battery modules, which are less than m, to which the cooling fluid flowing from the second parallel system is supplied are connected in parallel; and an outlet portion from which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system flows out.

[0013] The cooling fluid can be uniformly supplied to each of the n battery modules in the first parallel system, the cooling fluid passing through the first parallel system can be uniformly supplied to each of the m battery modules in the second parallel system, and the cooling fluid passing through the second parallel system can be uniformly supplied to each of the s battery modules in the third parallel system.

[0014] In addition, the total flow rate of cooling fluid through the n battery modules of the first parallel system, the total flow rate of cooling fluid through the m battery modules of the second parallel system, and the total flow rate of cooling fluid through the s battery modules of the third parallel system can all be the same.

[0015] Furthermore, the flow rate of cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system can be two to three times greater than the flow rate of cooling fluid through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system.

[0016] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid in one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system can be made to be two to three times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid in one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system.

[0017] Furthermore, the speed of the cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system can be set to a flow rate that is two to three times greater than the speed of the cooling fluid through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system.

[0018] Furthermore, the cooling fluid velocity of one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system can be configured to be two to three times greater than the cooling fluid velocity of one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system.

[0019] Furthermore, when the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the first parallel system from the inlet is referred to as the first temperature, the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first parallel system and into the second parallel system is referred to as the second temperature, and the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system and into the third parallel system is referred to as the third temperature, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the third temperature is higher than the second temperature. The difference between the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the first parallel system and the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system can be adjusted proportionally to the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and the difference between the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system and the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the third parallel system can be adjusted proportionally to the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

[0020] In addition, the number of battery modules n in the first parallel system can be more than twice the number of battery modules m in the second parallel system, and the number of battery modules m in the second parallel system can be more than twice the number of battery modules s in the third parallel system.

[0021] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and the scope of the claims shall not be interpreted in accordance with their general meaning or dictionary meaning, but shall be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the terms in order to best explain his invention.

[0023] Technical effect

[0024] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by appropriately adjusting the circulation path and flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing between multiple battery modules, the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid can be maximized.

[0025] In addition, by maximizing the cooling efficiency of multiple battery modules, it can improve the energy efficiency when cooling battery modules, reduce power consumption, and thus reduce carbon emissions generated by the operation of related equipment.

[0026] In addition, as a cooling system that can be applied to various structures combining multiple battery modules, it has the effect of increasing the design freedom of the battery module combination structure and the cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the circulation structure of a battery module cooling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 It is an application Figure 1 A schematic diagram of multiple battery modules combined in the cooling system.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1: Entrance Department

[0031] 10: First Parallel System

[0032] 11: First battery module

[0033] 12: Second battery module

[0034] 13: Third Battery Module

[0035] 14: Fourth Battery Module

[0036] 15: Fifth Battery Module

[0037] 20: Second parallel system

[0038] 21: Sixth Battery Module

[0039] 22: Seventh Battery Module

[0040] 30: Third parallel system

[0041] 31: Eighth Battery Module

[0042] 2: Export Department

[0043] A: First supply pipe

[0044] B: Second supply pipe

[0045] C: Third Supply Pipe Detailed Implementation

[0046] The terminology used to describe one embodiment of this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure. It should be understood that singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise expressly stated in the context.

[0047] When assigning reference numerals to components in the accompanying drawings, the same components should be assigned the same reference numerals whenever possible, even if the same components are shown in different drawings, and similar components should be assigned similar reference numerals.

[0048] The accompanying drawings may be shown schematically or exaggeratedly for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments. In this specification, expressions such as "having," "may have," "comprising," or "may include" refer to the presence of corresponding features (e.g., components such as numerical values, functions, operations, or parts), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0049] Terms such as “one,” “other,” “another,” “first,” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from other components, but the components are not limited by these terms.

[0050] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the circulation structure of a battery module cooling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is an application Figure 1 A schematic diagram of multiple battery modules combined in the cooling system.

[0052] A cooling system for a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inlet 1 for cooling fluid inflow; a first parallel system 10 formed by n battery modules supplied with cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet 1 connected in parallel; a second parallel system 20 formed by m battery modules supplied with cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system 10 (less than n) connected in parallel; a third parallel system 30 formed by s battery modules supplied with cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system 20 (less than m) connected in parallel; and an outlet 2 through which cooling fluid flows out from the third parallel system 30.

[0053] The inlet 1 serves to supply cooling fluid for cooling the battery module. Although a single inlet 1 is shown in the figure, the number or configuration of inlets 1 is not limited thereto.

[0054] That is, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first parallel system 10 can be composed of the first battery module 11 to the fifth battery module 15, the second parallel system 20 can be composed of the sixth battery module 21 and the seventh battery module 22, and the third parallel system 30 can be composed of a single eighth battery module 31.

[0055] The configuration shown in this diagram is merely an example, and the number or configuration of battery modules included in each parallel system can be freely designed and varied within the scope of the technical concept according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0056] The first parallel system 10 can be configured as multiple battery modules connected in parallel. In this system, the initial supply of cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet 1 serves to cool the battery modules.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the first parallel system 10 illustrates an example of two or more battery modules, i.e., n battery modules connected in parallel.

[0058] Specifically, the first battery module 11, the second battery module 12, the third battery module 13, the fourth battery module 14 and the fifth battery module 15 are connected in parallel, and the cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet 1 can be supplied to each battery module through the first supply pipe A.

[0059] After cooling of the first parallel system 10 is completed, the outflowing cooling fluid can be supplied to the second parallel system 20 through the second supply pipe B. The second parallel system 20 can be composed of m battery modules connected in parallel, which is less than the number of battery modules n in the first parallel system 10.

[0060] The cooling fluid passing through the second parallel system 20 is supplied to the third parallel system 30 through the third supply pipe C. The third parallel system 30 can consist of s battery modules, fewer than the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system 20.

[0061] The cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system 30 flows out to the outside through the outlet 2.

[0062] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling system for the battery module is shown as a three-stage parallel system consisting of a first parallel system 10, a second parallel system 20, and a third parallel system 30. However, the number or configuration of such stages can be appropriately changed or adjusted taking into account factors such as the number of battery modules and cooling efficiency.

[0063] Furthermore, this is based on the premise that the battery modules included in the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 are all composed of battery modules of the same specification, and that the size and length of the cooling fluid flow path inside each battery module are also considered to be the same. However, within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, the size, number, etc., of the cooling fluid flow path formed inside the battery module can be appropriately changed.

[0064] Cooling fluid is uniformly supplied to each of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10, and the cooling fluid passing through this system is uniformly supplied to each of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20. Then, the cooling fluid passing through the second parallel system 20 can be uniformly supplied to each of the s battery modules in the third parallel system 30.

[0065] Furthermore, in this case, it is assumed that the total flow rate of cooling fluid through the n battery modules of the first parallel system 10, the total flow rate through the m battery modules of the second parallel system 20, and the total flow rate through the s battery modules of the third parallel system 30 are all the same.

[0066] That is, the total flow rate of cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet 1 is sequentially supplied to the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20 and the third parallel system 30, and the flow rate and velocity of cooling fluid through a single battery module can be adjusted according to the number of battery modules in each parallel system.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the inlet 1 can supply cooling fluid at a uniform flow rate to each of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10 through the first supply pipe A.

[0068] Here, when the same flow rate is supplied to each battery module, the internal cooling flow path can be configured such that the flow rate of the cooling fluid also remains the same.

[0069] The cooling fluid passing through the first parallel system 10 is supplied to the next level, the second parallel system 20. Since the second parallel system 20 consists of m battery modules, which is less than the number of n battery modules in the first parallel system 10, the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module can be greater than the flow rate of the battery modules flowing into the first parallel system 10.

[0070] In particular, the cooling fluid whose temperature rises during the process of the first parallel system 10 is supplied to each battery module of the second parallel system 20 at a greater flow rate, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0071] Similarly, the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system 20 can be supplied to the subsequent third parallel system 30. The battery modules of the third parallel system 30 are formed by s battery modules, which is less than the number of m battery modules in the second parallel system 20. Therefore, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into a single battery module of the third parallel system 30 can be greater than the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into a single battery module of the second parallel system 20.

[0072] The cooling fluid whose temperature rises during the process of the second parallel system 20 is supplied to the individual battery module of the third parallel system 30 at a greater flow rate than the cooling fluid supplied to the individual battery module of the second parallel system 20, thereby further maximizing the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid.

[0073] Specifically, the flow rate of cooling fluid in one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20 can be two to three times greater than the flow rate of cooling fluid in one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10.

[0074] In addition, the flow rate of cooling fluid in one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system 30 can be two to three times greater than the flow rate of cooling fluid in one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20.

[0075] The aim is to regulate the flow rate through each battery module to achieve cooling and maintain the appropriate temperature for the battery modules, and to ensure that the cooling fluid, which heats up through the first parallel system 10, can also smoothly maintain the cooling of each battery module in the second parallel system 20. Similarly, the cooling fluid, which heats up through the second parallel system 20, can more effectively maintain the cooling of each battery module when passing through the third parallel system 30. However, it is natural that the flow rate of this cooling fluid can be appropriately varied and adjusted according to the number of battery modules or the number of parallel system stages.

[0076] As a result, the cooling fluid through the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20 and the third parallel system 30 maintains the cooling efficiency of the battery module until it passes through the last third parallel system 30, thereby enabling the entire battery module cooling system to operate stably.

[0077] Furthermore, the size or length of the cooling flow path formed inside the battery module for the passage of cooling fluid is also applicable to all battery modules in the cooling system to adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the cooling flow path, thereby also adjusting the speed of the cooling fluid passing through the cooling flow path, which is only natural.

[0078] Specifically, when the diameter of the cooling flow path inside all battery modules in the cooling system of the battery module is designed to be the same, it can be designed such that the speed of the cooling fluid in one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20 can be two to three times greater than the speed of the cooling fluid in one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10.

[0079] In addition, the cooling fluid of one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system 30 flows at a speed that is two to three times greater than the cooling fluid of one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20, thereby maintaining and maximizing the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid heated by each parallel system when cooling the next stage battery module.

[0080] The number of each battery module included in the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 is designed to gradually decrease as each stage progresses.

[0081] Specifically, the number n of battery modules in the first parallel system 10 can be more than twice the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system 20, and the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system 20 can be more than twice the number s of battery modules in the third parallel system 30. With this configuration, the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid on the battery modules can be further improved by creating differences in the flow rate or velocity of the cooling fluid flowing through each parallel system.

[0082] It is only natural that the relative differences in the number of battery modules or the flow rate of cooling fluid between multiple parallel systems can be adjusted based on the degree of temperature rise after cooling a system by the cooling fluid, the number of stages of cooling fluid circulation in a parallel system, etc.

[0083] In the case where the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the first parallel system 10 from the inlet 1 is called the first temperature, the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first parallel system 10 and into the second parallel system 20 is called the second temperature, and the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system 20 and into the third parallel system 30 is called the third temperature, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature, and the third temperature may be higher than the second temperature.

[0084] Specifically, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the first parallel system 10 can be adjusted proportionally to the difference between the first and second temperatures, and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system 20 can be adjusted proportionally to the difference between the second and third temperatures, and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system 20 can be adjusted proportionally to the difference between the second and third temperatures, and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the third parallel system 30. The phrase "proportional to the difference in temperature" does not simply mean an integer multiple, but includes both linear and non-linear relationships; it can be interpreted as adjusting the flow rate of cooling fluid accordingly based on temperature differences.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to properly adjust as Figure 1 The flow rate or velocity of the cooling fluid adjusted between the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20 and the third parallel system 30 of the cooling system shown can be appropriately modified to adapt the configuration structure of the battery module to the applied equipment.

[0086] That is, such as Figure 2 As shown, even if the battery modules are configured as two lines, a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized in various battery module combination structures by determining each battery module corresponding to the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20 and the third parallel system 30, and connecting the supply pipe flowing into the corresponding battery module to each battery module in parallel.

[0087] The present disclosure has been described in detail above through specific implementation examples. These implementation examples are used to specifically illustrate the present disclosure, which is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the scope of the present invention and its technical concept, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and such variations or modifications naturally fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module cooling system comprising: an inlet portion into which a cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system formed by connecting n battery modules supplied with the cooling fluid flowing from the inlet portion in parallel; a second parallel system formed by connecting m battery modules supplied with the cooling fluid flowing from the first parallel system in parallel, which is less than n; a third parallel system formed by connecting s battery modules supplied with the cooling fluid flowing from the second parallel system in parallel, which is less than m; and an outlet portion from which the cooling fluid flowing through the third parallel system flows out.

2. The battery module cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: the cooling fluid is uniformly supplied to each of the n battery modules of the first parallel system, the cooling fluid flowing through the first parallel system is uniformly supplied to each of the m battery modules of the second parallel system, the cooling fluid flowing through the second parallel system is uniformly supplied to each of the s battery modules of the third parallel system.

3. The battery module cooling system according to claim 2, wherein: a total flow rate of the cooling fluid through the n battery modules of the first parallel system, a total flow rate of the cooling fluid through the m battery modules of the second parallel system, and a total flow rate of the cooling fluid through the s battery modules of the third parallel system are all the same.

4. The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: a flow rate of the cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system is formed to be two to three times larger than a flow rate of the cooling fluid through one of the n battery modules of the first parallel system.

5. The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: a flow rate of the cooling fluid through one of the s battery modules of the third parallel system is formed to be two to three times larger than a flow rate of the cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system.

6. The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: a velocity of the cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system is formed to be two to three times larger than a velocity of the cooling fluid through one of the n battery modules of the first parallel system.

7. The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: a velocity of the cooling fluid through one of the s battery modules of the third parallel system is formed to be two to three times larger than a velocity of the cooling fluid through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system. ​ 8. The battery module cooling system according to claim 1, wherein when a temperature of cooling fluid flowing into a first parallel system from the inlet portion is referred to as a first temperature, a temperature of cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system and flowing into the second parallel system is referred to as a second temperature, and a temperature of cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system and flowing into the third parallel system is referred to as a third temperature, the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, the third temperature is higher than the second temperature, a difference between a flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the first parallel system and a flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system is adjusted in proportion to a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, a difference between a flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the second parallel system and a flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module in the third parallel system is adjusted in proportion to a difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

9. The battery module cooling system according to claim 8, wherein: a number n of battery modules forming the first parallel system is more than twice a number m of battery modules of the second parallel system, and the number m of battery modules of the second parallel system is more than twice a number s of battery modules of the third parallel system.

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