Liquid cooling system, battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and particularly discloses a liquid cooling system, a battery module and a battery pack. The liquid cooling system comprises a plurality of cold plates and further comprises a confluence plate, the cold plates are located on one side of the confluence plate and connected with the confluence plate, and a liquid inlet channel used for providing cooling liquid for the cold plates and a liquid outlet channel used for leading out the cooling liquid in the cold plates are arranged in the confluence plate. According to the liquid cooling system, a connecting pipeline between the cold plates is simplified into a part, namely the confluence plate, so that the assembly procedures can be greatly reduced, the material cost and the labor cost are reduced, the grouping efficiency is improved, and the liquid cooling system is suitable for large-scale mass production; as a connecting pipeline is cancelled, the space in the battery pack can be saved, and the volume energy density of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling system, battery module, and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy electric vehicle industry, automakers' demands for battery pack energy density continue to rise. The advent of high-energy-density cells has also led to a significant increase in the heat generated by the cells. This change has driven the upgrading of cell heat exchange methods from traditional single-area heat exchange at the bottom to large-area heat exchange covering a wider range.

[0003] Current large-area cooling designs for power batteries involve placing cold plates between the cell packs. These cold plates contain multiple channels for coolant flow. When the cells charge and discharge, heat is generated. This heat is first transferred to the cold plate structure via the adhesive layer between the cell and the cold plate, where it is absorbed and transferred by the internal coolant. To achieve system-level heat exchange, the cold plates are connected in series via connecting pipes, which are then connected to the vehicle's cooling system via external piping, forming a continuous heat exchange path and thus completing the cyclical transfer of heat.

[0004] While existing large-area cooling solutions for power batteries have some effect on improving thermal management performance, they have the following problems: After the cold plates are glued to the cells, all the cold plates need to be connected in series / parallel through connecting pipes, which is a cumbersome operation. If the connecting pipes and cold plates are not fully pressed together, problems such as poor sealing and leakage may occur. After the connecting pipes and cold plates are assembled, inlet and outlet water pipes need to be connected to realize the connection of the liquid cooling system, which occupies a large amount of space inside the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid cooling system and a battery module and battery pack, which combines a busbar and a cold plate to form a liquid cooling system. This liquid cooling system can effectively reduce the internal space occupied by the battery pack, optimize the assembly process, and reduce the types of materials.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a liquid cooling system, which includes a plurality of cold plates and a manifold. The plurality of cold plates are located on one side of the manifold and are all connected to the manifold. The manifold is provided with an inlet channel for supplying coolant to each cold plate and an outlet channel for drawing coolant out of each cold plate.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, the manifold is hollow inside and has partitions arranged along its length. The partitions divide the interior of the manifold into an inlet channel and an outlet channel. An inlet pipe communicating with the inlet channel and an outlet pipe communicating with the outlet channel are connected to the manifold. The manifold adopts an integrated structure with a hollow interior and partitions for inlet and outlet channels, eliminating the need for additional complex piping assembly, simplifying manufacturing, and providing a compact flow channel layout. This helps reduce flow resistance and ensures uniform distribution of coolant between the cold plates.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, one end of each of the several cold plates is open. A plurality of insertion holes, each matching the open end of the cold plates, are spaced apart along the length of one side of the manifold. Each insertion hole communicates with the inlet and outlet channels. The open ends of the cold plates are respectively inserted into the insertion holes, and the cold plates and the manifold are sealed together. The cold plates are connected to the manifold using an open-ended insertion method. During installation, the flow channels can be directly connected by inserting them into the insertion holes. The assembly process is simple and quick, facilitating the individual disassembly and replacement of the cold plates, and improving the maintainability and expandability of the system.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, a sealing groove is formed around the insertion hole on the busbar, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove. An outer ring layer that abuts against the sealing ring is provided on the open end of the cold plate. Several bolts pass through the outer ring layer and are respectively connected to several nuts on the busbar. The nuts are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate. Static sealing is achieved through the sealing groove and the sealing ring. Combined with the bolts and nuts pressing the outer ring layer, the cold plate is evenly stressed on both sides, ensuring reliable sealing at the connection and preventing sealing failure or deformation of the cold plate due to uneven stress on one side.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, an outer ring layer is provided on the open end of the cold plate, and a sealing gasket is provided on the side of the outer ring layer facing the busbar plate to abut against the busbar plate. Several bolts pass through the outer ring layer and are respectively connected to several nuts on the busbar plate. The nuts are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate. The sealing is achieved by using a sealing gasket for compression sealing, which has a simple structure, lower requirements for the machining accuracy of the contact surface between the outer ring layer and the busbar plate, and reduces manufacturing costs. At the same time, the even distribution of bolts ensures balanced clamping force and good sealing stability.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, an outer ring layer is provided on the open end of the cold plate. The outer ring layer is sealed to the busbar by adhesive bonding. Several bolts pass through the outer ring layer and are respectively connected to several nuts on the busbar. The nuts are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate. The sealing connection is achieved by adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for additional sealing components, further simplifying the structure, reducing the overall weight, and maintaining good sealing and connection strength under vibration or temperature change environments.

[0012] As a further improvement of the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, the cold plate is a serpentine cold plate or a harmonica tube. The cold plate is provided with multiple flow channels extending along its length direction and the multiple flow channels are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The multiple flow channels are connected at the end of the cold plate away from the manifold. A part of the flow channels of the cold plate is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and another part of the flow channels of the cold plate is connected to the liquid outlet channel.

[0013] The present invention also provides a battery module comprising the liquid cooling system as described above.

[0014] As a further improvement of the above-mentioned solution of the present invention, it also includes multiple rows of spaced-apart battery cell groups, each row of battery cell groups including multiple battery cells arranged in sequence, and a row of battery cell groups is provided between any two adjacent cold plates. Multiple battery cells of the battery cell group are bonded to the two adjacent cold plates, and a thermally conductive adhesive layer is provided on the side of the cold plate facing the battery cell group.

[0015] The present invention also provides a battery pack comprising the battery module as described above.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention simplifies the connecting pipes between cold plates into a single component—the manifold. This significantly reduces assembly steps, material and labor costs, and improves assembly efficiency, making it suitable for mass production. It also simplifies external piping connections, reduces leakage risks, enhances system compactness and modularity, facilitates batch installation and maintenance, saves internal space, and increases the volumetric energy density of the battery pack. The manifold can be further thinned according to actual needs, reducing flow resistance and improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the cold plates can be designed to be the same model, reducing assembly difficulties and the need for additional error-proofing due to different models. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling system proposed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cold plate in a liquid cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manifold in a liquid cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the cooling plate and the manifold in a liquid cooling system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure proposed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cold plate in a liquid cooling system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manifold in a liquid cooling system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Cold plate; 1-1. Flow channel; 1-2. Outer ring layer; 1-3. Thermally conductive adhesive layer; 1-4. Sealing gasket; 2. Manifold; 2-1. Liquid inlet channel; 2-2. Liquid outlet channel; 2-3. Spacer bar; 2-4. Insertion hole; 2-5. Sealing ring; 2-6. Nut; 3. Liquid inlet pipe; 4. Liquid outlet pipe; 5. Bolt; 6. Battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description will be given below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0021] Example 1 Reference Figure 1 This embodiment proposes a liquid cooling system, which includes a plurality of cold plates 1 and a manifold 2. The plurality of cold plates 1 are arranged in parallel at intervals and are all located on the same side of the manifold 2. The plurality of cold plates 1 are all connected to the manifold 2. The manifold 2 is provided with an inlet channel 2-1 for supplying coolant to each cold plate 1 and an outlet channel 2-2 for leading out the coolant from each cold plate 1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the liquid cooling system simplifies the connecting pipes between the cold plates 1 into a single component—the manifold 2. This significantly reduces assembly steps, material and labor costs, and improves assembly efficiency, making it suitable for mass production. By eliminating the connecting pipes, internal space is saved, increasing the volumetric energy density of the battery pack. The manifold 2 can be further thinned according to actual needs, which can reduce flow resistance and improve heat exchange efficiency to some extent. Furthermore, the cold plates 1 can be designed to be the same model, reducing assembly difficulties and additional error-proofing design caused by different models.

[0023] Combination Figure 2The cold plate 1 is a serpentine cold plate, with one end open and the other end sealed. Multiple flow channels 1-1 extending along its length are arranged vertically at intervals within the cold plate 1. The flow channels 1-1 connect at the end of the cold plate 1 away from the manifold 2. The upper portion of the flow channels 1-1 connects to the inlet channel 2-1, and the lower portion of the flow channels 1-1 connects to the outlet channel 2-2. An outer ring layer 1-2 is assembled to the open end of the cold plate 1 by welding or adhesive. The outer ring layer 1-2 has four assembly holes. In other embodiments, the cold plate 1 can also be a harmonica tube.

[0024] Combination Figure 3 The manifold 2 is hollow inside and has partitions 2-3 arranged along its length, dividing the interior of the manifold 2 into an inlet channel 2-1 and an outlet channel 2-2. An inlet pipe 3 communicating with the inlet channel 2-1 and an outlet pipe 4 communicating with the outlet channel 2-2 are connected to the manifold 2. Several insertion holes 2-4, adapted to the open end of the cold plate 1, are spaced apart along one side of the manifold 2 along its length. Each insertion hole 2-4 communicates with both the inlet channel 2-1 and the outlet channel 2-2. A sealing groove is formed around the insertion holes 2-4 on the manifold 2, and a sealing ring 2-5 is installed within the sealing groove. Two nuts 2-6 are provided on both sides of each insertion hole 2-4; the nuts 2-6 can be closed-end rivet nuts 2-6.

[0025] Combination Figure 4 Several cold plates 1 have their open ends inserted into several insertion holes 2-4. The outer ring layer 1-2 of the open end of the cold plate 1 is pressed against the corresponding sealing ring 2-5. The four assembly holes of the outer ring layer 1-2 correspond one-to-one with the four nuts 2-6. The four bolts 5 pass through the four assembly holes of the outer ring layer 1-2 and are connected to the four nuts 2-6 on the manifold 2, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the cold plate 1 and the manifold 2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the materials of the cold plate 1 and the busbar 2 can be metal or plastic. No specific limitation is made here, and a reasonable choice can be made according to the actual situation.

[0027] Combination Figure 5 In addition to the liquid cooling system described above, this embodiment also provides a battery module, which includes multiple rows of spaced-apart cell groups and the aforementioned liquid cooling system. Each row of cell groups includes multiple cells 6 arranged sequentially. A row of cell groups is provided between any two adjacent cold plates 1. The multiple cells 6 of each cell group are bonded to the two adjacent cold plates 1, and a thermally conductive adhesive layer 1-3 is provided on the side of the cold plate 1 facing the cell group.

[0028] Example 2 This embodiment proposes a liquid cooling system, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that the sealing connection method between the liquid cooling plate 1 and the manifold 2 is different. Figure 6 , Figure 7 In this embodiment, the sealing groove and sealing ring 2-5 are eliminated. A sealing washer 1-4, which abuts against the busbar 2, is attached to the side of the outer ring layer 1-2 of the cold plate 1 facing the busbar 2. Four bolts 5 are then passed through the four mounting holes of the outer ring layer 1-2 and connected to the four nuts 2-6 on the busbar 2, thus achieving a sealed connection between the cold plate 1 and the busbar 2. Using a sealing washer for compression sealing results in a simple structure, lower requirements for the machining accuracy of the contact surface between the outer ring layer and the busbar, reducing manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, the even distribution of bolts ensures balanced clamping force and good sealing stability.

[0029] Example 3 This embodiment proposes a liquid cooling system, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that the sealing connection method between the liquid cooling plate 1 and the manifold 2 is different. Figure 2 , Figure 7 In this embodiment, the sealing groove and sealing ring 2-5 are eliminated. The outer ring layer 1-2 of the cold plate 1 is directly bonded to the busbar 2 to achieve a sealed connection. That is, adhesive is applied to the corresponding areas of the outer ring layer 1-2 and the busbar 2, and then the open end of the cold plate 1 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole 2-4. The cold plate 1 is pressed to bond the outer ring layer 1-2 to the busbar 2. Finally, four bolts 5 are passed through the four mounting holes of the outer ring layer 1-2 and connected to the four nuts 2-6 on the busbar 2. The sealed connection is achieved by adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for additional sealing components, further simplifying the structure, reducing the overall weight, and maintaining good sealing and connection strength under vibration or temperature change environments.

[0030] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "installed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it may be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0033] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system comprising several cold plates (1), characterized in that, It also includes a busbar (2), several cold plates (1) are located on one side of the busbar (2) and are connected with the busbar (2), the busbar (2) is provided with a liquid inlet channel (2-1) for supplying cooling liquid to each cold plate (1) and a liquid outlet channel (2-2) for leading out the cooling liquid in each cold plate (1).

2. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The busbar (2) is hollow inside and provided with a partition strip (2-3) arranged along the length direction thereof, the partition strip (2-3) separates the inside of the busbar (2) into the liquid inlet channel (2-1) and the liquid outlet channel (2-2), the busbar (2) is connected with a liquid inlet pipe (3) communicating with the liquid inlet channel (2-1) and a liquid outlet pipe (4) communicating with the liquid outlet channel (2-2).

3. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, One end of each of the several cold plates (1) is open, the side of the busbar (2) is provided with several plug-in holes (2-4) along the length direction thereof and matched with the open ends of the cold plates (1), each plug-in hole (2-4) communicates with the liquid inlet channel (2-1) and the liquid outlet channel (2-2), the open ends of the several cold plates (1) are respectively plugged into the several plug-in holes (2-4) and the cold plates (1) are sealingly connected with the busbar (2).

4. The liquid cooling system of claim 3, wherein, The busbar (2) is provided with a sealing groove around the plug-in hole (2-4) and a sealing ring (2-5) in the sealing groove, the open end of the cold plate (1) is provided with an outer ring layer (1-2) abutting against the sealing ring (2-5), several bolts (5) pass through the outer ring layer (1-2) and are respectively connected with several nuts (2-6) on the busbar (2), and the several nuts (2-6) are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate (1).

5. The liquid cooling system of claim 3, wherein, The open end of the cold plate (1) is provided with an outer ring layer (1-2) and the side of the outer ring layer (1-2) facing the busbar (2) is provided with a sealing washer (1-4) abutting against the busbar (2), several bolts (5) pass through the outer ring layer (1-2) and are respectively connected with several nuts (2-6) on the busbar (2), and the several nuts (2-6) are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate (1).

6. The liquid cooling system of claim 3, wherein, The open end of the cold plate (1) is provided with an outer ring layer (1-2), the outer ring layer (1-2) is sealingly connected with the busbar (2) by adhesive, several bolts (5) pass through the outer ring layer (1-2) and are respectively connected with several nuts (2-6) on the busbar (2), and the several nuts (2-6) are evenly distributed on both sides of the cold plate (1).

7. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The cold plate (1) is a serpentine cold plate or a harmonica tube, the cold plate (1) is provided with a plurality of flow channels (1-1) extending along the length direction thereof and the plurality of flow channels (1-1) are vertically spaced, the plurality of flow channels (1-1) communicate at the end of the cold plate (1) away from the busbar (2), a part of the flow channels (1-1) of the cold plate (1) communicate with the liquid inlet channel (2-1), and the other part of the flow channels (1-1) of the cold plate (1) communicate with the liquid outlet channel (2-2).

8. A battery module, characterized by It comprises the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1-7. It comprises the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The battery module of claim 8, wherein, It also includes multiple rows of spaced electric cell groups, each row of the electric cell groups includes multiple electric cells (6) arranged in sequence, and one row of the electric cell groups is arranged between any two adjacent cold plates (1), and the multiple electric cells (6) of the electric cell groups are attached to the adjacent two cold plates (1), and the side of the cold plate (1) facing the electric cell group is provided with a heat-conducting adhesive layer (1-3).

10. A battery pack, characterized by, It includes the battery module as claimed in any one of claims 8-9.

Images