Cooling beam for battery pack

Abstract

A chilled beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end includes one or more outer plates extending between the first end and the second end, the one or more outer plates each having an upper end and a lower end each extending between the first end and the second end of the chilled beam, and the one or more outer plates each having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface; one or more cooling channels extending between the first end and the second end and coupled to the inner surface of the one or more outer plates; and a coolant path disposed between the inner surface of the one or more outer plates and the one or more cooling channels, the coolant path configured to carry a fluid between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to battery packs for electric vehicles, and more specifically, to cooling beams arranged between one or more battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general overview of the background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not conform to the prior art at the time of submission, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art relative to this disclosure.

[0003] Some rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) may include one or more battery cells and one or more cooling channels disposed between or beneath the battery cells. Existing RESSes occupy a large footprint and add considerable weight to the vehicle. Furthermore, assembling and packaging these systems can be complex due to the number of components and the large footprint required to encapsulate them in the vehicle. The disadvantages of existing systems are addressed by one or more aspects of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one configuration, a cooling beam is provided having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The cooling beam includes one or more outer plates extending between the first and second ends. Each of the one or more outer plates has a respective upper end and a lower end extending between the first and second ends of the cooling beam, and each of the one or more outer plates has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface. One or more cooling channels extend between the first and second ends and are coupled to the inner surfaces of the one or more outer plates. A coolant path is arranged between the inner surfaces of the one or more outer plates and the one or more cooling channels, the coolant path being configured to transport fluid between one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

[0005] The cooling beam may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, one or more outer plates may include a first outer plate and a second outer plate. The inner surfaces of the first outer plate and the second outer plate may face each other and define a chamber configured to carry fluid. One or more cooling channels may include a first cooling channel coupled to the inner surface of the first outer plate and a second cooling channel coupled to the inner surface of the second outer plate. The first cooling channel may include an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having one or more recessed portions facing the inner surface of the first outer plate, and the outer surface having one or more protruding portions corresponding to the recessed portions. The second cooling channel may include an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having one or more recessed portions facing the inner surface of the second outer plate, and the outer surface having one or more protruding portions corresponding to the recessed portions.

[0006] According to one aspect, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel can be arranged in the room such that the protruding portion of the first cooling channel is aligned with and in contact with the protruding portion of the second cooling channel.

[0007] According to another option, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel can be arranged in the room such that the protruding portion of the first cooling channel is offset from the protruding portion of the second cooling channel.

[0008] According to at least one example, one or more outer panels may have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. One or more cooling channels may have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0009] In another configuration, a battery pack is provided, comprising one or more battery cells, each of the battery cells comprising a prismatic can, the prismatic can including a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, a third end and a fourth end spaced apart from the third end, a first surface extending between the first, second, third and fourth ends, and a second surface extending between the first, second, third and fourth ends and spaced apart from the first surface. The battery pack also includes one or more cooling beams having a first end and a second end, each including one or more outer plates extending between the first end and the second end, each of the one or more outer plates having a respective upper end and a lower end extending between the first end and the second end of the cooling beam, and each of the one or more outer plates having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface. The outer surfaces are configured to contact the first surface or the second surface of the one or more battery cells. One or more cooling channels extend between the first end and the second end and are coupled to the inner surface of the one or more outer plates. Coolant paths are arranged between the inner surface of the one or more outer plates and the one or more cooling channels.

[0010] The battery pack may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, one or more outer panels may include a first outer panel and a second outer panel coupled to the first outer panel. The first and second outer panels may each include a first flange located at their upper ends, the first flange of the first outer panel extending generally perpendicularly from the outer surface of the first outer panel, and a first flange of the second outer panel overhanging toward the lower ends of the first and second outer panels. The first and second outer panels may each include a second flange located at their lower ends, the second flange of the first outer panel overhanging toward the upper ends of the first and second outer panels, and a second flange of the second outer panel extending generally perpendicularly from the outer surface of the second outer panel. The first flange of the first outer panel may be configured to contact a third end of a prismatic can, and the second flange of the second outer panel may be configured to contact a fourth end of another prismatic can.

[0011] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a body, a motor coupled to the body, and a battery pack coupled to the body and communicatively coupled to the motor. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells, each having a prismatic can and one or more cooling beams, each cooling beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the one or more cooling beams being arranged between the one or more battery cells. Each of the one or more cooling beams includes one or more outer plates extending between the first and second ends, each of the one or more outer plates having a respective upper end and lower end extending between the first and second ends of the cooling beam, and each of the one or more outer plates having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface, the outer surface being configured to contact the prismatic can of the one or more battery cells. One or more cooling channels extend between the first and second ends and are coupled to the inner surface of the one or more outer plates. Coolant paths are arranged between the inner surface of the one or more outer plates and the one or more cooling channels.

[0012] The battery pack may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, one or more outer panels may include a first outer panel and a second outer panel coupled to the first outer panel. The first and second outer panels may each include a first flange located at their upper ends, the first flange of the first outer panel extending generally perpendicularly from the outer surface of the first outer panel, and a first flange of the second outer panel overhanging toward the lower ends of the first and second outer panels. The first and second outer panels may each include a second flange located at their lower ends, the second flange of the first outer panel overhanging toward the upper ends of the first and second outer panels, and a second flange of the second outer panel extending generally perpendicularly from the outer surface of the second outer panel.

[0013] According to at least one aspect, one or more outer panels and one or more cooling channels each include a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 It includes one or more battery cells and one or more cooling beams. Figure 1 A side perspective view of a portion of the battery pack;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side perspective view of one of the one or more cooling beams;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3Exploded view of the cooling beam;

[0019] Figure 5 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a configuration of the battery pack; and

[0020] Figure 6 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another configuration of the battery pack.

[0021] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that the example configuration may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0024] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0025] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish individual elements, components, regions, layers, or parts. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0026] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to or be a part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include ASICs; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functions described above; or some or all of the above combinations, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0027] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor, in conjunction with an additional processor, that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory, in conjunction with additional memory, that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium and can therefore be considered tangible, non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0028] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in whole or in part, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0029] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0030] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0031] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0032] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system including at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the programmable processor being dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0033] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. These processes and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented or incorporated therein by dedicated logic circuitry.

[0034] To provide interaction with the user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, and optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0035] refer to Figure 1A vehicle 10, such as an electric vehicle, is provided. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12, one or more wheels 14, and an electric motor 16 disposed within the body 12. The body 12 extends in a first direction (i.e., a front-to-back or longitudinal direction) 18, a second direction (i.e., a lateral or transverse direction) 20, and a third direction (i.e., a vertical direction) 22. The electric motor 16 is configured to drive one or more of the one or more wheels 14 to propel the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack 100, which may be disposed within the body 12 and communicatively connected to the electric motor 16 via a power cable 24.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 This provides a portion of a battery pack 100, and typically includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 200 disposed between the one or more battery cells 102. For illustrative purposes, the one or more battery cells 102 and the one or more cooling beams 200 are shown spaced apart from each other. However, during assembly, the one or more battery cells 102 and the one or more cooling beams 200 may be arranged such that the one or more cooling beams 200 can remove heat from the one or more cells, for example, during operation and charging.

[0037] Continue to refer to Figure 2 One or more battery cells 102 may each include a prismatic can 104 having a first end 106, a second end 108 spaced apart from the first end 106, a third or upper end 110, and a fourth or lower end 112 spaced apart from the upper end 110. Furthermore, each prismatic can 104 includes a first surface 114 and a second surface 116 spaced apart from the first surface 114. The first surface 114 and the second surface 116 each extend between the first end 106, the second end 108, the upper end 110, and the lower end 112. According to one aspect, the first surface 114 and the second surface 116 may be the largest surface of the prismatic can 104 and may be configured to transfer heat away from the prismatic can 104.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 2 One or more cooling beams 200 include a first end 202 and a second end 204 spaced apart from the first end 202. Furthermore, each of the one or more cooling beams 200 includes a first cooling surface 206 and a second cooling surface 208 spaced apart from the first cooling surface 206, which are configured to engage and / or contact the prismatic tank 104.

[0039] Figure 3-5 An illustrative configuration of the cooling beam 300 is provided. This configuration is similar in many ways to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configurations. Therefore, the descriptions of these configurations are thus combined with each other, and descriptions of common themes among these configurations are generally not repeated.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 The cooling beam 300 includes a first end 302, a second end 304 spaced apart from the first end 302, a third or upper end 306, and a fourth or lower end 308 spaced apart from the upper end 306. The cooling beam 300 may also include a first region 309a near the first end 302 and a second region 309b near the second end 304. In one configuration, one or more battery cells 102 may be arranged adjacent to or relative to the first region 309a, and one or more battery cells 102 may be arranged adjacent to or relative to the second region 309b. The cooling beam 300 may include one or more outer plates 310 and one or more cooling channels (e.g., cooling fins) 312, the cooling channels 312 being coupled to and arranged between the one or more outer plates 310.

[0041] In this illustrative configuration, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more outer plates 310 include a first outer plate 314 and a second outer plate 316. The first outer plate 314 includes a first end 318 and a second end 320 spaced apart from the first end 318. The first outer plate 314 also includes a first or inner surface 322 and a second or outer surface 324 opposite to the inner surface 322. Both the inner surface 322 and the outer surface 324 may extend between the first and second ends 318, 320. At the first end 318, a first flange 326 may be coupled to the first end 318 and extend away from the first end 318 and / or the outer surface 324. The first flange 326 may extend between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the cooling beam 300, and the first flange 326 may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 324. Additionally, the first flange 326 may include a first or top surface 326a and a second or bottom surface 326b opposite to the top surface 326a. At the second end 320, a second flange 328 may be coupled to the second end 320 and extend away from the second end 320 (i.e., away from its overhang) and / or extend from the inner surface 322 toward the first end 318 of the first outer plate 314. The second flange 328 may extend between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the cooling beam 300. Furthermore, the second flange 328 includes a first or inner surface 328a facing the inner surface 322 of the first outer plate 314, and a second or outer surface 328b opposite to and away from the inner surface 322. The first outer plate 314 also includes one or more inlets 329a and one or more outlets 329b configured to receive fluid, such as coolant.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and 4The second outer plate 316 includes a first end 330 and a second end 332 spaced apart from the first end 330. The second outer plate 316 also includes a first or inner surface 334 and a second or outer surface 336 opposite to the inner surface 334. Both the inner surface 334 and the outer surface 336 can extend between the first and second ends 330, 332. At the first end 330, a first flange 338 can be coupled to the first end 330 and extend away from the first end 330 (i.e., away from its overhang) and / or extend from the inner surface 334 toward the second end 332 of the second outer plate 316. The first flange 338 can extend between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the cooling beam 300. Furthermore, the first flange 338 includes a first or inner surface 338a facing the inner surface 334 of the second outer plate 316, and a second or outer surface 338b opposite to and away from the inner surface 334. At the second end 332, a second flange 340 may be coupled to the second end 332 and extend away from the second end 332 and / or the outer surface 336. The second flange 340 may extend between the first end 330 and the second end 332 of the cooling beam 300, and the second flange 340 may be substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 336. Additionally, the second flange 340 may include a first or top surface 340a and a second or bottom surface 340b opposite the top surface 340a. The second outer plate 316 also includes one or more inlets 342 and one or more outlets 344 configured to receive fluid, such as coolant.

[0043] According to one aspect, the first outer plate 314 and the second outer plate 316 can be made of aluminum alloy or steel with a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Choosing such materials is desirable for reducing the weight and cost of each of the one or more cooling beams 300.

[0044] During assembly, the first outer plate 314 may be coupled to or otherwise attached to the second outer plate 316 to define a fluid-sealed chamber or cavity 345 between the inner surface 322 of the first outer plate 314 and the inner surface 334 of the second outer plate 316. A first end 318 of the first outer plate 314 and a first end 330 of the second outer plate 316 may be disposed at the upper end 306 of the cooling beam 300. In other words, the inner surface 322 of the first outer plate 314 may contact and engage with the outer surface 338b of the first flange 338 of the second outer plate 316. A second end 320 of the first outer plate 314 and a second end 332 of the second outer plate 316 may be disposed at the lower end 308 of the cooling beam 300. More specifically, the inner surface 334 of the second outer plate 316 may contact and engage with the outer surface 328b of the second flange 328 of the first outer plate 314. According to one aspect, the first flange 326 of the first outer plate 314 and the second flange 340 of the second outer plate 316 may be coupled or otherwise attached to a battery tray (not shown). The battery tray may be configured to protect one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 300 from abrasion or damage caused by air, water, etc.

[0045] Reference Figure 5 One or more cooling channels 312 may include a first cooling channel 346 and a second cooling channel 348. The first cooling channel 346 extends between a first end 302 and a second end 304 of one or more cooling beams 300. Furthermore, the first cooling channel 346 includes an inner surface 350 and an outer surface 352 opposite to the inner surface 350. The inner surface 350 includes one or more recesses 354, and the outer surface 352 includes one or more protrusions 356 corresponding to the recesses 354. A portion of the inner surface 350 of the first cooling channel 346 may be configured to engage with or otherwise attach to the inner surface 322 of the first outer plate 314. A first cooling path 358 may be arranged between the inner surface 322 of the first outer plate 314 and the inner surface 350 of the first cooling channel 346. The first cooling path 358 may include a serpentine path between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of one or more cooling beams 300, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In addition, the first cooling path 358 may be connected in communication with one or more inlets 329a and one or more outlets 329b, so that fluid can flow along the first cooling path 358 between one or more inlets 329a and one or more outlets 329b.

[0046] A second cooling channel 348 extends between a first end 302 and a second end 304 of one or more cooling beams 300. Furthermore, the second cooling channel 348 includes an inner surface 360 ​​and an outer surface 362 opposite to the inner surface 360. The inner surface 360 ​​includes one or more recesses 364, and the outer surface 362 includes one or more protrusions 366 corresponding to the recesses 364. A portion of the inner surface 360 ​​of the second cooling channel 348 may be configured to engage with or otherwise attach to the inner surface 334 of the second outer plate 316. A second cooling path 368 may be arranged between the inner surface 334 of the second outer plate 316 and the inner surface 360 ​​of the second cooling channel 348. The second cooling path 368 may include a serpentine path between the first end 302 and the second end 304 of one or more cooling beams 300, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In addition, the second cooling path 368 may be connected in communication with one or more inlets 342 and one or more outlets 344, so that fluid can flow along the second cooling path 368 between one or more inlets 342 and one or more outlets 344.

[0047] According to one aspect, the first cooling channel 346 and the second cooling channel 348 can be made of aluminum alloy or steel with a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Choosing such materials is desirable for reducing the weight and cost of each of the one or more cooling beams 300.

[0048] In this illustrative configuration, the first cooling channel 346 and the second cooling channel 348 can be arranged such that the protrusion 356 of the first cooling channel 346 aligns with and contacts the protrusion 366 of the second cooling channel 348, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown. In another configuration of the cooling beam 300', the first cooling channel 346 and the second cooling channel 348 can be staggered relative to each other. In other words, the first cooling channel 346 can be arranged relative to the second cooling channel 348 such that the protrusion 356 of the first cooling channel 346 is offset from the protrusion 366 of the second cooling channel 348, as shown. Figure 6 As shown.

[0049] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The battery pack 400 can be arranged such that the outer surface 324 of the first outer plate 314 contacts the first surface of a prismatic can 104, and the outer surface 336 of the second outer plate 316 contacts the second surface 116 of another prismatic can 104. In other words, one or more cooling beams 300 can be sandwiched between two or more prismatic cans 104. Furthermore, the bottom surface 326b of the first flange 326 of the first outer plate 314 can contact the upper end 110 of one prismatic can 104, while the top surface 340a of the second flange 340 of the second outer plate 316 can contact the lower end 112 of another prismatic can 104.

[0050] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0051] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cooling beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, comprising: One or more outer panels extending between a first end and a second end, each of the one or more outer panels having an upper end and a lower end extending between the first end and the second end of the cooling beam, and each of the one or more outer panels having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface. One or more cooling channels extend between a first end and a second end and are connected to the inner surface of one or more outer panels; as well as A coolant path, which is arranged between the inner surface of one or more outer panels and one or more cooling channels, is configured to transport fluid between one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

2. The cooling beam of claim 1, wherein, The one or more outer panels include a first outer panel and a second outer panel.

3. The cooling beam according to claim 2, wherein, The inner surfaces of the first outer plate and the second outer plate face each other and define a chamber configured to carry fluid.

4. The cooling beam according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more cooling channels include a first cooling channel connected to the inner surface of the first outer panel and a second cooling channel connected to the inner surface of the second outer panel.

5. The cooling beam according to claim 4, wherein, The first cooling channel includes: an inner surface having one or more recessed portions facing the inner surface of the first outer plate; and an outer surface having one or more protruding portions corresponding to the recessed portions.

6. The cooling beam according to claim 5, wherein, The second cooling channel includes: an inner surface having one or more recessed portions facing the inner surface of the second outer plate; and an outer surface having one or more protruding portions corresponding to the recessed portions.

7. The cooling beam according to claim 6, wherein, The first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are arranged in the chamber such that the protruding portion of the first cooling channel is aligned with and in contact with the protruding portion of the second cooling channel.

8. The cooling beam according to claim 6, wherein, The first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are arranged in the chamber such that the protruding portion of the first cooling channel is offset from the protruding portion of the second cooling channel.

9. The cooling beam according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more outer panels include a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

10. The cooling beam according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more cooling channels have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

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