Cooling beam for battery pack

Abstract

A chilled beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the heat exchanger includes a first end and a second end, and includes a center plate extending between the first end and the second end, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, one or more cooling channels extending between the first end and the second end and coupled to the first surface and the second surface, and a coolant passage disposed between the center plate and the one or more cooling channels, the coolant passage configured to carry a fluid between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Some rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) may include one or more battery cells and one or more cooling channels disposed between or below the battery cells. Existing RESSes can occupy a large footprint and add considerable weight to a vehicle. Furthermore, assembling and packaging these systems can be complex due to the number of components and the large footprint required to encapsulate them within the vehicle. The disadvantages of existing systems are addressed by one or more aspects of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one configuration, a cooling beam is provided having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and the cooling beam includes a central plate extending between the first and second ends, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cooling beam also includes one or more cooling channels extending between the first and second ends and connecting to the first and second surfaces. The cooling beam further includes a coolant passage disposed between the central plate and the one or more cooling channels, the coolant passage being configured to transport fluid between one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

[0004] The cooling beam may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, the center plate may include one or more protrusions that are coupled to the first surface and the second surface and extend away from the first surface and the second surface toward one or more cooling channels.

[0005] According to at least one aspect, the cooling channel includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The inner and outer surfaces may include recesses extending toward the center plate.

[0006] According to another option, the inner surface may include one or more recessed portions, and the outer surface may include one or more protruding portions corresponding to the one or more recessed portions. Each of the protruding portions may each include a contact area substantially parallel to the center plate.

[0007] According to at least one example, the center plate includes a first half and a second half connected to the first half.

[0008] According to another example, the cooling beam may also include a first region near the first end and a second region near the second end. One or more inlets and one or more outlets may be arranged between the first and second regions. The cooling path may include a first serpentine path extending along the first region between one or more inlets and one or more outlets, and a second serpentine path extending along the second region between one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

[0009] In another configuration, a battery pack is provided, comprising one or more battery cells, each of the one or more 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 end, the second end, the third end and the fourth end, and a second surface extending between the first end, the second end, the third end and the fourth end 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, including a central plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface each extending between the first end and the second end of the one or more cooling beams, the central plate having a first flange extending away from the first surface and the second surface at the first end of the one or more cooling beams and a second flange extending away from the first surface and the second surface at the second end of the one or more cooling beams. The one or more cooling beams also include one or more cooling channels coupled to the first surface and the second surface of the central plate.

[0010] The battery pack may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, the first flange and the second flange may include recesses configured to receive a portion of a prismatic can.

[0011] According to at least one aspect, the first flange may contact the third end of one of the prismatic cans, and the second flange may contact the fourth end of the same prismatic can.

[0012] According to another aspect, the first flange may include a first lip extending from the first flange toward a second end of one of the one or more cooling beams, and the second flange may include a second lip extending from the second flange toward a first end of one of the one or more cooling beams. The first lip and the second lip may each contact a portion of one or more battery cells.

[0013] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle body, a motor coupled to the vehicle body, and a battery pack coupled to the vehicle body and communicatively coupled to the motor. The battery pack includes one or more individual battery cells and one or more cooling beams, each individual battery cell having a prismatic canister, and each cooling beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The one or more cooling beams are arranged between the one or more battery cells, and each cooling beam includes a central plate having a first surface and a second surface, each extending between the first end and the second end of the one or more cooling beams. The central plate has a first flange extending away from the first and second surfaces at the first end, and a second flange extending away from the first and second surfaces at the second end. The one or more cooling beams also include one or more cooling channels coupled to the first and second surfaces of the central plate.

[0014] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, the first flange and the second flange may include recesses configured to receive a portion of a prismatic can.

[0015] According to at least one aspect, the first flange and the second flange may each contact one of the prismatic cans.

[0016] According to another aspect, the first flange may include a first lip extending from the first flange toward a second end of one of the one or more cooling beams, and the second flange may include a second lip extending from the second flange toward a first end of one of the one or more cooling beams. The first lip and the second lip may each contact a portion of one or more battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only for the selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0019] 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;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side perspective view of one of the cooling beams in a group of one or more cooling beams;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view of the configuration of cooling fins on one or more cooling beams;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A front view of another configuration of cooling fins on one or more cooling beams;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A sectional perspective view of the cooling beam;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a configuration of the battery pack;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of another configuration of the battery pack;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of another configuration of the battery pack;

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of another configuration of the battery pack;

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of another configuration of the battery pack; and

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the cooling beam according to the principles of this disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the relevant parts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The exemplary configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary configurations are 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, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular articles “a” and “the” may be intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, 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. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0033] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “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 being “directly on,” “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 associated listed items.

[0034] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0035] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0036] 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" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory that, in combination with additional memory, 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 therefore can be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0037] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store 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 for firmware, such as boot programs). 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, which includes at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0042] The processes and logic described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logic can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose microprocessors 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 elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices, 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 memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0043] To provide interaction with a 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 optionally a 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 feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, 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 web page to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0044] 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 in the body 12. The body 12 extends in a first direction (i.e., a longitudinal 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 may be 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 in the body 12 and communicatively connected to the electric motor 16 via a power cable 24.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 A portion of a battery pack 100 is provided, and it typically includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 200 arranged 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, in assembly, for example, 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 battery cells 102 during operation and charging.

[0046] 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 end or upper end 110, and a fourth end or lower end 112 spaced apart from the upper end 110. Additionally, 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.

[0047] 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. Additionally, each of the one or more cooling beams includes a first cooling surface 206 and a second cooling surface 208 spaced apart from the first cooling surface, the first cooling surface 206 and the second cooling surface 208 being configured to engage and / or contact the prismatic tank 104.

[0048] Figures 3 to 7 An illustrative configuration of the cooling beam 300 is provided. This configuration is similar in many respects to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The configuration. Therefore, the descriptions of the configurations are incorporated into each other, and it is generally not necessary to repeat descriptions of common configuration topics.

[0049] refer to Figure 3 The cooling beam 300 includes a first end 302, a second end 304 spaced apart from the first end 302, a third end or upper end 306, and a fourth end 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 in the battery cell 102 may be arranged adjacent to or relative to the first region 309a, and one or more battery cells in the battery cell 102 may be arranged adjacent to or relative to the second region 309b. The cooling beam 300 may include a center plate 310 and one or more cooling channels (e.g., cooling fins) 312 coupled to or otherwise attached to the center plate 310.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The center plate 310 extends between the first end 302 and the second end 304, and between the upper end 306 and the lower end 308. The center plate 310 includes a first surface 314 and a second surface 316 opposite to the first surface 314, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown. The first surface 314 and the second surface 316 can be arranged generally parallel to the first surface 114 and the second surface 116 of at least one of the prismatic cans 104 of one or more battery cells 102. The center plate 310 can be configured to separate one or more battery cells 102 and provide a thermal barrier to prevent and / or mitigate the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery pack 100.

[0051] refer to Figure 7The center plate 310 may include one or more flanges that may further define the center plate 310 at a first end 302 and / or a second end 304 of the cooling beam 300. For example, the flanges may include a first flange 318 coupled to and extending away from a second surface 316 and a second flange 320 coupled to and extending away from a first surface 314. The first flange 318 and the second flange 320 may be made of the same material as the center plate 310 or a different material. Alternatively, the first flange 318 and / or the second flange 320 may be integral parts of the center plate 310 or separate components coupled to or otherwise attached to the center plate 310. The flanges 318, 320 may be desired to help constrain the cooling beam 300 relative to the vertical direction 22. The flanges 318, 320 may also be desired to maintain separation between one or more battery cells 102 and the center plate 310. In other words, flanges 318 and 320 help prevent one or more battery cells 102 from collapsing during installation of one or more cooling channels 312. Although not readily shown in the drawings, the first flange 318 and / or the second flange 320 may be joined or otherwise attached to the battery tray by welding, adhesive, or using another method. The battery tray protects one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 300 from abrasion or damage caused by air, water, etc.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The center plate 310 is shown including one or more protrusions 321 coupled to and extending away from the first surface 314 and / or the second surface 316. For example, the protrusions 321 may be desirable to prevent the cooling channel 312 from collapsing during installation and operation. In other words, the protrusions 321 can help ensure at least some separation between the center plate 310 and the cooling channel 312, allowing fluid to flow between them and heat to be removed from one or more battery cells 102.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 One or more cooling channels (i.e., cooling fins) 312 extend between a first end 302 and a second end 304, and between an upper end 306 and a lower end 308. The cooling channels 312 can be joined to or otherwise attached to the center plate 310 using, for example, fusion welding, thermal welding, overmolding, or another joining technique. Each of the cooling channels 312 includes a first or inner surface 322 and a second or outer surface 324 opposite to the inner surface 322, such as... Figure 7As shown. In this illustrative configuration, the inner surface 322 of one of the cooling channels 312 faces the first surface 314, and the inner surface 322 of the other cooling channel 312 faces the second surface 316. Additionally, the inner surface 322 may include one or more recessed portions 326, and the outer surface 324 may have one or more protrusions 328 opposite to the recessed portions 326. The protrusions 328 may include contact areas 329 configured to engage with a portion of at least one of the battery cells 102. Reference Figure 6 Cooling path 330 may be arranged between the inner surface 322 of one or more cooling channels 312 and the center plate 310, and communicatively connected to one or more inlets 332 and one or more outlets 334. (See reference) Figure 3 The cooling path 330 may extend from one or more inlets 332 and follow a first serpentine pattern 336 along a first region 309a to one or more outlets 334. Similarly, the cooling path 330 may extend from one or more inlets 332 and follow a second serpentine pattern 338 along a second region 309b to one or more outlets 334. In another configuration, the cooling path 330 may also be arranged such that one or more cooling channels 312 are arranged in parallel and extend between a first end 302 or a second end 304 of the cooling beam 300. Arranging one or more inlets 332 and one or more outlets 334 between the first region 309a and the second region 309b may be desirable to protect them from lateral impact loads. However, in other configurations, one or more inlets 332 and / or one or more outlets 334 may be arranged at either the first end 302 or the second end 304 of the cooling beam 300.

[0054] refer to Figure 4 The cooling channel 312 may include one or more recesses or protrusions 340 extending toward the center plate 310 and arranged along the cooling path 330. The one or more recesses 340 may be intended to prevent the cooling path 330 from collapsing. The recesses 340 may correspond to a protrusion 321 of the center plate 310, or may contact another portion of the center plate 310. According to one aspect, the recesses 340 may induce turbulence, which can improve cooling efficiency.

[0055] In another configuration, refer to Figure 5 Cooling channel 312 may be smooth and does not include any pits or embossed features.

[0056] Cooling channels 312 can be made of thermally conductive metal, such as composite materials or polymers. Typically, cooling channels 312 can have a thickness T1 of less than 1 millimeter (mm²). However, for example, the thickness T1 can be varied to achieve a certain degree of rigidity and flexibility. When using a thicker material, cooling channels 312 typically maintain a shape. On the other hand, when using a thin material, cooling channels 312 can expand when filled with coolant or another fluid. Choosing a thin material may be desirable to enhance elasticity, allowing cooling beams 300 to accommodate one or more battery cells 102, for example, if they expand during operation or charging. Additionally or alternatively, choosing a thin material may be desirable to allow a greater portion of the contact area 329 to engage with the surface of the prismatic can 104 (e.g., the first or second surface) and improve the cooling efficiency between one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 300. According to one aspect, cooling beams 300 may include a thin layer of conductive adhesive to bond the contact area 329 to the prismatic can 104. The use of conductive adhesives can be desirable, making it, for example, unnecessary to use thermal interface materials (TIMs).

[0057] During assembly, one of the one or more battery cells 102 is arranged adjacent to one of the one or more cooling beams 300. For example... Figure 7 As shown, for example, one or more battery cells 102 can be pressed against the cooling channel 312 of the cooling beam 300, such that the contact area 329 conforms to the first surface 114 and the second surface 116 of the prismatic can 104. Reducing the air gap between the cooling channel 312 and the prismatic can 104 is desirable to improve cooling efficiency.

[0058] Figure 8-11 Several illustrative configurations of battery packs 400, 500, 600, and 700 are provided. These configurations are similar in many ways. Figure 1-2 and Figure 3-7 The configuration. Therefore, the descriptions of the configurations are incorporated into each other, and it is generally not necessary to repeat descriptions of common topics in the configurations.

[0059] refer to Figure 8A battery pack 400 is provided and includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 401. Each cooling beam 401 includes a first end 402 and a second end 404 spaced apart from the first end 402. Furthermore, each cooling beam 401 includes a center plate 410 and one or more cooling channels 412 coupled to the center plate 410. Each center plate 410 has a first surface 414 and a second surface 416 opposite to the first surface 414. One or more flanges may be coupled to the center plate 410 at the first end 402 and the second end 404 of each cooling beam 401. In this illustrative configuration, the one or more flanges include a first flange 418 coupled to the center plate 410 at the first end 402 and a second flange 420 coupled to the center plate 410 at the second end 404. The first flange 418 extends away from the first surface 414 and the second surface 416. Similarly, the second flange 420 extends away from the first surface 414 and the second surface 416. The first flange 418 includes a first surface 418a and a second surface 418b, and the second flange 420 includes a first surface 420a and a second surface 420b. The second surface 418b of the first flange 418 may be spaced apart from the second surface 420b of the second flange 420, such that the prism-shaped can 104 engages with the first flange 418 and the second flange 420 and is disposed between the first flange 418 and the second flange 420. In other words, the second surface 418b may contact the upper end 110 of the prism-shaped can 104, and the second surface 420b may contact the lower end 112 of the prism-shaped can 104.

[0060] refer to Figure 9A battery pack 500 is provided and includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 501. Each cooling beam 501 includes a first end 502 and a second end 504 spaced apart from the first end 502. Furthermore, each cooling beam 501 includes a center plate 510 and one or more cooling channels 512 coupled to the center plate 510. Each center plate 510 has a first surface 514 and a second surface 516 opposite to the first surface 514. One or more flanges may be coupled to the center plate 510 at the first end 502 and the second end 504 of each cooling beam 501. In this illustrative configuration, the one or more flanges include a first flange 518 coupled to the center plate 510 at the first end 502 and a second flange 520 coupled to the center plate 510 at the second end 504. The first flange 518 extends away from the first surface 514 to the first end 522 and away from the second surface 516 to the second end 524. The first end 522 and the second end 524 of the first flange 518 may each include a notch or stepped portion 526 configured to engage and / or receive a portion of the prismatic can 104. The second flange 520 extends away from the first surface 514 to the first end 528 and away from the second surface 516 to the second end 530. The first end 528 and the second end 530 of the second flange 520 may each include a notch or stepped portion 532 configured to engage and / or receive a portion of the prismatic can 104. The stepped portions 526, 532 of the first flange 518 and the second flange 520 may be desirable to prevent the battery cells from deforming or crushing one or more cooling channels 512. Additionally, the stepped portions 526, 532 of the first flange 518 and the second flange 520 may be desirable to constrain one or more battery cells 102 between the first flange 518 and the second flange 520.

[0061] refer to Figure 10A battery pack 600 is provided and includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 601. Each cooling beam 601 includes a first end 602 and a second end 604 spaced apart from the first end 602. Furthermore, each cooling beam 601 includes a center plate 610 and one or more cooling channels 612 coupled to the center plate 610. Each center plate 610 has a first surface 614 and a second surface 616 opposite to the first surface 614. One or more flanges may be coupled to the center plate 610 at the first end 602 and the second end 604 of each cooling beam 601. In this illustrative configuration, the one or more flanges include a first flange 618 coupled to the center plate 610 at the first end 602 and a second flange 620 coupled to the center plate 610 at the second end 604. The first flange 618 extends away from the first surface 614 to the first end 622 and away from the second surface 616 to the second end 624. The first end 622 includes a lip 626 that extends from the first end 622 toward the second end 604 of the cooling beam 601. According to one aspect, the lip 626 may be configured to prevent one or more battery cells 102 from deforming or crushing one or more cooling channels 612 toward the first surface 614. The second end 624 of the first flange includes an upper surface 628 and a bottom surface 630. The bottom surface 630 may be configured to contact the upper end 110 of the prismatic can 104. The second flange 620 extends away from the first surface 614 to the first end 632 and away from the second surface 616 to the second end 634. The first end 632 includes an upper surface 636 and a bottom surface 638. The bottom surface 638 may be configured to contact the lower end 112 of the prismatic can 104. The second end 634 of the second flange 620 includes a lip 640 that extends from the second end 634 toward the first end 602 of the cooling beam 601. According to one aspect, the lip 640 may be configured to prevent one or more battery cells 102 from deforming or crushing one or more cooling channels 612 toward the second surface 616.

[0062] refer to Figure 11A battery pack 700 is provided and includes one or more battery cells 102 and one or more cooling beams 701. Each cooling beam 701 includes a first end 702 and a second end 704 spaced apart from the first end 702. Furthermore, each cooling beam 701 includes a center plate 710 and one or more cooling channels 712 coupled to the center plate 710. Each center plate 710 has a first surface 714 and a second surface 716 opposite to the first surface 714. One or more flanges may be coupled to the center plate 710 at the first end 702 and the second end 704 of each cooling beam 701. In this illustrative configuration, the one or more flanges include a first flange 718 coupled to the center plate 710 at the first end 702 and a second flange 720 coupled to the center plate 710 at the second end 704. The first flange 718 extends away from the first surface 714 to the first end 722 and away from the second surface 716 to the second end 724. The first end 722 and the second end 724 of the first flange 718 may each include a lip 726 extending from the first flange 718 toward the second end 704 of the cooling beam 701. The second flange 720 extends away from the first surface 714 to the first end 728 and away from the second surface 716 to the second end 730. The first end 728 and the second end 730 of the second flange 720 may each include a lip 732 extending from the second flange 720 toward the first end 702 of the cooling beam 701. The lips 726, 732 of the first flange 718 and the second flange 720 are desirable to prevent the battery cell 102 from deforming or damaging one or more cooling channels 712.

[0063] Figure 12 An illustrative configuration of the cooling beam 801 is provided. This configuration is similar in many respects to... Figure 1-2 , Figure 3-7 and Figure 8-11 The configuration. Therefore, the descriptions of the configurations are incorporated into each other, and it is generally not necessary to repeat descriptions of common configuration topics.

[0064] refer to Figure 12A cooling beam 801 is provided, and the cooling beam 801 includes a first end 802 and a second end 804 spaced apart from the first end 802. The cooling beam 801 includes a central plate 810 and one or more cooling channels 812 coupled to the central plate 810. The central plate 810 includes a first half 814 and a second half 816 coupled to or otherwise attached to the first half 814. The first half 814 extends between a first end 818 and a second end 820, and includes a front surface 822 and a rear surface 824 opposite to the front surface 822. The front surface 822 of the first half 814 includes one or more protrusions 821 extending away from the front surface 822. A first flange 826 may be coupled to the first half 814 at the second end 820 and extends away from the front surface 822. The second half 816 extends between a first end 828 and a second end 830, and includes a front surface 832 and a rear surface 834 opposite to the front surface 832. The front surface 832 of the second half 816 includes one or more protrusions 821 extending away from the front surface 832. A second flange 836 may be coupled to the second half 816 at the first end 828 and extends away from the front surface 832. One or more cooling channels 812 may be coupled to or otherwise attached to the front surfaces 822, 832 of the first half 814 and the second half 816. In assembly, the rear surfaces 824 of the first half 814 and the rear surfaces 834 of the second half 816 may be joined together such that the first ends 818, 828 meet at the first end 802 and the second ends 820, 830 meet at the second end 804.

[0065] 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 within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] The information provided in this paragraph is for the purpose of presenting the general context of this disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors, to the extent that it is described in this section, and in aspects that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither expressly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cooling beam having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the cooling beam comprising: A center plate extending between the first end and the second end, and a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; One or more cooling channels, the one or more cooling channels extending between the first end and the second end and connecting to the first surface and the second surface; and A coolant passage is disposed between the center plate and the one or more cooling channels, the coolant passage being configured to carry fluid between one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

2. The cooling beam according to claim 1, wherein, The center plate includes one or more protrusions that are connected to the first surface and the second surface and extend away from the first surface and the second surface toward the one or more cooling channels.

3. The cooling beam according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling channel includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface.

4. The cooling beam of claim 3, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface include recesses extending toward the central plate.

5. The cooling beam of claim 3, wherein the inner surface includes one or more recessed portions, and the outer surface includes one or more protruding portions corresponding to the one or more recessed portions.

6. The cooling beam according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the protrusions includes a contact area that is substantially parallel to the center plate.

7. The cooling beam according to claim 1, wherein, The center plate includes a first half and a second half connected to the first half.

8. The cooling beam according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling beam also includes a first region near the first end and a second region near the second end.

9. The cooling beam according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more entrances and the one or more exits are arranged between the first area and the second area.

10. The cooling beam of claim 9, wherein the cooling path comprises a first serpentine path and a second serpentine path, the first serpentine path extending along the first region between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets, and the second serpentine path extending along the second region between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets.

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