Traction battery pack submerged thermal management system with inlet aperture into housing assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a traction battery pack submerged thermal management system with an inlet aperture into a housing assembly. A traction battery pack submerged thermal management system includes a coolant delivery system that delivers coolant from a coolant supply to a housing assembly that accommodates a plurality of battery cells. The coolant delivery system includes a plurality of inlet apertures to the housing assembly. A coolant return system conveys the coolant from the housing assembly back to the coolant supply. The coolant return system includes at least one outlet orifice from the housing assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure details an exemplary immersion thermal management system having more than one inlet leading to the battery pack housing assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because they include a powertrain with one or more electric motors. As a replacement or supplement to an internal combustion engine, the electric motor drives the electrified vehicle. A traction battery pack assembly can power the electric motors. As part of a submersible thermal management system, coolant can be moved through the traction battery pack to help manage the heat within it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery pack immersion thermal management system comprising: a coolant delivery system that delivers coolant from a coolant supply device to a housing assembly accommodating a plurality of battery cells, the coolant delivery system including a plurality of inlet ports to the housing assembly; and a coolant return system that delivers coolant from the housing assembly back to the coolant supply device, the coolant return system including at least one outlet port from the housing assembly.

[0004] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of battery cells are a plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0005] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which each of the plurality of battery cells vents air through the base plate of the housing assembly.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of battery cells are a plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which the plurality of inlet orifices are vertically higher than the at least one outlet orifice.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which the plurality of battery cells are configured to vent gas into an exhaust chamber.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the exhaust chamber is vertically below the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are a plurality of slots passing through the side openings of the housing assembly, each of the plurality of slots having a slot height, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has a battery cell height less than the slot height of each of the slots within the plurality of slots.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which the plurality of inlet orifices are vertically higher than the at least one outlet orifice.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which any portion of the plurality of inlet orifices does not vertically overlap with any portion of the at least one outlet orifice.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are located at a first distance from the base plate of the housing assembly, and the at least one outlet hole is located at a second distance from the base plate of the housing assembly, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of inlet orifices are provided by a plurality of perforations in an inlet manifold.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein a plurality of inlet orifices are arranged along an inlet orifice axis, and each of the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery cell extending longitudinally along a battery cell axis transverse to the inlet orifice axis.

[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system in which the housing assembly includes a tray and a cover.

[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are on a first horizontal side of the housing assembly, and wherein at least one outlet hole is on the opposite second horizontal side of the housing assembly.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to an immersion thermal management system, which also includes an exhaust chamber adjacent to the battery cell.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method for managing thermal energy levels within a traction battery pack, the method comprising: delivering coolant from a coolant supply device through a plurality of inlet holes to a housing assembly that houses a plurality of battery cells; and delivering the coolant from the housing assembly through at least one outlet hole.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which each of the plurality of inlet holes is vertically misaligned with the at least one outlet hole.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the plurality of battery cells are cylindrical battery cells.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that also includes arranging the plurality of battery cells in a downward venting configuration into a venting chamber.

[0023] Embodiments, examples, and alternatives, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be adopted independently or in any combination of the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0024] According to the specific embodiments, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments can be briefly described as follows: Figure 1 A side view of an electrified vehicle with a battery pack is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 Exemplary aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery pack height and a schematic diagram of the associated immersion thermal management system.

[0026] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 3-3 in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 4 Showing from Figure 2 The battery cells of the battery pack.

[0028] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A partially expanded view of the battery pack.

[0029] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 Side view of the battery pack inlet manifold.

[0030] Figure 7 Show along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7-7 in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 Side view of the battery pack's outlet manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0032] An immersion thermal management system can be used to manage thermal energy in a traction battery pack, which may include multiple battery cells and other components housed within a housing assembly. The components within the housing are immersed in a fluid such as a liquid coolant. The immersed components may include the battery cells. The liquid coolant can be used to manage thermal energy in the battery cells and other components. The coolant can be used to cool the battery cells. In some examples, the coolant can be used to heat the battery cells.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 The electrified vehicle 10 includes a battery pack 14, a motor 18, and wheels 22. The battery pack 14 supplies power to the motor 18, which converts electrical energy into mechanical power to drive the wheels 22. Therefore, the battery pack 14 is a traction battery pack.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 14 is fixed to the bottom 26 of the electric vehicle 10. In other examples, the battery pack 14 may be located elsewhere on the electric vehicle 10.

[0035] Electrified vehicle 10 is a purely electric vehicle. In other examples, electrified vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle that selectively uses torque provided by an internal combustion engine (as a replacement or supplement to the electric motor) to drive the wheels. In general, electrified vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle with a traction battery pack.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 2 – Figure 5 An immersion thermal management system is used to manage the thermal energy level within the battery pack 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the system is used to cool the components of the battery pack 14. In other examples, the system alternatively or additionally heats the components of the battery system.

[0037] In this example, the battery pack 14 includes a plurality of individual battery cells 30 held within a housing assembly 34. The assembly of the battery cells 30 is... Figure 2 The middle part is represented by a dashed line.

[0038] Example battery cell 30 is a cylindrical battery cell with a jelly-roll electrode structure housed within an outer casing 38. A cap 42 of the outer casing 38 provides a positive terminal at the first axial end of the cylindrical cell 30. A ring 46 of the casing 38 provides a negative terminal at the first axial end of the cell 30.

[0039] During a thermal event, cell 30 is configured to vent through side 50 at opposite second axial ends of cell 30. In this example, cell 30 is arranged such that cell 30 vents into vent chamber 54, which is adjacent to battery cell 30 and, in this example, vertically below cell 30. For the purposes of this disclosure, vertical is a general orientation with reference to the ground when battery pack 14 is used within vehicle 10.

[0040] Although cell 30 is disclosed as a cylindrical cell, other types of cells may be used in other examples. For example, within the scope of this disclosure, cells having other geometries (lithium-ion pouches, etc.), other chemical substances (nickel metal hydride, lead acid, etc.), or both may be used alternatively.

[0041] The battery cell 30 is housed within an interior 58 provided by the housing assembly 34. The exhaust chamber 54 is separated within the interior 58 by a base plate 62.

[0042] The immersion thermal management system includes a coolant delivery system 66 that uses a pump 68 to deliver coolant C from a coolant supply unit 70 through an inlet port 72. The coolant C is then introduced into the interior 58 of the housing assembly 34 through a plurality of inlet holes 74. Notably, the plurality of inlet holes 74 are configured to each deliver coolant C to a single interior region, rather than separate partitioned regions within the interior 58. Eight inlet holes 74 are used in the exemplary embodiment. Other examples may utilize a different number of inlet holes 74.

[0043] Within the interior 58, the battery cell 30 is immersed in coolant C, allowing the coolant to absorb heat from the battery cell 30 and surrounding components of the battery pack 14. Coolant C can be a liquid non-conductive (i.e., dielectric) coolant C. The thermal management system is considered an immersed thermal management system at least because a portion of the battery pack 14—here, at least the battery cell 30—is immersed in coolant C.

[0044] The submersible thermal management system includes a coolant return system 78 that returns coolant C from the housing assembly 34 back to the coolant supply unit. The coolant return system 78 includes, among other things, at least one outlet port 82 from the battery pack 14. Coolant from the outlet port 82 can flow to a thermal management assembly, such as a heat exchanger 80. At the heat exchanger 80, heat can be transferred from the coolant C. The coolant C can then move from the heat exchanger 80 to the coolant supply unit 70. A pump 68 can then draw coolant from the coolant supply unit 70 to circulate it back through the battery pack 14.

[0045] Inside 58, the base plate 62 prevents coolant C from entering the exhaust chamber 54. If one or more of the cells 30 vent, the vent byproducts from the cells 30 are discharged downward into the exhaust chamber 54 and then discharged from the exhaust chamber 54 and the battery pack 14 through the exhaust port 90.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, housing assembly 34 includes a housing cover 94 secured to housing tray 98. For example, cover 94 may be secured to tray 98 by welding. While welding is mentioned, cover 94 and tray 98 may be secured to each other using other fluid-tight joining techniques, such as adhesives. Housing assembly 34 is shown and is an example. Within the scope of this disclosure, housing assembly 34 may vary in size, shape, and configuration.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 6 – Figure 8 And continue to refer to Figure 2 – Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet orifice 74 of the coolant delivery system 66 is provided by a plurality of slots 102 in the inlet manifold 106. Each slot 102 is positioned vertically above the base plate 62 at a distance D1. The slots 102 extend along a horizontally extending inlet slot axis A. I Setup. Each slot 102 leads to the interior 58. Slot 102 is located along the axis A of the inlet slot. I staggered.

[0048] Each battery cell 30 extends along its longitudinal axis. The battery cells 30 are mounted on the base plate 62 such that their longitudinal axes extend vertically. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the battery cell 30 is transverse to the axis A of the inlet slot. I Orientation.

[0049] Coolant is delivered from the inlet manifold 106 to the interior 58 through slots 102 at multiple horizontal locations along one side of the cell 30.

[0050] This example shows slot 102 as having an elliptical profile. In some examples, slot 102 is a narrow slit and can be considered as a perforation in inlet manifold 106.

[0051] Along axis A I Introducing coolant C into the interior 58 at multiple locations reduces the temperature gradient between the cells 30 of the battery pack 14 while maintaining a substantially uniform flow rate of coolant through the battery pack 14. In some examples, cell temperature gradients between individual cells have been found to be within 4 degrees Celsius compared to an immersion system that introduces coolant C into the interior through a single inlet.

[0052] Coolant C can move from slot 102 through interior 58 above battery cell 30 and into outlet manifold 110 through outlet port 108. Outlet port 108 has a rectangular profile and spans the length of battery pack 14 along battery cell 30. In this example, one outlet port 108 is used. In other examples, more than one outlet port 108 may be used. Coolant C moves from outlet manifold 110 through outlet port 82.

[0053] In this example, the outlet hole 108 is spaced apart from the base plate 62 by a distance D2. Distance D2 is less than distance D1. The coolant C moves vertically downwards as it moves from the inlet hole 74 through the interior 58 to the outlet hole 108. The outlet hole 108 is positioned vertically below each of the inlet holes 74, such that the outlet hole 108 and the inlet holes 74 are vertically misaligned. That is, the plurality of inlet holes 74 are vertically higher than the outlet hole 108. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, no portion of the plurality of inlet holes 74 vertically overlaps with any portion of the outlet hole 108.

[0054] In this example, the inlet hole 74 has a height H smaller than that of the battery cell 30. C Height H o In other examples, the inlet hole 74 is higher than the battery cell 30. That is, the inlet hole 74 can extend vertically upward from the base plate 62 through the battery cell 30. Such an inlet hole 74 will have a height greater than the height H of the battery cell 30.

[0055] exist Figure 2 – Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet hole 74 is raised relative to the outlet hole 108. In other examples, the inlet hole 74 and the outlet hole 108 may be vertically aligned.

[0056] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications made to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection accorded to this disclosure can only be determined by examining the appended claims.

Claims

1. A traction battery pack submersible thermal management system, comprising: A coolant delivery system that delivers coolant from a coolant supply device to a housing assembly containing multiple battery cells, the coolant delivery system including multiple inlet ports to the housing assembly; as well as A coolant return system that transfers coolant from the housing assembly back to the coolant supply device, the coolant return system including at least one outlet port from the housing assembly.

2. The immersion thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells are a plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

3. The immersion thermal management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells vents air through the bottom plate of the housing assembly.

4. The immersion thermal management system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of battery cells are a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, and optionally, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are vertically higher than the at least one outlet hole.

5. The immersion thermal management system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of battery cells are configured to vent to an exhaust chamber, and optionally, wherein the exhaust chamber is vertically below the plurality of battery cells.

6. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are a plurality of slots passing through the side openings of the housing assembly, each of the plurality of slots having a slot height, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has a battery cell height less than the slot height of each of the slots within the plurality of slots.

7. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are vertically higher than the at least one outlet hole, and optionally, any portion of the plurality of inlet holes does not vertically overlap with any portion of the at least one outlet hole.

8. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are at a first distance from the base plate of the housing assembly, and the at least one outlet hole is at a second distance from the base plate of the housing assembly, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

9. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are provided by a plurality of perforations in the inlet manifold.

10. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are arranged along the inlet hole axis, and each of the battery cells in the plurality of battery cells is a cylindrical battery cell, the cylindrical battery cell extending longitudinally along a battery cell axis transverse to the inlet hole axis.

11. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly includes a tray and a cover.

12. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet holes are on a first horizontal side of the housing assembly, and wherein at least one outlet hole is on a opposite second horizontal side of the housing assembly.

13. The immersion thermal management system of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust chamber adjacent to the battery cell.

14. A method for managing the thermal energy level within a traction battery pack, comprising: Coolant is supplied from a coolant supply device through multiple inlet holes to a housing assembly that houses multiple battery cells; as well as The coolant is supplied from the housing assembly through at least one outlet port.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of inlet holes is vertically misaligned with the at least one outlet hole, and optionally, the method further comprises arranging the plurality of battery cells to vent downwards into an exhaust chamber.

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