Thermal management in battery cells

Abstract

A cooling system for a battery pack includes a plurality of thermal cooling channels, an inlet flow channel in fluid communication with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels, an outlet flow channel in fluid communication with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels, and a variable resistor in communication with a controller, the variable resistor positioned on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to generate and transmit a force change signal to the controller in response to an increase in pressure within the thermal cooling channel. The controller is adapted to receive the force change signal, identify an occurrence of a battery cell venting and heat propagation event based on the force change signal, and change a flow of coolant through the plurality of thermal cooling channels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cell cooling system within a rechargeable battery pack for an electric vehicle, the cell cooling system having channels adapted to supply cooling fluid to and from a hot cooling channel. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal propagation is a significant risk inherent in batteries. It occurs due to certain types of cell failure. Thermal cooling channels provide cooling to the battery pack to mitigate thermal propagation, in which the temperature of a single cell rises rapidly, causing the temperature of adjacent cells to rise rapidly as well. Early detection of thermal propagation events enables the cooling system within the battery pack to respond to such events.

[0003] Therefore, while current battery packs have achieved their intended purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved cooling system for battery packs that is adapted to detect heat propagation events and respond to actions that provide additional cooling to the individual cells experiencing the heat propagation events. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a cooling system for a rechargeable battery pack includes: a plurality of thermal cooling channels adapted to be located between individual battery cells in adjacent rows of the battery pack; an inlet flow channel fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to be connected to a coolant supply source and to provide a flow path between the coolant supply source and each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels; an outlet flow channel fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to provide a flow path for coolant to flow out of each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels; and a variable resistor in communication with a controller, the variable resistor being located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to generate a force change signal in response to an increase in pressure within one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and to transmit the force change signal to the controller, the controller being adapted to receive the force change signal from the variable resistor, identify the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signal, and modify the coolant flow through the plurality of thermal cooling channels in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events.

[0005] According to another aspect, the multiple thermal cooling channels are divided into multiple modules, each module including a portion of multiple thermal cooling channels located between adjacent structural beams of the battery pack; the cooling system includes multiple rheostats connected to the controller, one of which is located on one of the multiple thermal cooling channels within each module.

[0006] According to another aspect, the controller is also adapted to receive a force change signal from one of the multiple rheostats, identify the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events within one of the multiple modules in which one of the multiple rheostats is located, and, in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events therein, change the coolant flow through the multiple thermal cooling channels by increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel of one of the multiple modules.

[0007] According to another aspect, when the coolant flow through multiple hot cooling channels is changed by increasing the coolant flow through one of the multiple modules, the controller is adapted to at least one of the following: increase the total coolant flow within the coolant system; and redirect the coolant flow within the coolant system to selectively increase the coolant flow through one of the multiple modules' hot cooling channels and decrease the coolant flow through the remaining modules.

[0008] According to another aspect, the outlet flow channel includes multiple outlet flow channel segments and a main outlet flow channel, wherein: an outlet flow channel segment interconnects multiple thermal cooling channels within each module, each outlet flow channel segment includes a vertical connector interconnecting the outlet flow channel with the main outlet flow channel, wherein, for each module, coolant flows from the multiple thermal cooling channels into the outlet flow channel segment and ascends through the vertical connector to the main outlet flow channel; the vertical connector of each of the multiple outlet flow channel segments includes a selectively variable valve, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the vertical connector is selectively and independently variable.

[0009] According to another aspect, when selectively increasing the coolant flow through the hot cooling passage of one of the multiple modules and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules, the controller is adapted to: actuate a selective variable valve in the vertical connector of the outlet flow passage section within one of the multiple modules to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through the vertical connector, and actuate a selective variable valve in the vertical connector of the outlet flow passage section within each of the remaining modules to decrease the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0010] On the other hand, each variable valve is adapted to prevent complete closure and allow a minimum flow rate through.

[0011] According to another aspect, each module includes a second rheostat that is in communication with the controller and is located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels therein.

[0012] On the other hand, each rheostat is adapted to generate a force signal in response to deformation measured due to an increase in internal pressure of the thermal cooling channel on which the rheostat is mounted.

[0013] According to another aspect, the inlet channel includes multiple inlet channel segments, one inlet channel segment interconnecting a portion of multiple thermal cooling channels within each of the multiple modules.

[0014] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a method for detecting heat propagation events within a cooling system of a rechargeable battery pack is provided. The cooling system includes a plurality of thermal cooling channels adapted to be located between individual battery cells in adjacent rows of the battery pack; an inlet channel fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to be connected to a coolant supply source and provide a flow path between the coolant supply source and each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels; an outlet channel fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and adapted to provide a flow path for coolant to flow out of each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels; and a variable resistor in communication with a controller, located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels. The method includes generating a force change signal using the variable resistor in response to a pressure increase within one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and transmitting the force change signal to the controller; receiving the force change signal from the variable resistor using the controller; identifying the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signal using the controller; and altering the coolant flow through the plurality of thermal cooling channels using the controller in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events.

[0015] According to another aspect, the multiple thermal cooling channels are divided into multiple modules, each module including a portion of multiple thermal cooling channels located between adjacent structural beams of the battery pack; the cooling system includes multiple rheostats connected to a controller, one of the multiple rheostats being located on one of the multiple thermal cooling channels within each module, wherein receiving force change signals from the rheostats by the controller further includes receiving force change signals from one of the multiple rheostats by the controller, identifying the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signals by the controller, identifying the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events within one of the multiple modules where one of the multiple rheostats is located by the controller, and changing the coolant flow through the multiple thermal cooling channels by the controller in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events, further including increasing the coolant flow through one of the multiple modules by the controller in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events.

[0016] According to another aspect, altering the coolant flow through multiple hot cooling channels by increasing the coolant flow through one of the multiple modules also includes at least one of the following: increasing the total coolant flow within the coolant system, and redirecting the coolant flow within the coolant system by selectively increasing the coolant flow through one of the multiple modules' hot cooling channels and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules of the multiple modules.

[0017] According to another aspect, the outlet flow channel includes multiple outlet flow channel segments and a main outlet flow channel, wherein: an outlet flow channel segment interconnects multiple hot cooling channels within each module, each outlet flow channel segment includes a vertical connector interconnecting the outlet flow channel with the main outlet flow channel, wherein, for each module, coolant flows from the multiple hot cooling channels into the outlet flow channel segment and upwards through the vertical connector to the main outlet flow channel; the vertical connector of each of the multiple outlet flow channel segments includes a selective variable valve, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the vertical connector is selectively and independently variable, selectively increasing the coolant flow through the hot cooling channel of one of the multiple modules and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules of the multiple modules, further comprising at least one of: actuating the selective variable valve within the vertical connector of the outlet flow channel segment within one of the multiple modules using a controller, and increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through the vertical connector; and actuating the selective variable valve within the vertical connector of the outlet flow channel segment within each of the remaining modules of the multiple modules, and decreasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through.

[0018] According to another aspect, actuating the selective variable valve in the vertical connector of the outlet flow path section in each of the remaining modules and reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path also includes preventing complete closure of each variable valve and always maintaining a minimum flow rate through each variable valve.

[0019] According to another aspect, receiving a force change signal from one of a plurality of rheostats using a controller also includes receiving a force change signal from one of a plurality of rheostats using a controller, wherein each module includes a second rheostat that is connected to the controller and located on one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels therein.

[0020] According to another aspect, generating a force change signal by using a rheostat in response to an increase in pressure within one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels also includes generating a force signal in response to deformation measured due to an increase in internal pressure of the thermal cooling channel on which the rheostat is mounted.

[0021] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that these descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a battery pack and a cooling system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a battery pack frame housing for a battery pack and cooling system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack frame housing, in which the cooling system and multiple battery cells are housed;

[0026] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a cooling system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a perspective view of the cooling system, with multiple rheostats located on it.

[0028] Figure 5A As shown in Figure 4, the circled area is marked "5A". Figure 4A A magnified view of a portion;

[0029] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The diagram shows a first U-shaped hose connector, which is shown as being removed from the cooling system.

[0030] Figure 6A Is it like this? Figure 4A The circled part is marked as "6A". Figure 4A A magnified view of a portion;

[0031] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The diagram shows a second U-shaped hose connector, which is shown as being removed from the cooling system.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the first distal end of the first vertical connector, the second vertical connector, and the third vertical connector;

[0033] Figure 8 Is it like this? Figure 4A The circled part is marked with "8". Figure 4A Enlarged views of parts; and

[0034] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized, for example, to show details of specific components. In some cases, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to apply this disclosure in different ways. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical fields, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote similar or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term "module" means any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic, and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped), and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality. Although the drawings shown herein depict examples with certain element arrangements, additional intermediate elements, devices, features, or components may be present in actual embodiments. It should also be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0037] As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to automobiles. While this article primarily describes the technology in the context of automobiles, the technology is not limited to automobiles. These concepts can be used in a variety of applications, such as those related to aircraft, ships, other vehicles, and consumer electronics components not related to vehicles.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 1 A vehicle 10 with a battery pack 50 is shown, which has a cooling system 52 according to the present disclosure. Generally, the battery pack 50 operates in conjunction with other systems within the vehicle 10 to provide power to the electric propulsion system 20 and / or one or both of the various systems within the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is arranged on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may collectively form a frame. The front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14.

[0039] In various embodiments, vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle. Autonomous vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle 10 automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. Vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc., may also be used. In exemplary embodiments, vehicle 10 is equipped with a so-called Level 4 or Level 5 automation system. Level 4 system means “high automation,” referring to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of a dynamic driving task, even if the human driver does not properly respond to intervention requests. Level 5 system means “full automation,” referring to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in all road and environmental conditions manageable by a human driver for all aspects of a dynamic driving task. Novel aspects of this disclosure also apply to non-autonomous vehicles.

[0040] As shown in the figure, vehicle 10 typically includes an electric propulsion system 20, a drivetrain 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, a vehicle controller 34, and a wireless communication module 36. In embodiments where vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, the electric propulsion system may include one or more electric motors connected to and powered by a battery pack 50, and the drivetrain 22 may be absent. The drivetrain 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18 of the vehicle according to a selectable gear ratio. According to various embodiments, the drivetrain 22 may include a stepped automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or other suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include friction brakes, brake-by-wire brakes, regenerative braking systems (e.g., electric motors), and / or other suitable braking systems. The steering system 24 influences the position of the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of this disclosure, such as for fully automated vehicles, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0041] Sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external and / or internal environment of vehicle 10. Sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, GPS, optical cameras, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and / or other sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n includes at least one of a motor speed sensor, a motor torque sensor, an electric drive motor voltage and / or current sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a cooling fan speed sensor, and a transmission oil temperature sensor. Actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42a-42n that control one or more features of vehicle 10, such as, but not limited to, propulsion system 20, transmission system 22, steering system 24, and braking system 26.

[0042] The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. The at least one data processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among a plurality of processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operational variables when at least one data processor 44 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using any of a variety of known storage devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined storage device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 when controlling the vehicle 10.

[0043] These instructions may include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by at least one processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to be sent to the actuator system 30 to automatically control components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although Figure 1Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms and generate control signals to automatically control the functions of vehicle 10.

[0044] The wireless communication module 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles (“V2V” communication), infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote systems, remote servers, cloud computers, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate using the IEEE 802.11 standard or via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) channels, are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-to-medium range wireless communication channel designed specifically for automotive use, along with a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0045] The vehicle controller 34 is a non-general-purpose electronic control device having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor, memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium, and transceivers (or input / output ports) for storing data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc. Computer-readable medium includes any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable medium does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes media that permanently store data and media that store data and can subsequently be rewritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of an example battery pack frame housing 54 for an electric vehicle 10, which has five structural crossbeams 56 spanning the entire width of the battery pack frame housing 54 along the X direction, as shown. Two frame housing structural side beams 58 extend along the length of the battery pack frame housing 54 in the Y direction, protecting the battery cells 60 of the battery pack 50. (Reference) Figure 3The battery pack 50 includes multiple thermal cooling channels 62 or super beam assemblies, which are located between adjacent battery cells 60 and oriented perpendicular to the frame housing side beams 58.

[0047] Details of the superbeam assembly referred to herein as thermal cooling channel 62 are contained in patent application number 18 / 499,726, entitled “Multi-Function Beam with Integrated Structural, Cooling, and Transverse Elastic Compliance Functions For Use with Electric Vehicle BatteryPacks,” filed on November 1, 2023 (or 371(c) date), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] refer to Figure 4A The diagram illustrates a cooling system 52 in which battery cells 60 are removed between multiple thermal cooling channels 62. The cooling system 52 includes an inlet channel 64 in fluid communication with each of the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 and having a first distal end 80A with an inlet port 66 adapted to connect to a coolant supply source 68 and provide a flow path between the coolant supply source 68 and each of the multiple thermal cooling channels 62, as indicated by arrow 70. The cooling system 52 also includes an outlet channel 72 in fluid communication with each of the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 and adapted to provide a flow path for coolant to flow out of each of the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 and back to the coolant supply source 68, as indicated by arrow 74.

[0049] The battery pack 50 and cooling system 52 are divided into modules, each module consisting of a portion of a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 and a portion of a battery cell 60 located therebetween, the thermal cooling channels 62 being located between adjacent structural beams 56. Figure 4A As shown, the cooling system 52 includes a first module 76A adjacent to the first structural beam 56A, a second module 76B between the first structural beam 56A and the second structural beam 56B, and a third module 76C between the second structural beam 56B and the third structural beam 56C. Figure 4A The exemplary cooling system 52 shown is for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the battery pack 50 and the cooling system 52 may include any suitable number of structural beams 56 and corresponding modules.

[0050] refer to Figure 4BThe cooling system 52 includes a variable resistor 112, which is in communication with the controller 114 and located on one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62. The variable resistor 112 is adapted to generate a force change signal in response to an increase in pressure within one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 on which the variable resistor 112 is mounted, and to transmit the force change signal to the controller 114. The variable resistor is also adapted to generate a force signal in response to deformation of the thermal cooling channel 62 measured due to an increase in internal pressure of the thermal cooling channel 62 on which the variable resistor 112 is mounted. The increase in temperature causing the pressure increase and deformation of the thermal cooling channel 62 is due to heat generated by the battery cell 60 (possibly from a thermal propagation event).

[0051] Thermal propagation occurs due to some kind of fault in a single battery cell (60°C), sometimes as simply as damage to the separator between the anode and electrolyte. The risk of thermal propagation begins at 60°C and becomes extremely severe at 100°C. Once the process begins, the temperature rises rapidly within milliseconds, reaching approximately 400-1000°C. This is particularly prevalent in lithium-ion batteries.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling system 52 includes a plurality of rheostats 112 in communication with the controller 114, one of which is located on one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 within each of the first, second, and third modules 76A, 76B, and 76C. In another exemplary embodiment, each of the first, second, and third modules 76A, 76B, and 76C includes two rheostats 112 in communication with the controller 114 and located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 therein. The two rheostats 112 in each module 76A, 76B, and 76C may be mounted on different one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 in the module 76A, 76B, and 76C, or they may be mounted on the same one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 in the module 76A, 76B, and 76C. The second rheostat 112 in each of the first, second, and third modules 76A, 76B, and 76C provides redundancy and double checking for events occurring within the thermal cooling channels 62 of the module 76A, 76B, and 76C.

[0053] like Figure 4BAs shown, the cooling system 52 includes two rheostats 112A mounted on a thermal cooling channel 62 within a first module 76A, two rheostats 112B mounted on a thermal cooling channel 62 within a second module 76B, and two rheostats 112C mounted on a thermal cooling channel 62 within a third module 76C. The controller 114 is adapted to receive a force change signal from at least one of the rheostats 112A, 112B, 112C, identify the occurrence of a battery cell venting and heat propagation event within one of the modules 76A, 76B, 76C (where at least one of the rheostats 112A, 112B, 112C is located), and in response to the identification of the battery cell venting and heat propagation event, to change the coolant flow through the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 by increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 of one of the modules 76A, 76B, 76C.

[0054] When a heat propagation event occurs within the battery cell 60, the temperature rises, thereby increasing the temperature of the coolant in the adjacent thermal cooling channel 62. The accumulation of temperature and gas within the battery cell 60 eventually causes the cell to release gas into the external environment. The deformation of the thermal cooling channel 62 adjacent to and near the battery cell 60 experiencing the heat propagation event is measured by rheostats 112A, 112B, and 112C and converted into a force signal sent to the controller 114.

[0055] For example, if the controller receives a force change signal from one of the rheostats 112B located in the second module 76B, the controller 114 will use the signal to identify the occurrence of cell venting and heat propagation events within the battery cells 60 of the second module 76B. Therefore, in response, the controller 114 will increase the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 of the second module 76B. In an exemplary embodiment, to increase the coolant flow through the second module 76B, the controller 114 may increase the total coolant flow within the cooling system 52, for example, by increasing the pump power suitable for supplying coolant to the cooling system 52, as a non-limiting example. In this case, the coolant flow within all modules 76A, 76B, and 76C of the cooling system 52 increases. The increased coolant flow will draw additional heat away from the battery cells 60 within the battery pack 50 in all modules 76A, 76B, and 76C, thereby resisting heat propagation events. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 114 redirects the coolant flow within the coolant system 52, selectively increasing the coolant flow through the hot cooling passage 62 of one of the plurality of modules 76A, 76B, 76C (the second module 76B in this embodiment) and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules of the plurality of modules 76A, 76B, 76C (the first and third modules 76A, 76C in this embodiment).

[0056] In order to allow the inlet channel 64 to extend across the structural beams 56A, 56B, 56C without having to form a passage through the structural beams 56A, 56B, 56C, the inlet channel 64 includes at least one U-shaped hose connector 78A, 78B, which is adapted to arrange the inlet channel 64 around the structural beam 56 of the battery pack 50.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet channel 64 includes a plurality of inlet channel segments 64A, 64B, and 64C. A first U-shaped hose connector 78A interconnects the first inlet channel segment 64A and the second inlet channel segment 64B, and a second U-shaped hose connector 78B interconnects the second inlet channel segment 64B with the third inlet channel segment 64C.

[0058] The interconnection between the first inlet flow channel section 64A and the second inlet flow channel section 64B via the first U-shaped flexible hose connector 78A is basically the same as the interconnection between the second inlet flow channel section 64B and the third inlet flow channel section 64C via the second U-shaped flexible hose connector 78B.

[0059] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first inlet flow channel section 64A includes a second distal end 80B having a connecting base 82A thereon. The connecting base 82A of the second distal end 80B of the first inlet flow channel section 64A includes an upward-facing aperture 84A adapted to receive a downward-facing first distal end 86A of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A. The second inlet flow channel section 64B includes a first distal end 88A having a connecting base 82B thereon. The connecting base 82B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B includes an upward-facing aperture 84B adapted to receive a downward-facing second distal end 86B of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A. Both the first distal end 86A and the second distal end 86B of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A include an O-ring 90, which is adapted to form a fluid seal between the first U-shaped hose connector 78A and the connecting bases 82A and 82B.

[0060] Furthermore, the first distal end 86A of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to the connecting base 82A of the first inlet flow channel section 64A to fix the first distal end 86A of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A within the orifice 84A of the connecting base 82A of the first inlet flow channel section 64A. The second distal end 86B of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A also includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to the connecting base 82B of the first distal end 88A of the second inlet flow channel section 64B to fix the second distal end 86B of the first U-shaped hose connector 78A within the orifice 84B of the connecting base 82B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose fixing device 92 is fixed to the connecting bases 82A and 82B using threaded fasteners (not shown).

[0061] The first U-shaped flexible hose connector 78A has a shape that extends upward from the connection base 82A of the first inlet flow channel section 64A as shown by arrow 94, extends laterally above the first structural beam member 56A of the battery pack 50 as shown by arrow 96, and extends downward to the connection base 82B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B as shown by arrow 98, defining a flow path 100 that interconnects the first inlet flow channel section 64A and the second inlet flow channel section 64B.

[0062] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B The second inlet flow channel section 64B includes a second distal end 88B having a connecting base 82C thereon. The connecting base 82C of the second distal end 88B of the second inlet flow channel 64B includes an upward-facing aperture 84C adapted to receive a downward-facing first distal end 86C of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B. The third inlet flow channel section 64C includes a first distal end 102A having a connecting base 82D thereon. The connecting base 82D of the first distal end 102A of the third inlet flow channel section 64C includes an upward-facing aperture 84D adapted to receive a downward-facing second distal end 86D of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B. Both the first distal end 86C and the second distal end 86D of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B include an O-ring 90, which is adapted to form a fluid seal between the second U-shaped hose connector 78B and the connecting bases 82C and 82D.

[0063] Furthermore, the first distal end 86C of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to the connecting base 82C of the second distal end 88B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B to fix the first distal end 86C of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B within the orifice 84C of the connecting base 82C of the second distal end 88B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B. The second distal end 86D of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B also includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to the connecting base 82D at the first distal end 102A of the third inlet flow channel section 64C to fix the second distal end 86D of the second U-shaped hose connector 78B within the orifice 84D of the connecting base 82D of the first distal end 102A of the third inlet flow channel section 64C. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose fixing device 92 is fixed to the connecting bases 82C and 82D using threaded fasteners (not shown).

[0064] The second U-shaped flexible hose connector 78B has a shape that extends upward from the connection base 82C at the second distal end 88B of the second inlet flow channel section 64B, as shown by arrow 104, extends laterally above the second structural beam member 56B of the battery pack 50, as shown by arrow 106, and extends downward to the connection base 82D at the first distal end 102A of the third inlet flow channel section 64C, as shown by arrow 108, defining a flow path 110 that interconnects the second inlet flow channel section 64B and the third inlet flow channel section 64C.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the outlet flow channel 72 includes multiple outlet flow channel segments 72A, 72B, 72C and a main outlet flow channel 72D. A first outlet flow channel segment 72A is in fluid communication with the thermal cooling channel 62 of the first module 76A, a second outlet flow channel segment 72B is in fluid communication with the thermal cooling channel 62 of the second module 76B, and a third outlet flow channel segment 72B is in fluid communication with the thermal cooling channel 62 of the third module 76C. A first vertical connector 122A interconnects the first outlet flow channel segment 72A and the main outlet flow channel 72D, a second vertical connector 122B interconnects the second outlet flow channel segment 72B and the main outlet flow channel 72D, and a third vertical connector 122C interconnects the third outlet flow channel segment 72C and the main outlet flow channel 72D.

[0066] The main outlet flow channel 72D extends laterally above the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 and structural beams 56A, 56B, and 56C of the battery pack 50. Coolant flows from the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 within the first module 76A into the first outlet flow channel section 72A, passes through the first vertical connector 122A to the main outlet flow channel 72D, and returns to the coolant supply source 68. Coolant flows from the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 within the second module 76B into the second outlet flow channel section 72B, passes through the second vertical connector 122B to the main outlet flow channel 72D, and returns to the coolant supply source 68. Coolant flows from the multiple thermal cooling channels 62 within the third module 76C into the second outlet flow channel section 72C, passes through the third vertical connector 122C to the main outlet flow channel 72D, and returns to the coolant supply source 68.

[0067] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 7 The first outlet flow channel section 72A includes a distal end 124A having a connecting base 126A thereon and including an upward-facing orifice 128A, wherein a downward-facing first distal end 130A of the first vertical connector is received within the upward-facing orifice 128A of the connecting base 126A at the distal end 124A of the first outlet flow channel section 72A. The first distal end 130A of the first vertical connector 122A includes an O-ring 90 adapted to form a fluid seal between the first vertical connector 122A and the connecting base 126A at the distal end 124A of the first outlet flow channel section 72A.

[0068] Furthermore, the first distal end 130A of the first vertical connector 122A includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to a connecting base 126A at the distal end 124A of the first outlet flow channel section 72A, so as to fix the first distal end 130A of the first vertical connector 122A within an orifice 128A of the connecting base 126A at the distal end 124A of the first outlet flow channel section 72A. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose fixing device 92 is fixed to the connecting base 126A using a threaded fastener (not shown).

[0069] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 7 The second outlet flow channel section 72B includes a distal end 124B having a connecting base 126B thereon and including an upward-facing orifice 128B, wherein a downward-facing first distal end 132A of the second vertical connector 122B is received within the upward-facing orifice 128B of the connecting base 126B at the distal end 124B of the second outlet flow channel section 72B. The first distal end 132A of the second vertical connector 122B includes an O-ring 90 adapted to form a fluid seal between the second vertical connector 122B and the connecting base 126B at the distal end 124B of the second outlet flow channel section 72B.

[0070] Furthermore, the first distal end 132A of the second vertical connector 122B includes a hose fixing device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be fixed to a connecting base 126B at the distal end 124B of the second outlet flow channel section 72B, thereby fixing the first distal end 132A of the second vertical connector 122B within an orifice 128B of the connecting base 126B at the distal end 124B of the second outlet flow channel section 72B. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose fixing device 92 is fixed to the connecting base 126B using a threaded fastener (not shown).

[0071] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The third outlet flow channel section 72C includes a distal end 124C having a connecting base 126C thereon and including an upward-facing orifice 128C, wherein a downward-facing first distal end 134A of the third vertical connector 122C is received within the upward-facing orifice 128C of the connecting base 126C at the distal end 124C of the third outlet flow channel section 72C. The first distal end 134A of the third vertical connector 122C includes an O-ring 90 adapted to form a fluid seal between the third vertical connector 122C and the connecting base 126C at the distal end 124C of the third outlet flow channel section 72C.

[0072] Furthermore, the first distal end 134A of the third vertical connector 122C includes a hose retaining device 92 mounted thereon, which is adapted to be secured to a connection base 126C at the distal end 124C of the third outlet flow channel section 72C, thereby securing the first distal end 134A of the third vertical connector 122C within an orifice 128C of the connection base 126C at the distal end 124C of the third outlet flow channel section 72C. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose retaining device 92 is secured to the connection base 126C using a threaded fastener (not shown).

[0073] Refer again Figure 5A The second distal end 130B of the first vertical connector 122A is in fluid communication with the main outlet flow channel 72D via a T-shaped connector. Coolant flows from the first outlet flow channel section 72A through the second distal end 130B of the first vertical connector 122A, as shown by arrow 136, and from the second and third outlet flow channels 122B and 122C through the second distal end 130B of the first vertical connector 122A, as shown by arrow 138. (See again...) Figure 6AThe second distal end 132B of the second vertical connector 122B is in fluid communication with the main outlet flow channel 72D via a T-shaped connector. Coolant flows from the second outlet flow channel section 72B through the second distal end 132B of the second vertical connector 122B, as shown by arrow 140, and from the third outlet flow channel 122C through the second distal end 132B of the second vertical connector 122B, as shown by arrow 142. (See again...) Figure 8 The second distal end 134B of the third vertical connector 122C is in fluid communication with the main outlet flow channel 72D via an L-shaped connector, wherein coolant flows from the third outlet flow channel section 72C through the second distal end 134B of the third vertical connector 122C, as shown by arrow 144.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, reference is made again. Figure 7 For each of the first, second, and third outlet flow channels 72A, 72B, and 72C, vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C define a flow path 144 from the connection bases 126A, 126B, and 126C of the outlet flow channel segments 72A, 72B, and 72C to the main outlet flow channel 72D. The vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C of each of the multiple outlet flow channel segments 72A, 72B, and 72C include a selectively variable valve 146, wherein the cross-sectional area (effective diameter of the circular flow path) of the flow path 144 of the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C is selectively and independently variable. In short, due to the respective distances of each of the first, second, and third vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C from the inlet port 66, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the first vertical connector 122A is generally smaller than that of the flow path of the second vertical connector 122B, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the second vertical connector 122B is smaller than that of the flow path of the third vertical connector 122C. The selective variable valve 146 within each vertical connector 122A, 122B, and 122C allows the cooling system 52 to maintain balanced flow from all modules 76A, 76B, and 76C under variable conditions.

[0075] Furthermore, when controller 114 receives a force change signal from one of the rheostats 112A, 112B, 112C, controller 114 uses variable valve 146 to alter the coolant flow within cooling system 52. Instead of maintaining a balanced flow, controller 114 uses variable valve 146 of vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C to change the coolant flow, thereby allowing more coolant to flow within modules 76A, 76B, 76C where heat propagation events are detected. Referring again to the example cited above, controller 114 receives a force change signal from one of the rheostats 112B located within second module 76B. Therefore, in response, controller 114 will increase the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 of second module 76B. To this end, controller 114 actuates the selective variable valve 146 within the vertical connector 122B of the second outlet flow channel section 72B within the second module 76B, increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 144 through the second vertical connector 122B and allowing more coolant to flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 of the second module 76B. Furthermore, controller 114 can also drive the selective variable valve 146 within the vertical connectors 122A, 122C of the first and third outlet flow channel sections 72A, 72C in each of the remaining modules 76A, 76B, 76C (in this example, the first and third modules 76A, 76C) to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 144 within each vertical connector 122A, 122C of the first and third outlet flow channel sections 72A, 72C, thereby reducing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 of the first and third modules 76A, 76C.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, each selective variable valve 146 is adapted to prevent complete closure and allow a minimum flow rate through. Therefore, in all cases, the cooling system 52 cannot completely cut off the coolant flow to any of the modules 76A, 76B, 76C, thereby ensuring adequate cooling to all modules even when additional cooling measures are taken for modules 76A, 76B, 76C (where a heat propagation event is detected).

[0077] refer to Figure 9A method 200 for detecting heat propagation events within a cooling system 52 of a rechargeable battery pack 50, wherein the cooling system 52 includes: a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 adapted to be located between individual battery cells 60 in adjacent rows in the battery pack 50; an inlet channel 64 fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 and adapted to be connected to a coolant supply source 68 and provide a flow path between the coolant supply source 68 and each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62; an outlet channel 72 fluidly communicating with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 and adapted to provide a flow path for coolant to flow out of each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62; and a control... The method 200 includes: starting at block 202, generating a force change signal using the rheostat 112 in response to an increase in pressure within one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62; moving to block 204, transmitting the force change signal to the controller 114; moving to block 206, receiving the force change signal from the rheostat 112 using the controller 114; moving to block 208, identifying the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signal using the controller 114; and moving to block 210, altering the coolant flow through the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 using the controller 114 in response to the identification of battery cell venting and heat propagation events.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 are divided into a plurality of modules 76A, 76B, and 76C. Each module 76A, 76B, and 76C includes a portion of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 located between adjacent structural beams 56A, 56B, and 56C of the battery pack 50. The cooling system 52 includes a plurality of rheostats 112A, 112B, and 112C connected to a controller 114. One of the rheostats 112A, 112B, and 112C is located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 within each module 76A, 76B, and 76C. Receiving force change signals from the rheostats 112 at block 206 using the controller 114 further includes receiving force change signals from one of the rheostats 112A, 112B, and 112C using the controller 114. Identifying the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signals using the controller 114 at block 208 further includes using the controller 114... 14. Identifying the occurrence of cell venting and heat propagation events within one of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C, where one of the multiple rheostats 112A, 112B, 112C is located, and at block 210, using controller 114 in response to the identification of cell venting and heat propagation events to change the coolant flow through the multiple thermal cooling channels 62, including increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 through one of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C in response to the identification of cell venting and heat propagation events, by at least one of the following: moving to block 212 to increase the total coolant flow within the cooling system, moving to block 214 to redirect the coolant flow within the coolant system 52, selectively increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel 62 through one of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C.

[0079] In another exemplary embodiment, the outlet flow channel 72 includes a plurality of outlet flow channel segments 72A, 72B, 72C and a main outlet flow channel 72D, wherein an outlet flow channel segment 72A, 72B, 72C interconnects a plurality of heat cooling channels 62 within each module 76A, 76B, 76C, and each outlet flow channel segment 72A, 72B, 72C includes a vertical connector 122A, 122B, 122C interconnecting the outlet flow channels 72A, 72B, 72C with the main outlet flow channel 72D. In each module 76A, 76B, 76C, coolant flows from multiple thermal cooling channels 62 into outlet flow channel sections 72A, 72B, 72C and upwards through vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C to reach the main outlet flow channel 72D; the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C of each of the multiple outlet flow channel sections 72A, 72B, 72C include selective variable valves, wherein the cross-section of the flow path 144 of the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C is... The product is selectively and independently variable, and selectively increasing the coolant flow through the hot cooling channel 62 of one of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C at block 214 also includes at least one of the following: moving to block 216 and actuating the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C of the outlet flow channel segments 72A, 72B, 72C within one of the multiple modules 76A, 76B, 76C using controller 114. The selective variable valves 146 within 22B and 122C increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 144 through the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C; and move to frame 218 to actuate the selective variable valves 146 within the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, and 122C of the outlet flow channel sections 72A, 72B, and 72C in each of the remaining modules 76A, 76B, and 76C, and reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 144 through them.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, actuating the selective variable valve 146 within the vertical connectors 122A, 122B, 122C of the outlet flow passage segments 72A, 72B, 72C in each of the plurality of modules 76A, 76B, 76C at block 218 and reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 144 through it also includes preventing each variable valve 146 from being fully closed and always maintaining a minimum flow rate through each variable valve 146.

[0081] In another exemplary embodiment, receiving a force change signal from one of a plurality of rheostats 112 using a controller 114 at block 206 also includes receiving a force change signal from one of a plurality of rheostats 112 using a controller 114, wherein each of modules 76A, 76B, 76C includes a second rheostat 112 communicating with the controller 114 and located on one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 therein.

[0082] In another exemplary embodiment, generating a force change signal at block 202 using a rheostat 112 in response to an increase in pressure within one of a plurality of thermal cooling channels 62 also includes generating a force signal in response to deformation measured due to an increase in internal pressure of the thermal cooling channel 62 on which the rheostat 112 is mounted.

[0083] The cooling system 52 and method 200 of this disclosure offer the advantage of providing reliable early detection and remediation in response to thermal propagation events within the battery pack 50. Other methods for detecting thermal propagation using temperature or pressure sensors have inherent delays, making it impossible for these methods to provide an indication of a thermal propagation event quickly enough to allow for meaningful remediation to mitigate the event. The use of a variable resistor 112 allows the cooling system 52 of this disclosure to detect deformation of the battery cell 60 and the thermal cooling channel 62 within the cooling system 52, and to generate a force signal in response to pressure buildup within the battery cell 60 and the occurrence of venting within the battery cell 60. When a thermal propagation event occurs, a significant voltage drop in the battery cell 60 is observed. However, deformation of the battery cell 60 and the thermal cooling channel 62, as well as venting of the battery cell 60, occur prior to this. Therefore, the cooling system 52 and method 200 of this disclosure allow for the detection and identification of thermal propagation events before a measurable voltage drop occurs with the thermal propagation event. This allows the cooling system 52 to take remedial measures by altering the coolant flow therein to provide increased coolant flow in the thermal cooling channels 62 within the modules 76A, 76B, 76C where the battery cell 60 experiencing the heat propagation event is located. The cooling system 52 and method 200 of this disclosure provide proactive identification and response to heat propagation events.

[0084] The descriptions in this disclosure are merely exemplary in nature, and variations thereof that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a rechargeable battery pack, comprising: Multiple thermal cooling channels are adapted to be located between individual battery cells in adjacent rows within the battery pack; An inlet flow channel, which is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of hot cooling channels and is adapted to be connected to a coolant supply source and to provide a flow path between the coolant supply source and each of the plurality of hot cooling channels; An outlet flow channel, which is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and is adapted to provide a flow path for the coolant to flow out of each of the plurality of thermal cooling channels; as well as A rheostat, which is in communication with a controller, is located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and is adapted to generate a force change signal in response to an increase in pressure within one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels and transmit the force change signal to the controller; The controller is adapted to: Receive the force change signal from the variable resistor; identify the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events based on the force change signal; And in response to the identification of the battery cell venting and the heat propagation event, the coolant flow through the plurality of thermal cooling channels is altered.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of thermal cooling channels are divided into a plurality of modules, each module including a portion of the plurality of thermal cooling channels located between adjacent structural beams of the battery pack; The cooling system includes a plurality of rheostats connected to the controller, one of which is located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels within each module.

3. The cooling system according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is also adapted to: Receive force change signal from one of the plurality of rheostats; Identify the occurrence of battery cell venting and heat propagation events within one of the plurality of modules, where one of the plurality of rheostats is located; as well as In response to the identification of the battery cell venting and the heat propagation event therein, the coolant flow through the plurality of thermal cooling channels is altered by increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel of one of the plurality of modules.

4. The cooling system according to claim 3, wherein, When the coolant flow through the plurality of hot cooling channels is altered by increasing the coolant flow through one of the plurality of modules, the controller is adapted to at least one of the following: Increase the total coolant flow within the coolant system; and The coolant flow within the coolant system is diverted, selectively increasing the coolant flow through the hot cooling passage of one of the plurality of modules and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules.

5. The cooling system according to claim 4, wherein, The outlet flow channel includes multiple outlet flow channel segments and a main outlet flow channel, wherein: An outlet flow channel segment interconnects the plurality of hot cooling channels within each module, and each outlet flow channel segment includes a vertical connector interconnecting the outlet flow channel with the main outlet flow channel, wherein, for each module, coolant flows from the plurality of hot cooling channels into the outlet flow channel segment and ascends through the vertical connector to the main outlet flow channel; The vertical connector of each of the plurality of outlet flow channels includes a selectively variable valve, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the vertical connector is selectively and independently variable.

6. The cooling system according to claim 5, wherein, When selectively increasing the coolant flow through the thermal cooling channel of one of the plurality of modules and decreasing the coolant flow through the remaining modules, the controller is adapted to at least one of the following: Actuating the selective variable valve within the vertical connector of the outlet flow path section in one of the plurality of modules increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through the vertical connector; as well as Actuating the selective variable valve within the vertical connector of the outlet flow path segment in each of the remaining modules reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

7. The cooling system according to claim 6, wherein, Each variable valve is designed to prevent complete closure and allow a minimum flow rate through it.

8. The cooling system according to claim 6, wherein, Each module includes a second rheostat, which is in communication with the controller and is located on one of the plurality of thermal cooling channels therein.

9. The cooling system according to claim 6, wherein, Each rheostat is adapted to generate a force signal in response to deformation measured due to an increase in internal pressure of the thermal cooling channel on which the rheostat is mounted.

10. The cooling system according to claim 6, wherein, The inlet channel includes multiple inlet channel segments, one inlet channel segment interconnecting a portion of the multiple thermal cooling channels within each of the multiple modules.

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