Battery module comprising a cooling circuit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module (1), particularly a battery module for an aircraft, the battery module comprising: a cooling circuit (3) including a cooling tube (5) and a plurality of fins (7) attached to the cooling tube (5), each fin (7) having a mating portion (9) in contact with the cooling tube (5), the mating portion (9) extending at least partially along the direction (11) of the extension of the cooling tube (5) to define a form-fitting fit between the fin (7) and the cooling tube (5); a plurality of electrochemical cell units (13), each electrochemical cell unit including two terminals (15), the electrochemical cell units (13) being configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel, each electrochemical cell unit (13) being configured to contact at least one fin (7) or at least one element for connection to the fin (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, particularly a battery module for an aircraft, the battery module including a cooling circuit, the cooling circuit including a cooling pipe and a plurality of fins attached to the cooling pipe. Background Technology

[0002] Climate change is a major concern for numerous legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide. Various countries have already implemented, are implementing, or will implement various limits on carbon emissions. In particular, ambitious standards apply to both new and currently used aircraft, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Civil aviation has been developing for several years to contribute to combating climate change.

[0003] Technological research has enabled significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The applicant considers factors influencing all stages of design and development to obtain less energy-consuming, more environmentally friendly aerospace components and products, whose integration and use in civil aviation have a moderate environmental impact, with the aim of improving aircraft energy efficiency. Therefore, the applicant works continuously to reduce its climate impact by adopting environmentally friendly methods and implementing development and manufacturing methods that minimize greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of its activities.

[0004] These ongoing research and development efforts particularly involve the development of airborne electrical technologies, for example, to ensure propulsion.

[0005] A battery module includes multiple electrochemical battery cells, each of which has at least two terminals. Therefore, the electrochemical battery cells can be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0006] Several types of electrochemical cell units are known to be used, each with different geometric characteristics.

[0007] A pouch-type electrochemical cell unit includes a housing comprising a laminated metal membrane. This type of electrochemical cell unit is lightweight and simple to manufacture, but due to its flexible structure, it must be held in place.

[0008] On the other hand, cylindrical electrochemical cell units are rigid, which allows for mounting with fewer reinforcing members. A disadvantage of this type of battery is its cylindrical shape, which leaves empty space within the cell module.

[0009] Rigid prismatic electrochemical cell units consist of a shell forming a cuboid. This form offers a very good packing factor, but still requires reinforcement.

[0010] In addition to constraints related to the arrangement of electrochemical cell units within the battery module, it is also necessary to cool the electrochemical cell units during operation for use in the aircraft.

[0011] In practice, exceeding a temperature threshold known as "thermal runaway" (which can be between 70°C and 110°C) can trigger an internal exothermic chemical reaction. When the battery can no longer adequately dissipate heat, the temperature of the battery cell rises until it fails; this phenomenon is commonly referred to as thermal runaway. In other words, thermal runaway occurs in a battery when the energy released by an exothermic reaction occurring within the battery exceeds its ability to dissipate to the outside. This runaway can be followed by gas generation and explosions and / or fires, which can propagate the reaction to other electrochemical battery cells.

[0012] Document FR3131454A1 describes, for example, metal cooling pipes welded to a support plate. The support plate, together with the cover, forms a closed mechanical housing designed to limit the heat generated by the electrochemical cell unit, and the cooling pipes remove heat to regulate the temperature.

[0013] However, difficulties were observed when cooling the electrochemical cell unit because the contact between the cell unit and the support plate was limited. This resulted in reduced heat flow. Therefore, a cooling loop of considerable size may be required to adequately remove the heat.

[0014] Other systems involve coils carrying cooling fluid directly inserted between battery cells (e.g., cylindrical battery cells) and thus positioned in direct contact with them. However, such cooling circuits have significant implications in terms of volume and weight, and the direct contact between the cooling circuit and the battery cells also poses a risk of thermal runaway at the battery cell level.

[0015] Therefore, it is necessary to optimize heat exchange and reduce the weight and volume of the fluid loop.

[0016] The present invention aims to solve all or some of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, the present invention relates to a battery module, comprising: A cooling circuit includes at least one cooling pipe and a plurality of fins attached to the cooling pipe, each fin having a mating portion that contacts the cooling pipe, the mating portion extending at least partially along the extension direction of the cooling pipe to define a shape-complementary fit between the fins and the cooling pipe. Multiple electrochemical cell units, each including two terminals, are configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel, and each electrochemical cell unit is configured to contact at least one fin or at least one connecting element to said fin.

[0018] On the one hand, the cooperation between the cooling pipe and the fins, and on the other hand, the cooperation between the fins and the electrochemical cell units, ensures an effective thermal connection between the heat source (i.e., the electrochemical cell units, when these electrochemical cell units must dissipate heat) and the cold source (cooling pipe).

[0019] Therefore, this arrangement enables efficient heat removal from the battery module. Due to the excellent heat transfer efficiency, the size of the cooling pipes and the flow rate used can be reduced.

[0020] The electrochemical cell units used can be of the Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type. They can also be lithium-ion electrochemical cell units containing metal oxide pairs, most commonly nickel and cobalt-graphite.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins and cooling tubes are made of aluminum or a material with similar thermal conductivity.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the mating portion corresponds to a cylindrical portion or cylinder that extends at least partially along the extending direction of the cooling pipe. The cylindrical portion is, for example, coaxial with the cooling pipe.

[0023] "Cylindrical portion" refers to the mating part having a base with a rounded shape. Generally speaking, the mating part has a small thickness relative to its extended surface.

[0024] Therefore, the mating part has an inner contact surface whose shape complements the outer surface of the cooling pipe. This shape complementarity allows for good heat transfer between the cooling pipe and the fins.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the mating portion is crimped onto the cooling pipe, and the corresponding fins are fixed onto the cooling pipe.

[0026] This arrangement improves the fit through shape complementarity, with the fins press-fitted onto the cooling tubes for fixation.

[0027] In addition, this arrangement provides mechanical rigidity to the assembly formed by the cooling pipes and multiple fins.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the continuous fins are configured to hold at least one electrochemical cell unit or at least one electrochemical cell unit and at least one corresponding connecting element disposed between the continuous fins in place along the extension direction of the cooling tube.

[0029] It appears that the two consecutive fins function as positioning elements in addition to their role as heat transfer elements. Therefore, one or more electrochemical cell units can be arranged between the two consecutive fins, optionally together with one or more connecting elements (e.g., heat dissipation devices).

[0030] This arrangement allows for a rigidification of the battery module: thus making it easier to handle, and the electrochemical cell retains its position relative to the fins. Consequently, the battery module is more robust and easier to assemble into individual units.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrochemical cell unit is pouch-shaped, with each electrochemical cell unit extending along a corresponding main plane transverse to the extension direction of the cooling tube.

[0032] Each corresponding main plane is parallel to the adjacent fin. Therefore, the battery module is stacked in layers, with each layer extending laterally to the direction of the cooling pipe.

[0033] The advantage of arranging battery modules is that they form rigid components, even if the electrochemical battery cells are flexible.

[0034] According to another aspect, each fin extends along a fin plane transverse to the extension direction of the cooling pipe, and each fin is parallel to the electrochemical cell unit.

[0035] According to an alternative, the electrochemical cell unit is cylindrical. In this case, continuous fins are configured to hold several electrochemical cell units in place along the extension direction of the cooling tube, and optionally one or more connecting elements are disposed between the continuous fins.

[0036] According to one example, between five and twenty-five electrochemical cell units, particularly fifteen, can be arranged between two consecutive fins. Each cylindrical electrochemical cell unit has a rotation axis extending parallel to the extending plane of the consecutive fins.

[0037] Each cylindrical electrochemical cell has two opposite ends that form the terminals of the electrochemical cell.

[0038] Cylindrical electrochemical cell units are arranged in rows and columns to define rows in which the electrochemical cell units are fixed together by their ends.

[0039] This arrangement allows several electrochemical cell units to be placed between two consecutive fins, with the electrochemical cell units in the same row connected in series.

[0040] One or more connecting elements can be used to fill the empty space left between the electrochemical cell unit and the fins.

[0041] According to another alternative, each electrochemical cell has a rigid prism shape. In this case, the construction is similar to that of a pouch-type electrochemical cell. The thickness of the rigid prism shape is greater than the thickness of the pouch cell, which is a dimension along the extension axis of the cooling tube.

[0042] The structure remains unchanged, and one or more connecting elements can be added between the electrochemical cell unit and the adjacent fins.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting element is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell and the adjacent fin, the connecting element being made of a thermally conductive material and / or a deformable material to absorb mechanical stress transmitted by the electrochemical cell and / or the adjacent fin.

[0044] Therefore, even if there is no perfect shape complementarity between electrochemical cell units, the connecting elements make it possible to adapt the fins to the electrochemical cell units.

[0045] Depending on the chosen mounting method, the connecting elements may have protective or damping functions, or thermal conductivity, to better dissipate heat from the electrochemical cell unit to the fins.

[0046] In one possibility, the connecting element is a heat dissipation device suitable for attachment to the electrochemical cell. The heat dissipation device is configured to conduct heat generated by the electrochemical cell to the fins.

[0047] The heat emission device may include at least one tab folded at a right angle and configured to cooperate with the thickness of the electrochemical cell.

[0048] Specifically, the heat dissipation device is a graphite sheet with an adhesive portion applied thereto, such as an aluminum adhesive tape.

[0049] According to another possibility, the connecting element is made of foam and arranged to be compressed under the action of the electrochemical cell unit and / or adjacent fins.

[0050] The foam can be placed on one side of the electrochemical cell unit only when the cell is made of insulating material. Therefore, heat from the electrochemical cell unit is directed to the fins located on the other side.

[0051] This arrangement can be used to define the heat dissipation path followed from the electrochemical cell toward the cooling pipe.

[0052] Alternatively, thermally conductive foam can be provided, which can be used on both sides of the electrochemical battery cell.

[0053] Furthermore, the connecting elements can be made of any other material with damping and / or thermal conductivity properties.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, each fin includes a body fixed to a mating portion, the body extending along a height dimension and along a width dimension transverse to the height dimension, the body having a free portion extending beyond the adjacent electrochemical cell along the height and / or width dimensions.

[0055] The fins are too large relative to the size of the electrochemical cell, thus promoting heat dissipation through convection. In fact, airflow is generated based on the temperature difference, particularly along the width. Preferably, the free portion extends along the height dimension.

[0056] The fins can also be drilled into the free portion to allow for the addition of structural components for the battery module. This improves mechanical rigidity.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one fin includes a measurement pick-up portion that is attached to the body and extends along the width dimension and / or along the height dimension.

[0058] The measurement pickup section is configured to connect to a measuring device or a connecting element (e.g., a cable) connected to the measuring device. The measuring device can be configured to measure temperature. Therefore, the measurement is accurate and performed without intrusion.

[0059] Preferably, the measurement pickup portion is an extension of the main body that is integrally formed with the main body.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooling circuit includes at least two cooling pipes connected by at least one connecting pipe (e.g., a bend) of the cooling circuit to form a cooling circuit having an inlet and an outlet.

[0061] Preferably, the cooling circuit includes two parallel cooling pipes, and at least one connecting pipe is bent at 180°.

[0062] Each fin therefore comprises two mating sections, with the cooling loop forming a return path. The two cooling pipes are aligned along the width dimension.

[0063] Each mating part is included in a protrusion of the body, preferably having an elongated oval or arcuate shape extending along the height dimension.

[0064] The free portion is positioned relative to at least one protrusion along the height dimension. The battery module thus dissipates heat at one end via a cooling loop and at the other opposite end via convection.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the terminals of each electrochemical cell extend beyond the fins along the width dimension. Therefore, the terminals are easily accessible.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a closed mechanical housing comprising a base and a cover arranged to cooperate with the base in a closed position, the closed mechanical housing comprising at least one battery module as described above, the at least one battery module being adapted to be arranged within the closed mechanical housing, and a corresponding at least one cooling circuit being configured to be connected to a cooling fluid circulation circuit outside the closed mechanical housing.

[0067] Therefore, while protected by the base and cover, the cooling circuit can be connected to an external cold source. The base and cover allow for the prevention of thermal runaway of the battery by limiting the generated heat.

[0068] Preferably, for at least two cooling pipes, the enclosed mechanical housing has an opening adapted to allow the corresponding cooling pipe to pass between the inside and outside of the enclosed mechanical housing.

[0069] Therefore, one cooling pipe is the inlet pipe, and the other cooling pipe is the outlet pipe. There can also be multiple inlets and outlets.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening is formed in a base having a receiving recess adapted to receive at least one battery module. Preferably, the receiving recess is adapted to engage with a protrusion of a fin to hold at least one battery module in place.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosed mechanical housing may include an exhaust port configured to be positioned in an open or closed position. The exhaust port is intended to dissipate heat in the event of overheating and / or thermal runaway.

[0072] The enclosed mechanical housing includes at least one voltage sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. The enclosed mechanical housing also includes connection assemblies for terminals of the electrochemical cell unit, and at least one control board and balance plate for the cell module; these components can be configured to be located inside or outside the enclosed mechanical housing.

[0073] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one battery module as described above or comprising at least one enclosed mechanical housing as described above. The aircraft also includes a cooling fluid circulation loop connected to a cold source for the aircraft.

[0074] The aircraft also includes a propulsion assembly and a power distribution chain configured to connect the propulsion assembly and at least one enclosed mechanical housing to at least one current-consuming element of the aircraft. The power distribution chain includes converters of a type suitable for generating and consuming current.

[0075] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the battery module as described above, comprising the following steps: It provides at least one cooling tube, multiple fins, and multiple electrochemical cell units; The fins are mounted on at least one cooling tube by assembly, and then at least one electrochemical cell is placed on the fins, or at least one electrochemical cell with at least one connecting element is placed on the fins, and then the operation is repeated to form an alternation of fins and one or more electrochemical cell units or one or more electrochemical cell units with at least one connecting element.

[0076] Installing the battery module is simple. The fins are configured to work with the cooling pipes so that they remain in place once installed.

[0077] The alternation between fins and electrochemical cell units (optionally accompanied by connecting elements, such as heat dissipation devices) allows for the formation of a rigid and robust assembly. This rigid assembly may include pouch-type, cylindrical, or prismatic electrochemical cell units.

[0078] This manufacturing method enables the production of battery modules with reduced mass. Furthermore, it simplifies industrialization through a direct assembly process.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, fins are mounted on at least one cooling tube by crimping in order to secure the fins to at least one cooling tube.

[0080] The crimping process also creates a mating portion through the deformation of the fins. In practice, each fin initially has an orifice with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cooling tube. The fins are crimped onto the cooling tube and then slid to their final position using a specialized tool suitable for performing the crimping.

[0081] This manufacturing method is fast and reliable. The attachment of the fins to the cooling tubes can be completed by welding.

[0082] The various aspects defined above can be combined, as long as they are not incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module.

[0085] Figure 2 This is a detailed perspective view of the battery module.

[0086] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a battery module that includes cylindrical electrochemical cell units.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an electrochemical battery cell and the connecting elements attached to the electrochemical battery cell.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing details of a battery module with fins including two measurement pickup sections.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery module with fins, the fins including free portions extending beyond the electrochemical battery cells.

[0090] Figure 7It is an exploded perspective view of the enclosed mechanical casing including the battery module.

[0091] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the generation and consumption of electric current in an aircraft. Detailed Implementation

[0092] In the detailed description of the drawings defined above, the same elements performing the same function may retain the same reference numerals in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0093] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the battery module 1 includes a cooling circuit 3, which includes two cooling pipes 5 and a plurality of fins 7 attached to the cooling pipes 5.

[0094] Each fin 7 has a mating portion 9 that contacts a corresponding cooling pipe 5, the mating portion 9 extending at least partially along the extension direction 11 of the cooling pipe 5 to define a shape-complementary fit between the fin 7 and the cooling pipe 5.

[0095] The battery module includes multiple electrochemical cell units 13, each of which includes two terminals 15. The electrochemical cell units 13 are configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel.

[0096] Each electrochemical cell 13 is configured to contact at least one fin 7 or at least one connecting element 17 of said fin 7, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0097] The electrochemical cell 13 used can be of the Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type. They can also be lithium-ion electrochemical cell 13 comprising metal oxide pairs, most commonly nickel and cobalt-graphite. Any other chemical type can also be used, such as lithium-metal.

[0098] The fins 7 and / or cooling tubes 5 are made of aluminum or a material with similar thermal conductivity.

[0099] The mating part 9 corresponds, for example, to a cylindrical portion or cylinder that extends at least partially along the extending direction 11 of the cooling pipe 5.

[0100] "Cylindrical portion" refers to the outline of the mating portion 9, which has a base in the form of a circular arc. Generally speaking, the mating portion 9 has a small thickness relative to its extended surface.

[0101] Therefore, the mating part 9 has an inner contact surface whose shape is complementary to the outer surface of the corresponding cooling pipe 5.

[0102] The mating part 9 is preferably pressed onto the cooling pipe 5, and the corresponding fins 7 are fixed onto the cooling pipe 5.

[0103] For example, the mating portion 9 is integrated at the protrusion 39 of the fin 7, preferably having an oblong or arcuate shape protruding from the fin. The protrusion 39 may, for example, have a tab shape.

[0104] The continuous fins 7 are configured to hold at least one electrochemical cell unit 13 or at least one electrochemical cell unit 13 and at least one corresponding connecting element 17 disposed between the continuous fins 7 in place along the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5.

[0105] It appears that the two consecutive fins 7 serve not only as heat transfer elements but also as positioning elements. Therefore, one or more electrochemical cell units 13 can be disposed between the two consecutive fins 7, optionally together with one or more connecting elements 17.

[0106] The electrochemical cell unit 13 is pouch-shaped, and each electrochemical cell unit 13 extends along a corresponding main plane 19 transverse to the extension direction 11 of the cooling pipe 5.

[0107] Each corresponding main plane 19 is parallel to the adjacent fin 7, and in particular parallel to multiple fins 7 that are parallel to each other. Thus, the battery module 1 is in the form of a stacked layer, each layer extending transversely to the extension direction 11 of the cooling pipe 5.

[0108] according to Figure 3 In the alternative shown, the electrochemical cell 13 is cylindrical. In this case, continuous fins 7 are configured to hold several electrochemical cell 13 in place along the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5, and optionally, one or more connecting elements 17 are disposed between the continuous fins 7.

[0109] According to this example, between five and twenty-five electrochemical cell units 13, particularly fifteen, can be arranged between two consecutive fins 7. Each cylindrical electrochemical cell unit 13 has a rotation axis 21 extending parallel to the extending plane of the consecutive fins 7.

[0110] Each cylindrical electrochemical cell unit 13 has two opposite ends forming the terminals 15 of the electrochemical cell unit 13.

[0111] Cylindrical electrochemical cell units 13 are arranged in rows and columns to define rows in which the electrochemical cell units 13 are fixed together by their ends.

[0112] This arrangement allows several electrochemical cell units 13 to be placed between two consecutive fins 7, with the electrochemical cell units 13 in the same row connected in series.

[0113] Optionally, one or more connecting elements 17 may be used to fill the empty space left between the electrochemical cell unit 13 and the fin 7.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting element 17 is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell 13 and the adjacent fin 7. The connecting element 17 is made of a thermally conductive material and / or a deformable material in order to absorb the mechanical stress transmitted by the electrochemical cell 13 and / or the adjacent fin 7.

[0115] Therefore, the connecting element 17 allows the fins 7 to be adapted to the electrochemical cell 13 even if there is no perfect shape complementarity between the electrochemical cell cells 13.

[0116] Depending on the chosen installation, the connecting element 17 can be used for protection or damping, or for thermal conduction, to improve heat dissipation from the electrochemical cell 13 to the fins 7.

[0117] In one possibility, the connecting element 17 is configured to be attached to a heat dissipation device of the electrochemical cell 13. The heat dissipation device is configured to conduct heat generated by the electrochemical cell 13 to the fins 7.

[0118] The heat emission device may include at least one tab 23, which is folded at a right angle and configured to cooperate with the thickness of the electrochemical cell 13.

[0119] Specifically, the heat dissipation device is a graphite sheet with an adhesive portion applied thereto, such as an aluminum adhesive tape.

[0120] According to another possibility, as an alternative or in combination with a graphite emission device, the connecting element 17 is made of foam and is arranged to be compressed under the action of the electrochemical cell unit 13 and / or the adjacent fins 7.

[0121] When the foam is made of insulating material, it can be placed only on one side of the electrochemical cell unit 13. Therefore, heat from the electrochemical cell unit 13 is directed to the fins 7 located on the other side.

[0122] This arrangement can be used to define the heat dissipation path from the electrochemical cell 13 toward the cooling pipe 5.

[0123] Alternatively, thermally conductive foam can be provided, which can be used on both sides of the electrochemical cell 13.

[0124] Furthermore, the connecting element 17 can be made of any other material with damping and / or thermal conductivity properties.

[0125] like Figure 6As shown, in one possible embodiment, each fin 7 includes a body 25 fixed to the mating portion 9, the body 25 extending along the height dimension 27 and along the width dimension 29 transverse to the height dimension 27.

[0126] The body 25 has a free portion 31 that extends along the height dimension 27 beyond the adjacent electrochemical cell 13.

[0127] The fins 7 are too large relative to the size of the electrochemical cell 13, thus promoting heat dissipation through convection. In fact, airflow is generated based on the temperature difference (see...). Figure 6 (The arrow in the image) specifically generates airflow along a width of 29.

[0128] like Figure 5 As shown, at least one fin 7 includes a measurement pickup portion 33, which is attached to the body 25 and extends along the width dimension 29 and / or along the height dimension 27.

[0129] The measurement pickup section 33 is configured to connect to a measuring device or a connecting element (e.g., cable 35) connected to the measuring device. The measuring device can be configured to measure temperature. Therefore, the measurement is accurate and performed without intrusion.

[0130] Preferably, the measuring pickup portion 33 is an extension of the main body 25 integrally formed with the main body 25.

[0131] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the cooling circuit 3 includes two cooling pipes 5, which are connected by at least one connecting pipe 37 (e.g., a bend) of the cooling circuit 3 to form a cooling circuit 3 with an inlet and an outlet.

[0132] Preferably, the cooling circuit 3 includes two parallel cooling pipes 5, and at least one connecting pipe 37 is bent at 180°.

[0133] Each fin 7 therefore preferably includes two mating portions 9, with the cooling circuit 3 forming a return path. Two cooling pipes 5 are aligned along the width dimension 29. The two cooling pipes preferably extend in two parallel directions.

[0134] Each mating part 9 includes a protrusion 39 in the body 25, preferably having an elongated oval or arcuate shape extending along the height dimension 27.

[0135] The free portion 31 is positioned relative to at least one protrusion 39 along the height dimension 27. The battery module 1 thus dissipates heat at one end via a cooling circuit 3 and at the other opposite end via convection.

[0136] The terminal 15 of each electrochemical cell 13 extends beyond the fin 7 along the width dimension 29. Therefore, the terminal 15 is easily accessible.

[0137] like Figure 7 As shown, the enclosed mechanical housing 41 includes a base 43 and a cover 45 arranged to cooperate with the base 43 in a closed position.

[0138] The enclosed mechanical housing 41 includes at least one battery module 1 as described above, the at least one battery module 1 being adapted to be arranged within the enclosed mechanical housing 41.

[0139] At least one corresponding cooling circuit 3 is configured to be connected to a cooling fluid circulation circuit, for example, outside the enclosed mechanical housing 41.

[0140] Therefore, while protected by the base 43 and the cover 45, the cooling circuit 3 can be connected to an external cold source. The base 43 and the cover 45 allow for the prevention of thermal runaway of the battery by limiting the generated heat.

[0141] Preferably, the enclosed mechanical housing 41 has an opening 47 for at least two cooling pipes 5, the opening 47 being adapted to allow the corresponding cooling pipes 5 to pass between the inside and outside of the enclosed mechanical housing 41.

[0142] Therefore, one cooling pipe 5 forms the inlet pipe, while the other cooling pipe 5 forms the outlet pipe. Multiple inlets and outlets are also possible.

[0143] The opening 47 is formed in the base 43, which has a receiving recess 49 configured to receive at least one battery module 1. Preferably, the receiving recess 49 is configured to cooperate with the protrusion 39 of the fin 7 to hold at least one battery module 1 in place.

[0144] The enclosed mechanical housing 41 may include an exhaust port 51, which is configured to be placed in an open or closed position to allow gas to be released, especially in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0145] The enclosed mechanical housing 41 includes at least one voltage sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. The enclosed mechanical housing 41 includes terminals for the electrochemical cell 13 and connection assemblies for at least one control board and balance plate of the battery module 1, these components being configured either inside or outside the enclosed mechanical housing 41.

[0146] like Figure 8 As shown, the aircraft 53 includes at least one enclosed mechanical housing 41 as described above. The aircraft 53 also includes a cooling fluid circulation loop connected to a cold source of the aircraft 53.

[0147] The aircraft 53 also includes a propulsion assembly 55 and a power distribution chain 57 configured to connect the propulsion assembly 55 and at least one enclosed mechanical housing 41 to at least one electrical load 59 of the aircraft 53. The power distribution chain 57 includes a converter 61 of a type suitable for generating and consuming current.

[0148] The method for manufacturing battery module 1 as described above first includes providing two cooling pipes 5, multiple fins, and multiple electrochemical battery cells 13.

[0149] The manufacturing method then includes mounting the fins 7 onto the cooling tube 5 by assembly, then placing at least one electrochemical cell 13 or at least one electrochemical cell 13 having at least one connecting element 17 on the fins 7, and repeating the operation to form an alternation of fins 7 and one or more electrochemical cell 13 or one or more electrochemical cell 13 having at least one connecting element 17.

[0150] The alternation between the fins 7 and the electrochemical cell units 13 allows for the formation of a rigid and robust assembly. This rigid assembly may include pouch-type, cylindrical, or prismatic electrochemical cell units 13.

[0151] The fins 7 are installed on the cooling pipe 5 by crimping, so as to fix the fins 7 to the cooling pipe 5.

[0152] The crimping is preferably performed by deforming the fin 7 to form a mating portion 9. The fin 7 is mounted on the cooling pipe 5 by crimping, and the mating portion 9 is formed to fix the fin 7 and the cooling pipe 5.

[0153] Preferably, in practice, each fin 7 is initially provided with an orifice with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cooling tube 5. The fin 7 is press-fitted onto the cooling tube 5 and then moved to its final position by sliding it using a special tool suitable for press-fitting, thereby forming a mating portion 9. This manufacturing method is fast and reliable. The fastening of the fin 7 to the cooling tube 5 can be supplemented by welding.

[0154] Typically, it appears that the cooperation between the cooling pipe 5 and the fins 7 on the one hand, and between the fins 7 and the electrochemical cell unit 13 on the other hand, ensures an effective thermal connection between the heat source (electrochemical cell unit 13) and the cold source (cooling pipe 5).

[0155] This arrangement thus enables efficient heat dissipation from battery module 1. Due to the high efficiency of heat transfer, the size of cooling pipe 5 and the flow rate used can be reduced.

[0156] Another advantage of the arrangement of battery module 1 is that it forms a rigid component, even though the electrochemical battery cell 13 is flexible.

[0157] The present invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above by way of example, but includes all its variant embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module (1), comprising: - A cooling circuit (3) comprising at least one cooling pipe (5) and a plurality of fins (7) attached to the cooling pipe (5), each fin (7) having a mating portion (9) in contact with the cooling pipe (5), the mating portion (9) extending at least partially along the extension direction (11) of the cooling pipe (5) to define a shape-complementary fit between the fin (7) and the cooling pipe (5), the mating portion (9) being pressed onto the cooling pipe (5), and the corresponding fin (7) being fixed to the cooling pipe (5). - Multiple electrochemical cell units (13), each electrochemical cell unit including two terminals (15), the electrochemical cell units (13) being configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel, each electrochemical cell unit (13) being configured to contact at least one fin (7) or at least one connecting element (17) associated with the fin (7).

2. The battery module (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The mating portion (9) corresponds to a cylindrical portion or cylinder that extends at least partially along the extending direction (11) of the cooling pipe (5).

3. The battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The continuous fins (7) are configured to hold at least one electrochemical cell unit (13) or at least one electrochemical cell unit (13) and at least one corresponding connecting element (17) disposed between the continuous fins (7) in place along the extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5).

4. The battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The electrochemical cell unit (13) is pouch-shaped, and each electrochemical cell unit (13) extends along a corresponding main plane (19) transverse to the extension direction (11) of the cooling pipe (5).

5. The battery module (1) according to claim 4, wherein each fin (7) extends along a fin plane transverse to the extension direction (11) of the cooling pipe (5), and each fin (7) is parallel to the electrochemical cell (13).

6. The battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The connecting element (17) is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell unit (13) and the adjacent fin (7), and the connecting element (17) is made of a thermally conductive material and / or a deformable material to absorb the mechanical stress transmitted by the electrochemical cell unit (13) and / or the adjacent fin (7).

7. A closed mechanical housing (41) comprising a base (43) and a cover (45) arranged to cooperate with the base (43) in a closed position, the closed mechanical housing (41) comprising at least one battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the at least one battery module (1) being adapted to be disposed within the closed mechanical housing (41), and at least one corresponding cooling circuit (3) being configured to be a cooling fluid circulation circuit connected to the outside of the closed mechanical housing (41).

8. A method for manufacturing the battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: - Provides at least one cooling pipe (5), multiple fins (7), and multiple electrochemical cell units (13), - The fins (7) are mounted on the at least one cooling pipe (5) by assembly, the mounting of the fins (7) on the at least one cooling pipe (5) is performed by crimping to fix the fins (7) to the at least one cooling pipe (5), and then at least one electrochemical cell (13) is placed on the fins (7), or at least one electrochemical cell (13) having at least one connecting element (17) is placed on the fins (7), and then the operation is repeated to form an alternation of fins (7) and one or more electrochemical cell (13), or an alternation of fins (7) and one or more electrochemical cell (13) having at least one connecting element (17).

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