Modular heating apparatus and method for a liquid metal battery module

Abstract

This invention provides a modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules, including an insulated box, a thermal management submodule, and a supporting insulation assembly. The insulated box has a housing space for accommodating the thermal management submodule. Multiple thermal management submodules are spliced ​​and arranged in the housing space, each thermal management submodule including multiple heating elements and multiple liquid metal cells. The liquid metal cells are stacked in layers, and the heating elements are evenly distributed between each layer of liquid metal cells. The supporting insulation assembly includes multiple insulating support plates and support columns, directly and evenly arranging the heating elements between the stacked liquid metal cells. The heating rods penetrate all insulating support plates, significantly shortening the heat transfer path and realizing direct radiation and conduction of heat to the cells. This solves the problems of poor matching between traditional heating structures and short electrode rod cells, and low heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, a single heating rod can heat multiple layers of cells simultaneously, further improving heat utilization efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of large-scale energy storage technology, and in particular to a modular heating device and method for liquid metal battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid metal batteries, as a promising large-scale energy storage technology, rely on the positive electrode, negative electrode, and molten salt electrolyte being in a liquid state at a high temperature of 300-600℃. The charging and discharging performance, cycle life, and safety of the battery are all highly dependent on the precise control of the operating temperature. Therefore, the thermal management system has become an indispensable core component for the stable and efficient operation of liquid metal battery modules.

[0003] Currently, existing thermal management technologies for liquid metal battery modules mainly suffer from the following problems and inherent defects: Existing liquid metal battery modules typically employ integrated heating or complex piping systems, resulting in large size, complex wiring, large internal temperature differences, and difficult maintenance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a heating device and method for liquid metal battery modules that can solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a modular heating device and method for liquid metal battery modules to solve the problems of difficult maintenance and large internal temperature difference in the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module, comprising an insulation box, a thermal management submodule, and a supporting insulation component; The insulated box is provided with a housing space for accommodating the thermal management submodule; Multiple thermal management sub-modules are spliced ​​together within the accommodating space, and each thermal management sub-module includes multiple heating elements and multiple liquid metal cells; The liquid metal battery cells are stacked in layers, and the heating element is evenly distributed between each layer of liquid metal battery cells; The supporting insulation assembly includes multiple insulating support plates and support columns. The insulating support plates are distributed between two adjacent layers of liquid metal cells. The liquid metal cells are connected to the insulating support plates. The support columns are vertically arranged between two adjacent insulating support plates to support the insulating support plates. The heating element penetrates through each layer of the insulating support plates.

[0006] Furthermore, the heating element is configured as a heating rod, which penetrates through the insulating support plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the thermal management submodule also includes a busbar, through which the heating rods are connected in series or in parallel.

[0008] Furthermore, the heating rods are arranged in an array or in a surrounding pattern.

[0009] Furthermore, the insulating support plate includes any one or more of mica board, asbestos board, or basalt board.

[0010] Furthermore, the thermal management submodule also includes multiple temperature sensors, each corresponding to a liquid metal cell, for detecting the temperature at each layer of the liquid metal cell.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the heating element.

[0012] Furthermore, the side walls of the insulated box are made of stainless steel.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner wall of the insulated box is connected with a heat insulation layer and a heat preservation layer from the outside to the inside.

[0014] The present invention also provides a modular heating method for a liquid metal battery module, applied to the modular heating device, comprising: Collect real-time temperature information of the corresponding battery cell for each heating element; Based on the difference between the real-time temperature information and the set target temperature, the output power of the heating element is controlled to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the set target temperature. When the temperature of the heating element exceeds the set safety threshold, the power supply to the heating element whose temperature exceeds the set safety threshold is cut off.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The heating element is directly and evenly arranged between the layered stacked liquid metal battery cells, and the heating rod penetrates through all the insulating support plates, which greatly shortens the heat transfer path and realizes the direct radiation and conduction of heat to the battery cells. This solves the problems of poor matching between traditional heating structures and short electrode rod battery cells and low heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, a single heating rod can heat multiple layers of battery cells at the same time, further improving the heat utilization efficiency.

[0016] 2. By setting temperature sensors one-to-one with liquid metal cells, independent and precise temperature monitoring can be performed on the edge and center of each cell layer. Combined with the individual control of each heating element by the PLC controller, fine and differentiated power adjustment can be performed according to the temperature difference of each cell layer, realizing dynamic and precise control of cell temperature, effectively reducing the temperature difference inside the module, and ensuring the consistency of battery charging and discharging performance and cycle life.

[0017] 3. The device adopts a structure of multiple thermal management sub-modules, each forming an independent heating network. The busbars of each sub-module are independent, enabling independent heating control at the sub-module level. Simultaneously, the heating rods can be flexibly connected in series or parallel via the busbars to adapt to different heating power requirements. This modular design allows the device to be flexibly assembled according to actual cell layout needs, and individual sub-modules can be repaired and replaced individually without overall disassembly, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and improving the device's versatility and adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the modular heating device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thermal management submodule of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution relationship between the liquid metal battery cell and the support column of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the heating rods of the present invention when they are arranged in a ring.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the heating rods of the present invention when they are arranged in an array.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of four thermal management submodules in this invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the heat insulation layer and the thermal insulation layer of the present invention.

[0025] Figure label: 1. Insulated enclosure; 11. Compartment space; 12. Insulation layer; 13. Insulation layer; 2. Thermal management submodule; 21. Heating element; 22. Liquid metal battery cell; 3. Supporting insulation components; 31. Insulation support plate; 32. Support column; 4. Busbar. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this invention may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] The following is combined with Figures 1-7 This invention describes a modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the system includes an insulated enclosure 1, a thermal management submodule 2, and a supporting insulation assembly 3. The insulated enclosure 1 contains a housing space 11 for accommodating the thermal management submodule 2. Multiple thermal management submodules 2 are spliced ​​together within the housing space 11. Each thermal management submodule 2 includes multiple heating elements 21 and multiple liquid metal battery cells 22. The liquid metal battery cells 22 are stacked in layers, and the heating elements 21 are evenly distributed between each layer of liquid metal battery cells 22. The supporting insulation assembly 3 includes multiple insulating support plates 31 and support columns 32. The insulating support plates 31 are distributed between adjacent layers of liquid metal battery cells 22, and the liquid metal battery cells 22 are connected to the insulating support plates 31. The support columns 32 are vertically positioned between adjacent insulating support plates 31 to support the insulating support plates 31. The heating elements 21 penetrate each layer of insulating support plates 31.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, each thermal management submodule 2 is equipped with several heating elements 21 and liquid metal battery cells 22. The liquid metal battery cells 22 are stacked in layers, with multiple liquid metal battery cells 22 evenly distributed on each layer of insulating support plate 31. The liquid metal battery cells 22 are connected in series. The heating elements 21 are configured as columnar structures, extending longitudinally along the stacking direction of the liquid metal battery cells 22 and passing through each layer of insulating support plate 31. The vertically arranged support columns 32 provide rigid support to the insulating support plate 31, ensuring the stability of the battery cell stacking structure. The heating elements 21 are evenly distributed laterally between each layer of liquid metal battery cells 22, thereby achieving separate heating of liquid metal battery cells 22 at different locations within the layer. The insulation box 1 provides a closed containment environment for the entire device, reducing heat loss to the outside. The entire device achieves centralized arrangement and unified heating of the battery cells through the splicing of multiple thermal management submodules 2.

[0031] By directly arranging the heating elements 21 between the battery cell layers, the heat transfer path is significantly shortened, heat transfer efficiency is improved, and the problem of low thermal efficiency in traditional heating structures is solved. Simultaneously, the heating elements 21, evenly distributed laterally, can individually heat the liquid metal battery cells 22 at different locations on the insulating support plate 31. The layered stacking structure, combined with the insulating support plate 31 and support columns 32, results in a compact overall layout, effectively utilizing the internal space of the insulation box 1 and improving space utilization.

[0032] Furthermore, the heating element 21 is configured as a heating rod, which penetrates through the insulating support plate 31.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heating element 21 is set as a heating rod made of ferrochrome alloy. According to the size of the insulating support plate 31 and the number of battery cell stacking layers, matching holes are pre-made on the insulating support plate 31. The heating rod is vertically inserted into the holes so that the heating rod passes through all the insulating support plates 31. The arrangement position of the heating rod corresponds to the gap of each layer of liquid metal battery cell 22, ensuring that the heating rod can directly heat each layer of battery cell.

[0034] After the heating rod is powered on, it generates high-temperature heat by utilizing the high resistance characteristics of the ferrochrome alloy. The heat is transferred to the surroundings through the metal body of the heating rod. Since the heating rod penetrates all the insulating support plates 31, it can heat the multi-layer liquid metal battery cells 22 at the same time, realizing the heat radiation and heat conduction of the multi-layer battery cells by a single heating rod. The heating rods work together to ensure that each layer of battery cells can receive uniform heat.

[0035] Furthermore, the thermal management submodule 2 also includes a busbar 4, through which heating rods are connected in series or in parallel.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, a busbar 4 is installed on the insulating support plate 31 of each thermal management submodule 2. The electrodes of all heating rods in the submodule are connected to the busbar 4. According to the heating power requirements, the heating rods are connected in series or in parallel through the busbar 4, so that the heating rods in each thermal management submodule 2 form an independent heating network. The busbars 4 of each submodule are independent of each other and do not generate electrical connections.

[0037] Busbar 4 serves as the electrical connection carrier for the heating rods, transmitting the current from the external power supply to each heating rod. When connected in series, the current passes through each heating rod sequentially, achieving the superposition of heating power. When connected in parallel, the voltage across each heating rod is consistent, allowing for independent adjustment of the operating state. Each thermal management submodule 2 forms its own dedicated heating network through an independent busbar 4, enabling individual control of the network's on / off state and power output based on the submodule's actual temperature requirements.

[0038] Each thermal management submodule 2 forms an independent heating network, enabling independent heating control at the submodule level. This facilitates differentiated regulation based on the temperature differences of each submodule, improving the overall temperature control uniformity of the module. The flexible connection method, whether in series or parallel, can adapt to different heating power requirements, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the device.

[0039] Furthermore, the heating rods are arranged in an array or in a ring, with a diameter of 5mm to 10mm, a length of 150mm to 300mm, and a rated power of 300W to 950W.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the array-arranged or ring-arranged heating rods form a uniform heat distribution matrix between the cell layers. Each heating rod radiates heat in all directions, and the heating ranges of adjacent heating rods are interconnected to avoid heating blind spots. The ring-arranged heating rods heat from both the periphery and the interior of the cell stack simultaneously, allowing heat to be transferred bidirectionally from the outside to the inside and from the inside to the outside. The heating rods operate within their rated power range, and the heating temperature of the heating rods is controlled by adjusting the input power to meet the operating temperature requirements of 350-500℃ for liquid metal battery modules.

[0041] Furthermore, the insulating support plate 31 includes any one or more of mica plate, asbestos plate or basalt plate.

[0042] Specifically, mica board, asbestos board, and basalt board are selected as the insulating support plates 31, respectively. The insulating support plates 31 can be made of a single material or different materials can be used for each layer of insulating support plates 31. All materials have good high-temperature resistance, can adapt to the high-temperature working environment of liquid metal batteries, and are chemically stable, will not react with the battery cell or heating element 21, and ensure the working safety of the device.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, an insulating support plate 31 made of mica board is placed in the middle of the battery cell stack, an insulating support plate 31 made of asbestos board is placed in the middle layer outside the mica board, and an insulating support plate 31 made of basalt board is placed outside the asbestos board. Each insulating support plate 31 is fixedly connected to the liquid metal battery cell 22, and the support column 32 is vertically installed between the insulating support plates 31 of different materials. The heating element 21 passes through all the insulating support plates 31 of all materials. The mica board, with its excellent electrical insulation and high temperature resistance, plays a dual role of insulation and heat conduction in the core layer of the battery cell, preventing short circuits between the battery cells. The asbestos board, with its good thermal insulation, is placed between the core layer and the outermost layer to reduce heat transfer loss between layers and maintain the temperature stability of each layer of battery cells. The basalt board, with its high structural strength, is placed on the outermost layer to form external support for the entire battery cell stack, improving the structural stability of the sub-module. The insulating support plates 31 of the three materials work together to ensure the insulation and thermal insulation effect of the device and enhance the structural stability.

[0044] Furthermore, the thermal management submodule 2 also includes multiple temperature sensors, each corresponding to a liquid metal cell 22, used to detect the temperature at each layer of liquid metal cell 22.

[0045] Specifically, a K-type thermocouple is selected as the temperature sensor. A temperature sensor is installed at the outer edge and center of each liquid metal cell 22 layer, so that each temperature sensor corresponds precisely to the liquid metal cell 22 of the corresponding layer. The detection end of the temperature sensor is in contact with the surface of the cell, and the signal output end extends to the outside of the thermal management submodule 2, which is convenient for connection with the control component, so as to realize the temperature detection at different positions of each cell layer.

[0046] The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the corresponding liquid metal cell 22 in real time, converts the physical temperature signal into an electrical signal, and continuously transmits it outward. By detecting the temperature at the edge and center of the cell, the temperature distribution of each cell layer can be accurately grasped. When a cell layer has uneven temperature or deviates from the set value, the temperature sensor can capture the temperature change signal in time, providing accurate data support for subsequent temperature control.

[0047] By mapping temperature sensors to each cell, independent temperature monitoring of each cell layer is achieved, making temperature detection more accurate and detailed, solving the problems of large temperature differences and untimely feedback in traditional overall detection. At the same time, by detecting the temperature of the cell edge and center, the temperature distribution of the cell can be fully understood, local temperature anomalies can be detected in time, and battery performance can be avoided due to local overheating or undercooling.

[0048] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the heating element 21.

[0049] Specifically, a PLC-based controller is configured, and the signal output terminals of all temperature sensors are electrically connected to the signal input terminals of the controller. At the same time, the signal output terminals of the controller are electrically connected to the power control terminals of the heating elements 21 in each thermal management submodule 2. The target operating temperature and temperature regulation algorithm of the liquid metal battery are preset in the controller to complete the linkage control between the controller, temperature sensors, and heating elements 21.

[0050] The PLC-based controller can independently control each heating element 21, and can perform fine-tuned temperature adjustment according to the temperature difference of each cell layer, further reducing the internal temperature difference of the module and improving the consistency of battery performance and cycle life.

[0051] Furthermore, the side wall of the insulated box 1 is made of stainless steel.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner wall of the insulated box 1 is connected with a heat insulation layer 12 and a heat insulation layer 13 from the outside to the inside.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, a stainless steel insulated box 1 serves as the supporting structure. On the inner wall of the stainless steel insulated box 1, a heat insulation layer 12 and a heat preservation layer 13 are laid sequentially from the outside in. Nano-insulation board is used as the heat insulation layer 12, and aluminum silicate insulation bricks are used as the heat preservation layer 13. The nano-insulation board is fixed to the inner wall of the stainless steel box using adhesive. The aluminum silicate insulation bricks are spliced ​​and laid on the inner side of the nano-insulation board. The joints of the aluminum silicate insulation bricks are sealed with high-temperature resistant sealant to ensure the integrity of the heat insulation and the heat preservation layer 13. The inner side of the heat preservation layer 13 is attached to the thermal management submodule 2.

[0054] When the heating element 21 generates heat, the heat first diffuses into the inside of the insulated box 1. The aluminum silicate insulation brick, as the inner insulation layer 13, relies on its extremely low thermal conductivity to block the transfer of heat to the outside of the box, while providing structural support for the thermal management submodule 2 at high temperatures. The nano-insulation board, as the outer insulation layer 12, further blocks a small amount of heat that passes through the aluminum silicate insulation brick, preventing heat from being transferred to the stainless steel box and avoiding excessively high external temperatures, while also reducing heat loss from the box. The two insulation structures work together to form a double thermal barrier, minimizing heat loss from the box.

[0055] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application, the structure and working process of a modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0056] A modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module includes an insulated housing 1, a thermal management submodule 2, and a supporting insulation component 3 disposed within the insulated housing 1. The insulated housing 1 is designed with a multi-layer composite insulation structure, consisting of, from the inside out: an inner layer of aluminum silicate insulating bricks, a middle layer of nano-insulating board, and an outer layer of stainless steel shell. The aluminum silicate insulating bricks primarily provide structural support and initial insulation at high temperatures, while the nano-insulating board, with its extremely low thermal conductivity, further blocks heat loss, ensuring minimal heat loss for the module at operating temperatures (450℃~500℃). The stainless steel shell provides overall mechanical strength and sealing protection.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the individual thermal management submodule 2 inside the insulation box 1 is designed with four layers, separated by phlogopite panels. Phlogopite panels not only have excellent high-temperature resistance but also superior electrical insulation. Each layer contains eight liquid metal cells 22, for a total of 32 liquid metal cells 22. Specific holes are pre-drilled in the phlogopite panels for vertically fixing the support columns 32 and heating elements 21. The support columns 32 are made of mica material to support and fix the phlogopite panels. The material of the support columns 32 is not limited to mica; it can also be made of asbestos, basalt, and other high-temperature composite materials, with priority given to materials that are lightweight, heat-resistant, and have high structural strength. The heating element 21 uses a ferrochrome alloy heating rod with a diameter of Φ10mm, a length of 280mm, a rated power of 700W, and the ability to withstand working environments ≥800℃. The arrangement of the heating rods is flexible; an array arrangement (e.g., [missing information]) can be selected based on thermal simulation results. Figure 5 (as shown) or surround (such as) Figure 4 (As shown). The heating element 21 is a heating rod, and its material is not limited to metal tube heating rods. It can also be set as a PTC heating rod, quartz glass heating rod, or other heating rods.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 5As shown, 12 heating rods are arranged in an array, vertically interspersed between the mica plates, ensuring uniform heat conduction to the battery cells at the center and edges, reducing thermal resistance. Multiple heating rods are electrically connected via busbars 4 on the mica plates, forming an independent heating network. Furthermore, K-type thermocouples are embedded near each layer of battery cells to monitor the temperature of that layer in real time and provide feedback to the controller. The controller integrates a power control module, protection circuits, and a control system. The power control module includes a transformer, rectifier, and power regulator to convert the input AC power into voltage and current suitable for the heating element's operation. The power regulator (such as an SCR or PWM controller) can adjust the heating power based on temperature feedback to achieve precise temperature control. The protection circuits include overheat protection, overcurrent protection, and short-circuit protection. These circuits detect current and temperature to prevent damage or fire caused by overload or malfunction of the heating element 21. The control system, typically composed of a microcontroller, receives signals from the temperature sensor and adjusts the output of the power control module using a preset control algorithm to ensure stable operation of the heating plate within the set temperature range. By combining and utilizing multi-input temperature control algorithms, based on array data of temperature sensors arranged at multiple points, the controller can dynamically adjust the power of each heating rod, reduce energy consumption, and avoid uneven local temperature.

[0059] When assembling multiple thermal management submodules 2 inside the protective enclosure, taking four thermal management submodules 2 as an example, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the submodules can be stacked in a "building block" manner through standardized physical and electrical interfaces. The advantage of this design is that when the energy storage capacity needs to be expanded, there is no need to redesign the piping or structure of the heating system; simply increase the number of standard submodules and connect them to the communication bus, which greatly improves production efficiency and system maintainability.

[0060] This invention also discloses a modular heating method for liquid metal battery modules, applicable to any of the above-mentioned modular heating devices, comprising the following steps: S1: Collect real-time temperature information of the battery cell corresponding to each heating element 21; Specifically, the temperature sensors in each thermal management submodule 2 continuously collect the real-time temperature information of the corresponding heating element 21 and transmit the electrical signals to the PLC controller in real time. The controller receives and stores the data in real time.

[0061] S2: Based on the difference between the real-time temperature information and the set target temperature, control the output power of the heating element 21 to maintain the temperature of the heating element 21 at the set target temperature; Specifically, when the power is turned on, the PID control system is initialized, and a target temperature of 480℃ and a safety threshold of 550℃ are set in the controller. The controller calculates the difference between the collected real-time temperature and the preset target temperature of 480℃, and sends a power adjustment command to the heating element 21 according to the temperature control algorithm. When the temperature is below 480℃, the output power of the heating element 21 is gradually increased; when the temperature is above 480℃, the output power of the heating element 21 is gradually decreased, thereby realizing the dynamic adjustment of the temperature of the heating element 21 and maintaining it at around 480℃.

[0062] S3: When the temperature of the heating element 21 exceeds the set safety threshold, cut off the power supply to the heating element 21 whose temperature exceeds the set safety threshold.

[0063] Specifically, the controller monitors the temperature information of the heating element 21 in real time. When the temperature of a certain heating element 21 exceeds the safety threshold of 550℃, the controller immediately sends a power-off command to the power control terminal of the heating element 21 to cut off the power supply to the heating element 21 and stop its heating operation. After the temperature drops to a safe range, the power supply can be restored manually or automatically.

[0064] By employing a modular heating method for the liquid metal battery module and dynamically adjusting the power based on real-time temperature data, the temperature of the heating element 21 is kept stable within the target operating temperature range. This ensures the liquid metal battery operates at its optimal temperature, improving battery performance, lifespan, and safety. Independent temperature monitoring and overheat protection for each heating element 21 enables precise fault isolation. When a single heating element 21 experiences an overheating fault, only the power supply to that heating element 21 is cut off, while the remaining heating elements 21 continue to operate normally, ensuring the continuous operation of the entire module and enhancing the device's fault tolerance and reliability.

[0065] Where there is no conflict, the above embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module, characterized in that: Includes an insulated enclosure, a thermal management submodule, and supporting insulation components; The insulated box is provided with a housing space for accommodating the thermal management submodule; Multiple thermal management sub-modules are spliced ​​together within the accommodating space, and each thermal management sub-module includes multiple heating elements and multiple liquid metal cells; The liquid metal battery cells are stacked in layers, and the heating element is evenly distributed between each layer of liquid metal battery cells; The supporting insulation assembly includes multiple insulating support plates and support columns. The insulating support plates are distributed between two adjacent layers of liquid metal cells. The liquid metal cells are connected to the insulating support plates. The support columns are vertically arranged between two adjacent insulating support plates to support the insulating support plates. The heating element penetrates through each layer of the insulating support plates.

2. The modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element is configured as a heating rod, which penetrates through the insulating support plate.

3. The modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thermal management submodule also includes a busbar, through which the heating rods are connected in series or in parallel.

4. The modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating rods are arranged in an array or in a ring.

5. The modular heating device for the liquid metal battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating support plate includes any one or more of mica board, asbestos board, or basalt board.

6. The modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal management submodule also includes multiple temperature sensors, each corresponding to a liquid metal cell, used to detect the temperature at each layer of the liquid metal cell.

7. The modular heating device for liquid metal battery modules according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the heating element.

8. The modular heating device for the liquid metal battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side walls of the insulated box are made of stainless steel.

9. The modular heating device for a liquid metal battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the insulated box is connected with a heat insulation layer and a heat preservation layer from the outside to the inside.

10. A modular heating method for a liquid metal battery module, characterized in that, The modular heating device according to any one of claims 1-9 comprises: Collect real-time temperature information of the corresponding battery cell for each heating element; Based on the difference between the real-time temperature information and the set target temperature, the output power of the heating element is controlled to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the set target temperature. When the temperature of the heating element exceeds the set safety threshold, the power supply to the heating element whose temperature exceeds the set safety threshold is cut off.

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