Coolant inlet port for an electrical energy storage pack enclosure

Abstract

The present application relates to coolant inlet ports for an electrical energy storage pack housing, in particular a coolant inlet port (100) for an electrical energy storage pack housing (102), the coolant inlet port comprising: an opening (113) for receiving a coolant tube (104); and a breather unit (108) arranged in the opening, the breather unit comprising a membrane (110) configured to be arranged at least partially around the coolant tube in the opening, the membrane being gas permeable and liquid impermeable; and a cover structure (112, 212) arranged to at least partially cover the membrane and a portion of the coolant tube at the opening to form a temporary gas trap around the membrane and the coolant tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an electrical energy storage system for vehicles. In a specific aspect, this disclosure relates to a coolant inlet port for the housing of an electrical energy storage pack. This disclosure is applicable to heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, as well as other vehicle types. This disclosure is also applicable to marine applications, passenger cars, and industrial applications. Although this disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, it is not limited to any particular vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage systems, such as battery packs, typically require a sealed enclosure to protect internal components and balance pressure within the enclosure. A breather unit allows for gas exchange while preventing liquid ingress. However, especially in humid environments, moisture can seep into the enclosure, causing condensation on cooling components, which can lead to corrosion or electrical malfunctions. While various methods exist for controlling humidity, there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a coolant inlet port for an electrical energy storage pack housing is provided, the coolant inlet port comprising: an opening for receiving a coolant tube; a breathing unit disposed in the opening, the breathing unit comprising a membrane configured to at least partially surround the coolant tube in the opening, the membrane being permeable to air and impermeable to liquid; and a cover structure disposed to at least partially cover the membrane and a portion of the coolant tube at the opening to form a temporary gas trap around the membrane and the coolant tube.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure seeks to reduce the risk of condensation occurring inside the energy storage enclosure. Technical benefits may include reducing the risk of component failure within the energy storage enclosure.

[0005] More specifically, the temporary gas trap is configured to slow gas flow near the membrane and cooling pipes at the coolant inlet port, allowing sufficient time for condensation to occur outside the energy storage housing. Therefore, the temporary gas trap is a semi-permanent gas trap; it does not prevent air escape but is configured to at least temporarily trap gas at or near the membrane and cooling pipes. That is, the temporary gas trap is configured to hold the gas near the membrane and cooling pipes for a period of time, allowing for at least partial dehumidification before the gas passes through the membrane into the housing. Therefore, the cover structure helps to retain air near the cooling pipes for a longer period, thereby condensing more water.

[0006] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the breathing unit may be shaped as a toroidal surface or ring that completely surrounds the circumference of the coolant pipe. Technical benefits may include more uniform airflow around the coolant pipe, which increases the amount of air contacted by the coolant pipe in the gas trap, thereby improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0007] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the coolant inlet port includes a first cover structure arranged to at least partially cover a first side of the membrane; and a second cover structure arranged to at least partially cover a second side of the membrane. Technical benefits may include: condensate can be captured on both sides of the membrane. Furthermore, gas capture and dehumidification effects can be achieved on both sides of the membrane.

[0008] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first side of the membrane may be oriented to face the exterior of the energy storage pack housing, and the second side of the membrane may be oriented to face the interior of the energy storage pack housing. This provides a clearly defined airflow direction. Furthermore, a cover structure is also provided inside the energy storage housing, which can collect condensate in a second cover structure (where condensate can be discharged from the housing), thereby preventing unnecessary condensation on sensitive elements inside the housing.

[0009] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the cover structure can be configured as a conical gas trap. A conical gas trap refers to a space within the cover structure that is cone-shaped, where gas is contained. Technical benefits may include extending the residence time of air in the gas trap, thereby allowing for better dehumidification efficiency.

[0010] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the first cover structure may be oriented such that the apex of its conical gas trap points towards the outside of the energy storage pack, and the second cover structure may be oriented such that the apex of its conical gas trap points towards the inside of the energy storage pack. Technical benefits may include: achieving two-stage dehumidification by creating separate conical gas traps for air exchange.

[0011] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the cover structure may include a tube arranged to surround the coolant tube and the membrane at the inlet port. Therefore, in some examples, the cover structure is tubular or cylindrical. A tubular or cylindrical cover structure allows for simpler and more economical construction.

[0012] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the cover structure may include a drain opening for discharging liquid from the coolant pipe. Technical benefits may include the ability to drain condensate from the housing, preventing liquid buildup near the coolant inlet port. This further reduces the risk of corrosion at the coolant inlet port and its components.

[0013] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane may be made of a breathable but liquid-impermeable material, including but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene (PE), or similar breathable but liquid-impermeable materials. These materials provide efficient gas exchange and long-term durability in high-humidity environments while preventing liquid infiltration.

[0014] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the breathing unit may be mechanically secured to the coolant tube. This securing can be achieved through an interference fit or by using an adhesive sealant. Technical benefits may include: the membrane is maintained near the coolant tube for efficient dehumidification.

[0015] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane may be arranged to seal against an intermediate element disposed between the coolant pipe and the membrane. Technical benefits may include reduced direct stress on the membrane, improved durability, and enhanced mechanical stability.

[0016] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane can be arranged to seal against the coolant pipe. Technical benefits include: the membrane is maintained near the cooling pipe for efficient dehumidification at the air inlet. It also provides a simple sealing solution requiring no additional components.

[0017] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane may conformally surround the outer surface of the cooling pipe or the intermediate element while maintaining the structural integrity of the membrane. Technical benefits may include that the membrane's function is not impaired because its structural integrity remains unchanged.

[0018] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the integrity of the membrane is maintained without any perforations. Technical benefits may include: prevention of accidental leakage and assurance of reliable membrane operation under varying pressure conditions. Furthermore, compared to perforated membranes, perforation avoidance eliminates potential points of failure.

[0019] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane is elastically deformable and arranged to conform closely to the outer surface of the coolant pipe or the intermediate element. The membrane provides a strong seal without penetration.

[0020] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the membrane is made of a flame-retardant material. The technical benefit is the ability to improve safety by preventing the spread of fire.

[0021] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the coolant inlet port includes a spark arrester at the membrane, the spark arrester being configured to prevent sparks from propagating between the interior and exterior of the housing. Technical benefits may include improved safety by preventing potential ignition sparks from escaping the energy storage housing.

[0022] In addition, an energy storage package is provided, the energy storage package including a housing for accommodating a set of energy storage units and a coolant inlet port as described in any of the examples herein.

[0023] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the energy storage pack further includes a drainage channel configured to collect and drain condensate from the membrane or the coolant pipe.

[0024] In addition, a vehicle is provided that includes an energy storage pack as described in any of the examples herein.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or appended claims can be appropriately combined with each other. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and will be apparent in part to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing this disclosure as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The example is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1A This is a front perspective view of the exemplary coolant inlet port of the example.

[0028] Figure 1B It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port according to the example.

[0029] Figure 2 It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port according to the example.

[0030] Figure 3 It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port according to the example.

[0031] Figure 4 It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port according to the example.

[0032] Figure 5 It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port according to the example.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the energy storage pack in the example.

[0034] Figure 7 The vehicle shown is based on an example. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure.

[0036] Energy storage packs are typically sealed and therefore require a breathing unit to equalize the internal pressure of the enclosure, especially during air transport or extreme altitude changes. However, the breathing unit allows air exchange between the energy storage pack and its surrounding environment, introducing humid air that can condense on cold components inside the enclosure, such as water-cooled heat sinks. This condensation is undesirable and can lead to problems such as corrosion and short circuits, a problem exacerbated in tropical hilly regions. In such environments, high humidity increases the moisture content of the air, while altitude changes create pressure gradients, further increasing air exchange.

[0037] Existing solutions include guiding condensate out of the energy storage pack and using various technologies to remove it.

[0038] To improve upon existing technologies, the proposed example disclosed herein utilizes cooling pipes to dehumidify the air entering the pack. This advantageously reduces the risk of condensation without impairing other features of the energy storage pack.

[0039] Figure 1A This is a front perspective view of an exemplary coolant inlet port 100 for an energy storage pack housing 102, according to an example. The coolant inlet port 100 is configured to receive a cooling pipe 104 arranged to guide cooling fluid from a coolant reservoir to a cooling assembly inside the energy storage pack housing 102. The cooling assembly (such as a cooling plate) is arranged to cool the energy storage units inside the energy storage pack housing 102.

[0040] The energy storage package housing 102 is configured to accommodate energy storage cells connected in series and in parallel as known in the art. For example, these cells may be based on various technologies, such as lithium-ion technology.

[0041] The coolant inlet port 100 also includes a breathing unit and a cover structure 112, the cover structure at least partially covering the membrane 110 of the coolant pipe 106 and the breathing unit 108, for example... Figure 1B It is more visible in the middle.

[0042] Figure 1B It is the cross-section of the coolant inlet port 100 arranged in the side wall 111 of the outer shell 102 of the energy storage pack.

[0043] The coolant inlet port 100 includes an opening 113 for receiving the coolant pipe 104. A breathing unit 108 is disposed in the opening 113 and includes a membrane 110 configured to at least partially surround the coolant pipe 104 within the opening 113. The membrane 110 is permeable to air but impermeable to liquid. This means that the membrane 110 allows gas to flow between the external atmosphere and the interior of the housing 102, thereby achieving pressure balance within the housing 102. The membrane 110 can be made of various similar permeable, impermeable materials known per se, with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene (PE) being examples. Preferably, the membrane 110 is made of a flame-retardant material.

[0044] like Figures 1A to 1B As shown, the membrane 110 is only arranged to partially surround the circumference of the cooling pipe 104. The membrane 110 does not need to be in contact with the cooling pipe 104, but placing the membrane 110 close to the cooling pipe 104 helps to improve the dehumidification effect on the air passing through the membrane 110.

[0045] The cover structure 112 is arranged to at least partially cover the membrane 110 and the portion 104a of the coolant pipe 104 at the opening 113, thereby forming a temporary gas trap 115 around the membrane 110 and the cooling pipe 104. The temporary gas trap 115 is configured to temporarily trap gas, more specifically air, to ensure that it interacts with the portion 104a of the cooling pipe before passing through the membrane 110. In other words, the gas trap 115 is configured to slow down airflow so that dehumidification can be achieved via condensation on the cooling pipe 104a, which is colder than the air in the gas trap 15. The cover structure can be made of a rigid material such as metal or plastic.

[0046] In this example, the cover structure 112 is configured as a conical gas trap 115. In other words, the space forming the air trap 115 is conical. The conical shape increases the residence time of air within the air trap 115. For example, the cone can be circular, but other conical gas trap shapes, such as pyramidal shapes, are also conceivable.

[0047] The cover structure 112 includes a discharge opening 116 for discharging liquid from the coolant pipe 104a and the membrane 110. Condensate that may accumulate in the conical air trap 115 can advantageously be discharged from the opening 116 by gravity. Therefore, the opening 116 is preferably located at a lower or lowest point of the cover structure 112, allowing liquid to flow out by gravity.

[0048] Furthermore, a first cover structure 112a is arranged to at least partially cover a first side of the membrane 110, and a second cover structure 112b is arranged to at least partially cover a second side of the membrane 110. The two sides of the membrane 110 can be opposite sides in the airflow direction. That is, the first side of the membrane 110 is oriented to face the exterior of the energy storage pack housing 102, and the second side of the membrane 110 is oriented to face the interior of the energy storage pack housing 102. In other words, the first cover structure 112a is arranged on the exterior of the housing 102, and the second cover structure 112b is arranged on the interior of the housing 102.

[0049] The outer cover structure 112a completely surrounds the cooling pipe 104 and is arranged coaxially with the cooling pipe 104. The inner cover structure 112b covers only a portion of the cooling pipe 104 and does not surround the cooling pipe 104. The inner cover structure 112b covers only a portion of the cooling pipe on the side of the membrane 110, which in this example is arranged only partially around the cooling pipe 104. That is, the inner cover structure 112b also covers both the membrane and a portion of the coolant pipe 104.

[0050] The breathing unit 108 may include additional components, such as mounting brackets or other intermediate components. However, the breathing unit 108 may be mechanically secured to the coolant tube 104a, for example, by interference fit or adhesive sealant. In the example, the membrane 110 is arranged to seal against the coolant tube 104a.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a cross-section of the cooling port 100 according to another example. Here, the cover structure 212 is not a conical or cone-shaped air trap, but a tube 212 forming a cylindrical air trap 215. The tube 212 is arranged to surround the coolant tube 104 and the membrane 110 at the inlet opening 113.

[0052] In addition, the inner cover structure 212b or the inner tube 212b is arranged coaxially around the cooling tube 104, as is the outer tube 212a.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a cross-section of a cooling port 100 according to another example. Here, the membrane 110 is shaped as an annulus or ring that completely surrounds the circumference of the coolant pipe 104.

[0054] For example, membrane 110 is arranged to seal against coolant pipe 104. Preferably, the membrane conformally surrounds the outer surface of coolant pipe 104 while maintaining the structural integrity of the membrane, with no perforations in membrane 110. This can be achieved by making the membrane elastically deformable and tightly conforming it to the outer surface of coolant pipe 104.

[0055] Furthermore, the first cover structure 120a is oriented such that the apex 122a of its conical gas trap points towards the outside of the energy storage pack housing 102, and the second cover structure 120b is oriented such that the apex 122b of its conical gas trap points towards the inside of the energy storage pack housing 102. In other words, both the inner cover structure 120a and the outer cover structure 120b surround the cooling pipe 104 and are coaxial with it.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of an exemplary cooling inlet port 100. In this example, a spark arrester 128 is disposed at the membrane 110. The spark arrester 128 is configured to prevent sparks from propagating from the interior of the housing 102 to the exterior of the housing 102. The spark arrester 128 is typically constructed of a metal mesh screen and is designed to limit the size of high-temperature exhaust particles emitted during combustion. The spark arrester captures and extinguishes these particles before they escape and could ignite nearby flammable materials.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a cross-section of an exemplary cooling inlet port 100, wherein a membrane 110 is arranged to seal against an intermediate element 502 disposed between a coolant pipe 104 and the membrane 110. The intermediate element 502 may be included in a breathing unit 108.

[0058] In this example, membrane 110 conformally surrounds the outer surface of intermediate element 502 while maintaining the structural integrity of membrane 110. Preferably, membrane 110 has no perforations. Furthermore, membrane 110 is elastically deformable and arranged to conform tightly around the outer surface of intermediate element, thereby providing a strong seal without penetration of the membrane.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an energy storage pack 300, which includes a housing 102 for accommodating a set of energy storage units and a coolant inlet port 100 according to any of the examples described herein. Furthermore, the energy storage pack 300 includes a coolant outlet 302 through which a return line or pipe 304 is arranged.

[0060] The energy storage pack 300 includes a drainage channel 306, such as a pipe or tube, which is configured to collect and drain condensate from the membrane or coolant pipe.

[0061] Figure 7An exemplary vehicle 700, in the form of a truck 700, is shown, including an energy storage pack 300. The vehicle 700 is preferably a vehicle that is at least partially electrified, such as a hybrid vehicle or a fully electric vehicle, and includes at least one electric propulsion unit 702 powered by at least one energy storage pack 300.

[0062] Example 1: A coolant inlet port for an electrical energy storage pack housing, the coolant inlet port comprising: an opening for receiving a coolant tube; and a breathing unit disposed in the opening, the breathing unit comprising a membrane configured to at least partially surround the coolant tube in the opening, the membrane being permeable to air and impermeable to liquid; and a cover structure disposed to at least partially cover the membrane and a portion of the coolant tube at the opening to form a temporary gas trap around the membrane and the coolant tube.

[0063] Example 2: According to the coolant inlet port described in Example 1, the breathing unit is shaped as an annulus or ring that completely surrounds the circumference of the coolant pipe.

[0064] Example 3: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, comprising a first cover structure arranged to at least partially cover a first side of the membrane; and a second cover structure arranged to at least partially cover a second side of the membrane.

[0065] Example 4: According to the coolant inlet port of Example 3, the first side of the membrane is oriented to face the outside of the energy storage pack housing, and the second side of the membrane is oriented to face the inside of the energy storage pack housing.

[0066] Example 5: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the cover structure is configured as a conical gas trap.

[0067] Example 6: According to the coolant inlet port of Example 5, wherein the first cover structure is oriented such that the apex of its conical gas trap points to the outside of the energy storage pack, and the second cover structure is oriented such that the apex of its conical gas trap points to the inside of the energy storage pack.

[0068] Example 7: According to any one of Examples 1 to 4, the cover structure includes a tube arranged around the coolant tube and the membrane at the inlet port.

[0069] Example 8: According to any one of Examples 1 to 7, the cover structure includes a discharge opening for discharging liquid from the coolant pipe.

[0070] Example 9: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the membrane is made of a breathable but impermeable material, including but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene (PE).

[0071] Example 10: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the breathing unit is mechanically fixed to the coolant pipe.

[0072] Example 11: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the membrane is arranged to seal against an intermediate element disposed between the coolant pipe and the membrane.

[0073] Example 12: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the membrane is arranged to seal against the coolant tube.

[0074] Example 13: A coolant inlet port according to Example 11 or 12, wherein the membrane conformally surrounds the outer surface of the cooling pipe or the intermediate element while maintaining the structural integrity of the membrane.

[0075] Example 14: The coolant inlet port according to Example 13, wherein the integrity of the membrane is maintained without any perforations in the membrane.

[0076] Example 15: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the membrane is elastically deformable and arranged to fit tightly to the outer surface of the coolant tube or the intermediate element.

[0077] Example 16: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the membrane is made of a flame-retardant material.

[0078] Example 17: A coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, comprising a spark arrester at the membrane, the spark arrester being configured to prevent sparks from propagating from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing.

[0079] Example 18: An energy storage pack comprising a housing for accommodating a set of energy storage units and a coolant inlet port according to any one of Examples 1 to 17.

[0080] Example 19: The energy storage pack according to Example 18 further includes a drainage channel configured to collect and drain condensate from the membrane or the coolant pipe.

[0081] Example 20: A vehicle comprising an energy storage pack according to any one of Examples 18 to 19.

[0082] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to also include the plural forms. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including”, when used herein, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0083] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0084] In this document, relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” or “vertical” may be used to describe the relationship between one element and another, as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms, along with those discussed above, are intended to cover different device orientations in addition to those depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intermediate elements present.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms used herein shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0086] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. Aspects have been disclosed in the drawings and description for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of this disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coolant inlet port (100) for an outer casing (102) of an energy storage pack, the coolant inlet port comprising: An opening (113) for receiving a coolant pipe (104); as well as A breathing unit (108) is disposed in the opening, the breathing unit including a membrane (110) configured to at least partially surround the coolant tube in the opening, the membrane being permeable to air and impermeable to liquid. as well as A cover structure (112, 212) is arranged to at least partially cover the portion of the membrane and the coolant pipe at the opening to form a temporary gas trap around the membrane and the coolant pipe.

2. The coolant inlet port according to claim 1, wherein the breathing unit is shaped as an annular surface or ring that completely surrounds the circumference of the coolant pipe.

3. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising a first cover structure (112a) arranged to at least partially cover a first side of the membrane; and a second cover structure (112b) arranged to at least partially cover a second side of the membrane.

4. The coolant inlet port according to claim 3, wherein the first side of the membrane is oriented to face the outside of the energy storage pack housing (102), and the second side of the membrane is oriented to face the inside of the energy storage pack housing.

5. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover structure (112) is configured as a conical gas trap.

6. The coolant inlet port according to claim 5, wherein the first cover structure (120a) is oriented such that the apex (122a) of its conical gas trap points to the outside of the energy storage pack, and the second cover structure (120b) is oriented such that the apex (122b) of its conical gas trap points to the inside of the energy storage pack.

7. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover structure (112) includes a tube (212) arranged to surround the coolant tube and the membrane at the inlet port.

8. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover structure includes a discharge opening (116) for discharging liquid from the coolant pipe.

9. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the membrane is made of a breathable but impermeable material, the breathable but impermeable material including but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene (PE).

10. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the breathing unit is mechanically fixed to the coolant pipe.

11. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the membrane is arranged to seal against an intermediate element disposed between the coolant pipe and the membrane.

12. The coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the membrane is arranged to seal against the coolant tube.

13. The coolant inlet port according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the membrane conformally surrounds the outer surface of the cooling pipe or the intermediate element while maintaining the structural integrity of the membrane.

14. An energy storage package (300) comprising a housing (102) for accommodating a set of energy storage units and a coolant inlet port according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising an energy storage pack according to claim 14.

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