Battery cooling device

Abstract

A battery cooling device is disclosed. The battery cooling device includes a pulsating heat pipe, wherein the pulsating heat pipe is manufactured to have a structure in which a vertical passage performing a heat absorption function and a horizontal passage performing a condensation function form a T-shaped passage to increase a surface area of the horizontal passage. The horizontal passage can be disposed below at least one of two battery cells. The battery cells can be selected from a plurality of battery cells stacked in a predetermined number. The plurality of battery cells are stacked to have a surface pressure pad disposed between at least two of the plurality of battery cells to uniformly cool the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery cooling device. More specifically, this invention relates to a battery cooling device configured to cool a battery using a pulsating heat pipe capable of absorbing and dissipating heat. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, the thermal conductivity of battery cells is much lower than that of metals. Therefore, even when cooling channels through which cooling water flows are used to cool one side or opposite sides of the battery cell, a temperature difference will still occur between the area of ​​the battery cell adjacent to the cooling channel and the area not adjacent to the cooling channel, which reduces the cooling effect.

[0003] To address the temperature difference issue, a battery cooling device with a structure in which pulsating heat pipes are inserted between battery cells to improve the heat dissipation performance of the battery cells is used.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is for the purpose of understanding the background technology of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that may not be prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses problems associated with conventional battery cooling devices. Various aspects of this invention aim to provide a battery cooling device including a pulsating heat pipe, wherein the pulsating heat pipe is manufactured with a structure in which a vertical channel performing a heat absorption function and a horizontal channel performing a condensation function form a T-shaped passage to increase the surface area of ​​the horizontal channel, allowing the horizontal channel to be positioned below one of two battery cells selected from battery cells stacked in a predetermined number, and stacked such that a surface pressure pad is provided between the battery cells, thereby (e.g., substantially) achieving uniform cooling (e.g., all) of the battery cells.

[0006] For example, the present invention provides a battery cooling device. The battery cooling device includes: a pulsating heat pipe having a plurality of vertical channels and a plurality of horizontal channels formed within the pulsating heat pipe to cool battery cells, wherein the vertical channels and horizontal channels form a T-shaped passage providing a pulsating refrigerant flow; and a cooling water channel disposed below the horizontal channels.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the pulsating heat pipe, a vertical channel may be disposed between battery cells and configured as an evaporator portion that removes heat from each battery cell, and a horizontal channel may extend from the lower part of the vertical channel in the opposite direction to be disposed at the bottom of each battery cell and configured as a condenser portion that releases heat to the outside.

[0008] Therefore, the pulsating heat pipe can be a four-piece assembly, in which multiple vertical channels and multiple horizontal channels form a T-shaped passage through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0009] Furthermore, the pulsating heat pipe may include: a vertical plate having a surface with a plurality of vertical channels; a sealing plate configured to seal the vertical channels by being attached to a surface of the vertical plate; an intermediate horizontal plate having a structure with a plurality of through holes and being attached to the lower end of the vertical plate and the lower end of the sealing plate, the plurality of through holes being configured to communicate with the vertical channels; and a lower horizontal plate having an upper surface portion having a plurality of horizontal channels and being attached to the lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate, the plurality of horizontal channels being configured to communicate with the through holes.

[0010] Furthermore, the horizontal channel may include a first horizontal channel and a second horizontal channel, the first horizontal channel extending a predetermined distance from the through-hole in one direction, and the second horizontal channel extending a predetermined distance from the end of the first horizontal channel in another direction. Here, the first horizontal channel and the second horizontal channel may be connected to each other to form a U-shaped passage on the same plane.

[0011] Furthermore, the horizontal channel may further include a third horizontal channel that extends from the end of the second horizontal channel to form a U-shaped passage on the same plane and connects to another vertical channel.

[0012] Furthermore, when the vertical plate and the intermediate horizontal plate are connected in a T-shape, the vertical plate can be arranged in a close and contactable manner between one battery cell and another battery cell, one upper surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate can be in close contact with the lower surface portion of one battery cell, and the other upper surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate can be in close contact with the lower surface portion of the other battery cell.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulsating heat pipe may be a five-piece assembly, wherein multiple vertical channels and multiple horizontal channels are formed into a T-shaped passage through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0014] Therefore, the pulsating heat pipe may include: a vertical plate having a surface with a plurality of vertical channels; a sealing plate configured to seal the vertical channels by being attached to a surface of the vertical plate; an upper horizontal plate having a lower surface portion with a plurality of first horizontal channels and being attached to the lower end of the vertical plate and the lower end of the sealing plate, the plurality of first horizontal channels being configured to communicate with the vertical channels; an intermediate horizontal plate having a structure with a plurality of through holes and being attached to the lower surface portion of the upper horizontal plate, the plurality of through holes being configured to communicate with the first horizontal channels; and a lower horizontal plate having an upper surface portion with a plurality of second horizontal channels and being attached to the lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate, the plurality of second horizontal channels being configured to communicate with the through holes.

[0015] Furthermore, a first horizontal channel can extend from the bottom of the vertical channel along one direction to the through hole, and a second horizontal channel can extend from the through hole along another direction for a predetermined length. Here, the first and second horizontal channels can be arranged in a vertically overlapping manner.

[0016] Furthermore, the end of the second horizontal channel can be connected to another second horizontal channel adjacent to it to form a U-shaped passage.

[0017] Furthermore, when the vertical plate and the upper horizontal plate are connected in a T-shape, the vertical plate can be disposed between one battery cell and another battery cell in a close and contactable manner, the first upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate can be in close contact with the lower surface portion of one battery cell, and the other upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate can be in close contact with the lower surface portion of another battery cell.

[0018] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other features of the invention have been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given herein by way of illustration only and are therefore not intended to limit the invention, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional battery cooling device;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the battery cooling device according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the outlines of the vertical and horizontal channels formed inside the pulsating heat pipe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 8 This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the outlines of vertical and horizontal channels formed inside a pulsating heat pipe according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not to scale but rather slightly simplified illustrations of the various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific environment in which they are intended to be applied and used.

[0029] Throughout these accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional battery cooling device.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional battery cooling device includes a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) 20 disposed between battery cells 10 and a cooling water channel 30 disposed near the bottom of the battery cells 10.

[0032] The pulsating heat pipe 20 has a hollow structure and is made of aluminum (Al) or aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) alloy material with sufficient thermal conductivity. The pulsating heat pipe 20 can be manufactured with a (e.g., sealed) structure in which refrigerant is configured to be injected into the pulsating heat pipe 20 and then sealed.

[0033] Because the pulsating heat pipe 20 is manufactured with a structure in which the vertical pipe 21 and the horizontal pipe 22 are bent into an L-shape, the vertical pipe 21 is disposed between the battery cells 10, and the horizontal pipe 22 is disposed below the battery cells 10 and adjacent to the cooling water channel 30.

[0034] For reference only. Figure 1 The pulsating heat pipe 20 is shown as including a vertical pipe 21 and a horizontal pipe 22, but in reality, the pulsating heat pipe 20 can be manufactured such that multiple vertical pipes 21 and multiple horizontal pipes 22 form a refrigerant flow path and are connected to each other.

[0035] Here, gap filler 40 can be applied between the bottom of the battery cell 10 and the horizontal tube 22, and between the horizontal tube 22 and the cooling water channel 30, to eliminate gaps.

[0036] Specifically, in the pulsating heat pipe 20, the vertical pipe 21 serves as an evaporator section for obtaining heat from the battery cell 10, while the horizontal pipe 22 serves as a condenser section for releasing heat to the outside.

[0037] Therefore, heat is transferred from the battery cell 10 to the vertical tube 21, while the horizontal tube 22 is cooled by the external air and the cooling water in the cooling water channel 30, resulting in a temperature difference between the vertical tube 21, which is the evaporator part, and the horizontal tube 22, which is the condenser part.

[0038] In addition, the vertical tube 21 performs the evaporation function of absorbing heat from the battery cell 10, while the horizontal tube 22 performs the condensation function of releasing heat, resulting in a pressure difference between the vertical tube 21 and the horizontal tube 22.

[0039] Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the vertical pipe 21 and the horizontal pipe 22, the refrigerant filling the vertical pipe 21 and the horizontal pipe 22 pulsates. Through the pulsation of the refrigerant, the heat transferred from the battery cell 10 is transferred from the vertical pipe 21 (i.e., the evaporator part) to the horizontal pipe 22 (i.e., the condenser part) and released to the outside, thereby promoting the heat dissipation and cooling of the battery cell and thus preventing the battery cell from overheating.

[0040] However, Figure 1 Traditional battery cooling devices can be improved.

[0041] First, considering that the maximum performance of the pulsating heat pipe can be achieved by increasing the temperature difference between the vertical pipe 21 (i.e., the evaporator section) and the horizontal pipe 22 (i.e., the condenser section), the surface area of ​​the vertical pipe 21 in contact with the battery cell 10 should be increased, or the area of ​​the horizontal pipe 22 adjacent to the cooling water channel 30 should be increased. However, since the area of ​​the side and lower surface portions of the battery cell 10 is predetermined by arbitrary design, the surface area of ​​the vertical pipe 21 or the horizontal pipe 22 may not be increased.

[0042] Secondly, refer to Figure 1 Due to the curvature R of the curved portion between the vertical tube 21 and the horizontal tube 22, a large gap is generated between the battery cell 10 and the horizontal tube 22. Therefore, a gap filler with (for example, excessively large) thickness is applied to fill the gap.

[0043] Third, if there is a surface pressure pad 50 between two battery cells selected from the battery cells 10 stacked in a predetermined number, the horizontal tube 22 may not be positioned below one of the two battery cells, leading to a potential deterioration in the cooling performance of the battery cells.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when there is a surface pressure pad 50 between the second battery cell 12 and the third battery cell 13 selected from the battery cells 10 stacked in a predetermined number, which facilitates the stacking of battery cells, the horizontal tube 22 bent from the vertical tube 21 between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 can be set below the first battery cell 11, but cannot be set below the second battery cell 12. Therefore, the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 are cooled differently, which results in a decrease in the cooling performance of the second battery cell 12 compared with the first battery cell 11, and ultimately may not be possible to achieve (e.g., all) uniform cooling of the battery cells 10.

[0045] The descriptions of specific structures or functions presented in the exemplary embodiments of the invention are for the purpose of explaining the exemplary embodiments according to the invention, and the exemplary embodiments according to the invention can be implemented in various forms. Furthermore, this specification should not be construed as limiting the exemplary embodiments described herein, and should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the scope of the invention.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms include motor vehicles in general, such as SUVs, buses, trucks, passenger cars of various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various small boats and ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0047] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of exemplary embodiments of the invention, a first component can be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component can be referred to as a first component.

[0048] When a component is described as being "connected to" or "in contact with" another component, the component may be directly connected to or in contact with the other component, or there may be an intermediate component. Conversely, when a component is described as being "directly connected to" or "directly in contact with" another component, there is no intermediate component. Other terms used to describe relationships between components can be interpreted in a similar way (e.g., "between" and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.).

[0049] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular forms include plural forms. The terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein mean that the referenced parts, steps, operations, and / or elements do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other parts, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the battery cooling device according to the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery cooling device according to the present invention includes a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) 100 disposed between and below the battery cells 10 and a cooling water channel 30 disposed adjacent to the bottom of the battery cells 10.

[0053] The pulsating heat pipe 100 has a hollow structure and is made of an aluminum (Al) or aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) alloy material that has (e.g., sufficient) thermal conductivity. The pulsating heat pipe 100 can be manufactured with a sealed structure in which refrigerant is flowably injected into the pulsating heat pipe 100 and then sealed.

[0054] For example, the pulsating heat pipe 100 has a structure in which a plurality of vertical channels 112 and a plurality of horizontal channels 142 are formed inside the pulsating heat pipe 100, wherein the vertical channels 112 and the horizontal channels 142 form a T-shaped passage.

[0055] For example, a plurality of vertical channels 112 are formed inside the pulsating heat pipe 100, and each horizontal channel 142 extends from the lower portion of each corresponding vertical channel 112 in one direction and another direction to form a T-shaped passage that provides (e.g., enables) a pulsating refrigerant flow.

[0056] In the pulsating heat pipe 100, vertical channels 112 are disposed between the battery cells 10 and serve as an evaporator section for obtaining heat from each battery cell 10, while horizontal channels 142 are disposed at the bottom of each battery cell 10 and serve as a condenser section for releasing heat to the outside.

[0057] When the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142 are connected in a T-shape, the vertical channel 112 is disposed between one battery cell 10 and another battery cell 10 in a (e.g., tightly) contactable manner. Here, an upper surface portion of the horizontal channel 142 extending from the lower part of the vertical channel 112 in one direction can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of one battery cell 10, and another upper surface portion of the horizontal channel 142 extending from the lower part of the vertical channel 112 in another direction can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of another battery cell 10.

[0058] Meanwhile, the cooling water channel 30 is located below the horizontal channel 142. Here, the cooling water used for heat exchange with the horizontal channel 142 and the refrigerant in the horizontal channel 142 can circulate within the cooling water channel 30.

[0059] Therefore, heat is transferred from the battery cell 10 to the vertical channel 112, and the horizontal channel 142 is cooled by external air and cooling water in the cooling water channel 30, resulting in a temperature difference between the vertical channel 112, which is the evaporator part, and the horizontal channel 142, which is the condenser part.

[0060] In addition, the vertical channel 112 performs the evaporation function of absorbing heat from the battery cell 10, while the horizontal channel 142 performs the condensation function of releasing heat, thereby causing a pressure difference between the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142.

[0061] Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142, the refrigerant filling the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142 pulsates, and through the pulsation of the refrigerant, the heat transferred from the battery cell 10 is transferred from the vertical channel 112 (i.e., the evaporator section) to the horizontal channel 142 (i.e., the condenser section) and released to the outside, thereby promoting the heat dissipation and cooling of the battery cell and thus preventing the battery cell from overheating.

[0062] Thus, by manufacturing the pulsating heat pipe 100 into a T-shaped passage structure with a vertical channel 112 performing heat absorption and a horizontal channel 142 performing condensation, an increased heat exchange surface area is provided for the horizontal channel 142 (e.g., with...). Figure 1Compared to the horizontal tube in a traditional pulsating heat pipe, the surface area of ​​the horizontal channel 142 in contact with the cooling water channel 30 is increased, and the temperature difference between the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142 through which the refrigerant flows is increased, thereby improving the battery cooling performance of the pulsating heat pipe 100.

[0063] In addition, through such Figure 2 The arrangement shown (e.g., allows) horizontal channels 142 to be arranged at the bottom of each battery cell 10. Even when there is a surface pressure pad 50 between the second battery cell 12 and the third battery cell 13 selected from the battery cells 10 stacked in a predetermined number, the cooling performance of the pulsating heat pipe 100 on the battery cells can be improved by achieving (e.g., substantially) uniform cooling of (all) battery cells 10.

[0064] The following describes a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the function of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0065] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the outlines of vertical and horizontal channels formed inside a pulsating heat pipe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pulsating heat pipe 100 can be manufactured as a four-piece assembly, wherein a plurality of vertical channels and a plurality of horizontal channels are formed as a T-shaped passage through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pulsating heat pipe 100 can be manufactured as a four-piece component, including a vertical plate 110 having a surface with a plurality of vertical channels 112 (e.g., one), a sealing plate 120, an intermediate horizontal plate 130, and a lower horizontal plate 140 having an upper surface portion with a plurality of horizontal channels 142, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0068] The vertical plate 110 has a surface (e.g., one) on which a plurality of vertical channels 112 are formed, wherein the vertical channels 112 extend in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and the lower part of each vertical channel 112 is open.

[0069] The sealing plate 120 is used to seal multiple vertical channels 112 by being brazed to (e.g., one) surface of the vertical plate 110.

[0070] When the sealing plate 120 is brazed to (e.g., one) surface of the vertical plate 110, the plurality of vertical channels 112 formed in (e.g., one) surface of the vertical plate 110 can be sealed individually.

[0071] The intermediate horizontal plate 130 has a plurality of through holes 132 formed therein. Each of the plurality of through holes 132 is configured to communicate with the open lower portion of a corresponding one of the vertical channels 112. The intermediate horizontal plate 130 is brazed to the lower end of the vertical plate 110 and the lower end of the sealing plate 120.

[0072] The lower horizontal plate 140 has an upper surface portion in which a plurality of horizontal channels 142 are formed. Each of the plurality of horizontal channels 142 is configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the through holes 132. The lower horizontal plate 140 is brazed to the lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate 130.

[0073] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the horizontal channel 142 formed in the lower horizontal plate 140 includes a first horizontal channel 142-1 extending a predetermined distance in one direction from the through hole 132 in the intermediate horizontal plate 130, and a second horizontal channel 142-2 extending a predetermined distance in another direction from the end of the first horizontal channel 142-1.

[0074] As shown in the figure, the first horizontal channel 142-1 and the second horizontal channel 142-2 are connected to each other (e.g., communicatively) to form a U-shaped passage on the same plane (e.g., shared).

[0075] The horizontal channel 142 further includes a third horizontal channel 142-3 extending from the end of the second horizontal channel 142-2 to form a U-shaped passage on the same plane (e.g., shared). Here, the third horizontal channel 142-3 is connected to another vertical channel 142 to allow refrigerant to circulate to the other vertical channel 142.

[0076] When the vertical plate 110 and the intermediate horizontal plate 130 are connected in a T-shape as described above, the vertical plate 110 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the battery cells are arranged in a (e.g., tightly) accessible manner between one (e.g., first) battery cell 10 and another (e.g., second) battery cell 10, with a vertical plate 110 serving as the boundary between the battery cells 10. One upper surface portion of an intermediate horizontal plate 130 can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of one battery cell 10, and another upper surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate 130 can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of another battery cell 10.

[0077] Therefore, heat is transferred from the battery cell 10 to the vertical channel 112, and the horizontal channel 142 is cooled by external air and cooling water in the cooling water channel 30, resulting in a temperature difference between the vertical channel 112 (i.e., the evaporator section) and the horizontal channel 142 (i.e., the condenser section).

[0078] In addition, the vertical channel 112 in the vertical plate 110 performs the evaporation function of absorbing heat from the battery cell 10, and the horizontal channel 142, including the first horizontal channel 142-1, the second horizontal channel 142-2, etc. in the lower horizontal plate 140, performs the condensation function of releasing heat, thereby causing a pressure difference to be generated between the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142.

[0079] Subsequently, due to the pressure difference between the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142, the refrigerant filling the vertical channel 112 and the horizontal channel 142 pulsates, generating a refrigerant flow that sequentially circulates from the vertical channel 112 through the first horizontal channel 142-1, the second horizontal channel 142-2, and the third horizontal channel 142-3, and then to another vertical channel 112, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown by the arrow in the image.

[0080] Through the pulsating refrigerant flow, the heat transferred from the battery cell 10 is transferred from the vertical channel 112 (i.e., the evaporator section) to the horizontal channel 142 (i.e., the condenser section) and released to the outside, thereby promoting heat dissipation and cooling of the battery cell and thus preventing overheating of the battery cell.

[0081] The following describes a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the function of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0082] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pulsating heat pipe of a battery cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the outlines of the vertical and horizontal channels formed within a pulsating heat pipe according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pulsating heat pipe 200 can be manufactured as a five-piece assembly, wherein a plurality of vertical channels and a plurality of horizontal channels are formed as a T-shaped passage through which the refrigerant can flow.

[0084] like Figures 6-8As shown, the pulsating heat pipe 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured as a five-piece component, including a vertical plate 210 having a surface with a plurality of vertical channels 212 (e.g., one), a sealing plate 220, an upper horizontal plate 230 having a lower surface portion having a first horizontal channel 232, an intermediate horizontal plate 240, and a lower horizontal plate 250 having an upper surface portion having a second horizontal channel 252 (e.g., a vertical plate 210 having a surface portion having a second horizontal channel 252). Figure 6 and Figure 7 (As shown).

[0085] The vertical plate 210 has a surface (e.g., one) with a plurality of vertical channels 212 formed thereon, wherein the vertical channels 212 extend in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and the lower part of each vertical channel 212 is open.

[0086] The sealing plate 220 is used to seal multiple vertical channels 212 by being brazed to one surface of the vertical plate 210.

[0087] For example, when the sealing plate 220 is brazed to a surface of the vertical plate 210, the multiple vertical channels 212 formed in a surface of the vertical plate 210 can be sealed separately.

[0088] The upper horizontal plate 230 has a lower surface portion having a plurality of first horizontal channels 232, each first horizontal channel being configured to communicate with the lower portion of a corresponding one of the vertical channels 212. The upper horizontal plate 230 is brazed to the lower end of the vertical plate 210 and the lower end of the sealing plate 220.

[0089] The intermediate horizontal plate 240 has a plurality of through holes 242 formed therein, each through hole being configured to communicate with a corresponding one in the first horizontal channel 232. The intermediate horizontal plate 240 is brazed to the lower surface portion of the upper horizontal plate 230.

[0090] The lower horizontal plate 250 has a plurality of second horizontal channels 252 formed therein, each second horizontal channel being configured to communicate with a corresponding one of the through holes 242. The lower horizontal plate 250 is brazed to the lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate 240.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, a first horizontal channel 232 formed in the lower surface portion of the upper horizontal plate 230 extends from the lower part of the vertical channel 212 to the through hole 242 in one direction, and a second horizontal channel 252 formed in the upper surface portion of the lower horizontal plate 250 extends from the through hole 242 for a predetermined length in another direction, such that the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252 are arranged in a vertically overlapping manner.

[0092] Furthermore, the end of the second horizontal channel 252 (e.g., connectably) is connected to another second horizontal channel 252 adjacent to the second horizontal channel 252 (e.g., on the right side) to form a U-shaped passage on the same plane (e.g., shared).

[0093] When the vertical plate 210 and the upper horizontal plate 230 are connected in a T-shape as described above, the vertical plate 210 can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the battery cells 10 are arranged in a (e.g., tightly) accessible manner between one battery cell 10 and another battery cell 10, with a vertical plate 210 serving as the boundary between the battery cells 10. One upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate 230 can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of one battery cell 10, and another upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate 230 can form (e.g., tightly) contact with the lower surface portion of another battery cell 10.

[0094] Therefore, heat is transferred from the battery cell 10 to the vertical channel 212, and the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252 are cooled by external air and cooling water in the cooling water channel 30, resulting in a temperature difference between the vertical channel 212, which is the evaporator part, and the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252, which are the condenser parts.

[0095] In addition, the vertical channel 212 in the vertical plate 210 performs the evaporation function of absorbing heat from the battery cell 10, and the first horizontal channel 232 in the upper horizontal plate 230 and the second horizontal channel 252 in the lower horizontal plate 250 perform the condensation function of releasing heat, thereby causing a pressure difference to be generated between the vertical channel 212 (i.e., the evaporator part) and the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252 (i.e., the condenser part).

[0096] Subsequently, due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the vertical channel 212 and the internal pressure of the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252, the refrigerant filling the vertical channel 212, the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252 pulsates, generating a refrigerant flow that circulates from the vertical channel 212 (e.g., sequentially) through the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252, and then to another vertical channel 212, such as... Figure 8 As shown by the arrow in the image.

[0097] Through the pulsating refrigerant flow, the heat transferred from the battery cell 10 is transferred from the vertical channel 212 (i.e., the evaporator section) to the first horizontal channel 232 and the second horizontal channel 252 (i.e., the condenser section) and released to the outside, thereby promoting heat dissipation and cooling of the battery cell and thus preventing the battery cell from overheating.

[0098] The present invention provides at least the following improvements.

[0099] First, by manufacturing a pulsating heat pipe with a T-shaped structure consisting of a vertical channel for heat absorption and a horizontal channel for condensation, a horizontal channel with an increased heat exchange surface area is provided compared to the horizontal tube in a conventional pulsating heat pipe for battery cooling devices. This increases the temperature difference between the vertical and horizontal channels through which the refrigerant flows, thus improving the battery cooling performance of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0100] Secondly, by manufacturing a pulsating heat pipe with a T-shaped structure consisting of a vertical channel between the battery cells and a horizontal channel below the battery cells, the surface area of ​​the horizontal channel used for indirect contact with the cooling water channel is increased, thereby increasing the heat dissipation performance of the horizontal channel and thus improving the battery heat dissipation and cooling performance of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0101] Third, even when there is a surface pressure pad between two battery cells selected from a predetermined number of stacked battery cells, the cooling performance of the pulsating heat pipe for the battery cells can be improved by providing (e.g., arranging) a horizontal channel under each of the two battery cells.

[0102] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements to the invention based on the claims provided by those skilled in the art will also be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A battery cooling device, comprising: A pulsating heat pipe includes a plurality of vertical channels and a plurality of horizontal channels configured to cool a plurality of battery cells, wherein the vertical channels and the horizontal channels form a T-shaped passage configured to provide a pulsating refrigerant flow; and Cooling water passage is located below the horizontal passage.

2. The battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, In the pulsating heat pipe, at least one vertical channel is disposed between the plurality of battery cells and configured as an evaporator section, the evaporator section being configured to remove heat from each of the plurality of battery cells.

3. The battery cooling device according to claim 2, wherein, In the pulsating heat pipe, at least one horizontal channel extends from the lower part of the at least one vertical channel in the opposite direction.

4. The battery cooling device according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one horizontal channel extends along the bottom of each of the plurality of battery cells and is configured as a condenser portion, the condenser portion being configured to release heat to the outside.

5. The battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe is a four-piece assembly that forms a T-shaped passage, and the refrigerant is configured to flow through the pulsating heat pipe.

6. The battery cooling device according to claim 5, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe includes: A vertical plate having a first surface with multiple vertical channels formed thereon; and A sealing plate configured to seal the plurality of vertical channels, the sealing plate being engaged with a first surface of the vertical plate.

7. The battery cooling device according to claim 6, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe further includes: An intermediate horizontal plate includes a plurality of through holes configured to communicate with the plurality of vertical channels and engages with the lower end of the vertical plate and the lower end of the sealing plate.

8. The battery cooling device according to claim 7, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe further includes: The lower horizontal plate includes an upper surface portion having a plurality of horizontal channels formed thereon and is joined to a lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate, the plurality of horizontal channels being configured to communicate with the through hole.

9. The battery cooling device according to claim 7, wherein, At least one horizontal channel includes a first horizontal channel and a second horizontal channel, the first horizontal channel extending a predetermined distance from the through hole along a first direction, and the second horizontal channel extending a predetermined distance from the end of the first horizontal channel along a second direction.

10. The battery cooling device according to claim 9, wherein, The first horizontal channel and the second horizontal channel join together to form a U-shaped passage on a common plane.

11. The battery cooling device according to claim 10, wherein, The horizontal channel further includes a third horizontal channel that extends from the end of the second horizontal channel to form a U-shaped passage on a common plane and joins another vertical channel.

12. The battery cooling device according to claim 7, wherein, When the vertical plate and the intermediate horizontal plate are joined in a T-shape, the vertical plate is positioned between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

13. The battery cooling device according to claim 12, wherein, When the vertical plate and the intermediate horizontal plate are joined in a T-shape, the first upper surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate is configured to contact the lower surface portion of the first battery cell, and the second upper surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate is configured to contact the lower surface portion of the second battery cell.

14. The battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe is a five-piece assembly that forms a T-shaped passage, through which the refrigerant is configured to flow.

15. The battery cooling device according to claim 14, wherein, The pulsating heat pipe includes: A vertical plate having a first surface with multiple vertical channels formed thereon; A sealing plate configured to seal the plurality of vertical channels, the sealing plate being engaged with a first surface of the vertical plate; An upper horizontal plate has a lower surface portion having a plurality of first horizontal channels formed therein, and is attached to the lower end of the vertical plate and the lower end of the sealing plate, wherein the plurality of first horizontal channels are configured to communicate with the vertical channels; An intermediate horizontal plate includes a plurality of through holes configured to communicate with a first horizontal channel and engaging with a lower surface portion of the upper horizontal plate; and The lower horizontal plate includes an upper surface portion having a plurality of second horizontal channels formed thereon and is joined to a lower surface portion of the intermediate horizontal plate, the plurality of second horizontal channels being configured to communicate with the through hole.

16. The battery cooling device according to claim 15, wherein, The first horizontal channel extends from the lower part of the vertical channel along a first direction to the through hole, and the second horizontal channel extends from the through hole along a second direction for a predetermined length.

17. The battery cooling device according to claim 16, wherein, The first horizontal channel and the second horizontal channel are configured to overlap vertically.

18. The battery cooling device according to claim 15, wherein, The end of the second horizontal channel is joined to another second horizontal channel adjacent to the second horizontal channel to form a U-shaped passage.

19. The battery cooling device according to claim 15, wherein, When the vertical plate and the upper horizontal plate are joined in a T-shape, the vertical plate is joined between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

20. The battery cooling device according to claim 19, wherein, When the vertical plate and the upper horizontal plate are joined in a T-shape, the first upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate contacts the lower surface portion of the first battery cell, and the second upper surface portion of the upper horizontal plate contacts the lower surface portion of the second battery cell.

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