Pouch-type battery cooling device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pouch-type battery cooling device for removing heat generated in a pouch-type battery. The pouch-type battery cooling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include a housing for accommodating a plurality of pouch-type batteries and including a cooling liquid in direct or indirect contact with the pouch-type batteries, and a support body disposed between the pouch-type batteries or pouch-type battery groups, the support body including a support plate applying a pressure in a thickness direction of the pouch-type batteries to support the pouch-type batteries or the pouch-type battery groups, a plurality of channels formed inside the support plate, arranged in a planar direction of the pouch-type batteries, and providing a flow path for the cooling liquid to flow in a height direction of the pouch-type batteries. The pouch-type battery cooling device according to the present disclosure can effectively remove heat generated in the pouch-type battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cooling device for a pouch cell battery, and more specifically, to a pouch cell battery cooling device for removing heat generated in a pouch cell battery. Background Technology

[0002] Previous cooling technologies for pouch batteries mainly used air cooling to solve the heat generation problem.

[0003] Pouch cells are inherently less rigid, so they require supports between the cells, and a structural support that can apply constant pressure in the surface direction (the direction on the surface of the cell).

[0004] Furthermore, pouch cells are composed of electrodes and current collectors (e.g., Al, Cu) in the surface direction, resulting in high thermal conductivity and widespread heat dissipation. However, pouch cells have multiple layers such as electrodes, separators, and electrolytes stacked in the thickness direction. Due to the interfacial resistance of each layer and the influence of insulating materials, the thermal conductivity is relatively low. Therefore, this structure is very unfavorable for heat transfer along the thickness direction.

[0005] Therefore, the heat generated inside a pouch cell is difficult to dissipate effectively in the thickness direction. This structure easily leads to heat concentration and significant local temperature rise, thus requiring effective thermal control technology.

[0006] Furthermore, in pouch cell battery systems, thermal runaway can rapidly spread heat between adjacent cells, which can significantly reduce the safety of the entire system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical problems to be solved

[0008] According to this disclosure, a cooling device for a pouch cell is provided, which allows coolant to circulate naturally between the pouch cells, thereby effectively removing the heat generated in the pouch cell.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] The pouch cell cooling device according to this disclosure may include: a housing for accommodating a plurality of pouch cells and including a coolant in direct or indirect contact with the pouch cells; and a support body disposed between adjacent pouch cells or adjacent pouch cell packs, the support body including: a support plate configured to apply pressure to the pouch cells or pouch cell packs along the thickness direction to support the pouch cells or pouch cell packs; and a plurality of channels formed inside the support plate and arranged along the planar direction of the pouch cells to provide flow paths for the coolant to flow.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing may be made of metal and include a side portion, a bottom portion, and a cover portion, wherein at least the side portion includes a heat-insulating material.

[0012] In one embodiment, an air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module may be incorporated into the bottom or the cover.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel (SUS), and the heat insulation material may be laminated on the outside of the metal material or laminated between the metal materials.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support may include a partition portion, which is combined with the bottom and cover portion of the housing to isolate adjacent pouch cells or adjacent pouch cell packs.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support may include: the partition portion; a support plate formed on one or both sides of the partition portion; and a channel formed inside the support plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the partition portion may include thermal insulation material between the first partition plate and the second partition plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the insulation material may be formed from mica (MICA) or aerogel.

[0018] In one embodiment, extension portions may be formed at the upper and lower ends of the partition portion, thereby expanding the contact area between the bottom and cover portions of the housing and the partition portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the channel can extend from the lower part to the upper part of the support, and inlet and outlet are provided below and above the support plate, thereby forming a straight flow path.

[0020] In one embodiment, the channel can extend from the lower part to the upper part of the support, and inlet and outlet are provided on the lower and upper sides of the support plate, thereby forming a U-shaped flow path.

[0021] In one embodiment, the side of the pouch cell can be in direct contact with the coolant, while the flat surface of the pouch cell can be in indirect contact with the coolant through the channel.

[0022] The effects of the invention

[0023] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the coolant inside the casing can be guided to form natural convection between the pouch cells, thereby effectively removing heat generated in the pouch cells. In particular, by utilizing natural convection, the coolant can spontaneously circulate and dissipate heat without external energy, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, direct contact cooling and indirect contact cooling are performed on the side and plane of the pouch cell, respectively, thereby improving cooling efficiency and maintaining a uniform temperature distribution in the battery, thus improving the safety and performance of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A pouch-type battery cooling device (line flow path) with a channel-type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The side portion of the housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A pouch-type battery cooling device incorporating an air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 A channel-type support (line-shaped flow path) of a pouch-type battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A pouch-type battery cooling device (straight-line flow path) with a partition channel type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This illustration shows a separator channel type support (one-line flow path) of a pouch battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 A pouch-type battery cooling device (U-shaped flow path) with a partition channel type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This illustration shows a partition channel type support (U-shaped flow path) of a soft-pack battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 A pouch-type battery cooling device (straight-line flow path) with a heat-insulating partition channel-type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10This illustration shows a heat-insulating partition channel type support (one-line flow path) of a pouch battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the application of a pouch-type battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely an illustrative description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0037] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe different elements, constituent elements, and / or parts, these elements, constituent elements, and / or parts are not limited by such terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, constituent element, or part from other elements, constituent elements, or parts. Therefore, the first element, first constituent element, or first part mentioned below may also be a second element, second constituent element, or second part within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0038] The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe embodiments and not to limit the disclosure. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the singular forms also include the plural forms. The terms "comprises" and / or "made of" as used in the specification mean that the referenced components, steps, actions, and / or elements do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, and / or elements.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be used in the sense that would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in general dictionaries should not be idealized or over-interpreted unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0040] In this disclosure, the orientation of the battery and the system and apparatus including the battery are described with reference to the X-axis (or planar direction), Y-axis (or thickness direction), and Z-axis (or height direction). However, since the battery can rotate in any direction, the reference to these directions is not limiting.

[0041] Figure 1 A pouch-type battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Reference Figure 1According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pouch battery cooling device includes: a housing 100 for accommodating a plurality of pouch batteries 10 and containing a coolant 11 inside, the coolant 11 being in direct or indirect contact with the pouch batteries 10; and a support body disposed between adjacent pouch batteries 10 or adjacent pouch battery packs 20.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support includes a support plate 220 and a plurality of channels 240. The support plate 220 is configured to apply pressure to the pouch cell 10 or the pouch cell pack 20 in the thickness direction (e.g., the Y direction) to support the pouch cell 10 or the pouch cell pack 20. The plurality of channels 240 are formed inside the support plate 220 and arranged in the planar direction (e.g., the X direction) of the pouch cell 10 to provide a flow path for the coolant 11 to flow.

[0044] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The soft-pack battery cooling device includes a support plate 220, and the number of support plates 220 can be two, three, four, five or more.

[0045] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The support plate 220 can also be configured to support the planar direction of a soft-pack battery disposed at the edge.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a housing 100 internally accommodates a plurality of pouch cells 10 and includes a coolant 11 that is in direct or indirect contact with the pouch cells 10 to remove heat.

[0047] The housing 100 is a sealed structure used to house the pouch cell 10 and the coolant 11, and may have one or more coolant supply ports and coolant outlets. The housing 100 is made of metal to prevent coolant 11 leakage, and may be made of a material with strength and corrosion resistance, such as aluminum or stainless steel (SUS).

[0048] The interior of the housing 100 is filled with a coolant 11 that has excellent electrical insulation and thermal transfer properties, such as silicone oil, synthetic ester, or fluorinated fluid. For example, according to one embodiment, the coolant 11 can be hydrofluoroether, fluorinated ketone, perfluorohexane, perfluoro(2-butyl-tetrahydrofuran) or such perfluorinated compounds, mineral oil, synthetic oil (e.g., polyalphaolefin (PAO)), methoxy-nonafluorobutane, etc.

[0049] Therefore, the coolant 11 can directly contact the pouch cell 10, or indirectly contact the pouch cell 10 through a cooling flow path formed by the coolant 11 flowing in the plurality of channels, thereby effectively removing heat from the battery.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the housing 100 may be formed of a metal material and includes a side portion 120, a bottom portion 140, and a cover portion 160. At least the side portion 120 may include a heat-insulating material 180. According to one embodiment, the bottom portion 140 and / or the cover portion 160 may each independently include a heat-insulating material, which may be the same as or different from the heat-insulating material of the side portion 120. The housing 100 includes the side portion 120, the bottom portion 140, and the cover portion 160, thereby, according to one embodiment, the housing 100 may be formed in a hexahedral shape.

[0051] The housing 100 (or side portion 120, bottom portion 140, and cover portion 160) can be made of a metallic material to prevent coolant 11 leakage, and can be made of a material with strength and corrosion resistance. For example, it can be made of aluminum or stainless steel (SUS). Aluminum has lightweight properties and excellent thermal conductivity, while stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

[0052] In the side portion 120, bottom 140 and cover portion 160 of the housing 100, at least the side portion 120 (optionally, may also include the bottom 140 and / or cover portion 160) includes thermal insulation material 180, which can reduce or prevent internal heat transfer to the outside, thereby reducing internal temperature fluctuations caused by changes in the external environment.

[0053] like Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs shown, the thermal insulation material 180 can be laminated on the outside of the side portion 120 of the metal material, or disposed between the side portions 120 of the metal material. In some embodiments, mica (MICA) and / or aerogel can be used as the thermal insulation material 180.

[0054] The bottom 140 and the cover 160 of the housing 100 can be respectively connected to the side portion 120 to seal the internal pouch battery 10 and coolant 11. The housing 100 may be provided with a supply port and a discharge port for injecting and discharging the coolant 11. For example, the supply port may be located at the bottom 140, and the discharge port may be located at the cover 160.

[0055] Furthermore, an air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module 300 may be incorporated into the housing 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the housing 100 in contact with the external cooling module 300 (e.g., Figure 3 The cover portion 160 shown may not contain heat insulation material. Therefore, the bottom portion 140 and the cover portion 160 can be combined with the heat insulation material 180 in the same way as the side portion 120 without the external cooling module 300 being formed.

[0056] Figure 3 A pouch-type battery cooling device incorporating an air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module 300 may be incorporated into the bottom 140 or the cover 160 of the housing 100.

[0058] Therefore, the cooling module is also provided on the upper or lower part of the housing 100 of the soft-pack battery cooling device according to the present disclosure, so that the temperature of the internal coolant 11 can be effectively controlled.

[0059] The housing 100 includes a side portion 120, a bottom portion 140, and a cover portion 160. In one embodiment, an external cooling module 300 may be integrated primarily at the bottom portion 140 or the cover portion 160. In one embodiment, integrating the external cooling module 300 at the cover portion 160 can enhance the natural convection flow of the coolant 11 inside the housing 100. That is, the external cooling module 300 can dissipate heat from the internal coolant 11 and the pouch cell 10 to the outside, or further improve the cooling effect.

[0060] The air-cooled external cooling module 300 can circulate external air, thereby dissipating the coolant 11 and the heat generated in the pouch battery 10 to the outside through heat sinks or heat dissipation structures formed on the bottom 140 or cover 160 of the housing 100.

[0061] The liquid-type external cooling module 300 removes internal heat by allowing separate cooling water or refrigerant to flow through the bottom 140 or cover 160 of the housing 100, or by flowing through cooling pipes.

[0062] Therefore, the combination of the external cooling module 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can further cool the coolant 11 inside the housing 100 from the outside, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the pouch battery 10 and enabling the coolant 11 to circulate more smoothly and naturally.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support 200 is disposed inside a housing 100 and is positioned between a plurality of pouch cells 10 or pouch cell packs 20 to support the pouch cells 10 or pouch cell packs 20 and form a cooling flow path. In one embodiment, the support 200 may generally include a support plate 220 and a channel 240.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support plate 220 can be disposed between the pouch cell 10 or the pouch cell pack 20, applying pressure to the battery along the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) to support the battery and suppress the swelling or deformation of the pouch cell.

[0065] The support plate 220 can be formed of a metal material with strength, corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or stainless steel (SUS).

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of channels 240 are formed inside the support plate 220, arranged along the planar direction (X direction) of the pouch cell 10, and extending along the height direction (Z direction) to provide a flow path for the coolant 11 to flow.

[0067] The cross-section of the channel 240 can be circular or quadrilateral, and the flow path can be a straight flow path in which the inlet 242 and the outlet 244 are arranged on the same vertical line, or a U-shaped flow path in which the inlet 242 and the outlet 244 are arranged toward the side of the support plate 220.

[0068] Figure 4 The diagram shows a channel-type support of a pouch-type battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, forming a straight flow path.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, in the support 200, a plurality of channels 240 are arranged inside the support plate 220 along the planar direction (X direction) of the battery and are formed to extend along the height direction (Z direction), thereby providing a flow path for the coolant 11 to flow from the lower part to the upper part of the support plate 220. (Refer to...) Figure 4The inlet 242 and outlet 244 of the channel 240 can be located below and above the support plate 220 to provide a straight flow path.

[0070] This channel 240 structure can guide the coolant 11 inside the housing 100 to form natural convection between the pouch cells 10, and allow the heat generated in the pouch cells 10 to be smoothly transferred to the upper part and effectively removed. In particular, by utilizing natural convection, the coolant 11 can spontaneously circulate and dissipate heat without external energy, thereby improving energy efficiency and preventing performance degradation due to heat generation.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support 200 may include: a partition portion 260; a support plate 220 formed on one or both sides of the partition portion 260; and a channel 240 formed inside the support plate 220.

[0072] The partition portion 260 can be combined with the bottom 140 and the cover portion 160 of the housing 100 to physically separate the pouch battery 10 or the pouch battery pack 20.

[0073] The support plate 220 can be integrally formed on one or both sides of the partition portion 260, or it can be formed on one or both sides of the partition portion 260 by separate assembly or welding. As an embodiment, the support plate 220 can be arranged on both sides of the partition portion 260, and a plurality of channels 240 are formed inside the support plate 220.

[0074] The support plate 220 can apply pressure to the pouch cell 10 along its thickness direction (Y-axis direction), thereby suppressing the expansion (swelling) or deformation of the pouch cell 10 and maintaining structural stability. The support plate 220 can be made of metal, thereby maintaining high structural strength.

[0075] The channel 240 is formed inside the support plate 220, arranged along the planar direction (X-axis direction) of the pouch cell 10, and provides a flow path for the coolant 11 to flow along the height direction (Z-axis direction). This channel 240 allows the coolant 11 to indirectly contact the widest surface (planar surface) of the pouch cell 10, thus effectively removing heat.

[0076] The separator 260 blocks the heat transfer path between pouch cells 10 or between pouch cell packs 20, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway and improving cooling performance.

[0077] Figure 5 A pouch-type battery cooling device with a partition channel type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 A partition channel type support of a pouch battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiment shows that supports 200 and 211 are formed on both sides of the pouch battery pack 20. The support 200 can be formed on one side of the pouch battery pack 20 with a support plate 220 and a channel 240 structure, and the support 211 including a partition portion 260 is formed between the pouch battery packs 20.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the support body 211 including the partition portion 260, the partition portion 260, which is formed in the shape of a straight plate, is attached to the bottom 140 and the cover portion 160 of the housing 100, thereby separating adjacent pouch battery packs 20. Support plates 220 are formed on both sides of the partition portion 260, and a channel 240 is formed inside the support plate 220 along the height direction (Z-axis direction). The channel 240 forms a flow inlet 242 and a flow outlet 244 arranged in a straight line on the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate 220.

[0080] In some embodiments, multiple channels may also be formed between the sidewall of the support plate 220 and the partition portion 260. When support plates are arranged on both sides of the partition portion, multiple channels may be formed on both sides of the partition portion.

[0081] According to one embodiment, a central partition portion 260 can be provided and combined with the bottom 140 and the cover portion 160 of the housing 100. A relatively low support plate 220 is formed on both sides of the partition portion 260. Channels 240 with outlet 244 and inlet 242 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate 220, respectively. That is, a straight flow path can be provided inside the support plate 220.

[0082] Figure 7 A pouch-type battery cooling device with a partition channel type support is shown according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 A partition channel type support for a pouch battery cooling device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0083] according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, supports 212 and 213 are formed on both sides of a pouch battery pack 20. Support 212, which has a support plate 220a and a channel 240 structure, is formed on one side of the pouch battery pack 20. Support 213, which includes a partition portion 260a and a support plate 220b, is formed between the pouch battery packs 20.

[0084] In this embodiment, the support 213 itself can perform the function of a partition. The support 213 is attached to the bottom 140 and the cover 160 of the housing 100, thereby isolating adjacent pouch battery packs 20.

[0085] according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, outlets 244a, 244b and inlets 242a, 242b are formed on the sides of support plates 220a, 220b, thus forming a channel 240 that provides a U-shaped flow path.

[0086] Therefore, for the support 213 that performs the partition function, channels 240 providing a U-shaped flow path can be formed on both sides of the central partition portion 260a, and for the support 212 located on one side of the soft-pack battery 10, a channel 240 providing a U-shaped flow path can be formed in one direction.

[0087] Figure 9 A pouch battery cooling device with a heat-insulating partition channel-type support is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The diagram shows a heat-insulating partition channel type support for a pouch battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The embodiment shows that supports 200 and 214 are formed on both sides of the pouch battery pack 20. The support 200 with a support plate 220 and a channel 240 structure is formed on one side of the pouch battery pack 20, and the support 200 including the support plate 220 and the partition portion 260b is formed between the pouch battery packs 20.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to this embodiment, the partition portion 260b may include a heat-insulating material 266 between the first partition plate 262 and the second partition plate 264. The heat-insulating material 266 is inserted between the first partition plate 262 and the second partition plate 264 to block heat transfer.

[0090] Specifically, the thermal insulation material 266 can be a thermal insulation material such as MICA or aerogel. MICA has excellent insulation and heat resistance, and can be processed into a thin plate-like structure, thus it can be disposed between the first separator plate 262 and the second separator plate 264. Aerogel, as a thermal insulation material 266 with a microporous structure, has heat-blocking properties and heat resistance, and can be lightweight. The selection of this thermal insulation material 266 can be appropriately applied according to the operating environment or design of the pouch battery cooling device.

[0091] Furthermore, the heat-insulating material 266 can be configured to completely fill the internal space of the separator portion 260b, or it can be configured locally as needed. The above structure can further improve the heat transfer blocking performance between the pouch cells 10.

[0092] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, extension portions 268 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the partition portion 260b, thereby expanding the contact area between the bottom 140 and the cover portion 160 of the housing 100 and the partition portion 260b. As one embodiment, the extension portion 268 may be formed in a "┓" shape.

[0093] The extension portion 268 can widen the contact area between the upper and lower ends of the separator portion 260 and the cover portion 160 and bottom portion 140 of the housing 100, thereby improving the bonding strength and enabling the separator portion 260b to effectively support the pressure applied in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the pouch battery 10. This extension portion 268 can make the separator portion 260b structurally stable, neither obstructing the flow path of the coolant 11 nor hindering the position of the separator portion 260b.

[0094] As shown above, the channel 240 and partition structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can guide the coolant 11 inside the housing 100 to form natural convection between the pouch cells 10, thereby smoothly transferring the heat generated in the pouch cells 10 to the upper part, thereby effectively removing heat.

[0095] In addition, by separating adjacent pouch cells 10 or pouch cell packs 20 through a separator structure, heat transfer paths and gas movement are effectively blocked, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway and further improving cooling performance.

[0096] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the side of the pouch battery 10 can be in direct contact with the coolant 11, and the plane of the pouch battery 10 can be in indirect contact with the coolant 11 through the channel 240.

[0097] The narrower side of the pouch cell 10 can directly contact the coolant 11. The coolant 11 fills or circulates inside the housing 100, and can effectively remove heat while flowing directly along the side of the pouch cell 10. This is to effectively remove the heat generated by the battery through the side of the pouch cell 10.

[0098] The flat surface (wider surface) of the pouch cell 10 is disposed adjacent to the channel 240 of the support 200 and can indirectly contact the coolant 11 flowing through the channel 240. According to one embodiment, the channel 240 can be formed inside the support plate 220 and provide a flow path extending in the height direction. In this case, the coolant 11 flowing within the channel 240 can exchange heat with the flat surface of the pouch cell 10 but not directly contact it, and can transfer heat through the surface of the support plate 220.

[0099] As shown above, the pouch battery cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can perform direct contact cooling and indirect contact cooling on the side and plane of the pouch battery 10, respectively, thereby improving cooling efficiency, maintaining uniform battery temperature distribution, and thus improving battery safety and performance.

[0100] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an application of a pouch cell cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a battery module 30 including multiple pouch cells and a pouch cell battery pack.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pouch battery 10 can be applied to an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle (EV).

[0102] Specifically, the pouch cell 10 can be configured as a 4P50S form for EVs or as a 2P120S form for ESSs. The required capacity and voltage of the system can be met by combining the number of cells connected in parallel (P) and the number connected in series (S).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 can accommodate a plurality of pouch cells 10 and pouch cell packs, and includes coolant 11 inside.

[0104] Reference Figure 11 The planar direction (X-axis direction) formed along the widest surface of the pouch cell 10, the thickness direction (Y-direction) formed along the thinnest surface of the pouch cell 10, and the height direction (Z-direction) formed along the width direction of the pouch cell 10 can be shown.

[0105] The support 200 is disposed inside the housing 100 and located between the pouch battery 10 or the pouch battery pack. It can apply pressure along the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the pouch battery 10 to support the pouch battery 10 or the pouch battery pack.

[0106] In addition, the support 200 includes multiple channels inside, which are arranged along the planar direction (X-axis direction) of the pouch cell 10 and extend along the height direction (Z-axis direction), thereby providing a flow path for coolant to flow.

[0107] This channel structure guides the coolant inside the housing 100 to form natural convection between the pouch cells 10, thereby smoothly transferring the heat generated in the pouch cells 10 to the upper part and effectively removing heat. In particular, by utilizing natural convection, the coolant can spontaneously circulate and dissipate heat without external energy, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0108] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pouch battery cooling device can perform direct contact cooling and indirect contact cooling on the side and plane of the pouch battery 10, respectively, thereby improving cooling efficiency and maintaining a uniform battery temperature distribution, thus improving battery safety and performance.

[0109] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be included without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, at least some of the various embodiments of this disclosure described above may be combined.

Claims

1. A cooling device for a pouch battery, comprising: A housing for accommodating multiple pouch cells and including a coolant that is in direct or indirect contact with the pouch cells; as well as A support structure is disposed between adjacent pouch cells or adjacent pouch cell packs. The support includes: A support plate is configured to apply pressure to the pouch cell or the pouch cell pack along the thickness direction to support the pouch cell or the pouch cell pack. as well as Multiple channels are formed inside the support plate and arranged along the planar direction of the pouch cell to provide flow paths for the coolant.

2. The soft-pack battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The shell is made of metal. The housing includes a side portion, a bottom portion, and a cover portion, and at least the side portion includes a heat-insulating material.

3. The soft-pack battery cooling device according to claim 2, wherein: An air-cooled or liquid-cooled external cooling module is incorporated into the bottom or the cover.

4. The soft-pack battery cooling device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing is made of aluminum or stainless steel. The heat-insulating material is laminated on the outer side of the metal material, or the heat-insulating material is laminated between the metal materials.

5. The soft-pack battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The support includes: The partition, which is attached to the bottom and cover of the housing, separates adjacent pouch cells or adjacent pouch cell packs.

6. The soft-pack battery cooling device according to claim 5, wherein, The support includes: The partition section; Support plates are formed on one or both sides of the partition portion; and The channel is formed inside the support plate.

7. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 5, wherein: The partition section includes a first partition plate and a second partition plate. Thermal insulation material is included between the first partition plate and the second partition plate.

8. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 7, wherein: The thermal insulation material is formed from mica or aerogel.

9. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 5, wherein: Extension portions are formed at the upper and lower ends of the partition portion to expand the contact area between the bottom of the housing and the cover portion and the partition portion.

10. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The channel extends from the lower part to the upper part of the support body, and inlet and outlet are provided on the lower and upper parts of the support plate to form a straight flow path.

11. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The channel extends from the lower part to the upper part of the support body, and inlet and outlet are provided on the lower and upper sides of the support plate to form a U-shaped flow path.

12. The pouch battery cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The side of the pouch battery is in direct contact with the coolant. The flat surface of the pouch cell is indirectly in contact with the coolant through the channel.

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