Battery module, battery pack, and electric vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery module includes a stack including a plurality of battery cells and a separator arranged between adjacent ones of the battery cells, and a battery module housing containing the stack and including a bottom, a first side wall, and an opposite second side wall. The battery module housing is configured to hold a liquid coolant to immerse the stack in the liquid coolant, and the separator is configured to allow the liquid coolant to flow from one side of the stack to another side of the stack. The first side wall includes a first protrusion having a first flow passage for the liquid coolant, the first protrusion extending along an entire length of the first side wall and having a coolant inlet at one end thereof, and the second side wall has a second protrusion having a second flow passage for the liquid coolant, the second protrusion extending along an entire length of the second side wall and having a coolant outlet at one end thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to battery modules, battery packs including multiple battery modules, and electric vehicles including battery modules and / or battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] A battery module is formed by (or includes) multiple battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. A battery module is formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of multiple battery cells, wherein the number of battery cells and the connection configuration depend on the desired power level to achieve a relatively high-power rechargeable battery.

[0003] Battery modules can be constructed in either a block design or a module design. In a block design, each battery cell is coupled to a common current collector structure and a common cell management unit and is housed within a housing. In a module design, multiple battery cells are connected together to form sub-modules, and several sub-modules are connected together to form a battery module. In automotive applications, battery systems typically comprise multiple battery modules connected in series to provide a desired voltage.

[0004] A battery pack is a group of any number (typically identical) battery modules and / or individual battery cells. Battery modules or corresponding battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or series / parallel configurations to provide desired voltage, capacity, and / or power density. The components of a battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnections that provide conductivity between the battery modules.

[0005] Active or passive thermal management systems can be included to provide thermal control of the battery pack to ensure safe use of the battery module by effectively emitting, dissipating, and / or dissipating heat generated from its rechargeable cells. Insufficient heat emission / dissipation can lead to temperature discrepancies between individual battery cells, potentially causing the battery module to no longer generate the desired (or designed) power output. Furthermore, increased internal temperatures of the rechargeable battery can cause abnormal reactions, resulting in degraded charging and discharging performance and shortened battery life. Therefore, effective heat dissipation / dissipation of individual cells is desirable.

[0006] Effective thermal management is crucial for optimal function and lifespan of rechargeable batteries in mobile applications. The ability to regulate temperature allows for full performance and operational readiness under a wide range of conditions. Thermal management encompasses both cooling and heating operations. Given the considerable diversity of rechargeable battery variants, characterized by differences in cell chemistry and structure, thermal management should be tailored to the specific requirements of each cell variant. A similar situation applies to many different vehicle applications, ranging from small city cars to sports cars, as well as vehicles with mild hybrid technology and pure electric vehicles. Furthermore, integration into the vehicle's thermal circuitry is becoming increasingly important.

[0007] In air cooling, cooling air flows around the battery cells, cooling the accessible (or exposed) surfaces. Because this type of cooling does not require direct thermal contact with the battery cells, the interface with the cooling system is relatively simple. However, the installation space required for the cooling air ducts between the battery cells is considerable, and cooling efficiency, especially the uniformity of cooling between cells, is often insufficient. In contrast, cooling methods that establish thermal contact with the battery cells and dissipate heat via thermal conduction are significantly more efficient than air cooling. However, the design of thermal contact introduces a number of new challenges. Because the cooling device is in direct contact with the electrical components of the battery cells, the interface with the cooling system is more complex. In cases where the cells have a relatively low height (e.g., short cells) and sufficiently thick cell walls, simple contact with the bottom of the battery cell via a cooling plate may be sufficient. If this proves insufficient, supplementary thermal conduction elements must be incorporated between the battery cells to facilitate heat transfer to the cooling plate. However, this results in a heavier and more expensive cooling system.

[0008] Using fluid conduction cooling plates between battery cells has proven to be an effective cooling method because the heat conduction path from the inside of the battery cell to the cooling fluid is relatively short, resulting in a high degree of temperature uniformity within the battery cell. Another cooling method is arrest cooling. In this method, the interior of the battery cell is cooled directly through the electrodes. For example, pouch-type battery cells are well-suited for this type of cooling because they have flat and therefore relatively easy-to-access terminals. Waste (or excess) heat from the battery cell is directed to the cooling plates. There, cooling water or evaporated refrigerant absorbs the heat and dissipates it into the environment through the vehicle's cooling or refrigeration system.

[0009] Another method for cooling individual battery cells is immersion cooling, in which the cell is completely submerged in coolant flowing around its casing. Immersion cooling achieves excellent cooling performance. By using a sealed cap, where the cell is only partially immersed in the coolant, the risk of short circuits is also reduced or minimized. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The following description is limited by this limitation. Any disclosure outside the scope of the claims and their equivalents is intended for illustrative and comparative purposes.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery module includes: a stack comprising a plurality of battery cells and spacers between adjacent battery cells disposed therein; and a battery module housing housing the stack. The battery module housing includes a bottom, a first sidewall, and opposing second sidewalls. The battery module housing is configured to retain a liquid coolant such that the stack is immersed in the liquid coolant, and the spacers are configured to allow the liquid coolant to flow from one side of the stack to the other side of the stack. The first sidewall includes a first protrusion having a first flow channel extending along the entire length of the first sidewall and having a coolant inlet at one end thereof. The second sidewall includes a second protrusion having a second flow channel extending along the entire length of the second sidewall and having a coolant outlet at one end thereof.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules arranged side by side. The battery modules are arranged such that a first sidewall and a second sidewall are adjacent to each other.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the electric vehicle includes the aforementioned battery module or the aforementioned battery pack.

[0014] Other embodiments, aspects and features of this disclosure may be learned from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery module shown.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the three battery modules arranged side by side according to an embodiment and the coolant flow through the separator of the battery modules.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the battery module without a lid, and also shows the coolant flow inside the battery module housing.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module and the flow of coolant within a portion of the battery module housing.

[0021] Figure 6 An electric vehicle including a battery pack according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Aspects and features of the embodiments and methods of implementation thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey to those skilled in the art the aspects and features of this disclosure.

[0023] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered essential for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of this disclosure may not be described or may only be briefly described.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of...", when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, not a single element in the list. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." In the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, singular terms may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] When expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” follow a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements within the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize”, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree, intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0026] It will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used 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 named a second element, and similarly, a second element may be named a first element.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” or “including” specify properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof, but do not exclude other properties, areas, fixed quantities, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof.

[0028] It will also be understood that when a membrane, region, or element is referred to as being "above" or "on" another membrane, region, or element, the membrane, region, or element may be directly on the other membrane, region, or element, or there may be an intermediate membrane, region, or element.

[0029] In this document, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined according to the z-axis. For example, the upper cover is located at the upper part of the z-axis, while the lower cover is located at the lower part of the z-axis. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the components may be exaggerated for clarity. For example, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions or thickness of each component may be arbitrarily shown for illustrative purposes, and therefore the embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited thereto.

[0030] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape-and-carrier packages (TCPs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described herein can be implemented, for example, by wires or conductive elements on a PCB or other circuit carrier. Conductive elements may include metallization, such as surface metallization and / or pins, and / or may include conductive polymers or ceramics. Additional electrical energy can be transmitted via wireless connections, for example, using electromagnetic radiation and / or light.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in view of the entirety of this disclosure, each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole, or combined with one another, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or in any suitable combination with one another, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0032] 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 will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0033] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery module includes: a stack of a plurality of battery cells, wherein spacers are disposed between adjacent battery cells; and a battery module housing that houses the stack. The battery module housing includes a bottom, a first sidewall, and opposing second sidewalls, and is configured to retain a liquid coolant such that the stack is immersed in the liquid coolant. The spacers are configured to allow liquid coolant to pass from one side of the stack through the spacers to the other side. The first sidewall has a first protrusion having a first flow channel and extending over the entire length of the first sidewall (or along the entire length of the first sidewall), and the second sidewall has a second protrusion having a second flow channel and extending over the entire length of the second sidewall (or along the entire length of the second sidewall). A coolant inlet is provided at one end of the first protrusion, and a coolant outlet is provided at one end of the second protrusion.

[0034] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a battery module. A battery module can be understood as a structural unit comprising interconnected battery cells for storing and supplying electrical energy, typically encapsulated within a housing designed to provide mechanical support, thermal management, and protection against environmental factors.

[0035] A battery module comprises a stack of multiple battery cells, with spacers arranged between adjacent cells. A stack refers to a sequential arrangement of battery cells placed close together to form a cohesive assembly, while spacers are gap assemblies designed to maintain a spacing or range of spacing (e.g., a predetermined spacing or range of spacing between adjacent battery cells). This arrangement allows for controlled physical separation between battery cells, ensuring mechanical stability, enhancing heat dissipation, and promoting fluid flow for cooling. This arrangement allows for effective management of heat generated during operation, which helps extend battery life and enhance performance.

[0036] The battery module includes a battery module housing that houses the stacked components. The battery module housing includes a bottom, a first sidewall, and opposing second sidewalls. The battery module housing is an enclosure that protects the stacked components from mechanical damage and environmental exposure, while providing structure for integrating thermal management components. The battery module housing is designed to retain liquid coolant, allowing the stacked components to be immersed in the liquid coolant for effective thermal regulation. This immersion-based cooling mechanism or configuration enhances heat dissipation by ensuring a uniform temperature distribution throughout the stacked components.

[0037] The separator is configured to allow liquid coolant to flow from one side of the stack through the separator to the other. The separator configuration includes channels or openings that allow fluid to flow through the gaps between the battery cells, ensuring direct contact between the liquid coolant and the battery cells, thereby improving thermal conductivity and preventing the formation of localized hot spots. This design improves thermal management performance, which can increase the reliability and safety of the battery module.

[0038] The first sidewall of the battery module housing has a first protrusion having a first flow channel and extending along its entire length, and the second sidewall has a second protrusion having a second flow channel and extending along its entire length. A protrusion is a structural projection or contour integrated into (e.g., integrally formed in) the sidewall of the battery module housing to enhance its fluid handling capabilities. The first and second protrusions may have the same contour. The contour may be a semi-circular elevation starting from the sidewall plane. The first and second protrusions provide an optimized flow path for the liquid coolant, reducing flow resistance and promoting uniform coolant distribution, which enhances cooling efficiency as the coolant is effectively guided through the stack with minimal pressure drop.

[0039] The coolant inlet is located at one end of the first protrusion, and the coolant outlet is located at one end of the second protrusion. The coolant inlet and outlet are arranged diagonally opposite each other. This arrangement ensures a cross-flow pattern (or cross-flow path) for the liquid coolant, allowing it to traverse the stack diagonally. This diagonal flow path promotes uniform cooling by ensuring consistent heat removal throughout the stack, thereby minimizing the thermal gradient. This arrangement improves the energy efficiency of the thermal management system because it enables effective heat removal with minimal coolant usage and pump power or size requirements.

[0040] The battery module housing may have a top opening covered by a cap. The top opening refers to a hole or opening on the upper side of the battery module housing, and the cap is a removable or fixed structure that seals the battery module housing but leaves the terminals of the individual battery cells free (e.g., exposing the terminals of the individual battery cells) to establish electrical interconnections within the battery module. This configuration facilitates the assembly, maintenance, and inspection of the internal components of the battery module while ensuring the containment of liquid coolant. This arrangement improves ease of manufacturing and maintainability, which can reduce downtime and extend the module's operational life.

[0041] A seal can be positioned between the battery module housing and the cover. The seal can be a component made of a deformable material, such as rubber or silicone, which prevents leakage of liquids or gases by forming a tight interface between the two surfaces. This arrangement ensures that the coolant remains securely contained within the battery module housing, even during vibration or thermal expansion. This feature enhances the reliability of the battery module by reducing or minimizing the risk of coolant leakage and potential damage to individual battery cells.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the separator includes cooling channels extending horizontally from one side of the stack to the other side. The cooling channels are channels integrated into the separator that allow liquid coolant to pass laterally through the stack. This arrangement facilitates direct contact between the liquid coolant and the battery cells, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. This feature improves the thermal regulation of the battery cells, thereby enhancing operational safety and performance. According to one embodiment, the separator has a corrugated sheet shape. The corrugated profile is aligned within the stack, allowing liquid coolant to flow along the corrugations from one side of the stack to the other.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the depth of the first protrusion is the same as the depth of the second protrusion. Depth can be understood as the horizontal distance the protrusion extends from the sidewall of the battery module housing. This depth symmetry ensures uniform flow dynamics and eliminates pressure distribution differences along the coolant pathways. This arrangement enhances the balance of coolant flow, which promotes even heat dissipation and avoids localized overheating.

[0044] According to an embodiment, in the battery module, a first protrusion in the first sidewall has a height h1 measured from the bottom of the battery module housing, which is less than the height h2 of a second protrusion in the second sidewall. Height can be understood as a vertical distance measured perpendicular to the bottom of the battery module housing, and a protrusion refers to the protruding profile of the sidewall. Measurements are taken at the location where the protrusion protrudes furthest from the horizontal plane of the sidewall. This configuration ensures a smooth transition of the coolant flow path from the first protrusion to the second protrusion, thereby promoting efficient diagonal and vertical fluid flow. This arrangement improves coolant distribution because the design reduces or minimizes turbulence and optimizes the flow direction, resulting in consistent cooling throughout the stack.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the battery pack includes two or more of the aforementioned battery modules arranged side-by-side, wherein the battery modules are arranged such that a first sidewall and a second sidewall are adjacent to each other. A first protrusion in the first sidewall has a height h1 that is less than the height h2 of the second protrusion. The protrusions of adjacent battery modules are not at the same height, but are interlocked in the side-by-side arrangement to optimize the use of mounting space in the battery pack. Therefore, heights h1 and h2 are selected (or determined) such that the first and second protrusions of adjacent battery module housings are not adjacent to each other (e.g., do not conflict with each other), but are horizontally located below each other in the side-by-side arrangement. Side-by-side arrangement refers to the parallel placement of multiple battery modules within a single battery pack housing. According to an embodiment, the depth of the first protrusion and the depth of the second protrusion are the same. Furthermore, the profiles of the first and second protrusions may be equal to each other. This configuration allows for the compact integration of multiple energy storage units while maintaining effective cooling. This arrangement increases the energy density of the battery pack without compromising the performance of the thermal management system.

[0046] According to another aspect of this disclosure, each of the aforementioned battery modules or battery packs is integrated into an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle can be understood as a transport vehicle primarily, alternatively, or in parallel powered by an electric motor and including energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Integrating battery modules (or battery packs) into electric vehicles provides a compact, efficient, and thermally managed energy source for vehicle propulsion. This arrangement contributes to sustainable mobility through the use of advanced, efficient energy storage technologies.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery module 100 is shown. The battery module 100 includes a stack 10 of a total of twenty-seven prismatic battery cells 12 (12.1 to 12.27), with spacers 14 (14.1 to 14.28) arranged between them (e.g., between adjacent battery cells 12). The battery module 100 also includes a battery module housing 20 for housing the stack 10. The battery module housing 20 includes a bottom 22, a first sidewall 24, opposing second sidewalls 26, and a pair of narrow sidewalls 27 facing the end of the stack 10. The battery module housing 20 may be formed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0048] The battery module housing 20 has a top opening 28 that is covered by a cap 30. The cap 30 is a removable (e.g., removable) or fixed structure that seals the battery module housing 20 but keeps (or exposes) the terminals 15 of the battery cells 12 free to establish electrical interconnections of the battery module 100.

[0049] The battery module housing 20 is configured to hold liquid coolant, such that the stack 10 is immersed in the liquid coolant. Furthermore, the separator 14 is configured to allow liquid coolant to pass from one side of the stack 10 to the other. A first sidewall 24 includes a first protrusion 50 extending along its entire length. The first protrusion 50 has a first flow channel 500 for the liquid coolant. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flow channel 500 has a groove disposed on the inner surface of the first sidewall 24 along the longitudinal direction of the first protrusion 50. A second sidewall 26 includes a second protrusion 60 extending along its entire length. The second protrusion 60 has a second flow channel 600 for the liquid coolant. In the illustrated embodiment, the second flow channel 600 has a groove disposed on the inner surface of the second sidewall 26 along the longitudinal direction of the second protrusion 60. In one embodiment, the depth of the first protrusion 50 and the depth of the second protrusion 60 are the same.

[0050] A coolant inlet 52 is located at one end of a first protrusion 50, and a coolant outlet 62 is located at one end of a second protrusion 60 (e.g., at the opposite end). In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant inlet 52 and coolant outlet 62 are diagonally opposite each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each of a pair of narrow sidewalls 27 includes a protrusion 270 arranged opposite each other at two short ends. The coolant inlet 52 has an opening in one of the protrusions 270 of one narrow sidewall 27, and the outlet 62 has an opening in one of the protrusions 270 of the other narrow sidewall 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sidewall 24 and the second sidewall 26, as well as the narrow sidewalls 27, can be configured for the battery module housing 20 by inserting the protrusions 270 of the narrow sidewalls 27 into the first flow channel 500 and the second flow channel 600. Furthermore, the coolant inlet 52 is fluidly connected to the first flow channel 500, and the coolant outlet 62 is fluidly connected to the second flow channel 600. Liquid coolant enters the battery module housing 20 through coolant inlet 52 and exits the battery module housing 20 through coolant outlet 62, as shown by the arrow.

[0051] The stack 10 includes twenty-seven battery cells 12.1 to 12.27 and twenty-eight spacers 14.1 to 14.28 arranged alternately with the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27. Before the stack 10 is inserted into the battery module housing 20, the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27 and the spacers 14.1 to 14.28 are pressed against each other. The spacers 14.1 to 14.28 have a corrugated sheet shape.

[0052] Figure 2The internal shape of the second protrusion 60 in the second sidewall 26 is shown. The second protrusion 60 is open internally, allowing the liquid coolant in the protruding region to be in direct contact with the sidewalls of the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27. The first protrusion 50 on the first sidewall 24 has a similar profile.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of three battery modules 100.1 to 100.3 arranged side-by-side according to an embodiment, and shows the coolant flow through the separator 14 of battery module 100.1. The cross-section passes through the battery module housing 20 and the stack 10, parallel to one of the separators 14 of the stack 10. Battery modules 100.1 to 100.3 may have the same... Figure 1 The battery module 100 shown has the same structure.

[0054] The separator 14 includes cooling channels 16 and walls 18 that horizontally connect (or extend between) the two sides of the stack 10, allowing liquid coolant to pass through. As indicated by the arrows, liquid coolant flows from the first sidewall 24 through the cooling channels 16 of the separator 14 to the second sidewall 26, and exits the battery module housing 20 through a coolant outlet 62 located at one end of the second protrusion 60.

[0055] A seal 40 is arranged between the battery module housing 20 and the cover 30. The cover 30 may include additional seals to seal the openings protruding from the terminals 15 of the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27.

[0056] Figure 3 The side-by-side arrangement shown includes three battery modules 100.1, 100.2, and 100.3. The first sidewall 24 of the battery module housing 20 of battery module 100.2 faces the second sidewall 26 of the centrally located battery module 100.1. The first sidewall 24 of the battery module housing 20 of the centrally located battery module 100.1 faces the second sidewall 26 of the battery module 100.3.

[0057] The first protrusion 50 on the first sidewall 24 has a height h1 measured from the bottom 22 of the battery module housing 20, which is less than the height h2 of the second protrusion 60 on the second sidewall 26. Heights h1 and h2 are selected (e.g., can be selected or changed) such that the first protrusions 50 and second protrusions 60 of adjacent battery module housings 20 are not adjacent to each other (e.g., do not interfere with each other), but are horizontally located below each other in a side-by-side arrangement. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the depth d1 of the first protrusion 50 and the depth d2 of the second protrusion 60 are the same in each of the battery modules 100.1 to 100.3. Additionally, the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 60 have the same profile. Therefore, a very compact arrangement of the battery modules 100.1 to 100.3 in the battery pack is achieved.

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the battery module 100 without the cap 30, illustrating the coolant flow within the battery module housing 20. Liquid coolant enters the battery module housing 20 at the coolant inlet 52. The liquid coolant is then distributed longitudinally along the stack 10. The main coolant flow passes through the first protrusion 50. Additionally, the liquid coolant may pass horizontally (e.g., through) separators 14.1 to 14.28 to be collected in the second protrusion 60. Finally, the liquid coolant exits the battery module housing 20 through the coolant outlet 62 located at the diagonally opposite ends of the second protrusion 60 relative to the coolant inlet 52.

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module and illustrates the coolant flow within a portion of the battery module housing 20. The cut is made such that the first sidewall 24 of the battery module housing 20 is omitted (or not visible), allowing observation of a portion of the stack 10. The cap 30 includes a seal 42 to seal the openings of the terminals 15 of the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27 protruding from the cap 30. The cap 30 is removable and seals the battery module housing 20 to prevent leakage of liquid coolant from the top opening 28 in the battery module housing 20, but leaves the terminals 15 of the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27 free (e.g., exposed) to establish electrical interconnections of the battery module 100. As indicated by the arrows, the liquid coolant flows primarily along the first protrusion 50 and also around the sidewalls of the battery cells 12.1 to 12.27, and enters (e.g., through) the cooling channels 16 of the separators 14.1 to 14.28 to exit on opposite sides of the stack 10.

[0060] Figure 6An electric vehicle 2000 including a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment is schematically shown. The battery pack 1000 may include a single battery module 100, for example... Figure 1 The battery module 100 shown, or for example, as Figure 3 The multiple battery modules 100.1 to 100.3 arranged side by side are shown in the figure.

[0061] Description of some figure labels

[0062] 10 stacked components

[0063] 12, 12.1 to 12.27 Cell cells

[0064] 14, 14.1 to 14.28 Isolation materials

[0065] 16 Cooling Channels

[0066] 18 walls

[0067] 20 Battery module housing

[0068] 22 Bottom

[0069] 24 First sidewall

[0070] 26 Second sidewall

[0071] 27 narrow side walls

[0072] 28. Top opening

[0073] 30 lidded buckets

[0074] 40 Seals

[0075] 42 Seals

[0076] 50 First protrusion

[0077] 52 Coolant Inlet

[0078] 60 Second protrusion

[0079] 62 Coolant Outlet

[0080] 100, 100.1 to 100.3 battery modules

[0081] 1000 battery pack

[0082] 2000 electric vehicles

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A stack, comprising multiple battery cells and spacers between adjacent battery cells arranged within the battery cells; and A battery module housing housing the stacked components, including a bottom, a first sidewall, and opposing second sidewalls, the battery module housing being configured to retain a liquid coolant to immerse the stacked components in the liquid coolant, and the separator being configured to allow the liquid coolant to flow from one side of the stacked components to the other side of the stacked components. The first sidewall includes a first protrusion having a first flow channel for the liquid coolant, the first protrusion extending along the entire length of the first sidewall and having a coolant inlet at one end of the first protrusion. The second sidewall includes a second protrusion having a second flow channel for the liquid coolant, the second protrusion extending along the entire length of the second sidewall and having a coolant outlet at one end of the second protrusion.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The depth of the first protrusion is the same as the depth of the second protrusion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are diagonally opposite each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module housing has a top opening covered by a lid.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The seal is located between the battery module housing and the cover barrel.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The separator has a cooling channel that extends horizontally from one side of the stack to the other side of the stack.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein, The separator has the shape of a corrugated sheet.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion on the first sidewall has a first height measured from the bottom of the battery module housing, the first height being less than the second height of the second protrusion on the second sidewall.

9. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged side-by-side according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the battery modules being arranged such that the first sidewall and the second sidewall are adjacent to each other.

10. An electric vehicle comprising a battery pack according to claim 9.

11. An electric vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images