Immersion cooling module

Abstract

The immersion cooling module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can have battery cells laminated on both sides, have at least one cooling flow path formed in a length direction of the battery cells, and include a cooling plate in which a joining surface with the battery cells is formed with a flow hole communicating with the cooling flow path so that a cooling fluid flowing through the cooling flow path can flow in direct contact with the battery cells. The immersion cooling module according to the present disclosure has the cooling flow path cooling the battery cells in direct contact and communication with the battery cells, thus having an effect of improving the cooling performance of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to an immersion cooling module. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the miniaturization and lightweighting of mobile information terminals such as mobile phones and laptops, coupled with the increasing demand for high-capacity batteries in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, various batteries have been continuously developed and applied as power sources.

[0003] Depending on their application, the efficiency of secondary batteries is becoming increasingly important, as problems can arise due to various reasons such as heat generated during charging or operation, or fires.

[0004] Therefore, various technologies are constantly being developed to improve the operating efficiency and ensure the safety of secondary batteries. Furthermore, due to the recent surge in electricity consumption leading to increased carbon emissions and global warming, there is a growing demand for more efficient device operating mechanisms, improved cooling methods, and maximum efficiency.

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: KR 10-2560884 B1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical problems to be solved

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an immersion cooling module is provided in which the cooling flow path of the cooling plate formed on the laminated surface of the battery cell is connected to one side of the battery cell, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell by directly cooling the battery cell.

[0011] In addition, an immersion cooling module can be provided, which can maximize the cooling efficiency based on the cooling plate and improve the structural durability and reliability of the module combined with the battery cells by various designs of the cooling flow path formed on the cooling plate formed on the stacked surface of the battery cell.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells stacked on both sides, at least one cooling flow path formed along the length direction of the battery cells, and includes a cooling plate. In the cooling plate, a flow hole communicating with the cooling flow path is formed on the mating surface with the battery cells, so that the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling flow path can flow in a manner that directly contacts the battery cells.

[0014] The flow holes in the cooling plate can extend along the length of the cooling flow path and are connected to the cooling flow path.

[0015] In addition, the flow holes of the cooling plate can be formed to extend in a direction that intersects with the cooling flow path, and are formed to communicate with the cooling flow path.

[0016] As an immersion cooling module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling flow path of the cooling plate may include: a first cooling flow path that contacts a battery cell attached to one side of the cooling plate; and a second cooling flow path that is physically separated from the first cooling flow path by a vertical partition and contacts a battery cell attached to the other side of the cooling plate.

[0017] The first cooling flow path and the second cooling flow path can be divided into multiple first cooling flow paths and second cooling flow paths by a horizontal partition that intersects with the vertical partition.

[0018] In addition, the horizontal partition can be formed at predetermined intervals along the length of the vertical partition, and the two ends of the horizontal partition are connected to the battery cells on one side and the battery cells on the other side in direct contact.

[0019] Furthermore, the horizontal partition may also include flanges at both ends that contact one side of the battery cell.

[0020] According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells stacked on both sides and includes a cooling plate with fluid partitions formed thereon. The fluid partitions are zigzag-shaped at predetermined intervals between the battery cells on both sides along one side and the other side to form a cooling flow path between the fluid partitions that are zigzag-shaped along the one side and the other side.

[0021] In the cooling plate, the fluid baffle may be formed with a first frame and a second frame joined together on both sides. The first frame and the second frame are respectively joined to one side and the other side of the zigzag shape of the fluid baffle, and one side and the other side are open and communicate with the cooling flow path formed through the fluid baffle.

[0022] According to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells stacked on both sides and includes a cooling plate, the cooling plate comprising a bent plate that is bent alternately and perpendicularly to each other in one direction and the other direction at predetermined intervals between the battery cells on both sides.

[0023] The bending plates are combined in such a way that they are alternately bent along the opposite directions of the battery cells formed on the two sides to form a cooling flow path connection, so that at least one side of the opposite battery cells on the two sides is in direct contact with the cooling fluid.

[0024] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It should be noted beforehand that the terms or vocabulary used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as having a conventional or dictionary meaning, but rather should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his invention.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling flow path of the cooling cell is made to be in direct contact and communication with the cell, thereby improving the cooling performance of the cell.

[0028] Furthermore, the structural design of the cooling plate formed on the laminated surface of the battery cell improves the rigidity and structural stability of the battery cell module, thus increasing the freedom and reliability of equipment design.

[0029] Furthermore, by directly cooling the battery cells to maximize cooling performance, it can effectively improve the driving performance and efficiency of devices using battery cells, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The main view.

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The main view.

[0040] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 14 for Figure 13 The main view.

[0044] Figure 15 for Figure 13 Cross-sectional view.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 18 for Figure 17 The main view.

[0048] Figure 19 for Figure 17 Cross-sectional view.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 22 for Figure 21 The main view.

[0052] Figure 23 for Figure 21 Cross-sectional view.

[0053] Figure 24This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0055] 10: Battery cell

[0056] 11: Electrode tabs

[0057] 20: Cooling plate

[0058] 21: Vertical partition

[0059] 22: Horizontal partition

[0060] 23: Vertical partition

[0061] 24: Horizontal partition

[0062] 24a: Flange

[0063] 25: Fluid baffle

[0064] 26: First Framework

[0065] 27: Second Framework

[0066] 28: Bending board Detailed Implementation

[0067] The terminology used to illustrate one embodiment of this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure. It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0068] When labeling the constituent elements in the accompanying drawings, the same constituent elements should be labeled with the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings, and similar constituent elements should be labeled with similar reference numerals.

[0069] The accompanying drawings may be shown in an illustrative or exaggerated manner for the purpose of illustrating embodiments. In this document, expressions such as “having,” “may have,” “comprising,” or “may include” are intended to indicate the presence of corresponding features (e.g., constituent elements such as numerical values, functions, operations, or components) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0070] The terms “one,” “other,” “another,” “first,” and “second” are used only to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements, and the constituent elements are not limited by the above terms.

[0071] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view, Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view, Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The main view, Figure 7 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view, Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells 10 stacked on both sides, at least one cooling flow path P formed along the length direction of the battery cell 10, and includes a cooling plate 20. In the cooling plate 20, a flow hole S communicating with the cooling flow path P is formed on the mating surface with the battery cell, so that the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling flow path P flows in a manner that directly contacts the battery cell 10.

[0074] The cooling fluid used in this disclosure may be a dielectric fluid suitable for immersion cooling applications, such as fluorinated fluids (e.g., 3M). TM Novec TM Engineering fluid or Fluorinert TM The cooling fluid may be a fluid of various types, including but not limited to hydrocarbon fluids or silicon-based fluids. The cooling fluid may be selected to have low conductivity, chemical compatibility with the battery cell materials, and sufficient thermal properties to absorb the heat generated by the battery cells during charging and discharging.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in an immersion cooling module according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a cooling plate 20 can be integrated into the stacked surfaces of multiple battery cells 10. The battery cells 10 include various forms of secondary batteries including electrode tabs 11, including all prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch secondary batteries, etc., and this disclosure does not particularly limit the form of the battery cells 10. However, appropriate design modifications to the cooling plate 20 can certainly be made according to the type and form of each secondary battery.

[0076] The cooling plate 20 may have battery cells 10 stacked on both sides. The cooling plate 20 may be made of metal, such as aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity and excellent chemical resistance during immersion cooling. A cooling flow path P is formed inside the cooling plate 20, so that the battery cells 10 attached to both sides can be cooled by the cooling fluid flowing in the cooling flow path P.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the cooling flow path P of the cooling plate 20 can be designed to be directly connected to the battery cells 10 attached to both sides.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, flow holes S can be formed on both sides of the cooling plate 20 so that the internal cooling flow path P of the cooling plate 20 is connected to one side of the battery cell.

[0079] The flow holes S of the cooling plate 20 can extend along the length of the cooling flow path P and are formed to communicate with the cooling flow path P, so that the cooling fluid directly cools one side of the battery cell. The number or size of the flow holes S is not particularly limited, and the structure of the flow holes S communicating with the cooling flow path P can be appropriately designed according to the position or size of the cooling flow path P, which is perfectly reasonable.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, flow holes S can be formed along the length direction of the cooling flow path P, so that the cooling fluid flows smoothly and effectively guides the cooling fluid to directly contact one side of the battery cell 10.

[0081] In a variation of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape and structure of the flow holes S on both sides of the cooling plate 20 can be changed.

[0082] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the perspective view and front view of the immersion cooling module according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure are compared with those of the module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Same. However, as a variation of the first embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, at least one flow hole S of the cooling plate 20 may be formed along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cooling flow path P. In this case, the flow velocity of the cooling fluid on the contact surface of the battery cell can be adjusted by adjusting the frame thickness of the cooling plate formed along the direction intersecting the cooling flow path P. That is, when the frame thickness in the direction intersecting the flow direction of the cooling fluid becomes thicker, the velocity of the cooling fluid in contact with one side of the battery cell can be reduced due to the slight obstruction to the flow of the cooling fluid. Thus, wear or damage caused by contact with the cooling fluid flowing on one side of the battery cell can be prevented.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 for Figure 9 The main view, Figure 11 for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view, Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 14 for Figure 13 The main view, Figure 15 for Figure 13 Cross-sectional view, Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] According to the second embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module can be formed as a cooling plate with a cooling flow path P physically separated into a first cooling flow path P1 and a second cooling flow path P2 by a vertical partition. The first cooling flow path P1 contacts the battery cell attached to one side of the cooling plate, and the second cooling flow path P2 contacts the battery cell attached to the other side of the cooling plate. That is, unlike the first embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling flow path P can be physically separated to form the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cooling plate 20 can be stacked with battery cells 10 on both sides.

[0086] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when viewed from the front of the cooling plate 20, the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 can be physically separated by the vertical partition 21 in the central part of the cooling plate 20.

[0087] The first cooling flow path P1 can be combined to allow the cooling fluid to directly contact one side of the battery cell 10 attached to one side of the cooling plate 20, and the second cooling flow path P2 can be combined to allow the cooling fluid to directly contact one side of the battery cell 10 attached to the other side of the cooling plate 20. In this way, the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 are physically separated, allowing the cooling fluid to communicate with one side of each battery cell 10, thereby achieving direct cooling through direct contact between the battery cell 10 and the cooling fluid.

[0088] In other words, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 are formed to open to one side and the other side of the cooling plate. Therefore, the lateral openings of the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 can function as flow holes S.

[0089] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment of this disclosure, additional flow holes S can be formed on one side and the other side of the cooling plate in the area where the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 are in direct contact with one side of the battery cell, which is to be expected.

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown, the cooling plate 20 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be formed into a plurality of first cooling flow paths P1 and second cooling flow paths P2 by a vertical partition 21 and a horizontal partition 22. The vertical partition 21 divides the cooling flow path P in the middle, and the horizontal partition 22 is intersected with the vertical partition 21 to extend along both sides.

[0091] The horizontal separator 22 can be formed in front of the vertical separator 21 along the vertical direction at a predetermined interval, and the two ends of the horizontal separator 22 can be connected to the battery cell 10 on one side and the battery cell 10 on the other side in a direct contact manner.

[0092] The vertical partition 21 can be adjusted along the horizontal partition 22 to adjust the spacing on both sides, thereby adjusting the relative width of the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2 that are in contact with the battery cells 10 on both sides, which is to be expected.

[0093] In other words, although Figure 12 Not shown, but the horizontal partition 22 is combined with the vertical partition 21 in such a way that the vertical partition 21 can move along the two sides of the horizontal partition 22. The vertical partition 21 can move along the two sides of the horizontal partition 22 to adjust the relative size of the first cooling flow path P1 and the second cooling flow path P2, thereby adjusting the cooling degree of the battery cells 10 combined on both sides respectively.

[0094] The connection method used for this adjustment can be a conventional physical connection method, although not shown, but it can be connected by a snap-fit ​​method that allows the vertical and horizontal partitions to move physically.

[0095] Figures 13 to 16 A diagram illustrating a modified example of an immersion cooling module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Figure 13 As a variation of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal partition 24 of the cooling plate 20 may have flanges 24a formed at both ends that directly contact one side of the battery cell 10.

[0097] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the flanges 24a formed at both ends of the horizontal partition 24 contact one side of the battery cell 10 with a relatively wide width, thereby allowing the cooling plate 20 to be stably bonded between the stacked surfaces of the battery cell 10. In addition, the cooling plate 20 ensures a stable bond and space with the battery cells on both sides, thereby maintaining the flow of cooling fluid through the cooling flow path P based on the cooling plate 20 more stably.

[0098] like Figure 16 As shown, the vertical partition 23 and the horizontal partition 24 of the cooling plate 20 are combined, and flanges 24a are formed at both ends of the horizontal partition 24, thereby ensuring the structural robustness of the connection between the battery cells 10. The vertical partition 23 can be configured to move along both sides of the horizontal partition 24, which is the same as the content of the second embodiment of this disclosure described above.

[0099] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 for Figure 17 The main view, Figure 19 for Figure 17 Cross-sectional view, Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells 10 stacked on both sides and includes a cooling plate 20 with fluid partitions 25 formed thereon. The fluid partitions 25 are zigzag-bent between the battery cells 10 on both sides at predetermined intervals along one side and the other side, such that a cooling flow path P is formed between the fluid partitions 25 bent along the one side and the other side.

[0101] like Figure 17 As shown, battery cells 10 are attached to both sides, and between the battery cells 10, a cooling plate 20 forms a cooling flow path P through a zigzag-shaped fluid baffle 25.

[0102] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the fluid baffle 25 is formed in a zigzag shape, so the cooling flow path P can be connected through areas open in one direction and the other direction, so that one side of the battery cell 10 is in direct contact with the cooling fluid. Of course, the number of cooling flow paths P or the amount of fluid flowing in the cooling flow path P can also be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the degree and angle of the zigzag bend of the fluid baffle 25.

[0103] like Figure 20 As shown, the fluid separator 25 may include a first frame 26 and a second frame 27 fixedly joined at bends in one and the other directions. In this case, the first frame 26 and the second frame 27 can be fixed in shape by being joined to the fluid separator 25 at one end and the other end. Furthermore, the portions of the cooling plate 20 other than those joined to the fluid separator 25 of the first frame 26 and the second frame 27 are open on both sides to communicate with the cooling flow path P of the fluid separator 25, so that the cooling fluid comes into direct contact with one side of the battery cell 10, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0104] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of an immersion cooling module according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 for Figure 21 The main view, Figure 23 for Figure 21 Cross-sectional view, Figure 24 This is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] According to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the immersion cooling module may have battery cells 10 stacked on both sides and includes a bending plate 28, which bends alternately and perpendicularly to each other in the direction of one side and the other side at predetermined intervals between the battery cells 10 on both sides.

[0106] like Figure 21 As shown, battery cells 10 are stacked and bonded on both sides, as... Figure 22 As shown, the cooling flow path P can be formed by alternating and vertically bending along both sides of the front.

[0107] like Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown, the bending plate 28 can form a space between the two battery cells 10 on both sides, and sequentially form a cooling flow path P. When the bending plate 28 of the cooling plate 20 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is formed by bending in one direction, it contacts one side of the battery cell 10 for a predetermined length. As shown, the bending plate 28 is combined in such a way that it is alternately bent perpendicularly along the directions opposite to each other of the battery cells 10 formed on both sides of the cooling plate 20, so that the cooling flow path P can be connected so that at least one side of the opposing battery cells 10 is in direct contact with the cooling fluid.

[0108] The present disclosure has been described in detail above through specific implementation examples. These implementation examples are used to specifically illustrate the present disclosure, and are merely illustrative examples, not limiting the appended claims. Various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the scope and technical concept of the present disclosure, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations naturally fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An immersion cooling module, wherein: Battery cells are stacked on both sides. At least one cooling flow path is formed along the length direction of the battery cell. The device includes a cooling plate, in which a flow hole communicating with the cooling flow path is formed on the surface where the cooling plate is joined to the battery cell, so that the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling flow path can flow in a manner that allows direct contact with the battery cell.

2. The immersion cooling module according to claim 1, wherein: The flow holes of the cooling plate extend along the length of the cooling flow path and are configured to communicate with the cooling flow path.

3. The immersion cooling module according to claim 1, wherein: The flow holes of the cooling plate extend in a direction intersecting the cooling flow path and are configured to communicate with the cooling flow path.

4. The immersion cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling flow path of the cooling plate includes: A first cooling flow path contacts a single battery cell bonded to one side of the cooling plate; and The second cooling flow path is physically separated from the first cooling flow path by a vertical partition and comes into contact with the battery cell attached to the other side of the cooling plate.

5. The immersion cooling module according to claim 4, wherein: The first cooling flow path and the second cooling flow path are divided into multiple first cooling flow paths and second cooling flow paths by a horizontal partition that intersects with the vertical partition.

6. The immersion cooling module according to claim 5, wherein: The horizontal partition is formed at predetermined intervals along the length of the vertical partition, and the two ends of the horizontal partition are connected to the battery cells on one side and the battery cells on the other side in direct contact.

7. The immersion cooling module according to claim 5, wherein: The horizontal separator also includes flanges at both ends that contact one side of the battery cell.

8. An immersion cooling module, wherein: Battery cells are stacked on both sides. The device includes a cooling plate with fluid separators formed thereon, the fluid separators being zigzag-shaped at predetermined intervals between the battery cells on both sides, in a direction along one side and another side, to form a cooling flow path between the fluid separators that are zigzag-shaped along the direction along one side and another side.

9. The immersion cooling module according to claim 8, wherein: In the cooling plate, the fluid baffle is formed with a first frame and a second frame joined together on both sides. The first frame and the second frame are respectively attached to one side and the other side of the zigzag of the fluid baffle, and one side and the other side are open and communicate with the cooling flow path formed through the fluid baffle.

10. An immersion cooling module, wherein: Battery cells are stacked on both sides. The device includes a cooling plate comprising a bent plate that is bent at predetermined intervals between the battery cells on both sides, alternating between one side and the other side and perpendicular to each other.

11. The immersion cooling module according to claim 10, wherein: The bending plates are combined in such a way that they are alternately bent along the opposite directions of the battery cells formed on the two sides to form a cooling flow path connection, so that at least one side of the opposing battery cells on the two sides is in direct contact with the cooling fluid.

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