Battery cluster liquid cooling structure, battery cluster and energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cluster liquid cooling structure, a battery cluster and an energy storage system. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure comprises a rack, a plurality of first cold plates arranged on the rack, and placing spaces arranged on the first cold plates, and each placing space is used for placing a battery module; the first cold plates are sequentially arranged in the height direction of the rack, and a first inlet and a first outlet are formed in the two ends, in the length direction of the rack, of each first cold plate correspondingly. In the height direction of the rack, the first inlet in the uppermost first cold plate and the first outlet in the lowermost first cold plate are connected with external liquid cooling equipment, and in the two adjacent first cold plates located in the middle, the first outlet in the upper first cold plate is connected with the first inlet of the lower first cold plate. The liquid cooling structure of the battery cluster not only is favorable for reducing the flow resistance of the working fluid, but also is favorable for improving the volume utilization rate and the energy density of the whole cluster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery cluster liquid cooling structure. At the same time, the utility model also relates to a battery cluster provided with the battery cluster liquid cooling structure, and an energy storage system equipped with the battery cluster. Background Art

[0002] In existing battery clusters, the cold plate is usually fixed to the tray first, and then fixed to the rack through the tray. The cold plates are connected to each other and to the water cooler through water pipes, which results in too many structural parts, which is not conducive to improving the volume utilization and energy density. It also has the problems of complex structure and high material cost. In addition, the water pipe is long in length, especially with many bends, which leads to large flow resistance and power consumption. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a battery cluster liquid cooling structure to improve the energy density of the battery cluster.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] A battery cluster liquid cooling structure comprises a rack, a plurality of first cold plates arranged on the rack, and a placement space arranged on each of the first cold plates, wherein each of the placement spaces is used to place a battery module;

[0006] The first cold plates are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the rack, and both ends of the first cold plates along the length direction of the rack are respectively provided with a first inlet and a first outlet;

[0007] In the height direction of the rack, the first inlet in the topmost first cold plate and the first outlet in the bottommost first cold plate are both connected to an external liquid cooling device, and in two adjacent first cold plates located in the middle, the first outlet in the top first cold plate is connected to the first inlet of the bottom first cold plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the rack is also provided with a plurality of second cold plates connected to the liquid cooling device; in the height direction of the rack, each of the second cold plates is arranged one-to-one on the top of the battery module on each of the first cold plates.

[0009] Furthermore, in the length direction of the rack, a second inlet and a second outlet are respectively provided at both ends of each second cold plate; in the height direction of the rack, the second inlet in the top second cold plate and the second outlet in the bottom second cold plate are both connected to the liquid cooling device, and in the two adjacent second cold plates located in the middle, the second outlet in the upper second cold plate is connected to the second inlet of the lower second cold plate.

[0010] Furthermore, in the length direction of the rack, the second inlet on each second cold plate and the first outlet on the corresponding first cold plate are located at the same end, the second outlet on each second cold plate and the first inlet on the corresponding first cold plate are located at the same end, and the second inlet and the first outlet located at the same end, as well as the second outlet and the first inlet located at the same end are staggered in the width direction of the rack.

[0011] Furthermore, the first cold plate is provided with a first inlet pipe joint connected to the first inlet, and a first outlet pipe joint connected to the first outlet, and the second cold plate is provided with a first avoidance hole for avoiding the first inlet pipe joint and the first outlet pipe joint; and / or, the second cold plate is provided with a second inlet pipe joint connected to the second inlet, and a second outlet pipe joint connected to the second outlet, and the first cold plate is provided with a second avoidance hole for avoiding the second inlet pipe joint and the second outlet pipe joint.

[0012] Furthermore, in two adjacent first cold plates, the upper first pipe outlet joint is connected to the lower first pipe inlet joint via a first connecting pipe; in two adjacent second cold plates, the upper second pipe outlet joint is connected to the lower second pipe inlet joint via a second connecting pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the liquid cooling device adopts a water cooler; the water cooler includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline, and the top and bottom of the first cold plate are connected in series with the first circulation pipeline, and the top and bottom of the second cold plate are connected in series with the second circulation pipeline.

[0014] Further, the first cold plate and the second cold plate are connected by buckling; and / or, the first cold plate and the second cold plate are both provided with an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used to be connected to the corresponding battery module.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following advantages:

[0016] The battery cluster liquid cooling structure described in the utility model can reduce the number of structural parts and material costs by placing the battery module directly on the first cold plate, compared with the method of using a tray in the traditional technology, and is conducive to improving the volume utilization and energy density of the battery cluster. At the same time, the first inlet in the top first cold plate and the first outlet in the bottom first cold plate are both connected to the external liquid cooling device, and in the two first cold plates located adjacent to each other in the middle, the first outlet in the upper first cold plate is connected to the first inlet of the lower first cold plate, so that multiple first cold plates can be connected in series, and the structure is simple, which is conducive to reducing the flow resistance of the working fluid and improving the utilization rate of the working fluid, thereby having a good use effect.

[0017] Secondly, multiple second cold plates are provided, and each second cold plate is correspondingly provided on the top of the battery module on each first cold plate, which is beneficial to improving the liquid cooling effect of the battery cluster as a whole. The second inlet in the top second cold plate and the second outlet in the bottom second cold plate are both connected to the liquid cooling device, and in the two second cold plates located in the middle, the second outlet in the top second cold plate is connected to the second inlet in the bottom second cold plate. Similarly, multiple second cold plates can be connected in series, and the structure is simple, which is beneficial to reduce the flow resistance of the working fluid and improve the utilization rate of the working fluid.

[0018] In addition, the utility model also proposes a battery cluster, in which the battery cluster liquid cooling structure as described above is provided.

[0019] In addition, the utility model also provides an energy storage system, in which the above-mentioned battery cluster is provided.

[0020] The battery cluster and energy storage system described in the present invention are provided with the above-mentioned battery cluster liquid cooling structure, which has the same beneficial effects as compared with the traditional technology and will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cold plate and the second cold plate according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 11. Rack;

[0028] 12. first cold plate; 120. placement space; 121. first pipe inlet joint; 122. first pipe outlet joint; 123. first connecting flange;

[0029] 13. second cold plate; 130. accommodation space; 131. second pipe inlet joint; 132. second pipe outlet joint; 133. second connecting flange;

[0030] 14. Battery module; 15. Liquid cooling device; 16. First connecting pipe; 17. Second connecting pipe; 18. First liquid outlet pipe; 19. Second liquid outlet pipe; 101. Second liquid inlet pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer" and the like indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, if there are terms such as "first" and "second", they are also used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection" and "connector" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in combination with specific circumstances.

[0034] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0035] Embodiment 1

[0036] This embodiment relates to a battery cluster liquid cooling structure, the overall structure is as follows: Figures 1 to 4As shown, it includes a rack 11 , a plurality of first cold plates 12 arranged on the rack 11 , and a placement space 120 arranged on each of the first cold plates 12 , and each of the placement spaces 120 is used to place a battery module 14 .

[0037] The first cold plates 12 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the rack 11 , and the first inlet and the first outlet are respectively provided at two ends of each first cold plate 12 along the length direction of the rack 11 .

[0038] Moreover, in the height direction of the rack 11, the first inlet in the top first cold plate 12 and the first outlet in the bottom first cold plate 12 are both connected to the external liquid cooling device 15, and in the two adjacent first cold plates 12 located in the middle, the first outlet in the top first cold plate 12 is connected to the first inlet of the bottom first cold plate 12.

[0039] Based on the above overall introduction, the rack 11 in this embodiment can be set and adjusted according to the layout and installation requirements of the first cold plate 12, the battery module 14 and other related components in the battery cluster. For example, the rack 11 includes two side frames arranged relatively to each other, and a bottom frame and a top frame arranged between the two side frames and connecting the two side frames.

[0040] The structures not mentioned in the battery module 14 and the first cold plate 12 of this embodiment can all refer to the common battery module 14 products and liquid cooling plates in the prior art. For example, the battery module 14 is composed of a plurality of battery cells arranged in sequence, and the liquid cooling plate includes a base plate and a flow channel plate that are connected by snapping, and a flow channel formed between the two for the flow of working fluid.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, a plurality of second cold plates 13 connected to the liquid cooling device 15 are further provided on the rack 11. Moreover, in the height direction of the rack 11, each second cold plate 13 is provided one by one on the top of the battery module 14 on each first cold plate 12. Thus, the use of multiple first cold plates 12 can be combined to further improve the liquid cooling effect of the entire battery cluster.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, in the length direction of the rack 11, two ends of each second cold plate 13 are respectively provided with a second inlet and a second outlet.

[0043] Among them, in the height direction of the rack 11, the second inlet in the top second cold plate 13 and the second outlet in the bottom second cold plate 13 are both connected to the liquid cooling device 15, and in the two adjacent second cold plates 13 located in the middle, the second outlet in the upper second cold plate 13 is connected to the second inlet of the lower second cold plate 13.

[0044] With such arrangement, a plurality of second cold plates 13 can also be connected in series to form the same series structure as the first cold plates 12 , so that the structure is simple, thereby facilitating the reduction of the flow resistance of the working fluid and the improvement of the utilization rate of the working fluid.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, in the length direction of the rack 11, the second inlet on each second cold plate 13 and the first outlet on the corresponding first cold plate 12 are located at the same end, and the second outlet on each second cold plate 13 and the first inlet on the corresponding first cold plate 12 are located at the same end.

[0046] Furthermore, the second inlet and the first outlet at the same end, and the second outlet and the first inlet at the same end are staggered in the width direction of the rack 11. This makes the overall structure layout more reasonable, and facilitates the series design between multiple first cold plates 12 and multiple second cold plates 13.

[0047] In specific implementation, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, the first cold plate 12 is provided with a first inlet pipe joint 121 connected to the first inlet, and a first outlet pipe joint 122 connected to the first outlet, that is, the first inlet pipe joint 121 and the first outlet pipe joint 122 are respectively arranged at the top and the bottom of the first cold plate 12, and a first avoidance hole for avoiding the first inlet pipe joint 121 and the first outlet pipe joint 122 is provided on the second cold plate 13.

[0048] At the same time, as a preferred implementation form, the second cold plate 13 of this embodiment is provided with a second pipe inlet joint 131 connected to the second inlet, and a second pipe outlet joint 132 connected to the second outlet, that is, the second pipe inlet joint 131 and the second pipe outlet joint 132 are respectively arranged at the top and the bottom of the second cold plate 13, and a second avoidance hole for avoiding the second pipe inlet joint 131 and the second pipe outlet joint 132 is provided on the first cold plate 12.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a further configuration, in two adjacent first cold plates 12, the upper first outlet pipe joint 122 is connected to the lower first inlet pipe joint 121 via a first connecting pipe 16. In two adjacent second cold plates 13, the upper second outlet pipe joint 132 is connected to the lower second inlet pipe joint 131 via a second connecting pipe 17.

[0050] It can be understood that the provision of the first avoidance hole allows the first connecting pipe 16 for connecting two adjacent first cold plates 12 to be designed as a straight pipe, and there is no need to design a curved portion to bypass the middle second cold plate 13, thereby helping to reduce material costs and reduce the flow resistance of the working fluid.

[0051] Similarly, the provision of the second avoidance hole allows the second connecting pipe 17 to be designed as a straight pipe, and no curved portion is needed to bypass the first cold plate 12 in the middle, thereby reducing material costs and lowering the flow resistance of the working fluid.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, the liquid cooling device 15 adopts a water cooler. The water cooler includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline, and the top and bottom first cold plates 12 are connected in series with the first circulation pipeline, and the top and bottom second cold plates 13 are connected in series with the second circulation pipeline.

[0053] The advantage of this setting is that one or two circulation pipelines can be opened according to the actual cooling needs of the battery cluster, which is conducive to achieving the usage requirements under different charging and discharging rate conditions, making the application scenarios of the battery cluster finished product broader.

[0054] At this time, still refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the above-mentioned first circulation pipeline includes a first liquid outlet pipe 18 connecting the first circulation outlet of the water cooler and the first inlet of the top first cold plate 12, and a first liquid inlet pipe connecting the first circulation inlet of the water cooler and the first outlet of the bottom first cold plate 12, thereby forming a circulation of the working fluid between multiple first cold plates 12 connected in series.

[0055] The above-mentioned second circulation pipeline includes a second liquid outlet pipe 19 connecting the second circulation outlet of the water cooler and the second inlet of the top second cold plate 13, and a second liquid inlet pipe 101 connecting the second circulation inlet of the water cooler and the second outlet of the bottom second cold plate 13, thereby forming a circulation of the working fluid between multiple second cold plates 13 connected in series.

[0056] Of course, in addition to using one water cooler to control the two circulation pipelines respectively, the liquid cooling device 15 can also use two water coolers to control the two circulation pipelines respectively when necessary to improve the circulation stability of the working fluid.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 13 are connected by snapping. In the specific structure, in the length direction of the frame 11, the two ends of the placement space 120 in the first cold plate 12 are respectively provided with first connecting flanges 123, and the second cold plate 13 is formed with a receiving space 130 for accommodating the corresponding battery module 14, and a second connecting flange 133 is arranged at both ends of the receiving space 130, and the first connecting flange 123 and the second connecting flange 133 at the same end are connected by screwing.

[0058] It can be understood that the provision of the accommodation space 130 in this embodiment is conducive to the buckling connection between the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 13 , as well as the fixation of the battery module 14 .

[0059] It is worth mentioning here that the second cold plate 13 of the present embodiment is preferably configured to have the same structure as the first cold plate 12 , for example, the two are configured in a mirror image, which is conducive to improving the structural consistency of the two and reducing mold development costs.

[0060] At the same time, as a preferred implementation form, the first cold plate 12 and the second cold plate 13 of this embodiment are both provided with an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used to connect with the corresponding battery module 14. The adhesive layer can preferably use a thermal conductive structural adhesive well known to those skilled in the art to ensure thermal conductivity and bonding performance.

[0061] The battery cluster liquid cooling structure of the present embodiment, by placing the battery module 14 directly on the first cold plate 12, can reduce the number of structural parts, reduce material costs, and help improve the volume utilization and energy density of the battery cluster compared to the tray method used in the traditional technology. At the same time, the first inlet in the top first cold plate 12 and the first outlet in the bottom first cold plate 12 are both connected to the external liquid cooling device 15, and in the two first cold plates 12 located adjacent to each other in the middle, the first outlet in the upper first cold plate 12 is connected to the first inlet of the lower first cold plate 12, so that multiple first cold plates 12 can be connected in series, and the structure is simple, which is conducive to reducing the flow resistance of the working fluid and improving the utilization of the working fluid, thereby having a good use effect.

[0062] Embodiment 2

[0063] This embodiment relates to a battery cluster, in which the battery cluster liquid cooling structure in Embodiment 1 is provided. At the same time, this embodiment also relates to an energy storage system, in which the above-mentioned battery cluster is provided.

[0064] The battery cluster and energy storage system of this embodiment, by providing the battery cluster liquid cooling structure in the first embodiment, can improve the liquid cooling effect while improving the volume utilization rate and energy density, thereby improving product competitiveness.

[0065] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cluster liquid cooling structure, characterized in that: It comprises a rack, a plurality of first cold plates arranged on the rack, and a placement space arranged on each of the first cold plates, wherein each of the placement spaces is used to place a battery module; The first cold plates are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the rack, and both ends of the first cold plates along the length direction of the rack are respectively provided with a first inlet and a first outlet; In the height direction of the rack, the first inlet in the topmost first cold plate and the first outlet in the bottommost first cold plate are both connected to an external liquid cooling device, and in two adjacent first cold plates located in the middle, the first outlet in the top first cold plate is connected to the first inlet of the bottom first cold plate.

2. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack is also provided with a plurality of second cold plates connected to the liquid cooling device; In the height direction of the rack, each of the second cold plates is disposed on the top of the battery modules on each of the first cold plates in a one-to-one correspondence.

3. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the length direction of the rack, two ends of each second cold plate are respectively provided with a second inlet and a second outlet; In the height direction of the rack, the second inlet in the uppermost second cold plate and the second outlet in the lowermost second cold plate are both connected to the liquid cooling device, and in two adjacent second cold plates located in the middle, the second outlet in the upper second cold plate is connected to the second inlet of the lower second cold plate.

4. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the length direction of the rack, the second inlet on each second cold plate and the first outlet on the corresponding first cold plate are located at the same end, the second outlet on each second cold plate and the first inlet on the corresponding first cold plate are located at the same end, and the second inlet and the first outlet located at the same end, as well as the second outlet and the first inlet located at the same end are staggered in the width direction of the rack.

5. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first cold plate is provided with a first inlet pipe joint connected to the first inlet, and a first outlet pipe joint connected to the first outlet, and the second cold plate is provided with a first avoidance hole for avoiding the first inlet pipe joint and the first outlet pipe joint; and / or, The second cold plate is provided with a second pipe inlet joint connected to the second inlet, and a second pipe outlet joint connected to the second outlet, and the first cold plate is provided with a second avoidance hole for avoiding the second pipe inlet joint and the second pipe outlet joint.

6. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: In two adjacent first cold plates, the upper first pipe outlet joint and the lower first pipe inlet joint are connected via a first connecting pipe; In two adjacent second cold plates, the upper second pipe outlet connector and the lower second pipe inlet connector are connected via a second connecting pipe.

7. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid cooling equipment adopts a water cooler; The water chiller includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline, and the uppermost and lowermost first cold plates are connected in series with the first circulation pipeline, and the uppermost and lowermost second cold plates are connected in series with the second circulation pipeline.

8. The battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The first cold plate and the second cold plate are connected by buckling; and / or, The first cold plate and the second cold plate are both provided with an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used to be connected to the corresponding battery module.

9. A battery cluster, characterized in that: The battery cluster is provided with the battery cluster liquid cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An energy storage system, characterized in that: The energy storage system is provided with the battery cluster according to claim 9.

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