Heat exchanger and battery pack

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a heat exchanger and a battery pack, and relates to the technical field of batteries. The heat exchanger comprises a first pipeline, a second pipeline and a plurality of branch pipes, the first pipeline and the second pipeline are arranged in parallel at intervals, and the two ends of each branch pipe are connected with the first pipeline and the second pipeline correspondingly, so that a heat exchange loop is formed; besides, a spoiler is arranged in the second pipeline, the pressure difference of the cooling liquid at the two ends of each branch pipe and the flow speed of the cooling liquid are adjusted through the spoiler, the flow speed of the cooling liquid in each branch pipe is uniform, the heat exchange uniformity of the heat exchanger is improved, and then the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved. The battery pack comprises the heat exchanger and has all functions of the heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger can uniformly exchange heat and cool each part of the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular, to a heat exchanger and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device that exchanges heat between two or more fluids at different temperatures, and is widely used in fields such as petroleum, chemical industry, and energy. When the heat exchanger is used for a power battery, it is usually arranged inside the battery pack to exchange heat and cool down each battery module. At present, the common problem of the heat exchanger used for power batteries is that the flow rates of the cooling media at different parts of the heat exchanger are different, resulting in uneven heat exchange at different parts of the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the overall heat exchange and cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The utility model provides a heat exchanger and a battery pack to solve the problem of uneven heat exchange of the heat exchanger described above.

[0004] Embodiments of the utility model may be implemented as follows:

[0005] An embodiment of the utility model provides a heat exchanger, which includes: a first pipe, a second pipe, and a plurality of branch pipes. The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged in parallel at intervals. Both ends of the plurality of branch pipes are respectively connected to the first pipe and the second pipe. One end of the first pipe is connected to a water inlet pipe, and one end of the second pipe is connected to a water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe are both located at the same end of the first pipe;

[0006] A spoiler is arranged in the second pipe. The side of the spoiler is in contact with the inner wall of the second pipe and at least partially divides the inner cavity of the second pipe to form a first spoiler cavity and a second spoiler cavity. The drainage end of the branch pipe is communicated with the first spoiler cavity, the first spoiler cavity is communicated with the second spoiler cavity, and the second spoiler cavity is communicated with the water outlet pipe.

[0007] Optionally, the spoiler includes a deflector and a closed partition. One end of the deflector is connected to the closed partition, and the sides of the deflector and the closed partition are both in contact with the inner wall of the second pipe.

[0008] Optionally, both the first pipe and the second pipe are square pipes, and the first pipe and the second pipe have the same size;

[0009] Both the deflector and the closed partition are rectangular plates. The two long sides of the deflector are in contact with the inner wall of the second pipe, and one short side of the deflector is connected to one side edge of the closed partition.

[0010] Optionally, both the first pipe and the second pipe are circular pipes, and the first pipe and the second pipe have the same pipe diameter;

[0011] The deflector is a rectangular plate, and the closed partition is a semi-circular flat plate. The two long sides of the deflector are connected to the inner wall of the second pipe, and one short side of the deflector is connected to the straight side of the semi-circular flat plate.

[0012] Optionally, the deflector is a corrugated plate.

[0013] Optionally, the length of the deflector is less than or equal to half of the length of the second pipe.

[0014] Optionally, the inner cavity of the second pipe includes a first flow disturbance cavity, a second flow disturbance cavity, and a third flow disturbance cavity. The third flow disturbance cavity is connected to both the first flow disturbance cavity and the second flow disturbance cavity at the same time, and the second flow disturbance cavity is connected to the water outlet pipe.

[0015] Optionally, the deflector is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the second pipe.

[0016] Optionally, the multiple branch pipes are harmonica pipes.

[0017] An embodiment of the present utility model also provides a battery pack, including the above heat exchanger.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the heat exchanger and the battery pack according to the embodiments of the present utility model include, for example:

[0019] The heat exchanger includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and multiple branch pipes. The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged in parallel at intervals. Both ends of the multiple branch pipes are respectively connected to the first pipe and the second pipe. One end of the first pipe is connected to a water inlet pipe, and one end of the second pipe is connected to a water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe are both located at the same end of the first pipe. A flow disturbance plate is arranged in the second pipe. The side of the flow disturbance plate is connected to the inner wall of the second pipe and at least partially divides the inner cavity of the second pipe to form a first flow disturbance cavity and a second flow disturbance cavity. The drainage end of the branch pipe is communicated with the first flow disturbance cavity, the first flow disturbance cavity is communicated with the second flow disturbance cavity, and the second flow disturbance cavity is communicated with the water outlet pipe. When the coolant is connected to the water inlet pipe, the coolant flows through the first pipe to each branch pipe respectively, and then flows into the second pipe from the drainage end of the branch pipe. Since a flow disturbance plate is arranged in the second pipe, the flow disturbance plate reduces the liquid discharge speed and flow rate of the branch pipes near the water outlet pipe, thereby reducing the pressure difference at both ends of each branch pipe, making the coolant flow velocity in each branch pipe uniform, improving the heat transfer uniformity of the heat exchanger, and further improving the overall heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0020] The battery pack includes a heat exchanger, which has all the functions of the heat exchanger. Description of the Drawings

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings required for the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention, and thus should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other related drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 Position relationship diagram of the spoiler and the second pipe provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 For Figure 2 Partial enlarged view at A in

[0025] Figure 4 Pressure nephogram during simulation when the heat exchanger of the embodiment provided by the present invention is provided with a spoiler;

[0026] Figure 5 Pressure nephogram during simulation when the heat exchanger of the embodiment provided by the present invention is not provided with a spoiler;

[0027] Figure 6 Coolant flow velocity change nephogram during simulation when the heat exchanger of the embodiment provided by the present invention is provided with a spoiler;

[0028] Figure 7 Coolant flow velocity change nephogram during simulation when the heat exchanger of the embodiment provided by the present invention is not provided with a spoiler.

[0029] Icon: 1 - First pipe; 2 - Second pipe; 20 - First spoiler cavity; 21 - Second spoiler cavity; 22 - Third spoiler cavity; 3 - Branch pipe; 30 - Water inlet end; 31 - Drainage end; 4 - Water inlet pipe; 5 - Water outlet pipe; 6 - Spoiler; 60 - Deflector; 61 - Enclosed partition. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0031] Accordingly, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present utility model without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0033] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, it is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model 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 thus should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.

[0034] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] The term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0036] Unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "arranged", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" 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 an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] It should be noted that, without conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present utility model can be combined with each other.

[0038] A heat exchanger used in a battery pack is composed of multiple liquid cooling branch pipes, two main pipes, an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inside of the main pipe is hollow. The two ends of the multiple liquid cooling branch pipes are respectively connected to the two main pipes. The multiple liquid cooling branch pipes are arranged in parallel between the two main pipes. The inlet pipe is connected to the end of one of the main pipes, and the outlet pipe is connected to the end of the other main pipe. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are located on the same side of the main pipe. At the same time, since the sizes of the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe and the two main pipes are limited, after the coolant enters the main pipe connected to it from the inlet pipe, the coolant passes through each liquid cooling branch pipe and then is discharged from the other main pipe. The liquid cooling branch pipes near the inlet pipe have a shorter flow path of the coolant because they are closer to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, resulting in a greater liquid flow velocity in the liquid cooling branch pipes closer to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and a lower liquid flow velocity in the liquid cooling branch pipes farther from the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. As a result, the heat transfer efficiency of the parts of the heat exchanger closer to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe is higher, and the heat transfer efficiency of other parts decreases in turn, ultimately affecting the overall heat transfer efficiency.

[0039] In view of this, the heat exchanger and the battery pack provided in the embodiments of the present invention can solve the above problems. Of course, the heat exchanger provided in this embodiment is not only applicable to the battery pack, but also applicable to the battery module and other heat exchange scenarios.

[0040] Next, the heat exchanger provided in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , this heat exchanger includes a first pipe 1, a second pipe 2 and a plurality of branch pipes 3. The first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2 are arranged in parallel at intervals. The two ends of the plurality of branch pipes 3 are respectively connected to the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2. Among them, an inlet pipe 4 is connected to one end of the first pipe 1, and an outlet pipe 5 is connected to one end of the second pipe 2, thereby forming a closed liquid cooling circulation loop; the coolant enters the first pipe 1 from the inlet pipe 4, then the coolant flows from the first pipe 1 into the plurality of branch pipes 3, the coolant then flows out of the plurality of branch pipes 3 to the second pipe 2, and finally is discharged from the outlet pipe 5. The coolant exchanges heat during this flow path, thereby achieving the effect of cooling and heat dissipation.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , the branch pipe 3 includes a water inlet end 30 and a water drainage end 31. The water inlet end 30 is connected to the first pipe 1, and the water drainage end 31 is connected to the second pipe 2. The plurality of branch pipes 3 are arranged at equal intervals between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2. In this embodiment, both ends of the branch pipe 3 are connected to the bottoms of the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2.

[0043] Optionally, the branch pipe 3 is a corrugated pipe.

[0044] In order to make the flow rate of the coolant in each branch pipe 3 uniform, a spoiler 6 is arranged in the second pipe 2. The side of the spoiler 6 is connected to the inner wall of the second pipe 2 and at least partially divides the inner cavity of the second pipe 2 to form a first spoiler cavity 20 and a second spoiler cavity 21. The drainage end 31 of the branch pipe 3 is communicated with the first spoiler cavity 20, the first spoiler cavity 20 is communicated with the second spoiler cavity 21, and the second spoiler cavity 21 is communicated with the water outlet pipe 5. The coolant discharged from the drainage end 31 of the branch pipe 3 needs to enter the first spoiler cavity 20 first, then enter the second spoiler cavity 21 uniformly, and then enter the water outlet pipe 5 from the second spoiler cavity 21 and be discharged. The process of the coolant flowing through the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21 makes the flow rate of the coolant in each branch pipe 3 uniform, thereby improving the uniformity of heat exchange in each part of the heat exchanger.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 With Figure 3 , the spoiler 6 includes a deflector 60 and a closed partition 61. The deflector 60 is used to define the volumes of the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21, and the closed partition 61 is used to cooperate with the deflector 60 and the second pipe 2 to form the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21. Different connection methods between the deflector 60 and the inner wall of the second pipe 2 will affect the volumes of the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21. For example, the deflector 60 is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the second pipe 2 or the deflector 60 forms a certain angle with the axial direction of the second pipe 2. In addition, different connection positions of the deflector 60 with the inner side wall of the second pipe 2 will also affect the volumes of the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21, and further affect the heat exchange efficiency of the entire heat exchanger.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21 are for balancing the flow rate of the coolant in each branch pipe 3. Therefore, it can be known that the closed partition 61 is arranged on the side close to the water outlet pipe 5, and the outlet of the first spoiler cavity 20 is far from the side of the water outlet pipe 5.

[0047] Since both the deflector 60 and the closed partition 61 are arranged in the inner cavity of the second pipe 2, according to the change of the inner cavity shape of the second pipe 2, the shapes of the deflector 60 and the closed partition 61 arranged in the second pipe 2 will also change with the change of the inner cavity shape of the second pipe 2.

[0048] As a first example, the second pipe 2 is a square pipe, and the inner cavity of the square pipe is also a square cavity. Correspondingly, both the deflector 60 and the closed partition 61 are rectangular plates. The two long sides of the deflector 60 are connected to the inner wall of the second pipe 2, one short side of the deflector 60 is connected to one side edge of the closed partition 61, and the remaining three side edges of the closed partition 61 are connected to the inner wall of the second pipe 2, so as to form the first spoiler cavity 20 and the second spoiler cavity 21 on the upper and lower surfaces or the left and right surfaces of the deflector 60. Among them, the first pipe 1 is also a square pipe, and the length, width, height and inner cavity size of the first pipe 1 are the same as those of the second pipe 2.

[0049] As a second example, the second pipe 2 is a circular pipe, and the inner cavity of the circular pipe is a circular cavity. Correspondingly, the flow guiding plate 60 is a rectangular plate, and the closed partition plate 61 is a semi-circular flat plate. Both sides of the long side of the flow guiding plate 60 are connected to the inner wall of the second pipe 2, one side of the short side of the flow guiding plate 60 is connected to the straight side of the semi-circular flat plate, and the arc side of the semi-circular flat plate is connected to the inner wall of the circular cavity of the second pipe 2, thereby forming the first turbulent flow cavity 20 and the second turbulent flow cavity 21. Among them, the first pipe 1 is also a circular pipe, and the pipe diameters and lengths of the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2 are the same.

[0050] Of course, in addition to being a flat plate, the flow guiding plate 60 can also be set as a corrugated plate. The corrugated plate can reduce the flow rate of the coolant in the first turbulent flow cavity 20 and the second turbulent flow cavity 21 through its unique corrugated structure, and further affect the coolant in each branch pipe 3 to flow in a more balanced manner, reducing the pressure difference between the water inlet end 30 and the water drainage end 31 of the branch pipe 3.

[0051] When the length of the flow guiding plate 60 is slightly less than the inner cavity length of the second pipe 2, the flow guiding plate 60 divides the inner cavity of the second pipe 2 into the first turbulent flow cavity 20 and the second turbulent flow cavity 21; when the length of the flow guiding plate 60 is much less than the inner cavity length of the second pipe 2, the flow guiding plate 60 divides the inner cavity of the second pipe 2 into the first turbulent flow cavity 20, the second turbulent flow cavity 21 and the third turbulent flow cavity 22. The third turbulent flow cavity 22 is located at the end far from the closed partition plate 61. The third turbulent flow cavity 22 is connected to both the first turbulent flow cavity 20 and the second turbulent flow cavity 21. The coolant discharged from the branch pipe 3 below the first turbulent flow cavity 20 first enters the first turbulent flow cavity 20, then enters the third turbulent flow cavity 22, and finally enters the water outlet pipe 5 from the second turbulent flow cavity 21.

[0052] Optionally, the length of the flow guiding plate 60 is less than or equal to half of the length of the second pipe 2.

[0053] It should be noted that when the turbulent flow plate 6 is connected to the second pipe 2 in this embodiment, it is adhesively connected with waterproof sealant. In other embodiments, the turbulent flow plate 6 and the second pipe 2 can be fixed by screw connection, welding or even integral molding.

[0054] It should also be noted that the coolant in this embodiment is not limited to the cooling medium being only a liquid substance. The cooling medium can also be a gas, such as carbon dioxide, helium, etc.

[0055] In addition, the liquid cooling plate, heat exchange plate, radiator, etc. described by those skilled in the art are equivalent to the heat exchanger described in this embodiment.

[0056] In order to verify the influence of the turbulent flow plate 6 on the flow rate of the coolant in each branch pipe 3 in this embodiment, a three-dimensional simulation model is established for simulation tests. Specifically, refer to Figures 4 to 7 ; among them,Figure 4 With Figure 5 In Figure 5 , "Pressure" refers to pressure, and its unit is Pascal (Pa). Figure 6 With Figure 7 In Figure 7 , "Velocity Magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the flow velocity, and the unit is meter per second (m / s).

[0057] Comparing Figure 4 With Figure 5 It can be seen that the pressure difference distribution at both ends of each branch pipe 3 in the heat exchanger with the spoiler 6 is relatively small, while the pressure difference distribution at both ends of each branch pipe 3 in the heat exchanger without the spoiler 6 is relatively large.

[0058] Comparing Figure 6 With Figure 7 It can be seen that the coolant flow velocity in each branch pipe 3 of the heat exchanger with the spoiler 6 is relatively uniform; in the heat exchanger without the spoiler 6, the coolant flow velocity in the branch pipe 3 closest to the water outlet pipe 5 is the largest, and the coolant flow velocity in the remaining branch pipes 3 gradually decreases as the distance between the branch pipe 3 and the water outlet pipe 5 increases.

[0059] Through the simulation test, it can be shown that setting the spoiler 6 in the second pipe 2 can play a role in balancing the coolant flow velocity in each branch pipe 3.

[0060] In summary, the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a first pipe 1, a second pipe 2 and a plurality of branch pipes 3. The first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2 are arranged in parallel at intervals. Both ends of the plurality of branch pipes 3 are respectively connected to the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2, thereby forming a heat exchange circuit; in addition, a spoiler 6 is arranged in the second pipe 2. By adjusting the cooling liquid pressure difference and the coolant flow velocity at both ends of each branch pipe 3 through the spoiler 6, the coolant flow velocity in each branch pipe 3 is made uniform, the heat exchange uniformity of the heat exchanger is improved, and thus the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved.

[0061] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a battery pack, including the above heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be independently arranged in each battery module respectively, or can be centrally arranged at the bottom or side of the battery pack for dissipating heat and cooling the battery cells in the battery pack.

[0062] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, Comprising: A first pipeline (1), a second pipeline (2) and a plurality of branch pipes (3), the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2) are arranged in parallel at intervals, and both ends of the plurality of branch pipes (3) are respectively connected to the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2). One end of the first pipeline (1) is connected with a water inlet pipe (4), and one end of the second pipeline (2) is connected with a water outlet pipe (5). The water outlet pipe (5) and the water inlet pipe (4) are both located at the same end of the first pipeline (1); A spoiler (6) is arranged in the second pipeline (2). The side edge of the spoiler (6) is in contact with the inner wall of the second pipeline (2) and at least partially divides the inner cavity of the second pipeline (2) to form a first spoiler cavity (20) and a second spoiler cavity (21). The drainage end (31) of the branch pipe (3) is communicated with the first spoiler cavity (20), the first spoiler cavity (20) is communicated with the second spoiler cavity (21), and the second spoiler cavity (21) is communicated with the water outlet pipe (5).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The spoiler (6) comprises a guiding plate (60) and a closed partition plate (61). One end of the guiding plate (60) is connected to the closed partition plate (61), and the side edges of the guiding plate (60) and the closed partition plate (61) are both in contact with the inner wall of the second pipeline (2).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that Both the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2) are square pipes, and the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2) have the same size; Both the guiding plate (60) and the closed partition plate (61) are rectangular plates. The two long sides of the guiding plate (60) are in contact with the inner wall of the second pipeline (2), and one short side of the guiding plate (60) is connected to one side edge of the closed partition plate (61).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein, Both the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2) are circular pipes, and the first pipeline (1) and the second pipeline (2) have the same pipe diameter; The guiding plate (60) is a rectangular plate, the closed partition plate (61) is a semi-circular flat plate, the two long sides of the guiding plate (60) are in contact with the inner wall of the second pipeline (2), and one short side of the guiding plate (60) is in contact with the straight side of the semi-circular flat plate.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding plate (60) is a corrugated plate.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the guiding plate (60) is less than or equal to one half of the length of the second pipeline (2).

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the second pipeline (2) comprises a first spoiler cavity (20), a second spoiler cavity (21) and a third spoiler cavity (22). The third spoiler cavity (22) is simultaneously communicated with the first spoiler cavity (20) and the second spoiler cavity (21), and the second spoiler cavity (21) is communicated with the water outlet pipe (5).

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein The guiding plate (60) is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the second pipeline (2).

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The plurality of branch pipes (3) are harmonica pipes.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, Comprising the heat exchanger as claimed in claim 9.

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