Liquid-cooled battery pack and energy storage cabinet

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid-cooled battery pack which comprises a shell and a battery module, a cooling medium is further arranged in an inner cavity of the shell, an air cavity located at the top of the cooling medium is formed in the inner cavity of the shell, an anti-explosion mechanism communicated with the air cavity is arranged on the shell, the anti-explosion mechanism comprises a base body and a movable core body, the base body is fixedly connected to the shell, and the movable core body is fixedly connected to the shell. The movable core body is installed on the base body in a sliding mode, one end of the movable core body is located outside the shell, the other end of the movable core body extends into the air cavity, the movable core body is provided with a second channel enabling the inner cavity to be communicated with the outside, and the base body is provided with a first channel surrounding the movable core body. The first channel can be opened when the pressure of the inner cavity of the shell is larger than the preset pressure, and the inner cavity communicates with the outside for pressure relief. The utility model further discloses an energy storage cabinet applying the liquid-cooled battery pack. The pressure balance inside and outside the shell can be ensured, and the safety performance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid-cooled batteries, and in particular to a liquid-cooled battery pack and an energy storage cabinet. Background Art

[0002] The battery pack is a core component of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc. It contains multiple battery cells. As the battery ages or works in a harsh environment, the cells may be damaged, leading to abnormal conditions such as electrolyte leakage and thermal runaway. This will not only damage other healthy cells, but may also have a negative impact on the safety and performance of the battery pack.

[0003] To maintain the operating temperature of battery cells, conventional technology typically employs a sealed housing, which is filled with a liquid cooling medium to dissipate heat from the battery cells in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the battery's lifespan and operating efficiency. However, because the housing is a sealed component, the pressure inside can increase during use if impacted or subjected to other adverse conditions. This increased pressure can not only affect the battery's operating efficiency but, in severe cases, can even cause an explosion. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent. To this end, the present invention provides a liquid-cooled battery pack, which has the advantage of ensuring pressure balance inside and outside the battery pack.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the first aspect of the present invention discloses a liquid-cooled battery pack, comprising a shell and a battery module arranged in the inner cavity of the shell, the inner cavity of the shell is also provided with a cooling medium for immersing the battery module, the inner cavity of the shell forms an air cavity located on the top of the cooling medium, the shell is provided with an explosion-proof mechanism connected to the air cavity, the explosion-proof mechanism includes a base and a movable core, the base is fixedly connected to the shell, the movable core is slidably installed in the center of the base along the axial direction of the base, one end of the movable core is located outside the shell, and the other end of the movable core extends into the air cavity, the movable core is provided with a second channel connecting the inner cavity with the outside, and the base is provided with a first channel surrounding the movable core, the first channel can be opened when the pressure in the inner cavity of the shell is greater than a preset pressure, and connect the inner cavity with the outside for pressure relief.

[0006] In this technical solution, an explosion-proof mechanism is provided. During normal operation, the explosion-proof mechanism can connect the inside of the shell with the outside world through the second channel, acting as a breathing valve to ensure the pressure balance inside and outside the battery pack and ensure a good working environment for the battery module. When the air pressure inside the shell rises rapidly, the first channel of the explosion-proof mechanism will be opened, and the high-pressure gas inside the shell will be quickly discharged through the first channel, achieving the effect of rapid pressure relief and avoiding the risk of explosion.

[0007] Furthermore, a pressure cover is provided at one end of the movable core outside the shell, and a spring is connected between the movable core and the base, and the spring is used to press the pressure cover onto the base and seal the first channel.

[0008] The explosion-proof mechanism can realize automatic sealing of the first channel and automatic opening under high pressure conditions inside the shell, thereby realizing automatic pressure relief and improving safety.

[0009] Furthermore, a baffle is provided at the end of the movable core placed in the inner cavity, and the spring sleeved on the movable core is connected between the baffle and the base.

[0010] Furthermore, a first end of the second channel is communicated with the inner cavity, and a second end of the second channel passes through the side wall of the gland.

[0011] Furthermore, the preset pressure is greater than the elastic force of the spring sealing the first channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the shell is provided with a mounting hole for installing the explosion-proof mechanism, the end surface of the base is provided with a first connecting hole, the shell is provided with a second connecting hole, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are opposite to each other, the explosion-proof mechanism is fixed to the shell by a connecting piece passing through the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole, and a first sealing ring is provided at the joint between the base and the shell.

[0013] Furthermore, a second sealing ring located outside the first channel is provided at the junction of the gland and the base, and the second sealing ring is used to seal the junction of the gland and the base when the first channel is closed.

[0014] Furthermore, the explosion-proof mechanism is arranged on the top of the shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner cavity is filled with an inert gas layer.

[0016] Furthermore, the end of the second channel outside the inner cavity is covered with a waterproof and breathable membrane layer, which ensures gas flow inside and outside the shell, maintains air pressure balance, and prevents moisture or dust from entering the shell, ensuring a good working environment for the battery module.

[0017] The second aspect of the present invention discloses an energy storage cabinet, comprising a cabinet body and at least one liquid-cooled battery pack arranged in the cabinet body, wherein the liquid-cooled battery pack adopts the liquid-cooled battery pack described in the first aspect.

[0018] These features and advantages of the present invention will be fully disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments or means of the present invention will be fully illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention. Furthermore, although multiple features, elements, and components may be present and are labeled with different symbols or numbers for convenience, they all represent components with the same or similar structure or function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the explosion-proof mechanism of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of gas flow under normal working conditions of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of gas flow in the open state of the first channel of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] in,

[0026] 10. Housing; 11. Liquid cooling medium; 12. Inert gas layer; 13. Battery module;

[0027] 20. Explosion-proof mechanism; 21. Base; 22. Movable core; 23. Pressure cover; 24. Spring; 25. First channel; 26. Second channel; 27. First connecting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described in the embodiments are intended to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] References in this specification to "one embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment itself can be included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] See attached Figure 1-5 One embodiment of the present utility model discloses a liquid-cooled battery pack, comprising a housing 10 and a battery module 13 disposed in the inner cavity of the housing 10. The inner cavity of the housing 10 is further provided with a cooling medium for immersing the battery module 13, wherein the cooling medium is configured as one of fluorinated liquid, silicone oil, and mineral oil. Liquids such as fluorinated liquid, silicone oil, and mineral oil all have high specific heat capacity and heat transfer coefficient, and can more effectively remove the heat generated by the battery module 13 during operation compared to commonly used cooling media such as air or water. In addition, liquids such as fluorinated liquid, silicone oil, and mineral oil all have high dielectric strength and dielectric constant, and can better protect the battery pack from the risk of electric shock or short circuit compared to cooling media with higher conductivity such as water, thereby improving the safety of the liquid-cooled battery pack.

[0031] The inner cavity of the housing 10 is formed with an air cavity located at the top of the cooling medium, see the attached Figure 2 The shell 10 is provided with an explosion-proof mechanism, which includes a base and a movable core. The base is fixedly connected to the shell, and the movable core is slidably installed in the center of the base along the axial direction of the base. One end of the movable core is located outside the shell, and the other end of the movable core extends into the air cavity. The movable core is provided with a second channel that connects the inner cavity with the outside, and the base is provided with a first channel surrounding the movable core. The first channel can be opened when the pressure in the inner cavity of the shell is greater than a preset pressure, and connects the inner cavity with the outside for pressure relief. The first channel 25 of this embodiment can open when the pressure in the inner cavity of the shell 10 is greater than a preset pressure and connect the inner cavity to the outside for pressure relief. The first channel 25 of this embodiment serves as a pressure relief channel. During normal operation of the battery pack, the first channel 25 is closed. Only when the pressure in the inner cavity increases to a preset pressure will the first channel 25 be opened. The opening of the first channel 25 realizes unimpeded communication between the inner cavity and the outside world. At this time, the high-pressure gas in the shell 10 will be quickly discharged, thereby achieving rapid pressure relief and avoiding the risk of explosion caused by further pressure increase. It should be noted that the preset pressure in this embodiment needs to be lower than the pressure resistance value that the shell 10 structure itself can withstand.

[0032] This embodiment does not impose any specific restrictions on the structure of the first channel 25, nor does it impose any specific restrictions on the structure for opening or closing the first channel 25. It can be opened manually after detecting the pressure in the shell 10, or an actuator can be set to automatically open according to the pressure, as long as it can be ensured that the first channel 25 can be opened when the pressure in the gas is greater than the preset pressure.

[0033] In addition, the explosion-proof mechanism in this embodiment also includes a second channel 26, which is used to connect the inner cavity with the outside. The second channel 26 in this embodiment is always in an unobstructed state. During normal operation, the explosion-proof mechanism can connect the inside of the shell 10 with the outside through the second channel 26. At this time, the second channel 26 acts as a breathing valve to ensure the pressure balance inside and outside the battery pack and ensure a good working environment for the battery module 13. It should be noted that the gas flow rate of the second channel 26 is relatively slow. In actual use, the second channel 26 can be covered with a waterproof and breathable film layer. This ensures gas circulation inside and outside the shell 10, maintains air pressure balance, and prevents water vapor or dust from entering the shell 10, ensuring a good working environment for the battery module 13.

[0034] In addition, it should be noted that since the liquid-cooling medium 11 is injected into the inner cavity of the shell 10, the liquid-cooling medium 11 will occupy a part of the space in the inner cavity, and the liquid-cooling medium 11 is at the bottom of the cavity under the action of its own gravity, and an air cavity is naturally formed at the upper part of the cavity, that is, the explosion-proof mechanism needs to be set at the upper part of the shell 10. This embodiment does not specifically limit the position of the explosion-proof mechanism. In the specific setting, the explosion-proof mechanism can be set at the top of the shell 10 or on the side of the upper part of the shell 10, as long as it is ensured that the explosion-proof mechanism can be connected to the air cavity instead of being connected to the liquid-cooling medium 11.

[0035] It can be seen that when the liquid-cooled battery pack in this embodiment is in use, the heat generated by the battery module 13 during operation can be taken away by the liquid cooling medium 11, and the internal and external gas circulation is maintained through the second channel 26 of the explosion-proof mechanism. When the air pressure inside the shell 10 rises rapidly, the first channel 25 of the explosion-proof mechanism will be opened, and the high-pressure gas inside the shell 10 will be quickly discharged through the first channel 25, which has the effect of rapid pressure relief and avoids the risk of explosion.

[0036] It should also be noted that the present invention does not impose any particular limitation on the number of explosion-proof mechanisms. In actual configuration, one or more explosion-proof mechanisms may be provided. Two explosion-proof mechanisms may be provided, and in this case, the two explosion-proof mechanisms may be provided at two opposite corners of the top surface of the housing 10, which can further enhance safety.

[0037] This embodiment does not specifically limit the structure of the explosion-proof mechanism. The explosion-proof mechanism can be a single component or a combination of multiple components, as long as it can achieve the functions mentioned above.

[0038] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, a pressure cover 23 is provided at one end of the movable core 22 located outside the shell 10, and a spring 24 is connected between the movable core 22 and the base 21. The spring 24 is used to press the pressure cover 23 onto the base 21 and seal the first channel 25.

[0039] See attached Figure 3 、 4 5. The explosion-proof mechanism in this embodiment has two operating states during use. First, in the normal operating state, the internal pressure of the housing 10 is less than the preset pressure. At this time, the gas inside and outside the inner cavity freely flows through the waterproof and breathable membrane of the second channel 26, with gas flowing from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the cavity is greater than the external pressure, the gas is discharged outward. When the internal pressure is less than the external pressure, the gas enters the inner cavity, thus achieving internal and external pressure balance. In this state, the explosion-proof mechanism 20 functions as a waterproof and breathable valve (breathing valve). Second, when the internal pressure of the cavity is greater than or equal to the set explosion-proof opening pressure of the explosion-proof mechanism 20, the explosion-proof operating state is reached. At this time, the internal pressure pushes open the internal movable core 22, and the gas is directly connected to the outside through the first channel 25 (unobstructed passage), achieving rapid gas discharge, thereby quickly reducing the pressure in the cavity and preventing the housing 10 from exploding. In this state, the explosion-proof mechanism 20 functions as an explosion-proof valve. When the pressure in the inner cavity drops below a preset pressure value of the explosion-proof mechanism 20 , the movable core 22 of the explosion-proof mechanism 20 is reset under the action of the spring 24 and returns to a normal working state.

[0040] In order to achieve stable sliding of the movable core 22 and open or close the explosion-proof mechanism 20, a baffle is provided at the end of the movable core 22 placed in the inner cavity, and the spring 24, which is sleeved on the movable core 22, is connected between the baffle and the base 21. At this time, the movable core 22 limits the position of the spring 24 through its own structure, avoiding possible distortion during the expansion and contraction of the spring 24. In addition, the elastic force of the spring 24 on the movable core 22 is relatively stable, making the movement of the movable core 22 more stable.

[0041] The movable core 22 of one embodiment of the present invention is provided with the second channel 26, see the attached Figure 4 、 5The first end of the second channel 26 is connected to the inner cavity, and the second end of the second channel 26 passes through the side wall of the gland. The second channel 26 passes through the side wall of the gland, that is, it is connected to the outside from the side, preventing the opening of the second channel 26 from being blocked by external dust or gas impurities, thereby ensuring gas flow.

[0042] It should be noted that the preset pressure in the present invention needs to be greater than the elastic force of the spring 24 that seals the first channel 25. Thus, when the pressure in the inner cavity exceeds the preset pressure, the pressure can push the gland 23 open at the first channel 25, thereby creating a gap between the gland 23 and the base 21. At this time, the gas in the inner cavity is directly discharged from the first channel 25, achieving rapid pressure relief.

[0043] In order to achieve stability in the installation of the explosion-proof mechanism 20, a mounting hole for mounting the explosion-proof mechanism 20 is provided on the housing 10 of one embodiment of the present utility model. A first connecting hole 27 is provided on the end surface of the base 21, and a second connecting hole is provided on the housing 10. The first connecting hole 27 and the second connecting hole are opposite each other. The explosion-proof mechanism 20 is fixed to the housing 10 via a connector passing through the first connecting hole 27 and the second connecting hole. A first sealing ring is provided at the junction of the base 21 and the housing 10. The explosion-proof mechanism 20 is connected to the housing 10 via a connector (which can be a screw or other connector), which can improve the installation strength of the explosion-proof mechanism 20 and improve safety performance. The first sealing ring can prevent moisture or impurities from entering the inner cavity.

[0044] Similarly, a second sealing ring located outside the first channel 25 is provided at the junction of the pressure cover 23 and the base 21. The second sealing ring is used to seal the junction of the pressure cover 23 and the base 21 when the first channel 25 is closed, thereby preventing water vapor or impurities from entering the inner cavity.

[0045] The explosion-proof mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention is arranged on the top of the housing 10. Referring to the drawings, arranging the explosion-proof mechanism on the top can prevent one end of the explosion-proof mechanism from contacting the liquid cooling medium 11 in the inner cavity, and is easy to install.

[0046] As one of the embodiments of the present invention, the inner cavity is filled with an inert gas, which is generally argon or helium, so that the battery pack in the inner cavity does not directly contact with the air, avoiding oxidation or fire during use.

[0047] The liquid-cooled battery pack in the present invention further includes a connecting plug and a connecting plate arranged on the side wall of the shell, which are used to connect to an external power source or external equipment.

[0048] One embodiment of the present utility model discloses an energy storage cabinet, comprising a cabinet body and a liquid-cooled battery pack disposed in the cabinet body. The liquid-cooled battery packs in this embodiment can be provided in plurality to form a battery cluster to improve energy storage capacity.

[0049] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes but is not limited to the contents described in the drawings and the above specific embodiments. Any modifications that do not deviate from the functional and structural principles of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled battery pack, comprising a housing (10) and a battery module (13) disposed in an inner cavity of the housing (10), wherein a cooling medium for immersing the battery module (13) is further disposed in the inner cavity of the housing (10), characterized in that: The inner cavity of the shell (10) is formed with an air cavity located at the top of the cooling medium, and the shell (10) is provided with an explosion-proof mechanism connected to the air cavity. The explosion-proof mechanism (20) includes a base (21) and a movable core (22). The base (21) is fixedly connected to the shell (10), and the movable core (22) is slidably installed in the center of the base (21) along the axial direction of the base. One end of the movable core (22) is located outside the shell, and the other end of the movable core (22) extends into the air cavity. The movable core (22) is provided with a second channel (26) connecting the inner cavity with the outside. The base (21) is provided with a first channel (25) surrounding the movable core (22). The first channel (25) can be opened when the pressure in the inner cavity of the shell (10) is greater than a preset pressure, and connects the inner cavity with the outside for pressure relief.

2. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A pressure cover (23) is provided at one end of the movable core (22) located outside the shell (10), and a spring (24) is connected between the movable core (22) and the base (21). The spring (24) is used to press the pressure cover (23) onto the base (21) and seal the first channel (25).

3. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The movable core (22) is placed in the inner cavity and is provided with a baffle at the end thereof. The baffle and the base (21) are connected to the spring (24) sleeved on the movable core (22).

4. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A first end of the second channel (26) is communicated with the air cavity, and a second end of the second channel (26) passes through the side wall of the gland (23).

5. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The preset pressure is greater than the elastic force of the spring (24) sealing the first channel (25).

6. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The shell (10) is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the explosion-proof mechanism (20), the end surface of the base (21) is provided with a first connecting hole (27), the shell (10) is provided with a second connecting hole, the first connecting hole (27) and the second connecting hole are opposite to each other, the explosion-proof mechanism (20) is fixed to the shell (10) by a connecting piece passing through the first connecting hole (27) and the second connecting hole, a first sealing ring is provided at the joint between the base (21) and the shell (10); a second sealing ring located outside the first channel (25) is provided at the joint between the pressure cover (23) and the base (21), the second sealing ring is used to seal the joint between the pressure cover (23) and the base (21) when the first channel (25) is closed.

7. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The explosion-proof mechanism is arranged on the top of the shell (10).

8. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The air cavity is filled with an inert gas layer (12), and one end of the second channel (26) is connected to the inert gas layer (12).

9. The liquid-cooled battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The end of the second channel (26) outside the inner cavity is covered with a waterproof and breathable membrane layer.

10. An energy storage cabinet, comprising a cabinet body and at least one liquid-cooled battery pack disposed in the cabinet body, characterized in that: The liquid-cooled battery pack adopts the liquid-cooled battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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