Battery cluster structure and energy storage device

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cluster structure and an energy storage device. The battery cluster structure comprises a tray, a battery cell module, a cooling assembly and a support frame, wherein the battery cell modules are constructed into a plurality of groups which are vertically and flatly laid on the tray; the cooling assemblies are arranged at the two ends of the battery cell module array and between every two adjacent battery cell modules; the supporting frame is used for supporting the tray; and the tray is detachably arranged on the supporting frame. The utility model further provides an energy storage device with the battery cluster structure. The utility model has the advantages of lower gravity center and good structural stability, and is not easy to topple or deform in the use process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of energy storage equipment, and in particular to a battery cluster structure. The utility model also relates to an energy storage device comprising the battery cluster structure. Background Art

[0002] With advancements in production technology, energy storage devices are placing increasingly stringent demands on the cycle life of battery cells. The cycle life of a battery cell is significantly affected by operating temperature. When the operating temperature of the battery cell remains elevated for extended periods, its cycle life decreases. Even if the operating temperature of the battery cell is within the design range, higher temperatures reduce the cycle life and the number of charge and discharge cycles required. To reduce cooling costs, improve battery energy density, and maximize space utilization, a direct-to-cell-cluster energy storage device solution has been proposed.

[0003] Existing cell-to-cluster solutions typically place a high-strength tray at the bottom, with the cells stacked in sequence along the height of the tray, allowing for shared cold plates. However, battery clusters employing this structure have a high center of gravity and are prone to tipping over during transportation and assembly, potentially causing safety accidents. Furthermore, this battery cluster structure requires support structures such as end plates and frames on both sides of the tray. The end plates and frames at the bottom are subject to the greatest forces, bearing not only the gravity in the height direction but also the expansion forces generated by the cell charge and discharge process. The stress conditions are relatively complex, and deformation is likely to occur during long-term use, affecting the structural strength of the entire battery cluster. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a battery cluster structure with a lower center of gravity and a more stable support structure, which can solve the problems of poor stability and low structural strength of the battery cluster structure in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the utility model is achieved as follows:

[0006] The utility model provides a battery cluster structure, comprising a tray;

[0007] The battery cell modules are constructed into multiple groups vertically laid flat on the tray;

[0008] A cooling assembly is provided at both ends of the battery cell modules and between two adjacent battery cell modules;

[0009] a support frame, on which the tray is detachably arranged;

[0010] Furthermore, the battery cell module includes a plurality of unit cells arranged along its thickness direction;

[0011] End plates, arranged at both ends of the arrangement of the unit cells;

[0012] The unit cell includes two poles, and the two poles are located on the same side of the unit cell.

[0013] Furthermore, the contact surface between the unit cell and the tray is the surface of the unit cell with the smallest area, and the two poles are located on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell and the tray.

[0014] Furthermore, the unit cell includes an explosion-proof valve, which is provided on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell and the tray and is located between the two poles.

[0015] Furthermore, the cooling assembly includes a plate body with a flow channel cavity formed therein;

[0016] a liquid inlet, communicating with the flow channel cavity of the plate body;

[0017] a liquid outlet, communicating with the flow channel cavity of the plate body;

[0018] The cooling medium enters the flow channel cavity of the plate body through the liquid inlet and flows out of the flow channel cavity of the plate body through the liquid outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the plate body is fixedly connected to the end plate to form a frame structure that has a limiting effect on the unit battery core.

[0020] Furthermore, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are located on the same side of the plate body.

[0021] Furthermore, the support frame includes a plurality of columns configured to be arranged vertically on a horizontal plane;

[0022] The brackets are symmetrically arranged on the columns to form support for the tray.

[0023] Furthermore, a plurality of brackets are provided on the column, and the plurality of brackets are slidably provided on the column along a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and can be fixed at any position in the sliding stroke.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] The battery cluster structure and energy storage device described in this utility model reduces the stacking height of the battery cells by arranging multiple groups of battery cell modules in a flat layout on a pallet. This reduces the center height of the battery cluster structure without compromising energy density. The support frame supports the multiple battery cell modules on the pallet by supporting the pallet without having to withstand the compression caused by the weight of the multiple layers of stacked cells, thus achieving greater structural stability. Compared with existing battery cluster structures, this battery cluster structure with a lower center of gravity and greater structural stability is less prone to tipping during transport and installation, and is less susceptible to structural deformation during long-term use.

[0026] In addition, by configuring the cell module to consist of an end plate and multiple unit cells, the energy density of the cell module and the overall space utilization of the battery cluster structure can be guaranteed. The end plates installed at both ends of the unit cell arrangement limit and fix the unit cells. By configuring the end plates to be rectangular in shape consistent with the unit cell, the space occupied by the cell module can be reduced. By configuring the two poles of the unit cell on the same side surface of the unit cell, wiring operations can be facilitated, improving space utilization.

[0027] By setting the contact surface between the cell and the tray to the smallest surface area of ​​the cell's outer surface, the tray can provide as much support as possible to the cell while ensuring the overall stability of the battery cluster structure. By placing the two poles of the cell parallel to the contact surface between the cell and the tray, space utilization and integration can be further improved.

[0028] By installing explosion-proof valves on the battery cells, high-temperature, high-pressure gases can be discharged from the cells in the event of thermal runaway, improving the safety of the cells. By locating the explosion-proof valves parallel to the contact surface between the cell and the tray, and between the two poles, the space occupied by the cells can be reduced, improving the space utilization of the cell module and the overall energy density of the battery cluster.

[0029] Secondly, by setting the cooling component into a combination structure of a plate body, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the heat generated by the battery cell module is conducted to the outside during the flow of the cooling medium along the flow channel cavity of the plate body, thereby keeping the operating temperature of the battery cell module at a low level, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the battery cell module and increasing the number of charge and discharge times of the battery cell module.

[0030] By fixedly connecting the end plates and the plate body to form a frame structure, the battery cell modules can be limited and supported, thereby improving the overall strength and stability of the battery cluster structure and reducing the phenomenon of dislocation of the battery cell modules.

[0031] By arranging the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet on the same side of the plate body, the difficulty of installing the pipes used to connect the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet can be reduced, and the space occupied by this part of the structure inside the battery cluster structure can be reduced, which is conducive to improving the energy density and energy storage level of the battery cluster.

[0032] Furthermore, by configuring the support frame as a combination of columns and brackets, the tray is supported by the support frame, facilitating wiring of the battery modules on the tray and connecting the cooling medium pipelines. By providing multiple brackets on the columns that can be fixed at any position within the sliding range, the relative position of the brackets and columns can be adjusted according to the actual size of the unit cells, allowing the battery cluster structure to include multiple layers, thereby achieving a large energy storage capacity while ensuring a stable center of gravity.

[0033] In addition, the utility model also proposes an energy storage device provided with the above-mentioned battery cluster structure.

[0034] The energy storage device described in the present invention has the same beneficial effects as the battery cluster structure described above relative to the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cluster structure in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling assembly in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support frame in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Description of reference numerals:

[0041] 1. Pallet;

[0042] 2. Battery cell module;

[0043] 201, battery cell; 202, end plate; 203, pole; 204, explosion-proof valve;

[0044] 3. Cooling components;

[0045] 301. Plate body; 302. Liquid inlet; 303. Liquid outlet;

[0046] 4. Support frame;

[0047] 401. Column; 402. Bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the specific implementation methods of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive work.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" appear to indicate orientation or positional relationships, these are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, if terms such as "first" and "second" appear, they are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] Taking the battery cluster structure and energy storage device described in this utility model as an example, the directional terms used in the embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," are defined relative to the vehicle's up-down (also known as the height direction, or the vehicle's Z direction), left-right (also known as the width direction, or the vehicle's Y direction), and front-to-back (also known as the length direction, or the vehicle's X direction). "Inside" and "outside" are defined relative to the contours of the corresponding components. For example, when "inside" and "outside" are defined relative to the vehicle's contour, the side closest to the center of the vehicle is considered "inside," and the opposite side is considered "outside."

[0051] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connection," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0052] The following will refer to the attached Figure 1 To the attached Figure 4 The present invention is described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] This embodiment relates to a battery cluster structure. By laying multiple modules composed of multiple battery cells flat on a tray, the overall height and space occupied by the battery cluster are reduced, resulting in a lower center of gravity and improved structural stability. Because of its single-layer, flat, stacked structure, it is less likely to tip over during assembly and transport than conventional battery clusters. The end plates do not need to withstand vertical gravity, preventing structural deformation after long-term use.

[0055] In terms of overall structure, the battery cluster structure of this embodiment includes a tray 1, a battery cell module 2, a cooling assembly 3 and a support frame 4. Among them, the tray 1 can be a rectangular plate made of aluminum alloy. There are multiple groups of battery cell modules 2. Multiple groups of battery cell modules 2 are arranged on the tray 1 in a flat manner. The battery cell modules 2 and the tray 1 are fixed by bonding with thermal conductive structural adhesive. There are multiple groups of cooling assemblies 3. The cooling assemblies 3 are arranged at both ends of the arrangement of multiple groups of battery cell modules 2, and between two adjacent battery cell modules 2. The cooling assembly 3 and the battery cell module 2 are bonded and fixed by thermal conductive structural adhesive, which plays a role in conducting the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cell module 2. The support frame 4 is arranged at the bottom of the tray 1 and supports the tray 1. The tray 1 is detachably set on the support frame 4 by bolt connection.

[0056] As configured above, by arranging multiple groups of battery cell modules 2 in a flat manner on the tray 1, the stacking height of the battery cells is reduced. Without affecting the energy density, the center height of the battery cluster structure as a whole is lowered. The support frame 4 supports the multiple battery cell modules 2 on the tray 1 by supporting the tray 1 without having to withstand the extrusion caused by the gravity of the multiple layers of stacked battery cells, thus having higher structural stability. Compared with existing battery cluster structures, the battery cluster structure with a lower center of gravity and better structural stability is less likely to tip over during transportation and installation. Structural deformation is less likely to occur during long-term use.

[0057] Based on the above design ideas, specifically, in this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The battery cell module 2 includes a plurality of unit cells 201. The plurality of unit cells 201 are stacked and arranged along their own thickness direction. The battery cell module 2 also includes two end plates 202. The two end plates 202 are respectively located at both ends of the arrangement of the unit cells 201. The shape of the end plate 202 is consistent with the shape of the unit cell 201, which plays a role in limiting and fixing the arrangement formed by the plurality of unit cells 201. Each unit cell 201 has two poles 203, which serve as the positive pole and negative pole of the unit cell 201 respectively. The unit cell 201 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the two poles 203 are located on the same side surface of the unit cell 201.

[0058] By configuring the cell module 2 as a structure consisting of end plates 202 and multiple unit cells 201, the energy density of the cell module 2 and the overall space utilization of the battery cluster structure can be maintained. The end plates 202, mounted at both ends of the unit cells 201, serve to position and secure the unit cells 201. By configuring the end plates 202 to be rectangular and consistent with the shape of the unit cells 201, the space occupied by the cell module 2 can be reduced. By arranging the two poles 203 of the unit cells 201 on the same side surface, wiring operations can be facilitated, improving space utilization.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 To improve the energy storage efficiency of the battery cluster, in this embodiment, the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1 is the smallest surface area of ​​the unit cell 201. The two poles 203 of the unit cell 201 are located parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1.

[0060] By setting the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1 to the smallest surface area of ​​the unit cell 201's outer surface, the tray 1 can provide as much support as possible for the unit cell 201 while ensuring the overall stability of the battery cluster structure. By placing the two poles 203 of the unit cell 201 parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1, space utilization and integration can be further improved.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In order to improve the safety of the unit cell 201, in this embodiment, an explosion-proof valve 204 is provided on the unit cell 201. The explosion-proof valve 204 is located on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1, and is located between the two poles 203.

[0062] By providing an explosion-proof valve 204 on the unit cell 201, high-temperature, high-pressure gas within the unit cell 201 can be discharged in the event of thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of the unit cell 201. By locating the explosion-proof valve 204 on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell 201 and the tray 1, and between the two poles 203, the space occupied by the unit cell 201 can be reduced, improving the space utilization of the cell module 2 and the overall energy density of the battery cluster.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 To cool the battery cell module 2, in this embodiment, the cooling assembly 3 includes a plate 301, a liquid inlet 302, and a liquid outlet 303. The plate 301 is a hollow rectangular metal plate made of aluminum alloy with a flow channel cavity inside. Both the liquid inlet 302 and the liquid outlet 303 are connected to the flow channel cavity of the plate 301. Cooling medium can enter the flow channel cavity of the plate 301 through the liquid inlet 302 and then flow out of the flow channel cavity through the liquid outlet 303.

[0064] By setting the cooling component 3 into a combined structure of the plate body 301, the liquid inlet 302 and the liquid outlet 303, the heat generated by the battery cell module 2 is conducted to the outside during the flow of the cooling medium along the flow channel cavity of the plate body 301, thereby maintaining the operating temperature of the battery cell module 2 at a low level, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the battery cell module 2 and increasing the number of charge and discharge times of the battery cell module 2.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 In order to improve the structural stability of the battery cluster, in this embodiment, the plate body 301 and the end plate 202 can be fixedly connected by welding, bolting or riveting to form a frame structure that has a limiting support function for the battery cell module 2.

[0066] By fixedly connecting the end plate 202 and the plate body 301 to form a frame structure, the battery cell module 2 can be limited and supported, thereby improving the overall strength and stability of the battery cluster structure and reducing the phenomenon of dislocation of the battery cell module 2.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 In order to reduce the space occupied by the cooling assembly 3 , in this embodiment, the liquid inlet 302 and the liquid outlet 303 are located on the same side of the plate body 301 .

[0068] By arranging the liquid inlet 302 and the liquid outlet 303 on the same side of the plate body 301, the difficulty of installing the pipes used to connect the liquid inlet 302 and the liquid outlet 303 can be reduced, and the space occupied by this part of the structure within the battery cluster structure can be reduced, which is conducive to improving the energy density and energy storage level of the battery cluster.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 In order to support the pallet 1, in this embodiment, the support frame 4 includes a column 401 and a bracket 402. The column 401 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The brackets 402 are symmetrically arranged on the column 401, and the pallet 1 is arranged on two brackets 402 that are symmetrically distributed with each other. A plurality of brackets 402 are arranged on each column 401. The plurality of brackets 402 are slidably arranged on the column 401 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and can be fixed at any position in the relative sliding stroke between the bracket 402 and the column 401 by bolt fastening.

[0070] By configuring support frame 4 as a combination of columns 401 and brackets 402, tray 1 is supported by support frame 4, facilitating wiring of the battery modules 2 on tray 1 and connection of the cooling medium pipeline. By providing multiple brackets 402 on columns 401, each of which can be fixed at any position within the sliding range, the relative position of brackets 402 and columns 401 can be adjusted according to the actual size of the unit cells 201. This allows the battery cluster structure to include multiple layers, resulting in a larger energy storage capacity while maintaining a stable center of gravity.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] This embodiment relates to an energy storage device, including the battery cluster structure described in the first embodiment.

[0073] In this embodiment, by employing the battery cluster structure described in Example 1 in an energy storage device, the center of gravity of the battery cluster structure can be effectively lowered, thereby improving the stability and structural strength of the battery cluster structure. Compared to conventional energy storage devices employing battery cluster structures, the energy storage device has improved electrical safety and service life.

[0074] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all of these should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cluster structure, characterized in that: Including tray; The battery cell modules are constructed into multiple groups vertically laid flat on the tray; A cooling assembly is provided at both ends of the battery cell modules and between two adjacent battery cell modules; A support frame, on which the tray is detachably arranged.

2. The battery cluster structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cell module includes a plurality of unit cells arranged along its thickness direction; End plates, arranged at both ends of the arrangement of the unit cells; The unit cell includes two poles, and the two poles are located on the same side of the unit cell.

3. The battery cluster structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact surface between the unit cell and the tray is the surface of the unit cell with the smallest area, and the two poles are located on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit cell and the tray.

4. The battery cluster structure according to claim 2, wherein: The unit battery cell includes an explosion-proof valve, which is provided on a surface parallel to the contact surface between the unit battery cell and the tray and is located between the two poles.

5. The battery cluster structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cooling assembly includes a plate body with a flow channel cavity formed therein; a liquid inlet, communicating with the flow channel cavity of the plate body; a liquid outlet, communicating with the flow channel cavity of the plate body; The cooling medium enters the flow channel cavity of the plate body through the liquid inlet and flows out of the flow channel cavity of the plate body through the liquid outlet.

6. The battery cluster structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plate body is fixedly connected to the end plate to form a frame structure that has a limiting effect on the unit battery core.

7. The battery cluster structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are located on the same side of the plate body.

8. The battery cluster structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame includes a plurality of columns configured to be arranged vertically on a horizontal plane; The brackets are symmetrically arranged on the columns to form support for the tray.

9. The battery cluster structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A plurality of brackets are arranged on the column, and the plurality of brackets are slidably arranged on the column along a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and can be fixed at any position in a sliding stroke.

10. An energy storage device, characterized in that: The battery cluster structure comprises the battery cluster structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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