Thermal management system, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a thermal management system, a battery pack and a vehicle. The thermal management system comprises a main liquid inlet pipe, a main liquid outlet pipe and at least two liquid cooling plates, and a main liquid inlet and at least two liquid inlets are sequentially formed in the main liquid inlet pipe at intervals; a main liquid outlet and at least two liquid outlets are sequentially formed in the main liquid outlet pipe at intervals; the at least two liquid cooling plates are arranged at intervals in the preset direction, and the liquid inlets, the liquid cooling plates and the liquid outlets are in one-to-one correspondence and are sequentially communicated; the sectional area of the liquid inlet close to the main liquid inlet is smaller than that of the liquid inlet far away from the main liquid inlet; and / or the liquid flowing space in the liquid cooling plate close to the main liquid inlet is smaller than the liquid flowing space of the liquid cooling plate far away from the main liquid inlet. According to the thermal management system, the battery pack and the vehicle, the heat exchange capacity of each layer of liquid cooling plate can be balanced, and it is ensured that the heat exchange degree of each battery module is generally consistent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a thermal management system, a battery pack and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] To meet the high power requirements of commercial vehicles and trucks, each battery pack is designed with multiple layers of battery modules to meet the power requirements. Each layer of battery modules is designed with a corresponding liquid cooling plate for heat exchange. Since different liquid cooling plates generally supply coolant through the same main liquid inlet, the liquid cooling plates farther from the main liquid inlet have longer pipes through which the coolant passes. During this period, heat exchange with the outside air is inevitable, causing the temperature of the liquid entering the liquid cooling plates farther from the main liquid inlet to be slightly higher. This poor heat exchange effect on the battery modules leads to uneven temperature throughout the battery pack, which in turn affects the battery pack's service life.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a thermal management system, a battery pack, and a vehicle to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system that can balance the heat exchange capacity of each layer of liquid cooling plate to ensure that the degree of heat exchange for each battery module is roughly consistent.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can balance the temperature of each battery module, improve the uniformity of the temperature of the entire battery pack, and extend the service life of the battery pack.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that uses a battery pack with higher temperature uniformity to provide it with electrical energy, thereby avoiding local excessive temperature at the battery pack installation location in the vehicle and improving the user experience.

[0007] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] Thermal management system, including:

[0009] A main liquid inlet pipe, wherein the main liquid inlet pipe is provided with a main liquid inlet and at least two liquid inlets in sequence and at intervals;

[0010] A main liquid outlet pipe, on which a main liquid outlet pipe and at least two liquid outlets are sequentially arranged at intervals;

[0011] At least two liquid cooling plates are spaced apart along a preset direction, and each of the liquid cooling plates is connected to one of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet;

[0012] wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet close to the total liquid inlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet far from the total liquid inlet; and / or

[0013] The liquid flow space in the liquid cooling plate close to the main liquid inlet is smaller than the liquid flow space in the liquid cooling plate far from the main liquid inlet.

[0014] As an optional solution, the cross-sectional areas of the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet of the same liquid cooling plate are the same.

[0015] As an optional solution, the cross-sections of the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are both circular.

[0016] As an optional solution, the liquid cooling plate includes a flat plate and a flow channel plate that are stacked and connected, and the flow channel plate is recessed in a direction away from the flat plate to form a flow channel;

[0017] Wherein, the height of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate close to the main liquid inlet is smaller than the height of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate away from the main liquid inlet; and / or

[0018] The width of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate close to the main liquid inlet is smaller than the width of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate away from the main liquid inlet.

[0019] As an optional solution, the flat plate and the flow channel plate are connected by brazing.

[0020] As an optional solution, it also includes a first adapter and a second adapter. The above-mentioned liquid cooling plate has a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe. Each of the above-mentioned liquid inlet pipes and the corresponding above-mentioned liquid inlet are connected through one of the above-mentioned first adapters, and each of the above-mentioned liquid outlet pipes and the corresponding above-mentioned liquid outlet are connected through one of the above-mentioned second adapters.

[0021] As an optional solution, the above-mentioned first adapter and the above-mentioned second adapter are both arranged in a cubic shape, the axial direction of the above-mentioned liquid inlet is perpendicular to the axial direction of the above-mentioned liquid inlet and is respectively connected to the two side surfaces perpendicular to the above-mentioned first adapter, and the axial direction of the above-mentioned liquid outlet is perpendicular to the axial direction of the above-mentioned liquid outlet and is respectively connected to the two side surfaces perpendicular to the above-mentioned second adapter.

[0022] As an optional solution, the total liquid inlet and the total liquid outlet are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate; or

[0023] The total liquid inlet and the total liquid outlet are located at opposite ends of the liquid cooling plate.

[0024] Battery pack, including:

[0025] The thermal management system described above; and

[0026] Battery module: each of the above-mentioned liquid cooling plates is placed with one of the above-mentioned battery modules, and the above-mentioned liquid cooling plates can exchange heat with the corresponding above-mentioned battery modules.

[0027] As an optional solution, a liquid cooling plate as described above is sandwiched between two adjacent battery modules.

[0028] A vehicle comprising the battery pack described above.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0030] The utility model provides a thermal management system, in which the cross-sectional area of ​​at least two liquid inlets gradually increases in the flow direction of the liquid along the main liquid inlet pipe, so that more cooling liquid flows into the corresponding liquid cooling plate per unit time, that is, the farther the liquid cooling plate is from the main liquid inlet, the more liquid flows into the liquid cooling plate, filling the heat exchange gap caused by the slightly higher temperature of the liquid flowing into the liquid cooling plate at the far end. At the same time, along the flow direction of the liquid in the main liquid inlet pipe, the flow space in at least two liquid cooling plates gradually increases, so that the space for storing cooling liquid in the liquid cooling plate at the far end is increased. That is to say, under the condition of the same contact area, more cooling liquid is used to exchange heat with the battery module, which also fills the heat exchange gap caused by the slightly higher temperature of the liquid flowing into the liquid cooling plate at the far end, thereby making the heat exchange capacity of the liquid cooling plates from near to far from the main liquid inlet tend to be consistent, thereby ensuring that the operating temperature of the battery module tends to be consistent, improving the temperature uniformity of the entire battery pack, and extending the life of the battery pack.

[0031] The present invention also provides a battery pack, which, by adopting the above-mentioned thermal management system, can balance the temperature of each battery module, improve the uniformity of the temperature of the entire battery pack, and extend the service life of the battery pack.

[0032] The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising the aforementioned battery pack. The vehicle utilizes a battery pack with higher temperature uniformity to provide electrical energy, thereby preventing localized overheating at the battery pack installation location and improving user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a thermal management system provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the main liquid inlet pipe and the main liquid outlet pipe provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a side view of the thermal management system provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid cooling plate cut through a thermal management system provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] 10. Main liquid inlet pipe; 11. Main liquid inlet port; 12. Liquid inlet connector; 121. Liquid inlet port; 13. First sub-pipe;

[0042] 20. Main liquid outlet pipe; 21. Main liquid outlet; 22. Liquid outlet connector; 221. Liquid outlet; 14. Second sub-pipe;

[0043] 30. Liquid cooling plate; 31. Flat plate; 32. Flow channel plate; 321. Edge; 322. Protrusion; 323. Recess; 33. Liquid inlet pipe; 34. Liquid outlet pipe;

[0044] 40. First adapter; 50. Second adapter;

[0045] 200. Battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of its components.

[0047] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature has a higher liquid level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature has a lower liquid level than the second feature.

[0049] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used to refer to positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery pack, which includes at least two stacked battery modules 200. The at least two battery modules 200 are heat-managed by a thermal management system to ensure that the operating temperature of the battery modules 200 is stable within a certain range. Specifically, the thermal management system includes at least two liquid cooling plates 30, and each battery module 200 is correspondingly provided with a liquid cooling plate 30 to exchange heat with the battery module 200. In order to simplify the arrangement of the pipelines, at least two liquid cooling plates 30 are supplied with liquid through the same main liquid inlet pipe 10, and the liquid after heat exchange is discharged through the same main liquid outlet pipe 20; wherein, a main liquid inlet 11 and at least two liquid inlet joints 12 are sequentially arranged on the main liquid inlet pipe 10, and the main liquid inlet 11 and the liquid inlet joint 12 and the two adjacent liquid inlet joints 12 are connected by a first sub-pipe 13, and a main liquid outlet 21 and at least two liquid outlet joints 22 are sequentially arranged on the main liquid outlet pipe 20, and the main liquid outlet 21 and the liquid outlet joint 22 and the two adjacent liquid outlet joints 22 are connected by a second sub-pipe 14, and the liquid inlet joint 12, the liquid cooling plate 30 and the liquid outlet joint 22 are arranged one by one and connected in sequence. It can be understood that the coolant enters from the main liquid inlet 11, first passes through the liquid inlet joint 12 closest to the main liquid inlet 11 and enters the corresponding liquid cooling plate 30, and then flows for a distance before entering the second layer of liquid cooling plate 30, and so on.

[0051] In the process of entering the liquid cooling plates 30 of different layers from the main liquid inlet pipe 10 in sequence, due to the distance problem, when the liquid enters the liquid cooling plate 30 closer to the main liquid inlet 11, the temperature is lower, and the heat exchange effect with the corresponding battery module 200 is better. When the liquid enters the liquid cooling plate 30 farther from the main liquid inlet 11, due to the longer pipeline, the coolant exchanges heat with the external environment, the temperature rises, and the heat exchange effect with the corresponding battery module 200 is poor, resulting in different operating temperatures of different battery modules 200 in the battery pack, shortening the service life of the battery pack.

[0052] In order to solve the above problems, this embodiment provides a thermal management system that can balance the heat exchange capacity of each layer of liquid cooling plate 30, ensure that the degree of heat exchange for each battery module 200 is roughly the same, and then balance the operating temperature of each battery module 200, thereby extending the service life of the battery pack. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ( Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the arrows in the upper and lower directions indicate the direction of liquid flow. In this thermal management system, the total liquid inlet 11 and at least two liquid inlets 121 are sequentially arranged on the total liquid inlet pipe 10; the total liquid outlet 21 and at least two liquid outlets 221 are sequentially arranged on the total liquid outlet pipe 20. Figure 3 , the liquid outlet 221 is on the back side, indicated by an arrow); wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet 121 close to the main liquid inlet 11 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet 121 away from the main liquid inlet 11; and / or, the liquid flow space in the liquid cooling plate 30 close to the main liquid inlet 11 is smaller than the liquid flow space of the liquid cooling plate 30 away from the main liquid inlet 11.

[0053] In the above-mentioned thermal management system, the farther the liquid inlet 121 is from the main liquid inlet 11, the larger the cross-sectional area is, so that more cooling liquid flows into the corresponding liquid cooling plate 30 per unit time, that is, the farther the liquid cooling plate 30 is from the main liquid inlet 11, the more liquid flows into the liquid cooling plate 30, filling the heat exchange gap caused by the slightly higher temperature of the liquid flowing into the distant liquid cooling plate 30. At the same time, the farther the liquid cooling plate 30 is from the main liquid inlet 11, the larger the flow space in the liquid cooling plate 30, so that the space for storing cooling liquid in the distant liquid cooling plate 30 is increased. In other words, under the same contact area, more cooling liquid exchanges heat with the battery module 200, and also fills the heat exchange gap caused by the slightly higher temperature of the liquid flowing into the distant liquid cooling plate 30, thereby making the heat exchange capacity of the liquid cooling plates 30 from near to far from the main liquid inlet 11 tend to be consistent, thereby ensuring that the operating temperature of the battery module 200 tends to be consistent, improving the temperature uniformity of the entire battery pack, and extending the life of the battery pack.

[0054] Optionally, the cross-sectional areas of the liquid outlet 221 and the liquid inlet 121 of the same liquid cooling plate 30 are the same. The above arrangement is beneficial to the stable flow of the liquid for the same liquid cooling plate 30.

[0055] Optionally, the cross-sections of the liquid inlet 121 and the liquid outlet 221 are both circular, which can reduce the resistance of the liquid flowing in the main liquid inlet pipe 10 or the main liquid outlet pipe 20 as much as possible.

[0056] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the total liquid inlet 11 and the total liquid outlet 21 are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate 30. In other embodiments, the total liquid inlet 11 and the total liquid outlet 21 are located at opposite ends of the liquid cooling plate 30, which is not limited here.

[0057] Alternatively, as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the thermal management system also includes a first adapter 40 and a second adapter 50. The liquid cooling plate 30 has a liquid inlet pipe 33 and a liquid outlet pipe 34. Each liquid inlet pipe 33 is connected to the corresponding liquid inlet 121 through a first adapter 40, and each liquid outlet pipe 34 is connected to the corresponding liquid outlet 221 through a second adapter 50.

[0058] Alternatively, as Figure 2 and 6 As shown, both the first adapter 40 and the second adapter 50 are arranged in a cubical shape. The axis of the liquid inlet pipe 33 is perpendicular to the axis of the liquid inlet 121 and is connected to two perpendicular side surfaces of the first adapter 40. The axis of the liquid outlet pipe 34 is perpendicular to the axis of the liquid outlet 221 and is connected to two perpendicular side surfaces of the second adapter 50. This arrangement effectively connects the two mutually perpendicular pipes, creating a simpler and neater appearance. Of course, the first adapter 40 and the second adapter 50 can also be hoses, which is not limited here.

[0059] Alternatively, as Figure 4-Figure 7 As shown, the liquid cooling plate 30 includes a stacked flat plate 31 and a flow channel plate 32. The flow channel plate 32 is recessed in a direction away from the flat plate 31 to form a recess 323 that serves as a flow channel. The flow channel height in the liquid cooling plate 30 near the main liquid inlet 11 is smaller than the flow channel height in the liquid cooling plate 30 farther from the main liquid inlet 11; and / or the flow channel width in the liquid cooling plate 30 near the main liquid inlet 11 is smaller than the flow channel width in the liquid cooling plate 30 farther from the main liquid inlet 11. This configuration expands the liquid flow space within the liquid cooling plate 30.

[0060] Optionally, the flat plate 31 and the flow channel plate 32 are connected by brazing. It is understood that brazing the edges 321 of the flat plate 31 and the flow channel plate 32, as well as the protrusions 322 formed by the concavity of the flow channel plate 32, provides good welding stability for the liquid cooling plate 30 and minimizes deformation of the components, thereby ensuring that the dimensions of the battery pack are within tolerance.

[0061] The battery pack of this embodiment, by adopting the above-mentioned thermal management system, can balance the temperature of each battery module 200, improve the temperature uniformity of the entire battery pack, and extend the service life of the battery pack.

[0062] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, a liquid cooling plate 30 is sandwiched between two adjacent battery modules 200. With this arrangement, the upper surface of one liquid cooling plate 30 is flat, primarily exchanging heat with the battery module 200 above it. The lower side of the liquid cooling plate 30 also contacts the battery module 200 below it, cooling the lower battery module 200.

[0063] This embodiment also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack. The vehicle uses a battery pack with higher temperature uniformity to provide power, thereby preventing localized overheating at the battery pack installation location and improving the user experience.

[0064] Obviously, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the manner in which the present invention is to be implemented. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that include: A main liquid inlet pipe (10), wherein a main liquid inlet (11) and at least two liquid inlets (121) are sequentially arranged at intervals on the main liquid inlet pipe (10); A total liquid outlet pipe (20), wherein the total liquid outlet pipe (20) is sequentially and spaced apart from each other and provided with a total liquid outlet (21) and at least two liquid outlets (221); At least two liquid cooling plates (30) are spaced apart along a preset direction, and each of the liquid cooling plates (30) is connected to a liquid inlet (121) and a liquid outlet (221); wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet (121) close to the main liquid inlet (11) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid inlet (121) away from the main liquid inlet (11); and / or The liquid flow space in the liquid cooling plate (30) close to the main liquid inlet (11) is smaller than the liquid flow space in the liquid cooling plate (30) away from the main liquid inlet (11).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that The cross-sectional areas of the liquid outlet (221) and the liquid inlet (121) of the same liquid cooling plate (30) are the same.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sections of the liquid inlet (121) and the liquid outlet (221) are both circular.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid cooling plate (30) comprises a flat plate (31) and a flow channel plate (32) that are stacked and connected, and the flow channel plate (32) is recessed in a direction away from the flat plate (31) to form a flow channel; wherein the height of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate (30) close to the main liquid inlet (11) is smaller than the height of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate (30) away from the main liquid inlet (11); and / or The width of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate (30) close to the main liquid inlet (11) is smaller than the width of the flow channel in the liquid cooling plate (30) away from the main liquid inlet (11).

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flat plate (31) and the flow channel plate (32) are connected by brazing.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate (30) further comprises a first adapter (40) and a second adapter (50), wherein the liquid cooling plate (30) has a liquid inlet pipe (33) and a liquid outlet pipe (34), each of the liquid inlet pipes (33) and the corresponding liquid inlet port (121) are connected via a first adapter (40), and each of the liquid outlet pipes (34) and the corresponding liquid outlet port (221) are connected via a second adapter (50).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first adapter (40) and the second adapter (50) are both arranged in a cubic shape. The axial direction of the liquid inlet pipe (33) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the liquid inlet (121) and is respectively connected to two perpendicular side surfaces of the first adapter (40). The axial direction of the liquid outlet pipe (34) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the liquid outlet (221) and is respectively connected to two perpendicular side surfaces of the second adapter (50).

8. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The total liquid inlet (11) and the total liquid outlet (21) are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate (30); or The total liquid inlet (11) and the total liquid outlet (21) are located at opposite ends of the liquid cooling plate (30).

9. A battery pack, characterized in that: include: The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as A battery module (200) is placed on the upper side of each liquid cooling plate (30), and the liquid cooling plate (30) can exchange heat with the corresponding battery module (200).

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: A liquid cooling plate (30) is sandwiched between two adjacent battery modules (200).

11. A vehicle, characterized in that Comprising the battery pack as claimed in claim 9 or 10.

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