Battery cluster

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery cluster which comprises a main body, the main body is provided with a cooling liquid inlet and a cooling liquid outlet, a plurality of mutually independent immersion bins are formed in the main body, the battery cluster further comprises a liquid distribution assembly and an overflow assembly, and the liquid distribution assembly and the overflow assembly are both arranged on the main body; the liquid distribution assembly comprises a liquid supply pipe and a plurality of liquid distribution pipes, the liquid distribution pipes are arranged in the immersion bin in a one-to-one correspondence mode, the liquid inlet ends of the liquid distribution pipes are communicated with the liquid supply pipe, and the liquid supply pipe is communicated with the cooling liquid inlet; the overflow assembly comprises an overflow box and a plurality of overflow openings, the overflow openings are formed in the wall face of the immersion bin in a one-to-one correspondence mode, the overflow openings communicate with the overflow box, and the overflow box communicates with the cooling liquid outlet. Cooling liquid is fed through the liquid distribution pipe, the temperature of the battery module in the immersion bin can be homogenized, and the working performance of the battery module is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of immersion batteries, in particular to a battery cluster. Background Art

[0002] A battery cluster is a connected assembly of multiple battery modules. During charging and discharging, heat is generated. Poor heat dissipation can lead to excessive battery temperatures or large temperature differences, which can shorten battery life and increase the risk of thermal runaway. During high-rate charge and discharge, a significant amount of heat accumulates within the battery system. If this heat cannot be dissipated quickly, it can lead to rapid capacity decay, triggering irreversible reactions such as separator dissolution and even thermal runaway.

[0003] Currently, liquid cooling has become the mainstream cooling technology for power battery thermal management. This technology rapidly cools the battery by exchanging heat with the heat-generating components of the battery system through a highly efficient coolant. It boasts rapid heat dissipation and high cooling efficiency. In liquid cooling technology, ensuring thermal uniformity across the battery is crucial for its safety and longevity.

[0004] How to improve the thermal uniformity of immersed battery clusters has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] 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 battery cluster.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a battery cluster, comprising a main body, the main body having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the main body being provided with a plurality of mutually independent immersion chambers capable of forming a closed space, the battery cluster further comprising a liquid distribution assembly and an overflow assembly, both of which are provided on the main body;

[0007] The liquid distribution assembly includes a liquid supply pipe and a plurality of liquid distribution pipes, the liquid distribution pipes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the immersion chamber, the liquid inlet ends of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes are connected to the liquid supply pipe, and the liquid supply pipe is connected to the coolant inlet;

[0008] The overflow assembly includes a plurality of overflow ports, which are arranged on the wall surface of the immersion tank in a one-to-one correspondence. The plurality of overflow ports are communicated with the overflow box, and the overflow box is communicated with the coolant outlet.

[0009] The application of this application has the following beneficial effects: the coolant enters the corresponding immersion bin through multiple liquid distribution pipes, and then flows out from the overflow port and merges into the overflow box; the coolant flows in the immersion bin and takes away the heat of the battery module arranged in the immersion bin, uniformizing the temperature of the battery module in each immersion bin and the temperature between the battery modules in multiple immersion bins, ensuring their working performance.

[0010] Optionally, a battery module is provided in the immersion chamber, and the battery module includes a plurality of battery sub-modules, and the battery sub-modules are arranged at intervals along a first direction and extend along a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction; the liquid distribution pipe is provided at the first end of the battery module along the second direction, and an overflow port is provided at the first end of the battery module along the second direction.

[0011] Optionally, the liquid distribution pipe is located at the bottom of the battery module, and the liquid distribution pipe extends along the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid distribution pipe is provided with a plurality of through holes at intervals along the first direction, and the apertures of the plurality of through holes gradually increase along with the flow direction of the liquid in the liquid distribution pipe.

[0013] Optionally, the overflow port is arranged on the wall surface of the main body away from the liquid distribution pipe, and the overflow box is arranged on the outer wall surface of the main body away from the liquid distribution pipe, and the coolant flowing out through the liquid distribution pipe can flow into the overflow box through the overflow port.

[0014] Optionally, in the immersion chamber, the height of the overflow port is higher than the height of the battery module.

[0015] Optionally, the overflow port is rectangular and extends along the first direction.

[0016] Optionally, a plurality of the immersion chambers are stacked up and down, and adjacent immersion chambers are separated by partitions.

[0017] Optionally, the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are located on the same side of the main body, and the liquid supply pipe includes a first liquid supply pipe extending along a third direction and a second liquid supply pipe extending along the second direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; one end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the coolant inlet, and the other end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the first liquid supply pipe, and the first liquid supply pipe is connected to the plurality of liquid distribution pipes.

[0018] Optionally, the first liquid supply pipe is arranged outside the immersion bin, the wall of the immersion bin is provided with a liquid inlet, and the liquid distribution pipe extends into the interior of the immersion bin through the liquid inlet.

[0019] The features and advantages of the present application will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description and drawings. The present application is best understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the application are not necessarily drawn to scale. Additionally, identical or similar structural elements in different drawings are represented by identical or similar reference characters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The present application will be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view structural diagram of the present application.

[0022] Figure 2 is a front view structural diagram of the present application.

[0023] Figure 3 is a back view structural diagram of the present application.

[0024] In the drawings: 10, main body; 11, cooling liquid outlet; 12, cooling liquid inlet; 13, immersion bin; 20, liquid supply pipe; 21, liquid distribution pipe; 30, overflow tank; 31, overflow port; 40, battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numbers throughout the drawings represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. Based on the embodiments in the embodiments, it is intended to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0026] In this specification, "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the patent disclosure. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] In the related art, the increase in battery temperature is generally directly related to the battery charging and discharging process. When the internal environment temperature of the battery pack continuously rises and the heat energy cannot be effectively radiated, the working temperature higher than 80℃ will cause thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is usually accompanied by the generation of harmful gases, smoke, fire, and even explosion. When the temperature exceeds the limit working temperature, it will accelerate the aging of lithium ion batteries, and low temperature will reduce the discharge capacity of the battery. When charging at high rate and low temperature, lithium plating will occur, which will shorten the battery life and cause safety problems. In addition, uneven temperature distribution in the battery pack will cause local deterioration.

[0028] Currently, immersion cooling is also called liquid direct cooling, which uses non-conductive and non-flammable working fluids as coolants, such as mineral oil, silicone oil, and some fluorinated liquids. The battery is immersed in the coolant or partially in direct contact with the coolant to minimize the thermal resistance between the battery and the coolant, so that heat can be directly and effectively transferred to the coolant, and the battery temperature can be controlled within a safe range. It is an efficient cooling method. The coolant flows on the surface of the battery, enhancing the heat transfer process. The flow and heat exchange of the liquid refrigerant is the main factor in controlling the temperature rise of the battery assembly. Existing immersed battery clusters usually only have one liquid inlet and one liquid outlet. There is no coolant separation structure designed inside the battery cluster with multi-layer battery modules, which leads to uneven internal temperature of the battery cluster.

[0029] In view of this, see the attached Figure 1-3 This embodiment provides a battery cluster, including a main body 10, the main body 10 having a coolant inlet 12 and a coolant outlet 11, a plurality of mutually independent immersion chambers 13 formed in the main body 10, and the battery cluster further including a liquid distribution assembly and an overflow assembly, both of which are disposed on the main body 10;

[0030] The liquid distribution assembly includes a liquid supply pipe 20 and a plurality of liquid distribution pipes 21. The liquid distribution pipes 21 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence within the immersion chamber 13. The liquid inlet ends of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes 21 are connected to the liquid supply pipe 20. The liquid supply pipe 20 is connected to the coolant inlet 12.

[0031] The overflow assembly includes 30 and multiple overflow ports 31. The overflow ports 31 are arranged one by one on the wall of the immersion tank 13. The multiple overflow ports 31 are connected to the overflow box 30, and the overflow box 30 is connected to the coolant outlet 11.

[0032] A battery module 40 is provided in the immersion chamber, and the battery module 40 includes a plurality of battery sub-modules, which are arranged at intervals along a first direction and extend along a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction; the liquid distribution pipe 21 is provided at the first end of the battery module 40 along the first direction, and the overflow port 31 is provided at the first end of the battery module 40 along the first direction.

[0033] The liquid distribution pipe 21 is located at the bottom of the battery module 40 and extends along the first direction. The liquid distribution pipe 21 is provided with multiple through-holes spaced apart along the first direction, with the apertures of the through-holes gradually increasing as the liquid flows through the liquid distribution pipe 21. The positions of the through-holes on the liquid distribution pipe 21 correspond to the spacing between the multiple battery submodules in the battery module. The spacing between the multiple battery submodules ensures that the coolant can pass through and exchange heat with the battery submodules.

[0034] The overflow port 31 is arranged on the wall surface of the main body 10 away from the liquid distribution pipe 21, and the overflow box 30 is arranged on the outer wall surface of the main body 10 away from the liquid distribution pipe 21. The coolant flowing out through the liquid distribution pipe 21 can flow into the overflow box 30 through the overflow port 31.

[0035] In the immersion chamber 13, the height of the overflow port 31 is higher than the height of the battery module 40. As the immersion height of the coolant increases, the heat dissipation effect of the battery module becomes better, and the immersion cooling provides better heat transfer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the overflow port 31 is about 0.5-1 cm higher than the battery module 40, which is conducive to the flow of the coolant. Overflow can reduce the pressure in the immersion chamber 13, so that the coolant in the immersion chamber 13 flows evenly, and the liquid flow direction is relatively fixed, preventing the occurrence of eddy currents, short currents and other phenomena. During the cooling process, the overflow cycle can introduce new coolant into the immersion chamber 13 and discharge the hot coolant after heat exchange to ensure stability and efficiency during the cooling process. By adjusting the speed of the overflow cycle, the temperature of the battery module 40 in the immersion chamber 13 can be effectively controlled.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow port 31 is rectangular and extends along the first direction. The present invention has no particular limitation on the shape of the overflow port 31, and the overflow port 31 can also be configured as a plurality of circular, elliptical, or spaced-apart overflow ports.

[0037] Multiple immersion chambers 13 are stacked one above the other, with adjacent chambers 13 separated by partitions. In one embodiment of the present invention, there are four immersion chambers 13, stacked from bottom to top, with adjacent chambers 13 separated by partitions. Of course, the number of immersion chambers 13 can be adjusted as needed, and can be one, two, three, five, six, or more. Furthermore, the immersion chambers 13 can be arranged in various distribution patterns, such as vertically, horizontally, or circumferentially.

[0038] The cooling liquid inlet 12 and the cooling liquid outlet 11 are located on the same side of the main body 10, and the liquid supply pipe 20 includes a first liquid supply pipe extending along a third direction and a second liquid supply pipe extending along the second direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; one end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the cooling liquid inlet, and the other end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the first liquid supply pipe, and the first liquid supply pipe is connected to the plurality of liquid distribution pipes 21.

[0039] The following diagram illustrates a battery cluster having four immersion chambers 13. The four immersion chambers 13 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top, and each immersion chamber 13 is provided with a liquid distribution pipe 21 and an overflow port 31. The liquid distribution pipe 21 is provided at the first end of the battery module 40 along the second direction, and the overflow port 31 is provided at the second end of the battery module 40 along the second direction. The liquid distribution pipe 21 is provided at the bottom of the battery module 40, and the overflow port 31 is located higher in the immersion chamber 13 than the height of the battery module 40. Coolant is distributed sequentially from bottom to top through the liquid supply pipe to the liquid distribution pipe 21 in each layer of immersion chamber 13. The coolant then flows out through the through-holes in the liquid distribution pipe 21, flows from the bottom of the battery module in the second direction, and gradually rises until the liquid level reaches the overflow port 31, where it flows out to the overflow tank 30 and merges. The through holes arranged at intervals along the second direction on the liquid distribution tube 21 in each immersion chamber 13 have an aperture that gradually increases in the direction away from the liquid supply tube, so that the through hole at the end of the liquid distribution tube 21 can basically keep the flow rate consistent with the through hole at the end of the liquid distribution tube 21 close to the liquid supply tube 20, so that multiple battery sub-modules are cooled at the same temperature. In other embodiments of the present invention, the positions of the through holes on the liquid distribution tube 21 correspond to the intervals between the multiple battery sub-modules in the battery module, so that the coolant can first enter the interval channels of the multiple battery sub-modules in the immersion chamber 13 and gradually increase the liquid level. The coolant starts to cool from the bottom of the battery module 40, that is, it is cooled from the bottom to the top on the surface of the battery module. The temperature of the coolant increases after heat exchange with the battery and is collected into the overflow tank through the overflow port. Compared with conventional immersed battery clusters, coolant is transported to multiple immersion bins 13 along the third direction, enters the corresponding immersion bin through the liquid distribution pipe, and then flows out from the overflow port and merges into the overflow box; the coolant flows in the immersion bin and takes away the heat of the battery modules arranged in the immersion bin, uniformizing the temperature of the battery modules in each immersion bin and the temperature between the battery modules in multiple immersion bins, thereby ensuring their working performance.

[0040] The battery module is placed in a liquid cooling medium, and the high thermal conductivity of the liquid is used to absorb the heat generated by the battery, thereby maintaining the battery temperature within an appropriate range. Compared with the traditional immersed battery cluster heat dissipation solution, this embodiment has higher heat dissipation efficiency and more uniform temperature distribution, which can better protect the performance and life of the battery. The thermal management of the immersed battery cluster can enable the battery cells to exchange heat more efficiently, improve the temperature uniformity within the battery cluster, and ensure the service life of the battery cells. The advantages of this embodiment are not only reflected in the heat dissipation effect, but also include the flexibility of battery design. Due to the presence of the cooling medium, the layout of the battery module can be more compact, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cluster. In addition, the battery cluster can also reduce the cost of the battery module because it reduces the need for high-cost heat dissipation materials and components.

[0041] 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 battery cluster comprising a main body (10), wherein the main body (10) has a coolant inlet (12) and a coolant outlet (11), and wherein a plurality of mutually independent immersion chambers (13) capable of forming a closed space are provided in the main body (10), characterized in that: The battery cluster further comprises a liquid distribution assembly and an overflow assembly, both of which are arranged on the main body (10); The liquid distribution assembly comprises a liquid supply pipe (20) and a plurality of liquid distribution pipes (21), wherein the liquid distribution pipes (21) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence within the immersion chamber (13), and the liquid inlet ends of the plurality of liquid distribution pipes (21) are in communication with the liquid supply pipe (20), and the liquid supply pipe (20) is in communication with the cooling liquid inlet (12); The overflow assembly comprises an overflow box (30) and a plurality of overflow ports (31), wherein the overflow ports (31) are arranged on the wall surface of the immersion tank (13) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the plurality of overflow ports (31) are connected to the overflow box (30), and the overflow box (30) is connected to the coolant outlet (11).

2. The battery cluster according to claim 1, characterized in that: A battery module (40) is provided in the immersion chamber, the battery module (40) comprising a plurality of battery submodules, the battery submodules being spaced apart along a first direction and extending along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction; the liquid distribution pipe (21) is provided at a first end of the battery module (40) along the second direction, and an overflow port (31) is provided at a first end of the battery module (40) along the second direction.

3. The battery cluster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid distribution pipe (21) is located at the bottom of the battery module (40), and the liquid distribution pipe (21) extends along the first direction.

4. The battery cluster according to claim 3, characterized in that The liquid distribution pipe (21) is provided with a plurality of through holes at intervals along the first direction, and the apertures of the plurality of through holes gradually increase along the flow direction of the liquid in the liquid distribution pipe (21).

5. The battery cluster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The overflow port (31) is arranged on the wall surface of the main body (10) on the side away from the liquid distribution pipe (21), and the overflow box (30) is arranged on the outer wall surface of the main body (10) on the side away from the liquid distribution pipe (21). The cooling liquid flowing out through the liquid distribution pipe (21) can flow into the overflow box (30) through the overflow port (31).

6. The battery cluster according to claim 5, characterized in that In the immersion chamber (13), the height of the overflow port (31) is higher than the height of the battery module (40).

7. The battery cluster according to claim 6, characterized in that: The overflow port (31) is rectangular in shape, and the overflow port (31) extends along the first direction.

8. The battery cluster according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The plurality of immersion chambers (13) are stacked up and down, and adjacent immersion chambers (13) are isolated by partitions.

9. The battery cluster according to claim 8, characterized in that The cooling liquid inlet (12) and the cooling liquid outlet (11) are located on the same side of the main body (10); the liquid supply pipe (20) includes a first liquid supply pipe extending along a third direction and a second liquid supply pipe extending along the second direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; one end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the cooling liquid inlet, and the other end of the second liquid supply pipe is connected to the first liquid supply pipe, and the first liquid supply pipe is connected to the plurality of liquid distribution pipes (21).

10. The battery cluster according to claim 9, characterized in that The first liquid supply pipe is arranged outside the immersion chamber (13), a liquid inlet is provided on the wall surface of the immersion chamber (13), and the liquid distribution pipe (21) extends into the interior of the immersion chamber (13) through the liquid inlet.

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