Immersed battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses an immersed battery module which is used for electric equipment and comprises a shell, a plurality of battery cells and an electronic control valve, a mounting space with an open top is defined by the shell, and a cooling oil inlet pipe and a cooling oil outlet pipe are arranged on the peripheral wall of the shell. The cooling oil inlet pipe and the cooling oil outlet pipe are both communicated with the mounting space; the plurality of battery cells are arranged in the mounting space, and the battery cells are immersed in the cooling oil; the multiple electronic control valves are arranged on the cooling oil inlet pipe and the cooling oil outlet pipe in a sleeving mode correspondingly and used for controlling cooling oil to enter or flow out of the installation space. According to the immersed battery module disclosed by the utility model, the pressure intensity of the mounting space can be within a reasonable range, the risks of shell breakage and sealing failure are reduced, and the reliability of the immersed battery module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an immersion battery module. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, battery modules can employ immersion cooling, which improves cooling capacity by increasing the contact area and reducing thermal resistance. However, the high oil pressure within the cavity can easily cause damage to the casing and seal failure. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an immersion battery module that allows the pressure in the installation space to remain within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of casing rupture and seal failure, and increasing the reliability of the immersion battery module.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an immersion battery module is used in an electrical device and includes a housing, multiple battery cells, and electronic control valves. The housing defines an open-top installation space. The peripheral wall of the housing is provided with a cooling oil inlet pipe and a cooling oil outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the installation space. Multiple battery cells are disposed within the installation space and are immersed in cooling oil. Multiple electronic control valves are respectively sleeved on the cooling oil inlet pipe and the cooling oil outlet pipe for controlling the entry or exit of cooling oil into the installation space.

[0005] According to the immersion battery module of this utility model embodiment, by arranging multiple battery cells within an installation space and immersing them in cooling oil, the contact area between the battery cells and the cooling oil can be increased, the thermal resistance between the battery cells and the cooling oil can be reduced, and the cooling capacity of the cooling oil for the battery cells can be improved. Furthermore, multiple electronic control valves are respectively fitted onto the cooling oil inlet pipe and the cooling oil outlet pipe, allowing the inflow or outflow of cooling oil to be adjusted according to the temperature of the battery cells and the level of cooling oil in the installation space, making the temperature of the battery cells controllable under different operating conditions. Simultaneously, it can keep the pressure in the installation space within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of casing rupture and seal failure, and increasing the reliability of the immersion battery module.

[0006] In addition, the immersion battery module according to this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0007] In some embodiments of this utility model, the submersible battery module further includes an FPC assembly, which is disposed at the opening of the housing. The electrical device includes a control unit, and the FPC assembly is used to collect signals within the installation space and transmit them to the control unit.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the FPC assembly includes an FPC body, multiple temperature sensors and a liquid level sensor. The multiple temperature sensors are fixedly connected to the FPC body. Along the length direction of the housing, the multiple temperature sensors are arranged sequentially at intervals. At least a portion of the temperature sensor is fixedly connected to the cover plate of the battery cell. The liquid level sensor is fixedly connected to the FPC body and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling oil in the installation space.

[0009] In some embodiments of this invention, the liquid level sensor includes at least one low-level sensor and at least one high-level sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, the electronic control valve includes a low-voltage wiring harness and a control plate, the low-voltage wiring harness communicating with the control unit in real time; at least a portion of the control plate covers the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe or the cooling oil outlet pipe, and the low-voltage wiring harness controls the movement of the control plate to change the size of the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe or the cooling oil outlet pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the electronic control valve further includes a control knob for displaying the position of the control plate.

[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the temperature sensor is adhesively connected to the FPC body; and / or, the temperature sensor is adhesively connected to the cover plate; and / or, the liquid level sensor is adhesively connected to the FPC body; and / or, the liquid level sensor is adhesively connected to the inner peripheral wall of the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the FPC assembly further includes a sampling nickel plate, which is electrically connected to the battery cell and used to collect the voltage of the battery cell.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, a gap is provided between the battery cell and the inner peripheral wall of the housing; and / or, along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, a gap is provided between two adjacent battery cells.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, there are multiple cooling oil inlet pipes; and / or, there are multiple cooling oil outlet pipes.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an immersion battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electronic control valve of an immersion battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an immersion battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of the immersion battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 100. Immersion battery module;

[0026] 1. Housing; 11. Installation space; 12. Cooling oil inlet pipe; 13. Cooling oil outlet pipe;

[0027] 2. Battery cell; 21. Cover plate;

[0028] 3. Electronic control valve; 31. Low-voltage wiring harness; 32. Control plate; 33. Control knob;

[0029] 4. FPC assembly; 41. FPC body; 42. Temperature sensor; 43. Liquid level sensor; 431. Low level sensor; 432. High level sensor; 44. Sampling nickel plate; 45. Low voltage wiring harness connector. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0033] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] The immersion battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an immersion battery module 100 includes a housing 1, a plurality of battery cells 2 and an electronic control valve 3.

[0036] Specifically, the submersible battery module 100 is used in electrical equipment, such as vehicles and appliances.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the housing 1 defines an open mounting space 11 at the top. Other components of the submerged battery module 100 can be installed into the mounting space 11 through the open opening at the top, making the assembly of the submerged battery module 100 relatively simple and convenient. The peripheral wall of the housing 1 is provided with a cooling oil inlet pipe 12 and a cooling oil outlet pipe 13, both of which are connected to the mounting space 11. Multiple battery cells 2 are disposed in the mounting space 11. Multiple battery cells 2 can be installed into the mounting space 11 through the open opening. The battery cells 2 are submerged in cooling oil, which can increase the contact area between the battery cells 2 and the cooling oil, reduce the thermal resistance between the battery cells 2 and the cooling oil, and improve the cooling capacity of the cooling oil for the battery cells 2.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, cooling oil enters the installation space 11 through the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 and immerses the battery cell 2, exchanging heat with the battery cell 2. After the heat exchange is completed, the cooling oil flows out of the immersion battery module 100 through the cooling oil outlet pipe 13, carrying the heat of the battery cell 2 out of the immersion battery module 100, thus realizing the heat exchange of the battery cell 2.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple electronic control valves 3 are respectively fitted onto the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 and the cooling oil outlet pipe 13 to control the entry or exit of cooling oil into the installation space 11. The flow of cooling oil can be adjusted according to the temperature of the battery cell 2 and the height of the cooling oil in the installation space 11, so that the temperature of the battery cell 2 can be controlled under different operating conditions. At the same time, the pressure of the installation space 11 can be kept within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of shell 1 cracking and sealing failure, and increasing the reliability of the submerged battery module 100.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the submerged battery module 100, by arranging multiple battery cells 2 within the installation space 11 and immersing the battery cells 2 in cooling oil, increases the contact area between the battery cells 2 and the cooling oil, reduces the thermal resistance between the battery cells 2 and the cooling oil, and improves the cooling capacity of the cooling oil for the battery cells 2. Furthermore, multiple electronic control valves 3 are respectively fitted onto the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 and the cooling oil outlet pipe 13, allowing the inflow or outflow of cooling oil to be adjusted according to the temperature of the battery cells 2 and the level of cooling oil in the installation space 11, making the temperature of the battery cells 2 controllable under different operating conditions. Simultaneously, it keeps the pressure in the installation space 11 within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of casing 1 rupture and seal failure, and increasing the reliability of the submerged battery module 100.

[0041] In this embodiment, the submersible battery module 100 also includes a top cover. The housing 1 and the top cover are sealed by means of sealing gaskets or potting to prevent cooling oil leakage.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the submersible battery module 100 also includes an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) assembly. The FPC assembly 4 is located at the opening of the housing 1. The electrical equipment includes a control unit. The FPC assembly 4 is used to collect signals within the mounting space 11 and transmit them to the control unit to ensure normal communication between the components within the mounting space 11 and the control unit.

[0043] Furthermore, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the FPC assembly 4 includes an FPC body 41, multiple temperature sensors 42, and a liquid level sensor 43. The multiple temperature sensors 42 are fixedly connected to the FPC body 41 along the length direction of the housing 1 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown in the first direction, multiple temperature sensors 42 are arranged sequentially at intervals. At least a portion of each temperature sensor 42 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 21 of the battery cell 2. These sensors measure the temperature of the battery cell 2 and transmit the temperature signal to the FPC body 41, which then transmits it to the control unit. A liquid level sensor 43 is fixedly connected to the FPC body 41. The liquid level sensor 43 detects the level of cooling oil in the mounting space 11. When the liquid level sensor 43 detects a low level, it controls the cooling oil to enter the mounting space 11; when the liquid level sensor 43 detects a high level, it controls the cooling oil to flow out of the mounting space 11. The FPC assembly 4 provides a simple and convenient method for detecting the temperature of the battery cell 2 and the level of cooling oil in the mounting space 11.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the liquid level sensor 43 includes at least one low-level sensor 431 and at least one high-level sensor 432. The low-level sensor 431 represents the lower limit of the cooling oil Qmin, and the high-level sensor 432 represents the upper limit of the cooling oil Qmax. The actual liquid level is Q. If the actual liquid level Q < Qmin, the cooling oil volume is insufficient, resulting in inadequate thermal management of the battery cell 2. The low-level sensor 431 sends a signal to the control unit to control the cooling oil to enter the installation space 11. If the actual liquid level Q > Qmax, the cooling oil volume is excessive, leading to excessive pressure within the installation space 11 and a risk of the housing 1 rupturing. The high-level sensor 432 sends a signal to the control unit to control the cooling oil to flow out of the installation space 11.

[0045] When Qmin≤Q≤Qmax, the cooling oil in the installation space 11 is at the optimal amount, and the cooling effect of the submerged battery module 100 is better.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the electronic control valve 3 includes a low-voltage wiring harness 31 and a control plate 32. The low-voltage wiring harness 31 communicates with the control unit in real time to receive signals from the control unit. At least a portion of the control plate 32 covers the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 or the cooling oil outlet pipe 13. The low-voltage wiring harness 31 controls the movement of the control plate 32 to change the size of the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 or the cooling oil outlet pipe 13, thereby changing the flow rate and velocity of the cooling oil. It is understood that the temperature signal of the battery cell 2 and the cooling oil level signal measured by multiple temperature sensors 42 and level sensors 43 are transmitted to the control unit. After processing the temperature signal of the battery cell 2 and the cooling oil level signal, the control unit determines whether the temperature of the battery cell 2 is too high or too low, and whether the cooling oil level is optimal. Based on the determination result, it changes the size of the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 or the cooling oil outlet pipe 13, thereby changing the flow rate and velocity of the cooling oil.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the electronic control valve 3 also includes a control knob 33, which is used to display the position of the control plate 32, making the position of the control plate 32 more intuitive. The position of the control plate 32 can be adjusted by adjusting the control knob 33, making the adjustment of the cooling oil more intuitive and reliable.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature sensor 42 is glued to the FPC body 41. The connection between the temperature sensor 42 and the FPC body 41 is relatively simple and reliable, and the connection process between the temperature sensor 42 and the FPC body 41 is relatively simple.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature sensor 42 is glued to the cover plate 21. The connection between the temperature sensor 42 and the cover plate 21 is relatively simple and reliable, and the connection process between the temperature sensor 42 and the cover plate 21 is relatively simple.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid level sensor 43 is glued to the FPC body 41. The connection between the liquid level sensor 43 and the FPC body 41 is relatively simple and reliable, and the connection process between the liquid level sensor 43 and the FPC body 41 is relatively simple.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid level sensor 43 is glued to the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1. The connection between the liquid level sensor 43 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1 is relatively simple and reliable, and the connection process between the liquid level sensor 43 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1 is relatively simple.

[0052] In addition, the bottom of the battery cell 2 is fixedly connected to the inner bottom wall of the casing 1, and the position of the battery cell 2 is relatively fixed.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the FPC assembly 4 also includes a sampling nickel plate 44, which is electrically connected to the battery cell 2 and is used to collect the voltage of the battery cell 2. The FPC assembly 4 also includes a low-voltage wiring harness connector 45, which can centrally transmit the temperature signal, liquid level signal and voltage signal collected by the temperature sensor 42, liquid level sensor 43 and sampling nickel plate 44 to the control unit for easy signal processing by the control unit.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, a gap is provided between the battery cell 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1, so that there is a flow path for cooling oil between the battery cell 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1; along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 2 (e.g. Figure 1 As shown in the first direction, a gap is provided between two adjacent battery cells 2, allowing for the flow path of cooling oil between the two adjacent battery cells 2. This ensures smooth flow of cooling oil within the installation space 11, meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the submerged battery module 100.

[0055] In this embodiment, the gap between the battery cell 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the housing 1 is 15mm, and the gap between two adjacent battery cells 2 is 5mm along the arrangement direction of the multiple battery cells 2.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple cooling oil inlet pipes 12; and / or multiple cooling oil outlet pipes 13. For example, the cooling oil inlet pipes 12 and cooling oil outlet pipes 13 can be arranged at the two ends where heat exchange is faster and the middle part where heat exchange is slower along the length of the housing 1. The size of the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe 12 or cooling oil outlet pipe 13 can be changed according to the temperature signal transmitted by the temperature sensor 42 at the corresponding position, thereby changing the flow rate and velocity of the cooling oil to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas. If the temperature of the middle cell 2 is higher than that of the end cell, the control unit increases the opening of the flow control plate 32 through the middle electronic control valve 3, increasing the flow rate and velocity of the cooling oil and reducing the temperature of the middle cell 2. At the same time, the control unit decreases the opening of the end electronic valve control plate 32, reducing the flow rate and velocity of the cooling oil, so that the temperature difference of the cells 2 in the submerged battery module 100 is reduced and the temperature tends to be uniform.

[0057] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a specific embodiment of an immersion battery module 100 according to the present invention. It is to be understood that the following description is merely exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the electrical equipment is a vehicle, and the control unit is a BMS (Battery Management System). Under certain operating conditions, temperature sensors 42 arranged sequentially along the length of the housing 1 in the FPC assembly 4 collect temperature signals T1, T2...Tn from cells 2 at different locations. The low-level sensor 431 and high-level sensor 432 detect whether the actual coolant level is between Qmin and Qmax, and transmit the temperature and level information to the BMS. The BMS controls the electronic control valves 3 of each inlet and outlet in real time according to the temperature difference and the level. The electronic control valves 3 flexibly adjust the coolant flow rate and velocity through the opening size of the control plate 32 to ensure smooth coolant flow and uniform temperature.

[0059] Other configurations and operations of the immersion battery module 100 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An immersion battery module, characterized in that, For use in electrical equipment and including: The housing defines an open-top installation space, and the peripheral wall of the housing is provided with a cooling oil inlet pipe and a cooling oil outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the installation space. Multiple battery cells are disposed within the mounting space, and the battery cells are immersed in cooling oil. An electronic control valve, wherein multiple electronic control valves are respectively sleeved on the cooling oil inlet pipe and the cooling oil outlet pipe, for controlling the cooling oil to enter or flow out of the installation space.

2. The immersion battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The FPC assembly is located at the opening of the housing. The electrical equipment includes a control unit. The FPC assembly is used to collect signals within the installation space and transmit them to the control unit.

3. The immersion battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The FPC assembly includes: FPC body; Multiple temperature sensors are fixedly connected to the FPC body. Along the length of the housing, the multiple temperature sensors are arranged at intervals in sequence. At least a portion of the temperature sensors is fixedly connected to the cover plate of the battery cell. A liquid level sensor is fixedly connected to the FPC body and is used to detect the level of cooling oil in the installation space.

4. The immersion battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor includes at least one low-level sensor and at least one high-level sensor.

5. The immersion battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electronically controlled valve includes: A low-voltage wiring harness that communicates with the control unit in real time; A control plate, at least a portion of which covers the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe or the cooling oil outlet pipe, wherein the low-voltage wiring harness controls the movement of the control plate to change the size of the external opening of the cooling oil inlet pipe or the cooling oil outlet pipe.

6. The immersion battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electronically controlled valve also includes: A control knob is used to display the position of the control plate.

7. The immersion battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is adhesively bonded to the FPC body; And / or, the temperature sensor is adhesively connected to the cover plate; And / or, the liquid level sensor is adhesively connected to the FPC body; And / or, the liquid level sensor is adhesively bonded to the inner peripheral wall of the housing.

8. The immersion battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The FPC assembly also includes: A sampling nickel plate is electrically connected to the battery cell and is used to collect the voltage of the battery cell.

9. The immersion battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is provided between the battery cell and the inner peripheral wall of the housing; And / or, along the arrangement direction of the plurality of said cells, a gap is provided between two adjacent said cells.

10. The immersion battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple cooling oil inlet pipes; And / or, the cooling oil outlet pipes are multiple.

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