Liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on a phase-change material, which comprises a power battery unit group, a phase-change material liquid cooling unit, a heating unit, a radiator, a water pump and a water pump controller, and a phase-change material pipeline mechanism comprises a phase-change material shell, a liquid cooling pipeline and a pipeline support sheet, the liquid cooling pipeline penetrates through the phase change material shell, the water inlet end and the water outlet end are arranged on the two sides of the phase change material shell, the pipeline supporting pieces are fixedly arranged between the phase change material shell and the liquid cooling pipeline, and gaps between the power battery units are in clearance fit with the phase change material pipeline mechanism. Through the power battery unit and the phase change material pipeline mechanism which are in clearance fit, the heat exchange area of the battery is increased, and the pipeline support sheet is arranged to support the liquid cooling pipeline to ensure that the pipeline keeps the original shape and size, so that the cooling efficiency reduction caused by pipeline deformation is avoided, and the service life of the battery is prolonged. And the contact area between the cooling liquid and the phase change material is increased, so that the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power battery thermal management technology, specifically to a liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change materials. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce carbon emissions, electric vehicles are receiving increasing attention, and the core of an electric vehicle is its battery pack. Due to their high energy density, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles. To ensure the normal operation of electric vehicles and prevent thermal runaway, the optimal temperature for lithium-ion battery packs is maintained between 20℃ and 40℃, with a temperature difference of less than 5℃ between individual batteries. Therefore, a battery thermal management system is needed to keep the battery temperature within a reasonable range. Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb the heat released by the battery through phase change, but the heat absorption of PCMs is limited. When their heat absorption reaches its maximum, they cannot cool the battery. Therefore, additional auxiliary cooling devices are needed to cool the PCMs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the utility model: This utility model provides a liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change materials that combines liquid cooling thermal management, phase change thermal management, and electric heating.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material is provided, comprising a power battery unit group, a phase change material liquid cooling unit, a heating unit, a radiator, a water pump, and a water pump controller. The phase change material liquid cooling unit includes a phase change material pipeline mechanism, a pipeline connector, and a distributor. The phase change material pipeline mechanism includes a phase change material shell, a liquid cooling pipeline, and a pipeline support plate. The liquid cooling pipeline passes through the phase change material shell, and the inlet and outlet ends are located on opposite sides of the phase change material shell. The pipeline support plate is fixedly disposed between the phase change material shell and the liquid cooling pipeline. The phase change material shell is filled with phase change material.

[0005] The power battery unit group includes multiple power battery units arranged at intervals. The intervals between the power battery units form a clearance fit with the phase change material pipeline mechanism. In the phase change material pipeline mechanism arranged in adjacent intervals, the inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling pipeline are in opposite directions. One end of the distributor is connected to a water pump, and the other end is connected to a pipe connector. The pipe connector connects the distributor to the phase change material pipeline mechanism and the adjacent phase change material pipeline mechanism. The heating unit is located at the bottom of the power battery unit group and the phase change material liquid cooling unit.

[0006] Preferably, the heating unit includes a heating element and a wire groove. The heating element is disposed at the bottom of the power battery unit, and the wire groove is disposed at the bottom of the phase change material shell in the phase change material liquid cooling unit.

[0007] Preferably, the phase change material shell has multiple liquid cooling pipes arranged in parallel, and each liquid cooling pipe is fixedly connected to the other by a pipe support plate. The pipe connector is divided into two parts: an upper water channel and a lower water channel.

[0008] Preferably, thermally conductive silicone is used to fill the space between the heating element and the power battery unit.

[0009] Preferably, the power battery unit group is further provided with a temperature monitor for monitoring the temperature of the power battery unit, and the temperature monitor is electrically connected to the water pump controller.

[0010] Preferably, the liquid cooling pipe is a date-shaped pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the phase change material shell is a fireproof shell.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0013] 1. Installing pipe support plates prevents pipe deformation during use. As coolant flows, pipes are affected by internal pressure, temperature changes, and external environmental factors (such as vibration and impact). These factors can alter the pipe's shape, affecting coolant flow efficiency and heat exchange performance. Installing pipe support plates provides stable support, effectively resisting external stress and internal pressure, ensuring the pipe maintains its original shape and dimensions, thus preventing a decrease in cooling efficiency due to deformation. Furthermore, pipe support plates increase the heat exchange capacity of the phase change material (PCM) by creating more heat exchange interfaces and increasing the contact area between the coolant and PCM. Simultaneously, the support plates act as thermal bridges, accelerating heat transfer from the PCM to the coolant, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0014] 2. By setting up a jujube-shaped liquid cooling pipe, not only can the battery be effectively cooled, but it also serves as a heat transfer medium, establishing an efficient heat exchange channel between the phase change material and the battery, which is far away from the battery. This improves the heat exchange efficiency of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and provides a strong guarantee for the safe and efficient operation of the system.

[0015] 3. When the battery cell operates under low load or at a moderate ambient temperature, the heat generated is relatively small. In this case, the phase change material alone can meet the temperature control requirements without external energy input, such as pump power, thus significantly reducing system energy consumption. However, when the battery cell operates under high load or at a high ambient temperature, the heat generated increases significantly. The phase change material alone may not be able to dissipate the heat in time, causing the battery temperature to rise continuously, thereby affecting its performance and safety. In this situation, a liquid cooling system is activated to assist in heat dissipation. A pump circulates coolant around the battery module, utilizing the coolant's high heat capacity and fluidity to quickly absorb and remove the heat generated by the battery, ensuring that the battery always operates within its optimal temperature range. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling mechanism for phase change materials;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating unit.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the phase change material piping mechanism;

[0020] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a phase change material piping mechanism

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a pipe connector;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a pipe connector;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the system.

[0024] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1 is the power battery unit, 2 is the temperature monitor, 3 is the phase change material liquid cooling mechanism, 4 is the heating unit, 5 is the distributor, 6 is the pipe connector, 7 is the phase change material pipe mechanism, 8 is the wire groove, 9 is the heating element, 10 is the phase change material shell, 11 is the pipe support plate, 12 is the liquid cooling pipe, 13 is the phase change material, 14 is the water pump controller, 15 is the water pump, and 16 is the radiator. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, any modifications of the present invention in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art will fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0026] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change materials (PCMs). It includes a power battery unit group, a PCM liquid-cooling unit 3, a heating unit 4, a radiator 16, a water pump 15, and a water pump controller 14. The PCM liquid-cooling unit 3 includes a PCM piping mechanism 7, a pipe connector 6, and a distributor 5. The PCM piping mechanism 7 includes a PCM shell 10 filled with PCMs, and a liquid-cooled pipe 12 disposed within the PCM shell 10. The liquid-cooled pipe 12 penetrates the PCM shell 10, with its inlet and outlet ends located on opposite sides of the PCM shell 10. A pipe support plate is fixedly disposed between the PCM shell 10 and the liquid-cooled pipe. Between channels 12, the phase change material shell 10 is filled with phase change material. The power battery unit group includes multiple power battery units 1 arranged at intervals. The intervals between the power battery units 1 form a clearance fit with the phase change material pipeline mechanism 7. In the phase change material pipeline mechanisms 7 arranged in adjacent intervals, the inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling pipeline 12 are in opposite directions. One end of the distributor 5 is connected to the water pump 15, and the other end is connected to the pipeline connector 6. The pipeline connector 6 connects the pipeline connector 6 to the phase change material pipeline mechanism 7 and the adjacent phase change material pipeline mechanism 7. The heating unit 4 is located below the power battery unit group and the phase change material liquid cooling unit 3. Example

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material, including a power battery unit group, a phase change material liquid cooling unit 3, a heating unit 4, a water pump controller 14, a water pump 15, and a radiator 16. The radiator 16 is installed in the water inlet channel of the water pump 15 to cool the water before it re-enters the water pump 15.

[0028] The power battery unit group includes a power battery unit 1 and a temperature monitor 2. The temperature monitor 2 is used to monitor the temperature of the battery and control the water pump controller 14. The water pump controller 14 is used to receive the electrical signal from the temperature monitor 2 and control the water pump 15 to start and stop. The water pump 15 is used to provide power for the flow of water.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the phase change material liquid cooling unit 3 includes a phase change material piping mechanism 7, a pipe connector 6, and a distributor 5. The distributor 5 is connected to the pipe connector 6 and is used to distribute the liquid into each pipe. The pipe connector 6 is used to connect the liquid cooling pipes 12 and has two internal layers to ensure that the liquids do not mix. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the phase change material (PCM) piping mechanism 7 includes PCM 13, liquid cooling pipes 12, pipe support plates 11, and a PCM shell 10. Each PCM shell contains two liquid cooling pipes 12. Pipe support plates 11 are fixedly installed between the PCM shell 10 and the liquid cooling pipes 12, and between the liquid cooling pipes themselves. The PCM fills the PCM shell 10 to absorb the heat generated by the power battery during operation. The liquid cooling pipes 12 allow water to flow through and cool the battery, while simultaneously transferring the battery's heat to the PCM 13 located away from the battery via the pipe walls. The pipe support plates 11 support the liquid cooling pipes 12 and accelerate heat exchange between the upper and lower parts of the PCM. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pipe connector 6 is used to connect the liquid cooling pipe 12, which is divided into upper and lower water channels. The connection surface between the pipe connector 6 and the liquid cooling pipe is inclined, which facilitates the overall device setup. The power battery units 11 are spaced apart, and the phase change material pipe mechanisms 7 are spaced apart between the power battery units 11. The water flow direction in the liquid cooling pipe 12 of each adjacent phase change material pipe mechanism 7 is opposite. Each phase change material pipe mechanism 7, through this arrangement, greatly reduces the space occupied by the power battery units and the phase change material liquid cooling unit. The distributor 5 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 15 and is used to distribute the liquid into each pipe. The water in the liquid cooling pipe 12 flows through the cooling battery, and at the same time, the heat of the battery is transferred to the phase change material away from the battery through the pipe wall. The water pump 15 is used to provide power for the water flow, and the liquid cooling pipe 12 is a date-shaped pipe. By setting up jujube-shaped liquid cooling pipes, not only can the battery be effectively cooled, but it also serves as a heat transfer medium, establishing an efficient heat exchange channel between the phase change material and the battery, which is far away from the battery. This improves the heat exchange efficiency of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and provides a strong guarantee for the safe and efficient operation of the system.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the heating unit 4 includes a heating element 9 and a wire groove 8. The heating element 9 is used to heat the battery cell assembly, and the wire groove 8 is placed at the bottom to heat the battery and support the phase change material liquid cooling unit 3. The phase change material shell 101 is made of fire-retardant material to isolate the fire and prevent other batteries from being affected when a single battery catches fire. Thermally conductive silicone is filled between the heating element 9 and the power battery cell assembly to reduce air thermal resistance and energy consumption. The phase change material 13 is formed by mixing fatty acids to achieve sustainability, and micro-nano thermally conductive materials are added to the phase change material to improve its thermal conductivity. The heating element 9 is arranged at the bottom of each power battery to heat it.

[0031] like Figure 8 As shown, in the battery thermal management device, the cooling water after the battery has been cooled is cooled by the radiator and then pumped back into the distributor for a new round of battery cooling.

[0032] By installing pipe support plates, two main benefits are achieved: First, it prevents pipe deformation during use. As the coolant flows, the pipe is subjected to internal pressure and temperature changes, as well as external environmental factors (such as vibration and impact). These factors can all lead to changes in the pipe's shape, thereby affecting the coolant's flow efficiency and heat exchange performance. Installing pipe support plates provides stable support for the pipe, effectively resisting external stress and internal pressure, ensuring that the pipe maintains its original shape and dimensions, thus preventing a decrease in cooling efficiency due to deformation. Second, the pipe support plates increase the heat exchange capacity between the upper and lower regions of the phase change material (PCM), creating more heat exchange interfaces and increasing the contact area between the coolant and the PCM. Simultaneously, the support plates can also act as thermal bridges, accelerating the heat transfer process from the PCM to the coolant, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] When the battery cell operates under low load or at a moderate ambient temperature, the heat generated is relatively small. In this case, the phase change material alone can meet the temperature control requirements without external energy input, such as pump power, thus significantly reducing system energy consumption. However, when the battery cell operates under high load or at a high ambient temperature, the heat generated increases significantly. The phase change material alone may not be able to dissipate the heat in time, causing the battery temperature to rise continuously, thereby affecting its performance and safety. In this situation, a liquid cooling system is activated to assist in heat dissipation. A pump circulates coolant around the battery module, utilizing the coolant's high heat capacity and fluidity to quickly absorb and remove the heat generated by the battery, ensuring that the battery always operates within its optimal temperature range.

[0034] In summer or when the ambient temperature is high, the battery system generates relatively little heat when operating in low-rate discharge mode. Temperature monitor 2 monitors the battery temperature. If the battery temperature is below 40°C, the phase change material 13 absorbs the heat emitted by the battery. The phase change material near the battery module directly absorbs this heat. Additionally, the walls of the liquid cooling pipes 12 act as a heat transfer medium, transferring heat to the phase change material further away from the battery. Specifically, to address the issue of uneven heating on the upper and lower sides of the battery, the pipe support plate 11 not only provides structural support but also acts as a thermal bridge to promote heat transfer in the vertical direction, ensuring the entire battery remains within a reasonable temperature range. Under high-rate discharge conditions, the heat generated by the battery increases significantly. Temperature monitor 2 monitors the battery temperature. If the battery temperature exceeds 40°C, temperature monitor 2 sends a signal to the water pump controller 14, which then starts the water pump 15. Water is evenly distributed into each liquid cooling pipe 12 through the distributor 5. Utilizing the high specific heat capacity of water, the water flows within the pipes, absorbing and carrying away the heat from the battery, achieving efficient cooling. Water that has been heated is cooled by radiator 16 and then enters water pump 15 to complete the circulation. In winter, to address the impact of low temperatures on battery performance, heating element 9 is activated. By generating heat through electricity, heating element 9 directly preheats or maintains the battery's operating temperature, effectively mitigating battery performance degradation at low temperatures and improving the overall system efficiency and reliability.

[0035] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change materials, characterized in that: The device includes a power battery unit, a phase change material liquid cooling unit, a heating unit, a radiator, a water pump, and a water pump controller. The phase change material liquid cooling unit includes a phase change material pipeline mechanism, a pipeline connector, and a flow divider. The phase change material pipeline mechanism includes a phase change material shell, a liquid cooling pipeline, and a pipeline support plate. The liquid cooling pipeline passes through the phase change material shell, and the inlet and outlet ends are respectively located on both sides of the phase change material shell. The pipeline support plate is fixedly installed between the phase change material shell and the liquid cooling pipeline. The phase change material shell is filled with phase change material. The power battery unit group includes multiple power battery units arranged at intervals. The intervals between the power battery units form a clearance fit with the phase change material pipeline mechanism. The inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling pipes in the phase change material pipeline mechanism arranged in adjacent intervals are in opposite directions. One end of the distributor is connected to a water pump, and the other end is connected to a pipe connector. The pipe connector connects the distributor to the phase change material pipeline mechanism and adjacent phase change material pipeline mechanisms, and is used to transfer water from one side of the pipe connector to the other side. The heating unit is located at the bottom of the power battery unit group and the phase change material liquid cooling unit.

2. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating unit includes a heating element and a wire groove. The heating element is located at the bottom of the power battery unit, and the wire groove is located at the bottom of the phase change material shell in the phase change material liquid cooling unit.

3. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple liquid cooling pipes are arranged in parallel within the phase change material shell, and each liquid cooling pipe is fixedly connected to the others by a pipe support plate. The pipe connector is divided into two parts: an upper water channel and a lower water channel.

4. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 2, characterized in that: Thermally conductive silicone is used to fill the space between the heating element and the power battery unit.

5. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power battery unit group is also equipped with a temperature monitor for monitoring the temperature of the power battery unit, and the temperature monitor is electrically connected to the water pump controller.

6. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling pipe is shaped like a date pit.

7. The liquid-cooled power battery thermal management device based on phase change material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change material shell is a fireproof shell.

Images