Cold plate and battery pack

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a cold plate and a battery pack, and relates to the field of new energy batteries. The cold plate comprises a cold plate body and a flow channel. A flow channel is arranged in the cold plate body, and the outer surface of the cold plate body is used for being opposite to a plurality of single batteries. The runner forms a plurality of runner subareas, and the runner laying density of each runner subarea is in direct proportion to the heat dissipating capacity of the plurality of single batteries opposite to each runner subarea. According to the cold plate and the battery pack, the cold plate not only can ensure that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range, but also can improve the heat uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy batteries, specifically to a cold plate and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs generate a significant amount of heat during operation. If this heat cannot be dissipated effectively and promptly, it can lead to overheating, impacting battery pack performance, cycle life, and even safety. Therefore, effectively cooling the battery pack to ensure it operates within its optimal temperature range is crucial.

[0003] Current heat dissipation methods often involve using a cold plate to cool the battery pack. Specifically, the cold plate is placed on one side of the battery pack, and its interior has channels for the circulation of a cooling medium such as coolant or refrigerant, thereby carrying away the heat generated by the battery pack.

[0004] However, the existing cold plate's flow channel structure is too simple. Even after the battery pack is cooled by the cold plate, large temperature differences can still occur at different locations, affecting the overall performance of the battery pack. Therefore, ensuring the thermal uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation has become a technical problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a cold plate, wherein the flow channels of the cold plate are divided into multiple flow channel zones, and the flow channel density of each flow channel zone is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells opposite to each flow channel zone. This allows the cold plate to balance the temperature of various locations in the battery pack when dissipating heat, avoiding excessive temperature differences and improving the thermal uniformity of heat dissipation in the battery pack. Embodiments of this application also provide a battery pack including this cold plate.

[0006] One aspect of this application provides a cold plate for use in a battery pack. The cold plate includes a cold plate body and flow channels. Flow channels are disposed within the cold plate body, and the outer surface of the cold plate body is positioned opposite to multiple battery cells. The flow channels form multiple flow channel partitions, and the flow channel density of each partition is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells opposite that partition.

[0007] In this method, the cold plate can more effectively balance the temperature distribution in various parts of the battery pack when dissipating heat, avoiding excessive temperature differences. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of heat dissipation. It not only helps to improve the energy density and cycle life of the battery pack, but also enhances safety and avoids the risk of thermal runaway caused by local overheating.

[0008] In one alternative approach, the multiple flow channel zones include an outer zone and an inner zone. The outer zone surrounds the inner zone, and the flow channel density of the outer zone is less than that of each inner zone.

[0009] This method enables precise matching of cooling requirements in different areas, allowing battery cells in the middle of the battery pack to dissipate more heat than those on the periphery, thus ensuring that the temperature of battery cells in different locations tends to be consistent after heat dissipation and improving the thermal uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the inner perimeter partition includes a first inner perimeter partition and a second inner perimeter partition. The first inner perimeter partition is closer to the inlet of the flow channel than the second inner perimeter partition, and the length of a single flow channel loop in the first inner perimeter partition is greater than the length of a single flow channel loop in the second inner perimeter partition.

[0011] This method allows the cooling medium in the first inner zone to be fully utilized, while preventing the cooling medium in the second inner zone from being consumed too early due to excessively long paths, thereby improving the utilization rate of the cooling medium and enhancing the thermal uniformity of the overall heat dissipation of the battery pack.

[0012] In one alternative configuration, the outer perimeter and each inner perimeter are connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the flow channel.

[0013] This method avoids problems such as localized overheating or insufficient cooling, and also prevents the excessive accumulation of cooling medium in a single zone, which can lead to poor flow. Furthermore, this method helps improve the fluidity of the cooling medium, reduces fluid resistance, and thus improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the multiple flow channel partitions include a first partition and a second partition. Multiple battery cells opposite each other in the first partition form a first battery module, and multiple battery cells opposite each other in the second partition form a second battery module. The flow channel laying density is the same in the first and second partitions.

[0015] In this method, the flow channel density is the same in both the first and second zones, which helps ensure that the first and second battery modules maintain a consistent temperature, avoiding localized overheating or insufficient cooling. Simultaneously, this method also simplifies the production and manufacturing process of the cold plate, reducing costs.

[0016] In one alternative approach, the second partition is located on the first side of the first partition, and the first partition is connected to the second partition.

[0017] This method ensures continuous flow of the cooling medium throughout the entire cold plate, improving the utilization rate of the cooling medium and thus increasing cooling efficiency.

[0018] In one alternative configuration, the first partition includes a first inlet section and a first outlet section, and the second partition includes a second inlet section and a second outlet section. The inlet, first inlet section, second inlet section, second outlet section, first outlet section, and outlet of the flow channel are connected sequentially.

[0019] This method allows for sufficient heat exchange between the battery cells in the first and second zones, improving the thermal uniformity of the battery pack. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of overheating at the outlet location, further enhancing the thermal uniformity of the battery pack.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the flow channel partitioning further includes a third partition and a fourth partition. The third and fourth partitions are located on the second side of the first partition, with the first and second sides of the first partition being opposite sides of the first partition. Multiple battery cells opposite each other in the third partition form a third battery module, and multiple battery cells opposite each other in the fourth partition form a fourth battery module. The third and fourth partitions are connected, and the combined structure of the third and fourth partitions is symmetrical to the combined structure of the first and second partitions.

[0021] This method allows each flow channel partition to correspond to each symmetrically arranged battery module, further ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack and the thermal uniformity during heat dissipation, while reducing the processing difficulty.

[0022] In one alternative configuration, the combined structure of the third and fourth partitions is connected in parallel with the combined structure of the first and second partitions between the inlet and outlet of the flow channel.

[0023] This method allows for the distribution of cooling medium flow between two parallel combined structures, which helps to optimize the flow path and distribution ratio of the coolant based on the heat distribution and cooling requirements of the battery pack, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0024] Another aspect of this application provides a battery pack, which includes a plurality of battery cells and the aforementioned cold plate, wherein the plurality of battery cells are placed on the outer surface of the cold plate body.

[0025] The cooling plate of this battery pack can balance the temperature of various parts of the battery pack and avoid excessive temperature difference. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of heat dissipation, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery pack.

[0026] In the cold plate and battery pack provided in this application embodiment, the flow channel of the cold plate is divided into multiple flow channel zones, and the flow channel laying density of each flow channel zone is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells opposite to each flow channel zone. Thus, more flow channels are laid in areas with high heat dissipation requirements for heat dissipation, and fewer flow channels are laid in areas with low heat dissipation requirements for heat dissipation. This allows the cold plate to balance the temperature of various parts of the battery pack when dissipating heat, avoiding excessive temperature differences. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery pack.

[0027] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application, they can be implemented according to the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a cold plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold plate when the flow channel partitions involved in the embodiments of this application include outer partitions and inner partitions.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a cold plate with multiple inner partitions according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold plate when multiple flow channel partitions are arranged sequentially in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate and multiple battery modules involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 10. Cold plate body;

[0036] 20. Flow channel; 21. Flow channel partition; 22. Inlet; 23. Outlet;

[0037] 31. Outer perimeter zone; 32. Inner perimeter zone; 321. First inner perimeter zone; 322. Second inner perimeter zone; 323. Third inner perimeter zone;

[0038] 41. First zone; 411. First inlet section; 412. First outlet section; 42. Second zone; 421. Second inlet section; 422. Second outlet section; 43. Third zone; 44. Fourth zone;

[0039] 51. Battery cell; 521. First battery module; 522. Second battery module; 523. Third battery module; 524. Fourth battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0042] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to cover without excluding other meanings. The words "a" or "an" do not exclude the presence of multiples.

[0043] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0044] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0045] The directional terms appearing in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the cold plate and battery pack of this application. For example, in the description of this application, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the figures. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0046] Furthermore, the descriptions of directions such as the X, Y, and Z directions used to explain the operation and construction of the components of the cold plate and battery pack in this embodiment are not absolute but relative. Although these directions are appropriate when the components of the cold plate and battery pack are in the positions shown in the figures, they should be interpreted differently when these positions change to correspond to the changes.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application or in the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0048] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" means two or more (including two groups).

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" or "linkage" in mechanical structures can refer to a physical connection, such as a fixed connection, for example, a connection fixed by fasteners, such as a connection fixed by screws, bolts, or other fasteners; a physical connection can also be a detachable connection, such as a snap-fit ​​or interlocking connection; a physical connection can also be an integral connection, such as a connection formed by welding, bonding, or integral molding. In circuit structures, "connection" or "linkage" can refer not only to a physical connection but also to an electrical connection or a signal connection. For example, it can be a direct connection, i.e., a physical connection, or an indirect connection through at least one intermediate component, as long as the circuit is connected; it can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Signal connection can refer not only to signal connection through a circuit but also to signal connection through a media, such as radio waves. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] The cold plate provided in this application embodiment is used in a battery pack. The battery pack specifically includes a Battery Management System (BMS) and multiple battery cells. A battery cell, also known as a battery module, can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, or magnesium-ion battery, etc. Multiple battery cells can be electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both, and communicate with the Battery Management System to form a battery pack. The Battery Management System controls and monitors the operating status of each battery cell. Alternatively, multiple battery cells can first be connected in series and / or parallel, and then connected with a module management system to form a battery module. These battery modules can then be electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both, and together with the Battery Management System, form a battery pack.

[0051] The specific structure of the cold plate is as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a cold plate provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold plate when the flow channel partitions involved in the embodiments of this application include outer and inner partitions. It should be noted that, in the accompanying drawings of this application, the different flow channel partitions are schematically circled with dashed lines to clearly indicate them. The cold plate includes a cold plate body 10 and flow channels 20.

[0052] The cold plate body 10 is the main structural part of the cold plate and is usually made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, to ensure effective heat transfer. The cold plate body 10 can be composed of multiple plates spliced ​​together; for example, the cold plate body 10 can be composed of two thin plates joined together.

[0053] The outer surface of the cold plate body 10 is positioned opposite to the plurality of battery cells 51, so that the cold plate is adjacent to or abuts against the plurality of battery cells 51 of the battery pack, thereby directly dissipating heat from each battery cell 51 through the cold plate. In a specific embodiment, the cold plate body 10 can be placed at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells 51, with the bottom surface of the cold plate body 10 facing the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells 51. Alternatively, the cold plate body 10 can be placed at the top of the plurality of battery cells 51, with the top surface of the cold plate body 10 facing the top surface of the plurality of battery cells 51.

[0054] The cold plate body 10 has a flow channel 20. The flow channel 20 is a channel for the flow of cooling medium such as coolant or refrigerant. When coolant is placed in the flow channel 20, the coolant can exchange heat with each battery cell 51 during flow, thereby removing heat. When refrigerant is placed in the flow channel 20, the refrigerant can absorb heat from each battery cell 51 during flow until it vaporizes and removes heat.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow channel 20 forms multiple flow channel partitions 21. Flow channel partition 21 is a portion of the flow channel 20 divided according to the heat dissipation distribution of each battery cell 51. Heat dissipation, or heat dissipation requirement, refers to the heat that needs to be dissipated to maintain a specific temperature. The specific heat dissipation is related to factors such as the heat generation of the battery cell 51 and its placement. For example, the higher the heat generation of the battery cell 51, the higher the heat dissipation. The closer the multiple battery cells 51 are to each other, the higher the heat dissipation of these multiple battery cells 51.

[0056] Each flow channel zone 21 is specifically composed of a section of the flow channel 20. The sections of the flow channel 20 can be straight or curved, and the sections can meander and intersect with each other, thereby covering a large area.

[0057] The flow channel density refers to the flow channel coverage per unit area. In other words, the flow channel density is used to indicate the coverage area of ​​the flow channel 20 on the cold plate. When the flow channel density of a certain flow channel section 21 is high, the coverage area of ​​the flow channel 20 in that flow channel section 21 is larger, the cooling capacity of that flow channel section 21 is higher, and more heat can be removed from the multiple battery cells 51 opposite to that flow channel section 21.

[0058] The flow channel density of each flow channel section 21 is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells 51 opposite to each flow channel section 21. That is, if there are differences in heat dissipation requirements between the flow channel sections 21, the flow channel section 21 with higher heat dissipation requirements will have a higher flow channel density so that the flow channel section 21 can provide more cooling capacity. The flow channel section 21 with low heat dissipation will have a lower flow channel density to avoid excessive heat dissipation in the flow channel section 21, thereby reducing the temperature difference between different areas.

[0059] Of course, if the heat dissipation requirements of the multiple battery cells 51 corresponding to each flow channel partition 21 tend to be consistent, the flow channel laying density of each partition can be the same, thereby ensuring that the heat dissipation capacity of each flow channel partition 21 is consistent, thus ensuring that each position of the battery pack can be heated evenly.

[0060] In this embodiment, since the flow channel laying density of each flow channel partition 21 is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells 51 opposite to each flow channel partition 21, the cold plate can more effectively balance the temperature distribution of each position in the battery pack when dissipating heat for the battery pack. This allows the cold plate to perform customized heat dissipation according to the heat load distribution of the battery pack, avoiding excessive temperature differences. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation. This not only helps to improve the energy density and cycle life of the battery pack, but also enhances safety and avoids the risk of thermal runaway caused by local overheating.

[0061] In this embodiment, the cold plate body 10 is provided with an inlet 22 and an outlet 23 of the flow channel 20, and the inlet 22 and outlet 23 can be a pair or multiple pairs. Each flow channel partition 21 can share a pair of inlets 22 and outlets 23, or each can use a pair of inlets 22 and outlets 23.

[0062] Each flow channel section 21 can be connected in parallel between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20, thus making each flow channel section 21 independent. Alternatively, each flow channel section 21 can be connected in series between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20, thus creating a connection between each flow channel section 21. The parallel connection of multiple flow channel sections 21 is similar to the parallel connection of electrical circuits, allowing the cooling medium entering the flow channel 20 from the inlet 22 to be distributed into multiple parallel branches flowing into each flow channel section 21. The series connection of multiple flow channel sections 21 is similar to the series connection of electrical circuits, allowing the cooling medium entering the flow channel 20 from the inlet 22 to flow through multiple flow channel sections 21 sequentially.

[0063] The heat dissipation distribution varies across different locations within the battery pack in various heat dissipation scenarios. In one scenario, among the multiple battery cells 51 in the battery pack, those located on the periphery are not completely shielded by other cells, resulting in relatively better heat dissipation conditions and therefore lower heat dissipation, requiring less cooling capacity. Conversely, those located in the middle of the battery pack are surrounded by other cells, leading to poorer heat dissipation conditions and higher heat dissipation, necessitating greater cooling capacity. To address this, the flow channel partitions 21 can be arranged in an enclosed layout.

[0064] For example, one alternative approach is as follows: Figure 2 The multiple flow channel zones 21 include an outer zone 31 and an inner zone 32. The outer zone 31 surrounds the inner zone 32, and the flow channel laying density of the outer zone 31 is less than that of each inner zone 32.

[0065] The outer partition 31 is the flow channel partition 21 located at the edge of the cold plate, and the battery cell 51 opposite to the outer partition 31 is the battery cell 51 located on the periphery of the battery pack. The inner partition 32 is the flow channel partition 21 located in the middle of the cold plate, and the inner partition 32 is surrounded by the outer partition 31. The battery cell 51 opposite to the inner partition 32 is the battery cell 51 located in the middle.

[0066] The channel density in the outer zone 31 is lower than that in each inner zone 32; that is, a lower channel density is used in the outer zone 31. Figure 2 As shown, individual sections of the flow channel 51 form a U-shaped structure. A higher flow channel laying density is used in the inner zone 32, such as dense laying through multiple sections of the flow channel 51.

[0067] This method enables precise matching of cooling requirements in different areas, allowing battery cells 51 located in the middle of the battery pack to receive more heat dissipation than those located on the periphery of the battery pack. This ensures that the temperature of battery cells 51 in different locations tends to be consistent after heat dissipation, thereby improving the thermal uniformity of the battery pack during heat dissipation.

[0068] The inner perimeter partition 32 can be set to one or more. When multiple inner perimeter partitions 32 are set, their arrangement can be determined according to the arrangement of the multiple battery cells 51 located in the middle of the battery pack and the heat dissipation requirements, so as to ensure that each battery cell 51 can correspond to the heat dissipation capacity of the flow channel partition 21, thereby enabling the battery pack to achieve the best heat dissipation effect. The multiple inner perimeter partitions 32 can be arranged sequentially along the same direction or arranged in a surrounding manner, without specific restrictions.

[0069] When setting up flow channel partitions 21, if different flow channel partitions 21 are at different distances from the inlet 22 of the flow channel 20, the energy consumed by the cooling medium to reach different flow channel partitions 21 from the inlet 22 will also be different, and the remaining cooling capacity will also be different. In this regard, the length of a single flow channel loop of the flow channel partition 21 can be set according to the distance of the flow channel partition 21 from the inlet 22 of the flow channel 20.

[0070] In this context, a single flow channel loop within flow channel partition 21 refers to the flow path that a single stream of cooling medium must traverse from entering flow channel partition 21 to exiting flow channel partition 21, and the length of the flow channel loop refers to the length of that flow path. A flow channel partition 21 may have one or more flow channel loops.

[0071] For example, consider multiple inner partitions 32. An alternative approach is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold plate according to an embodiment of this application when multiple inner partitions are provided. The inner partition 32 includes a first inner partition 321 and a second inner partition 322. The first inner partition 321 is closer to the inlet 22 of the flow channel 20 than the second inner partition 322, and the length of a single flow channel loop in the first inner partition 321 is greater than the length of a single flow channel loop in the second inner partition 322.

[0072] In this configuration, the distance from the first inner partition 321 to the inlet 22 is smaller than the distance from the second inner partition 322 to the inlet 22. Compared to the second inner partition 322, the cooling medium consumes less energy to flow from the inlet 22 to the first inner partition 321, the flow rate of the cooling medium in the first inner partition 321 is higher, and the remaining cooling capacity of the cooling medium when it reaches the first inner partition 321 is also higher.

[0073] The length of a single flow channel loop in the first inner partition 321 is greater than the length of a single flow channel loop in the second inner partition 322. This allows the cooling medium to travel a longer distance in the first inner partition 321 than it travels in the second inner partition 322. This ensures that the cooling medium in the first inner partition 321 is fully utilized, while preventing the cooling medium in the second inner partition 322 from prematurely exhausting its cooling capacity due to an excessively long path. This improves the utilization rate of the cooling medium and enhances the overall thermal uniformity of the battery pack.

[0074] In addition, it can also be like Figure 3The diagram shows that more inner perimeter partitions 32 can be further set. For example, the inner perimeter partition 32 may also include a third inner perimeter partition 323. The first inner perimeter partition 321, the second inner perimeter partition 322 and the third inner perimeter partition 323 can be arranged in sequence. Alternatively, the flow channel laying density of the first inner perimeter partition 321, the second inner perimeter partition 322 and the third inner perimeter partition 323 can be differentiated. There are no restrictions here.

[0075] The outer partition 31 and each inner partition 32 can be connected in parallel or in series. For example, one possible method is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the outer perimeter partition 31 and each inner perimeter partition 32 are connected in parallel between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20.

[0076] In this method, the cooling medium can flow simultaneously through the outer partition 31 and each inner partition 32, enabling uniform heat distribution and exchange across different flow channel partitions 21. This avoids localized overheating or insufficient cooling, and also prevents excessive accumulation of the cooling medium in a single partition, which could lead to poor flow. Furthermore, this method helps improve the fluidity of the cooling medium and reduce fluid resistance, thereby increasing heat dissipation efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, since multiple battery cells 51 in a battery pack are typically arranged into multiple battery modules and installed in an array, and the heat distribution of each battery module tends to be consistent, it is easy to encounter heat dissipation scenarios where the heat dissipation of each battery module is similar. To address this, the arrangement of each flow channel partition 21 corresponding to the battery modules can be set to a sequential layout.

[0078] For example, one alternative approach is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold plate when multiple flow channel partitions are arranged sequentially according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate and multiple battery modules involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0079] The multiple flow channel partitions 21 include a first partition 41 and a second partition 42. Multiple battery cells 51 opposite each other in the first partition 41 form a first battery module 521, and multiple battery cells 51 opposite each other in the second partition 42 form a second battery module 522. The flow channel laying density of the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 is the same.

[0080] In this method, multiple battery cells 51 form multiple battery modules, and the layout of the flow channel partitions 21 is consistent with the layout of the battery modules. This makes the multiple flow channel partitions 21 and the multiple battery modules have a relative spatial relationship, so that each flow channel partition 21 can provide targeted heat dissipation for the multiple battery modules.

[0081] In this configuration, the first battery module 521 is opposite to the first partition 41, and the second battery module 522 is opposite to the second partition 42. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 51 in both the first and second battery modules 521 and 522 are nearly identical, resulting in similar heat generation for both partitions 41 and 42. To address this, the flow channel density in both partitions 41 and 42 is made the same, ensuring similar flow paths and speeds of the cooling medium. This results in similar cooling capacities for both partitions, thus guaranteeing overall thermal uniformity.

[0082] In this method, the flow channel laying density of the first section 41 and the second section 42 is the same, which helps to ensure that the first battery module 521 and the second battery module 522 maintain a consistent temperature, avoiding local overheating or insufficient cooling. At the same time, this method also helps to simplify the production and manufacturing process of the cold plate and reduce costs.

[0083] Furthermore, the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 may or may not be connected to each other. For example, one possible approach is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the second partition 42 is located on the first side of the first partition 41, and the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 are connected.

[0084] In this method, the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 are connected, so that the coolant can smoothly enter the second partition 42 after flowing through the first partition 41, or the coolant can smoothly enter the first partition 41 after flowing through the second partition 42, thereby ensuring the continuous flow of the cooling medium throughout the cold plate, improving the utilization rate of the cooling medium, and thus improving the cooling efficiency.

[0085] Furthermore, since the coolant exchanges heat as it flows through the first partition 41 and the second partition 42, maintaining the connectivity between the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 ensures a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the cold plate, preventing local overheating or insufficient cooling.

[0086] There are many ways to connect the first partition 41 and the second partition 42. One possible method is as follows: Figure 4As shown, the first partition 41 includes a first liquid inlet section 411 and a first liquid outlet section 412, and the second partition 42 includes a second liquid inlet section 421 and a second liquid outlet section 422. The inlet 22, the first liquid inlet section 411, the second liquid inlet section 421, the second liquid outlet section 422, the first liquid outlet section 412, and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20 are connected in sequence.

[0087] In this method, the cooling medium enters the flow channel 20 from the inlet 22 and flows through the first liquid inlet section 411, the second liquid inlet section 421, the second liquid outlet section 422 and the first liquid outlet section 412 in sequence, and finally flows out from the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20, thereby completing one cooling cycle through the first partition 41 and the second partition 42.

[0088] The first partition 41 and the second partition 42 are configured in a back-and-forth flow pattern, allowing the cooling medium to flow through them in a reciprocating manner. This enables sufficient heat exchange between the battery cells 51 in the first and second partitions, improving the thermal uniformity of the battery pack. Furthermore, the first inlet section 411 and the first outlet section 412 of the first partition 41 are adjacent. Even if the cooling medium in the first outlet section 412 absorbs a large amount of heat, thermal balance can be achieved through the low-temperature cooling medium in the first inlet section 411, thereby reducing the risk of overheating at the outlet 23 location and further improving the thermal uniformity of the battery pack.

[0089] In addition to the first partition 41 and the second partition 42, when more battery modules are installed in the battery pack, more flow channel partitions 21 can be set up similarly to the first partition 41 and the second partition 42.

[0090] An optional approach is as follows Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the flow channel partition 21 also includes a third partition 43 and a fourth partition 44. The third partition 43 and the fourth partition 44 are located on the second side of the first partition 41, and the first side and the second side of the first partition 41 are opposite sides of the first partition 41. Multiple battery cells opposite each other in the third partition 43 form a third battery module 523, and multiple battery cells opposite each other in the fourth partition 44 form a fourth battery module 524. The third partition 43 and the fourth partition 44 are connected, and the combined structure of the third partition 43 and the fourth partition 44 is symmetrical to the combined structure of the first partition 41 and the second partition 42.

[0091] The third section 43 and the fourth section 44 are located on the second side of the first section 41. The first side and the second side of the first section 41 are opposite sides of the first section 41. For example, if the first side is the left side, then the second side is the right side. If the first side is the top, then the second side is the bottom.

[0092] Similar to the arrangement of the first and second partitions 41 and 42, the third and fourth partitions 43 are also connected. This means that after flowing through the third partition 43, the coolant can smoothly enter the fourth partition 44 and continue flowing and exchanging heat within it. Furthermore, the connection between the third and fourth partitions 43 can also be configured as a one-way flow.

[0093] The combined structure of the third section 43 and the fourth section 44 is symmetrical to the combined structure of the first section 41 and the second section 42, so that the flow channel laying density of the third section 43 and the fourth section 44 is consistent with the flow channel laying density of the first section 41 and the second section 42, and so that their structural settings are consistent. This makes each flow channel section 21 correspond to each symmetrically arranged battery module, further ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack and the thermal uniformity during heat dissipation, while reducing the processing difficulty.

[0094] Furthermore, one alternative approach is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the combined structure of the third partition 43 and the fourth partition 44 is connected in parallel with the combined structure of the first partition 41 and the second partition 42 between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20.

[0095] The combined structure of the third section 43 and the fourth section 44, together with the combined structure of the first section 41 and the second section 42, forms a parallel structure between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20. That is, the cooling medium can be split at the inlet 22 of the flow channel 20, allowing a portion of the cooling medium to enter the combined structure of the first section 41 and the second section 42, and another portion to enter the combined structure of the third section 43 and the fourth section 44. After heat exchange is completed, the cooling medium flows out from these two parallel combined structures and merges, exiting together from the outlet 23 of the flow channel 20.

[0096] This method allows for the distribution of cooling medium flow between two parallel combined structures, which helps to optimize the flow path and distribution ratio of the coolant based on the heat distribution and cooling requirements of the battery pack, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0097] The first embodiment above describes a cold plate in detail. The second embodiment below describes a battery pack including the above-mentioned cold plate, as detailed below.

[0098] The battery pack includes multiple battery cells and the aforementioned cold plate, with multiple battery cells placed on the outer surface of the cold plate body.

[0099] The specific structure of the cold plate corresponds to the cold plate in the aforementioned embodiment. For the specific structural arrangement of the cold plate, please refer to the description of the cold plate in any embodiment related to the cold plate. Similarities will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0100] The cooling plate of this type of battery pack can balance the temperature of various parts of the battery pack and avoid excessive temperature difference. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of heat dissipation, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery pack.

[0101] In summary, in the cold plate and battery pack described above, the flow channels of the cold plate are divided into multiple flow channel zones, and the flow channel density of each flow channel zone is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells opposite to each flow channel zone. This allows for the laying of more flow channels in areas with high heat load and fewer flow channels in areas with low heat load, enabling the cold plate to balance the temperature of various parts of the battery pack when dissipating heat, avoiding excessive temperature differences. This ensures that the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range and improves the thermal uniformity of heat dissipation, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the battery pack.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein do not include certain features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are still within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0103] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A cold plate, used in a battery pack, characterized in that, The cold plate includes a cold plate body and a flow channel; The flow channel is provided inside the cold plate body, and the outer surface of the cold plate body is used to face multiple battery cells. The flow channel forms multiple flow channel partitions, and the flow channel laying density of each flow channel partition is proportional to the heat dissipation of the multiple battery cells opposite each flow channel partition.

2. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple flow channel partitions include peripheral partitions and inner partitions; The outer perimeter partition surrounds the multiple inner perimeter partitions, and the channel laying density of the outer perimeter partition is less than the channel laying density of each of the inner perimeter partitions.

3. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner perimeter partition includes a first inner perimeter partition and a second inner perimeter partition; The first inner perimeter partition is closer to the inlet of the flow channel than the second inner perimeter partition, and the length of a single flow channel loop in the first inner perimeter partition is greater than the length of a single flow channel loop in the second inner perimeter partition.

4. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The outer perimeter zone and the inner perimeter zone are connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the flow channel.

5. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of flow channel partitions includes a first partition and a second partition; The first battery module is composed of multiple battery cells opposite each other in the first partition, and the second battery module is composed of multiple battery cells opposite each other in the second partition; the flow channel laying density is the same in the first partition and the second partition.

6. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second partition is located on the first side of the first partition, and the first partition and the second partition are connected.

7. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first partition includes a first inlet section and a first outlet section; the second partition includes a second inlet section and a second outlet section. The inlet, the first liquid inlet section, the second liquid inlet section, the second liquid outlet section, the first liquid outlet section, and the outlet of the flow channel are connected in sequence.

8. The cold-rolled plate according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The flow channel partition also includes a third partition and a fourth partition; The third and fourth partitions are located on the second side of the first partition, and the first and second sides of the first partition are opposite sides of the first partition; the multiple battery cells opposite each other in the third partition form a third battery module, and the multiple battery cells opposite each other in the fourth partition form a fourth battery module. The third partition is connected to the fourth partition; the combined structure of the third partition and the fourth partition is symmetrical to the combined structure of the first partition and the second partition.

9. The cold plate according to claim 8, characterized in that, The combined structure of the third and fourth partitions is connected in parallel with the combined structure of the first and second partitions between the inlet and outlet of the flow channel.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and a cold plate as described in any one of claims 1-9; a plurality of battery cells are placed on the outer surface of the cold plate body of the cold plate.

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