Battery pack liquid cooling plate

Abstract

The utility model relates to a liquid cooling plate for a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate comprises a runner plate and a cover plate arranged on the runner plate, the flow channel plate is provided with a flow channel structure used for circulating cooling liquid, the flow channel structure comprises a liquid inlet end, a liquid outlet end, a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a third flow channel, and one end of the first flow channel, one end of the second flow channel and one end of the third flow channel are connected to the liquid inlet end in parallel. The other end of the first flow channel, the other end of the second flow channel and the other end of the third flow channel are communicated with the liquid outlet end; the first flow channel and the third flow channel are both snake-shaped flow channels with liquid flow directions being alternately converted; the second flow channel is provided with snakelike flow channels which are distributed in the direction of the first flow channel and the direction of the third flow channel and alternately convert the liquid flow direction. According to the battery pack liquid cooling plate disclosed by the invention, the temperature uniformity and the cooling effect are improved, so that the battery pack can keep a more stable temperature environment during working, the cooling effect of the battery pack during working is improved, and the service life of the battery pack is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of battery energy storage technology, specifically to a liquid cooling plate for a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, the energy density of battery packs is increasing, and the demand for heat dissipation is also increasing. Traditional air cooling methods are difficult to remove the heat generated by the battery pack in time. Therefore, liquid cooling with liquid cooling plates has become the mainstream thermal management method.

[0003] A search reveals that existing technologies, such as patent CN202021247579.9, disclose a cooling plate assembly and a vehicle. The cooling plate assembly includes: a first cooling plate with a first cooling channel within it; and a second cooling plate spaced apart from the first cooling plate to form a cell housing space. The second cooling plate has a second cooling channel within it, at least partially opposite to the first cooling channel, and the coolant flow direction in the second cooling channel is opposite to that in the first cooling channel. However, the aforementioned cooling plate assembly has the following drawbacks in practical applications:

[0004] Firstly, because battery packs often generate heat during operation, and this heat is not evenly distributed inside the battery pack, especially in the middle of the battery pack where the cells are densely packed and the heat conduction effect between them often generates higher temperatures. The cooling channels of the cooling plate assembly are evenly distributed in various areas, which means that when the coolant flows through various areas, it cannot effectively dissipate heat from the high-temperature areas in the middle of the battery pack.

[0005] Secondly, due to the uniform distribution of cooling channels, the heat dissipation efficiency of the coolant is consistent as it flows through the perimeter and center of the battery pack. However, the center of the battery pack requires higher heat dissipation efficiency to reduce the temperature, while the perimeter may not require such high efficiency. This uneven heat dissipation efficiency leads to uneven temperature distribution throughout the battery pack, which in turn affects the battery's performance and lifespan. Furthermore, to meet the high-efficiency heat dissipation requirements of the center of the battery pack, it may be necessary to add additional heat dissipation equipment or improve the design of the cooling plate assembly, which will increase manufacturing costs and complexity and may extend the production cycle. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present disclosure aims to provide a liquid cooling plate for a battery pack. The liquid cooling plate improves temperature uniformity and enhances cooling performance, enabling the battery pack to maintain a more stable temperature environment during operation. This not only improves the cooling effect during battery pack operation but also helps extend the battery pack's service life.

[0007] The present disclosure describes a battery pack liquid cooling plate, which includes a flow channel plate and a cover plate disposed on the flow channel plate.

[0008] The flow channel plate has a flow channel structure for circulating coolant. The flow channel structure includes an inlet end, an outlet end, a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel. One end of the first flow channel, one end of the second flow channel, and one end of the third flow channel are connected in parallel to the inlet end. The other ends of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are all connected to the outlet end.

[0009] Both the first flow channel and the third flow channel are serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions, and the direction in which the liquid flow direction is the same as the inlet flow direction is the first direction, and the direction in which the liquid flow direction is opposite to the inlet flow direction is the second direction.

[0010] The first flow channel has at least one sub-flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction provided with a turbulence rib structure;

[0011] The third flow channel has at least one sub-flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction provided with the turbulence rib structure;

[0012] The turbulence-inducing rib structure extends along the liquid flow direction, thereby dividing the sub-channel with the turbulence-inducing rib structure into two branch channels with the same liquid flow direction in the second direction.

[0013] The second flow channel has a serpentine flow channel with alternating liquid flow directions distributed along the direction of the first flow channel and the direction of the third flow channel, respectively. The second flow channel is located between the first flow channel and the third flow channel, such that the second flow channel corresponds to the middle region of the battery pack.

[0014] Preferably, the first flow channel and the third flow channel are symmetrically arranged.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-sections of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel that are perpendicular to the liquid flow direction are all trapezoidal.

[0016] Preferably, the edges of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are all rounded.

[0017] Preferably, multiple of the aforementioned turbulence-inducing rib structures are arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction on the same flow channel.

[0018] Preferably, the number of the turbulence-inducing rib structures is N, satisfying N≥3.

[0019] Preferably, the cover plate has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid inlet being connected to the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet being connected to the liquid outlet end.

[0020] Preferably, both the flow channel plate and the cover plate are made of aluminum alloy.

[0021] The advantages of the liquid cooling plate for a battery pack disclosed herein are as follows:

[0022] This disclosure discloses a battery pack liquid cooling plate including a flow channel plate and a cover plate disposed on the flow channel plate. The flow channel plate has a flow channel structure for circulating coolant, the flow channel structure including an inlet end, an outlet end, a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel. One end of the first flow channel, one end of the second flow channel, and one end of the third flow channel are connected in parallel to the inlet end, and the other ends of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are all connected to the outlet end. The first flow channel and the third flow channel are both serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions, and the first direction is the direction in which the liquid flow direction is the same as the inlet flow direction. The opposite direction is the second direction; at least one sub-channel of the first flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction is provided with a turbulence rib structure; at least one sub-channel of the third flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction is provided with a turbulence rib structure; the turbulence rib structure extends along the liquid flow direction, so that the sub-channel with the turbulence rib structure is divided into two branch channels with the liquid flow direction in the same second direction; the second flow channel has a serpentine flow channel with alternating liquid flow directions distributed along the direction of the first flow channel and the direction of the third flow channel respectively, and the second flow channel is located between the first flow channel and the third flow channel, so that the second flow channel corresponds to the middle area of ​​the battery pack. By incorporating turbulence-enhancing ribs in the first and third flow channels, the convective heat transfer capacity of the fluid is improved. This turbulence increases the heat transfer rate and enhances the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack. The second flow channel, however, lacks turbulence-enhancing ribs, reducing fluid resistance during reversal and allowing for smoother coolant flow. This structure not only reduces pressure loss but also allows the second flow channel to receive a larger coolant flow. Furthermore, since the second flow channel corresponds to the central region of the battery pack, where temperatures are typically higher than the perimeter, the increased coolant flow effectively lowers the temperature in this area, achieving a more balanced heat distribution. Therefore, the temperature uniformity and cooling effect of the battery pack's liquid cooling plate are improved, enabling the battery pack to maintain a more stable temperature environment during operation. This not only enhances the cooling effect during battery pack operation but also helps extend the battery pack's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack liquid cooling plate as described in this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a front view of the flow channel plate of a battery pack liquid cooling plate as described in this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid flow path in the first flow channel of a battery pack liquid cooling plate as described in this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid flow path in the second channel of a battery pack liquid cooling plate as described in this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid flow path in the third channel of a battery pack liquid cooling plate as described in this disclosure.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10-Flow channel plate; 101-Inlet end; 102-Outlet end; 103-First flow channel; 104-Second flow channel; 105-Third flow channel; 106-Turbulence rib structure;

[0031] 20-Cover plate; 201-Liquid inlet; 202-Liquid outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] like Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, a battery pack liquid cooling plate according to this disclosure includes a flow channel plate 10 and a cover plate 20 disposed on the flow channel plate 10; the flow channel plate 10 and the cover plate 20 are connected together by welding.

[0033] The flow channel plate 10 has a flow channel structure for the flow of coolant. The flow channel structure includes an inlet end 101, an outlet end 102, a first flow channel 103, a second flow channel 104, and a third flow channel 105. One end of the first flow channel 103, one end of the second flow channel 104, and one end of the third flow channel 105 are connected in parallel to the inlet end 101. The other ends of the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 are all connected to the outlet end 102. This parallel connection of the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 allows the coolant to flow into the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 simultaneously after entering from the inlet end 101. The direction of the coolant flow from the inlet end 101 into the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 is the inlet flow direction, and the first flow channel 103 is close to the inlet end 101.

[0034] The first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 are connected to the outlet end 102 at the end away from the inlet end 101, for the outflow of coolant. That is, the inlet end 101, the first flow channel 103, and the outlet end 102 form a liquid flow path; the inlet end 101, the second flow channel 104, and the outlet end 102 form a liquid flow path; and the inlet end 101, the third flow channel 105, and the outlet end 102 form a liquid flow path.

[0035] To facilitate better liquid flow from the outlet 102, a confluence channel can be provided. One end of the confluence channel is connected to the outlet 102, and the other end is sequentially connected to the first channel 103, the second channel 104, and the third channel 105. The liquid flowing out of the first channel 103, the second channel 104, and the third channel 105 flows into the confluence channel for merging and then flows out from the outlet 102.

[0036] The flow channel structure of the flow channel plate 10 is formed by stamping process. In the stamping process, the raw material is plastically deformed by stamping to obtain the finished product with the required shape and size.

[0037] Both the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105 are serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions. The first direction is the direction in which the liquid flow direction is the same as the inlet flow direction, and the second direction is the direction in which the liquid flow direction is opposite to the inlet flow direction.

[0038] At least one sub-channel of the first flow channel 103 with the liquid flow direction in the second direction is provided with a turbulence rib structure 106;

[0039] At least one sub-channel with a liquid flow direction of the second direction in the third flow channel 105 is provided with a turbulence rib structure 106.

[0040] The turbulence-inducing rib structure 106 extends along the liquid flow direction, dividing the sub-channel with the turbulence-inducing rib structure 106 into two branch channels with the same liquid flow direction in the second direction; that is, both the first channel 103 and the third channel 105 are provided with the turbulence-inducing rib structure 106, and both are located on the sub-channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction; the turbulence-inducing rib structure 106 is a boss structure with a rectangular shape in the middle and semi-circular shapes at both ends, making the turbulence-inducing rib structure 106 similar to the structure of an A-type flat key;

[0041] The second flow channel 104 has serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions distributed along the directions of the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105, respectively. The second flow channel 104 is located between the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105, so that the second flow channel 104 corresponds to the middle region of the battery pack. The second flow channel 104 forms two branch flow channels in the directions of the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105, respectively, and both branch flow channels are serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions.

[0042] By incorporating turbulence-enhancing ribs 106 in the first and third flow channels 103 and 105, the convective heat transfer capacity of the fluid is enhanced. This turbulence improves the heat transfer rate and increases the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack. The second flow channel, however, lacks turbulence-enhancing ribs 106, reducing fluid resistance during reversal and allowing for smoother coolant flow. This structure not only reduces pressure loss but also allows the second flow channel 104 to receive a larger coolant flow. Furthermore, since the second flow channel 104 corresponds to the central region of the battery pack, where temperatures are typically higher than the surrounding areas, the increased coolant flow effectively lowers the temperature in this region, achieving a more balanced heat distribution. Therefore, the temperature uniformity of the battery pack's liquid cooling plate is improved, and the cooling effect is enhanced, enabling the battery pack to maintain a more stable temperature environment during operation. This not only improves the cooling effect during battery pack operation but also helps extend the battery pack's lifespan.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105 are symmetrically arranged; since the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105 are both serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions, they both have bends for changing the liquid flow direction, and the number of bends in the first flow channel 103 and the third flow channel 105 is equal, with 2 bends being the optimal choice.

[0044] The second flow channel 104 also has a serpentine flow channel with alternating liquid flow direction, and the two branch flow channels formed in the direction of the first flow channel 103 and the direction of the third flow channel 105 have bends for changing the liquid flow direction. The two branch flow channels have an equal number of bends, with the optimal choice being 2 bends.

[0045] To ensure uniform flow distribution, the number of bends in the first flow channel 103 can be appropriately increased to increase flow resistance. Furthermore, the number of bends in any branch flow channel in the second flow channel 104 must be less than or equal to the number of bends in the third flow channel 105, and the number of bends in the third flow channel 105 must be less than or equal to the number of bends in the first flow channel 103.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sections of the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 perpendicular to the liquid flow direction are all trapezoidal; the trapezoids are isosceles trapezoids.

[0047] The widths of the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 are equal.

[0048] In other alternative embodiments, in order to make the heat dissipation performance of the battery pack liquid cooling plate more uniform, the channel width of the first flow channel 103 can be reasonably reduced and the channel width of the third flow channel 105 can be appropriately increased. Because the first flow channel 103 is close to the liquid inlet end 101, the cooling effect is better, while the third flow channel 105 is farther from the liquid inlet end 101 than the first flow channel 103, so the cooling effect is relatively poor. Therefore, by changing the channel width as described above, the heat dissipation performance can be made more uniform.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the edges of the first flow channel 103, the second flow channel 104, and the third flow channel 105 are all rounded corners; the rounded corners help to reduce the flow resistance of the flow channel, and this structure is beneficial to the stamping process of the flow channel plate 10.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple turbulence-disrupting rib structures 106 are arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction on the same flow channel; that is, multiple turbulence-disrupting rib structures 106 are arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction as a second direction, so that a certain distance gap is formed between adjacent turbulence-disrupting rib structures 106, and the liquid can flow in the gap. Since the flow channel is divided into two branch channels with the same flow direction, the liquid in the two branch channels can flow to each other through the gap, avoiding excessive or insufficient liquid flow in one branch channel, which would cause cooling imbalance.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of turbulence-disrupting rib structures 106 is N, satisfying N≥3; the optimal choice is to set 4 turbulence-disrupting rib structures 106.

[0052] In other alternative embodiments, in order to make the heat dissipation of the battery pack liquid cooling plate more uniform, the flow resistance of the third flow channel 105 can be reduced, that is, the number of turbulence rib structures 106 provided in the third flow channel 105 can be reduced, so that the number of turbulence rib structures 106 provided in the third flow channel 105 is less than the number of turbulence rib structures 106 provided in the first flow channel 103, but the number of turbulence rib structures 106 must be greater than or equal to 2.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover plate 20 has a liquid inlet 201 and a liquid outlet 202, the liquid inlet 201 is connected to the liquid inlet end 101, and the liquid outlet 202 is connected to the liquid outlet end 102.

[0054] Coolant flows into inlet 101 through inlet 201, and then flows into first flow channel 103, second flow channel 104 and third flow channel 105 respectively from inlet 101. The liquid flowing out of first flow channel 103, second flow channel 104 and third flow channel 105 flows out through outlet 102.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the flow channel plate 10 and the cover plate 20 are made of aluminum alloy.

[0056] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0057] For those skilled in the art, various other corresponding changes and modifications can be made based on the technical solutions and concepts described above, and all such changes and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the claims disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling plate for a battery pack, characterized in that, Includes a flow channel plate (10) and a cover plate (20) disposed on the flow channel plate (10); The flow channel plate (10) has a flow channel structure for circulating coolant. The flow channel structure includes an inlet end (101), an outlet end (102), a first flow channel (103), a second flow channel (104), and a third flow channel (105). One end of the first flow channel (103), one end of the second flow channel (104), and one end of the third flow channel (105) are connected in parallel to the inlet end (101). The other ends of the first flow channel (103), the second flow channel (104), and the third flow channel (105) are all connected to the outlet end (102). The first flow channel (103) and the third flow channel (105) are both serpentine flow channels with alternating liquid flow directions, and the direction in which the liquid flow direction is the same as the inlet flow direction is the first direction, and the direction in which the liquid flow direction is opposite to the inlet flow direction is the second direction. The first flow channel (103) has at least one sub-flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction provided with a turbulence rib structure (106); The third flow channel (105) has at least one sub-flow channel with the liquid flow direction in the second direction provided with the turbulence rib structure (106); The turbulence rib structure (106) extends along the liquid flow direction, so that the sub-channel with the turbulence rib structure (106) is divided into two branch channels with the same liquid flow direction in the second direction. The second flow channel (104) has a serpentine flow channel with alternating liquid flow directions distributed along the direction of the first flow channel (103) and the direction of the third flow channel (105), respectively. The second flow channel (104) is located between the first flow channel (103) and the third flow channel (105), such that the second flow channel (104) corresponds to the middle region of the battery pack.

2. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel (103) and the third flow channel (105) are symmetrically arranged.

3. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel (103), the second flow channel (104), and the third flow channel (105) all have trapezoidal cross sections perpendicular to the liquid flow direction.

4. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edges of the first flow channel (103), the second flow channel (104) and the third flow channel (105) are all rounded.

5. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple of the aforementioned turbulence rib structures (106) are arranged at intervals along the liquid flow direction on the same flow channel.

6. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the turbulence rib structures (106) is N, satisfying N≥3.

7. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate (20) has a liquid inlet (201) and a liquid outlet (202). The liquid inlet (201) is connected to the liquid inlet end (101), and the liquid outlet (202) is connected to the liquid outlet end (102).

8. The battery pack liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the flow channel plate (10) and the cover plate (20) are made of aluminum alloy.

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