Air-cooled battery module

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery module thermal management, in particular to an air-cooled battery module which comprises a battery pack, a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a battery cell in the battery pack are led out from different sides, a core rod is arranged in the middle of the battery cell, a heat dissipation channel is arranged on the core rod, and two ends of the core rod extend out of the battery cell to form two bosses; a second insulating plate, a second connecting row and an air inlet pipeline are sequentially arranged above the battery pack from bottom to top, a first insulating plate, a first connecting row and an air outlet pipeline are sequentially arranged below the battery pack from top to bottom, the battery pack and all components above and below the battery pack are sleeved with insulating heat insulation sleeves and then arranged in the shell, and cover plates are arranged at the two ends of the shell respectively. And sealing rings are arranged among the air outlet pipeline, the air inlet pipeline and the cover plate. The battery module is small in internal and external temperature difference and good in heat dissipation consistency, the energy density of the battery module can be improved, the safety and reliability of a product can be improved, and the service life of the product can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery module thermal management technology, and in particular to an air-cooled battery module. Background Technology

[0002] As a primary power source in the new energy field, batteries are seeing their energy density continuously increase with the ever-rising demands of the industry. To prevent chain explosions caused by thermal runaway of individual cells, battery modules are equipped with corresponding heat dissipation systems. Currently, conventional heat dissipation systems for battery modules include air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems. Air-cooled systems typically consist of components such as fans and heat sinks. The fan draws airflow from the outside into the working environment of the energy storage device, thereby removing the heat generated during operation. Air-cooled systems offer high heat dissipation efficiency and are relatively simple to design and install, inexpensive, and easy to maintain, thus enjoying widespread application.

[0003] In existing technologies, there are two common types of air-cooled heat dissipation systems: one type involves attaching an air-cooled plate with several heat dissipation channels between adjacent battery cells, with the cell surface in contact with the air-cooled plate surface. The heat generated by the cell during operation is transferred to the air-cooled plate through the cell casing via heat conduction, and then further exchanged with the heat flow generated by the fan, thereby achieving the purpose of dissipating the heat generated during battery use. However, since heat management is only achieved through contact with the cell surface, the heat from the cell core, which generates the most heat, takes a long time to conduct to the outer casing, resulting in a temperature difference of approximately 10-20°C between the inside and outside of the cell. Moreover, the air-cooled plate itself has a certain thickness and weight, occupying battery module space, which not only reduces the battery module space utilization and assembly rate, but also reduces the module's mass energy density and volumetric energy density. Another approach is to neatly arrange the battery cells and expose them to the air. After the energy storage system is integrated, space is left for the installation of a fan. The operation of the fan facilitates gas exchange between the battery modules and their operating environment, thereby achieving air cooling. However, exposing the battery modules to the air without protection to ensure air cooling is detrimental to their lifespan, especially in humid environments where their lifespan is significantly shortened. Furthermore, when multiple battery modules are connected in series and parallel, the different heat dissipation capacities of the cells at different locations result in poor heat dissipation consistency among the cells.

[0004] Clearly, the aforementioned shortcomings of existing air-cooled heat dissipation systems prevent them from adequately meeting the heat dissipation requirements of battery modules, especially high-energy-density battery modules. Therefore, this application is submitted. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an air-cooled battery module.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted by this utility model include:

[0007] A wind-cooled battery module includes: a battery pack, which is composed of several cells connected in series or in parallel, with the positive and negative electrodes of the cells leading out from opposite sides, a core rod in the middle of the cell, several heat dissipation channels on the core rod along the height direction of the battery pack, and two protrusions at both ends of the core rod extending out of the cell.

[0008] The battery pack has a second insulating plate, a second connecting bar, and an air inlet duct arranged sequentially from bottom to top on top. The battery pack has a first insulating plate, a first connecting bar, and an air outlet duct arranged sequentially from top to bottom on the bottom. The assembly consisting of the air inlet duct, the second connecting bar, the second insulating plate, the battery pack, the first insulating plate, the first connecting bar, and the air outlet duct is first covered with an insulating and heat-insulating sleeve and then placed inside the outer shell. The two ends of the outer shell are respectively fixedly connected to a cover plate. A sealing ring is provided between the air outlet duct, the air inlet duct, and the cover plate.

[0009] Preferably, an exhaust fan is also installed on the cover plate adjacent to the air outlet duct.

[0010] Preferably, the air inlet duct includes a plate-like structure with a plurality of first openings. Each first opening has a collection chamber below it. One end of the collection chamber is connected to the first opening, and the other end gradually narrows to form a second opening that is connected to the heat dissipation channel. The air outlet duct is symmetrical to the air inlet duct.

[0011] More preferably, the second opening matches the boss structure, and after the air inlet duct is installed, the inner wall of the second opening is attached to the outer periphery of the boss structure and welded to it.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the plate-like structure, the first opening, the collection chamber, and the second opening are integrally formed.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the cover plate, sealing ring, and plate structure are matched. The cover plate is provided with a first through hole that corresponds to the position of the first opening and matches the structure. The sealing ring is provided with a second through hole in the middle. The first opening is exposed through the first through hole and the second through hole. After the cover plate is fixedly connected to the outer shell, the sealing ring presses against the remaining part of the plate structure. The first opening and the first through hole are both matched with the end face structure of the battery cell.

[0014] Preferably, the ratio of the number of battery cells to the number of exhaust fans is 2-5, especially 3.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the battery pack consists of 6 cells connected in series or in parallel, and the number of exhaust fans is 2.

[0016] Preferably, the inner surface of the outer shell is a smooth surface that matches the insulating and heat-insulating sleeve structure, and the outer surface of the outer shell is provided with a number of structural support ribs along its height direction.

[0017] Preferably, the cover plate is fixedly connected to the sealing ring by fastening screws, and the exhaust fan is fixedly connected to the cover plate by fastening screws.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) A heat dissipation channel is set on the core rod, and the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are directly connected to the heat dissipation channel, so that the airflow can flow directly to the inside of all the cells, accelerate the heat transfer inside the cells, significantly reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cells, improve the heat dissipation consistency of the cells, help improve heat dissipation efficiency, and improve the overall performance and service life of the battery module.

[0020] (2) Heat dissipation channels are set on the core rod, which does not occupy the battery module space and saves the space reserved between conventional cells for setting up air cooling plates. This improves the space utilization and assembly rate of the battery module, thus helping to improve the mass energy density and volume energy density of the battery module.

[0021] (3) The various electronic components of the battery pack are assembled separately from the air inlet and outlet pipes and are sealed. The heat insulation and air cooling of each cell do not interfere with or affect each other, which helps to increase the safety performance and reliability of the product and extend the service life of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in 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 only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the central air intake duct;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0029] 1. Battery pack; 2. First insulating plate; 3. First connecting bar; 4. Second insulating plate; 5. Second connecting bar; 6. Air outlet duct; 7. Air inlet duct; 71. Plate structure; 72. First opening; 73. Collection chamber; 74. Second opening; 8. Insulating and heat-insulating sleeve; 9. Outer shell; 91. Structural support rib; 10. Sealing ring; 11. Cover plate; 12. Fastening screw; 13. Exhaust fan; 14. Fastening screw; 15. Battery cell; 151. Core rod; 1511. Heat dissipation channel; 152. Positive terminal; 153. Explosion-proof valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] like Figures 1-6 As shown in the figure: This utility model proposes an air-cooled battery module, including: a battery pack 1, which is composed of several cells 15 connected in series or in parallel, with the positive and negative electrodes of the cells 15 led out on opposite sides, a core rod 151 provided in the middle of the cells 15, and several heat dissipation channels 1511 provided on the core rod 151 along the height direction of the battery pack 1, with both ends of the core rod 151 extending out of the cells 15 to form two protrusions;

[0032] The battery pack 1 is arranged from bottom to top with a second insulating plate 4, a second connecting strip 5, and an air inlet duct 7. The battery pack 1 is arranged from top to bottom with a first insulating plate 2, a first connecting strip 3, and an air outlet duct 6. The assembly consisting of the air inlet duct 7, the second connecting strip 5, the second insulating plate 4, the battery pack 1, the first insulating plate 2, the first connecting strip 3, and the air outlet duct 6 is first covered with an insulating and heat-insulating sleeve 8 and then placed inside the outer shell 9. The two ends of the outer shell 9 are respectively fixedly connected to a cover plate 11. A sealing ring 10 is provided between the air outlet duct 6, the air inlet duct 7 and the cover plate 11.

[0033] For example, when this utility model is applied to a drone, its installation direction on the drone ensures that the heat dissipation channel 1511 is parallel to the direction of the drone's flight. On the one hand, the air intake duct 7 can draw the airflow along the path into the heat dissipation channel 1511 for heat exchange during the drone's flight, and then dissipate the heat generated inside the battery cell 15 through gas exchange. On the other hand, heat can also be dissipated through heat conduction, and the heat generated by the battery cell 15 is transferred to the outer shell 9 and other related components, further improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0034] It should be noted that:

[0035] (1) The positive and negative poles of the battery cell 15 are led out from opposite sides. One end is provided with a positive pole post 152 and an explosion-proof valve 153, and the other end is provided with a negative pole post (not shown). The individual battery cells 15 are connected in series or in parallel through the first connecting row 3 and the second connecting row 5. The specific materials, structures and connection methods of the first connecting row 3 and the second connecting row 5 are all existing technologies and will not be described in detail.

[0036] (2) The first insulating plate 2 and the second insulating plate 4 are mainly used to isolate the end face of the battery cell 15 so that only the core rod 151 is exposed. Each insulating plate is also provided with exposed through holes for pole posts, mounting grooves for connecting bars, pressure relief ports for explosion-proof valves, and wiring grooves for voltage and temperature sensing detection. These structures and connections all adopt existing technologies.

[0037] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, an exhaust fan 13 is also provided on the cover plate 11 adjacent to the air outlet duct 6.

[0038] The exhaust fan 13 further improves heat dissipation. When the present invention is placed horizontally, heat exchange can be achieved through advection under the action of the exhaust fan 13; when the present invention is placed vertically, the end where the exhaust fan 13 is located is set as the top, and the airflow at the lower level is drawn to the higher level by the action of the exhaust fan 13 for sufficient heat exchange. As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet duct 7 includes a plate-shaped structure 71, on which a plurality of first openings 72 are provided. A collection cavity 73 is provided below each first opening 72. One end of the collection cavity 73 is connected to the first opening 72, and the other end gradually narrows and forms a second opening 74 at the end that is connected to the heat dissipation channel 1511; the air outlet duct 6 is symmetrical to the air inlet duct 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, taking the air inlet duct 7 as an example, the first open end 72 is a large opening, which serves as a gas collection port or exhaust port. The second open end 74 is a small opening, which is connected to the core rod 151 to achieve communication with the heat dissipation channel 1511. This design can effectively increase the pressure at the opening of the heat dissipation channel 1511 and increase the flow rate of the gas through the heat dissipation channel 1511, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. The connection method and working principle of the air outlet duct 6 are similar to those of the air inlet duct 7. The airflow generated by the exhaust fan 13 enters the heat dissipation channel 1511 through the air inlet duct 7 and is then discharged through the air outlet duct 6. During this process, the heat generated inside the battery cell 15 can be dissipated in a timely manner.

[0040] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the second opening 74 matches the boss structure, and after the air inlet pipe 7 is installed, the inner wall of the second opening 74 is attached to the outer periphery of the boss structure and welded to it.

[0041] In this embodiment, specifically, the second opening 74 of the air inlet duct 7 is inserted into the outer periphery of the boss structure and laser welded thereto; similarly, the air outlet duct 6 is installed in a similar manner; thus, the air outlet duct 6 and the air inlet duct 7 seal the various electronic components in the battery module and isolate them from the air cooling system to play a protective role and prevent the battery module from being exposed to the air, which would have an adverse effect on its service life.

[0042] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the plate structure 71, the first opening 72, the collecting cavity 73, and the second opening 74 are integrally formed.

[0043] In this embodiment, the air outlet duct 6 and the air inlet duct 7 are preferably metal parts and integrally formed. The integrally formed structure is not only easy to process, but also has good structural stability. Together, they provide good sealing and isolation for the various electronic components in the battery module, which can provide long-term protection to prevent them from being exposed to air and affecting their performance and service life.

[0044] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the cover plate 11, the sealing ring 10, and the plate structure 71 are structurally matched. The cover plate 11 is provided with a first through hole that corresponds to the position of the first opening 72 and is structurally matched. The sealing ring 10 is provided with a second through hole in the middle. The first opening 72 is exposed through the first through hole and the second through hole. After the cover plate 11 is fixedly connected to the outer shell 9, the sealing ring 10 presses against the remaining part of the plate structure 71. The structure of the first opening 72 and the first through hole matches the end face structure of the battery cell 15.

[0045] Specifically, the end face of each battery cell 15 has a racetrack-shaped structure, and the first opening 72 and the first through hole are also racetrack-shaped structures of the same specifications. The second through hole is a larger racetrack-shaped structure so that each of the first openings 72 on the air inlet duct 7 is exposed. The cover plate 11 and the sealing ring 10 work together to press the rest of the plate-shaped structure 71 to achieve a sealed isolation between the air inlet duct 7, the air outlet duct 6 and other components inside the housing 9, thus protecting other components; at the same time, it isolates each battery cell 15, ensuring that each battery cell 15 does not affect each other, and that the heat insulation and air cooling of each battery cell 15 do not affect each other.

[0046] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the ratio of the number of battery cells 15 to the number of exhaust fans 13 is 2-5, with the most preferred ratio being 3, that is, 1 exhaust fan 13 is matched with 3 battery cells 15. This can meet the heat dissipation needs without occupying too much battery module space.

[0047] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the battery pack 1 is composed of 6 cells 15 connected in series or in parallel, and the number of exhaust fans 13 is 2.

[0048] This embodiment is merely an illustrative example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the specific number of battery cells 15 in the battery pack 1. Those skilled in the art can flexibly increase or decrease the number of battery cells 15 and adjust the number of exhaust fans 13 accordingly based on actual needs.

[0049] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the inner surface of the outer shell 9 is a smooth surface that matches the structure of the insulating and heat-insulating sleeve 8, and the outer surface of the outer shell 9 is provided with a plurality of structural support ribs 91 along its height direction.

[0050] The structural support ribs 91 play a crucial supporting role for the battery module. They enhance the overall stability of the housing 9 and improve its load-bearing capacity. When the battery module is subjected to external impacts or vibrations, the structural support ribs 91 can effectively resist these forces, preventing the housing 9 from deforming or being damaged, thereby protecting the battery cells and other components inside the battery module. In addition, they can also increase the surface area of ​​the housing 9 and improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0051] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the cover plate 11 at one end is fixedly connected to the sealing ring 10 by fastening screws 12, and the exhaust fan 13 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 11 at the other end by fastening screws 14. The two cover plates 11 are respectively welded to both ends of the housing 9.

[0052] In summary, this invention, by incorporating heat dissipation channels on the core rod and cooperating with inlet and outlet air ducts, allows airflow to directly reach the interior of all battery cells, accelerating heat transfer within the cells. This significantly reduces the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cells, improves heat dissipation consistency, and increases the space utilization and assembly rate of the battery module. Therefore, while improving the heat dissipation performance of the battery module, it also effectively enhances the mass energy density and volumetric energy density of the battery module. Furthermore, the separate and sealed design of the electronic components and inlet / outlet air ducts ensures that the heat insulation and air cooling of each cell do not interfere with or affect each other, contributing to increased product safety and reliability, and extending the battery module's lifespan.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications, alterations, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An air-cooled battery module, characterized by, The battery pack (1) is composed of a plurality of battery cells (15) in series or parallel, the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells (15) are led out in different directions, a core rod (151) is arranged in the middle of the battery cells (15), a plurality of heat dissipation channels (1511) are arranged on the core rod (151) in the height direction of the battery pack (1), and the two ends of the core rod (151) extend out of the battery cells (15) to form two protrusions; The upper part of the battery pack (1) is sequentially provided with a second insulating plate (4), a second connecting row (5) and an air inlet pipeline (7) from top to bottom, the lower part of the battery pack (1) is sequentially provided with a first insulating plate (2), a first connecting row (3) and an air outlet pipeline (6) from top to bottom, the assembly composed of the air inlet pipeline (7), the second connecting row (5), the second insulating plate (4), the battery pack (1), the first insulating plate (2), the first connecting row (3), the air outlet pipeline (6) is first sleeved with an insulating and heat insulating sleeve (8) and then placed in an outer shell (9), the two ends of the outer shell (9) are fixedly connected with a cover plate (11), and a sealing ring (10) is arranged between the air outlet pipeline (6) and the cover plate (11). The cover plate (11) adjacent to the air outlet pipeline (6) is further provided with an exhaust fan (13).

2. The air-cooled battery module of claim 1, wherein, 3. The air-cooled battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The air inlet pipeline (7) comprises a plate-shaped structure (71), a plurality of first open holes (72) are formed in the plate-shaped structure (71), and a collection cavity (73) is arranged below each first open hole (72); one end of the collection cavity (73) is in communication with the first open hole (72), and the other end is gradually tapered and forms a second open hole (74) in the end portion, which is in communication with the heat dissipation channel (1511); The air outlet pipeline (6) is symmetrical with the air inlet pipeline (7). The second open hole (74) matches the protrusion structure, and the inner wall of the second open hole (74) is tightly attached to the outer periphery of the protrusion structure and is welded thereto after the air inlet pipeline (7) is installed.

4. The air-cooled battery module of claim 3, wherein, The plate-shaped structure (71), the first open hole (72), the collection cavity (73) and the second open hole (74) are integrally formed.

5. The air-cooled battery module of claim 3, wherein, The cover plate (11), the sealing ring (10) and the plate-shaped structure (71) are matched in structure, the cover plate (11) is provided with a first through hole corresponding in position and matched in structure with the first open hole (72), a second through hole is formed in the middle of the sealing ring (10), the first open hole (72) is exposed through the first through hole and the second through hole, the sealing ring (10) is pressed against the remaining part of the plate-shaped structure (71) after the cover plate (11) is fixedly connected with the outer shell (9), and the first open hole (72) and the first through hole are matched with the end surface structure of the battery cell (15).

6. The air-cooled battery module of claim 3, wherein, The ratio of the number of battery cells (15) to the number of exhaust fans (13) is 2-5.

7. The air-cooled battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack (1) is composed of six battery cells (15) in series or parallel, and the number of exhaust fans (13) is two.

8. The air-cooled battery module of claim 7, wherein, The inner surface of the outer shell (9) is a smooth surface matched with the structure of the insulating and heat insulating sleeve (8), and the outer surface of the outer shell (9) is provided with a plurality of structure support ribs (91) in the height direction.

9. The air-cooled battery module of claim 1, wherein, ​ 10. The air-cooled battery module of claim 1, wherein, The cover plate (11) is fixedly connected with the sealing ring (10) through fastening screws (12), and the exhaust fan (13) is fixedly connected with the cover plate (11) through fastening screws (14).

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