Liquid cooling plate and battery pack

Abstract

The liquid cooling plate is used for cooling a battery module, the liquid cooling plate is provided with a liquid inlet, a flow guide cavity, a plurality of liquid distribution ports and a plurality of liquid cooling areas, the flow guide cavity is respectively communicated with the liquid inlet and the liquid distribution ports, the liquid distribution ports are communicated with the liquid cooling areas, and the liquid distribution ports and the liquid cooling areas are correspondingly arranged. And the sizes of the plurality of liquid separation ports are sequentially reduced along the direction close to the liquid inlet. The liquid cooling plate uniformly radiates and cools the battery module, so that the condition of excessive cooling or local overheating in the battery module is avoided, the risk of thermal runaway of the battery pack is reduced, the safety of the battery pack is improved, and the service life of the battery pack is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of battery equipment, and in particular to a liquid cooling plate and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electric vehicles, the heat dissipation of battery packs has become an increasingly important issue. Liquid cooling plates, as a highly efficient heat dissipation structure, have been widely used in battery pack cooling.

[0003] Existing liquid cooling plates typically have only one inlet connected to a cavity or channel with a fixed flow rate, and then the coolant is distributed to various liquid cooling zones through multiple branch channels. This structure makes it difficult to ensure uniform coolant distribution to each liquid cooling zone. After entering through the inlet, the coolant preferentially flows to the liquid cooling zones closer to the inlet, resulting in a higher coolant flow rate in these zones and a relatively lower flow rate in those zones farther away. Cells near the inlet may be overcooled due to excessive coolant flow, which not only shortens the battery pack's lifespan but also wastes energy. Meanwhile, cells farther away from the inlet, due to insufficient coolant flow, cannot effectively dissipate heat in time, leading to localized overheating, increasing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery pack, and reducing battery pack safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a liquid cooling plate and battery pack, aiming to solve the technical problem in the prior art where uneven cooling flow distribution in each liquid cooling area leads to uneven cooling of each part of the battery pack, increasing the risk of thermal runaway and reducing the safety of the battery pack.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objectives of this utility model, the first aspect of this utility model proposes a liquid-cooled plate.

[0006] A liquid cooling plate is provided with a liquid inlet, a flow guiding cavity, multiple liquid distribution ports and multiple liquid cooling zones. The flow guiding cavity is connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid distribution ports respectively. The liquid distribution ports are connected to the liquid cooling zones and are correspondingly arranged with the liquid cooling zones. The size of the multiple liquid distribution ports decreases sequentially along the direction close to the liquid inlet.

[0007] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate includes a profile plate and a first plug. The profile plate has the liquid inlet and a plurality of liquid cooling zones. The first plug has a plurality of liquid distribution ports and a flow guiding cavity. The first plug is connected to the profile plate so that the liquid distribution ports are in communication with the liquid cooling zones.

[0008] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate includes a second plug, which is disposed opposite to the first plug and is connected to the end of the profile plate away from the first plug.

[0009] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate is provided with a water outlet and a liquid outlet channel, and the liquid outlet channel is connected to the water outlet and the side of the liquid cooling zone away from the liquid inlet, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the liquid inlet and the water outlet are spaced apart and located on the same side of the liquid cooling plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate includes a first water nozzle disposed on the inner sidewall of the liquid inlet, the first water nozzle being used to control the flow and cut-off of the liquid inlet; and / or

[0012] The liquid cooling plate includes a second water nozzle, which is disposed on the inner side wall of the water outlet. The second water nozzle is used to control the flow and cut-off of the water outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate is provided with an isolation section located between two adjacent liquid cooling zones, and the isolation section is connected to the inner sidewall of the first plug.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the liquid outlet that communicates with the liquid cooling zone is provided with a rounded corner structure.

[0015] The second aspect of this utility model provides a battery pack, including a first battery module, a second battery module, and the aforementioned liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The first side is attached to the first battery module and is used to cool the first battery module. The second side is attached to the second battery module and is used to cool the second battery module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged vertically, and the liquid cooling plate is capable of supporting the first battery module.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] This utility model's liquid cooling plate has an inlet, a guide cavity, multiple distribution ports, and multiple liquid cooling zones. Coolant enters the guide cavity through the inlet, and then flows through the distribution ports into the various liquid cooling zones. The coolant in these zones cools the battery module. The size of the distribution ports decreases sequentially towards the inlet; that is, the closer the distribution port is to the inlet, the smaller its size, and the farther the distribution port is from the inlet, the larger its size. Coolant preferentially flows through the distribution port closest to the inlet and its corresponding liquid cooling zone. The smaller size of this distribution port results in greater flow resistance. Coolant enters the distribution ports farther from the inlet more slowly, but their larger size reduces flow resistance. This ensures that the time required for the liquid cooling zones at different locations on the liquid cooling plate to fill with coolant and the coolant circulation time are essentially the same, resulting in similar cooling effects across different liquid cooling zones. The liquid cooling plate provides uniform heat dissipation and cooling for the battery module, avoiding overcooling or localized overheating within the battery module, reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery pack, improving battery pack safety, and extending battery pack lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a liquid cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an internal structural diagram of a liquid cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the liquid cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] in:

[0025] 10. Liquid cooling plate;

[0026] 20. First battery module;

[0027] 30. Second battery module;

[0028] 110. Liquid inlet; 120. Water outlet; 121. Liquid outlet channel;

[0029] 200. Flow guiding cavity;

[0030] 300, Dispensing port; 310, First dispensing port; 320, Second dispensing port; 330, Third dispensing port; 340, Fourth dispensing port; 350, Rounded corner structure;

[0031] 400. Liquid cooling zone;

[0032] 500. Profile sheet; 510. Isolation section;

[0033] 600, First blockage;

[0034] 700, Second plug;

[0035] 810, First water tap; 820, Second water tap.

[0036] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0037] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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 of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a battery pack includes a liquid cooling plate 10, a first battery module 20, and a second battery module 30. The liquid cooling plate 10 has opposing first and second sides. The first side is attached to the first battery module 20 and is used to cool the first battery module 20. The second side is attached to the second battery module 30 and is used to cool the second battery module 30.

[0042] It should be noted that the first side of the liquid cooling plate 10 is tightly attached to the first battery module 20. The second side of the liquid cooling plate 10 is tightly attached to the second battery module 30. This tight attachment ensures that the heat generated by the first battery module 20 and the second battery module 30 can be effectively conducted to the liquid cooling plate 10. By cooling the first battery module 20 and the second battery module 30 through the first and second sides of the liquid cooling plate 10 respectively, double-sided cooling is achieved. Compared with single-sided cooling, this double-sided cooling design can dissipate heat from the first battery module 20 and the second battery module 30 more quickly and effectively.

[0043] Specifically, the first battery module 20 and the second battery module 30 are arranged vertically, and the liquid cooling plate 10 is capable of supporting the first battery module 20. The liquid cooling plate 10 has a load-bearing function for the first battery module 20.

[0044] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, a liquid cooling plate 10 is used to cool a battery module. The liquid cooling plate 10 has a liquid inlet 110, a flow guiding cavity 200, multiple liquid distribution ports 300, and multiple liquid cooling zones 400. The flow guiding cavity 200 is connected to the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid distribution ports 300 respectively. The liquid distribution ports 300 are connected to the liquid cooling zones 400 and are correspondingly arranged. The size of the multiple liquid distribution ports 300 decreases sequentially along the direction closer to the liquid inlet 110.

[0045] The coolant in the guide cavity 200 enters multiple liquid cooling zones 400 through multiple distribution ports 300, where the coolant cools the battery module. The size of the multiple distribution ports 300 decreases sequentially towards the inlet 110. That is, the closer the distribution port 300 is to the inlet 110, the smaller its size; the farther the distribution port 300 is from the inlet 110, the larger its size. The coolant preferentially flows through the distribution port 300 closest to the inlet 110 and the corresponding liquid cooling zone 400. The smaller size of this distribution port 300 results in greater flow resistance for the coolant entering this liquid cooling zone. Although the coolant enters the distributor port 300, which is farther from the inlet 110, relatively slowly, the distributor port 300 is large, resulting in low flow resistance for the coolant entering the liquid-cooled zone. This ensures that the time required for the liquid-cooled zones 400 at different locations on the liquid-cooling plate 10 to fill with coolant and the coolant circulation time are essentially the same, leading to similar cooling effects across the different liquid-cooled zones 400. This liquid-cooling plate 10 provides uniform heat dissipation and cooling to the battery module, preventing overcooling or localized overheating within the battery module, reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery pack, improving battery pack safety, and extending battery pack lifespan.

[0046] Specifically, the size of the liquid distribution port 300 can be the width of the liquid distribution port 300.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of dispensing ports 300 include a first dispensing port 310, a second dispensing port 320, a third dispensing port 330, and a fourth dispensing port 340. The plurality of liquid cooling zones 400 include a first liquid cooling zone, a second liquid cooling zone, a third liquid cooling zone, and a fourth liquid cooling zone. The first dispensing port 310 is connected to the first liquid cooling zone. The second dispensing port 320 is connected to the second liquid cooling zone. The third dispensing port 330 is connected to the third liquid cooling zone. The fourth dispensing port 340 is connected to the fourth liquid cooling zone. The distances of the first dispensing port 310, the second dispensing port 320, the third dispensing port 330, and the fourth dispensing port 340 from the liquid inlet 110 increase sequentially. That is, the first dispensing port 310 is closest to the liquid inlet 110, and the fourth dispensing port 340 is farthest from the liquid inlet 110. The dimensions of the first dispensing port 310, the second dispensing port 320, the third dispensing port 330, and the fourth dispensing port 340 decrease sequentially. For example, the distance between the first dispensing port 310 and the inlet port 110 is 114 mm. The width of the first dispensing port 310 is 5 mm. The distance between the second dispensing port 320 and the inlet port 110 is 229 mm. The width of the second dispensing port 320 is 15 mm. The distance between the third dispensing port 330 and the inlet port 110 is 339 mm. The width of the third dispensing port 330 is 25 mm. The distance between the fourth dispensing port 340 and the inlet port 110 is 424 mm. The width of the fourth dispensing port 340 is 35 mm.

[0048] Specifically, multiple liquid cooling channels are provided within the liquid cooling zone 400.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes a profile plate 500 and a first plug 600. The profile plate 500 has a liquid inlet 110 and a plurality of liquid cooling zones 400, and the first plug 600 has a plurality of liquid distribution ports 300 and a flow guiding cavity 200. The first plug 600 is connected to the profile plate 500 so that the liquid distribution ports 300 are in communication with the liquid cooling zones 400.

[0050] It should be noted that profile plate 500 is a sheet material processed from or based on profiles. Profile plate 500 has a certain thickness and a relatively large planar dimension. The interior of profile plate 500 contains pre-designed channels or cavities.

[0051] The liquid cooling plate 10 provides load-bearing support for the first battery module 20. Ordinary stamped plates lack sufficient strength to meet the load-bearing requirements of the first battery module 20. The profile plate 500, however, has high strength and can meet the load-bearing requirements of the first battery module 20. The profile plate 500 has a greater thickness than the stamped plate. Therefore, the profile plate 500 can be configured with double-sided liquid cooling channels.

[0052] Specifically, the first plug 600 and the profile plate 500 can be welded together. The profile plate 500 is a one-piece molded structure, and the multiple liquid outlets 300 have different sizes. It is difficult to cut liquid outlets 300 of different sizes on the profile plate 500. Therefore, multiple liquid outlets 300 of different sizes are set on the first plug 600, and the first plug 600 is welded to the profile plate 500 to reduce the processing difficulty.

[0053] Specifically, the first plug 600 is machined to form multiple liquid distribution ports 300.

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 has an outlet 120 and a liquid outlet channel 121. The liquid outlet channel 121 is connected to the outlet 120 and the side of the liquid cooling zone 400 away from the inlet 110. The coolant in the liquid cooling zone 400 flows into the liquid outlet channel 121. The coolant in the liquid outlet channel 121 flows out to the outside through the outlet 120.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes a second plug 700, which is disposed opposite to the first plug 600, and the second plug 700 is connected to the end of the profile plate 500 away from the first plug 600.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid inlet 110 and the water outlet 120 are spaced apart and located on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 10. Both the liquid inlet 110 and the water outlet 120 are connected to external liquid cooling pipes. When the liquid inlet 110 and the water outlet 120 are located on the same side of the liquid cooling plate 10, the crossing and entanglement of external liquid cooling pipes can be reduced, and the connection layout of the external coolant pipes becomes simpler, facilitating subsequent maintenance and repair.

[0057] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes a first water nozzle 810. The first water nozzle 810 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the liquid inlet 110 and is used to control the flow and cut-off of the liquid inlet 110. The first water nozzle 810 controls the entry of coolant into the guide cavity 200. During the start-up phase of the liquid cooling system, the first water nozzle 810 is opened, and coolant flows into the guide cavity 200 and the liquid cooling zone 400, gradually filling the guide cavity 200 and the liquid cooling zone 400 of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0058] Specifically, the liquid cooling plate 10 includes a second water nozzle 820, which is disposed on the inner side wall of the outlet 120. The second water nozzle 820 is used to control the flow and cut-off of the outlet 120.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 10 is provided with an isolation portion 510, which is located between two adjacent liquid cooling zones 400 and is connected to the inner sidewall of the first plug 600. The isolation portion 510 isolates the multiple liquid cooling zones 400, blocking the flow of coolant between different liquid cooling zones 400.

[0060] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the sidewall of the liquid outlet 300 communicating with the liquid cooling zone 400 is provided with a rounded corner structure 350. The rounded corner structure 350 guides the coolant from the guide cavity 200 into the liquid cooling zone 400, allowing the coolant to be evenly distributed into the liquid cooling zone 400 along the arc direction of the rounded corner structure 350. Compared to a right-angle structure, the rounded corner structure 350 allows for a more natural transition in the flow direction of the coolant, thereby ensuring a more uniform coolant distribution in the liquid cooling zone 400 and improving the overall cooling performance of the liquid cooling plate 10.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled plate, characterized in that, The liquid cooling plate is provided with an inlet, a flow guide cavity, a plurality of liquid distribution ports and a plurality of liquid cooling zones.

2. The liquid cold plate of claim 1, wherein, The liquid cooling plate comprises a profiled plate and a first plug, the profiled plate is provided with the inlet and a plurality of liquid cooling zones, the first plug is provided with a plurality of liquid distribution ports and the flow guide cavity, and the first plug is connected with the profiled plate to communicate the liquid distribution ports with the liquid cooling zones.

3. The liquid cold plate of claim 2, wherein, The liquid cooling plate comprises a second plug, the second plug is arranged opposite to the first plug and connected with one end of the profiled plate away from the first plug.

4. The liquid cold plate of claim 1, wherein, The liquid cooling plate is provided with a water outlet and an outlet channel, the outlet channel is communicated with the water outlet and one side of the liquid cooling zone away from the inlet.

5. The liquid cold plate of claim 4, wherein, The inlet and the water outlet are arranged on the same side of the liquid cooling plate.

6. The liquid cold plate of claim 4, wherein, The liquid cooling plate comprises a first water nozzle, the first water nozzle is arranged on the inner side wall of the inlet, and the first water nozzle is used to control the flow and cut-off of the inlet; and / or The liquid cooling plate comprises a second water nozzle, the second water nozzle is arranged on the inner side wall of the water outlet, and the second water nozzle is used to control the flow and cut-off of the water outlet.

7. The liquid cold plate of claim 2, wherein, The liquid cooling plate is provided with a separation part, the separation part is located between two adjacent liquid cooling zones, and the separation part is connected with the inner side wall of the first plug.

8. The liquid cold plate of claim 1, wherein, The side wall of the liquid distribution port communicated with the liquid cooling zone is provided with a round corner structure.

9. A battery pack, characterized by, The liquid cooling plate comprises a first battery module, a second battery module and the liquid cooling plate of any one of claims 1 to 8, the liquid cooling plate has opposite first and second sides, the first side is attached to the first battery module, the first side is used to cool the first battery module, the second side is attached to the second battery module, and the second side is used to cool the second battery module.

10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein, The first battery module and the second battery module are arranged in a vertical direction, and the liquid cooling plate can carry the first battery module.

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