Liquid cooling plate with fire-fighting function

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium battery thermal management, in particular to a liquid cooling plate with a fire protection function, which comprises a liquid cooling plate body positioned in a battery cell and two liquid cooling carriers positioned outside the battery cell and arranged on two cover plates of the battery cell, one liquid cooling carrier is used for being connected with a water inlet pipe, the other liquid cooling carrier is used for being connected with a water outlet pipe, an anti-explosion valve is further arranged on the cover plate close to the water inlet end of the liquid cooling flow channel, the liquid cooling carriers and the cover plate are fixedly connected to form a cavity, the water inlet end of the liquid cooling flow channel and the anti-explosion valve are both located in one cavity, and the anti-explosion valve is located in the other cavity. The water outlet end of the liquid cooling flow channel is located in the other cavity, and a water nozzle assembly is arranged on the liquid cooling carrier. According to the utility model, the liquid cooling function and the fire-fighting function are effectively combined, when thermal runaway occurs, the anti-explosion valve is opened, and the cooling liquid can directly enter the battery core from the anti-explosion valve, so that the fire-fighting function is played from the source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium battery thermal management technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling plate with fire-fighting function. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries generate heat during use, causing their temperature to rise. Conversely, they may operate at lower temperatures in colder environments. Both excessively high and low temperatures can negatively impact the battery's electrochemical performance and safety. Therefore, a thermal management system is necessary to ensure the battery operates within its optimal temperature range through appropriate cooling or heating measures. Currently, mainstream thermal management systems utilize liquid cooling structures, such as liquid cooling plates, at the bottom of the cell to cool it via heat transfer. However, heat must pass through multiple media—the bottom liquid cooling plate, structural adhesive, cell insulation layer, cell insulation film, and cell casing—before reaching the cell's interior, resulting in a relatively low thermal conductivity rate. To improve thermal conductivity, existing technologies often fill the battery pack with thermally conductive silicone or similar materials. However, this also increases heat dissipation. During cooling, the thermal management system also dissipates heat outwards through the battery pack's structural components, leading to heat loss and waste, resulting in low heat utilization efficiency. Furthermore, bottom-based thermal management can cause significant temperature differences between the top and bottom of the cell, resulting in poor overall temperature uniformity.

[0003] To address this, the applicant previously proposed a battery cell with a centrally located cooling core rod. This design involves winding a core around the cooling core rod and creating liquid cooling channels inside the core rod, allowing the coolant to circulate and cool the cell. Compared to existing technologies, this centrally located cooling core rod thermal management method improves the overall temperature uniformity of the cell, thus enhancing the battery's electrochemical performance and safety. However, after assembling this type of cell into a lithium battery module, a separate fire suppression system is required to address thermal runaway. Existing fire suppression systems are generally designed independently of the thermal management system, requiring significant space within the lithium battery module. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing mechanisms within these systems only activate and spray extinguishing agents onto the runaway cell after thermal runaway occurs and is detected by the system. This results in a delayed response and the system cannot directly reach the cell's interior, failing to prevent chemical reactions; thus, it is a passive fire suppression mechanism.

[0004] Therefore, it urgently needs improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a liquid cooling plate with fire protection function.

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

[0007] A liquid-cooled plate with fire-fighting function includes a liquid-cooled plate body located inside a battery cell and two liquid-cooled carriers located outside the battery cell and disposed on two cover plates of the battery cell. The liquid-cooled plate body is provided with a liquid-cooled flow channel. One liquid-cooled carrier is used to connect to an inlet pipe and the other liquid-cooled carrier is used to connect to an outlet pipe. An explosion-proof valve is also provided on the cover plate located near the inlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel. The liquid-cooled carrier and the cover plate are fixedly connected to form a cavity. The inlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel and the explosion-proof valve are both located in one cavity, and the outlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel is located in the other cavity. A water nozzle assembly is provided on the liquid-cooled carrier.

[0008] Preferably, the liquid cooling carrier includes independently designed liquid cooling carrier cover plate and liquid cooling carrier body. The liquid cooling carrier body is a fully enclosed structure with openings at both ends. The liquid cooling carrier cover plate is fixedly connected to one open end of the liquid cooling carrier body, and the other open end of the liquid cooling carrier body is fixedly connected to the cover plate. The water nozzle assembly is disposed on the liquid cooling carrier cover plate.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid cooling carrier cover plate includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The first cover plate has a strip-shaped structure and its length matches the water inlet end. The liquid cooling carrier body forms a first cavity and a second cavity that are connected. The first cover plate matches the top structure of the first cavity, and the second cover plate matches the top structure of the second cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the inner side of the liquid cooling carrier body is provided with a first protrusion that matches the structure of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate, and a second protrusion is provided below the first protrusion.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid cooling carrier body includes an upper end face and a lower end face. After the liquid cooling carrier cover plate is connected to the first boss, the outer surface of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate is flush with the upper end face of the liquid cooling carrier body. The liquid cooling carrier body is fixedly connected to the battery cell cover plate through the lower end face and the second boss.

[0012] Preferably, the first boss and the second boss are integrally formed with the liquid cooling carrier body.

[0013] Preferably, the corners of the elongated structure are rounded, and the second cover plate matches the structure of the explosion-proof valve.

[0014] Preferably, the faucet assembly is located in the middle of the first cover plate.

[0015] Preferably, the first cover plate and the second cover plate are integrally formed.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, this invention makes a simple, scientific, and reasonable improvement to the liquid cooling plate by connecting the water inlet of the liquid cooling channel to an explosion-proof valve. In the event of thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve opens, allowing the coolant, acting as a fire extinguishing agent, to directly enter the battery cell for cooling, thus providing fire protection at its source. Furthermore, this invention effectively combines the liquid cooling system and the fire-fighting system, reducing the production cost and space requirements of lithium batteries while simplifying their production and assembly, contributing to further improvements in lithium battery production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling medium;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid cooling carrier body.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Battery cell; 2. Liquid coolant carrier; 21. Liquid coolant carrier cover plate; 211. First cover plate; 212. Second cover plate; 213. Water tap assembly; 22. Liquid coolant carrier body; 221. Upper end face of liquid coolant carrier body; 222. First boss; 223. Second boss; 224. Lower end face of liquid coolant carrier body; 225. First cavity; 226. Second cavity; 3. Water inlet pipe; 4. Water outlet; 5. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] It should be noted that any components or structures not described in detail below employ conventional techniques in this field. Those skilled in the art can combine and use them without any inventive effort.

[0025] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure: This utility model proposes a liquid-cooled plate with fire-fighting function, including a liquid-cooled plate body located inside the battery cell 1 and two liquid-cooled carriers 2 located outside the battery cell 1 and disposed on two cover plates 5 of the battery cell. The liquid-cooled plate body is provided with a liquid-cooled flow channel. One liquid-cooled carrier 2 is used to connect to the water inlet pipe 3 and the other liquid-cooled carrier 2 is used to connect to the water outlet pipe. An explosion-proof valve is also provided on the cover plate 5 located near the water inlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel. After the liquid-cooled carrier 2 and the cover plate 5 are fixedly connected, a cavity is formed. The water inlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel and the explosion-proof valve are both located in one cavity, and the water outlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel is located in the other cavity. A water nozzle assembly 213 is provided on the liquid-cooled carrier 2.

[0026] Working Principle: The liquid cooling plate body is located inside the battery cell 1. A cover plate 5 is installed at each end of the battery cell 1. The cover plate 5 near the water inlet of the liquid cooling channel has an explosion-proof valve mounting groove and a through-slot to expose the water inlet of the liquid cooling channel. An explosion-proof valve is installed in the explosion-proof valve mounting groove. A liquid cooling carrier 2 is fixed to each of the two cover plates 5. One liquid cooling carrier 2 completely covers the explosion-proof valve and the through-slot, and is connected to the water inlet pipe 3 via a water nozzle assembly 213. The other liquid cooling carrier 2 covers the water outlet of the liquid cooling channel, and forms a water outlet 4 through another water nozzle assembly installed on it. When thermal runaway occurs, the explosion-proof valve opens, and the coolant delivered by the water inlet pipe 3 directly enters the battery cell 1 from the explosion-proof valve to cool it, preventing chemical reactions and providing fire protection at the source.

[0027] It should be noted that when the battery cell 1 is in a low ambient temperature, the coolant can be designed to have a certain temperature, and the battery cell 1 can be heated by circulating in the liquid cooling plate to ensure that it is in a better operating temperature range.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0029] (1) The liquid cooling plate also has fire protection function, realizing the combination and unification of liquid cooling system and fire protection system, which can effectively reduce the production cost of lithium battery and simplify assembly operation.

[0030] (2) When it performs fire-fighting function, it responds quickly, accurately and efficiently, and can act directly on the inside of the battery cell to block the chemical reaction from the source and achieve active fire-fighting;

[0031] (3) The liquid cooling plate performs thermal management on the battery cell from the inside, achieving uniform cooling or heating of the battery cell, which can effectively improve the overall temperature consistency of the battery cell.

[0032] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the liquid cooling carrier includes an independently designed liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 and a liquid cooling carrier body 22 made of the same material. The liquid cooling carrier body 22 is a fully enclosed structure with openings at both ends. The liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 is fixedly connected to one open end of the liquid cooling carrier body 22, and the other open end of the liquid cooling carrier body 22 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 5. The water nozzle assembly 213 is disposed on the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21.

[0033] In this embodiment, the liquid coolant cover plate 21 and the liquid coolant body 22 are independently designed structures. The liquid coolant cover plate 21 covers the top of the liquid coolant body 22, and the bottom of the liquid coolant body 22 is connected to the cover plate 5. The independently designed structure facilitates the installation of the liquid coolant and ensures the accuracy of the installation position as well as the stability and firmness after installation. Of course, the liquid coolant cover plate 21 and the liquid coolant body 22 can also be designed as an integrated structure.

[0034] It should be noted that:

[0035] The water tap assembly 213 is existing technology. Any water tap assembly that can be installed on the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 and connected to the coolant pipeline can be used in this utility model.

[0036] The water nozzle assembly 213 is mounted on the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21, preferably away from the explosion-proof valve, so as to avoid the pressure impact caused by the explosion-proof valve when it is opened, which could damage the water nozzle assembly 213.

[0037] The liquid coolant cover plate 21 and the liquid coolant body 22 are preferably made of the same metal material.

[0038] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 includes a first cover plate 211 and a second cover plate 212. The first cover plate 211 has a strip-shaped structure and its length matches the water inlet end. The liquid cooling carrier body 22 forms a first cavity 225 and a second cavity 226 that are connected. The top structure of the first cover plate 211 matches the top structure of the first cavity 225, and the top structure of the second cover plate 212 matches the top structure of the second cavity 226.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first cover plate 211 is designed as a long strip structure with a length matching the water inlet end. This is mainly to form a flat water inlet cavity, i.e., the first cavity 225, which matches the length of the water inlet end. The coolant enters the first cavity 225 through the water nozzle assembly 213 and is relatively evenly distributed to each liquid cooling channel after being buffered by the first cavity 225. This more effectively reduces the temperature of each part of the battery cell 1 and achieves the purpose of uniform heat dissipation of the battery cell 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second cavity 226 is an explosion-proof valve accommodating cavity. On the one hand, it can buffer the pressure impact when the explosion-proof valve opens during thermal runaway. On the other hand, it is connected to the first cavity 225, so that coolant can flow into it immediately after thermal runaway and enter the battery cell 1 through the explosion-proof valve, quickly stopping the chemical reaction and achieving the purpose of fire protection.

[0041] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of the present invention, the inner side of the liquid cooling carrier body 22 is provided with a first boss 222 that matches the structure of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21, and a second boss 223 is provided below the first boss 222.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first boss 222 is located on the inner side of the liquid coolant body 22 near the upper end face 221 of the liquid coolant body, and the second boss 223 is located on the inner side of the liquid coolant body 22 near the lower end face 224 of the liquid coolant body. The design of the first boss 222 and the second boss 223 is to facilitate the reliable connection of the liquid coolant body 22 with other related components through laser splicing welding process, while improving the connection strength and sealing performance.

[0043] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the liquid cooling carrier body 22 includes an upper end face 221 and a lower end face 224 of the liquid cooling carrier body. After the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 is connected to the first boss 222, the outer surface of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate 21 is flush with the upper end face 221 of the liquid cooling carrier body. The liquid cooling carrier body 22 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 5 through the lower end face 224 and the second boss 223.

[0044] Preferably, the liquid coolant cover plate 21 is welded to the first boss 222 by laser welding. After welding, the outer surface of the liquid coolant cover plate 21 is flush with the upper end face 221 of the liquid coolant body. The cover plate 5 is provided with a through groove that communicates with the liquid coolant plate body inside the cell 1. The liquid cooling channels provided on the liquid coolant plate body are exposed through the through groove. The second boss 223 is preferably formed by extending inward from the side near the lower end face 224 of the liquid coolant body, that is, the bottom surface of the second boss 223 is flush with the lower end face 224 of the liquid coolant body. The design of the second boss 223 increases the contact area between the liquid coolant body 22 and the cover plate 5. The liquid coolant body 22 is laser welded to the cover plate 5 through the lower end face 224 of the liquid coolant body and the second boss 223.

[0045] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the first boss 222 and the second boss 223 are integrally formed with the liquid cooling carrier body 22 and are made of the same metal material.

[0046] The one-piece molded structure facilitates processing and helps provide appropriate support pressure for the connecting components, ensuring the connection strength after welding. In addition, to further improve the connection strength, stability and sealing effect after welding, the height of the first boss 222 and the second boss 223 is preferably 1-1.5mm, especially 3-8mm. Within this height range, it can withstand the thermal and mechanical stress during the welding process without occupying too much liquid inlet space.

[0047] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the corners of the elongated structure are rounded, and the second cover plate 212 matches the explosion-proof valve structure.

[0048] In this embodiment, the corners of the elongated structure are rounded, and the edges of the elongated structure are even semi-circular. This facilitates welding and increases the contact area with the liquid coolant carrier body 22, thereby increasing the welding area and further improving the strength and stability after welding. The second cover plate 212 is preferably designed as a racetrack-shaped structure for the same reason. Particularly preferred is that the elongated structure and the racetrack-shaped structure are integrated in a T-shape.

[0049] As a preferred technical solution, in another embodiment of this utility model, the water tap assembly 213 is disposed in the middle of the first cover plate 211.

[0050] The faucet assembly 213 is located in the middle of the first cover plate 211, which has the following advantages:

[0051] (1) It helps to make the coolant form a more uniform flow distribution at the water inlet of the liquid cooling plate, thereby more effectively absorbing and carrying away the heat generated by the battery cell 1, which helps to reduce the temperature gradient of the battery cell 1 and improve the overall heat dissipation efficiency.

[0052] (2) It can reduce flow resistance. It enters from the middle of the first cover plate 211 and can flow in both directions, i.e., both ends. Compared with flow in one direction, it can reduce flow resistance to a certain extent and reduce coolant pressure drop consumption.

[0053] (3) Improve space utilization. The water tap assembly 213 is designed in the middle of the first cover plate 211, which can more flexibly adapt to the layout requirements of the battery pack and improve the space utilization when the pack is assembled.

[0054] (4) The position is offset from that of the explosion-proof valve to avoid the pressure impact on the water inlet pipe 3 when the explosion-proof valve is opened after thermal runaway. This helps to protect the water inlet pipe 3 and prevent it from being damaged and leaking.

[0055] 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. A liquid-cooled plate with fire-fighting function, comprising a liquid-cooled plate body located inside a battery cell (1) and two liquid-cooled carriers (2) located outside the battery cell (1) and disposed on two cover plates (5) of the battery cell, wherein a liquid-cooled flow channel is provided inside the liquid-cooled plate body, one liquid-cooled carrier (2) is used to connect to an inlet pipe (3) and the other liquid-cooled carrier (2) is used to connect to an outlet pipe, and an explosion-proof valve is also provided on the cover plate (5) located near the inlet end of the liquid-cooled flow channel, characterized in that: After the liquid cooling carrier (2) is fixedly connected to the cover plate (5), a cavity is formed. The water inlet end of the liquid cooling channel and the explosion-proof valve are both located in one cavity, and the water outlet end of the liquid cooling channel is located in another cavity. A water nozzle assembly (213) is provided on the liquid cooling carrier (2).

2. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling carrier includes an independently designed liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21) and a liquid cooling carrier body (22). The liquid cooling carrier body (22) is a fully enclosed structure with openings at both ends. The liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21) is fixedly connected to one open end of the liquid cooling carrier body (22), and the other open end of the liquid cooling carrier body (22) is fixedly connected to the cover plate (5). The water nozzle assembly (213) is set on the liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21).

3. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21) includes a first cover plate (211) and a second cover plate (212). The first cover plate (211) has a strip-shaped structure and its length matches the water inlet end. The liquid cooling carrier body (22) forms a first cavity (225) and a second cavity (226) that are connected. The top structure of the first cover plate (211) matches the top structure of the first cavity (225), and the top structure of the second cover plate (212) matches the top structure of the second cavity (226).

4. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner side of the liquid cooling carrier body (22) is provided with a first boss (222) that matches the structure of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21), and a second boss (223) is provided below the first boss (222).

5. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid cooling carrier body (22) includes an upper end face (221) and a lower end face (224). After the liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21) is connected to the first boss (222), the outer surface of the liquid cooling carrier cover plate (21) is flush with the upper end face (221) of the liquid cooling carrier body. The liquid cooling carrier body (22) is fixedly connected to the battery cell cover plate through the lower end face (224) and the second boss (223).

6. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first protrusion (222) and the second protrusion (223) are integrally formed with the liquid cooling carrier body (22).

7. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The edges and corners of the strip structure are rounded, and the second cover plate (212) matches the structure of the explosion-proof valve.

8. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The faucet assembly (213) is located in the middle of the first cover plate (211).

9. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first cover plate (211) and the second cover plate (212) are integrally formed.

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