Cooling device and battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cooling device and a battery module, the cooling device comprises a module cooling frame, the module cooling frame comprises an upper cover plate, partition plates and a lower bottom plate, and a battery cell mounting part between the upper cover plate and the lower bottom plate is divided into a plurality of battery cell grooves through the partition plates; and a cooling channel is arranged at the periphery of the battery cell groove. The top and the bottom of the battery cell are respectively provided with a cooling medium circulating area, the two large surfaces of the battery cell are provided with the condensation gel cooling areas, four-side cooling is realized by utilizing heat absorption and heat dissipation of the condensation gel and the cooling medium, the heat exchange rate of the battery cell is greatly improved, so that four-side cooling of the battery cell is realized, the 5C and 6C-grade current charging and discharging conditions can be realized, and the service life of the battery cell is prolonged. And controlling the temperature of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell cooling technology, specifically to a cooling device and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, new energy vehicle companies are addressing users' range anxiety in two main ways: one is to increase the capacity of power batteries to improve driving range; the other is to improve the fast charging speed of power batteries by using higher-level cell platforms and larger charging currents to replenish the energy of the power batteries. However, charging with larger currents will generate more heat in the cells, and increased cell temperature can damage cell lifespan and increase the risk of cell runaway. Therefore, the cells need to be cooled in a timely manner after the temperature rises. The main cooling method at present is to use liquid cooling plates at the bottom of the cells.

[0003] In the prior art patent technology with patent publication number CN108258162A and patent title "Heat Dissipation Device for New Energy Vehicle Battery Pack", it is disclosed that "a heat dissipation device for new energy vehicle battery packs includes an upper mounting frame, a lower mounting frame, a water-cooling plate, and an elastic heat-absorbing component for absorbing heat generated by the battery cells. A battery cell mounting space is formed between the upper mounting frame and the lower mounting frame. Several battery cells are arranged in a matrix within the battery cell mounting space. Several elastic heat-absorbing components are provided within the battery cell mounting space and fill the gaps formed between adjacent battery cells. The water-cooling plate is provided at the bottom of the lower mounting frame, and a heat-conducting component is provided between the water-cooling plate and the bottom of the lower mounting frame. The lower end of the battery cell passes through a through hole provided on the lower mounting frame and contacts the heat-conducting component." In the above-mentioned prior art, the cooling of the battery cells is achieved by directly using a water-cooling plate at the bottom of the battery cells.

[0004] However, the current bottom liquid cooling solution has limited cooling capacity. For conventional 1.6C (C represents the battery's discharge capacity, also known as the discharge rate, and the size of the C value directly reflects the battery's discharge performance) and 2.2C fast charging battery packs, it can achieve a good cooling effect, but for 4C, 5C, or even 6C fast charging battery packs, the cooling capacity is insufficient and cannot cool the battery temperature to a suitable range in a timely manner. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to improve the cooling capacity of the battery pack.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A cooling device includes a module cooling frame, the module cooling frame comprising an upper cover plate, a partition plate, and a lower base plate, wherein the cell mounting portion between the upper cover plate and the lower base plate is divided into a plurality of cell slots by the partition plate; characterized in that:

[0008] Cooling channels are provided around the cell tank.

[0009] This application achieves four-sided cooling of the battery cells by setting up an independent module cooling frame and opening battery cell slots on the partition for installing the battery cells. Cooling channels are set around the battery cell slots, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange rate of the battery cells and enabling 5C and 6C level current charging and discharging conditions.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the module cooling frame is an integrally molded part, and the cooling channel is a cavity opened inside the upper cover plate, partition plate and lower bottom plate; the cavity is arranged through the partition plate along the length direction or only opened on one side along the partition plate.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, a sealing element is provided at the opening position on one or both sides of the cavity.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the upper cover plate or the sealing element placed at the opening of the upper cover plate is provided with a cooling medium injection port and a cooling medium outlet that communicate with the upper cooling medium groove inside the upper cover plate.

[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the lower base plate or the sealing element placed on the opening of the lower base plate is provided with a second cooling medium injection port and a second cooling medium outlet that communicate with the lower cooling medium groove inside the lower base plate.

[0014] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the cavity of the partition is connected to a cold gel injection port; the cold gel injection port is disposed on at least one of the upper cover plate, the lower bottom plate and the sealing member at the opening of the partition.

[0015] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the cavities of the upper cover plate, the partition plate and the lower bottom plate are connected; the upper cover plate is provided with a cooling medium injection port; and the lower bottom plate is provided with a cooling medium outlet.

[0016] As a further embodiment of this utility model: at least two sets of partitions are provided, and the cavities inside the partitions are arranged in parallel with the cell slots.

[0017] This utility model also discloses a battery module, including the above-mentioned cooling device and a plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery cells are installed in the battery cell slot.

[0018] As a further embodiment of this utility model: when one side of the cell slot is open, the terminals of several cells are arranged on the same side, and the terminals can be arranged in the same direction or alternately.

[0019] When the cell slots are open on both sides, the terminals of several cells can be arranged on the same side and in the same direction, or alternately arranged on the same side, or arranged on both sides.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This application sets up an independent module cooling frame and opens a cell slot on the partition for installing the cell. Cooling channels are set around the cell slot, that is, there is a cooling medium circulation area at the top and bottom of the cell, and a cold gel cooling area on the two large surfaces of the cell. By utilizing the heat absorption and heat dissipation of the cold gel and the cooling medium, four-sided cooling is achieved, which greatly improves the heat exchange rate of the cell and thus achieves four-sided cooling of the cell. In particular, it can achieve 5C and 6C level current charging and discharging conditions.

[0022] The module cooling frame of this application adopts an aluminum profile frame, which can improve the overall rigidity of the battery module;

[0023] The cooling medium in this application is introduced through the injection port and discharged through the outlet, which is convenient to operate. A cooling medium tank is set above the entire cell, which has a large cooling area and improves heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module and cooling device after they are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view;

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 1. Cold gel injection port;

[0029] 2. Module cooling frame; 201. Upper cover plate; 202. Partition plate; 203. Lower base plate;

[0030] 3. Upper frame sealing block; 4. Middle frame sealing block; 5. Battery cell; 6. Thermally conductive structural adhesive; 7. Lower frame sealing block; 8. Cooling medium inlet 1; 9. Cooling medium inlet 2; 10. Cooling medium outlet 1; 11. Cooling medium outlet 2; 12. Upper cooling medium tank; 13. Battery cell tank; 14. Cold gel tank; 15. Lower cooling medium tank. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cooling device includes a cryogel injection port 1, a module cooling frame 2, an upper frame sealing block 3, a middle frame sealing block 4, a heat-conducting component, a lower frame sealing block 7, a first cooling medium injection port 8, a second cooling medium injection port 9, a first cooling medium outlet 10, a second cooling medium outlet 11, an upper cooling medium tank 12, a battery cell tank 13, a cryogel tank 14, and a lower cooling medium tank 15. The heat-conducting component is a thermally conductive structural adhesive 6.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module cooling frame 2 is made of aluminum to form an aluminum profile frame, which can improve the rigidity of the battery cell module. The module cooling frame 2 includes an upper cover plate 201, a lower bottom plate 203, and at least two sets of partitions 202 located between the two. The upper cover plate 201, partitions 202, and lower bottom plate 203 are integrally extruded, and a battery cell groove 13 is formed between two adjacent sets of partitions 202.

[0035] Furthermore, an upper cooling medium tank 12 is provided inside the upper cover plate 201. A cooling medium injection port 8 and a cooling medium outlet 10 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of one end of the upper cover plate 201. Both the cooling medium injection port 8 and the cooling medium outlet 10 can communicate with the upper cooling medium tank 12. The cooling medium injection port 8 and the cooling medium outlet 10 are equipped with plugs or valves to block them when not in use to prevent the cooling medium from leaking out. The cooling medium can be introduced into the upper cooling medium tank 12 through the cooling medium injection port 8. The upper cooling medium tank 12 is located directly above the partition plate 202 and can cool the battery cell 5 in the battery cell tank 13. After the cooling medium completes circulation in the upper cooling medium tank 12, it is discharged from the upper cover plate 201 through the cooling medium outlet 10. Upper frame sealing blocks 3 are laser welded to both the front and rear sides of the upper cooling medium tank 12.

[0036] It should be noted that the cooling medium inlet 8 and the cooling medium outlet 10 can be located on the top or bottom of the upper cover plate 201 or on the upper frame sealing block 3. Since the cooling medium outlet 10 is preferably located at the bottom of the upper cover plate 201 for easy discharge of cooling medium, in order to facilitate the circulation of cooling medium and to reduce space occupation, the cooling medium inlet 8 and the cooling medium outlet 10 need to be located on the same side. In this application, they are located on the left side of the upper cover plate 201, but it is not limited to the left side.

[0037] Furthermore, the upper cooling medium tank 12 can be opened through the partition 202 along its length, i.e., open on both sides, or open on one side along the length of the partition 202. The upper frame sealing block 3 can be used to seal the upper cooling medium tank 12 at the opening on one or both sides. The specific choice of opening on one side or opening on both sides depends on the actual situation. This application does not limit it, but only provides two possible implementation methods for reference.

[0038] The cooling medium added to the upper cooling medium tank 12 can be a coolant, such as a water-based coolant. This application does not limit the specific type of coolant, but only provides one example for reference.

[0039] The cooling medium added to the upper cooling medium tank 12 can also be a solid phase change material for cooling, such as a bio-based phase change material. This application does not limit the specific type of coolant, but only provides one example for reference.

[0040] For ease of understanding and description, Figure 1 The directions indicated are up, down, left, and right. Other directions are deduced from this. It should be understood that this orientation setting is only for the convenience of description and understanding and should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lower base plate 203 has a lower cooling medium tank 15 inside. Cooling medium injection port 29 and cooling medium outlet 21 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of one end of the lower base plate 203. Cooling medium injection port 29 and cooling medium outlet 21 can communicate with the lower cooling medium tank 15. The cooling medium injection port 29 and cooling medium outlet 21 are equipped with plugs or valves to block them when not in use to prevent cooling medium leakage. Cooling medium can be introduced into the lower cooling medium tank 15 through the cooling medium injection port 29. The lower cooling medium tank 15 is located directly below the partition plate 202 and can cool the battery cell 5 in the battery cell tank 13. After the cooling medium completes circulation in the lower cooling medium tank 15, it is discharged from the lower base plate 203 through the cooling medium outlet 211. The lower frame sealing blocks 7 are laser welded to both the front and rear sides of the lower cooling medium tank 15.

[0042] Furthermore, the lower cooling medium tank 15 can be through the length of the partition 202, i.e., open on both sides, or open on one side along the length of the partition 202. The lower frame sealing block 7 can be used to seal the lower cooling medium tank 15 at the one or both openings. The specific choice of single-sided opening or double-sided opening depends on the actual situation. This application does not limit it, but only provides two possible implementation methods for reference.

[0043] The cooling medium added to the lower cooling medium tank 15 can be a coolant, such as a water-based coolant. This application does not limit the specific type of coolant, but only provides one example for reference.

[0044] The cooling medium added to the lower cooling medium tank 15 may also be a solid phase change material for cooling, such as a bio-based phase change material. This application does not limit the specific type of coolant, but only provides one example for reference.

[0045] It should be noted that both the cooling medium inlet 9 and the cooling medium outlet 11 can be located on the top or bottom of the upper cover plate 201 or on the lower frame sealing block 7. Since the cooling medium outlet 11 could be located at the bottom of the lower base plate 203 for easy discharge of the cooling medium, this application places it at the top of the lower base plate 203 to save space. Furthermore, for the circulation of the cooling medium, both the cooling medium inlet 9 and the cooling medium outlet 11 need to be connected. The second outlet 11 is located on the same side, in this application it is located on the left side of the lower base plate 203, but is not limited to the left side; the first cooling medium injection port 8, the first cooling medium outlet 10, the second cooling medium injection port 9 and the second cooling medium outlet 11 are all arranged on the same side, which can save space; the first cooling medium injection port 8 and the first cooling medium outlet 10 on the upper cover plate 201; and the second cooling medium injection port 9 and the second cooling medium outlet 11 on the lower base plate 203 can be staggered, which is convenient for subsequent installation.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The number of cell slots 13 is the same as the number of cells 5. The inside of the cell slots 13 is used to place the cells. The length of the cell slots 13 is greater than the length of the cells 5. Space for thermally conductive structural adhesive 6 is reserved at the bottom of the cell slots 13.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 Inside the partition 202, on both sides of the cell trough 13, there are cold gel troughs 14. The cold gel troughs 14 are arranged alternately with the cell trough 13. Each cold gel trough 14 is connected to a cold gel injection port 1, that is, the cold gel injection port 1 can communicate with the cold gel trough 14. Cold gel can be introduced into the cold gel trough 14 from the cold gel injection port 1. Each cold gel trough 14 has a middle frame sealing block 4 welded on both the front and rear sides for fixing the cold gel trough 14.

[0048] Specifically, the cold gel injection port 1 can be opened on the upper cover plate 201, the lower bottom plate 203, or the middle frame sealing block 4. Regardless of where the cold gel injection port 1 is opened, it is connected to the cold gel tank 14.

[0049] Furthermore, the cryogel tank 14 can be through the partition 202 along its length, i.e., open on both sides, or open on one side along the length of the partition 202. The cryogel tank 14 can be sealed by the intermediate frame sealing block 4 at the one or both openings. The specific choice of single-sided opening or double-sided opening depends on the actual situation. This application does not limit it, but only provides two possible implementation methods for reference.

[0050] The cryogel is a phase change material. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, heat is generated. The main material of the cryogel is water, which has a large specific heat capacity and can absorb heat to dissipate heat from the battery cell 5. After the charging and discharging of the battery cell 5 is completed, the temperature of the battery cell 5 decreases, the cryogel releases heat, and the battery cell 5 returns to its initial state.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] The rest is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that: the upper cooling medium tank 12, the lower cooling medium tank 15 and the intermediate several cold gel tanks 14 can be interconnected to form an integral cooling channel. The cooling medium injection port of the cooling channel can be set on the upper cover plate 201 or on the sealing block of the cooling channel opening, and the cooling medium outlet can be set on the lower bottom plate 203 or on the sealing block of the cooling channel opening.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] A battery module includes several sets of battery cells 5, wherein several sets of battery cell slots 13 in Embodiment 1 are also provided. The number of battery cells 5 and battery cell slots 13 depends on the needs of the module and is not limited in this application. It is necessary to limit the number of battery cells 5 and battery cell slots 13 to be the same, while the number of cold gel slots 14 is one more than the number of battery cell slots 13, so as to ensure that each battery cell slot 13 is provided with cold gel slots 14 on both sides. The battery cell slots 13 can be opened on one side along the length direction of the separator 202, or can be opened on both sides through the length direction of the separator 202.

[0055] It should be noted that if the cell slot 13 has an opening on one side, the terminals of the cell are located on the same side, that is, the side with the opening of the cell slot 13. The installation direction of the cell terminals is divided into two forms:

[0056] 1. Several cell terminals located within the cell tank 13 are arranged on the same side and in the same direction; or

[0057] 2. Several battery cell terminals located in the battery cell slot 13 are arranged alternately on the same side.

[0058] If the cell slot 13 has openings on both sides, the terminals of the cell can be located on the same side or on different sides, that is, on both sides of the opening of the cell slot 13. In this case, the installation direction of the cell is divided into three forms:

[0059] 1. Several cell terminals located within the cell tank 13 are arranged on the same side and in the same direction; or

[0060] 2. Several cell terminals located within the cell slot 13 are arranged alternately on the same side; or

[0061] 3. Several battery cell terminals are arranged on both sides within the battery cell slot 13.

[0062] The specific arrangement of the battery cell terminals depends on the actual usage and is not limited in this application.

[0063] The battery cell assembly method is as follows: First, apply glue to the bottom of the battery cell 5, then use a tooling to assemble the battery cell 5 into the battery cell slot 13, and use a pressure-pressing tooling to press the glue. The battery cell is fixed to the bottom of the battery cell slot 13 by the thermally conductive structural glue 6.

[0064] In summary, the temperature of the entire battery pack is controlled by circulating cooling medium at the bottom and top of the cell, and by the heat absorption and release of cooling gel on the sides of the cell. This achieves four-sided cooling of a single cell, significantly improving the heat exchange rate of the cell and controlling the temperature of the entire battery pack.

[0065] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cooling device, comprising a module cooling frame, the module cooling frame including an upper cover plate, a partition plate, and a lower base plate, wherein the cell mounting portion between the upper cover plate and the lower base plate is divided into a plurality of cell slots by the partition plate; characterized in that: Cooling channels are provided around the cell tank.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module cooling frame is a one-piece molded part, and the cooling channel is a cavity opened inside the upper cover plate, partition plate and lower bottom plate; the cavity is arranged through the partition plate along the length direction or only opened on one side along the partition plate.

3. A cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cavity is provided with a sealing element at one or both opening positions.

4. A cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper cover plate or the sealing element placed at the opening of the upper cover plate has a cooling medium injection port and a cooling medium outlet that communicate with the upper cooling medium tank inside the upper cover plate.

5. A cooling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The lower base plate or the sealing element placed at the opening of the lower base plate has a second cooling medium injection port and a second cooling medium outlet that communicate with the lower cooling medium tank inside the lower base plate.

6. A cooling device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cavity of the partition is connected to a cryogel injection port; the cryogel injection port is located on at least one of the upper cover plate, the lower bottom plate, and the sealing element at the opening of the partition.

7. A cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cavities of the upper cover plate, the partition plate, and the lower bottom plate are connected; the upper cover plate is provided with a cooling medium injection port; and the lower bottom plate is provided with a cooling medium outlet.

8. A cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two sets of partitions are provided, and the cavities inside the partitions are arranged in parallel with the cell slots.

9. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes a cooling device as described in any one of claims 1-8, and a plurality of battery cells, the battery cells being installed in a battery cell slot.

10. A battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cell slot has openings on both sides along the length of the partition, or has an opening on only one side along the length of the partition. When one side of the cell slot is open, the terminals of several cells are arranged on the same side, and the terminals are arranged in the same direction or alternately. When the cell slots are open on both sides, the terminals of several cells are arranged on the same side and in the same direction, or alternately arranged on the same side, or arranged on both sides.

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