Energy storage battery cluster, thermal management system and locomotive

Abstract

The utility model discloses an energy storage battery cluster, a heat management system and a locomotive, and relates to the technical field of energy storage batteries. The energy storage battery cluster comprises a plurality of battery module assemblies, each battery module assembly comprises a cold plate and a plurality of battery cell monomers fixedly arranged on the cold plate, the large surfaces of the plurality of battery cell monomers are attached, and the plurality of battery cell monomers are electrically connected. According to the energy storage battery cluster, the thermal management system and the locomotive, the problems of high production and manufacturing cost, low space utilization rate, low volume energy density and poor temperature uniformity of a battery pack serving as a basic composition unit of the battery cluster in the prior art can be solved.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 2024217986337, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 26, 2024, entitled "An Energy Storage Battery Cluster, Thermal Management System and Locomotive", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of energy storage battery technology, and more specifically, to an energy storage battery cluster, a thermal management system, and a locomotive. Background Technology

[0004] Energy storage battery technology is used to store and release electrical energy. It stores energy during periods of low electricity demand and releases it during periods of high demand, effectively balancing power resources, alleviating grid pressure, and improving power system stability. It is an important supplement to the power system. The hierarchy of an energy storage system, from smallest to largest, consists of individual battery cells, battery modules, battery packs, battery clusters, and containers.

[0005] In existing technologies, battery clusters are generally composed of stacked battery packs. These packs are then connected in series and parallel to increase the overall voltage and capacity of the cluster. Besides the battery packs, the battery cluster also includes components such as an integrated cooling unit, a high-voltage box, liquid cooling piping, and fire suppression piping. The integrated cooling unit provides a low-temperature cooling medium to the battery cluster, circulating and removing heat generated during battery charging and discharging through the liquid cooling piping and the liquid cooling plates of the battery packs. The high-voltage box transmits communication signals within the battery cluster and controls the output. During installation, battery packs are stacked, with each pack sequentially placed and secured on each layer of the cluster frame before the liquid cooling piping and other components are installed.

[0006] Existing battery pack technologies suffer from the following drawbacks: Each battery pack, in addition to individual cells, includes a control panel, wiring harness, and terminals. Using the battery pack as the basic building block requires significant additional costs to purchase these components, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the stacked battery pack assembly method necessitates gaps between adjacent layers to facilitate individual pack installation, reducing internal space utilization and overall volumetric energy density. While bottom-mounted liquid cooling is employed, the cryogenic medium from the integrated cooling system flows through a liquid cooling plate, which acts as the low-temperature source. Heat generated during cell charging and discharging is transferred from top to bottom to the liquid cooling plate, lowering the temperature. Under cooling conditions, the temperature distribution of individual cells exhibits varying degrees of unevenness, with higher temperatures at the top and lower temperatures at the bottom, leading to poor temperature uniformity and impacting battery performance and cycle life. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide an energy storage battery cluster, a thermal management system, and a locomotive, which can solve the problems of high manufacturing cost, low space utilization, low volumetric energy density, and poor temperature uniformity in the prior art when using battery packs as the basic unit of the battery cluster.

[0008] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0009] A first aspect of this application provides an energy storage battery cluster, including multiple battery module assemblies. Each battery module assembly includes a cold plate and multiple individual battery cells fixedly disposed on the cold plate. The large surfaces of the multiple individual battery cells are bonded together, and the multiple individual battery cells are electrically connected to each other. This energy storage battery cluster can solve the problems of high manufacturing cost, low space utilization, low volumetric energy density, and poor temperature uniformity in the prior art where battery packs are used as the basic building blocks of battery clusters.

[0010] Optionally, each of the battery module assemblies further includes a binding member arranged around the periphery of the plurality of individual cells forming a cell assembly, so as to tightly connect the plurality of individual cells.

[0011] Optionally, each of the battery module assemblies has multiple lifting components along its circumferential edge on its cold plate.

[0012] Optionally, the system also includes a frame on which multiple battery module assemblies are stacked sequentially along the vertical direction.

[0013] Optionally, the frame includes a rectangular frame and multiple crossbeams fixedly disposed on opposite sides of the rectangular frame, with the multiple battery module assemblies respectively mounted on top of the two crossbeams located at the same vertical height.

[0014] Optionally, the spacing between two adjacent crossbeams in the vertical direction matches the height of the battery module assembly.

[0015] Optionally, a thermally conductive structural adhesive is applied between two adjacent battery module components.

[0016] Optionally, the battery cell is a blade battery cell.

[0017] A second aspect of this application provides a thermal management system including the aforementioned energy storage battery cluster. This energy storage battery cluster addresses the problems of high manufacturing costs, low space utilization, low volumetric energy density, and poor temperature uniformity inherent in existing technologies that use battery packs as the basic building blocks of battery clusters.

[0018] A third aspect of this application provides a locomotive including the aforementioned thermal management system. This energy storage battery cluster addresses the problems of high manufacturing costs, low space utilization, low volumetric energy density, and poor temperature uniformity inherent in existing technologies that use battery packs as the basic building blocks of battery clusters.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:

[0020] This energy storage battery cluster comprises multiple battery module assemblies, which serve as the basic building blocks. Specifically, each battery module assembly includes a cold plate and multiple individual battery cells fixedly mounted on it. The cold plate provides support and fixation for the individual cells, while also dissipating and cooling the cells, thus removing heat generated during charging and discharging and reducing temperature. The arrangement of the individual cells is optimized by bonding their large surfaces together to increase the volumetric energy density of the resulting battery module assembly. Furthermore, the individual cells can be electrically connected via busbars or similar means, facilitating subsequent electrical connections between the assembled battery cells and other battery cell assemblies. The solution provided in this application, which uses battery module assemblies as the basic building blocks of energy storage battery clusters, firstly eliminates the need for internal connection, communication, and sealing processes within a single battery pack, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs associated with these processes. Secondly, it eliminates the need for gaps between adjacent battery module assemblies, thus reducing the vertical spacing between adjacent battery module assemblies and increasing the space utilization and volumetric energy density of the energy storage battery cluster. Furthermore, because the spacing between adjacent battery module assemblies is very small (almost negligible), the tops of multiple individual cells in the lower battery module assemblies can be cooled by the cold plate of the upper battery module assemblies, while the bottoms of the multiple individual cells in the lower battery module assemblies are cooled by the cold plate of the battery module assemblies themselves, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the tops and bottoms of the multiple individual cells. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the energy storage battery cluster provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage battery cluster provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage battery cluster provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Icons: 100-Energy storage battery cluster; 10-Battery module assembly; 11-Cold plate; 12-Battery cell; 13-Binding component; 20-Rack; 21-Rectangular frame; 22-Crossbeam. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In existing technologies, battery clusters are generally composed of stacked battery packs, which has the following drawbacks: each battery pack requires the arrangement and connection of internal circuits and communication harnesses, resulting in high manufacturing costs; the energy storage battery clusters formed by stacking battery packs have problems such as low space utilization and low volumetric energy density; the battery pack uses bottom cooling, which causes a large temperature difference between individual cells in the height direction, affecting cycle life and performance.

[0034] To solve the above problems, please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4 This application provides an energy storage battery cluster 100, including multiple battery module assemblies 10. Each battery module assembly 10 includes a cold plate 11 and multiple individual battery cells 12 fixedly disposed on the cold plate 11. The large surfaces of the multiple individual battery cells 12 are attached together, and the multiple individual battery cells 12 are electrically connected to each other. This energy storage battery cluster 100 can solve the problems of high manufacturing cost, low space utilization, low volumetric energy density, and poor temperature uniformity in the prior art when using battery packs as the basic building blocks of battery clusters. Optionally, the individual battery cells 12 are blade cells.

[0035] It should be noted that the energy storage battery cluster 100 provided in this application includes multiple battery module components 10, rather than multiple battery packs. Therefore, when assembling the energy storage battery cluster 100, the battery module components 10 can be used as the basic building blocks of the energy storage battery cluster 100. In this case, it is only necessary to stack multiple battery module components 10 together sequentially to form the energy storage battery cluster 100 provided in this application. Figure 4 As shown, this demonstrates the effect of forming an energy storage battery cluster 100 by stacking multiple battery module components 10 together in sequence.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, each battery module assembly 10 includes a cold plate 11 and multiple battery cells 12. The multiple battery cells 12 are fixedly mounted on the cold plate 11. The cold plate 11 serves two purposes: firstly, it acts as the material basis for mounting the multiple battery cells 12, providing support and fixation; secondly, it dissipates and cools the multiple battery cells 12 fixed on the cold plate 11, thereby removing the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the multiple battery cells 12 and reducing their temperature.

[0037] like Figure 1 The diagram also illustrates the effect of forming a battery module assembly 10 by sequentially bonding multiple individual battery cells 12. In arranging the multiple individual battery cells 12, this application increases the volumetric energy density of the formed battery module assembly 10 by bonding the large surfaces of the multiple individual battery cells 12 together. Furthermore, the multiple individual battery cells 12 can be electrically connected through busbars or the like, facilitating subsequent electrical connection between the battery cell assembly formed by the multiple individual battery cells 12 and other battery cell assemblies.

[0038] Compared to the existing technology that uses battery packs as the basic unit of the energy storage battery cluster 100, the solution provided in this application, which uses battery module components 10 as the basic unit of the energy storage battery cluster 100, firstly eliminates the connection, communication, and sealing processes within a single battery pack, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs associated with these processes; secondly, it eliminates the need to reserve gaps between adjacent battery module components 10, thereby reducing the vertical spacing between adjacent battery module components 10 and increasing the space utilization and volumetric energy density of the energy storage battery cluster 100; moreover, since the spacing between adjacent battery module components 10 is very small (almost negligible), the tops of multiple individual cells 12 of the lower battery module component 10 can be cooled by the cold plate 11 of the upper battery module component 10, while the bottoms of the multiple individual cells 12 of the lower battery module component 10 are cooled by the cold plate 11 of the battery module component 10 itself, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the tops and bottoms of the multiple individual cells 12.

[0039] Regarding the fixing method between the multiple battery cells 12 and the cold plate 11, for example, in this embodiment, the multiple battery cells 12 are fixed to the cold plate 11 by applying a fixing adhesive to the bottom. In order to improve the accuracy of the assembly between the multiple battery cells 12 and the cold plate 11, the cold plate 11 can be provided with multiple position marks, and the multiple battery cells 12 are respectively positioned and bonded to the positions of the multiple position marks. Of course, in other embodiments, the cold plate 11 can also be provided with multiple mounting slots, and the multiple battery cells 12 can be respectively locked into the multiple mounting slots.

[0040] In addition, it should be noted that in order for the cold plate 11 to dissipate heat and cool multiple battery cells 12, an inlet and an outlet can be provided on the side wall of the cold plate 11 (which can be on the same side or opposite side). A liquid cooling pipeline can be provided inside the cold plate 11 to connect the inlet and the outlet. In this way, the cooling medium (such as coolant) introduced into the liquid cooling pipeline through the inlet can flow along the liquid cooling pipeline and finally flow out of the liquid cooling pipeline through the outlet to carry away the heat generated by the multiple battery cells 12 during charging and discharging.

[0041] To further improve the tightness of the connection between multiple battery cells 12, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, each battery module assembly 10 further includes a binding member 13. The binding member 13 is arranged around the outer periphery of the battery cell assembly formed by multiple individual battery cells 12, so as to tightly connect the multiple individual battery cells 12. For example, in this embodiment, the binding member 13 adopts an elastic strap in the prior art. The elasticity of the elastic strap can be determined according to the circumferential length of the battery cell assembly formed by multiple individual battery cells 12, as long as it can ensure that the elastic strap can fasten the multiple individual battery cells 12.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, each battery module assembly 10 has multiple lifting components (not shown) along its circumferential edge on its cold plate 11 to facilitate lifting the battery module. For example, in this embodiment, the cold plate 11 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and four lifting rings are provided at the four corners of the rectangle to facilitate connection and separation with lifting equipment, thereby improving the convenience of the lifting operation.

[0043] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the energy storage battery cluster 100 also includes a frame 20. Along the vertical direction, multiple battery module components 10 are stacked sequentially on the frame 20. Each battery module component 10 can be connected in series and parallel to improve the voltage and capacity of the entire cluster, thereby ensuring that the energy storage battery cluster 100 can effectively balance power resources, alleviate grid pressure, and improve the stability of the power system.

[0044] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the frame 20 includes a rectangular frame 21 and multiple crossbeams 22 fixedly disposed on opposite sides of the rectangular frame 21. Multiple battery module assemblies 10 are respectively mounted on top of two crossbeams 22 at the same vertical height, so that the two crossbeams 22 at the same vertical height provide support for the battery module assemblies 10 at their bottom. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent crossbeams 22 in the vertical direction matches the height of the battery module assembly 10.

[0045] Specifically, when assembling multiple battery module assemblies 10, the two bottommost crossbeams 22 can be fixedly installed (e.g., connected by bolts and nuts) at the same vertical height on opposite sides of the rectangular frame 21. Then, a battery module assembly 10 is placed on these two crossbeams 22 (it can be pushed in along the top of the crossbeams 22). Preferably, the cold plate 11 of the battery module assembly 10 can be fixedly connected to the two crossbeams 22 to improve the stability of the connection between the battery module assembly 10 and the crossbeams 22 (i.e., the frame 20). Then, the two crossbeams 22 are fixedly installed on opposite sides of the rectangular frame 21, and the bottom of the two crossbeams 22 can be fixed against the top of the battery module assembly 10. Then, another battery module assembly 10 is placed on these two crossbeams 22 (it can be hoisted into the frame 20 from the top). The above steps are repeated until the frame 20 is filled vertically.

[0046] Preferably, a thermally conductive structural adhesive can be applied to the top of the battery module assembly 10 at the top of the frame 20, and a cold plate 11 (not limited to stamping, die casting, or other processes) that does not require high structural strength can be installed to achieve uniform cooling of the individual battery cells 12 belonging to the top battery module assembly 10.

[0047] Preferably, a thermally conductive structural adhesive is applied between two adjacent battery module assemblies 10 to enhance the cooling effect of the cold plate 11 of the upper battery module assembly 10 on the top of the multiple battery cells 12 of the lower battery module assembly 10, thereby further reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the battery cells 12 and improving the cycle life and performance of the battery cells 12.

[0048] This application also provides a thermal management system, including the aforementioned energy storage battery cluster 100. Since the structure and beneficial effects of the energy storage battery cluster 100 have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, they will not be repeated here.

[0049] This application also provides a locomotive including the aforementioned thermal management system. Since the structure and beneficial effects of the thermal management system have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, they will not be repeated here.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0051] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

Claims

1. An energy storage battery cluster, characterized by, The battery module assembly includes multiple battery module components, each of which includes a cold plate and multiple battery cells fixedly disposed on the cold plate. The large surfaces of the multiple battery cells are attached together, and the multiple battery cells are electrically connected to each other. The side wall of the cold plate is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; The cold plate is equipped with liquid cooling pipes inside, which are used to connect the water inlet and the water outlet.

2. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a frame, on which multiple battery module assemblies are stacked sequentially along the vertical direction.

3. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 2, wherein, The top of the battery module assembly located at the top of the rack is coated with thermally conductive structural adhesive and fitted with a cold plate.

4. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 3, wherein, Thermally conductive structural adhesive is applied between two adjacent battery module components.

5. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 1, wherein, Each of the battery module assemblies also includes a binding member arranged around the periphery of the plurality of individual cells to form a cell assembly, so as to tightly connect the plurality of individual cells.

6. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 1, wherein, Each of the battery module assemblies has multiple lifting components along its circumferential edge on its cold plate.

7. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 2, wherein, The frame includes a rectangular frame and multiple crossbeams fixedly installed on opposite sides of the rectangular frame. Multiple battery module assemblies are respectively mounted on top of two crossbeams located at the same vertical height.

8. The energy storage battery cluster of claim 7, wherein, In the vertical direction, the spacing between two adjacent crossbeams matches the height of the battery module assembly.

9. The energy storage battery cluster according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The battery cell is a blade battery cell.

10. A thermal management system characterized by, Includes the energy storage battery cluster described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A locomotive characterized by, Includes the thermal management system as described in claim 10.

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