Heater and battery system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a heater and a battery system. The heater comprises a flow channel assembly, an electric heating piece and a turbulent flow part, the flow channel assembly comprises a plurality of flow channels, a plurality of heat conduction cavities and heat conduction walls arranged between the flow channels and the heat conduction cavities in a separated mode. The flow channels are arranged side by side, and each flow channel is in heat conduction connection with at least one heat conduction cavity through the heat conduction wall. The electric heating piece is embedded in the heat conduction cavity. And a turbulent flow part is convexly arranged on the inner wall of each flow channel. The heater provided by the utility model is relatively high in heating efficiency, the temperature of the battery system in a low-temperature environment can be quickly increased, and the low-temperature performance of the battery system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heating device technology, and in particular to heaters and battery systems. Background Technology

[0002] Power batteries are a core component of new energy vehicles. However, in low-temperature environments, the usable energy and power of power batteries suffer severe degradation. Prolonged use in low-temperature environments accelerates battery aging, affects charge and discharge safety, reduces overall performance, shortens lifespan, and consequently impacts the reliability and availability of new energy vehicles. To improve the low-temperature performance of power batteries, thermal management systems are typically configured to regulate their operating temperature. Conventional thermal management systems heat the power battery by circulating a heating medium within heat exchange plates. The heating medium is heated by a heater before entering the heat exchange plates. If the heating medium's temperature rises slowly at the heater, it cannot meet the rapid heating requirements of the power battery in low-temperature environments. Utility Model Content

[0003] Based on this, this application provides a heater and a battery system that can improve the temperature rise rate of the heating medium, meet the need for rapid heating of the battery in a low-temperature environment, and improve the low-temperature performance of the battery system.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a heater, comprising:

[0005] A flow channel assembly includes multiple flow channels, multiple heat-conducting cavities, and a heat-conducting wall separating the flow channels and the heat-conducting cavities; the multiple flow channels are arranged side by side, and each flow channel is thermally connected to at least one heat-conducting cavity via the heat-conducting wall;

[0006] An electric heating element is embedded inside the heat-conducting cavity; and

[0007] The flow-disrupting part is provided on the inner wall of each of the flow channels.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting cavity includes a plurality of first heat-conducting cavities, the plurality of first heat-conducting cavities are arranged sequentially along the parallel direction of the flow channel, and a flow channel is provided between two adjacent first heat-conducting cavities, and each flow channel is thermally connected to the adjacent first heat-conducting cavity via the heat-conducting wall.

[0009] The electric heating element is embedded in the first heat-conducting cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting cavity includes a second heat-conducting cavity, which is continuously arranged along the parallel direction of the flow channels and located on the same side of a first direction in which all the flow channels intersect the parallel direction. The second heat-conducting cavity is thermally connected to all the flow channels via the heat-conducting wall.

[0011] The electric heating element is embedded in the second heat-conducting cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flow channel assembly includes a heat-conducting member, the heat-conducting member including the heat-conducting wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall and the bottom wall being located on the side of the heat-conducting wall opposite to the flow channel, and the side wall being connected between the heat-conducting wall and the bottom wall;

[0013] The heat-conducting wall extends in a parallel direction to form multiple curved sections, with adjacent curved sections facing away from the opening. One of these curved sections defines the flow channel, while the other independently forms a portion of the first heat-conducting cavity. The two ends of the heat-conducting wall in the parallel direction, together with the sidewall, form another portion of the first heat-conducting cavity.

[0014] The heat-conducting wall and the bottom wall are spaced apart to form the second heat-conducting cavity; the first heat-conducting cavity and the second heat-conducting cavity are connected.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow channel assembly further includes a baffle plate that covers a bend in the heat-conducting wall away from the bottom wall to form the flow channel;

[0016] The turbulence-disrupting part includes turbulence protrusions that protrude from the turbulence-disrupting plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, each flow channel is provided with a plurality of turbulence protrusions arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the flow channel assembly further includes a seal, and the two ends of the heat-conducting member in the flow channel extension direction are open ends communicating with the first heat-conducting cavity and the second heat-conducting cavity, and the seal is sealed at the open ends.

[0019] In some embodiments, the width of each flow channel is W, the height of each flow channel is H, the dimension of each of the turbulence-disrupting parts in the parallel direction of the flow channels is L, the protrusion height of each of the turbulence-disrupting parts is h, and the wall thickness of the heat-conducting wall is t, satisfying:

[0020] w > 3.5 mm; and / or, 0 < L < w, 1 < h < 1 / 2 H; and / or, t ≥ 1 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heater further includes two manifolds arranged at both ends of the flow channel assembly; each manifold has an interface, a transition channel and a plurality of connectors, all connectors on the same manifold are correspondingly connected to the same end of all the flow channels, and the transition channel connects the connectors and the interface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heater further includes a housing, the flow channel assembly is disposed within the housing, and a heat insulation portion is embedded within the housing, the heat insulation portion being disposed around the flow channel assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heater further includes a temperature sensing element and a control module. The temperature sensing element is disposed on the liquid inlet side and / or liquid outlet side of the flow channel, and the control module is communicatively connected to the temperature sensing element and controls the connection of the electric heating element.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a battery system including a battery, a heat exchange structure, and a heater as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the heat exchange structure is connected to the heater via a pipeline to form a circulation loop, and the heat exchange structure is heat-exchangingly connected to the battery.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In practical applications, the aforementioned heater and battery system feature a multi-channel flow of the heat exchange medium, with each channel exchanging heat with the electric heating element within the heat-conducting cavity via a heat-conducting wall. This results in a short heat exchange path between the heat exchange medium and the electric heating element, leading to high heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the turbulent flow design allows the heat exchange medium to flow in a turbulent state within the channels, enhancing heat exchange between the medium and the heat-conducting wall and improving the heating efficiency within the heater. Compared to existing technologies, the heater provided in this application has higher heating efficiency, enabling rapid temperature increases in low-temperature environments and improving the low-temperature performance of the battery system. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heater in some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heater is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heater is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat-conducting component in some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the spoiler structure in some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the current collector structure in some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heater is shown.

[0035] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0036] 100. Heater; X. Side-by-side direction; Z. First direction; Y. Second direction; 10. Housing; 11. Insulation part; 20. Flow channel assembly; 20a. Flow channel; 20b. Heat conduction cavity; b1. First heat conduction cavity; b2. Second heat conduction cavity; 21. Heat conduction component; 21a. Heat conduction wall; 21b. Bottom wall; 21c. Side wall; D. Open end; 22. Baffle plate; 22a. Baffle protrusion; 23. Seal; 30. Electric heating element; 31. First part; 32. Second part; 40. Baffle part; 50. Current collector; 51. Interface; 52. Transition channel; 53. Connecting nozzle; 60. Temperature sensing element; 70. Control module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, where they appear, the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0039] Furthermore, where applicable, 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., shall be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that, if an element is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] In response to the problems mentioned in the background art, this application proposes a heater and battery system.

[0044] The battery system involved in the embodiments of this application can be a battery module, battery pack, battery cluster, battery cabinet, energy storage cabinet, etc. The battery system includes a battery. Generally, a battery consists of multiple battery cells. A battery cell is the smallest unit in the battery system where electrochemical reactions take place. A battery cell can be a pouch structure, a hard-shell structure, etc. Specifically, a battery cell can be a prismatic cell, a cylindrical cell, or other types. A battery cell typically includes a package and an electrode assembly, with the electrode assembly encapsulated within the package. In one embodiment, the package includes a housing and an end cap, which together form a receiving cavity, within which the electrode assembly is loaded. The housing and end cap can be, but are not limited to, metallic materials, such as aluminum or steel.

[0045] Electrode assemblies typically include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator separating the positive and negative electrodes. An electrolyte can be injected into the battery cell, allowing it to penetrate the electrode assembly and provide ion migration pathways for electrochemical reactions, as well as conductivity. Electrode assemblies can be in the form of wound or stacked types. One or more electrode assemblies can be installed within a single battery cell.

[0046] The battery system also includes a heat exchange structure with heat exchange channels that are connected to the battery for heat exchange. When the heat exchange medium flows through the heat exchange channels, it can heat or cool the battery. Specifically, the heat exchange structure can be, but is not limited to, a heat exchange plate. Those skilled in the art can make conventional arrangements for the specific construction of the heat exchange structure, and no limitations are made here. The heat exchange structure can be set on one side of the battery or on multiple sides; the arrangement of the heat exchange structure can be flexibly designed according to the battery structure.

[0047] The heater involved in this application embodiment is connected to the heat exchange structure through a pipeline and forms a circulation loop, which is used to continuously heat the heat exchange medium in order to adjust the operating temperature of the battery system in a low-temperature environment.

[0048] The heater provided in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0049] Please combine Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heater 100 provided in this embodiment includes a flow channel assembly 20, an electric heating element 30, and a turbulence-disrupting portion 40. The flow channel assembly 20 includes multiple flow channels 20a, multiple heat-conducting cavities 20b, and a heat-conducting wall 21a separating the flow channels 20a and the heat-conducting cavities 20b. The multiple flow channels 20a are arranged side-by-side, and each flow channel is thermally connected to at least one heat-conducting cavity 20b via the heat-conducting wall 21a. The electric heating element 30 is embedded within the heat-conducting cavity 20b. A turbulence-disrupting portion 40 protrudes from the inner wall of each flow channel 20a.

[0050] Each flow channel 20a extends in roughly the same direction. Specifically, each flow channel 20a may extend in a strip shape, a curve shape, etc. The parallel direction X of the flow channels 20a intersects with its extension direction. In practical applications, each flow channel 20a is independently connected to the heat exchange structure. The heat exchange medium flows from the heater 100 through each flow channel 20a, and after flowing out of each flow channel 20a, it converges and flows to the heat exchange structure through the pipeline.

[0051] The electric heating element 30 is a component that generates heat when electricity is applied, such as a resistance heating wire or a resistance heating rod. The specific structure of the electric heating element 30 is not limited here. The electric heating element 30 is embedded within the heat-conducting cavity 20b. A thermally conductive and insulating material can be wrapped around the electric heating element 30 to fill the heat-conducting cavity 20b, preventing gaps between the electric heating element 30 and the heat-conducting cavity 20b and ensuring good thermal conductivity between them.

[0052] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is understood that the heat-conducting wall 21a separates the flow channel 20a and the heat-conducting cavity 20b. Specifically, one side wall 21c of the heat-conducting wall 21a defines and forms the flow channel 20a (i.e., forms at least a portion of the inner wall of the flow channel 20a), and the opposite side wall 21c defines and forms the heat-conducting cavity 20b (i.e., forms at least a portion of the inner wall of the heat-conducting cavity 20b). The heat-conducting wall 21a is thermally conductive, and its thermal connection between the flow channel 20a and the heat-conducting cavity 20b indicates that the heat generated by the electric heating element 30 embedded in the heat-conducting cavity 20b can be transferred through the heat-conducting wall 21a to the heat exchange medium flowing in the flow channel 20a, thereby heating the heat exchange medium.

[0053] Each flow channel 20a is thermally connected to a heat-conducting cavity 20b via a heat-conducting wall 21a, indicating that the heat exchange medium flowing through each flow channel 20a can directly conduct heat between the heat exchange medium and the electric heating element 30 through a heat-conducting wall 21a. Thus, the heat exchange path between the heat exchange medium flowing through each flow channel 20a and the electric heating element 30 is short, resulting in high heating efficiency.

[0054] A turbulence-inducing part 40 is protruding on the inner wall of each flow channel 20a. The turbulence-inducing part 40 can be a protruding hemispherical, cylindrical, plate-shaped, or block-shaped structure. The turbulence-inducing part 40 can disperse the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the flow channel 20a, so that the heat exchange medium flows in a turbulent state in the flow channel 20a, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the heat-conducting wall 21a.

[0055] In practical applications, the aforementioned heater 100 diverts the heat exchange medium into multiple channels 20a. Each channel 20a exchanges heat with the electric heating element 30 within the heat-conducting cavity 20b via the heat-conducting wall 21a. This results in a short heat exchange path between the heat exchange medium and the electric heating element 30, leading to high heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the design of the turbulent flow section 40 causes the heat exchange medium to flow in a turbulent state within the channels 20a, enhancing the heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the heat-conducting wall 21a and improving the heating efficiency within the heater 100. Compared to existing technologies, the heater 100 provided in this embodiment has higher heating efficiency, enabling rapid temperature increases in low-temperature environments and improving the low-temperature performance of the battery system.

[0056] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The heat-conducting cavity 20b includes multiple first heat-conducting cavities b1, which are arranged sequentially along the parallel direction X of the flow channel 20a. A flow channel 20a is provided between two adjacent first heat-conducting cavities b1, and each flow channel 20a is thermally connected to the adjacent first heat-conducting cavity b1 via a heat-conducting wall 21a. An electric heating element 30 is embedded in the first heat-conducting cavity b1.

[0057] In one usage state, with the parallel direction X being horizontal, when the first heat-conducting cavity b1 is located in the parallel direction X of the flow channel 20a, the first heat-conducting cavity b1 is located on the side of the flow channel 20a. Specifically, the first heat-conducting cavity b1 can be arranged on both sides of each flow channel 20a in the parallel direction X, or some flow channels 20a may have the first heat-conducting cavity b1 only on one side.

[0058] An electric heating element 30 is embedded in the first heat-conducting cavity b1. Thus, the electric heating element 30 can be conducted to the lateral inner wall of the flow channel 20a through the heat-conducting wall 21a, and exchange heat with the heat exchange medium through the lateral inner wall of the flow channel 20a. The heat exchange path between the electric heating element 30 and the heat exchange medium is short, and the heating efficiency of the heater 100 is high.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The heat-conducting cavity 20b includes a second heat-conducting cavity b2, which is continuously arranged along the parallel direction X of the flow channels 20a and located on the same side of the first direction Z where all the flow channels 20a intersect the parallel direction X. The second heat-conducting cavity b2 is thermally connected to all the flow channels 20a via a heat-conducting wall 21a. An electric heating element 30 is embedded in the second heat-conducting cavity b2.

[0060] In one operating state, the side-by-side direction X is horizontal, and the first direction Z is vertical. The second heat-conducting cavity b2 is located at the bottom of all flow channels 20a and is thermally connected to all flow channels 20a via the heat-conducting wall 21a. Thus, the heat from the electric heating element 30 embedded in the second heat-conducting cavity b2 can be conducted to the bottom inner wall of the flow channel 20a via the heat-conducting wall 21a. The bottom interior of the flow channel 20a exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange path between the electric heating element 30 and the heat exchange medium is short, resulting in high heating efficiency of the heater 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The heat-conducting cavity 20b includes the aforementioned first heat-conducting cavity b1 and second heat-conducting cavity b2, and each of the first heat-conducting cavities b1 is connected via the second heat-conducting cavity b2. Thus, the electric heating element 30 located in the first heat-conducting cavity b1 and the second heat-conducting cavity b2 can be integrally formed and embedded in the heat-conducting cavity 20b, which facilitates the assembly of the electric heating element 30 with the flow channel assembly 20.

[0062] In one specific embodiment, each flow channel 20a extends along a second direction Y. The second direction Y, the first direction Z, and the side-by-side direction X are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0063] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The flow channel assembly 20 includes a heat-conducting member 21, which includes the aforementioned heat-conducting wall 21a, sidewall 21c, and bottom wall 21b. The sidewall 21c and bottom wall 21b are located on the side of the heat-conducting wall 21a facing away from the flow channel 20a, and the sidewall 21c connects the heat-conducting wall 21a and the bottom wall 21b. The heat-conducting wall 21a extends in a parallel direction X, forming multiple bends. Adjacent bends open away from each other, with one bend defining the flow channel 20a and the other independently forming a portion of the first heat-conducting cavity b1. The two ends of the heat-conducting wall 21a in the parallel direction X, together with the sidewall 21c, form another portion of the first heat-conducting cavity b1. A second heat-conducting cavity b2 is formed between the heat-conducting wall 21a and the bottom wall 21b, and the first heat-conducting cavity b1 and the second heat-conducting cavity b2 are connected.

[0064] Specifically, the heat-conducting wall 21a extends along the parallel direction X and bends up and down repeatedly. The upward-opening curved portion formed by the bending forms the aforementioned flow channel 20a, and the downward-opening curved portion formed by the bending forms the aforementioned first heat-conducting cavity b1. At this time, the heat-conducting wall 21a itself can completely form part of the first heat-conducting cavity b1.

[0065] Sidewalls 21c are arranged at both ends of the heat-conducting wall 21a in the parallel direction X, and are connected to and enclose the heat-conducting wall 21a to form the remaining portion of the first heat-conducting cavity b1. Bottom walls 21b are spaced apart at the bottom of the heat-conducting wall 21a, forming a second heat-conducting cavity b2 between the bottom wall 21b and the heat-conducting wall 21a, which communicates with all of the first heat-conducting cavities b1. Understandably, sidewalls 21c connect the heat-conducting wall 21a and the bottom wall 21b, and the three together enclose the heat-conducting cavity 20b.

[0066] At this time, heat conduction cavities 20b are arranged on the two lateral inner walls and the bottom inner wall of each flow channel 20a. In this way, the electric heating element 30 can exchange heat with the heat exchange medium simultaneously through the three inner walls of the flow channel 20a, which greatly improves the heating efficiency of the heat exchange medium and significantly increases the heating efficiency of the heater 100.

[0067] Moreover, the heat-conducting component 21 is formed by the side wall 21c, the bottom wall 21b and the heat-conducting wall 21a to form an integral heat-conducting cavity 20b, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0068] Specifically, the side wall 21c, bottom wall 21b, and heat-conducting wall 21a can be integrally formed by injection molding, 3D printing, or other methods.

[0069] It should be noted that the electric heating element 30 can fill various parts of the heat-conducting cavity 20b, and is designed to fit the shape of the heat-conducting cavity 20b. In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the electric heating element 30 includes a first part 31 and a plurality of second parts 32. The first part 31 extends in a plate shape along the parallel direction X. Each second part 32 is spaced out and protrudes from the same side of the first part 31 and is inserted into each first heat-conducting cavity b1.

[0070] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 5 The flow channel assembly 20 also includes a baffle plate 22, which covers the curved portion of the heat-conducting wall 21a away from the bottom wall 21b to form the aforementioned flow channel 20a. The baffle portion 40 includes a baffle protrusion 22a protruding from the baffle plate 22.

[0071] Specifically, the baffle 22 covers the upward-opening curved portion of the heat-conducting wall 21a, thereby closing the curved portion to form the aforementioned flow channel 20a. That is, both the baffle portion 40 and the heat-conducting wall 21a constitute the inner wall of the flow channel 20a. In practical applications, the baffle 22 can be arranged on top of the heat-conducting wall 21a. Alternatively, one baffle 22 can be provided, covering all the upward-opening curved portions of the heat-conducting wall 21a. Alternatively, multiple baffles 22 can be provided, each baffle 22 corresponding to one upward-opening curved portion.

[0072] The aforementioned turbulence protrusions 22a can be formed by stamping on the spoiler 22, thus simplifying the forming process and saving materials. The turbulence protrusions 22a can be square protrusions, hemispherical protrusions, columnar protrusions, strip-shaped protrusions, etc. The spoiler 22 can be sealed to the heat-conducting wall 21a through assembly, welding, or other methods.

[0073] At this time, the separate baffle 22 forms part of the inner wall of the flow channel 20a, and the baffle 22 is provided with baffle protrusions 22a, making it easier to process the baffle part 40 on the inner wall of the flow channel 20a.

[0074] Of course, in other embodiments, a turbulence section 40 may also be provided on the inner wall of the flow channel 20a formed by the heat-conducting wall 21a.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, each flow channel 20a is provided with a plurality of turbulence protrusions 22a arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel 20a. In this way, when the heat exchange medium flows through the flow channel 20a, it can be dispersed multiple times, and the heat exchange effect between the heat exchange medium and the flow channel 20a is better.

[0076] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The flow channel assembly 20 also includes a seal 23. The two ends of the heat-conducting member 21 in the extension direction of the flow channel 20a are open ends D that communicate with the first heat-conducting cavity b1 and the second heat-conducting cavity b2. The seal 23 is sealed at the open ends D.

[0077] Understandably, both ends of the flow channel 20a are open in the extension direction to facilitate the entry and exit of the heat exchange medium. The open ends of the heat-conducting member 21 in the extension direction of the flow channel 20a not only simplify the preparation of the heat-conducting member 21, but also facilitate the insertion of the electric heating element 30 into the heat-conducting cavity 20b.

[0078] A sealing element 23 is provided at the open end D of the heat-conducting component 21. On the one hand, this prevents the electric heating element 30 from coming out of the heat-conducting cavity 20b, thus improving the installation stability of the electric heating element 30. On the other hand, it also prevents the heat exchange medium from entering the heat-conducting cavity 20b and wetting the electric heating element 30 when the pipeline leaks, which could lead to a short circuit in the electric heating element 30 and improve the reliability of the heater 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 Understand that the width W of each flow channel 20a, the height H of each flow channel 20a, the dimension L of each turbulence part 40 in the parallel direction X, the protrusion height h of each turbulence part 40, and the wall thickness t of the heat-conducting wall 21a satisfy: W > 3.5 mm; and / or, 0 < L < W, 1 < h < 1 / 2 H; and / or, t ≥ 1 mm.

[0080] The dimension of the flow channel 20a in the parallel direction X is its width W. The dimension of the flow channel 20a in the first direction Z is its height H, which can also be understood as its depth. The protrusion height h of the turbulence-disrupting part 40 refers to its dimension in the first direction Z, that is, its dimension in the height direction of the flow channel 20a. The wall thickness t of the heat-conducting wall 21a refers to the shortest distance between the wall surface of the heat-conducting wall 21a located inside the flow channel 20a and the wall surface located in the heat-conducting cavity 20b. When the heat-conducting wall 21a bends and extends in the parallel direction X of the flow channel 20a, its wall thickness direction is perpendicular to its bending and extending direction.

[0081] Specifically, the width W of the flow channel 20a can take values ​​of 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, 4.2mm, 4.5mm, 4.8mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, and any values ​​between adjacent values. Understandably, the smaller the width W of the flow channel 20a, the more flow channels 20a can be configured, but the processing cost also increases accordingly. Preferably, W does not exceed 10mm, at which point the number of flow channels 20a and the processing cost can be balanced.

[0082] Specifically, the wall thickness t of the heat-conducting wall 21a can take values ​​of 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and any values ​​between adjacent values. Understandably, the smaller the wall thickness t of the heat-conducting wall 21a, the less material is required. The larger the wall thickness t of the heat-conducting wall 21a, the greater its strength. To balance strength and cost, preferably, t does not exceed 5mm. Understandably, when the heat-conducting wall 21a is connected with the side wall 21c and the bottom wall 21b to form the heat-conducting component 21, the wall thicknesses of the side wall 21c and the bottom wall 21b can be set to the same value as the wall thickness of the heat-conducting wall 21a.

[0083] When 0 < L < W and 1 < h < 1 / 2H, the turbulence section 40 and the inner wall of the flow channel 20a are spaced apart in the parallel direction X, and the turbulence section 40 and the inner wall of the flow channel 20a are spaced apart in the height direction (i.e., the first direction Z) of the flow channel 20a. This allows the heat exchange medium to have a certain flow velocity in the flow channel 20a, so that the circulation rate of the heat exchange medium in the circulation loop is reasonable, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange structure is ensured.

[0084] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 6It is understood that the heater 100 also includes two manifolds 50, which are arranged at both ends of the flow channel assembly 20. Each manifold 50 has an interface 51, a transition channel 52, and multiple mating nozzles 53, with all mating nozzles 53 on the same manifold 50 corresponding to the same end of all flow channels 20a. The transition channel 52 connects the mating nozzles 53 and the interface 51.

[0085] One of the manifolds 50 has an interface 51 as an inlet, and the other manifold 50 has an interface 51 as an outlet. Each connector 53 connected to the inlet is connected to the inlet end of each flow channel 20a through a corresponding transition channel 52. Each connector 53 connected to the outlet is connected to the outlet end of each flow channel 20a through a corresponding transition channel 52.

[0086] Interface 51 is used to connect the pipeline to connect the heater 100 to the heat exchange structure.

[0087] In practical applications, the heat exchange medium flows in through the interface 51 of one of the manifolds 50, and then flows through the transition channel 52 and the docking nozzle 53 of the manifold 50 to the inlet end of each flow channel 20a. After flowing out from the outlet end of each flow channel 20a, it flows through the multiple docking nozzles 53 of another manifold 50 to the transition channel 52 of the manifold 50, and finally flows out of the heater 100 through the interface 51 of the manifold 50.

[0088] At this time, under the action of the manifold 50, the liquid inlet end of the flow channel assembly 20 is split and the liquid outlet end is merged, so that the heat exchange medium in each flow channel 20a flows independently, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heater 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, the heater 100 includes a housing 10, and a flow channel assembly 20 is disposed within the housing 10. Understandably, the housing 10 has a through-hole, a manifold 50 is located within the housing 10, and its interface 51 passes through the through-hole.

[0090] Further in the embodiments, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The housing 10 is embedded with a heat insulation section 11, which surrounds the flow channel assembly 20. The heat insulation section 11 is formed by heat insulation material embedded in the housing 10. The heat insulation material can be, but is not limited to, glass wool, rock wool, polyurethane, polystyrene, etc.

[0091] At this time, a heat insulation part 11 is provided inside the shell 10 to reduce the heat loss of the heat exchange medium in the flow channel 20a, improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heater 100, and enhance the heating efficiency of the heat exchange medium on the battery at the heat exchange structure.

[0092] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 7The heater 100 also includes a temperature sensing element 60 and a control module 70. The temperature sensing element 60 is located on the liquid inlet side and / or liquid outlet side of the flow channel 20a. The control module 70 is communicatively connected to the temperature sensing element 60 and controls the connected electric heating element 30.

[0093] Alternatively, a temperature sensing element 60 may be provided on the liquid inlet side of all flow channels 20a, for example, at the interface 51 which serves as the liquid inlet. Alternatively, a temperature sensing element 60 may be provided on the liquid outlet side of all flow channels 20a, for example, at the interface 51 which serves as the liquid outlet. The temperature sensing element 60 is a temperature sensor that can sense the temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0094] The control module 70 is connected to the electric heating element 30 for control and to the temperature sensing element 60 for communication. The control module 70 is used to control the power of the electric heating element 30 based on the temperature data collected by the temperature sensing element 60, so as to regulate the temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0095] In one specific embodiment, the control module 70 can also send the temperature data collected by the temperature sensing element 60 to the battery system's BMS (Battery Management System). The BMS can send control commands to the electric heating element 30 through the control module 70 to adjust its power, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0096] Specifically, temperature sensing elements 60 can be installed at both the inlet and outlet of the heater 100 to collect the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the heat exchange medium, respectively. The control module 70 adjusts the power of the electric heating element 30 based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0097] In one specific embodiment of this application, the heater 100 includes the aforementioned housing 10, flow channel assembly 20, and electric heating element 30. The flow channel assembly 20 is disposed within the housing 10 and includes the aforementioned heat-conducting member 21, the aforementioned baffle 22, and the aforementioned sealing member 23. The baffle 22 and the heat-conducting member 21 together form multiple flow channels 20a. The heat-conducting member 21, through its own heat-conducting wall 21a, side wall 21c, and bottom wall 21b, encloses a heat-conducting cavity 20b, including a first heat-conducting cavity b1 and a second heat-conducting cavity b2. The electric heating element 30 is embedded within the heat-conducting cavity 20b and is adapted to the shape of the heat-conducting cavity 20b.

[0098] In addition, this application also provides a battery system, including a battery, a heat exchange structure, and a heater 100 of any of the above embodiments. The heat exchange structure is connected to the heater 100 via a pipeline to form a circulation loop, and the heat exchange structure is heat-exchange connected to the battery. Understandably, the heat exchange structure is connected to the inlet and outlet of the heater 100 via a pipeline to form a circulation loop for the circulation of the heat exchange medium. The heater 100 of this battery system has high heating efficiency, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange medium and the battery, which can improve the low-temperature performance of the battery system.

[0099] Understandably, this battery system possesses all of the aforementioned beneficial effects.

[0100] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0101] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heater (100), characterized in that, include: The flow channel assembly (20) includes a plurality of flow channels (20a), a plurality of heat-conducting cavities (20b), and a heat-conducting wall (21a) separating the flow channels (20a) and the heat-conducting cavities (20b); the plurality of flow channels (20a) are arranged side by side, and each flow channel (20a) is thermally connected to at least one of the heat-conducting cavities (20b) via the heat-conducting wall (21a); An electric heating element (30) is embedded in the heat-conducting cavity (20b); and The turbulence section (40) is provided on the inner wall of each of the flow channels (20a).

2. The heater (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-conducting cavity (20b) includes a plurality of first heat-conducting cavities (b1), which are arranged sequentially along the parallel direction (X) of the flow channel (20a), and a flow channel (20a) is provided between two adjacent first heat-conducting cavities (b1). Each flow channel (20a) is thermally connected to the adjacent first heat-conducting cavity (b1) via the heat-conducting wall (21a). The first heat-conducting cavity (b1) is embedded with the electric heating element (30).

3. The heater (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat-conducting cavity (20b) includes a second heat-conducting cavity (b2), which is continuously arranged along the parallel direction (X) of the flow channel (20a) and located on the same side of the first direction (Z) where all the flow channels (20a) intersect the parallel direction (X). The second heat-conducting cavity (b2) is thermally connected to all the flow channels (20a) via the heat-conducting wall (21a). The second heat-conducting cavity (b2) is embedded with the electric heating element (30).

4. The heater (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow channel assembly (20) includes a heat-conducting component (21), which includes a heat-conducting wall (21a), a side wall (21c), and a bottom wall (21b). The side wall (21c) and the bottom wall (21b) are located on the side of the heat-conducting wall (21a) away from the flow channel (20a), and the side wall (21c) is connected between the heat-conducting wall (21a) and the bottom wall (21b). The heat-conducting wall (21a) bends and extends in the parallel direction (X) to form a plurality of bends, with adjacent bends facing away from the opening, and one of them defining the flow channel (20a), while the other independently forms a portion of the first heat-conducting cavity (b1). The two ends of the heat-conducting wall (21a) in the parallel direction (X) together with the side wall (21c) form another portion of the first heat-conducting cavity (b1). The heat-conducting wall (21a) and the bottom wall (21b) are spaced apart to form the second heat-conducting cavity (b2); the first heat-conducting cavity (b1) and the second heat-conducting cavity (b2) are connected.

5. The heater (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow channel assembly (20) includes a baffle plate (22) that covers a curved portion of the heat-conducting wall (21a) away from the bottom wall (21b) to form the flow channel (20a); The turbulence section (40) includes turbulence protrusions (22a) protruding from the turbulence plate (22); each flow channel (20a) is provided with a plurality of turbulence protrusions (22a) arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the flow channel (20a).

6. The heater (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow channel assembly (20) further includes a seal (23), and the heat-conducting member (21) has open ends (D) at both ends in the extension direction of the flow channel (20a) that communicate with the first heat-conducting cavity (b1) and the second heat-conducting cavity (b2), and the seal (23) is provided at the open ends (D).

7. The heater (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of each flow channel (20a) is W, the height of each flow channel (20a) is H, the dimension of each of the turbulence-disrupting parts (40) in the parallel direction (X) of the flow channel (20a) is L, the protrusion height of each of the turbulence-disrupting parts (40) is h, and the wall thickness of the heat-conducting wall (21a) is t, satisfying: W > 3.5 mm; and / or, 0 < L < W, 1 < h < 1 / 2 H; and / or, t ≥ 1 mm.

8. The heater (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater (100) further includes two manifolds (50), which are arranged at both ends of the flow channel assembly (20); each manifold (50) has an interface (51), a transition channel (52), and a plurality of connectors (53), all connectors (53) on the same manifold (50) are respectively matched to the same end of all the flow channels (20a), and the transition channel (52) connects the connectors (53) and the interface (51); and / or, The heater also includes a housing (10), the flow channel assembly (20) is disposed inside the housing (10), and a heat insulation part (11) is embedded inside the housing (10), the heat insulation part (11) is arranged around the flow channel assembly (20).

9. The heater (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater (100) further includes a temperature sensing element (60) and a control module (70). The temperature sensing element (60) is located on the liquid inlet side and / or liquid outlet side of the flow channel (20a). The control module (70) is communicatively connected to the temperature sensing element (60) and controls the connection of the electric heating element (30).

10. A battery system, characterized in that, The device includes a battery, a heat exchange structure, and a heater (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchange structure is connected to the heater (100) via a pipeline to form a circulation loop, and the heat exchange structure is heat-exchangingly connected to the battery.

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