A submersible battery pack

Abstract

This invention discloses an immersion battery pack, relating to the field of battery pack technology. It includes a housing and multiple battery cells disposed inside the housing, as well as a support structure and a cooling structure disposed at the bottom of the battery cells. The support structure supports the multiple battery cells and forms a space to accommodate the cooling structure. The cooling structure is used to introduce coolant into the housing. The cooling structure includes a main coolant delivery pipe and multiple branch coolant delivery pipes respectively connected to the main coolant delivery pipe. The main coolant delivery pipe delivers coolant to the branch coolant delivery pipes, and each branch coolant delivery pipe is provided with multiple distribution holes. The multiple distribution holes are spaced apart axially along the branch coolant delivery pipes, and the distribution holes are used to discharge the coolant in the branch coolant delivery pipes into the housing. This invention can improve the uniformity of coolant distribution within the battery pack housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more specifically to an immersion battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Existing battery pack liquid cooling systems mainly adopt bottom single-point liquid inlet or simple flow equalization channel design. For example: the first type is a single-pipe direct injection structure, in which the coolant is directly injected into the bottom of the pack through the liquid inlet, and liquid cooling coverage is achieved by natural fluid diffusion; the second type is a traditional flow distribution channel design, which uses parallel grooves or flow equalization orifice plates for initial liquid distribution; the third type is indirect cold plate liquid cooling, which is a non-immersion solution, in which the cold plate flow channel is indirectly in contact with the battery cell.

[0003] All of the above designs suffer from uneven internal temperature of the pack, significant temperature differences between cells, and are prone to local overheating or even thermal runaway. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to address, to a certain extent, one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, the present invention provides an immersion battery pack.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an immersion battery pack, comprising a housing and a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing, and further comprising a support structure and a cooling structure disposed inside the housing. The support structure is used to support the plurality of battery cells and forms a space for accommodating the cooling structure. The cooling structure is used to introduce coolant into the housing. The cooling structure includes a main coolant delivery pipe and a plurality of coolant delivery branch pipes respectively connected to the main coolant delivery pipe. The main coolant delivery pipe is used to deliver coolant to the plurality of coolant delivery branch pipes respectively. Each coolant delivery branch pipe is provided with a plurality of distribution holes. The plurality of distribution holes are spaced apart axially on the coolant delivery branch pipes, and the distribution holes are used to discharge the coolant in the coolant delivery branch pipes into the housing.

[0006] The application of this application has the following technical effects: the support structure forms a space at the bottom of the cell to accommodate the cooling structure, and multiple coolant delivery branch pipes in the cooling structure are arranged at the bottom of the cell. At the same time, the multiple coolant delivery branch pipes are respectively connected to the main coolant delivery pipe, thereby improving the uniformity of coolant distribution in the Pack box.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in an array, and a first gap region exists between any two adjacent battery cells in the column direction; the coolant delivery branch pipe is disposed in the first gap region, and the coolant delivery branch pipe extends along the row direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the coolant delivery main pipe extends along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] Optionally, the plurality of liquid distribution holes are divided into a plurality of liquid distribution hole groups, and each liquid distribution pipe group includes two liquid distribution holes; the plurality of liquid distribution hole groups are spaced apart in the axial direction of the coolant delivery branch pipe, and the two liquid distribution holes of each liquid distribution hole group are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the coolant delivery branch pipe in the horizontal direction.

[0009] Optionally, the number of distribution holes on each coolant delivery branch pipe is the same as the number of cells in each row of cells, and they are set in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0010] Optionally, the multiple battery cells are arranged in an array, and in the row direction of the multiple battery cells, there is a second interval region between any two adjacent battery cells, and there is a third interval region between the two ends of each row of battery cells and the inner wall of the housing; the support structure includes multiple first support components and two second support components, the first support components are disposed in the second interval region, and the second support components are disposed in the third interval region.

[0011] Optionally, the first support assembly includes two first support bars and a plurality of first support blocks. The first support bars extend along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the two first support bars are respectively disposed at the bottom of two adjacent columns of battery cells. The bottom of the two first support bars is disposed on the first support block, and the first support block is disposed at the bottom of the housing. The plurality of first support blocks are spaced apart along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] Optionally, the second support component includes a second support bar and a plurality of second support blocks. The first support bar extends along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells. The second support bar is supported on the bottom of the battery cells respectively. The bottom of the second support bar is disposed on the second support block. The second support block is disposed at the bottom of the housing. The plurality of second support blocks are disposed one-to-one with the plurality of first support blocks in the column direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] Optionally, the first support bar has the same structure as the second support bar. The first support bar includes a limiting plate and a support plate. The limiting plate is attached to the side of the battery cell, and the support plate is attached to the bottom of the battery cell.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes an overflow tank, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are provided on the outer side wall of the tank body, and the overflow tank is provided on the inner side wall of the tank body. The overflow tank is connected to the outlet. The top of the overflow tank is open, and the top surface of the overflow tank is higher than the top surface of the battery cell, while the top surface of the overflow tank is lower than the top surface of the tank body.

[0015] The inlet is connected to the main coolant delivery pipe. The coolant enters the tank through the inlet, the main coolant delivery pipe, and the branch coolant delivery pipe, and flows out of the tank through the overflow box and the outlet.

[0016] Optionally, a connecting connector is also included, wherein the connecting connector is provided between the liquid inlet and the coolant delivery main pipe, one end of the connecting connector is connected to the liquid inlet, and the other end of the connecting connector is detachably connected to the coolant delivery main pipe.

[0017] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments or means of the present invention will be shown in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention. In addition, each of these features, elements and components appearing in the following text and drawings is a plurality of, and different symbols or numbers are used for convenience of representation, but all represent parts with the same or similar construction or function. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the FF direction.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view along the DD direction.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the present invention (with the top plate of the box removed).

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the coolant flow in this utility model.

[0025] The components include: 1. Housing; 2. Liquid inlet; 3. Liquid outlet; 4. Coolant delivery branch pipe; 41. Liquid distribution hole; 5. Battery cell; 6. Overflow box; 71. Second support assembly; 711. Second support block; 712. Second support bar; 72. First support assembly; 721. First support bar; 722. First support block; 8. Coolant delivery main pipe; 9. Connecting joint. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described are intended to explain this utility model and should not be construed as limiting it.

[0027] The terms "an embodiment," "example," or "trademark" used in this specification refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment itself that may be included in at least one embodiment disclosed in this patent. The phrase "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0028] In related technologies, the liquid cooling system of battery packs mainly adopts a bottom single-point liquid inlet or a simple flow equalization tank design, for example:

[0029] 1. Single-pipe direct injection structure: Coolant is injected directly into the bottom of the pack through the inlet, relying on natural fluid diffusion to achieve liquid cooling coverage. This can easily lead to excessive local flow rate differences, resulting in uneven cell cooling (temperature difference exceeding 5℃).

[0030] 2. Traditional flow distribution channel design: Parallel grooves or flow equalization orifice plates are used for initial liquid distribution, but under dynamic pressure drop (such as when the flow rate fluctuates), it is easy to cause imbalance in liquid distribution, and some areas may even form eddy stagnation zones;

[0031] 3. Indirect cold plate liquid cooling: In the non-immersion scheme, the cold plate flow channel is in indirect contact with the battery cell, which has inherent defects such as high contact thermal resistance and low heat exchange efficiency (temperature difference between battery cells reaches more than 5℃).

[0032] In summary, the main drawbacks of the relevant technologies are as follows:

[0033] 1. Insufficient thermal uniformity: Single-point liquid inlet leads to uneven coolant coverage, resulting in significant temperature differences between cells (measured temperature differences can reach 3-8℃), which accelerates battery performance degradation; Indirect cold plate liquid cooling, where the cold plate flow channel is in indirect contact with the cell, has low heat exchange efficiency and uneven temperature distribution of the cold plate.

[0034] 2. Poor fluid dynamic response: Initial liquid separation using parallel grooves or flow equalization orifice plates results in insufficient liquid separation stability, which can easily lead to local overheating or even thermal runaway risks.

[0035] In view of this, such as Figures 1-6As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides an immersion battery pack, including a housing 1 and multiple battery cells 5 disposed inside the housing 1. It also includes a support structure and a cooling structure disposed at the bottom of the battery cells 5. The support structure supports the multiple battery cells 5 and forms a space to accommodate the cooling structure. The cooling structure is used to introduce coolant into the housing. The cooling structure includes a main coolant delivery pipe 8 and multiple coolant delivery branch pipes 4 respectively connected to the main coolant delivery pipe 8. The main coolant delivery pipe 8 is used to deliver coolant to the multiple coolant delivery branch pipes 4. Each coolant delivery branch pipe 4 is provided with multiple distribution holes 41. The multiple distribution holes 41 are spaced apart axially along the coolant delivery branch pipe 4, and the distribution holes 41 are used to discharge the coolant in the coolant delivery branch pipe 4 into the housing 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, a plurality of battery cells 5 are arranged in an array, and a first gap region exists between any two adjacent battery cells 5 in the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5; a coolant delivery branch pipe 4 is disposed in the first gap region, and the coolant delivery branch pipe 4 extends along the row direction of the plurality of battery cells 5, and the coolant delivery main pipe 8 extends along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of liquid distribution holes 41 are divided into a plurality of liquid distribution hole groups, and each liquid distribution pipe group includes two liquid distribution holes 41; the plurality of liquid distribution hole groups are spaced apart in the axial direction of the coolant delivery branch pipe 4, and the two liquid distribution holes 41 of each liquid distribution hole group are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the coolant delivery branch pipe 4 in the horizontal direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the number of distribution hole groups on each coolant delivery branch pipe 4 is the same as the number of cells 5 in each row of cells 5, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The farther the distribution hole group on the same coolant delivery branch pipe 4 is from the main coolant delivery pipe 8, the larger the aperture of the distribution hole 41 in the distribution hole group. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can also obtain the aperture and number of distribution holes 41 through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation to ensure uniform distribution (CFD simulation is a mature existing technology and will not be elaborated here). By using the main coolant delivery pipe and multiple coolant delivery branch pipes, the uniformity of coolant distribution in the Pack box is improved, and the temperature difference between cells is controlled within 1-2℃.

[0039] In some embodiments, a plurality of battery cells 5 are arranged in an array. In the row direction of the plurality of battery cells 5, there is a second interval region between any two adjacent battery cells 5, and there is a third interval region between the two ends of each row of battery cells 5 and the inner wall of the housing 1. The support structure includes a plurality of first support components 72 and two second support components 71. The first support components 72 are disposed in the second interval region, and the second support components 71 are disposed in the third interval region.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first support component 72 includes two first support bars 721 and a plurality of first support blocks 722. The first support bars 721 extend along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5. The two first support bars 721 are respectively disposed at the bottom of two adjacent columns of battery cells 5. The bottom of the two first support bars 721 is disposed on the first support block 722. The first support block 722 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 1. The plurality of first support blocks 722 are spaced apart in the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second support component 71 includes a second support bar 712 and a plurality of second support blocks 711. The first support bar 721 extends along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5. The second support bars 712 are respectively supported on the bottom of the battery cells 5. The bottom of the second support bar 712 is disposed on the second support block 711. The second support block 711 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 1. The plurality of second support blocks 711 are disposed one-to-one with the plurality of first support blocks 722 in the column direction of the plurality of battery cells 5.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first support bar 721 and the second support bar 712 have the same structure. The first support bar 721 includes a limiting plate and a support plate. The limiting plate is attached to the side of the battery cell 5, and the support plate is attached to the bottom surface of the battery cell 5. Specifically, the first support bar 721 and the second support bar 712 can be made of angle steel. The bottom of the angle steel is supported by a support block to ensure that the distance between the bottom surface of the battery cell and the inner bottom surface of the housing 1 is 20mm. The connection method of the angle steel support is simple and can ensure the reliability of the connection.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system further includes an overflow tank 6, an inlet 2, and an outlet 3. The inlet 2 and outlet 3 are located on the outer wall of the housing 1, and the overflow tank 6 is located on the inner wall of the housing 1, communicating with the outlet. The top of the overflow tank 6 is open, and the top surface of the overflow tank 6 is higher than the top surface of the battery cell 5, but lower than the top surface of the housing 1. The inlet 2 is connected to the main coolant delivery pipe 8. Figure 6 As shown, coolant enters the housing 1 through the inlet 2, the main coolant supply pipe 8, and multiple coolant supply branch pipes 4. At this point, the coolant is a cold flow. As it flows upward, the temperature of the battery cells is gradually conducted to the coolant, at which point the coolant becomes a hot flow. Subsequently, the coolant flows out of the housing 1 through the overflow tank 6 and the outlet 3. Specifically, the coolant level inside the housing 1 should be 5mm higher than the top surface of the overflow tank 6, and the top surface of the overflow tank 6 should be 10mm higher than the top surface of the battery cells 5, in order to stabilize the coolant level inside the housing and keep it within a relatively stable range.

[0044] In some embodiments, a connecting joint 9 is also included. A connecting joint 9 is provided between the liquid inlet 2 and the coolant delivery main pipe 8. One end of the connecting joint 9 is connected to the liquid inlet 2, and the other end of the connecting joint 9 is detachably connected to the coolant delivery main pipe 8. Providing a connecting joint between the liquid inlet and the coolant delivery main pipe enables rapid assembly and precise alignment of the cooling structure and the housing, reducing maintenance costs.

[0045] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of this utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An immersed battery pack comprising a box (1) and a plurality of battery cells (5) arranged inside the box (1), characterized in that, It also includes a support structure and a cooling structure disposed at the bottom of the battery cell (5), the support structure being used to support a plurality of the battery cells (5), and the support structure forming a space for accommodating the cooling structure; The cooling structure is used to introduce coolant into the box body. The cooling structure includes a main coolant delivery pipe (8) and a plurality of coolant delivery branch pipes (4) respectively connected to the main coolant delivery pipe (8). The main coolant delivery pipe (8) is used to deliver coolant to the plurality of coolant delivery branch pipes (4). Each coolant delivery branch pipe (4) is provided with a plurality of liquid distribution holes (41). The plurality of liquid distribution holes (41) are spaced apart in the axial direction of the coolant delivery branch pipes (4). The liquid distribution holes (41) are used to discharge the coolant in the coolant delivery branch pipes (4) into the box body (1).

2. The submerged battery pack of claim 1, wherein, Multiple battery cells (5) are arranged in an array. In the column direction of the multiple battery cells (5), there is a first interval area between any two adjacent battery cells (5). The coolant delivery branch pipe (4) is arranged in the first interval area and extends along the row direction of the multiple battery cells (5). The coolant delivery main pipe (8) extends along the column direction of the multiple battery cells (5).

3. The submerged battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of liquid distribution holes (41) are divided into a plurality of liquid distribution hole groups, each of the liquid distribution hole groups includes two liquid distribution holes (41); the plurality of liquid distribution hole groups are spaced apart in the axial direction of the coolant delivery branch pipe (4), and the two liquid distribution holes (41) of each liquid distribution hole group are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the coolant delivery branch pipe (4) in the horizontal direction.

4. The submerged battery pack of claim 3, wherein, The number of distribution holes on each coolant delivery branch pipe (4) is the same as the number of cells (5) in each row of cells (5), and they are set in a one-to-one correspondence.

5. The submerged battery pack of claim 1, wherein, Multiple battery cells (5) are arranged in an array. In the row direction of the multiple battery cells (5), there is a second interval area between any two adjacent battery cells (5). There is a third interval area between the two ends of each row of battery cells (5) and the inner wall of the housing (1). The support structure includes multiple first support components (72) and two second support components (71). The first support components (72) are disposed in the second interval area, and the second support components (71) are disposed in the third interval area.

6. The submerged battery pack of claim 5, wherein, The first support assembly (72) includes two first support bars (721) and a plurality of first support blocks (722). The first support bars (721) extend along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells (5). The two first support bars (721) are respectively disposed at the bottom of two adjacent columns of battery cells (5). The bottom of the two first support bars (721) is disposed on the first support block (722). The first support block (722) is disposed at the bottom of the housing (1). The plurality of first support blocks (722) are spaced apart along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells (5).

7. The submerged battery pack of claim 6, wherein, The second support assembly (71) includes a second support bar (712) and a plurality of second support blocks (711). The first support bar (721) extends along the column direction of the plurality of battery cells (5). The second support bar (712) is supported on the bottom of the battery cell (5). The bottom of the second support bar (712) is disposed on the second support block (711). The second support block (711) is disposed at the bottom of the housing (1). The plurality of second support blocks (711) are disposed one-to-one with the plurality of first support blocks (722) in the column direction of the plurality of battery cells (5).

8. The submerged battery pack of claim 7, wherein, The first support bar (721) has the same structure as the second support bar (712). The first support bar (721) includes a limiting plate and a support plate. The limiting plate is attached to the side of the battery cell (5), and the support plate is attached to the bottom surface of the battery cell (5).

9. The submerged battery pack of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, It also includes an overflow tank (6), an inlet (2) and an outlet (3). The inlet (2) and the outlet (3) are provided on the outer side wall of the tank body (1). The overflow tank (6) is provided on the inner side wall of the tank body (1). The overflow tank (6) is connected to the outlet. The top of the overflow tank (6) is open. The top surface of the overflow tank (6) is higher than the top surface of the battery cell (5). The top surface of the overflow tank (6) is lower than the top surface of the tank body (1). The inlet (2) is connected to the main coolant delivery pipe (8). The coolant enters the tank (1) through the inlet (2), the main coolant delivery pipe (8), and multiple coolant delivery branch pipes (4), and flows out of the tank (1) through the outlet (3) via the overflow box (6).

10. The submerged battery pack of claim 9, wherein, It also includes a connecting joint (9), which is provided between the liquid inlet (2) and the coolant delivery main pipe (8). One end of the connecting joint (9) is connected to the liquid inlet (2), and the other end of the connecting joint (9) is detachably connected to the coolant delivery main pipe (8).

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