Battery pack and energy storage system

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of energy storage, and discloses a battery pack and an energy storage system, which comprise a box body, a battery cell module, a cooling medium and a liquid level sensor, the box body is provided with a first opening, a containing cavity, a cooling channel, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the first opening is communicated with the containing cavity, the cooling channel is arranged at the bottom of the box body, and the cooling channel is communicated with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; the battery cell module is arranged in the containing cavity, the cooling medium is filled in the containing cavity, the cooling medium immerses the battery cell module, the liquid level sensor is connected to the box body, and the liquid level sensor is used for detecting the liquid level of the cooling medium in the containing cavity; and the first opening is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium. Through the above manner, the embodiment of the present application reduces the risk of thermal runaway caused by the uneven heat dissipation of the battery cell module which is not immersed in the cooling medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to a battery pack and energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of high-energy-density batteries and fast charging and discharging technology, higher requirements are placed on the thermal management of battery packs. In order to meet the higher requirements of battery pack thermal management, the battery pack adopts a combination of cell module immersion in cooling medium and cooling channel circulation cooling. The cooling medium absorbs the heat of the cell module, and then the heat is carried away by the coolant flowing through the cooling channel.

[0003] However, in the process of implementing the embodiments of this application, the inventors discovered that: currently, after the battery pack has been running for a period of time, the cooling medium will be depleted, so that the cell module is not submerged in the cooling medium, resulting in uneven heat dissipation and increasing the risk of thermal runaway. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem addressed by this application is to provide a battery pack and energy storage system that aims to improve the situation where the cell modules are not cooled and submerged, resulting in uneven heat dissipation and an increased risk of thermal runaway.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a battery pack, including a housing, a cell module, a cooling medium, and a liquid level sensor. The housing is provided with a first opening, a receiving cavity, a cooling channel, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The first opening communicates with the receiving cavity. The cooling channel is located at the bottom of the housing and communicates with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The cell module is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the cooling medium fills the receiving cavity, immersing the cell module. The liquid level sensor is connected to the housing and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity. The first opening is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium.

[0006] Optionally, the liquid level sensor includes a float and a sensing link, the sensing link being connected to the housing, the float being sleeved on the link, and the float being movable relative to the sensing link.

[0007] Optionally, the battery pack includes a first connector, the housing is provided with a second opening, the second opening communicates with the receiving cavity, the side of the second opening facing the bottom of the receiving cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity, the first connector is sealed in the second opening, the first connector is electrically connected to the sensing link, and the first connector is used to electrically connect to the controller of the energy storage system.

[0008] Optionally, the housing is provided with a third opening, which communicates with the accommodating cavity. The side of the third opening facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity. The battery pack also includes a viewing window, which is sealed in the third opening.

[0009] Optionally, the battery pack includes a second connector and an electrical connector. The housing is provided with a fourth opening and a receiving groove. The fourth opening communicates with the receiving groove. The opening of the receiving groove is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity. The second connector is sealed in the fourth opening. The electrical connector is disposed in the receiving groove and the accommodating cavity. One end of the electrical connector is connected to the battery cell module, and the other end of the electrical connector is connected to the second connector.

[0010] Optionally, the battery pack further includes an explosion-proof valve, the housing is provided with a fifth opening, the fifth opening is connected to the receiving slot, and the explosion-proof valve is sealed in the fifth opening.

[0011] Optionally, the side of the first opening facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a switch for opening or closing the first opening.

[0013] Optionally, the battery pack includes a management module and a third connector. The management module is disposed in the housing, the housing has a sixth opening, the third connector is sealed in the sixth opening, and the third connector is electrically connected to the cell module and the management module.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an energy storage system, including a controller, a display component and the above-mentioned battery pack, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor of the battery pack, and the display component is electrically connected to the controller.

[0015] In this embodiment, the battery includes a housing, a cell module, a cooling medium, and a liquid level sensor. The housing has a first opening, a receiving cavity, a cooling channel, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The first opening connects to the receiving cavity. The cooling channel is located at the bottom of the housing and connects the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The cell module is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the cooling medium fills the receiving cavity, submerging the cell module. The liquid level sensor is connected to the housing and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity. The first opening is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium. By detecting the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity using the liquid level sensor, when the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity is lower than a preset level, a message is sent to remind the user to replenish the cooling medium in time, reducing the risk of uneven heat dissipation caused by the cell module not being submerged in the cooling medium, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery pack structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the battery pack housing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is another exploded view of the battery pack housing structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of section AA;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid level sensor for the battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 100. Battery pack;

[0025] 11. Housing; 111. Shell; 1111. First opening; 1112. Second opening; 1113. Third opening; 1114. Fourth opening; 1115. Fifth opening; 1116. Sixth opening; 1117. Reinforcing member; 112. Base plate; 1121. Cooling channel; 1122. Liquid inlet; 1123. Liquid outlet; 113. Top cover; 114. Sealing element; 115. Bracket; 116. Divider; 117. Receiving cavity; 118. Receiving tank;

[0026] 12. Battery cell module;

[0027] 13. Liquid level sensor; 131. Sensing linkage; 132. Float;

[0028] 14. First connector;

[0029] 15. Windows;

[0030] 16. Second connector;

[0031] 17. Electrical connectors;

[0032] 18. Explosion-proof valve;

[0033] 19. Management Module;

[0034] 1a. Third connector. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "locked" to another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This application provides a battery pack 100, which includes a housing 11, a cell module 12, a cooling medium, a liquid level sensor 13, a first connector 14, a viewing window 15, a second connector 16, an electrical connector 17, an explosion-proof valve 18, a switch, a management module 19, and a third connector 1a. The cell module 12 is disposed within the housing 11 and is used to store and release electrical energy. The cooling medium is disposed within the housing 11, immersing the cell module 12, and is used to absorb and dissipate heat from the cell module 12. The liquid level sensor 13 is disposed within the housing 11 and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling medium within the housing 11. The first connector 14 is disposed within the housing 11 and is electrically connected to the liquid sensor. The viewing window 15 is disposed within the housing 11. The second connector 16 is disposed within the housing 11 and is used to electrically connect to electrical equipment. Electrical connector 17 is disposed within housing 11 and is connected to second connector 16 and battery cell module 12. Explosion-proof valve 18 is disposed within housing 11. Switch is disposed within housing 11. Management module 19 and third connector 1a are both disposed within housing 11; management module 19 is electrically connected to third connector 1a, and third connector 1a is electrically connected to battery cell module 12.

[0038] It should be noted that by immersing the cell module 12 in the cooling medium, the cooling medium directly contacts the surface of the cell module 12, shortening the heat conduction path, reducing the temperature difference of the cell module 12, improving the temperature uniformity of the cell module 12, and preventing partial overheating of the cell module 12 that could lead to performance degradation or thermal runaway. Furthermore, improving the temperature uniformity of the cell module 12 delays its aging and extends its cycle life. Moreover, immersing the cell module 12 in the cooling medium makes the battery pack 100 more compact, effectively improving its space utilization.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cooling medium is insulating and flame-retardant, enabling it to isolate oxygen and rapidly absorb heat, effectively preventing thermal runaway, improving the safety of the battery pack 100, and reducing overall damage to the cell module 12. In some embodiments, the cooling medium is cooling oil.

[0040] For the aforementioned housing 11, please refer to Figures 3-5The housing 11 includes a shell 111, a bottom plate 112, a top cover 113, a seal 114, a bracket 115, and a partition 116. The bottom plate 112 is connected to the bottom of the shell 111, and the top cover 113 is connected to the top of the shell 111. The shell 111, bottom plate 112, and top cover 113 together form a receiving cavity 117. The receiving cavity 117 is used to house the battery cell module 12 and to supply cooling medium, which immerses the battery cell module 12. The seal 114 is located between the top cover 113 and the top of the shell 111, and the seal 114 provides a seal between the top cover 113 and the top of the shell 111. The bracket 115 is fixed to the inner wall of the shell 111. The separator 116 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 111. The separator 116 and the inner surface of the housing 111 together form a receiving groove 118. The opening of the receiving groove 118 is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity 117, so that the cooling medium will not fill the receiving groove 118.

[0041] In some embodiments, the top cover 113 is made by bending sheet metal, which simplifies the processing of the top cover 113 and increases its strength.

[0042] The housing 111 is provided with a first opening 1111, a second opening 1112, a third opening 1113, a fourth opening 1114, a fifth opening 1115, and a sixth opening 1116. All openings 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, and 1116 are located on the same side of the housing 111. These openings communicate with a receiving cavity 117. The sides of these openings facing the bottom of the receiving cavity 117 are all higher than the level of the cooling medium within the cavity 117. The fourth opening 1114 and the fifth opening 1115 communicate with a receiving tank 118. The first opening 1111 is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium.

[0043] In some embodiments, a reinforcing member 1117 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 111, and the reinforcing member 1117 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 111 by welding. The reinforcing member 1117 increases the strength of the housing 11.

[0044] The base plate 112 is provided with a cooling channel 1121, a liquid inlet 1122, and a liquid outlet 1123. The cooling channel 1121 connects the liquid inlet 1122 and the liquid outlet 1123. The liquid inlet 1122 and the liquid outlet 1123 are used to connect the circulation pipeline, thereby forming a circulating cooling loop. The coolant flowing through the cooling channel 1121 carries away the heat of the cooling medium, thereby achieving heat dissipation for the battery cell module 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, the base plate 112 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 111 by welding, and the base plate 112 and the housing 111 are sealed by welding.

[0046] For the liquid level sensor 13 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 6 The liquid level sensor 13 includes a sensing rod 131 and a float 132. One end of the sensing rod 131 is connected to the bracket 115, and the sensing rod 131 is L-shaped. The float 132 is sleeved on the other end of the sensing rod 131 and can move relative to the sensing rod 131. The float 132 moves according to the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity 117. When the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity 117 reaches a preset level, the sensing rod 131 is triggered. Detecting the liquid level of the cooling medium using the float 132 helps reduce the space occupied by the liquid level sensor 13 and improves the detection sensitivity.

[0047] For the first connector 14 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 The first connector 14 is sealed within the second opening 1112 and electrically connected to the sensing link 131. The first electrical connector 17 is used for electrical connection to the controller of the energy storage system, enabling the information from the liquid level sensor 13 to be transmitted to the controller of the energy storage system. Since the side of the second opening 1112 facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity 117 is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity 117, the first connector 14 is positioned above the liquid level of the cooling medium, preventing the cooling medium from contaminating the first connector 14 and causing it to malfunction.

[0048] For window 15 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 The viewing window 15 is sealed at the third opening 1113. The viewing window 15 is used to facilitate the user's observation of the liquid level of the cooling medium in the receiving cavity 117, and to prevent the liquid level of the cooling medium from exceeding the viewing window 15, which would cause the viewing window 15 to fail.

[0049] For the second connector 16 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 The second connector 16 is sealed in the fourth opening 1114. Since the cooling medium will not fill the receiving groove 118, it prevents the cooling medium from contaminating the second connector 16 and causing failure.

[0050] For the electrical connector 17 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 2 One end of the electrical connector 17 is disposed in the receiving cavity 117, one end of the electrical connector 17 is connected to the battery cell module 12, the other end of the electrical connector 17 is disposed in the receiving groove 118, and the other end of the electrical connector 17 is connected to the second connector 16, so that the second connector 16 is electrically connected to the battery cell module 12 through the electrical connector 17.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrical connector 17 is made of a conductive material.

[0052] For the explosion-proof valve 18 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 The explosion-proof valve 18 is sealed at the fifth opening 1115. Since the cooling medium will not fill the receiving tank 118, it prevents the cooling medium from contaminating the explosion-proof valve 18 and causing it to malfunction.

[0053] The switch is located in the first opening 1111 and is used to open or close the first opening 1111.

[0054] It is understood that in some embodiments, the battery pack 100 does not include the aforementioned switching element, and the first opening 1111 is connected to a cooling medium source through a valve. When the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity 117 is lower than the liquid level, the valve is opened to replenish the cooling medium.

[0055] For management module 19, please refer to Figure 1 The management module 19 is disposed in the housing 111 and is electrically connected to the third connector 1a.

[0056] For the third connector 1a mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 The third connector 1a is sealed within the sixth opening 1116 and electrically connected to the battery cell module 12, thereby connecting the management module 19 to the battery cell module 12. This allows the management module 19 to monitor, manage, and protect the battery cell module 12. Since the side of the sixth opening 1116 facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity 117 is higher than the level of the cooling medium within the accommodating cavity 117, the sixth connector is positioned above the level of the cooling medium, preventing the cooling medium from contaminating the third connector 1a and causing it to fail.

[0057] In some embodiments, the management module 19 is an energy storage battery management module 19.

[0058] In this embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes a housing 11, a cell module 12, a cooling medium, and a liquid level sensor 13. The housing 11 is provided with a first opening 1111, a accommodating cavity 117, a cooling channel 1121, a liquid inlet 1122, and a liquid outlet 1123. The first opening 1111 communicates with the accommodating cavity 117. The cooling channel 1121 is located at the bottom of the housing 11 and communicates with the liquid inlet 1122 and the liquid outlet 1123. The cell module 12 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 117. The cooling medium fills the accommodating cavity 117 and submerges the cell module 12. The liquid level sensor 13 is connected to the housing 11 and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity 117. The first opening 1111 is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium. The liquid level sensor 13 detects the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity 117. When the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity 117 is lower than the preset liquid level, a message is sent to remind the user to replenish the cooling medium in time, so as to reduce the uneven heat dissipation caused by the battery cell module 12 not being covered by the cooling medium, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0059] This application also provides an embodiment of an energy storage system, which includes a controller, a display component and the aforementioned battery pack 100. The controller is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 13 of the battery pack 100, and the display component is electrically connected to the controller. The structure and function of the battery pack 100 can be referred to the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] It should be noted that while preferred embodiments of this application are provided in the specification and accompanying drawings, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are not intended to impose additional limitations on the content of this application; their purpose is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, the above-described technical features can be combined with each other to form various embodiments not listed above, all of which are considered to be within the scope of this application's specification. Moreover, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The housing has a first opening, a receiving cavity, a cooling channel, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The first opening is connected to the receiving cavity. The cooling channel is located at the bottom of the housing and is connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The battery cell module is disposed in the accommodating cavity; A cooling medium is filled in the accommodating cavity, and the cooling medium immerses the battery cell module. A liquid level sensor is connected to the housing and is used to detect the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity; The first opening is used for injecting and discharging the cooling medium.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor includes a float and a sensing link. The sensing link is connected to the housing, and the float is sleeved on the link. The float can move relative to the sensing link.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a first connector, the housing is provided with a second opening, the second opening communicates with the accommodating cavity, the side of the second opening facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity, the first connector is sealed in the second opening, the first connector is electrically connected to the sensing link, and the first connector is used to electrically connect to the controller of the energy storage system.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a third opening, which connects to the accommodating cavity. The side of the third opening facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity. The battery pack also includes a viewing window, which is sealed in the third opening.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a second connector and an electrical connector. The housing is provided with a fourth opening and a receiving groove. The fourth opening communicates with the receiving groove. The opening of the receiving groove is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity. The second connector is sealed in the fourth opening. The electrical connector is disposed in the receiving groove and the accommodating cavity. One end of the electrical connector is connected to the battery cell module, and the other end of the electrical connector is connected to the second connector.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes an explosion-proof valve, the housing is provided with a fifth opening, the fifth opening is connected to the receiving slot, and the explosion-proof valve is sealed in the fifth opening.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the first opening facing the bottom of the accommodating cavity is higher than the liquid level of the cooling medium in the accommodating cavity.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a switch for opening or closing the first opening.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a management module and a third connector. The management module is disposed in the housing, and the housing has a sixth opening. The third connector is sealed in the sixth opening and is electrically connected to the cell module and the management module.

10. An energy storage system, characterized in that, The device includes a controller, a display component, and a battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the controller is electrically connected to a level sensor of the battery pack, and the display component is used to be electrically connected to the controller.

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