An immersed energy storage battery box

Abstract

This invention provides an immersion-type energy storage battery housing, belonging to the field of energy storage technology. It includes a cold plate housing, a lower shell, and a top cover. Coolant flows inside the cold plate housing, placing the battery cell modules and the immersion liquid within a closed cavity formed by the cold plate housing, lower shell, and top cover. The immersion liquid insulates the battery cell modules from oxygen. Through heat conduction, the coolant exchanges heat with the immersion liquid, thereby cooling the battery cell modules. This immersion-type energy storage battery housing provides a non-flowing immersion liquid while allowing the coolant to circulate. This avoids problems caused by immersion liquid flow, effectively reducing thermal runaway of the battery cell modules, lowering safety risks, maintaining consistent temperature of the battery cell modules, and extending the service life of the energy storage system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of energy storage technology, and more specifically, it relates to an immersion energy storage battery box. Background Technology

[0002] As the core component of electrochemical energy storage, battery cells pose a significant risk of thermal runaway. When thermal runaway occurs, it releases a large amount of heat instantaneously, rapidly spreading to adjacent cells and causing widespread thermal runaway within the cell assembly, potentially leading to severe fires or explosions. From a safety perspective, effective thermal management of energy storage systems, especially cell systems, is crucial for controlling and mitigating the fire and explosion risks associated with thermal runaway. Currently, energy storage packs are generally divided into cold-plate liquid-cooled packs and air-cooled packs. Air-cooled pack energy storage systems suffer from drawbacks such as slow cooling speeds and long cooling times; while cold-plate liquid-cooled pack energy storage systems suffer from significant temperature differences between the top and bottom of the cells during operation, which is detrimental to the consistency of cell operation.

[0003] Currently, the cooling methods for battery cell modules in cold-plate liquid-cooled pack energy storage systems have the following drawbacks: 1) When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it is difficult to effectively control heat diffusion, which can lead to widespread fires and other accidents; 2) During battery cell operation, because the cold plate is mainly located at the bottom of the battery cell, the bottom temperature of the battery cell is low and the top temperature is high, resulting in poor cell consistency and affecting the service life of the energy storage system; 3) Some immersion cooling packs use an immersion fluid flow scheme, which is prone to problems such as leakage at the front end of the immersion fluid and insufficient pressure at the tail end due to the corrosiveness of the immersion fluid itself and the sealing and head requirements required for the immersion fluid flow (the immersion fluid volume is much larger than the coolant), and the cost is also high. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an immersion energy storage battery housing, which aims to solve the technical problem that the current cooling method for cell modules in cold plate liquid-cooled pack energy storage systems is to use immersion liquid flow, which easily leads to leakage at the front end of the immersion liquid and insufficient pressure at the rear end.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide an immersion energy storage battery housing, comprising:

[0006] The cold plate box has a closed internal cavity that is suitable for circulating coolant.

[0007] The lower shell has an open top and is connected to the top wall of the cold plate box. The interior of the lower shell is used to accommodate the battery cell module and the immersion liquid. The immersion liquid is suitable for immersing the battery cell module, and the heat of the immersion liquid is conducted to the cold plate box.

[0008] The upper cover is connected to the upper end of the lower shell and is adapted to cover the opening of the lower shell so that the upper cover, the lower shell and the cold plate box form a closed cavity;

[0009] The coolant flowing inside the cold plate box is adapted to exchange heat with the immersion liquid, thereby cooling the immersion liquid.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a conductivity meter is connected inside the lower housing, the conductivity meter being adapted to measure the conductivity of the immersion liquid in real time, and the conductivity meter being electrically connected to the battery management system.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a temperature sensor is connected inside the lower housing, the temperature sensor being adapted to measure the temperature of the immersion liquid in real time, and the temperature sensor being electrically connected to the battery management system.

[0012] In one possible implementation, there are multiple temperature sensors, each located at a different position inside the lower shell, and the multiple temperature sensors are adapted to measure the temperature of the immersion liquid at different positions inside the lower shell.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the cold plate box has a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, both of which are connected to a liquid cooling unit via pipelines. The liquid cooling unit is adapted to drive the coolant to circulate between the cold plate box, the pipelines, and the liquid cooling unit.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the liquid cooling unit has a container for holding coolant, and a liquid level alarm component is connected inside the container. The liquid level alarm component is adapted to monitor the coolant level in real time. The liquid cooling unit has a preset liquid level alarm threshold. When the coolant level monitored by the liquid level alarm component is lower than the liquid level alarm threshold, an alarm signal is issued.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the cold plate box has a cavity inside suitable for coolant circulation, the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are respectively connected to the two ends of the cavity, and the coolant circulates within the cavity.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a sealing layer is provided between the lower shell and the upper cover and the cold plate box, respectively.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the top cover is connected to an explosion-proof valve, which opens to release the gas generated by the runaway battery module when thermal runaway occurs.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the level of the immersion liquid is higher than the height of the upper end of the battery cell module, so as to isolate the battery cell module from the air.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the submersible energy storage battery box provided by this utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the submersible energy storage battery box of this utility model includes a cold plate box, a lower shell, and a top cover. Coolant flows inside the cold plate box, placing the battery cell module and the submersible liquid inside the closed cavity formed by the cold plate box, the lower shell, and the top cover. The submersible liquid can insulate the battery cell module from oxygen. Through heat conduction, the coolant can exchange heat with the submersible liquid, thereby achieving cooling of the battery cell module. In this application, the submersible liquid does not flow, but the coolant flows. This avoids the problems caused by the flow of submersible liquid, effectively reduces thermal runaway of the battery cell module, reduces safety risks, keeps the temperature of the battery cell module consistent, and extends the service life of the energy storage system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an immersion energy storage battery box provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle section;

[0023] Figure 3 The front view of the cold plate box and lower shell of an immersion energy storage battery box provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Cold plate box; 2. Lower shell; 3. Top cover; 4. Cell module; 5. Conductivity measuring instrument; 6. Battery management system; 7. Coolant inlet; 8. Coolant outlet; 9. Explosion-proof valve; 10. Immersion liquid injection port. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0027] The applicant has discovered that in existing liquid-cooled battery pack energy storage systems, the cells are submerged in a immersion fluid, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the top and bottom of the cells during operation, which is detrimental to the uniformity of cell operation. To address this issue, the immersion fluid needs to be circulated and cooled. Therefore, it is worthwhile to propose a scheme that continuously circulates and cools the immersion fluid, preventing the immersion fluid from flowing while allowing the coolant to circulate, which would solve the aforementioned problem.

[0028] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides a submersible energy storage battery housing. The submersible energy storage battery housing includes a cold plate housing 1, a lower shell 2, and an upper cover 3. The interior of the cold plate housing 1 is a closed cavity suitable for circulating coolant. The upper end of the lower shell 2 is open, and the lower end is connected to the top wall of the cold plate housing 1. The interior of the lower shell 2 is used to accommodate the battery cell module 4 and the submersible liquid, which is suitable for submerging the battery cell module 4. Heat conduction occurs between the submersible liquid and the cold plate housing 1. The upper cover 3 is connected to the upper end of the lower shell 2 and is suitable for sealing the open end of the lower shell 2, so that the upper cover 3, the lower shell 2, and the cold plate housing 1 form a closed cavity. The coolant flowing inside the cold plate housing 1 is suitable for exchanging heat with the submersible liquid, thereby cooling the submersible liquid.

[0029] This utility model provides an immersion energy storage battery housing. Compared with the prior art, the cold plate box 1 contains a coolant flowing inside, placing the battery cell module 4 and the immersion liquid inside a closed cavity formed by the cold plate box 1, the lower shell 2, and the upper cover 3. The immersion liquid can insulate the battery cell module 4 from oxygen. Through heat conduction, the coolant can exchange heat with the immersion liquid, thereby achieving cooling of the battery cell module 4. In this application, the immersion liquid does not flow, but the coolant flows. This avoids the problems caused by the flow of the immersion liquid, effectively reduces thermal runaway of the battery cell module 4, reduces safety risks, keeps the temperature of the battery cell module 4 consistent, and extends the service life of the energy storage system.

[0030] In this application, the interior of the cold plate box 1 is a closed cavity, and the interior of the lower shell 2 is also a closed cavity. By arranging these two sets of cavities, an immersion liquid is placed in the closed cavity, and a coolant is placed inside the closed cavity. This application employs a scheme where the immersion liquid does not flow, but the coolant flows, allowing the energy storage cell (also referring to the cell or cell module 4) to be immersed in and in direct contact with the immersion liquid. This completely isolates oxygen (air), achieving direct, rapid, and sufficient cooling of the cell, ensuring that the cell operates within its optimal temperature range, and maintaining the temperature of the immersion liquid within a stable range (the temperature of the immersion liquid is controllable in this application). The immersion liquid has a high boiling point, and its height is greater than the height of the cell module 4, completely isolating the cell from air. Even if the cell experiences a short circuit due to an accidental cause, leading to thermal runaway, it will not catch fire or explode, effectively ensuring safety.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cold plate box 1 is a heat-conducting component, enabling heat conduction. Heat from the immersion liquid can be transferred to the coolant through the cold plate box 1, thus achieving heat transfer, i.e., heat exchange, between the coolant and the immersion liquid. Through heat exchange, the coolant gradually carries away the heat from the immersion liquid, thereby cooling the immersion liquid.

[0032] The lower shell 2 is made of multiple plates connected end to end. If the cold plate box 1 is set horizontally, the plates are set vertically and surround the upper part of the cold plate box 1 near the end. This forms a space in the horizontal plane. The upper part of the space is open (the bottom is closed by the cold plate box 1 after being connected to it). The immersion liquid is placed in this space. By sealing the open space with the upper cover 3, the space forms a closed cavity, which can prevent the immersion liquid from leaking or seeping out, and effectively ensure the liquid cooling effect of the immersion liquid on the battery cell module 4.

[0033] Specifically, the cold plate box 1 is cubic in shape with a small thickness and a rectangular structure when viewed from above. The lower shell 2 is located on the upper part of the cold plate box 1, and the height (thickness) of the cold plate box 1 is less than the height of the lower shell 2.

[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The lower casing 2 houses a conductivity meter 5, which measures the conductivity of the immersion fluid in real time. The conductivity meter 5 is electrically connected to the battery management system 6. The battery management system 6 (BMS) monitors and manages the operating status of the battery pack (cell module 4), including monitoring parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature, and balancing the charge of each cell to prevent overcharging and over-discharging, thus extending battery life. The location of the conductivity meter 5 does not affect the setup or operation of the cell module 4. It measures the conductivity of the immersion fluid, allowing specific conductivity parameters to be observed on the BMS, providing a basis for real-time monitoring of the immersion fluid. The purpose of the conductivity meter 5 is to prevent insulation risks caused by immersion fluid deterioration during operation, ensuring insulation safety during the energy storage system's operation. When the conductivity exceeds a preset value, the BMS system alarms, reminding users to replace the immersion fluid. This preset value can be set on the BMS system.

[0035] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 A temperature sensor is connected inside the lower casing 2. The temperature sensor is suitable for measuring the temperature of the immersion liquid in real time and is electrically connected to the battery management system 6. The location of the temperature sensor does not affect the settings and operation of the cell module 4. It can measure the temperature of the immersion liquid, so that specific temperature parameters can be observed on the BMS, providing a basis for real-time monitoring of the temperature distribution of the immersion liquid.

[0036] To monitor the temperature of the immersion solution at different locations, in some embodiments, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 Multiple temperature sensors are installed at different locations inside the lower shell 2. These multiple temperature sensors are suitable for measuring the temperature of the immersion liquid at different locations inside the lower shell 2. At least two temperature sensors can be installed inside the lower shell 2, both of which can monitor the temperature of the immersion liquid to reasonably control the condition of the immersion liquid.

[0037] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The cold plate box 1 has a coolant inlet 7 and a coolant outlet 8. Both the coolant inlet 7 and the coolant outlet 8 are connected to a liquid cooling unit (located outside the cold plate box 1, not shown in the figure) via pipelines. The liquid cooling unit is suitable for driving the coolant to circulate between the cold plate box 1, the pipelines, and the liquid cooling unit. Through the operation of the liquid cooling unit, the coolant can be driven to circulate, thereby exchanging heat with the submerged liquid and removing the heat from the submerged liquid, thus achieving cooling of the battery cell module 4. The liquid cooling unit in this embodiment is existing technology and can achieve the circulation of coolant, ensuring the cooling effect of the coolant.

[0038] Specifically, the liquid cooling unit in this embodiment is existing technology, containing built-in coolant and capable of driving the coolant to form a circulating flow. The coolant enters the cold plate box 1 from the coolant inlet 7, circulates inside the cold plate box 1, and then flows out from the coolant outlet 8, entering the liquid cooling unit. The operation of the liquid cooling unit realizes the circulation of the coolant, which exchanges heat with the submerged liquid during the flow. Since the temperature of the coolant is lower than that of the submerged liquid, it can carry away the heat of the submerged liquid, thus achieving the cooling of the submerged liquid.

[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The liquid-cooled unit has a container for holding coolant, and a level alarm component is connected inside the container. This component is designed to monitor the coolant level in real time. The liquid-cooled unit has a preset level alarm threshold; when the coolant level detected by the alarm component is lower than the threshold, an alarm signal is issued. This level alarm component is a device capable of real-time monitoring of the coolant level. It can utilize existing technology to monitor the coolant level in real time, alerting staff when the level is low, below the alarm threshold, and prompting them to add coolant appropriately.

[0040] Specifically, the liquid level alarm threshold can be preset and set appropriately according to actual conditions. The liquid level alarm component can be an audible and visual alarm, capable of generating audible and visual alarm signals.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The cold plate box 1 has a cavity inside suitable for coolant circulation. A coolant inlet 7 and a coolant outlet 8 connect to both ends of the cavity, allowing the coolant to circulate within it. This cavity allows coolant to pass through, and the flow path can be serpentine or other shapes to maximize contact between the coolant and the inner wall of the cold plate box 1. This increases the cooling range of the cold plate box 1, thus meeting the cooling requirements of the immersion liquid. The heat generated by the battery cell module 4 is first transferred to the immersion liquid and then carried away by the coolant through the cold plate box 1. The overall immersion effect of the immersion liquid ensures the temperature consistency of the battery cell module 4 and its fire safety reliability. During this process, the BMS system uses temperature sensors to collect the temperature of the immersion liquid at different locations in real time, determines the temperature difference between areas, and intelligently adjusts the cooling temperature of the liquid chiller and the flow rate of the coolant based on the temperature and temperature difference, ensuring the temperature of the immersion liquid and the temperature of each area.

[0042] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The wall thickness of the cold plate box 1 is 1.2mm, that is, there is a 1.2mm thick metal plate between the immersion liquid and the coolant. This metal plate is the upper wall thickness of the cold plate box 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 Two sets of explosion-proof valves 9 are spaced apart on the upper end of the upper cover 3. When the battery cell module 4 experiences thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valves 9 open to release the gas generated by the runaway battery cell module 4. The upper cover 3 and the lower shell 2 are connected by bolts. A sealing element (such as a sealing gasket) can be installed between them to achieve a sealing effect, so that the lower shell 2 and the upper cover 3 form a whole, and the immersion liquid can submerge the battery cell module 4. An immersion liquid injection port 10 is provided on the side of the lower shell 2 to add immersion liquid into the interior. There are two immersion liquid injection ports 10, arranged vertically. In this embodiment, the explosion-proof valves 9 can automatically open when the pressure exceeds the threshold, thereby releasing gas and preventing excessive internal pressure from damaging the housing structure or causing other risks. The outer wall of the battery cell module 4 is spaced apart from the lower shell 2 to facilitate the immersion of the battery cell module 4 by the immersion liquid.

[0044] The immersion liquid used in this embodiment has the characteristics of high thermal stability and good heat dissipation, low viscosity, excellent thermal flow performance, high compatibility, resistance to micro-water and partial discharge, stable chemical structure, and non-toxicity and non-corrosiveness.

[0045] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The immersion liquid level is higher than the top of the battery cell module 4 to isolate the battery cell module 4 from air. The immersion liquid level is approximately 30mm higher than the top of the battery cell module 4. Sealing layers are provided between the lower shell 2 and the upper cover 3 and the cold plate box 1, respectively. These sealing layers provide a sealing effect to prevent leakage.

[0046] The submersible energy storage battery enclosure disclosed in this application has the following advantages:

[0047] 1) It has good temperature uniformity, direct cooling of the immersion liquid, high heat carrying capacity, and fast heat transfer speed. It can control the temperature difference between cells to less than 2℃ and control the temperature rise of the battery system to within 5℃. It can effectively suppress battery thermal runaway, improve the usable capacity of the battery, and extend the service life of the battery cluster.

[0048] 2) The battery cell is completely immersed in a high-boiling-point immersion liquid and is completely isolated from the air. Even if the battery cell experiences a short circuit due to accidental reasons, resulting in thermal runaway, it will not catch fire or explode, making it suitable for areas with high safety requirements.

[0049] 3) Monitor the conductivity of the immersion liquid in real time to prevent the immersion liquid from deteriorating due to long-term use, which could affect system safety.

[0050] 4) This application facilitates the immersion effect, has a relatively simple structure, and has a low manufacturing cost.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A submersible energy storage battery housing, characterized in that, include: The cold plate box has a closed internal cavity that is suitable for circulating coolant. The lower shell has an open top and is connected to the top wall of the cold plate box. The interior of the lower shell is used to accommodate the battery cell module and the immersion liquid. The immersion liquid is suitable for immersing the battery cell module, and the heat of the immersion liquid is conducted to the cold plate box. The upper cover is connected to the upper end of the lower shell and is adapted to cover the opening of the lower shell so that the upper cover, the lower shell and the cold plate box form a closed cavity; The coolant flowing inside the cold plate box is adapted to exchange heat with the immersion liquid, thereby cooling the immersion liquid.

2. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A conductivity meter is connected inside the lower shell. The conductivity meter is suitable for measuring the conductivity of the immersion liquid in real time. The conductivity meter is electrically connected to the battery management system.

3. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is connected inside the lower housing. The temperature sensor is adapted to measure the temperature of the immersion liquid in real time. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the battery management system.

4. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature sensors are multiple and are respectively located at different positions inside the lower shell. The multiple temperature sensors are adapted to measure the temperature of the immersion liquid at different positions inside the lower shell.

5. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold plate box has a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. Both the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are connected to a liquid cooling unit via pipelines. The liquid cooling unit is adapted to drive the coolant to circulate between the cold plate box, the pipelines, and the liquid cooling unit.

6. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid cooling unit has a container for holding coolant, and a liquid level alarm component is connected inside the container. The liquid level alarm component is adapted to monitor the coolant level in real time. The liquid cooling unit has a preset liquid level alarm threshold. When the coolant level monitored by the liquid level alarm component is lower than the liquid level alarm threshold, an alarm signal is issued.

7. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cold plate box has a cavity inside suitable for coolant circulation. The coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are respectively connected to the two ends of the cavity, and the coolant circulates within the cavity.

8. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing layer is provided between the lower shell and the upper cover and the cold plate box, respectively.

9. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover is connected to an explosion-proof valve. When the battery cell module experiences thermal runaway, the explosion-proof valve opens to release the gas generated by the runaway battery cell module.

10. The submersible energy storage battery housing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The immersion liquid level is higher than the top of the battery cell module to isolate the battery cell module from air.

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