Interchangeable liquid-cooled and refrigerant-cooled battery thermal management devices and battery packs

Abstract

This utility model discloses a battery thermal management device and battery pack with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling, relating to the field of battery technology. The battery thermal management device includes a battery box and a cooling module. The bottom side wall of the battery box has an installation compartment. The cooling module is detachably installed in the installation compartment and includes cooling pipes and a pipe fixing structure. The cooling pipes are configured to selectively connect to a liquid cooling circulation system or a refrigerant direct cooling system. The cooling pipes are in contact with the top surface of the installation compartment. The pipe fixing structure is used to constrain the cooling pipes into a single structure. This utility model discloses a battery thermal management device that, through a modular and detachable cooling design, achieves compatibility and interchangeability between liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling modes, solving the technical problems of traditional battery thermal management systems having a single cooling mode and difficult maintenance. This solution effectively isolates the cooling system from the battery body, ensuring thermal management efficiency while improving system safety and maintainability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery thermal management device and battery pack that can interchange liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, power battery systems generally employ a bottom liquid cooling plate for thermal management, with coolant circulating inside the plate to remove heat generated by the battery through heat exchange. However, this design has significant drawbacks: the liquid cooling plate is typically integrated and fixed to the battery system, making it difficult to repair or replace independently in case of leakage or damage. Often, the entire battery pack needs to be disassembled, resulting in high maintenance costs and low efficiency. Furthermore, liquid cooling systems have poor compatibility and cannot be flexibly adjusted to suit different vehicle models or cooling requirements.

[0003] Refrigerant direct cooling technology cools the battery by having the refrigerant directly contact it, offering advantages such as higher heat exchange efficiency and lighter weight. However, existing battery systems are typically not directly compatible with refrigerant direct cooling. Switching from liquid cooling to refrigerant direct cooling often requires significant modifications to the battery structure, increasing development costs and time. Traditional designs struggle to meet the demands for rapid disassembly and interchangeability.

[0004] With the development of the new energy vehicle market, the requirements for battery cooling methods are becoming increasingly diversified across different vehicle models. However, existing thermal management systems lack modular design, resulting in poor product scalability and high costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a thermal management solution that is compatible with both liquid cooling and direct refrigerant cooling and supports rapid interchangeability to improve the flexibility, maintainability, and economy of battery systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this utility model proposes a battery thermal management device and battery pack that can interchange liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling, which solves the technical problems of existing power battery thermal management systems being unable to flexibly switch cooling modes and being difficult to maintain and replace.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] On one hand, this utility model provides a battery thermal management device that allows for interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling, comprising:

[0008] A battery box, wherein the bottom of the side wall of the battery box has a mounting compartment;

[0009] A cooling module is detachably installed in the installation chamber. The cooling module includes cooling pipes and a pipe fixing structure. The cooling pipes are configured to be selectively connected to a liquid cooling circulation system or a refrigerant direct cooling system. The cooling pipes are in contact with the top surface of the installation chamber. The pipe fixing structure is used to constrain the cooling pipes into an integral structure.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the cooling pipes are arranged in a serpentine pattern on the same horizontal plane, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the cooling pipes are located on the same side.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the pipeline fixing structure includes multiple spaced upper fixing plates, which are distributed along the length of the cooling pipeline and fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cooling pipeline, and the upper surface of the upper fixing plate is in contact with the top surface of the installation chamber.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the pipeline fixing structure includes multiple lower fixing plates, which are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cooling pipeline, and the lower fixing plates and the upper fixing plates are corresponding to each other, and the distance between the top surface of the upper fixing plate and the bottom surface of the lower fixing plate is adapted to the thickness of the installation chamber.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the pipeline fixing structure further includes a sealing plate, which is vertically arranged at the inlet and outlet ends of the cooling pipeline, and the area of ​​the sealing plate is larger than the opening area of ​​the installation compartment.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, mounting holes are provided on both sides of the sealing plate along its length, and bolt holes that mate with the mounting holes are provided at the edge of the mounting compartment opening.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, a sealing ring is provided on the inner surface of the sealing plate facing the installation chamber, and the sealing ring is configured to form a sealed connection with the edge of the opening of the installation chamber when the sealing plate is installed.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, a heat-conducting layer is provided on the surface of the upper fixing plate or the inner top surface of the installation compartment.

[0017] Based on the above technical solution, preferably, the bottom of the side wall of the battery box is provided with multiple installation compartments at intervals, and each installation compartment is detachably installed with a cooling module.

[0018] Secondly, this utility model discloses a battery pack, including the battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in the first aspect.

[0019] The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0020] (1) The modular design achieves functional integration and structural optimization of the battery thermal management system. The battery box mounting compartment provides a standardized installation interface for the cooling module, enabling the system to have basic structural scalability. Through the modular and detachable design of the cooling module, the system achieves compatibility and interchangeability between liquid cooling and direct refrigerant cooling modes, solving the technical problems of single cooling mode and difficult maintenance in traditional battery thermal management systems. This solution effectively isolates the cooling system from the battery body, ensuring thermal management efficiency while improving system safety and maintainability.

[0021] (2) The upper surface of the upper fixing plate is in contact with the top surface of the installation chamber. This design achieves a dual function: on the one hand, through contact, the cooling pipes can improve the heat exchange area by means of good thermal contact between the upper fixing plate and the installation chamber, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency; on the other hand, it provides stable support for the entire cooling module and ensures the structural reliability of the module under vibration and other working conditions.

[0022] (3) By setting multiple mounting compartments at intervals at the bottom of the battery box side wall, with each mounting compartment independently installing a cooling module, the spaced mounting compartments ensure the overall strength of the box structure, avoid stress concentration, and maintain the stability of the battery box when subjected to mechanical loads. The design of each mounting compartment independently installing a cooling module realizes the complete modularization of the thermal management system. This arrangement allows for differentiated thermal management for different temperature zones of the battery pack, and when a local cooling module fails, it can be replaced and repaired individually, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0023] (4) The battery pack integrates interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling battery thermal management devices, which realizes efficient and flexible thermal management capabilities. It can quickly switch between liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling modes according to different usage scenarios and operating conditions. At the same time, the modular design makes the cooling system maintenance more convenient, significantly improving the thermal management efficiency, safety and service life of the battery pack, and reducing the maintenance cost throughout the entire life cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling disclosed in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cooling module disclosed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Battery box; 11. Mounting compartment; 12. Bolt holes; 2. Cooling module; 21. Cooling pipes; 22. Pipe fixing structure; 211. Liquid inlet; 212. Liquid outlet; 221. Upper fixing plate; 222. Lower fixing plate; 223. Sealing plate; 2231. Mounting hole; 2232. Sealing ring; 2210. Thermal conductive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, combined with Figure 2 This utility model discloses a battery thermal management device that can interchange liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling, including a battery box 1 and a cooling module 2.

[0031] The battery box 1, as the main body of the battery pack, is used to install individual batteries. In this embodiment, the bottom side wall of the battery box 1 has a mounting compartment 11, which is open at one end. The mounting compartment 11 provides installation space for the cooling module 2, realizing physical isolation between the cooling system and the battery body. This structure ensures the removability of the cooling module 2 and avoids the direct impact of cooling medium leakage on the battery body. The standardized design of the mounting compartment 11 provides the basic conditions for rapid switching between different cooling modes.

[0032] It is worth noting that the installation compartment 11 is set at the bottom of the side wall of the battery box 1, which can avoid occupying too much space inside the battery box 1. At the same time, the cooling module 2 in the installation compartment 11 can realize heat exchange of the individual batteries inside the battery box 1.

[0033] The cooling module 2 adopts a modular design concept. Its detachable feature directly solves the problem of difficult maintenance of traditional fixed cooling systems. When replacement or repair is required, only the cooling module 2 needs to be operated, without disassembling the entire battery system. This design significantly improves the maintainability and economic efficiency of the system.

[0034] The cooling module 2 in this embodiment includes a cooling pipe 21 and a pipe fixing structure 22. The cooling pipe 21 serves as the direct carrier for heat exchange, and its contact design with the top surface of the mounting chamber 11 ensures an efficient heat conduction path. The pipe has the dual function of connecting the liquid cooling circulation system and the refrigerant direct cooling system. This compatible design enables flexible switching of cooling modes and meets the thermal management requirements under different operating conditions.

[0035] When switching is required, simply connect the corresponding liquid cooling circulation system and refrigerant direct cooling system to the inlet and outlet of the cooling pipe 21 at the vehicle end, which is simple and convenient.

[0036] The main function of the pipe fixing structure 22 is to maintain the integrity and structural stability of the cooling pipes 21. By constraining the dispersed pipes into an integral structure, it ensures both the standardization of the pipe layout and the matching accuracy with the installation chamber 11. This fixing method provides a structural basis for the overall assembly and disassembly of the cooling module 2.

[0037] Modular design achieves functional integration and structural optimization of the battery thermal management system. The mounting compartment 11 of battery box 1 provides a standardized installation interface for cooling module 2, enabling basic structural scalability. The detachable design of cooling module 2 allows for compatibility and interchangeability between liquid cooling and direct refrigerant cooling modes, solving the technical problems of traditional battery thermal management systems' single cooling mode and difficult maintenance. This solution effectively isolates the cooling system from the battery body, ensuring thermal management efficiency while improving system safety and maintainability.

[0038] In some implementations, the cooling pipes 21 are arranged in a serpentine coil on the same horizontal plane. This structure significantly increases the effective heat exchange area of ​​the pipes within a limited space, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The serpentine coil structure allows the cooling medium to flow evenly throughout the entire cooling area, avoiding the problems of localized overheating or uneven cooling that may occur with traditional straight pipes.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inlet 211 and outlet 212 of the cooling pipe 21 are arranged on the same side, simplifying the external pipe connection structure and reducing pipe crossings and space occupation. This structural arrangement makes the installation and disassembly of the cooling module 2 more convenient, especially when replacement or maintenance is required, as pipe connection or disconnection can be performed only from one side. The same-side arrangement also reduces the complexity of the pipe layout, which is conducive to the standardization and serialization design of the cooling module 2.

[0040] In some implementations, the pipe fixing structure 22 includes multiple spaced upper fixing plates 221, which are distributed along the length of the cooling pipe 21 and fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cooling pipe 21. This connection method is direct and effective, reliably restraining the serpentine cooling pipe 21 and preventing displacement or deformation of the pipe during use. The fixing connection can be achieved by welding, bolting, or other methods to ensure the strength and durability of the connection.

[0041] The upper surface of the upper fixing plate 221 contacts and fits with the inner top surface of the mounting chamber 11. This design achieves a dual function: on the one hand, through contact, the cooling pipe 21 can improve the heat exchange area and thus improve the heat conduction efficiency by means of good thermal contact between the upper fixing plate 221 and the mounting chamber 11; on the other hand, it provides stable support for the entire cooling module 2, ensuring the structural reliability of the module under conditions such as vibration.

[0042] The optimized design of the upper fixing plate 221 improves the structural stability and heat transfer performance of the cooling pipes 21. The spaced arrangement of the upper fixing plates 221 ensures the reliability of pipe fixing while avoiding negative impacts on heat exchange performance. The contact fit design between the upper fixing plate 221 and the mounting chamber 11 ensures a good heat transfer path and mechanical support, enabling the entire cooling module 2 to maintain its detachable characteristics while having better structural strength and thermal management performance.

[0043] As one implementation, a heat-conducting layer 2210 is provided on the surface of the upper fixing plate 221 or the inner top surface of the mounting chamber 11, which significantly improves the heat transfer efficiency of the system. This design optimizes the heat transfer characteristics of the contact interface, so that the cooling module 2 can achieve a qualitative improvement in thermal management capability while maintaining its original mechanical performance and interchangeability.

[0044] In some implementations, the pipe fixing structure 22 includes multiple lower fixing plates 222, which are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cooling pipe 21, and the lower fixing plates 222 and the upper fixing plates 221 are vertically corresponding. This double-sided fixing design significantly enhances the overall rigidity of the cooling pipe 21, and is particularly suitable for pipe systems with serpentine coiling arrangements.

[0045] The distance between the top surface of the upper fixing plate 221 and the bottom surface of the lower fixing plate 222 is adapted to the thickness of the mounting chamber 11. This dimensional fit ensures that the cooling module 2 can be installed tightly and securely in the predetermined position. The adaptable design not only ensures the convenience of installation, but also ensures good contact between the module and the mounting chamber 11, which is beneficial to heat conduction and mechanical stability.

[0046] By adding a lower fixing plate 222 and optimizing the fit between the upper and lower fixing plates 222, the structural integrity and installation reliability of the cooling module 2 are further improved. The double-sided fixing design effectively constrains the cooling pipes 21, enhancing vibration and deformation resistance; the spacing adaptation design ensures precise fit between the module and the mounting compartment 11, facilitating both disassembly and assembly while maintaining stability. These improvements enable the cooling module 2 to maintain interchangeability while possessing better mechanical properties and thermal management reliability.

[0047] As one embodiment, the pipeline fixing structure 22 also includes a sealing plate 223, which is vertically disposed at the ends of the inlet 211 and outlet 212 of the cooling pipeline 21, and the area of ​​the sealing plate 223 is larger than the opening area of ​​the mounting chamber 11.

[0048] By setting the sealing plate 223, the sealing plate 223 can block the opening of the installation chamber 11 after the entire cooling module 2 is inserted into the installation chamber 11, thereby limiting the insertion stroke of the cooling module 2 in the installation chamber 11. At the same time, it is convenient to pull the entire cooling module 2 out of the installation chamber 11 by pulling the sealing plate 223 during disassembly.

[0049] To ensure reliable fixation of the cooling module 2 within the mounting chamber 11, this embodiment provides mounting holes 2231 on both sides of the sealing plate 223 along its length, and bolt holes 12 that mate with the mounting holes 2231 are provided at the edge of the opening of the mounting chamber 11. With this configuration, once the cooling module 2 is installed in place within the mounting chamber 11, the inner side of the sealing plate 223 and the outer side of the opening of the mounting chamber 11 are fitted together. Bolts are inserted into the mounting holes 2231 and locked in place with the bolt holes 12, effectively fixing the cooling module 2 within the mounting chamber 11.

[0050] As one embodiment, a sealing ring 2232 is provided on the inner surface of the sealing plate 223 facing the mounting chamber 11. The sealing ring 2232 is configured to form a sealing connection with the edge of the opening of the mounting chamber 11 when the sealing plate 223 is installed. With this configuration, the sealing ring 2232 can achieve a seal between the sealing plate 223 and the opening of the mounting chamber 11, effectively preventing coolant leakage and the intrusion of external contaminants.

[0051] As one implementation, the bottom side wall of the battery box 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting compartments 11 at intervals, and a cooling module 2 is detachably installed in each mounting compartment 11.

[0052] This design ensures the overall strength of the enclosure structure while providing independent installation space for each cooling module 2 by maintaining reasonable spacing. The spaced arrangement avoids stress concentration, enabling the battery box 1 to maintain stability under mechanical loads, and also creates conditions for thermal management zone control.

[0053] The design of each mounting compartment 11 independently installing a cooling module 2 achieves complete modularity of the thermal management system. This arrangement allows for differentiated thermal management for different temperature zones of the battery pack, and when a local cooling module 2 fails, it can be replaced and repaired individually, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0054] This embodiment also discloses a battery pack, including the battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in the above embodiments.

[0055] The battery pack disclosed in this embodiment achieves efficient and flexible thermal management capabilities by integrating the interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling battery thermal management device. It can quickly switch between liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling modes according to different usage scenarios and operating conditions. At the same time, the modular design makes the cooling system maintenance more convenient, significantly improving the thermal management efficiency, safety and service life of the battery pack, and reducing the maintenance cost throughout the entire life cycle.

[0056] 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, improvements, etc., 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 battery thermal management device that allows for interchangeable liquid cooling and direct refrigerant cooling, characterized in that, include: Battery box (1), the bottom of the side wall of the battery box (1) has a mounting compartment (11); The cooling module (2) is detachably installed in the installation chamber (11). The cooling module (2) includes a cooling pipe (21) and a pipe fixing structure (22). The cooling pipe (21) is configured to be selectively connected to a liquid cooling circulation system or a refrigerant direct cooling system. The cooling pipe (21) is in contact with the top surface inside the installation chamber (11). The pipe fixing structure (22) is used to constrain the cooling pipe (21) into an integral structure.

2. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling pipes (21) are arranged in a serpentine pattern on the same horizontal plane, and the inlet (211) and outlet (212) of the cooling pipes (21) are located on the same side.

3. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The pipeline fixing structure (22) includes multiple spaced upper fixing plates (221). The upper fixing plates (221) are distributed along the length of the cooling pipeline (21) and fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cooling pipeline (21). The upper surface of the upper fixing plate (221) is in contact with the top surface inside the installation chamber (11).

4. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The pipeline fixing structure (22) includes multiple lower fixing plates (222), which are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the cooling pipeline (21). The lower fixing plates (222) and the upper fixing plates (221) are vertically aligned, and the distance between the top surface of the upper fixing plate (221) and the bottom surface of the lower fixing plate (222) is adapted to the thickness of the installation chamber (11).

5. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The pipeline fixing structure (22) also includes a sealing plate (223), which is vertically arranged at the end of the liquid inlet (211) and liquid outlet (212) of the cooling pipeline (21), and the area of ​​the sealing plate (223) is larger than the opening area of ​​the installation chamber (11).

6. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing plate (223) has mounting holes (2231) on both sides along its length, and the mounting chamber (11) has bolt holes (12) at the edge of its opening that mate with the mounting holes (2231).

7. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The sealing plate (223) has a sealing ring (2232) on its inner surface facing the installation chamber (11). The sealing ring (2232) is configured to form a sealed connection with the edge of the opening of the installation chamber (11) when the sealing plate (223) is installed.

8. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A heat-conducting layer (2210) is provided on the surface of the upper fixing plate (221) or the inner top surface of the mounting compartment (11).

9. The battery thermal management device with interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery box (1) has multiple mounting compartments (11) spaced apart on the bottom of its side wall, and each mounting compartment (11) has a cooling module (2) detachably installed in it.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery thermal management device includes the interchangeable liquid cooling and refrigerant direct cooling as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images