Cold plate structure and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of automobiles and discloses a cold plate structure and a vehicle, wherein the cold plate structure comprises a bottom plate and a cover plate, a refrigerant channel and a liquid channel which are independent of each other are formed between the cover plate and the bottom plate, the liquid channel is located at the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel, the liquid channel comprises an end heating section located at the end of the bottom plate and a side heating section located at the side of the bottom plate, the flow area of the side heating section is greater than that of the end heating section, and then when the battery pack is heated, the high-temperature liquid is mainly concentrated on the side of the battery pack, so that the heating efficiency of the side of the battery pack is improved, and since the liquid channel is located at the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel, when the battery module is cooled, the refrigerant is mainly concentrated in the center of the battery pack, so that the cooling efficiency of the center of the battery pack is improved, and the performance of the battery pack is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of automobiles, specifically relating to a cold plate structure and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of new energy vehicles, the battery pack's operating temperature directly affects its performance and lifespan. Therefore, new energy vehicles are generally equipped with a thermal management system to cool the battery pack when its operating temperature is above the optimal temperature range and heat it when its operating temperature is below the optimal temperature range, thereby ensuring the battery pack operates within the optimal temperature range, guaranteeing its performance, and extending its lifespan.

[0003] Direct cooling technology is a highly efficient battery thermal management method. It absorbs or releases heat through phase changes in the cooling medium, thereby controlling the temperature of the battery pack. However, heating the battery pack using direct cooling technology requires the addition of a heat pump or a heating film inside the battery pack, which increases the vehicle's production cost. To reduce production costs, a new type of cold plate structure has emerged, featuring both direct cooling and liquid cooling channels. The direct cooling channel is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system, allowing refrigerant to enter and absorb heat from the battery pack for cooling. The liquid cooling channel is connected to the vehicle's liquid temperature management system to maintain the temperature... Cooling is achieved by allowing cooler liquid to enter the liquid cooling channel to absorb heat from the battery pack, or by allowing warmer liquid to enter the liquid cooling channel to transfer heat to the battery pack. Because the sides of the battery pack are close to the outside of the vehicle, the temperature on the sides is lower than that at the center. This results in the heating requirement for the sides being greater than the heating requirement for the center, or the cooling requirement for the center being greater than the cooling requirement for the sides. However, since the existing direct cooling channels and liquid cooling channels are evenly distributed, the heating efficiency for the sides or the cooling efficiency for the center are relatively low, which in turn affects the performance of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a cold plate structure to improve the heating efficiency of the battery pack side or the cooling efficiency of the battery pack center, so as to ensure the performance of the battery pack.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] A cold plate structure includes a base plate and a cover plate disposed on the base plate. An independent refrigerant channel and a liquid channel are formed between the cover plate and the base plate. The liquid channel is located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel. The liquid channel includes an end heating section located at the end of the base plate and a side heating section located on the side of the base plate. The flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, when using the cold plate structure in this application, the cold plate structure is installed on the vehicle body, and the cover plate or bottom plate contacts the battery pack. The refrigerant pipes of the vehicle's air conditioning system are connected to the refrigerant passage, and the vehicle's liquid temperature management system is connected to the liquid passage. When the battery pack temperature is high and cooling is required, the refrigerant from the air conditioning system enters the refrigerant passage, causing the phase of the refrigerant to change in the refrigerant passage to absorb the heat of the battery pack, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the battery pack. Alternatively, the low-temperature liquid from the liquid temperature management system enters the liquid passage, allowing the liquid to absorb the heat of the battery pack, thereby achieving cooling of the battery pack. When the cooling demand of the battery pack is small, either liquid cooling or refrigerant cooling can be selected. When the cooling demand of the battery pack is large, a combination of liquid cooling and refrigerant cooling can be selected. When the battery pack temperature is low and heating is required, the high-temperature liquid from the liquid temperature management system enters the liquid passage, allowing the liquid to transfer heat to the battery pack, thereby raising the temperature of the battery pack and completing the heating of the battery pack.

[0008] Because the liquid channel in this application is located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel, and the flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than that of the end heating section, on the one hand, when heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid is mainly concentrated on the side of the cold plate structure, thereby achieving rapid heating of the battery pack's sides and improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack's sides. At the same time, the heat from the battery pack's sides is transferred to the center of the battery pack to achieve heating of the battery pack's center, thus achieving heating of the entire battery pack. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack, the refrigerant is mainly concentrated in the central area of ​​the cold plate structure to achieve rapid cooling of the battery pack's center, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack's center. Furthermore, the liquid channel located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel can cool the sides of the battery pack through the low-temperature liquid, thereby achieving cooling of the entire battery pack.

[0009] In summary, the cold plate structure in this application enables rapid heating of the battery pack sides and accelerated cooling of the battery pack center, ensuring that the temperature throughout the battery pack remains as consistent as possible, thereby guaranteeing the performance of the battery pack.

[0010] Optionally, the end heating section includes an end flow channel, and the side heating section includes a side flow channel. The width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, so that the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, since the width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, on the one hand, the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section, and on the other hand, the contact area between the liquid and the channel wall of the side channel section is increased, so as to increase the heat exchange area between the liquid and the channel wall, thereby increasing the temperature of the cold plate structure and improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack.

[0012] Optionally, the end heating section includes a first end heating section and a second end heating section opposite to the first end heating section. The first end heating section includes an inlet section and an outlet section. The side heating section includes a first side heating section and a second side heating section opposite to the first side heating section. The two ends of the first side heating section are respectively connected to the inlet section and the second end heating section. The two ends of the second side heating section are respectively connected to the second end heating section and the outlet section.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid in the liquid temperature management system enters the inlet section, the liquid in the inlet section enters the first side heating section, the liquid in the first side heating section enters the second end heating section, the liquid in the second end heating section enters the second side heating section and is finally discharged through the outlet section. As the high-temperature liquid flows in the liquid channel, it transfers heat to the battery pack, thereby raising the temperature of the battery pack and completing the heating of the battery pack. However, because the end of the cold plate structure avoids the battery pack during battery pack installation, and the flow area of ​​the end heating section is smaller than that of the side heating section, the liquid, when flowing in the liquid channel, first decelerates in the first side heating section, then accelerates in the second end heating section, then decelerates again in the second side heating section, and finally accelerates before being discharged in the outlet section. This allows the heat of the liquid to be mainly concentrated on the side of the cold plate structure, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the liquid heat and ensuring the heating effect of the battery pack.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid heat channel is made into a symmetrical structure to reduce the molding difficulty of the liquid channel, thereby reducing the production cost of the cold plate structure and improving the production efficiency of the cold plate structure.

[0015] Optionally, the refrigerant channel includes a first direct cooling section, a second direct cooling section, and a refrigerant outlet section connecting the first direct cooling section and the second direct cooling section.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, when cooling the battery pack, the refrigerant enters the first and second direct cooling sections. This allows the refrigerant to flow along these sections, absorbing heat from the battery pack and undergoing a phase change within each section. Finally, the refrigerant collects at the outlet section and is discharged, thus completing the cooling of the battery pack. In other words, the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel through two flow channels and exits through one, thereby slowing down the flow rate in the first and second direct cooling sections. This increases the refrigerant's flow time within the refrigerant channel, significantly improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.

[0017] In addition, the refrigerant channel can be made into a symmetrical structure, which reduces the molding difficulty of the refrigerant channel, thereby reducing the production cost of the cold plate structure and improving the production efficiency of the cold plate structure.

[0018] Optionally, the first direct cooling section and / or the second direct cooling section includes a refrigerant inlet section and a refrigerant turnaround section, one end of the refrigerant turnaround section being connected to the refrigerant inlet section, and the other end of the refrigerant turnaround section extending in an "S" shape toward the refrigerant outlet section and being connected to the refrigerant outlet section.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, since one end of the refrigerant fold-back section is connected to the refrigerant inlet section, and the other end of the refrigerant fold-back section extends in an "S" shape towards the refrigerant outlet section and is connected to the refrigerant outlet section, the length of the refrigerant channel is increased, thereby increasing the flow time of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel and thus increasing the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack. This greatly improves the cooling effect on the battery pack. At the same time, it makes the refrigerant channel more evenly distributed on the base plate, so that the heat distribution of the battery pack is more uniform, thereby further ensuring the performance of the battery pack.

[0020] Optionally, the flow area of ​​the refrigerant foldback section is larger than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, since the flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section is larger than that of the refrigerant inlet section, the flow velocity of the refrigerant after entering the refrigerant turnaround section from the refrigerant inlet section will be reduced, thereby increasing the flow time of the refrigerant in the refrigerant turnaround section. This increases the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack, thus improving the cooling effect on the battery pack. At the same time, since the refrigerant enters the refrigerant turnaround section through the refrigerant inlet section, and the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet section is lower than that in the refrigerant turnaround section, the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack can be guaranteed by reducing the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the refrigerant turnaround section. This ensures that the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack in the refrigerant inlet section is as equal as possible to the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack in the refrigerant turnaround section, thereby making the heat distribution of the battery pack more uniform.

[0022] Optionally, the refrigerant inlet section includes a refrigerant inlet channel, the refrigerant bend section includes a refrigerant bend channel, the width of the refrigerant inlet channel is equal to the width of the refrigerant bend channel, and the number of refrigerant bend channels is greater than the number of refrigerant inlet channels, so that the flow area of ​​the refrigerant bend section is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, since the width of the refrigerant inlet channel is equal to the width of the refrigerant folding channel, and the number of refrigerant folding channels is greater than the number of refrigerant inlet channels, on the one hand, the flow area of ​​the refrigerant folding section is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section, so that the flow velocity of the refrigerant after entering the DC folding section will be reduced, thereby increasing the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack. On the other hand, the contact area between the refrigerant and the refrigerant channel is increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack, and thus improving the cooling effect on the battery pack.

[0024] Optionally, the base plate has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the refrigerant inlet section is located at the first end, the tail end of the refrigerant inlet section is located at the second end, and the refrigerant outlet section is located at the first end.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, since the first end of the refrigerant inlet section is located at the first end, the last end of the refrigerant inlet section is located at the second end, and the refrigerant outlet section is located at the first end, the position where the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel and the position where the refrigerant exits the refrigerant channel are both located at the first end. That is, the positions where the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel and the positions where the refrigerant exits the refrigerant channel are both located at the same end of the base plate. On the one hand, this facilitates the connection between the refrigerant channel and the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioning system, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the cold plate structure. On the other hand, it allows the refrigerant to be coupled at its lowest and highest temperatures in the refrigerant channel, thereby further improving the uniformity of heat distribution in the battery pack and the cooling effect on the battery pack.

[0026] Optionally, the width of the liquid channel is greater than the width of the refrigerant channel, and the width D1 of the liquid channel and the width D2 of the refrigerant channel satisfy: 8 / 25≤D2 / D1≤13 / 15.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, since the width D1 of the liquid channel and the width D2 of the refrigerant channel satisfy: 8 / 25≤D2 / D1≤13 / 15, on the one hand, the pressure of the liquid in the liquid channel and the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel can be guaranteed, so as to guarantee the flow speed of the liquid in the liquid channel and the flow speed of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel, thereby ensuring the heating and cooling effect of the battery pack. On the other hand, the smoothness of the flow of the liquid in the liquid channel and the smoothness of the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel can be guaranteed.

[0028] Optionally, the sum of the channel area A1 of the liquid channel and the channel area A2 of the refrigerant channel is A, where A and A1 satisfy: 0.3≤A1 / A≤0.4.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, since the temperature of the battery pack will increase with the continuous increase of driving mileage, the cooling demand of the battery pack will be greater than the heating demand of the battery pack. By setting A and A1 to satisfy: 0.3≤A1 / A≤0.4, the cooling effect of the battery pack can be guaranteed while ensuring the heating effect of the battery pack.

[0030] This application also discloses a vehicle for improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack side and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack center, so as to ensure the performance of the battery pack.

[0031] A vehicle includes a battery pack and a cold plate structure as described above, wherein the cover or the bottom plate contacts the battery pack.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the vehicle in this application uses the aforementioned cold plate structure, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack side and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack center, so as to ensure the performance of the battery pack.

[0033] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0034] 1. The cold plate structure in this application includes a base plate and a cover plate disposed on the base plate. Independent refrigerant channels and liquid channels are formed between the cover plate and the base plate. The liquid channels are located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channels and include an end heating section at the end of the base plate and a side heating section on the side of the base plate. The flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than that of the end heating section. On the one hand, when heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid is mainly concentrated on the side of the cold plate structure, thereby achieving rapid heating of the battery pack's sides and improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack's sides. Simultaneously, the heat from the battery pack's sides is transferred to the center of the battery pack, achieving heating of the battery pack's center, and thus achieving heating of the entire battery pack. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack, the refrigerant is mainly concentrated in the central area of ​​the cold plate structure, achieving rapid cooling of the battery pack's center, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack's center. Furthermore, the liquid channels located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channels can cool the sides of the battery pack through low-temperature liquid, thereby achieving cooling of the entire battery pack.

[0035] 2. The end heating section in this application includes an end flow channel and the side heating section includes a side flow channel. The width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, so that the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section. In addition, the contact area between the liquid and the channel wall of the side channel section is increased to increase the heat exchange area between the liquid and the channel wall, thereby increasing the temperature of the cold plate structure and improving the heating efficiency of the battery pack.

[0036] 3. The end heating section in this application includes a first end heating section and a second end heating section opposite to the first end heating section. The first end heating section includes an inlet section and an outlet section. The side heating section includes a first side heating section and a second side heating section opposite to the first side heating section. The two ends of the first side heating section are respectively connected to the inlet section and the second end heating section. The two ends of the second side heating section are respectively connected to the second end heating section and the outlet section. When heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid in the liquid temperature management system enters the inlet section. The liquid entering the inlet section enters the first side heating section. The liquid entering the first side heating section enters the second end heating section. The liquid entering the second end heating section enters the second side heating section and is finally discharged through the outlet section. When the high-temperature liquid flows in the liquid channel, it transfers heat to the battery pack, thereby raising the temperature of the battery pack and completing the heating of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cold plate structure described in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cold plate structure described in one embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base plate described in one embodiment of this application. The dashed arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow.

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle; the dashed arrows in the figure indicate the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cold plate structure described in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the vehicle described in one embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1. Base plate; 2. Cover plate; 21. Pipe joint; 211. Reinforcing ring; 3. Refrigerant channel; 31. First direct cooling section; 311. Refrigerant inlet section; 312. Refrigerant folding section; 313. Refrigerant inlet; 32. Second direct cooling section; 33. Refrigerant outlet section; 331. Refrigerant outlet; 4. Liquid channel; 41. First end heating section; 411. Liquid inlet section; 412. Liquid outlet section; 413. Liquid inlet; 414. Liquid outlet; 42. Second end heating section; 43. First side heating section; 44. Second side heating section; 5. Battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "implementation," "example," "a particular embodiment," "example," or "specific example," etc., indicate that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 5 A cold plate structure is disclosed, which includes a base plate 1 and a cover plate 2 disposed on the base plate 1. A refrigerant channel 3 and a liquid channel 4 are formed between the cover plate 2 and the base plate 1. The liquid channel 4 is located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel 3. The liquid channel 4 includes an end heating section located at the end of the base plate 1 and a side heating section located on the side of the base plate 1. The flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

[0052] It is understood that the base plate 1 or cover plate 2 is provided with a refrigerant inlet 313 connected to the first end of the refrigerant channel 3, a refrigerant outlet 331 connected to the last end of the refrigerant channel 3, a liquid inlet 413 connected to the first end of the liquid channel 4, and a liquid outlet 414 connected to the last end of the liquid channel 4.

[0053] When using the cold plate structure of this application, the cold plate structure is first installed on the vehicle body, while the cover plate 2 or the bottom plate 1 contacts the battery pack. The refrigerant pipeline of the vehicle's air conditioning system is connected to the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 331, and the vehicle's liquid temperature management system is connected to the liquid inlet 413 and the liquid outlet 414. When the battery pack temperature is high and cooling is required, the refrigerant of the air conditioning system enters the refrigerant channel 3 through the refrigerant inlet 313, causing the phase state of the refrigerant to change in the refrigerant channel 3 to absorb the heat of the battery pack. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the air conditioning system through the refrigerant outlet 331 to achieve efficient cooling of the battery pack. Alternatively, the low-temperature liquid in the liquid temperature management system enters the liquid channel 4 to allow the low-temperature liquid to cool the battery pack. The liquid flows in the liquid channel 4 and absorbs the heat of the battery pack to cool it. When the cooling requirement of the battery pack is small, either liquid cooling or refrigerant cooling can be used to cool the battery pack. Of course, refrigerant cooling is preferred. When the cooling requirement of the battery pack is large, a combination of liquid cooling and refrigerant cooling is preferred. When the battery pack temperature is low and needs to be heated, the high-temperature liquid in the liquid temperature management system enters the liquid channel 4 through the liquid inlet 413 and transfers heat to the battery pack to raise its temperature. The liquid that has completed the heat exchange returns to the liquid temperature management system through the liquid outlet 414 to complete the heating of the battery pack.

[0054] The cryogenic and hyperthermic liquids mentioned above refer to temperatures relative to the battery pack.

[0055] Because the liquid channel 4 in this application is located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel 3, and the flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than that of the end heating section, on the one hand, when heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid is mainly concentrated on the side of the cold plate structure, thereby achieving rapid heating of the side of the battery pack and improving the heating efficiency of the side of the battery pack. At the same time, the heat from the side of the battery pack is transferred to the center of the battery pack to achieve heating of the center of the battery pack, thereby achieving heating of the entire battery pack. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack, the refrigerant is mainly concentrated in the central area of ​​the cold plate structure to achieve rapid cooling of the center of the battery pack, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the center of the battery pack. Furthermore, the liquid channel 4 located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channel 3 can cool the side of the battery pack by injecting low-temperature liquid, thereby achieving cooling of the entire battery pack.

[0056] Furthermore, since the flow area of ​​the side heating section is larger than that of the end heating section, the flow velocity of the liquid will decrease after it enters the side heating section from the end heating section, thereby increasing the flow time of the liquid in the side heating section and further improving the heating effect on the side of the battery pack.

[0057] In summary, the cold plate structure in this application enables rapid heating of the battery pack sides and accelerated cooling of the battery pack center, ensuring that the temperature throughout the battery pack remains as consistent as possible, thereby guaranteeing the performance of the battery pack.

[0058] In addition, since the temperature in the central area of ​​the battery pack is higher than that on the sides, the liquid injected into the liquid channel 4 can also play a role in equalizing the temperature of the battery pack. In other words, the heat in the central area of ​​the battery pack is transferred outward through the liquid in the liquid channel 4, so that the temperature distribution of the entire battery pack is more uniform.

[0059] It should be noted that the "liquid temperature management system" mentioned above, for pure electric vehicles, can be the vehicle's motor cooling system, using the heat generated by the motor during vehicle operation to heat the battery pack or using the liquid cooled by the motor cooling system to cool the battery pack; for hybrid vehicles, it can be one or a combination of the vehicle's motor cooling system and engine cooling system, using the heat generated by the engine during vehicle operation to heat the battery pack or using the liquid cooled by the engine cooling system to cool the battery pack; it can also be a newly installed liquid temperature management system specifically serving the liquid channel 4 in the vehicle, which includes a reservoir for storing liquid, a transfer pump for pumping liquid, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater or heating wire for heating the liquid, and a radiator for cooling the liquid; it can even be a combination of one of the motor cooling system and the engine cooling system with the newly installed liquid temperature management system.

[0060] Furthermore, the cold plate structure in this application, by setting up independent refrigerant channels 3 and liquid channels 4, ensures efficient cooling of the battery pack using direct cooling while simultaneously heating the battery pack using liquid. This avoids the need to equip the vehicle with a heat pump or the battery pack with a heating film, thereby reducing the vehicle's production cost. Compared to the solution of using a heat pump to heat the battery pack, it reduces the vehicle's failure rate and maintenance difficulty, thus improving the user experience.

[0061] This application does not specifically limit the formation method of the refrigerant channel 3 and the liquid channel 4. Preferably, the base plate 1 is stamped to form a refrigerant tank and a liquid tank in the direction away from the cover plate 2. After the cover plate 2 is sealed and connected to the base plate 1, the refrigerant tank and the liquid tank respectively form the refrigerant channel 3 and the liquid channel 4 under the sealing effect of the cover plate 2. In other embodiments, the base plate 1 is stamped to form a recessed cavity in the direction away from the cover plate 2. The recessed cavity is provided with a flow-around rib that is sealed and connected to the base plate 1 and the cover plate 2. The flow-around rib makes the recessed cavity form an independent liquid channel 4 and a refrigerant channel 3. Of course, the refrigerant channel 3 and the liquid channel 4 can also be formed by the structure of the cover plate 2 being stamped and formed together with the base plate 1.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerant inlet 313, refrigerant outlet 331, liquid inlet 413, and liquid outlet 414 are all located on the cover plate 2, and each of the refrigerant inlet 313, refrigerant outlet 331, liquid inlet 413, and liquid outlet 414 is provided with a pipe connector 21 to facilitate the connection of the refrigerant channel 3 and the liquid channel 4 with the corresponding pipes of the vehicle, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the cold plate structure; at the same time, a reinforcing ring 211 is fitted on the outside of the pipe connector 21 and fixedly connected to the cover plate 2 to increase the connection stability between the pipe connector 21 and the cover plate 2.

[0063] Of course, in other embodiments, the refrigerant inlet 313, refrigerant outlet 331, liquid inlet 413 and liquid outlet 414 may all be located on the base plate 1.

[0064] This application does not specifically limit the formation method of the flow area of ​​the side heating section being greater than that of the end heating section. Preferably, the end heating section includes an end flow channel, the side heating section includes a side flow channel, the width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, so that the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than that of the end heating section.

[0065] It is understood that the height of the end flow channel is equal to the height of the side flow channel; that is, in this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than that of the end heating section by setting different numbers of flow channels.

[0066] Since the width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than that of the end heating section. On the other hand, the contact area between the liquid and the channel wall of the side channel section is increased, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the liquid and the channel wall and thus increasing the temperature of the cold plate structure to improve the heating efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, the structural strength of the base plate 1 is increased to increase the structural strength of the cold plate structure, thereby improving the service life of the cold plate structure.

[0067] In other implementation examples, the width of the side heating section may be greater than the width of the end heating section or the height of the side heating section may be greater than the height of the end heating section, so that the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

[0068] Furthermore, refer to Figure 3 The end heating section includes a first end heating section 41 and a second end heating section 42 opposite to the first end heating section 41. The first end heating section 41 includes an inlet section 411 and an outlet section 412. The side heating section includes a first side heating section 43 and a second side heating section 44 opposite to the first side heating section 43. The two ends of the first side heating section 43 are respectively connected to the inlet section 411 and the second end heating section 42. The two ends of the second side heating section 44 are respectively connected to the second end heating section 42 and the outlet section 412.

[0069] It is understandable that the liquid inlet 413 is located at the beginning of the liquid inlet section 411, and the liquid outlet 414 is located at the end of the liquid outlet section 412.

[0070] When heating the battery pack, the high-temperature liquid in the liquid temperature management system enters the inlet section 411 through the liquid inlet 413. The high-temperature liquid in the inlet section 411 then enters the first side heating section 43; the high-temperature liquid in the first side heating section 43 enters the second end heating section 42; the high-temperature liquid in the second end heating section 42 enters the second side heating section 44 and finally enters the outlet section 412. The liquid in the outlet section 412 is discharged through the liquid outlet 414 and returns to the liquid temperature management system. As the high-temperature liquid flows in the liquid channel 4, it transfers heat to the battery pack, thereby raising the temperature of the battery pack to complete the heating process. Heating of the battery pack; however, during battery pack installation, the end of the cold plate structure avoids the battery pack, and the flow area of ​​the end heating section is smaller than that of the side heating section. As a result, when the liquid flows in the liquid channel 4, it first decelerates in the first side heating section 43, then accelerates in the second end heating section 42, then decelerates in the second side heating section 44, and finally accelerates in the outlet section 412 before being discharged. This increases the flow time of the high-temperature liquid on the side of the battery pack, so that the heat of the high-temperature liquid is mainly concentrated on the side of the cold plate structure, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat of the high-temperature liquid and ensuring the heating effect of the battery pack.

[0071] Furthermore, the liquid channel 4 is designed to be symmetrical, thereby reducing the molding difficulty of the liquid channel 4, which in turn reduces the production cost of the cold plate structure and improves the production efficiency of the cold plate structure.

[0072] Specifically, the inlet section 411 and the outlet section 412 each have one end flow channel, the second end heating section 42 has two end flow channels, and the first side heating section 43 and the second side heating section 44 each have four side flow channels.

[0073] In other embodiments, the liquid channel 4 may also be a structure that extends circumferentially along the refrigerant channel 3 and then folds back to extend in the opposite direction along the refrigerant channel 3, so that the liquid outlet 414 is located near the liquid inlet 413, thereby facilitating the connection of the liquid channel 4 with the vehicle's liquid temperature management system.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refrigerant passage 3 includes a first direct cooling section 31, a second direct cooling section 32, and a refrigerant outlet section 33 connecting the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32.

[0075] It is understandable that the refrigerant outlet section 33 is connected to the tail end of the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32, the refrigerant inlet 313 is connected to the head end of the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32, and the refrigerant outlet 331 is connected to the tail end of the refrigerant outlet section 33.

[0076] When cooling the battery pack, the refrigerant enters the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32 through the refrigerant inlet 313. This allows the refrigerant to flow along the first and second direct cooling sections 31 and absorb heat from the battery pack, completing a phase change in the sections. Finally, the refrigerant collects at the refrigerant outlet section 33 and returns to the vehicle's air conditioning system via the refrigerant outlet 331, thus completing the cooling of the battery pack. Since the refrigerant inlet 313 connects to the beginning of the first and second direct cooling sections 31 and 32, and the refrigerant outlet 331 connects to the refrigerant outlet section 33, the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel 3 through two channels and exits through one channel. This slows down the flow rate of the refrigerant in the first and second direct cooling sections 31 and 32, increasing the flow time of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel 3 and significantly improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.

[0077] In addition, the refrigerant channel 3 can be made into a symmetrical structure to reduce the molding difficulty of the refrigerant channel 3, thereby reducing the production cost of the cold plate structure and improving the production efficiency of the cold plate structure.

[0078] This application does not specify the number of refrigerant inlets 313. Preferably, there are two refrigerant inlets 313 corresponding to the beginning of the first direct cooling section 31 and the beginning of the second direct cooling section 32. One refrigerant inlet 313 is connected to the beginning of the first direct cooling section 31, and the other refrigerant inlet 313 is connected to the beginning of the second direct cooling section 32, so as to simplify the structural design of the cold plate structure. In other embodiments, a single refrigerant inlet 313 is provided, and the refrigerant inlet 313 is connected to the beginning of the first direct cooling section 31 or the beginning of the second direct cooling section 32. The cover plate 2 is provided with a connecting hole corresponding to the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32, and a sealing cover is provided on the connecting hole. A connecting channel is formed between the sealing cover and the cover plate 2, so that after the refrigerant enters the first direct cooling section 31 or the second direct cooling section 32 through the refrigerant inlet 313, part of the refrigerant enters the connecting channel through the connecting hole and enters the second direct cooling section 32 or the first direct cooling section 31 through another connecting hole, thereby reducing the number of pipe joints 21 and the number of vehicle pipes.

[0079] Furthermore, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first direct cooling section 31 and / or the second direct cooling section 32 include a refrigerant inlet section 311 and a refrigerant turnaround section 312. One end of the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is connected to the refrigerant inlet section 311, and the other end of the refrigerant turnaround section 312 extends in an "S" shape toward the refrigerant outlet section 33 and is connected to the refrigerant outlet section 33.

[0080] It is understandable that one end of the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is connected to the end of the refrigerant inlet section 311, and the other end of the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is connected to the beginning of the refrigerant outlet section 33.

[0081] Since one end of the refrigerant fold-back section 312 is connected to the refrigerant inlet section 311, and the other end of the refrigerant fold-back section 312 extends in an "S" shape toward the refrigerant outlet section 33 and is connected to the refrigerant outlet section 33, the channel length of the refrigerant channel 3 is increased, thereby increasing the flow time of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel 3, thereby increasing the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack, thus greatly improving the cooling effect on the battery pack. At the same time, it can make the refrigerant channel 3 more evenly distributed on the base plate 1, so that the heat distribution of the battery pack is more uniform, thereby further ensuring the performance of the battery pack.

[0082] Preferably, both the first direct cooling section 31 and the second direct cooling section 32 include a refrigerant inlet section 311 and a refrigerant turnaround section 312.

[0083] Furthermore, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is larger than that of the refrigerant inlet section 311. This reduces the flow velocity of the refrigerant after it enters the refrigerant turnaround section 312 from the refrigerant inlet section 311, thereby increasing the flow time of the refrigerant in the refrigerant turnaround section 312. This increases the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack, thus improving the cooling effect on the battery pack. At the same time, since the refrigerant enters the refrigerant turnaround section 312 through the refrigerant inlet section 311, and the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet section 311 is lower than that in the refrigerant turnaround section 312, the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack can be guaranteed by reducing the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the refrigerant turnaround section 312. This ensures that the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack in the refrigerant inlet section 311 is as equal as possible to the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack in the refrigerant turnaround section 312, thereby making the heat distribution of the battery pack more uniform.

[0084] This application does not specify the method by which the flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is larger than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section 311. Preferably, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refrigerant inlet section 311 includes a refrigerant inlet channel, and the refrigerant turnaround section 312 includes a refrigerant turnaround channel. The width of the refrigerant inlet channel is equal to the width of the refrigerant turnaround channel. The number of refrigerant turnaround channels is greater than the number of refrigerant inlet channels 313, so that the flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section 312 is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section 311.

[0085] It is understandable that the height of the refrigerant inlet channel is equal to the height of the refrigerant foldback channel.

[0086] Since the width of the refrigerant inlet 313 flow channel is equal to the width of the refrigerant folding flow channel, and the number of refrigerant folding flow channels is greater than the number of refrigerant inlet flow channels, on the one hand, the flow area of ​​the refrigerant folding section 312 is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section 311, so that the flow velocity of the refrigerant after entering the direct flow folding section will be reduced, thereby increasing the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the battery pack. On the other hand, it increases the contact area between the refrigerant and the refrigerant channel 3, thereby increasing the heat exchange effect between the refrigerant and the battery pack, and thus improving the cooling effect on the battery pack. In addition, it can also increase the structural strength of the base plate 1, thereby increasing the structural strength of the cold plate structure.

[0087] Specifically, the refrigerant inlet section 311 has one refrigerant inlet 313 flow channel, and the refrigerant folding section 312 has three refrigerant folding flow channels.

[0088] In other implementation examples, the width of the refrigerant inlet section 311 may be less than the width of the refrigerant turnaround section 312, or the height of the refrigerant inlet section 311 may be less than the height of the refrigerant turnaround section 312, so that the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section 311 is less than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section 312.

[0089] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base plate 1 has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the refrigerant inlet section 311 is located at the first end, the tail end of the refrigerant inlet section 311 is located at the second end, and the refrigerant outlet section 33 is located at the first end, so that the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 331 are both located at the first end, that is, the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 331 are located at the same end of the base plate 1. On the one hand, this facilitates the connection between the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 331 and the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioning system, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the cold plate structure. On the other hand, it allows the refrigerant to be coupled when the temperature is lowest and the temperature is highest in the refrigerant channel 3, thereby further improving the uniformity of heat distribution in the battery pack and the cooling effect on the battery pack.

[0090] Preferably, the liquid inlet 413 and the liquid outlet 414 are also located at the first end, so that the pipe joint 21 is gathered at the first end. This facilitates the design to avoid other parts of the vehicle and also facilitates the connection of the pipe with the refrigerant passage 3 and the liquid passage 4.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 3 The width of the liquid channel 4 is greater than the width of the refrigerant channel 3, and the width D1 of the liquid channel 4 and the width D2 of the refrigerant channel 3 satisfy: 8 / 25≤D2 / D1≤13 / 15. This ensures the pressure of the liquid in the liquid channel 4 and the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel 3, thereby ensuring the flow velocity of the liquid in the liquid channel 4 and the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel 3, thus ensuring the heating and cooling effect of the battery pack. On the other hand, it also ensures the smooth flow of the liquid in the liquid channel 4 and the smooth flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel 3.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the channel area of ​​the liquid channel 4 is smaller than the channel area of ​​the refrigerant channel 3, and the sum of the channel area A1 of the liquid channel 4 and the channel area A2 of the refrigerant channel 3 is A, wherein A and A1 satisfy: 0.3≤A1 / A≤0.4, that is, A and A2 satisfy: 0.6≤A2 / A≤0.7.

[0093] It should be noted that the channel area of ​​liquid channel 4 refers to the projected area of ​​liquid channel 4 toward base plate 1, and the channel area of ​​refrigerant channel 3 refers to the projected area of ​​refrigerant channel 3 toward base plate 1.

[0094] Since the temperature of the battery pack will increase with the increase of driving mileage, the cooling demand of the battery pack will be greater than the heating demand. Setting A and A1 to satisfy: 0.3≤A1 / A≤0.4 can ensure the cooling effect of the battery pack while ensuring the heating effect.

[0095] This application does not specifically limit the material used to manufacture the cold plate structure. Preferably, the cold plate structure is made of aluminum alloy to reduce the production cost of the cold plate structure while ensuring the heating and cooling efficiency of the battery pack, thereby reducing the production cost of vehicles equipped with the cold plate structure of this application. In other embodiments, the cold plate structure may also be made of other composite materials with good thermal conductivity.

[0096] Reference Figure 6 This application also discloses a vehicle that includes a battery pack and a cold plate structure as described above, with a cover plate 2 or a bottom plate 1 in contact with the battery pack.

[0097] Because the vehicle in this application adopts the aforementioned cold plate structure, the heating efficiency of the battery pack side and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack center are improved, thereby ensuring the performance of the battery pack.

[0098] Preferably, the battery pack includes multiple battery modules 5, a cold plate structure is disposed at the bottom of the multiple battery modules 5, and the end face of the cover plate 2 away from the bottom plate 1 contacts the battery module 5, so as to increase the contact area between the cold plate structure and the battery module 5, thereby improving the cooling or heating effect on the battery module 5.

[0099] It should be noted that the cold plate structure can be a component of the battery pack, or it can be a component independent of the battery pack.

[0100] This application does not specifically limit the vehicle, which can be either a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0101] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0102] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0103] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A cold-plate structure, characterized in that, Includes a base plate (1) and a cover plate (2) disposed on the base plate (1). The cold plate structure is disposed at the bottom of multiple battery modules (5). The cover plate (2) and the base plate (1) form independent refrigerant channels (3) and liquid channels (4). The liquid channels (4) are located on the outer periphery of the refrigerant channels (3). The liquid channels (4) include an end heating section located at the end of the base plate (1) and a side heating section located on the side of the base plate (1). The flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

2. The cold-plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end heating section includes an end flow channel, and the side heating section includes a side flow channel. The width of the end flow channel is equal to the width of the side flow channel, and the number of side flow channels is greater than the number of end flow channels, so that the flow area of ​​the side heating section is greater than the flow area of ​​the end heating section.

3. The cold-plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end heating section includes a first end heating section (41) and a second end heating section (42) opposite to the first end heating section (41). The first end heating section (41) includes an inlet section (411) and an outlet section (412). The side heating section includes a first side heating section (43) and a second side heating section (44) opposite to the first side heating section (43). The two ends of the first side heating section (43) are respectively connected to the inlet section (411) and the second end heating section (42). The two ends of the second side heating section (44) are respectively connected to the second end heating section (42) and the outlet section (412).

4. A cold-plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The refrigerant channel (3) includes a first direct cooling section (31), a second direct cooling section (32), and a refrigerant outlet section (33) connecting the first direct cooling section (31) and the second direct cooling section (32).

5. A cold-plate structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first direct cooling section (31) and / or the second direct cooling section (32) include a refrigerant inlet section (311) and a refrigerant turnaround section (312). One end of the refrigerant turnaround section (312) is connected to the refrigerant inlet section (311), and the other end of the refrigerant turnaround section (312) extends in an "S" shape toward the refrigerant outlet section (33) and is connected to the refrigerant outlet section (33).

6. A cold-plate structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the refrigerant foldback section (312) is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section (311).

7. A cold-plate structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerant inlet section (311) includes a refrigerant inlet channel, and the refrigerant turnaround section (312) includes a refrigerant turnaround channel. The width of the refrigerant inlet channel is equal to the width of the refrigerant turnaround channel, and the number of refrigerant turnaround channels is greater than the number of refrigerant inlet channels, so that the flow area of ​​the refrigerant turnaround section (312) is greater than the flow area of ​​the refrigerant inlet section (311).

8. A cold-plate structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base plate (1) has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the refrigerant inlet section (311) is located at the first end, the tail end of the refrigerant inlet section (311) is located at the second end, and the refrigerant outlet section (33) is located at the first end.

9. A cold-plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The width of the liquid channel (4) is greater than the width of the refrigerant channel (3), and the width D1 of the liquid channel (4) and the width D2 of the refrigerant channel (3) satisfy: 8 / 25≤D2 / D1≤13 / 15.

10. A cold-plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sum of the channel area A1 of the liquid channel (4) and the channel area A2 of the refrigerant channel (3) is A, where A and A1 satisfy: 0.3≤A1 / A≤0.

4.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes a battery pack and a cold plate structure as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the cover plate (2) or the base plate (1) is in contact with the battery pack.

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