A power battery multi-module folding type welded cold plate structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of power battery multi-module folding type welding cold plate structure, it is related to new energy battery technical field, including module cold plate assembly, first module cold plate and second module cold plate, the both sides of module cold plate assembly are equipped with edge, the front of edge is equipped with water outlet, the back of edge is equipped with water inlet, the end of water inlet and water outlet is equipped with sealing ring, the outside of module cold plate assembly includes cold plate outer wall, power battery multi-module folding type welding cold plate structure is designed by three kinds of assembly forms of module cold plate assembly, and the cooling demand of different battery module can be flexibly adapted. In the first form, first module cold plate and second module cold plate are integrated by welding and form sealing, internal S-shaped support septum is connected to form limiting step, provide high rigid support, suitable for high-strength battery module scene;The flexible of the second form of partition type design and reserved gap is enhanced, and the large deformation caused by cell expansion is adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of new energy battery technology, and in particular to a multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries. Background Technology

[0002] The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries is a thermal management device specifically designed for power battery systems, widely used in new energy vehicles, energy storage systems, and other high-performance battery applications. With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the energy density and power requirements of power batteries are constantly increasing, leading to the generation of a large amount of heat during charging and discharging. If heat cannot be dissipated effectively and in a timely manner, it will cause battery performance degradation, shortened lifespan, and even safety accidents. Therefore, efficient thermal management technology has become a key aspect of power battery system design. Traditional battery cooling methods include air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change material cooling, among which liquid cooling has become the mainstream choice due to its high heat transfer efficiency and stability. In liquid cooling systems, the cold plate, as a core component, is in direct contact with the battery module, removing heat through internal refrigerant circulation. However, existing liquid cooling plates still have certain limitations in terms of structural design, manufacturing processes, and adaptability, making it difficult to fully meet the complex requirements of high-performance power battery systems. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries, through innovative modular design and welding processes, aims to provide more efficient cooling performance, more stable structural support, and flexible adaptability to different cell layouts, providing a reliable thermal management solution for power battery systems.

[0003] The liquid cooling plates in the existing technology have the following problems when used:

[0004] It is difficult to balance structural rigidity and flexibility: Traditional cold plates mostly adopt a single structural design, which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of high-strength support and deformation caused by cell expansion at the same time. This results in the cooling channels being easily crushed or the cooling efficiency decreasing during cell circulation.

[0005] Insufficient heat exchange area and cooling uniformity: The internal flow channel design of existing cold plates is relatively simple, and the refrigerant flow path is single, making it difficult to achieve uniform cooling. Especially under high-density cell layout, local overheating problems are prominent.

[0006] The manufacturing process is complex and the adaptability is limited: Traditional cold plates mostly adopt a single shape design, which makes it difficult to flexibly adapt to the cooling needs of different battery modules. In addition, the welding process is complex and the sealing is difficult to guarantee, which increases the production cost and the difficulty of quality control. Therefore, a multi-module foldable welded cold plate structure for power batteries is needed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a multi-module foldable welded cold plate structure for power batteries, comprising a module cold plate assembly, a first module cold plate, and a second module cold plate. Side fittings are installed on both sides of the module cold plate assembly. The front of each side fitting is provided with a water outlet, and the back of each side fitting is provided with a water inlet. Sealing rings are provided at the ends of the water inlet and the water outlet. The exterior of the module cold plate assembly is covered by a cold plate outer wall.

[0009] Preferably, the modular cold plate assembly has three assembly forms, and each of the three assembly forms consists of a first modular cold plate and a second modular cold plate.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second module cold plates of the three-assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly are each equipped with a supporting partition.

[0011] Preferably, in the first assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly, the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate are welded together to form a seal, and the supporting partitions inside the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate are connected to form a limiting step.

[0012] Preferably, in the second assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly, the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate are separated, and a notch is reserved at the connection between the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate in the second assembly configuration. The supporting partitions inside the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate of the modular cold plate assembly are S-shaped and not connected.

[0013] Preferably, in the third assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly, the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate are separated, and the supporting partitions inside the first modular cold plate and the second modular cold plate in the third assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly are multi-segmented.

[0014] Preferably, the third assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly has the same appearance and structure.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] In this invention, the multi-module foldable welded cold plate structure for power batteries utilizes three assembly configurations to flexibly adapt to the cooling requirements of different battery modules. In the first configuration, the first and second module cold plates are integrated, with internal S-shaped support partitions forming a limiting step, providing high-rigidity support suitable for high-strength battery module scenarios. The second configuration features a segmented design and pre-reserved notches, enhancing flexibility and accommodating larger deformations caused by cell expansion. The third configuration employs multi-segment support partitions to optimize the cooling uniformity of complex cell layouts. This multi-configuration modular design facilitates rapid adjustment of the cold plate structure based on actual battery configurations, while the foldable welding process ensures the sealing of internal cooling channels, significantly improving production efficiency and product reliability.

[0017] In this invention, the modular cold plate assembly uses aluminum material coated with low-melting-point aluminum. The welding process utilizes the melting characteristics of low-melting-point aluminum to form a complex cross-sectional structure including fins and limiting steps, effectively increasing the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the cold plate. The design of S-shaped or multi-segment support fins guides the refrigerant to form turbulence, further enhancing heat exchange efficiency and significantly improving cooling capacity compared to traditional cold plates. Simultaneously, the gap between the limiting steps and the outer wall of the cold plate provides space for cell expansion, preventing excessive compression of the cooling channels during expansion and ensuring stable operation of the cold plate throughout the cell's entire lifespan.

[0018] In this invention, the height difference between the supporting partition and the limiting step provides pre-tightening force through the deformation of the supporting partition during the initial stage of cell cycling, absorbing initial expansion. At the end of the cycle, the module cold plate assembly is compressed to the limiting step, providing greater support and preventing the cooling channel from collapsing. This phased mechanical response design effectively balances the rigidity and flexibility of the cold plate, significantly improving structural stability compared to traditional cold plates. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet with sealing rings on the edge ensure reliable connection to the external cooling system, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage and enhancing the long-term operational safety of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the overall installation structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first form of the modular cold plate assembly of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second form of the modular cold plate assembly of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third form of the modular cold plate assembly of this utility model.

[0024] Legend:

[0025] 1. Modular cold plate assembly; 2. Edge fitting; 3. Inlet; 4. Outlet; 5. Sealing ring; 6. First module cold plate; 7. Second module cold plate; 8. Limiting step; 9. Support partition; 10. Outer wall of cold plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model is further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in the implementation plan without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific Implementation Example 1:

[0029] Reference Figure 1-5 A multi-module foldable welded cold plate structure for power batteries includes a module cold plate assembly 1, a first module cold plate 6, and a second module cold plate 7. Side fittings 2 are installed on both sides of the module cold plate assembly 1. Each side fitting 2 has a water outlet 4 on its front and a water inlet 3 on its back. Sealing rings 5 ​​are provided at the ends of both the water inlet 3 and the water outlet 4. The module cold plate assembly 1 is externally enclosed by a cold plate outer wall 10. The module cold plate assembly 1 has three assembly configurations, all composed of the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7. Supporting partitions 9 are installed inside the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 in all three assembly configurations of the module cold plate assembly 1. In the first assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly 1, the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 are welded together to form a seal, and the supporting partitions 9 inside the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 are connected to form a limiting step 8. In the second assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly 1, the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7 are separated, and a notch is provided at the connection between the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7. The supporting partitions 9 inside the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7 of the modular cold plate assembly 1 are S-shaped and not connected. In the third assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly 1, the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7 are separated, and the supporting partitions 9 inside the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7 of the modular cold plate assembly 1 are multi-segmented. The third assembly configuration of the modular cold plate assembly 1 has the same external structure.

[0030] In this equipment, the modular cold plate assembly 1 has three forms, as shown in the attached figures. Figure 3Appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 As shown, attached Figure 3 and attached Figure 4 In the first and second configurations shown, the S-shaped support partitions 9 in both configurations constitute limiting steps 8. In the third configuration, the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 both have multi-unit segmented support partitions 9. The module cold plate assembly is welded from multi-module folded plates; the plates are made of 3-series aluminum with a low-melting-point 4-series aluminum coating. After welding, the cross-section includes fins, limiting steps 8, and other structures, increasing the heat exchange area between the cold plate and the coolant, and improving the cooling capacity of the cold plate. The gap between the limiting steps 8 and the sidewall of the module cold plate assembly 1 is a reserved area for cell expansion.

[0031] The multi-module foldable welded cold plate is welded together by module cold plate assembly 1, inlet 3 and outlet 4. The refrigerant is introduced from the outside through inlet 3 and flows out through outlet 4 through the internal channel of module cold plate assembly 1, connecting with the outside. Inlet 3 and outlet 4 are sealed with external cooling management through sealing rings.

[0032] The module cold plate assembly 1 is made of 3 series aluminum material with a surface coating of low melting point 4 series aluminum material. During the welding process, the low melting point 4 series aluminum melts and welds the entire module cold plate assembly 1 to seal it, forming a sealed internal cooling channel.

[0033] The support partition 9 and the limiting step 8 in the module cold plate assembly 1 are designed with a height difference. In the early stage of the cell cycle, the support partition 9 is deformed by force to provide initial pre-tightening force. In the late stage of the cell cycle, the multi-module folded welded cold plate is compressed to the limiting step 8 by a greater force to provide greater force and prevent the entire cooling channel from being crushed.

[0034] The modular cold plate assembly 1 offers multiple cross-sectional combinations, namely the three forms mentioned above, to meet different cooling needs. Specific Implementation Example 2:

[0036] Reference Figure 1-5The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries is an advanced thermal management solution designed for power battery systems, aiming to provide efficient cooling, structural stability, and adaptability to different battery configurations. This system achieves thermal management through modular cold plate assemblies 1. Each modular cold plate assembly 1 includes a first modular cold plate 6 and a second modular cold plate 7, and has three assembly forms to meet diverse cooling and structural requirements. The cold plate system mainly consists of modular cold plate assemblies 1, side fixtures 2, inlet 3, outlet 4, cold plate outer wall 10, support partitions 9, and limiting steps 8. Modular cold plate assemblies 1 are made of 3-series aluminum with a low-melting-point 4-series aluminum coating, forming a sealed internal cooling channel through folded welding. Side fixtures 2 are installed on both sides of modular cold plate assemblies 1, with inlet 3 and outlet 4 respectively equipped with sealing rings 5 ​​for refrigerant inflow and outflow. Support partitions 9 and limiting steps 8 provide pre-tightening force and deformation limitation through height difference design. The cold plate outer wall 10 enhances structural strength and protects the internal cooling channel. The refrigerant enters the modular cold plate assembly 1 through the inlet 3, flows through the internal cooling channel, and exits from the outlet 4, connecting with the external cooling system. The sealing ring 5 ensures the sealing of the connection. The welding process utilizes the melting characteristics of low-melting-point 4-series aluminum to weld and seal the folded plates, forming a cross-section with structures including fins and limiting steps 8, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and cooling capacity with the refrigerant. The modular cold plate assembly 1 has three assembly forms, optimized for different cooling requirements and cell layouts. In the first form, the first modular cold plate 6 and the second modular cold plate 7 are welded together to form a seal. The internal S-shaped support partitions 9 are connected to form the limiting steps 8, enhancing structural rigidity and making it suitable for high-strength support scenarios. The limiting steps 8 restrict the deformation of the cooling channel and reserve space for cell expansion. The S-shaped support partitions 9 increase the turbulence effect to improve heat exchange efficiency. In the second configuration, the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 are designed separately with a notch at the connection point. The internal S-shaped support partitions 9 are not connected to each other, providing greater flexibility to accommodate larger deformations caused by cell expansion. The notch facilitates independent adjustment of the module positions, and the S-shaped support partitions 9 still maintain high heat exchange efficiency. In the third configuration, the first module cold plate 6 and the second module cold plate 7 are also designed separately, but the internal support partitions 9 are multi-segmented, enhancing local support capabilities and suitable for complex cell layouts. The multi-segmented support partitions 9 guide refrigerant flow in segments, optimizing cooling uniformity. The height difference between the support partitions 9 and the limiting step 8 provides pre-tightening force in the early stages of cell circulation, absorbing initial expansion through the deformation of the support partitions 9. In the late stages of circulation, the module cold plate assembly 1 is subjected to greater compressive force at the limiting step 8, providing greater support force to prevent the cooling channel from collapsing and ensuring long-term operational stability. The gap between the limiting step 8 and the outer wall 10 of the cold plate provides space for cell expansion, avoiding excessive pressure on the module cold plate assembly 1.The modular cold plate assembly 1 offers multiple cross-sectional combinations and three forms, allowing it to flexibly adapt to the cooling requirements of different battery modules, such as high-power batteries or high-density cell layouts. Simultaneously, optimized refrigerant flow channel design and heat exchange area enhance cooling efficiency. The modular design of the cold plate system facilitates production and assembly, while the welding process ensures the sealing and reliability of the cooling channels, making it suitable for the thermal management needs of large-scale power battery systems.

[0037] In summary:

[0038] 1. In this equipment, the support partition 9 and the limiting step 8 in the module cold plate assembly 1 are designed with a height difference. In the early stage of the cell cycle, the support partition 9 is deformed by force to provide initial pre-tightening force. In the late stage of the cell cycle, the multi-module folded welded cold plate is compressed to the limiting step 8 by a greater force to provide a greater force and prevent the entire cooling channel from being crushed.

[0039] 2. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries is an advanced thermal management solution designed for power battery systems, aiming to provide efficient cooling, structural stability, and adaptability to different battery configurations. This system achieves thermal management through module cold plate assemblies 1. Each module cold plate assembly 1 includes a first module cold plate 6 and a second module cold plate 7, and has three assembly configurations to meet diverse cooling and structural requirements.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-module foldable welded cold plate structure for power batteries, comprising a module cold plate assembly (1), a first module cold plate (6), and a second module cold plate (7), characterized in that: The module cold plate assembly (1) is equipped with side fittings (2) on both sides. The front of each side fitting (2) is provided with a water outlet (4), and the back of each side fitting (2) is provided with a water inlet (3). The ends of the water inlet (3) and the water outlet (4) are provided with sealing rings (5). The exterior of the module cold plate assembly (1) is covered with a cold plate outer wall (10).

2. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modular cold plate assembly (1) has three assembly forms, and all three assembly forms of the modular cold plate assembly (1) are composed of a first modular cold plate (6) and a second modular cold plate (7).

3. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) of the three assembly forms of the module cold plate assembly (1) are each equipped with a support partition (9).

4. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the first assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly (1), the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) are welded together to form a seal, and the support partitions (9) inside the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) are connected to form a limiting step (8).

5. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the second assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly (1), the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) are separated, and a notch is reserved at the connection between the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) in the second assembly configuration. The supporting partitions (9) inside the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) of the module cold plate assembly (1) are S-shaped and not connected.

6. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the third assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly (1), the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) are separated, and the supporting partitions (9) inside the first module cold plate (6) and the second module cold plate (7) in the third assembly configuration of the module cold plate assembly (1) are multi-segmented.

7. The multi-module folded welded cold plate structure for power batteries according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third assembly form of the module cold plate assembly (1) has the same appearance structure.

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