Battery cooling system and battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery cooling system and battery module relates to battery technical field, including backflow board, cold plate and the several cooling units of being located between backflow board and cold plate, and cooling unit is connected with backflow board and cold plate, and the cold plate, backflow board and several cooling units form several parallel cooling flow channels between, and form the electric core cavity between at least three cooling units. Through adopting cold plate, backflow board and cooling unit constitute cooling system, realized every electric core's cooling circuit in the system is parallel connection structure, overcame the temperature uneven problem caused by the electric core series connection on single flow channel in the prior art, because the flow channel length is short, and the temperature uniformity is good, effectively solved the problem that the electric core temperature low of being cooled first, the electric core temperature high of being cooled later in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cooling system and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] The global energy and environmental problems caused by the automotive industry have made the development of new energy vehicles an urgent task for the world today. New energy vehicles are an effective way to solve the energy and environmental problems faced by automobile transportation. With the continuous advancement of green and environmentally friendly themes, the use of electric vehicles is increasing year by year. The power battery system is the most important component of the electric vehicle power system. Improving the integration of modules helps reduce costs and increase the assembly efficiency of cells, while the thermal management system is crucial to the safety of the power battery pack. Its material and manufacturing costs also account for a portion of the module cost. As the size and capacity of cells increase, upgrading the cooling system becomes increasingly necessary, especially for cylindrical cells. Currently, the cooling of existing cylindrical modules mainly relies on single-sided and double-sided wrapping to improve cooling energy, but both methods have the following drawbacks:

[0003] 1. The cold surface area is relatively small;

[0004] 2. The cells on a single flow channel are connected in series, which results in the cells that are cooled first having a lower temperature and the cells that are cooled later having a higher temperature, resulting in a large temperature difference. This is not conducive to the cycle life of the cells. At the same time, the cooling capacity is limited, making it impossible to carry out high-rate charging and discharging for a longer period of time. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery cooling system and a battery module to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A battery cooling system includes a reflux plate, a cold plate, and a plurality of cooling units disposed between the reflux plate and the cold plate. The cooling units are connected to the reflux plate and the cold plate. A plurality of parallel cooling channels are formed between the cold plate, the reflux plate, and the plurality of cooling units. A cell cavity is formed between at least three of the cooling units.

[0008] Preferably, each of the cooling units forms an independent cooling channel between the return plate and the cold plate.

[0009] Preferably, both the reflux plate and the cold plate are provided with pipe joints.

[0010] Preferably, the return plate is provided with a plurality of connectors, and the cold plate is provided with a plurality of openings, the connectors and the openings being respectively connected to the corresponding cooling units.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment, the system also includes a flow collector disposed between the cooling unit and the return plate.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the current collector plate has several hollow holes.

[0013] Preferably, each of the cooling units includes a cold plate unit block, and the outer wall of each cold plate unit block is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped grooves.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the interior of the cold plate unit block is hollow.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the interior of the cold plate unit block is provided with diversion fins, which divide the interior of the cold plate unit block into several independent channels.

[0016] A battery module includes the aforementioned battery cooling system and also includes a battery cell, the battery cell being installed within the battery cell cavity.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0018] In this invention, a cooling system composed of a cold plate, a return plate, and a cooling unit is used to achieve a parallel cooling circuit structure for each cell in the system, overcoming the problem of uneven temperature caused by cell series connection on a single flow channel in the prior art. Due to the short flow channel length and good temperature uniformity, the problem of cells cooled first having a lower temperature and cells cooled later having a higher temperature in the prior art is effectively solved. Moreover, the cold plate unit block can wrap around the cell from all sides, achieving almost 360-degree large-area cooling, which significantly increases the cooling area. By setting shunt fins inside the cold plate unit block, local cooling regulation can be achieved, making the temperature field distribution more uniform, which can effectively support long-term high-rate charging and discharging and extend the cell cycle life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate and the cooling unit in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate, cooling unit and battery cell in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling unit in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the recirculation plate in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery module in this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Return plate; 2. Cold plate; 3. Cooling unit; 301. Cold plate unit block; 302. Diverter fins; 303. Arc-shaped groove; 4. Cooling channel; 5. Pipe connector; 6. Plug connector; 7. Opening; 8. Current collector; 9. Battery cell; 10. Battery cell cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate and the cooling unit in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate, cooling unit and battery cell in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling unit in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the recirculation plate in this utility model; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module structure in this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 8 The diagram illustrates a preferred embodiment of a battery cooling system, comprising a reflux plate 1, a cold plate 2, and a plurality of cooling units 3 disposed between the reflux plate 1 and the cold plate 2. The cooling units 3 are connected to the reflux plate 1 and the cold plate 2. A plurality of parallel cooling channels 4 are formed between the cold plate 2, the reflux plate 1, and the cooling units 3. A cell cavity 10 is formed between at least three cooling units 3. In this embodiment, channels are provided inside both the reflux plate 1 and the cold plate 2, and these channels are connected to the corresponding cooling units 3, facilitating the entry and exit of coolant from the cooling units 3. The cell cavity 10 may be formed by three cooling units 3, enveloping the cell 9 from three sides to increase the contact area with the cell 9. In this embodiment, the cell cavity 10 is preferably composed of four cooling units 3, and the cooling channels 4 of the four cooling units 3 forming the cell cavity 10 are all connected in parallel. This arrangement ensures that if one cooling channel 4 fails, the normal operation of the other cooling channels 4 will not be affected.

[0034] In this embodiment, specifically, the return plate 1 is disposed at the upper part of the cooling system, the cold plate 2 is disposed at the lower part of the cooling system, and the cooling unit 3 is vertically disposed between the return plate 1 and the cold plate 2. The number of cooling units 3 can be set according to actual needs. The cooling units 3 are arranged in an array between the return plate 1 and the cold plate 2, and four cooling units 3 that are close to each other form a cell cavity 10 for placing the cell 9. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown. The number of cell cavities 10 depends on the arrangement of the cooling units 3. For example, when the cooling units 3 are arranged in a 2×3 array, two cell cavities 10 can be formed.

[0035] A communication structure can be provided between the cooling unit 3 and the return plate 1, and between the cooling unit 3 and the cold plate 2, allowing coolant to flow from the return plate 1 into the cooling unit 3, and then from the cooling unit 3 into the cold plate 2, or from the cold plate 2 into the cooling unit 3, and then from the cooling unit 3 into the return plate 1, thus forming a complete cooling cycle. In this embodiment, the cooling unit 3 and the cold plate 2 can be connected and sealed by brazing or gluing, providing a flow channel. The cold plate 2 and the cooling unit 3 can be extruded and can both be made of aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity. The return plate 1 can also be made of aluminum. The cold plate 2, the cooling unit 3, and the return plate 1 can also be extruded from thermally conductive plastic parts or other thermally conductive materials.

[0036] Furthermore, as a preferred implementation, each cooling unit 3 forms an independent cooling channel 4 between itself, the return plate 1, and the cold plate 2. This design allows each cooling unit 3 to operate independently, ensuring that a failure in one cooling unit 3 does not affect the normal operation of other cooling units 3, thus improving system reliability. Simultaneously, the independent cooling channel 4 allows for adjustment of the coolant flow rate of the corresponding cooling unit 3 according to the heat dissipation requirements of different battery cells 9, achieving precise temperature control.

[0037] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, both the reflux plate 1 and the cold plate 2 are provided with pipe joints 5. The pipe joints 5 are provided for the coolant to enter or leave the reflux plate 1 and the cold plate 2. The two pipe joints 5 can be connected to external refrigeration equipment, thereby realizing a refrigeration cycle and achieving continuous heat dissipation of the battery cell 9.

[0038] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, the reflux plate 1 has several connectors 6, and the cold plate 2 has several openings 7. The connectors 6 and openings 7 are respectively connected to the corresponding cooling units 3. One end of the cold plate unit block 301 in the cooling unit 3 is directly opposite the opening 7, and then the cold plate unit block 301 and the cold plate 2 are connected and sealed by brazing or gluing. The connectors 6 can be inserted into the openings 7 at the other end of the cold plate unit block 301, and the connectors 6 are connected to the flow channels inside the reflux plate 1, which facilitates the entry and exit of coolant. The connectors 6 and the cold plate unit block 301 are preferably connected by adhesive, and sealant can be filled between the connectors 6 and the cold plate unit block 301 to prevent coolant leakage.

[0039] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, it also includes a current collector 8, which is disposed between the cooling unit 3 and the return plate 1. The current collector 8 has several perforated holes for corresponding to the terminals of the battery cell 9 to realize the series connection of the circuit, and the current collector 8 is welded to the terminals of the battery cell 9. The number of current collectors 8 can be set as needed.

[0040] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, each cooling unit 3 includes a cold plate unit block 301, and each cold plate unit block 301 has several arc-shaped grooves 303 formed on its outer wall. The cold plate unit block 301 can be made of aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. The function of the arc-shaped grooves 303 is to increase the contact area between the cold plate unit block 301 and the battery cell 9, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped grooves 303 can be designed according to the external dimensions of the battery cell 9. For example, when the battery cell 9 is cylindrical, the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped grooves 303 can be matched with the radius of the battery cell 9. Four arc-shaped grooves 303 can be formed on each cold plate unit block 301, and the specific selection can be made according to the arrangement of the battery cells 9.

[0041] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, the interior of the cold plate unit block 301 is hollow. This hollow design allows coolant to flow inside the cold plate unit block 301, carrying away the heat generated by the battery cell 9. The wall thickness of the cold plate unit block 301 can be 1-3 mm, ensuring sufficient mechanical strength without excessively increasing thermal resistance. The wall thickness of the cold plate unit block 301 can also be set as needed, and the height of the cold plate unit block 301 can be designed according to the height of the battery cell 9.

[0042] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment, the interior of the cold plate unit block 301 is provided with flow-diverting fins 302. The flow-diverting fins 302 divide the interior of the cold plate unit block 301 into several independent channels, and the cross-sectional shape of the channels can be rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal, etc. The function of the flow-diverting fins 302 is to increase the flow path of the coolant, improve the heat exchange efficiency, and at the same time enhance the structural strength of the cold plate unit block 301. The flow-diverting fins 302 can be made of the same material as the cold plate unit block 301, and the thickness can be 0.5-2 mm.

[0043] In application, the coolant enters the cold plate 2 through the pipe joint 5 on the return plate 1, and then is distributed to each cooling unit 3 through the flow channels inside the cold plate 2. It flows in the independent channels within the cooling unit 3, absorbing the heat generated by the battery cell 9, and then flows out through the opening 7 on the cold plate 2, finally exiting through the pipe joint 5 on the cold plate 2. Throughout the process, the coolant flows in parallel within each cooling unit 3, ensuring that each battery cell 9 receives effective cooling.

[0044] A battery module includes a battery cooling system and a battery cell 9, which is installed within a battery cell cavity 10. In this embodiment, the battery cell 9 can be a common battery type such as a cylindrical battery cell 9, a prismatic battery cell 9, or a pouch battery cell 9. The number of battery cells 9 corresponds to the number of battery cell cavities 10, with one battery cell 9 placed in each battery cell cavity 10. When the battery cell 9 is cylindrical, it can be positioned and dissipated using the arc-shaped groove 303 on the outer wall of the cold plate unit block 301; when the battery cell 9 is prismatic or pouch, good thermal contact between the battery cell 9 and the cold plate unit block 301 can be ensured by adding a thermally conductive pad between the battery cell 9 and the arc-shaped groove 303.

[0045] After the battery cell 9 is installed inside the battery cell cavity 10, its outer wall contacts the outer wall of the corresponding cooling unit 3 to dissipate heat. This design allows the heat of the battery cell 9 to be transferred to the cooling unit 3 more evenly, avoiding local overheating and helping to extend the service life of the battery cell 9.

[0046] In other embodiments, the battery module may further include an upper cover and a lower cover, with the upper cover covering the return plate 1 and the lower cover covering the cold plate 2, forming a closed integrated structure. The upper and lower covers may be made of metal or engineering plastic materials, possessing certain mechanical strength and insulation properties. Mounting holes may be provided on the upper and lower covers for fixing the battery module to the equipment. The battery module may also include electrical connection structures, such as busbars and connecting pieces, for electrically connecting the individual cells 9 to achieve the required voltage and capacity. The electrical connection structures may be located on the upper or lower cover and connected to the positive and negative terminals of the cells 9 via wires or connecting pieces. In practical applications, the battery module can be used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields. By adjusting the number and arrangement of the cells 9, the needs of different application scenarios can be met. For example, in the field of electric vehicles, multiple battery modules can be connected in series and parallel to form a battery pack to power the vehicle; in the field of energy storage systems, battery modules can be used as basic units to construct large-scale energy storage devices.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the implementation method and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cooling system, characterized in that, It includes a reflux plate, a cold plate, and a plurality of cooling units disposed between the reflux plate and the cold plate. The cooling units are connected to the reflux plate and the cold plate. A plurality of parallel cooling channels are formed between the cold plate, the reflux plate, and the plurality of cooling units. At least three of the cooling units form a cell cavity.

2. The battery cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cooling units forms an independent cooling channel between the return plate and the cold plate.

3. The battery cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the reflux plate and the cold plate are equipped with pipe joints.

4. The battery cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The return plate is provided with a number of connectors, and the cold plate is provided with a number of openings. The connectors and the openings are respectively connected to the corresponding cooling units.

5. The battery cooling system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a flow collector, which is disposed between the cooling unit and the return plate.

6. The battery cooling system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The current collector plate has several hollow holes.

7. The battery cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cooling units includes a cold plate unit block, and the outer wall of each cold plate unit block is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped grooves.

8. The battery cooling system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The interior of the cold plate unit block is hollow.

9. The battery cooling system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The interior of the cold plate unit block is provided with diversion fins, which divide the interior of the cold plate unit block into several independent channels.

10. A battery module comprising the battery cooling system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes battery cells, which are installed in the battery cell cavity.

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