Composite cold plate and battery pack

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of energy storage equipment technology, and more particularly to a composite cold plate and battery pack. The composite cold plate includes a shell, within which there are spaced-apart first and second flow channel layers. The inner cavity of the first flow channel layer is connected to a liquid cooling unit and contains a liquid cooling medium. The inner cavity of the second flow channel layer is connected to a direct cooling unit and contains a cooling medium. A battery module is attached to a first wall surface of the shell, with the first flow channel layer located between the second flow channel layer and the first wall surface. The battery pack includes a battery module and the aforementioned composite cold plate, with the battery module attached to the composite cold plate. This composite cold plate and battery pack can ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage equipment technology, and in particular to a composite cold plate and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are typically configured with either liquid cooling or direct cooling systems for thermal management. Liquid cooling systems have a low heat transfer coefficient in their liquid cooling plates, resulting in lower heat transfer efficiency compared to direct cooling systems. This makes them unable to meet the heat dissipation requirements under conditions of high-heat generation, such as high-rate charging and discharging of the battery pack. In contrast, the flow channels of direct cooling plates in direct cooling systems may completely evaporate at the ends, preventing isothermal heat absorption. Therefore, direct cooling systems have poorer temperature uniformity than liquid cooling systems, leading to a lower cycle life for the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a composite cold plate that helps ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A composite cold plate is provided, comprising a housing, wherein the housing has a first flow channel layer and a second flow channel layer disposed at intervals, the inner cavity of the first flow channel layer is connected to a liquid cooling unit and has a liquid cooling medium, the inner cavity of the second flow channel layer is connected to a direct cooling unit and has a cooling medium, a battery module is attached to a first wall surface of the housing, and the first flow channel layer is located between the second flow channel layer and the first wall surface.

[0006] Optionally, a liquid-cooled inlet pipe and a liquid-cooled outlet pipe are provided on the first wall surface, and both the liquid-cooled inlet pipe and the liquid-cooled outlet pipe are connected to the inner cavity of the first flow channel layer.

[0007] Optionally, the housing is provided with a direct cooling inlet pipe and a direct cooling outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the inner cavity of the second flow channel layer.

[0008] Optionally, the housing has a stepped surface facing the battery module, and the direct cooling inlet pipe and / or the direct cooling outlet pipe are disposed on the stepped surface.

[0009] Optionally, the first flow channel layer includes multiple liquid cooling channels, which are arranged in parallel at intervals and whose ends are connected.

[0010] Alternatively, multiple liquid cooling channels may be sequentially connected.

[0011] Alternatively, some of the liquid cooling channels may be connected in series to form a first channel group, and multiple first channel groups may be connected in parallel;

[0012] Alternatively, some of the liquid cooling channels may be connected in parallel to form a second channel group, and multiple second channel groups may be connected in series.

[0013] Optionally, the second flow channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels, which are arranged in parallel at intervals and whose ends are connected.

[0014] Alternatively, multiple direct cooling channels may be connected in sequence;

[0015] Alternatively, some of the direct cooling channels may be connected in series to form a third channel group, and multiple third channel groups may be connected in parallel;

[0016] Alternatively, some of the direct cooling channels may be connected in parallel to form a fourth channel group, and multiple fourth channel groups may be connected in series.

[0017] Optionally, the first flow channel layer includes multiple liquid cooling channels, each of which has a rectangular cross-section. The length of the rectangle is in the range of 3mm-7mm, and / or the width of the rectangle is in the range of 3mm-7mm.

[0018] Optionally, the second flow channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels, all of which have circular cross-sections, and the diameter of the circle ranges from 3mm to 7mm.

[0019] Optionally, the housing includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate stacked sequentially. The first plate has a first flow channel groove, one side of the second plate has a second flow channel groove, and the other side of the second plate has a third flow channel groove. The third plate has a fourth flow channel groove. The first flow channel groove and the second flow channel groove are arranged opposite to each other to form the first flow channel layer, and the third flow channel groove and the fourth flow channel groove are arranged opposite to each other to form the second flow channel layer.

[0020] Another objective of this invention is to provide a battery pack that helps ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity.

[0021] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0022] A battery pack is provided, including a battery module and the aforementioned composite cold plate, wherein the battery module is attached to the composite cold plate.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This invention provides a composite cold plate, comprising a shell, with a first flow channel layer and a second flow channel layer spaced apart within the shell. The inner cavity of the first flow channel layer is connected to a liquid cooling unit and contains a liquid cooling medium. The inner cavity of the second flow channel layer is connected to a direct cooling unit and contains a cooling medium. A battery module is attached to a first wall surface of the shell, with the first flow channel layer located between the second flow channel layer and the first wall surface. The cooling medium in the second flow channel layer can efficiently absorb heat, thus efficiently cooling the liquid cooling medium in the first flow channel layer, thereby improving the efficiency of the liquid cooling medium in absorbing heat from the battery module. Furthermore, since the cooling medium does not directly absorb heat from the battery module, the problem of uneven temperature distribution of the cooling medium will not directly affect the battery module. Therefore, using this composite cold plate can ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity.

[0025] This invention also provides a battery pack, including a battery module and the aforementioned composite cold plate, with the battery module attached to the composite cold plate. This battery pack helps to ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composite cold plate and battery module provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite cold plate provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the composite cold plate provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Shell; 11. Stepped surface; 12. First wall surface; 101. Liquid cooling channel; 102. Direct cooling channel;

[0031] 2. Liquid cooling inlet pipe; 3. Liquid cooling outlet pipe; 4. Direct cooling inlet pipe; 5. Direct cooling outlet pipe;

[0032] 800, composite cold plate; 900, battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the drawings, not all of them.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the composite cold plate 800 in this embodiment includes a housing 1. The housing 1 has a first flow channel layer and a second flow channel layer spaced apart. The inner cavity of the first flow channel layer is connected to a liquid cooling unit and contains a liquid cooling medium. The inner cavity of the second flow channel layer is connected to a direct cooling unit and contains a cooling medium. The battery module 900 is attached to a first wall surface 12 of the housing 1, with the first flow channel layer located between the second flow channel layer and the first wall surface 12. Optionally, the first flow channel layer is attached to the first wall surface 12, and the first flow channel layer and the second flow channel layer are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0037] The cooling medium in the second flow channel layer can efficiently absorb heat, thus efficiently cooling the liquid cooling medium in the first flow channel layer. This improves the efficiency of the liquid cooling medium in absorbing heat from the battery module 900. Furthermore, since the cooling medium does not directly absorb heat from the battery module 900, temperature unevenness of the cooling medium will not directly affect the battery module 900. Therefore, using this composite cold plate 800 can ensure high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature uniformity.

[0038] To facilitate communication between the inner cavity of the first flow channel layer and the liquid cooling unit, optionally, a liquid cooling inlet pipe 2 and a liquid cooling outlet pipe 3 are provided on the first wall surface 12, both of which are connected to the inner cavity of the first flow channel layer.

[0039] To facilitate communication between the inner cavity of the second flow channel layer and the direct cooling unit, the housing 1 may optionally be provided with a direct cooling inlet pipe 4 and a direct cooling outlet pipe 5, both of which are connected to the inner cavity of the second flow channel layer.

[0040] Optionally, the housing 1 has a stepped surface 11 facing the battery module 900. Optionally, the stepped surface 11 is parallel to the first wall surface 12. A direct cooling inlet pipe 4 and / or a direct cooling outlet pipe 5 are disposed at the stepped surface 11. In this embodiment, both the direct cooling inlet pipe 4 and the direct cooling outlet pipe 5 are disposed at the stepped surface 11. In other embodiments, only the direct cooling inlet pipe 4 or the direct cooling outlet pipe 5 is disposed at the stepped surface 11.

[0041] To facilitate the arrangement of the connecting pipes between the composite cold plate 800 and the direct cooling unit and liquid cooling unit, in this embodiment, the liquid cooling inlet pipe 2, the liquid cooling outlet pipe 3, the direct cooling inlet pipe 4, and the direct cooling outlet pipe 5 are all located on the same side of the composite cold plate 800.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the first flow channel layer includes multiple liquid cooling channels 101. In some embodiments, the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are arranged in parallel at intervals, and the ends of the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are connected. That is, one end of the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 is connected, the other end of the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 is also connected, and the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are connected in parallel with each other.

[0043] Optionally, in some other embodiments, multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are sequentially connected, that is, multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are sequentially connected end to end in series. Optionally, after the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are connected, they resemble multiple S-shaped structures connected end to end, that is, they include multiple parallel channels spaced apart, and one end of two adjacent channels has a curved channel for connection.

[0044] Alternatively, in other embodiments, some liquid cooling channels 101 are connected in series to form a first channel group, and multiple first channel groups are connected in parallel.

[0045] Optionally, in this embodiment, some liquid cooling channels 101 are arranged in parallel to form a second channel group, and multiple second channel groups are connected in series. That is, each second channel group includes multiple liquid cooling channels 101, which are arranged in parallel at intervals, with one end of each channel connected and the other end of each channel connected. Optionally, in this embodiment, two second channel groups are provided, with one end of each second channel group connected, the other end of one second channel group connected to the liquid cooling inlet pipe 2, and the other end of the other second channel group connected to the liquid cooling outlet pipe 3.

[0046] Optionally, the liquid cooling inlet pipe 2 is located in the middle of the other end of one of the second flow channel groups to ensure that the liquid cooling medium flowing into the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 of the second flow channel group is relatively uniform, and that the temperature and flow rate in each liquid cooling channel 101 are relatively consistent. The liquid cooling outlet pipe 3 is located in the middle of the other end of another second flow channel group to ensure that the flow resistance when the liquid cooling medium flows out of the multiple liquid cooling channels 101 of the second flow channel group is relatively balanced, and that the temperature and flow rate in each liquid cooling channel 101 are relatively consistent.

[0047] Optionally, the second flow channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels 102. In some embodiments, the multiple direct cooling channels 102 are arranged in parallel at intervals, and the ends of the multiple direct cooling channels 102 are connected. That is, one end of the multiple direct cooling channels 102 is connected, the other end of the multiple direct cooling channels 102 is also connected, and the multiple direct cooling channels 102 are connected in parallel with each other.

[0048] Optionally, in this embodiment, multiple direct cooling channels 102 are sequentially connected, that is, multiple direct cooling channels 102 are connected end-to-end in series. Optionally, after the multiple direct cooling channels 102 are connected, they resemble multiple S-shaped structures connected end-to-end, that is, they include multiple parallel channels spaced apart, and one end of two adjacent channels is connected by a curved channel. Optionally, the direct cooling inlet pipe 4 and the direct cooling outlet pipe 5 are respectively located at both ends of the stepped surface 11, corresponding to the two most distant direct cooling channels 102.

[0049] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, some of the direct cooling channels 102 are connected in series to form a third channel group, and multiple third channel groups are connected in parallel.

[0050] Optionally, in other embodiments, some of the direct cooling channels 102 are arranged in parallel to form a fourth channel group, and multiple fourth channel groups are connected in series. That is, each fourth channel group includes multiple direct cooling channels 102, which are arranged in parallel at intervals, with one end of each channel connected and the other end of each channel connected.

[0051] Optionally, the cross-section of the liquid cooling channel 101 can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other irregular shapes. Optionally, in this embodiment, the cross-sections of multiple liquid cooling channels 101 are all rectangular, with the length of the rectangle ranging from 3mm to 7mm, and optionally, the width of the rectangle ranging from 3mm to 7mm. The dimensions of the liquid cooling channel 101 meet the above requirements, ensuring smooth flow of the liquid cooling medium without excessive flow resistance, and guaranteeing a certain flow velocity, avoiding the problem of localized low flow velocity and poor heat exchange. One side of the rectangular cross-section of the liquid cooling channel 101 is parallel to the first wall surface 12, so that the distance between the upper inner wall surface of the liquid cooling channel 101 and the first wall surface 12 is consistent throughout, which helps to ensure the temperature uniformity of the battery module 900.

[0052] Optionally, the cross-section of the direct cooling channel 102 can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other irregular shapes. Optionally, in this embodiment, the second channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels 102, all of which have circular cross-sections, with the diameter of the circle ranging from 3mm to 7mm. The dimensions of the direct cooling channels 102 meet the above requirements, ensuring smooth flow of the direct cooling medium without excessive flow resistance, and guaranteeing a certain flow velocity, thus avoiding the problem of localized low flow velocities and poor heat exchange.

[0053] Optionally, the direct cooling inlet pipe 4 and the liquid cooling outlet pipe 3 are arranged close to each other, and the direct cooling outlet pipe 5 and the liquid cooling inlet pipe 2 are arranged close to each other. That is, the overall flow direction of the cooling medium and the liquid cooling medium is opposite. The temperature of the liquid cooling medium near the liquid cooling inlet pipe 2 is lower, but the temperature of the corresponding cooling medium is higher, so the liquid cooling medium absorbs less cooling from the direct cooling medium. The temperature of the liquid cooling medium near the liquid cooling outlet pipe 3 is higher, but the temperature of the corresponding cooling medium is lower, so the liquid cooling medium absorbs more cooling from the direct cooling medium. This results in little temperature change between the liquid cooling medium and the liquid cooling medium at the inlet, which further ensures the temperature uniformity of the liquid cooling medium.

[0054] Optionally, the housing 1 includes a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate stacked sequentially. The first plate has a first flow channel groove, the second plate has a second flow channel groove on one side and a third flow channel groove on the other side, and the third plate has a fourth flow channel groove. When the first and second plates are stacked, the first and second flow channel grooves are positioned opposite each other to form a first flow channel layer. When the second and third plates are stacked, the third and fourth flow channel grooves are positioned opposite each other to form a second flow channel layer. This structure of the housing 1 ensures ease of processing, and it is known that a stepped surface 11 protrudes from one side of the second plate.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a battery pack, including a battery module 900 and the aforementioned composite cold plate 800, with the battery module 900 attached to the first wall surface 12 of the composite cold plate 800. Optionally, the battery module 900 includes two rows of battery cells, the first flow channel layer is generally U-shaped, each row of battery cells is arranged along the extension direction of the liquid cooling flow channel 101, and the two rows of battery cells are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the liquid cooling flow channel 101.

[0056] This battery pack solves the problem of insufficient heat exchange in a single liquid cooling solution, which cannot cope with high-rate charging and discharging of the battery pack. It also solves the problem of poor temperature uniformity and reduced cycle life in a single direct cooling solution. In addition, this battery pack has the advantages of compact structure, high heat exchange efficiency, and good temperature uniformity.

[0057] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A composite cold plate characterized by, The device includes a housing (1), which has a first flow channel layer and a second flow channel layer spaced apart. The inner cavity of the first flow channel layer is connected to a liquid cooling unit and has a liquid cooling medium. The inner cavity of the second flow channel layer is connected to a direct cooling unit and has a cooling medium. A battery module (900) is attached to a first wall surface (12) of the housing (1). The first flow channel layer is located between the second flow channel layer and the first wall surface (12).

2. The composite cold plate of claim 1, wherein, The first wall surface (12) is provided with a liquid cooling inlet pipe (2) and a liquid cooling outlet pipe (3), both of which are connected to the inner cavity of the first flow channel layer.

3. The composite cold plate of claim 1, wherein, The housing (1) is provided with a direct cooling inlet pipe (4) and a direct cooling outlet pipe (5), both of which are connected to the inner cavity of the second flow channel layer.

4. The composite cold plate of claim 3, wherein, The housing (1) has a stepped surface (11) facing the battery module (900), and the direct cooling inlet pipe (4) and / or the direct cooling outlet pipe (5) are disposed on the stepped surface (11).

5. The composite cold-rolled steel plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first flow channel layer includes multiple liquid cooling channels (101), which are arranged in parallel at intervals and whose ends are connected. Alternatively, multiple liquid cooling channels (101) may be sequentially connected. Alternatively, some of the liquid cooling channels (101) may be connected in series to form a first channel group, and multiple first channel groups may be connected in parallel; Alternatively, some of the liquid cooling channels (101) may be connected in parallel to form a second channel group, and multiple second channel groups may be connected in series.

6. The composite cold-rolled plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second flow channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels (102), which are arranged in parallel at intervals and whose ends are connected. Alternatively, multiple direct cooling channels (102) may be sequentially connected. Alternatively, some of the direct cooling channels (102) may be connected in series to form a third channel group, and multiple third channel groups may be connected in parallel; Alternatively, some of the direct cooling channels (102) may be connected in parallel to form a fourth channel group, and multiple fourth channel groups may be connected in series.

7. The composite cold-rolled steel plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first flow channel layer includes multiple liquid cooling channels (101), and the cross-section of each of the multiple liquid cooling channels (101) is rectangular. The length of the rectangle is in the range of 3mm-7mm, and / or the width of the rectangle is in the range of 3mm-7mm.

8. The composite cold-rolled plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second flow channel layer includes multiple direct cooling channels (102), and the cross-section of each of the multiple direct cooling channels (102) is circular, with the diameter of the circle ranging from 3mm to 7mm.

9. The composite cold-rolled plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate stacked in sequence. A first flow channel groove is formed on the first plate. A second flow channel groove is formed on one side of the second plate and a third flow channel groove is formed on the other side of the second plate. A fourth flow channel groove is formed on the third plate. The first flow channel groove and the second flow channel groove are arranged opposite to each other to form the first flow channel layer. The third flow channel groove and the fourth flow channel groove are arranged opposite to each other to form the second flow channel layer.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a battery module (900) and a composite cold plate as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the battery module (900) is attached to the composite cold plate (800).

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