Battery box and energy storage device

Abstract

The application discloses a battery box and an energy storage device. The battery box comprises a battery pack and an outer cover. The battery pack comprises a plurality of single-layer boxes stacked together along the height direction. The single-layer box comprises a temperature piece, and a cooling cavity for cooling battery components is formed in the temperature piece. The outer cover is arranged on the side of the battery pack, and a flow channel is formed in the outer cover, which is communicated with the cooling cavity of the temperature piece. Compared with the prior art, the battery box of the application integrates the flow channel in the outer cover, which not only improves the cooling efficiency, but also significantly optimizes the space utilization. Due to the direct communication between the flow channel and the cooling cavity, the cooling liquid can be quickly transferred and radiated, ensuring that the battery components always work in an appropriate temperature range. The energy storage device adopting the battery box prolongs the service life of the battery components and improves the safety and reliability of the whole system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy battery technology, and in particular to a battery box and energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electric vehicles and energy storage systems, battery performance and lifespan largely depend on the management of their operating temperature. Therefore, liquid cooling systems are widely used in battery pack design to ensure that batteries operate within their optimal temperature range.

[0003] However, the thermal management section of a traditional battery system mainly consists of a liquid cooling plate, liquid cooling pipes, and a main inlet / outlet. The liquid cooling pipes only serve to connect the liquid cooling plate and the main inlet / outlet. Traditional battery box liquid cooling solutions typically require the installation of multiple liquid cooling pipes inside the battery box. These pipes not only occupy valuable space but also present a series of challenges during assembly, leading to increased assembly difficulty. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this application provides a battery box and energy storage device that can overcome the shortcomings of traditional battery box liquid cooling systems in terms of space occupation and assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: A battery box includes a battery pack and an outer cover. The battery pack includes multiple single-layer boxes, which are stacked sequentially along the height of the battery pack. Each single-layer box includes a temperature element with a cooling cavity formed therein for cooling the battery assembly. The outer cover is disposed on the side of the battery pack and has a flow channel formed therein, which communicates with the cooling cavity of the temperature element.

[0006] In one embodiment, the outer cover includes a main body and a cover plate disposed opposite to each other. The main body is connected to the battery pack. The main body extends toward the battery pack and forms a flange. The cover plate covers the flange and, together with the main body and the flange, forms the flow channel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the outer cover includes a main water head and a plurality of branch water heads communicating with the flow channel. The main water head is connected to the side of the main body away from the battery pack, and the branch water heads are connected to the side of the cover facing the battery pack.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer cover includes a main water head and a plurality of branch water heads, the main water head and the branch water heads are respectively connected to the flow channel, and the branch water heads are connected to the temperature element; Along the height direction of the battery pack, when the total head is configured for liquid inlet, the height of the total head is not lower than the height of any one of the branch heads; when the total head is configured for liquid outlet, the height of the total head is not higher than the height of any one of the branch heads.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flow channel includes multiple graded flow paths, each of which is connected to a corresponding water head. The cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple graded flow paths gradually decreases in the direction away from the total water head.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flow channel includes a main flow path connected to the total head and connected to multiple stages. The main flow path extends along the height direction of the battery pack and gradually decreases in cross-sectional area away from the total head.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer cover includes a main body and a connecting part. The connecting part is disposed around the periphery of the main body, and the main body protrudes outward from the connecting part. The connecting part is connected to the battery pack.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outer cover is detachably connected to the battery pack.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery pack has an assembly space formed on at least one side, and the outer cover is disposed on the opening of the assembly space to close the assembly space.

[0014] This application also adopts the following technical solution to provide an energy storage device, including a battery box and a battery assembly as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the single-layer box forms an installation cavity, and the battery assembly is installed in the installation cavity and is in contact with the temperature element.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application provides a battery box and energy storage device. The battery box includes a battery pack and an outer cover. The battery pack includes multiple single-layer boxes stacked sequentially along its height direction. Each single-layer box includes a temperature element, and a cooling cavity for cooling the battery assembly is formed within the temperature element. The outer cover is disposed on the side of the battery pack, and a flow channel is formed within the outer cover, which connects to the cooling cavity of the temperature element. Compared with the prior art, the battery box of this application, by integrating the flow channel within the outer cover, not only improves cooling efficiency but also significantly optimizes space utilization. Due to the direct connection between the flow channel and the cooling cavity, the coolant can be transferred and dissipated more quickly, ensuring that the battery assembly always operates within a suitable temperature range. The energy storage device using this type of battery box extends the service life of the battery assembly and improves the safety and reliability of the entire system. It solves the technical problems of traditional liquid cooling systems, which are difficult to assemble and inconvenient to maintain due to complex piping and large space occupation, and reduces external piping connections, thereby reducing potential leakage risks. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to this application is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery pack according to this application is shown; Figure 3 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery pack according to this application is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery pack according to this application is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of one of the outer covers of this application is shown; Reference numerals: 1. Battery pack; 11. Single-layer casing; 111. Housing; 112. Temperature element; 1121. Cooling chamber; 12. Assembly space; 13. Mounting cavity; 2. Outer cover; 21. Main body; 22. Flange; 23. Cover plate; 24. Flow channel; 241. Main flow path; 242. Primary flow path; 243. Secondary flow path; 244. Tertiary flow path; 25. Total head; 26. Branch head; 27. Connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In this application, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] The terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “radial,” and “circumferential” 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 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] See Figure 1 This application provides an energy storage device, including a battery box and a battery assembly. The battery box includes a battery pack 1, which includes a plurality of single-layer boxes 11 stacked together along its height direction. Each single-layer box 11 forms a mounting cavity 13, and the battery assembly is installed in the mounting cavity 13.

[0021] In practical applications, multiple single-layer boxes 11 are interconnected to achieve the stability and sealing of the overall structure. Each single-layer box 11 is provided with a mounting cavity 13 for accommodating battery components. Multiple single-layer boxes 11 are stacked to form a complete battery pack 1 structure. The battery components in the single-layer box 11 are used to provide power output to meet the usage requirements of the energy storage device.

[0022] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The single-layer housing 11 includes a temperature element 112, and a cooling cavity 1121 for cooling the battery assembly is formed inside the temperature element 112. The battery box also includes an outer cover 2, which is disposed on the side of the battery pack 1. A flow channel 24 is formed inside the outer cover 2, and the flow channel 24 communicates with the cooling cavity 1121 of the temperature element 112.

[0023] In practical applications, the single-layer housing 11 may further include a shell 111, which is connected to the temperature element 112 to jointly enclose and form a mounting cavity 13. The battery assembly is assembled in the mounting cavity 13 and is attached to the temperature element 112. Multiple single-layer housings 11 are stacked together to form a battery pack 1. An outer cover 2 is disposed on one side of the battery pack 1 and connected to the multiple single-layer housings 11. A cooling cavity 1121 is formed inside the temperature element 112. The cooling cavity 1121 is connected to an external liquid supply device through the flow channel 24 of the outer plate. With this design, the coolant can be guided to the cooling cavity 1121 of the temperature element 112 through the flow channel 24, thereby achieving effective cooling of the battery assembly.

[0024] It should be noted that the temperature element 112 can not only cool the battery assembly, but also heat the battery assembly in some other embodiments. The temperature of the battery assembly can be adjusted by changing different liquid coolants in the cooling chamber 1121. This application does not limit this.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies, the battery box in this application improves cooling efficiency and significantly optimizes space utilization by integrating a flow channel 24 within the outer cover 2. Due to the direct connection between the flow channel 24 and the cooling chamber 1121, the coolant can be transferred and dissipated more quickly, ensuring that the battery assembly always operates within a suitable temperature range. This extends the lifespan of the battery assembly and enhances the safety and reliability of the entire system. It solves the technical problems of traditional liquid cooling systems, which suffer from complex piping and large space requirements, leading to difficult assembly and inconvenient maintenance. Furthermore, it reduces external piping connections, lowering the potential risk of leakage.

[0026] See Figure 2 The outer cover 2 includes a main body 21 and a cover plate 23 disposed opposite to each other. The main body 21 is connected to the battery pack 1. The main body 21 extends toward the side facing the battery pack 1 to form a flange 22. The cover plate 23 covers the flange 22 and surrounds the main body 21 and the flange 22 to form a flow channel 24.

[0027] In practical applications, the main body 21 can be connected to the battery pack 1 via fasteners (such as bolts, rivets, etc.) and extends to the side facing the battery pack 1 to form a flange 22. The cover plate 23 covers the flange 22 and, together with the main body 21 and the flange 22, encloses the battery pack, forming a flow channel 24 for coolant flow. During battery pack operation, the coolant circulates through the flow channel 24, absorbing heat from the battery components and ensuring that the battery component temperature remains within a safe range. This design not only achieves a high degree of structural integration for the outer cover 2 of the battery pack but also significantly improves the efficiency and safety of the cooling system. The ingenious combination of the main body 21 and the cover plate 23 eliminates the need for additional complex piping in the formation of the flow channel 24, thus saving space and reducing production costs.

[0028] It should be noted that the cover plate 23 and the flange 22 are connected in a sealed manner to prevent coolant from leaking from the flow channel 24. For example, the cover plate 23 can be welded to the flange 22, or the cover plate 23 can be connected to the flange 22 in a detachable manner, which facilitates the maintenance of the flow channel 24.

[0029] See again Figure 2 The outer cover 2 includes a main water head 25 and multiple branch water heads 26 that are connected to the flow channel 24. The main water head 25 is connected to the side of the main body 21 away from the battery pack 1, and the branch water heads 26 are connected to the side of the cover plate 23 facing the battery pack 1.

[0030] In practical applications, the main head 25 is located on the main body 21 of the outer cover 2, on the side away from the battery pack 1, and is used to connect to an external liquid supply device. Multiple branch heads 26 are distributed on the cover plate 23 and connected to the side facing the battery pack 1. Each branch head 26 is connected to a temperature element 112 of a single-layer housing 11 to distribute the liquid introduced by the main head 25 into the cooling chamber 1121 of each temperature element 112. This integrated design of the main head 25 and branch heads 26 improves system integration, reduces external connectors, and enhances overall reliability.

[0031] See again Figure 1 The battery pack 1 has an assembly space 12 formed on at least one side, and the outer cover 2 is placed over the opening of the assembly space 12 to close the assembly space 12.

[0032] In practical applications, the assembly space 12 primarily provides installation space for the distributor head 26. Located between the outer cover 2 and the battery pack 1, the assembly space 12 can also accommodate battery cells or other critical components, such as communication equipment or pressure relief systems, thus improving the space utilization of the battery pack. The size and shape of the outer cover 2 match the opening of the assembly space 12 to achieve precise installation and effective sealing. The closed design of the outer cover 2 not only protects the internal components but also ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 under various operating conditions.

[0033] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 Along the height direction of the battery pack 1, when the total head 25 is configured for liquid inlet, the height of the total head 25 is not lower than the height of any one of the branch heads 26; when the total head 25 is configured for liquid outlet, the height of the total head 25 is not higher than the height of any one of the branch heads 26.

[0034] In practical applications, the configuration of the total head 25 and the distributor head 26 in the outer cover 2 along the height direction optimizes the flow efficiency and effect of the coolant. This configuration ensures that the coolant can smoothly flow into or out of the battery pack 1 under different operating modes.

[0035] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the liquid flow pattern where the main head 25 is configured as the inlet. When the coolant flows from the main head 25 to the multiple distributor heads 26, since the distributor heads 26 have different heights, in order to ensure that the coolant flowing out of the main head 25 can smoothly flow into the multiple distributor heads 26, the main head 25 should be located above the multiple distributor heads 26, or not lower than the highest distributor head 26. With this design, the coolant in the main head 25 can be effectively distributed to each distributor head 26 under the action of gravity, thereby uniformly covering the battery pack 1.

[0036] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the liquid flow pattern where the main head 25 is configured for liquid outlet. When the coolant flows from the cooling chamber 1121 of the temperature element 112 and returns to the main head 25 via multiple distributor heads 26, the height of the main head 25 should not exceed the height of any single distributor head 26. This configuration utilizes gravity to help the coolant flow from the distributor heads 26 to the main head 25, ensuring a smooth return of the coolant to the coolant recovery system.

[0037] See again Figure 1 In one embodiment, the outer cover 2 can typically form two flow channels 24 and be configured with two main water heads 25, which are respectively connected to multiple branch water heads 26. One main water head 25 is configured for liquid inlet and the other main water head 25 is configured for liquid outlet.

[0038] See Figure 4 The flow channel 24 includes multiple graded flow paths, which are connected one-to-one with multiple water distribution heads 26. The cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple graded flow paths gradually decreases in the direction away from the total water head 25.

[0039] In practical applications, the design of flow channel 24 includes multiple staged flow paths, each connected to a corresponding head 26. By precisely designing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths, the coolant can maintain appropriate flow velocity and pressure during flow. Specifically, each staged flow path is directly connected to a head 26, forming an independent coolant passage. As the distance of the staged flow path from the total head 25 increases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the staged flow path gradually decreases. By gradually reducing the cross-sectional area, the coolant flow velocity further away from the total head 25 is increased, ensuring a relatively balanced flow velocity at each head 26. This gradual change in cross-sectional area optimizes the coolant pressure distribution and flow path, reduces flow resistance, and solves the problems of uneven coolant flow and low flow efficiency.

[0040] This embodiment is explained here using three hierarchical flow paths. It is understood that the number of hierarchical flow paths can be set according to actual conditions, and this application does not limit it.

[0041] In one embodiment, the graded flow path is divided into a primary flow path 242, a secondary flow path 243, and a tertiary flow path 244. Along the height direction of the battery pack 1, the primary flow path 242 is closest to the total head 25, the secondary flow path 243 is farther from the total head 25, and the tertiary flow path 244 is farthest from the total head 25. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the primary flow path 242 is greater than that of the secondary flow path 243, which is greater than that of the tertiary flow path 244. This ensures that the flow velocity and hydraulic pressure at each head 26 are relatively balanced.

[0042] See again Figure 4The flow channel 24 includes a main flow path 241, which is connected to the main head 25 and communicates with multiple stages. The main flow path 241 extends along the height direction of the battery pack 1 and moves away from the main head 25. The cross-sectional area of ​​the main flow path 241 gradually decreases at least partially.

[0043] In practical applications, the main flow path 241 is directly connected to the main head 25, forming the main channel for coolant to enter the system. The main flow path 241 extends along the height of the battery pack 1, covering the cooling needs of the entire battery pack 1. The main flow path 241 connects the main head 25 with multiple staged flow paths. Moving away from the main head 25, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main flow path 241 gradually decreases, at least partially. By gradually reducing the cross-sectional area, the flow rate of the coolant is increased, ensuring that the distant staged flow paths also receive sufficient coolant supply. By adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the main flow path 241, uniform distribution of coolant among the various staged flow paths is ensured.

[0044] See Figure 5 The outer cover 2 also includes a connecting portion 27, which is disposed around the periphery of the main body 21. The main body 21 protrudes outward from the connecting portion 27, and the connecting portion 27 is connected to the battery pack 1.

[0045] In practical applications, the connecting portion 27 is arranged around the periphery of the main body 21 to form a complete surrounding structure. The surrounding design ensures that the connecting portion 27 can provide stable support and fixation, allowing the outer cover 2 to be reliably installed on the battery pack 1. The main body 21 protrudes outward from the connecting portion 27, forming a transition area. This protrusion design not only enhances the mechanical strength of the outer cover 2 but also provides additional space to accommodate slight deformations of the battery pack 1.

[0046] It should be noted that the connecting part 27 and the battery pack 1 can be connected together by bolts or rivets, or the connecting part 27 and the battery pack 1 can be welded together.

[0047] In one embodiment, the outer cover 2 is detachably connected to the battery pack 1. For example, by means of bolt connection, snap-fit ​​connection, etc., the outer cover 2 can not only be firmly installed on the battery pack 1, but also be easily removed when needed, providing a flexible maintenance and replacement solution.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery box, characterized in that, include: A battery pack includes multiple single-layer housings, which are stacked sequentially along the height of the battery pack; each single-layer housing includes a temperature element, and a cooling cavity for cooling the battery assembly is formed within the temperature element. An outer cover is disposed on the side of the battery pack, and a flow channel is formed inside the outer cover, the flow channel being connected to the cooling chamber of the temperature element.

2. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cover includes a main body and a cover plate disposed opposite to each other. The main body is connected to the battery pack. The main body extends toward the side facing the battery pack to form a flange. The cover plate covers the flange and, together with the main body and the flange, forms the flow channel.

3. The battery box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer cover includes a main water head and multiple branch water heads communicating with the flow channel. The main water head is connected to the side of the main body away from the battery pack, and the branch water heads are connected to the side of the cover facing the battery pack.

4. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cover includes a main water head and multiple branch water heads, the main water head and the branch water heads are respectively connected to the flow channel, and the branch water heads are connected to the temperature element; Along the height direction of the battery pack, when the total head is configured for liquid inlet, the height of the total head is not lower than the height of any one of the branch heads; when the total head is configured for liquid outlet, the height of the total head is not higher than the height of any one of the branch heads.

5. The battery box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow channel includes multiple graded flow paths, each of which is connected to a corresponding water head. The cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple graded flow paths gradually decreases in the direction away from the total water head.

6. The battery box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow channel includes a main flow path connected to the total head and connected to multiple stages. The main flow path extends along the height direction of the battery pack and gradually decreases in cross-sectional area away from the total head.

7. The battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The outer cover includes a main body and a connecting part. The connecting part is disposed around the periphery of the main body. The main body protrudes outward from the connecting part. The connecting part is connected to the battery pack.

8. The battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The outer cover is detachably connected to the battery pack.

9. The battery box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The battery pack has an assembly space on at least one side, and the outer cover is disposed on the opening of the assembly space to close the assembly space.

10. An energy storage device, characterized in that, The battery box and battery assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 are included, wherein the single-layer box forms a mounting cavity, the battery assembly is installed in the mounting cavity and is in contact with the temperature element.

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