Module and battery pack

Abstract

This application provides a module, including: a module housing with two first side plates, the module housing capable of accommodating multiple battery cells arranged side-by-side along its length, the two first side plates being arranged opposite each other along their width, one first side plate having a module liquid inlet on its side facing away from the battery cells and a module outflow channel on its side facing the battery cells, the other first side plate having a module liquid outlet on its side facing away from the battery cells and a module inflow channel on its side facing the battery cells, and a battery cell liquid channel extending along its width between adjacent battery cells, allowing coolant flowing in from the module liquid inlet to flow through the battery cell liquid channel and out from the module liquid outlet. This application also provides a battery pack. According to the module and battery pack of this application, the contact area between the coolant and the battery cells is increased, thereby improving cooling efficiency, while ensuring a small temperature difference between the individual battery cells, thus improving performance stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of power and energy storage, and more particularly to a module and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional battery cooling technologies include air cooling and liquid cooling. While air cooling is simple in structure and inexpensive, its heat dissipation efficiency is limited. It relies solely on airflow for heat dissipation, which is insufficient to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-power battery packs, especially under high-temperature conditions where its effectiveness decreases significantly. Furthermore, the large temperature difference within the battery pack affects performance stability.

[0003] Traditional liquid cooling structures typically involve bottom-mounted liquid cooling within the battery pack, offering higher heat dissipation efficiency than air cooling. However, this results in limited cooling area for the battery cells and significant temperature differences between cells, impacting the stability of both the cells and the overall battery system. Furthermore, traditional liquid cooling structures are more complex, increasing the weight of the battery pack and affecting performance; they also increase the pack's volume, leading to lower energy density. Utility Model Content

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a module, including: a module housing, including two first side plates, the module housing being able to accommodate a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side along the length direction, the two first side plates being arranged opposite each other along the width direction, one of the first side plates having a module liquid inlet on the side facing away from the battery cells and a module outflow channel on the side facing the battery cells, the other first side plate having a module liquid outlet on the side facing away from the battery cells and a module inflow channel on the side facing the battery cells, and a battery cell liquid channel extending along the width direction being provided between adjacent battery cells, wherein coolant flowing in from the module liquid inlet can flow through the battery cell liquid channel and flow out from the module liquid outlet.

[0005] According to the module of this application, coolant can flow into the module from the module inlet provided on the module housing, flow through the cell liquid channels between adjacent cells in the width direction, and flow out of the module from the module outlet on the module housing. In other words, coolant can flow over the large surface area of ​​each cell, which increases the contact area between the coolant and the cell compared to traditional liquid cooling structures, thereby improving cooling efficiency, while ensuring a small temperature difference between the cells and improving performance stability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the module inlet and the module outlet are spaced apart along the height direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the module housing further includes a module cover plate and a module bottom plate disposed opposite to each other along the height direction, the module liquid inlet is disposed on a first side plate near the module bottom plate, and the module liquid outlet is disposed on another first side plate away from the module bottom plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the module outflow channel and the module inflow channel are respectively disposed opposite to the cell liquid channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, a cell spacer is also included, disposed between adjacent cells to form a cell liquid channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one cell spacer is provided between adjacent cells along the height direction; or, 3 to 5 cell spacers are provided between adjacent cells along the height direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the module housing further includes two second side plates, which are disposed opposite to each other along the length direction.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery pack, including: a battery housing, which can accommodate multiple modules as described in the first aspect, a battery inflow channel, and a battery outflow channel. The modules are disposed between the battery inflow channel and the battery outflow channel. The battery inflow channel is provided with a battery injection hole and multiple channel outlet holes. Coolant from the battery cooling system can be injected into the battery inflow channel through the battery injection hole and flow out through the multiple channel outlet holes. The multiple channel outlet holes are respectively arranged opposite to the module inlet of the module. The battery outflow channel is provided with multiple channel inlets, which are respectively arranged opposite to the module outlet of the module. Coolant flowing out from the module outlet can flow into the battery outflow channel through the channel inlets.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery inflow channel is located in the middle of the battery housing along the width direction and extends along the length direction, and the number of battery outflow channels is two, which are respectively located on both sides of the battery housing along the width direction and extend along the length direction. The multiple modules are arranged in two rows along the width direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery housing is further provided with a battery outflow pipe, which is used to connect to one end of the battery outflow channel to discharge the coolant in the battery outflow channel from the battery pack to the battery cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This illustration shows a module provided according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 2 This illustration shows a module provided according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 2 ;

[0017] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the length of a module provided according to some embodiments of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a first side plate facing the cell side according to some embodiments of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a first side plate facing away from the battery cell side according to some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along the length of a first side plate provided according to some embodiments of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a battery pack provided according to some embodiments of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a battery outflow channel provided according to some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a battery inflow channel provided according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this utility model will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this utility model are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the utility model in conjunction with the embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this utility model. To provide a deep understanding of this utility model, many specific details will be included in the following description. This utility model may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this utility model, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0025] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the 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 the utility model.

[0027] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" 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 embodiment based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Firstly, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a module 10, which includes a module housing. The module housing includes two first side plates 11, and the module housing can accommodate multiple components along the length direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The battery cells 100 are arranged side by side in the X direction (as shown). The two first side plates 11 are arranged along the width direction (e.g., in the X direction). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components are arranged relative to each other in the Y direction (as shown). One of the first side plates 11 has a module liquid inlet 151 on the side facing away from the battery cell 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure), a module outflow channel (not shown in the figure) is provided on the side facing the battery cell 100. Please refer to the module outflow channel for details. Figure 4 The module inflow channel 16 shown has the same structure as the other two. The other first side plate 11 has a module outlet 161 on the side facing away from the battery cell 100, and a module inflow channel 16 (as shown) on the side facing the battery cell 100. Figure 4 (As shown). Combined Figure 3 As shown, adjacent cells 100 are provided with a spacing along the width direction (e.g. Figure 1 The cell liquid channel 17 extends in the Y direction (as shown). Coolant flowing in from the module inlet 151 can flow through the cell liquid channel 17 and out from the module outlet 161.

[0031] It should be noted that the coolant can be any ester-based insulating liquid such as cooling oil; there are no specific limitations, as long as it can cool the battery cell. The coolant can partially or completely submerge the battery cell.

[0032] According to the module 10 of this application, coolant can flow into the module 10 from the module inlet 151 provided on the module housing, and flow along the width direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The coolant (in the Y direction shown) flows through the cell liquid channel 17 between adjacent cells 100 and exits the module 10 from the module liquid outlet 161 on the module housing. In other words, the coolant can flow over the large surface area of ​​each cell 100, which increases the contact area between the coolant and the cell 100 compared to traditional liquid cooling structures, thereby improving cooling efficiency and ensuring that the temperature difference between each cell 100 is small, thus improving performance stability.

[0033] In some embodiments, the module inlet 151 and the module outlet 161 are aligned along the height direction (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The spacing is set in the Z direction (as shown). This setting allows the coolant to flow fully through the battery cell 100 in the height direction, further enhancing the cooling effect.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the module housing also includes components along the height direction (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module cover plate 13 and module base plate 14 are arranged opposite each other in the Z direction shown. The module liquid inlet 151 is located on one of the first side plates 11 near the module base plate 14, and the module liquid outlet 161 is located on the other first side plate 11 away from the module base plate 14.

[0035] In some embodiments, the module outflow channel and the module inflow channel 16 are respectively arranged opposite to the cell liquid channel 17. This arrangement ensures that the coolant flowing in from the module inlet 151 on one of the first side plates 11 can flow smoothly out from the module outflow channel, flow to the cell liquid channel 17, and then flow in from the module inflow channel 16 on the other first side plate 11. After converging, it flows out from the module outlet 161 on the first side plate 11, further enhancing the cooling effect and reducing resistance.

[0036] In some embodiments, the module 10 further includes a cell spacer 18 disposed between adjacent cells 100 to form a cell liquid channel 17. This arrangement simplifies the structure within the module 10, requiring only the insulated cell spacer 18 between adjacent cells 100 to form the cell liquid channel 17 for coolant flow. In some embodiments, reference... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Along the height direction (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown in the Z direction), at least one cell spacer plate 18 is provided between adjacent cells 100 to ensure that the coolant is in full contact with the cell 100 along the height direction, thereby enhancing the cooling effect and reducing the temperature difference between different positions of the cell 100.

[0037] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, along the height direction (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown in the Z direction), three cell spacers 18 are provided between adjacent cells 100, thereby forming two cell liquid channels 17 between adjacent cells. Correspondingly, as... Figure 6 As shown, along the height direction (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown in the Z direction), the first side plate 11 is provided with two module inflow channels 16 and a module outflow channel (not shown in the figure, but its structure is the same as that of the module inflow channel 16) corresponding to the two cell liquid channels 17. As a result, the coolant can flow smoothly from the module outflow channel of the first side plate 11, flow through the cell liquid channels 17, and then flow into the module inflow channel 16, reducing resistance.

[0038] In some other embodiments, more than three cell spacers 18 may be provided between adjacent cells 100, such as four or five.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The module housing also includes two second side plates 12, which are arranged along the length direction (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The modules are arranged relative to each other (in the X direction shown). No liquid flow structure is required on the second side plate 12. The module housing forms a closed hexahedral structure consisting of the module cover plate 13, the module base plate 14, two first side plates 11, and two second side plates 12. Coolant can only circulate with the external environment through the module inlet 151 and module outlet 161 on the module housing.

[0040] Secondly, refer to Figure 8 As shown, this application provides a battery pack 1, which includes a battery housing. The battery housing can accommodate multiple modules 10 as described in the first aspect, a battery inflow channel 5, and a battery outflow channel 6. The module 10 is disposed between the battery inflow channel 5 and the battery outflow channel 6. Figure 9 As shown, the battery inflow channel 5 is provided with a battery injection hole 51 and multiple channel outlet holes 52 (e.g., 3). Coolant from the battery cooling system can be injected into the battery inflow channel 5 through the battery injection hole 51 and flow out through the multiple channel outlet holes 52. The multiple channel outlet holes 52 are respectively arranged opposite to the module inlet 151 of the module 10. Figure 8As shown, the battery outlet channel 6 is provided with multiple channel inlet holes 61, which are respectively arranged opposite to the module outlet 161 of the module 10. The coolant flowing out from the module outlet 161 can flow into the battery outlet channel 6 through the channel inlet holes 61. In other words, the coolant from the battery cooling system is injected from the battery injection hole 51 of the battery inlet channel 5, flows out from the channel outlet hole 52 of the battery inlet channel 5, flows to the module inlet 151 of the module 10, and then flows out from the module outlet 161 of the module 10, flows to the channel inlet hole 61 of the battery outlet channel 6, and then flows into the battery outlet channel 6 for subsequent discharge of coolant from the battery pack 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the battery inflow channel 5 is disposed along the width direction of the battery housing (e.g., ...). Figure 7 The middle of the Y direction (as shown) and along the length direction (e.g.) Figure 7 Extending in the X direction (as shown). There are two battery outflow channels 6, each located along the width direction of the battery housing (e.g., in the X direction). Figure 7 On both sides of the Y direction (as shown) and along the length direction (e.g. Figure 7 Extending in the X direction (as shown). Multiple modules 10 extend along the width direction (e.g., in the X direction). Figure 7 The modules 10 (shown in the Y direction) are arranged in two rows, with each row of modules 10 positioned between the battery inflow channel 5 and the battery outflow channel 6. Each row of modules 10 may include, for example, three modules 10, or more or less than three, without specific limitation here.

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery housing is further provided with a battery outflow pipe 7, which is used to connect to one end of the battery outflow channel 6 to discharge the coolant in the battery outflow channel 6 from the battery pack 1 to the battery cooling system (not shown in the figure).

[0043] In some embodiments, the battery housing includes a battery cover 2, a battery base plate 3, and a battery frame 4. The battery cover 2 and the battery base plate 3 are aligned along the height direction (e.g., ...). Figure 7 The battery filling hole 51 can be located on the side of the battery inflow channel 5 facing the battery cover plate 2, and the battery cover plate 2 can be provided with a through hole (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the battery filling hole 51. The filling part 8 is a hollow cylinder, used to connect the through hole of the battery cover plate 2 and the battery filling hole 51 of the battery inflow channel 5 (as shown in the figure). Figure 9 As shown, the coolant of the battery cooling system can flow into the battery injection hole 51 through the injection section 8. In other embodiments, the battery injection hole 51 can also be provided at the end of the battery inflow channel 5, and the battery frame 4 has a corresponding through hole. There is no specific limitation here, as long as it can realize the injection of the coolant of the battery cooling system into the battery inflow channel 5.

[0044] The battery pack provided in this application contains several modules, each an independent unit connected in parallel within the battery system. The heat dissipation of these modules does not affect each other, reducing the temperature difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the entire battery system (pack). The entire battery system exhibits extremely high maintainability. This battery system can quickly remove heat from the battery system, ensuring that the cells operate within a stable temperature environment, thereby improving the cycle life of the entire battery system and reducing operating costs. Simultaneously, liquid cooling has higher thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, allowing for faster heat conduction and absorption; liquid cooling is completely isolated from air, avoiding damage to electronic equipment from humidity, vibration, and dust, thus improving reliability; the entire structure can be directly placed in a liquid, making fuller use of space.

[0045] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can make various changes in form and detail, including some simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A module, characterized in that, include: The module housing includes two first side plates. The module housing can accommodate multiple battery cells arranged side by side along the length direction. The two first side plates are arranged opposite each other along the width direction. One first side plate has a module liquid inlet on the side facing away from the battery cells and a module outflow channel on the side facing the battery cells. The other first side plate has a module liquid outlet on the side facing away from the battery cells and a module inflow channel on the side facing the battery cells. A battery cell liquid channel extending along the width direction is provided between adjacent battery cells. Coolant flowing in from the module liquid inlet can flow through the battery cell liquid channel and flow out from the module liquid outlet.

2. The module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The module's liquid inlet and liquid outlet are spaced apart along the height direction.

3. The module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The module housing also includes a module cover plate and a module bottom plate arranged opposite each other along the height direction. The module liquid inlet is located on a first side plate near the module bottom plate, and the module liquid outlet is located on another first side plate away from the module bottom plate.

4. The module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The module outflow channel and the module inflow channel are respectively arranged opposite to the cell liquid channel.

5. The module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes cell spacers, which are disposed between adjacent cells to form cell liquid channels.

6. The module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Along the height direction, at least one cell spacer is provided between adjacent cells; or, along the height direction, 3 to 5 cell spacers are provided between adjacent cells.

7. The module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The module housing also includes two second side plates, which are arranged opposite each other along the length direction.

8. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: A battery housing, wherein the battery housing can accommodate multiple modules as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, a battery inflow channel, and a battery outflow channel, wherein the modules are disposed between the battery inflow channel and the battery outflow channel, the battery inflow channel is provided with a battery injection hole and multiple channel outlet holes, wherein coolant from the battery cooling system can be injected into the battery inflow channel through the battery injection hole and flow out from the multiple channel outlet holes, the multiple channel outlet holes being respectively arranged opposite to the module inlet of the module, the battery outflow channel is provided with multiple channel inlets, the multiple channel inlets being respectively arranged opposite to the module outlet of the module, wherein coolant flowing out from the module outlet can flow into the battery outflow channel through the channel inlets.

9. The battery pack as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The battery inflow channel is located in the middle of the battery housing along the width direction and extends along the length direction. There are two battery outflow channels, which are respectively located on both sides of the battery housing along the width direction and extend along the length direction. The multiple modules are arranged in two rows along the width direction.

10. The battery pack as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The battery box is also equipped with a battery outflow pipe, which is used to connect to one end of the battery outflow channel to discharge the coolant in the battery outflow channel from the battery pack to the battery cooling system.

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