Battery direct cooling manifold

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery direct cooling distribution head, and the distribution head includes first joint, second joint, third joint, and the second joint, third joint are communicated in first joint respectively, and first joint is used for connecting refrigerant delivery pipeline, and second joint and third joint are all used for connecting the flow channel in cold plate, and first joint is configured as liquid -evening joint. The utility model discloses a battery direct cooling distribution head, by setting first joint into liquid -evening head with the liquid -evening channel of elongated, so that the two -phase state refrigerant of gas -liquid increases flow rate when flowing through first joint, produces strong turbulent flow, thereby carries out shearing, stirring and tearing to gas -liquid two -phase, makes two -phase state refrigerant fully mix in first joint, to present one kind of gas -liquid fully mixed, the homogeneous state similar to emulsion, and is just divided to the different flow channel in cold plate, ensures that the flow and dryness (gas -liquid ratio) of refrigerant in two flow channels are similar, and improves direct cooling overall cooling effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery pack cooling technology, and in particular to a direct cooling liquid separator. Background Technology

[0002] The battery direct cooling system is part of the vehicle's thermal management system. It shares components such as the compressor and condenser with the cabin air conditioning system, but has its own evaporator (i.e., the battery cold plate) and expansion valve. Its working principle is as follows: the low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the reservoir is throttled by the expansion valve, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure mist-like gas-liquid two-phase mixture. This mist-like refrigerant flows through a distributor to the cold plate integrated at the bottom of the battery pack (the cold plate has multiple flow channels throughout, and the distributor connects to several of these channels, splitting the refrigerant into two streams that flow into different channels, ensuring the refrigerant is distributed as evenly as possible within the cold plate and improving heat dissipation). The heat generated by the battery is transferred to the refrigerant through the cold plate wall. After absorbing heat, the refrigerant completely evaporates, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This phase change process absorbs a huge amount of heat at a constant temperature, efficiently cooling the battery.

[0003] Afterward, the gaseous refrigerant, having absorbed heat, is drawn back into the compressor, compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and then enters the condenser to exchange heat with the outside air, re-condensing into a liquid state, completing one cycle.

[0004] However, in practical applications, the liquid refrigerant becomes a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid after passing through the expansion valve. This mixture is not as homogeneous as a pure liquid; it is unstable, and the gas and liquid easily separate when flowing in the pipe. For example, when turning or decelerating, the liquid will be thrown to one side of the pipe wall due to inertia, while the gas remains in the center. Therefore, when the two-phase refrigerant flows through the liquid separator to different channels of the cold plate, it often results in one channel being predominantly liquid or even entirely liquid, while the other channel is predominantly gaseous or even entirely gaseous. This leads to different heat dissipation effects and uneven temperatures on the cold plate in the two channels.

[0005] In other words, the existing distributor head can only ensure that the flow rate of refrigerant distributed to different channels is uniform, but it cannot guarantee that the gas-liquid ratio of the refrigerant distributed to different channels is also similar. The cooling effect of different positions of the cold plate in the direct cooling system is still different, resulting in the defect of poor cooling effect in local areas of the existing direct cooling system. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned deficiencies in existing technologies, this invention provides a battery direct cooling liquid distribution head. By configuring the first connector as a liquid distribution head with elongated, thin liquid distribution channels, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant increases as it flows through the first connector, generating strong turbulence. This shears, stirs, and tears the gas and liquid phases, ensuring thorough mixing of the two-phase refrigerant at the first connector. This results in a homogeneous, emulsion-like state of complete gas-liquid mixing, which is then precisely distributed into different channels of the cold plate. This ensures that the flow rate and dryness (gas-liquid ratio) of the refrigerant in both channels are similar, thereby improving the overall cooling effect of the direct cooling system.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above problems is: to provide a battery direct cooling liquid distribution head, the liquid distribution head includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the second connector and the third connector are respectively connected to the first connector, the first connector is used to connect to the refrigerant delivery pipeline, the second connector and the third connector are both used to connect to the flow channel in the cold plate, and the first connector is configured as a liquid equalization connector.

[0008] Furthermore, the first connector includes a connector housing and a liquid equalization component. The liquid equalization component is pressed and disposed in the inner cavity of the connector housing. The liquid equalization component has a liquid equalization channel, which is used to promote uniform mixing of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flows to the second connector and the third connector through the liquid equalization channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the connector housing is configured as a cylindrical cavity, and the liquid equalization element is correspondingly configured as a cylinder. The outer circumferential surface of the liquid equalization element is tightly sealed against the inner circumferential wall of the inner cavity of the connector housing, so as to restrict the refrigerant to flow only along the liquid equalization channel to the second connector and the third connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid equalization channel is configured as a cylindrical channel, and the liquid equalization channel is axially opened at the center of the liquid equalization component.

[0011] Furthermore, the length of the equalization channel is 1 to 10 times its channel diameter.

[0012] Furthermore, the second connector is connected to the first connector via a first branch pipe, and the third connector is connected to the first connector via a second branch pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe meet at the first connector, and a pointed cone structure is provided at the meeting point of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, the pointed cone structure being arranged toward the interface direction of the first connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are arranged symmetrically.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes flow regulating components for adjusting the output flow rate. The flow regulating components are provided on the cold plate at the positions corresponding to the insertion and installation of the second connector and the third connector. The two flow regulating components cooperate with each other to prevent the flow rate from deviating.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. The diameter of the liquid equalization channel is smaller than the diameter of the inner cavity of the connector housing and has a certain length (slender channel). When the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the slender liquid equalization channel from the connector housing, it will be accelerated. When the refrigerant accelerates, it will destroy the laminar flow state and generate violent turbulence. The vortices in the turbulence are like countless small spoons, which frantically shear, stir and tear the gas and liquid phases, breaking large bubbles into small bubbles and tearing the liquid film, so as to forcibly mix the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into a "mist" mixture that is as uniform and fine as possible. Then it flows into different channels to ensure that the flow rate and gas-liquid ratio of the refrigerant in different channels on the cold plate are as close as possible, so that the cooling effect of the cold plate is uniform.

[0017] 2. The slender liquid equalization channel can also be used as a throttling device. The refrigerant flows from one end to the other and will generate a certain pressure drop, causing some of the liquid refrigerant to evaporate instantly (flash evaporation), which helps to break the gas-liquid interface and promote mixing.

[0018] 3. The pointed cone structure is oriented towards the liquid equalization channel. The refrigerant flows out of the liquid equalization channel at high speed, but suddenly enters an expanding cone-shaped space, where the flow velocity drops sharply. This creates a flow separation and reflux zone, which effectively peels off and breaks up the liquid film that may reform on the inner wall of the slender liquid equalization channel, further ensuring that the refrigerant can be distributed in a uniformly mixed state.

[0019] 4. The individual liquid distribution unit can be replaced at any time, the replacement operation is convenient, the replacement cost is low, and it is easy to maintain.

[0020] 5. Due to unavoidable dimensional errors in machining, there will always be dimensional deviations between actual flow channels. The refrigerant will preferentially choose the flow channel with less resistance, resulting in flow deviation. However, in this application, technicians can artificially increase or decrease the additional flow channel resistance by using flow regulating components, thereby making the flow of the flow channel connected to the second connector and the flow channel connected to the third connector equivalent, so as to achieve symmetrical flow distribution and avoid flow deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In these drawings, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. The drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Other drawings will be readily available to those skilled in the art based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the battery direct-cooling liquid separator in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery direct cooling separator at the junction of the two branch pipes in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the battery direct-cooling liquid separator in this embodiment; 1-First connector, 11-Connector housing, 12-Equalizing component, 13-Equalizing channel, 2-Second connector, 3-Third connector, 4-First branch pipe, 5-Second branch pipe, 6-Conical structure, 7-Flow regulating component, 8-Cold plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The following will be based on Figures 1-3 The technical solution of this utility model will be described in more detail below.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery direct cooling liquid distribution head in this embodiment includes a first connector 1, a second connector 2, and a third connector 3. The second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are respectively connected to the first connector 1. The first connector 1 is used to connect to the refrigerant delivery pipeline. The second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are both used to connect to the flow channel in the cold plate 8. The first connector 1 is configured as a liquid equalization connector.

[0028] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,by Figure 1 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are both fixed downwards on the cold plate 8. The second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are each connected to a flow channel on the cold plate 8. The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are connected through the first branch pipe 4. The first connector 1 and the third connector 3 are connected through the second branch pipe 5. The first connector 1 is horizontally suspended. The interface of the first connector 1 faces to the left. The first connector 1 is used to connect to the refrigerant delivery pipeline. An expansion valve is provided on the refrigerant delivery pipeline. The other end of the refrigerant delivery pipeline is connected to the refrigerant storage tank.

[0029] In addition, please see Figure 2 The first connector 1 includes a connector housing 11 and a liquid equalization component 12. The inner cavity of the connector housing 11 is a cylindrical cavity. The first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5 are both connected to the right end of the inner cavity of the connector housing 11. The opening of the cylindrical cavity is set to the left. The liquid equalization component 12 is correspondingly set as a cylinder. A liquid equalization channel 13, which is also cylindrical, is axially opened at the center of the liquid equalization component 12. The part of the liquid equalization component 12 used to form the liquid equalization channel 13 is supported by metal material. The outer periphery of the liquid equalization component 12 is surrounded by a soft plastic layer. The overall diameter of the liquid equalization component 12 is 1 mm larger than the diameter of the inner cavity of the connector housing 11.

[0030] In this way, the technician can axially move the liquid distribution component 12 to the left to tightly fit it into the inner cavity of the connector housing 11, so that the outer circumferential wall of the liquid distribution component 12 elastically abuts against the cavity wall of the inner cavity of the connector housing 11, so that the refrigerant can only flow along the liquid distribution channel 13 to the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5, and then through the second connector 2 and the third connector 3 to be diverted into the two flow channels on the cold plate 8.

[0031] For further details, please refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the liquid equalization channel 13 has a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 14 mm. The length of the liquid equalization channel 13 is seven times its diameter.

[0032] Thus, the refrigerant, which becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state after flowing through the expansion valve, accelerates when it flows into the liquid equalization channel 13. The accelerated flow of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the liquid equalization channel 13 further disrupts the laminar flow state, generating violent turbulence. The vortices in the turbulence act like countless small spoons, frantically shearing, stirring, and tearing the gas-liquid two phases, breaking large bubbles into small bubbles and tearing the liquid film, so as to forcibly mix the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into a "mist" mixture that is as uniform and fine as possible. It then flows out from the right end of the liquid equalization channel 13, and then is evenly distributed through the symmetrically arranged first branch pipe 4 and second branch pipe 5, so that it flows to the second connector 2 and the third connector 3 respectively, and then flows to different flow channels.

[0033] At this time, the gas-liquid ratio of the refrigerant in different channels is very close, and the flow rate is also comparable. Therefore, it can ensure that the cooling and heat dissipation effect is the same at different positions on the cold plate 8, thus ensuring the direct cooling effect.

[0034] For further details, please refer to Figure 2 ,by Figure 2 Taking the orientation shown as an example, in this embodiment, when the refrigerant flows in the elongated liquid equalization channel 13, it may also reform a liquid film on the inner wall of the liquid equalization channel 13, so that when the refrigerant flows out from the right end of the liquid equalization channel 13, its mixing state does not reach the expected level.

[0035] In response, since both the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5 need to communicate with the inner cavity of the first connector 1, in this embodiment, the inventors made the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5 converge at the left end and then communicate with the inner cavity of the first connector 1, so as to form a channel space that is more spacious than the liquid equalization channel 13 on the right side of the liquid equalization component 12. At the same time, the part of the pipe wall at the left end of the convergence of the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5 was modified into a pointed cone structure 6 facing left and directly opposite the outlet of the liquid equalization channel 13.

[0036] Thus, when refrigerant flows out at high speed from the right end outlet of the liquid equalization channel 13, its flow velocity drops sharply due to the sudden entry into an expanding conical space, thereby creating a flow separation and reflux zone. This effectively peels off and breaks up the liquid film that may reform on the inner wall of the slender liquid equalization channel 13, keeping the refrigerant in a relatively mixed state within this conical space. Then, it is evenly distributed by the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5, ensuring that the gas-liquid ratio of the refrigerant distributed along the first branch pipe 4 and the second branch pipe 5 is close.

[0037] For further details, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, a base is installed on the cold plate 8, and two insertion holes are provided on the base. The second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are respectively inserted into one insertion hole. The lower ends of the two insertion holes are respectively connected to one flow channel on the cold plate 8. At the same time, a flow regulating component 7 is provided in each of the two insertion holes. The flow regulating component 7 is configured as a collar that can be inserted into the insertion hole. Different flow regulating components 7 correspond to different inner diameters.

[0038] To address this, technicians can install flow regulators 7 with the same inner diameter in both insertion holes. This ensures that when the second connector 2 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole, it abuts against the corresponding flow regulator 7, and when the third connector 3 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole, it abuts against the corresponding flow regulator 7. This makes the resistance of the refrigerant flowing into the corresponding flow channel from the second connector 2 equal to the resistance of the refrigerant flowing into the corresponding flow channel from the third connector 3. This counteracts the effect of dimensional deviations in the two flow channels caused by processing errors, which leads to different flow resistances in the two flow channels. This prevents the refrigerant from flowing asymmetrically into the two flow channels due to different inflow resistances, thus preventing flow deviation.

[0039] It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the equalizing component 12 and the flow regulating component 7 can be replaced individually at any time. Correspondingly, when the flow distribution effect of the distributor head deteriorates, technicians can replace only the equalizing component 12 and / or the flow regulating component 7 to adjust the flow distribution effect of the distributor head, rather than replacing the entire distributor head, which can reduce costs.

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are also provided with fixing plates. When the second connector 2 and the third connector 3 are inserted into the corresponding insertion holes, they are further fixedly connected to the base threadedly by fixing plates and bolts.

[0041] Anything not mentioned above applies to existing technologies.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery direct-cooling liquid separator, characterized in that, The liquid distribution head includes a first connector (1), a second connector (2), and a third connector (3). The second connector (2) and the third connector (3) are respectively connected to the first connector (1). The first connector (1) is used to connect to the refrigerant delivery pipeline. The second connector (2) and the third connector (3) are both used to connect to the flow channel in the cold plate (8). The first connector (1) is configured as a liquid equalization connector.

2. The dispensing head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector (1) includes a connector housing (11) and a liquid equalization element (12). The liquid equalization element (12) is pressed and disposed in the inner cavity of the connector housing (11). The liquid equalization element (12) is provided with a liquid equalization channel (13). The liquid equalization channel (13) is used to promote uniform mixing of refrigerant. The refrigerant flows through the liquid equalization channel (13) to the second connector (2) and the third connector (3).

3. The dispensing head as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the connector housing (11) is set as a cylindrical cavity, and the liquid equalization element (12) is set as a cylinder accordingly. The outer circumferential surface of the liquid equalization element (12) is tightly sealed against the inner circumferential wall of the inner cavity of the connector housing (11) to restrict the refrigerant to flow only along the liquid equalization channel (13) to the second connector (2) and the third connector (3).

4. The dispensing head as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid equalization channel (13) is configured as a cylindrical channel, and the liquid equalization channel (13) is axially opened at the center of the liquid equalization component (12).

5. The dispensing head as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the equalization channel (13) is 1 to 10 times its channel diameter.

6. The dispensing head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector (2) is connected to the first connector (1) via the first branch pipe (4), and the third connector (3) is connected to the first connector (1) via the second branch pipe (5).

7. The dispensing head as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first branch pipe (4) and the second branch pipe (5) meet at the first connector (1). A pointed cone structure (6) is also provided at the meeting point of the first branch pipe (4) and the second branch pipe (5). The pointed cone structure (6) is arranged in the direction of the interface of the first connector (1).

8. The dispensing head as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first branch pipe (4) and the second branch pipe (5) are arranged symmetrically.

9. The dispensing head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow regulator (7) for adjusting the output flow rate. The flow regulator (7) is provided on the cold plate (8) at the position corresponding to the insertion and installation of the second connector (2) and the third connector (3). The two flow regulators (7) cooperate with each other to prevent the flow rate from deviating.

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