Marine battery pack liquid cooling unit

Abstract

The application relates to a marine battery pack liquid cooling unit, which comprises a shell arranged at the bottom of a battery pack, a cavity is arranged in the shell, a main circulating pipeline is arranged in the cavity in a snake shape, an input end of the main circulating pipeline is connected with a seawater inlet, and an output end of the main circulating pipeline is connected with a phase change liquid storage tank, a secondary circulating pipeline is embedded in the shell and located on both sides of the main circulating pipeline, and both ends of the secondary circulating pipeline are respectively connected with water inlets and outlets of a heat pump unit. According to the application, the heat exchange path is shortened, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, and the space occupation rate is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat dissipation devices for marine electrical equipment, specifically to a liquid cooling unit for a marine battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing severity of global environmental pollution and energy shortages, the development and use of pure electric or hybrid vehicles, airplanes, ships, and other transportation vehicles powered by battery packs have attracted widespread attention worldwide. Among these, due to the inherent dangers of battery packs and the heat generated during rapid charging and discharging, liquid cooling technology is typically used to dissipate heat from battery packs in order to prevent thermal runaway.

[0003] Currently, most marine battery packs adopt the structure used in automobiles. The liquid cooling unit of the battery pack has problems such as unreasonable pipeline layout and excessively long heat exchange path between seawater and coolant, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency. Therefore, a marine battery pack liquid cooling unit is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a marine battery pack liquid cooling unit that can solve the problem of low heat dissipation efficiency caused by unreasonable pipeline layout and excessively long heat exchange path between seawater and coolant in the battery pack liquid cooling unit.

[0005] This application provides a marine battery pack liquid cooling unit, comprising: a housing disposed at the bottom of the battery pack, the housing having a chamber; a main circulation pipeline evenly distributed in a serpentine pattern within the chamber, the input end of the main circulation pipeline being connected to a seawater inlet, and the output end being connected to a phase change liquid storage tank; and a secondary circulation pipeline embedded in the housing and located on both sides of the main circulation pipeline, the two ends of the secondary circulation pipeline being respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of a heat pump unit.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing includes a top plate and a bottom plate that are fitted together, with the chamber located between them.

[0007] In some embodiments, the top surface of the top plate is a flat surface that is close to the bottom of the battery pack.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the base plate protrudes upward to form a path for the main circulation pipeline within the cavity, and the top surface of the base plate is recessed downward to form a path for the secondary circulation pipeline within the cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit further includes a protective frame, in which the battery pack is housed, and the bottom of the protective frame is fixedly connected to the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the protective frame is formed by four composite panels, each comprising an outer glass fiber reinforced plastic panel and an inner aluminum alloy honeycomb panel, with a silicone cushioning layer filling the space between the two panels.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an integrated mounting base. The integrated mounting base is fixed between the main circulation pipeline and the protective frame. The temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively fixed inside the integrated mounting base by snap-fit, and the detection end of each sensor extends into the main circulation pipeline.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main circulation pipeline is made of 316L stainless steel, and its inlet is connected to the seawater inlet via an anti-corrosion flange.

[0013] In some embodiments, the secondary circulation pipeline is a copper coil.

[0014] In some embodiments, a three-way valve is provided at the junction of the main circulation pipeline and the secondary circulation pipeline. The inner diameter of the valve body of the three-way valve is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipeline, and a waterproof knob is provided at the end of the valve stem of the three-way valve.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: The housing serves as the supporting base for the liquid cooling unit. The main circulation pipeline and the secondary circulation pipeline are centrally located at the bottom of the battery pack through its internal chambers, which not only shortens the heat exchange path but also reduces the space occupancy.

[0016] By serpentinely distributing the main circulation pipeline throughout the chamber, with its inlet connected to a seawater inlet and its outlet connected to a phase change fluid (PCF) storage tank, the seawater in the main circulation pipeline absorbs heat from the battery pack under high-temperature conditions before flowing to the PCF storage tank. This allows for dual energy storage of sensible and latent heat. When the seawater temperature exceeds the melting point of the PCF material, the PCF material in the tank absorbs heat and melts, temporarily storing additional heat and preventing a decrease in heat dissipation efficiency in the main circulation pipeline due to increased seawater temperature.

[0017] By embedding a secondary circulation pipe within the casing and placing it on both sides of the main circulation pipe, with both ends connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat pump unit, when the battery pack is in low-temperature operation and the heat pump unit switches to heating mode, the secondary circulation pipe absorbs heat from the seawater in the main circulation pipe and then transfers the heat to the battery pack. This technical solution solves the technical problem in related technologies where the liquid cooling unit of the battery pack suffers from unreasonable pipe layout and an excessively long heat exchange path between the seawater and coolant, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the installation positions of the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit and the battery pack in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the liquid cooling unit of the marine battery pack in an embodiment of this application, taken from below. Figure 3 for Figure 1 An explosion diagram; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view of the middle shell; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Bottom view of the middle shell; Figure 6 for Figure 4 The left view; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 8 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connection between the protective frame and the shell.

[0020] In the picture: 1. Shell; 11. Top plate; 12. Bottom plate; 2. Main circulation pipeline; 21. Input end; 22. Output end; 3. Secondary circulation pipeline; 4. Protective frame; 41. Composite board; 411. Outer layer of glass fiber reinforced plastic board; 412. Inner layer of aluminum alloy honeycomb board; 413. Silicone cushioning layer; 5. Battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0022] This application provides a marine battery pack liquid cooling unit that solves the problem of low heat dissipation efficiency caused by unreasonable pipeline layout and excessively long heat exchange path between seawater and coolant in the battery pack liquid cooling unit.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit includes a housing 1, a main circulation pipe 2, and a secondary circulation pipe 3. The housing 1 is located at the bottom of the battery pack 5. Preferably, the top surface area of ​​the housing 1 is greater than or equal to the bottom area of ​​the battery pack 5. The housing 1 can be flat in shape and has a chamber inside. The main circulation pipe 2 is evenly distributed in a serpentine pattern throughout the chamber. The input end 21 of the main circulation pipe 2 is connected to a seawater inlet, and the output end 22 is connected to a phase change liquid storage tank (actually, it is connected to the phase change liquid storage tank through a heat exchanger). The main circulation pipe 2 can be a 316L stainless steel pipe with a diameter of 32mm. The input end 21 of the main circulation pipe 2 can be connected to the seawater inlet through an anti-corrosion flange. The serpentine bending radius of the main circulation pipe 2 can be 100mm. The secondary circulation pipe 3 can be a copper coil with a diameter of 16mm, embedded in the housing 1 and located on both sides of the main circulation pipe 2. The gap between the main circulation pipe 2 and the secondary circulation pipe 3 can be filled with thermally conductive silicone grease. The two ends of the secondary circulation pipeline 3 are connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat pump unit, respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, the housing 1 serves as the supporting base for the liquid cooling unit. The main circulation pipeline 2 and the secondary circulation pipeline 3 are centrally located at the bottom of the battery pack 5 using its internal chamber. This not only shortens the heat exchange path but also reduces the space occupancy.

[0025] The main circulation pipeline 2 is evenly distributed in a serpentine pattern within the chamber. Its inlet 21 connects to a seawater inlet, and its outlet 22 connects to a phase change fluid storage tank. When the battery pack 5 operates at high temperatures, the seawater in the main circulation pipeline 2 absorbs heat from the battery before flowing to the phase change fluid storage tank, where both sensible and latent heat are stored. When the seawater temperature exceeds the melting point of the phase change material, the material in the tank absorbs heat and melts, temporarily storing additional heat and preventing a decrease in the heat dissipation efficiency of the main circulation pipeline 2 due to the increased seawater temperature.

[0026] By embedding the secondary circulation pipe 3 within the casing 1 and positioning it on both sides of the main circulation pipe 2, with both ends of the secondary circulation pipe 3 connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat pump unit, when the battery pack 5 is in low-temperature operation, the heat pump unit switches to heating mode. The secondary circulation pipe 3 absorbs heat from the seawater in the main circulation pipe 2 and then transfers the heat to the battery pack 5. This embodiment can be used for battery pack heat dissipation in 100-10000 ton new energy vessels, solving the technical problem of low heat dissipation efficiency caused by unreasonable pipe layout and excessively long heat exchange paths between seawater and coolant in related technologies.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figures 3-5 As shown, the housing 1 includes a top plate 11 and a bottom plate 12 that are fitted together, with a chamber located between them. In this embodiment, the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 are fitted together to form the housing 1, with the chamber located between them. When processing the housing 1, the worker can process the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 separately, and then fix the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12 together using fasteners such as bolts and rivets, so that the chamber is located between them. This can effectively pre-assemble and position the main circulation pipeline 2 and the secondary circulation pipeline 3, reduce the risk of pipeline expansion and bending, and improve assembly efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top surface of the top plate 11 is flat and close to the bottom of the battery pack 5. In this embodiment, the bottom of a typical battery pack is generally designed to be flat. By designing the top surface of the top plate 11 of the housing 1 to be flat as well, the top plate 11 and the bottom of the battery pack 5 can be tightly fitted over the entire area, avoiding local gaps and air gaps that may occur due to non-planar surfaces (such as concave and convex surfaces or irregular surfaces). This allows the heat generated by the battery pack 5 during operation to be quickly transferred to the top plate 11, achieving a better heat dissipation effect.

[0029] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface of the base plate 12 protrudes upwards, forming a path for the main circulation pipe 2 within the cavity. The top surface of the base plate 12 is recessed downwards, forming a path for the secondary circulation pipe 3 within the cavity. In this embodiment, the upward protrusion of the bottom surface of the base plate 12 forms a serpentine channel for the main circulation pipe 2 within the cavity, which better secures the position of the main circulation pipe 2. The downward recess of the top surface of the base plate 12 forms an embedded groove, creating a path for the secondary circulation pipe 3 within the cavity. This prevents displacement and swaying of the secondary circulation pipe 3 due to inertia when encountering sudden situations such as high-frequency vibrations or wave impacts during ship navigation, thus solving the hidden dangers of loosening and leakage at the joints of traditional "flat-lay" pipes.

[0030] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit also includes a protective frame 4, with the battery pack 5 built into the protective frame 4. The bottom of the protective frame 4 is fixedly connected to the housing 1. In this embodiment, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit also includes a protective frame 4. By building the battery pack 5 into the protective frame 4 and fixing the bottom of the protective frame 4 to the housing 1, when the ship encounters a collision, the protective frame 4 can undergo plastic deformation to absorb the impact energy, thereby significantly reducing the stress on the battery pack 5 and effectively preventing short circuits caused by cell compression.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit also includes a fixing bracket, which is an L-shaped stainless steel component evenly distributed around the protective frame 4 and connected to the battery pack 5 by shock-absorbing bolts.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the protective frame 4 is formed by four composite panels 41. Each composite panel 41 includes an outer glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) panel 411 and an inner aluminum alloy honeycomb panel 412, with a silicone buffer layer 413 filling the space between the two layers. In this embodiment, the outer GFRP panel 411 (which can be 5mm thick) is resistant to salt spray and moisture. The inner aluminum alloy honeycomb panel 412, after anti-corrosion treatment, combined with the insulating effect of the outer GFRP panel 411, effectively reduces the risk of chloride ion corrosion in the marine environment. Furthermore, the outer GFRP panel 411 also has good electrical insulation properties, preventing the risk of high-voltage leakage from the battery pack 5. The aluminum alloy honeycomb panel (which can have a honeycomb aperture of 10mm) can form a weak electromagnetic shielding effect, which, combined with the insulating outer layer, reduces electromagnetic interference from the battery pack 5 to external electronic equipment, meeting marine electrical safety standards. The intermediate silicone buffer layer 413 (which can be 8mm thick) has excellent elastic deformation capability, which can absorb high-frequency vibration energy, reduce the transmission of vibration to the battery pack 5, and prevent the battery cell from fatigue fracture due to long-term vibration. Through the above technical solution, the protective frame 4 not only has strong corrosion resistance, but also provides insulation and electromagnetic shielding, while also efficiently absorbing vibration energy and reducing noise.

[0033] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit further includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an integrated mounting base. The integrated mounting base is fixed between the main circulation pipeline 2 and the protective frame 4. The temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively fixed inside the integrated mounting base by snap-fit, and the detection end of each sensor extends into the main circulation pipeline 2. In this embodiment, the marine battery pack liquid cooling unit further includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and an integrated mounting base. The integrated mounting base is a rectangular frame (e.g., with dimensions of 150mm × 100mm × 50mm), which can be fixed between the main circulation pipeline 2 and the protective frame 4 by M6 bolts. The temperature sensor (e.g., its model is PT100) and the pressure sensor (e.g., its range is 0-1MPa) are respectively fixed inside the integrated mounting base by snap-fit. In order to allow their detection ends to extend into the main circulation pipeline 2, a through hole with a diameter of 8mm can be opened on the main circulation pipeline 2. A waterproof connector needs to be installed at the opening of the through hole, and the cable connecting the detection end can be led out through the waterproof connector. By bringing the detection end into direct contact with the seawater coolant, detection delays or errors are reduced. Using temperature and pressure sensors, instantaneous temperature fluctuations (such as a sudden rise during fast charging of battery pack 5) or pressure anomalies (such as blockages or leaks in main circulation pipe 2) within the main circulation pipe 2 can be captured in real time, providing precise data support for the dynamic adjustment of seawater flow within the main circulation pipe 2. Furthermore, since both the temperature and pressure sensors are secured within the integrated mounting base via clips, the problems of dispersed sensor installation locations, low integration with the cooling pipes, and large space occupation in the battery compartment found in existing technologies are also resolved.

[0034] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the main circulation pipeline 2 is made of 316L stainless steel, and its inlet 21 is connected to the seawater inlet via an anti-corrosion flange. In this embodiment, the main circulation pipeline 2 directly transports seawater, which contains a high concentration of chloride ions (around 3.5%), easily causing pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion in metal pipelines. In the above technical solution, because 2%-3% molybdenum is added to 316L stainless steel, a dense passivation film can be formed, with a pitting corrosion resistance equivalent (PREN) of over 26, far exceeding that of ordinary stainless steel. This can prevent the main circulation pipeline 2 from thinning and leaking due to corrosion, and prevent seawater from seeping into the chamber and mixing with the secondary circulation coolant, or causing water ingress and short circuit in the battery pack 5. At the same time, the anti-corrosion flange can be made of the same material as the main circulation pipeline 2, avoiding galvanic corrosion caused by "dissimilar metal connection". The combination of the two ensures that the service life of the main circulation pipeline 2 is greatly extended in salt spray environment.

[0035] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the secondary circulation pipe 3 is a copper coil. In this embodiment, the function of the secondary circulation pipe 3 is to cooperate with the heat pump unit. Using a copper coil as the material of the secondary circulation pipe 3 allows for rapid transfer of heat from the high-temperature coolant generated by the heat pump to the top plate 11 (close to the battery pack 5) during low-temperature heating, while also reducing energy consumption. During high-temperature auxiliary heat dissipation, the copper coil can quickly absorb excess heat from the battery and release it through the condenser of the heat pump unit, further ensuring the heat dissipation effect in conjunction with the main circulation pipe 2.

[0036] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a three-way valve is provided at the junction of the main circulation pipeline 2 and the auxiliary circulation pipeline 3. The inner diameter of the three-way valve body is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipeline, and a waterproof knob is provided at the end of the valve stem. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the three-way valve body is perfectly adapted to the outer diameters of the main circulation pipeline 2 and the auxiliary circulation pipeline 3. Combined with the welding or compression sealing between the pipeline and the valve body, the mixing of the two circulating fluids is prevented. In addition, the adapted inner diameter ensures that the fluid does not experience "narrowing" obstruction within the valve body, and the flow area is consistent with the pipeline, which can avoid local pressure drop caused by an excessively narrow valve body. Ship cabins have high humidity and high salt spray concentration. If the valve stem is exposed for a long time, it is prone to rust and jamming, causing the valve to be unable to switch. However, by providing a waterproof knob at the end of the valve stem of the three-way valve, the valve stem can be isolated from the external environment, preventing moisture and salt spray from penetrating into the valve body and corroding the valve stem or valve core, ensuring smooth valve operation. In addition, the fluid distribution ratio between the main circulation pipeline 2 and the secondary circulation pipeline 3 can be adjusted by rotating the three-way valve to achieve "on-demand temperature control".

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "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; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0039] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling unit for a marine battery pack, characterized in that, include: A housing (1) is disposed at the bottom of the battery pack (5), and a cavity is provided inside the housing (1); The main circulation pipeline (2) is evenly distributed in the chamber in a serpentine pattern. The input end (21) of the main circulation pipeline (2) is connected to the seawater inlet, and the output end (22) is connected to the phase change liquid storage tank. The secondary circulation pipe (3) is embedded in the housing (1) and located on both sides of the main circulation pipe (2). The two ends of the secondary circulation pipe (3) are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat pump unit.

2. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes a top plate (11) and a bottom plate (12) that are fitted together, with the chamber located between them.

3. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top surface of the top plate (11) is flat and close to the bottom of the battery pack (5).

4. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the base plate (12) protrudes upward, forming a path for the main circulation pipeline (2) in the cavity, and the top surface of the base plate (12) is recessed downward, forming a path for the secondary circulation pipeline (3) in the cavity.

5. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective frame (4), in which the battery pack is built, and the bottom of the protective frame (4) is fixedly connected to the housing (1).

6. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The protective frame (4) is formed by four composite panels (41), which include an outer glass fiber reinforced plastic panel (411) and an inner aluminum alloy honeycomb panel (412), with a silicone cushioning layer (413) filling the space between the two panels.

7. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and an integrated mounting base. The integrated mounting base is fixed between the main circulation pipeline (2) and the protective frame (4). The temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively fixed inside the integrated mounting base by snap-fit. The detection end of each sensor extends into the main circulation pipeline (2).

8. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main circulation pipeline (2) is made of 316L stainless steel, and its input end (21) is connected to the seawater inlet through an anti-corrosion flange.

9. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary circulation pipeline (3) is a copper coil.

10. The marine battery pack liquid cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A three-way valve is provided at the junction of the main circulation pipeline (2) and the secondary circulation pipeline (3). The inner diameter of the valve body of the three-way valve is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipeline, and a waterproof knob is provided at the end of the valve stem of the three-way valve.

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