A battery cluster

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery cluster, including support frame and setting at least two battery packs of support frame, the battery pack includes cylinder, insulating seal adhesive layer and at least one battery module in the cylinder, and the battery module includes battery group string and the heat exchange component of the connection with each single battery polarity terminal, the open mouth is at the cylinder upper end, the inside fixed setting of cylinder n baffle, and n baffle is along x direction arrangement, n baffle divides the box body and is divided into n+1 battery unit placement area, and the battery module is divided into a plurality of battery unit by n+1 battery unit placement area, and each battery unit includes at least one single battery, the insulating seal adhesive layer is filled between the single battery and the four -around lateral wall of cylinder, and the clearance between the baffle and the single battery, and the adhesive layer thickness of insulating seal adhesive layer at the top of battery module needs to satisfy at least the heat exchange component is covered in, thereby has promoted the security and the heat dissipation of battery cluster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of batteries, specifically relating to a battery cluster. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, common battery packs consist of at least two battery modules, each composed of multiple battery modules electrically connected together. Safety has always been a key concern in this field. Since the terminals of individual cells within a battery pack are where heat is most concentrated, excessive localized heat at these terminals can potentially cause thermal runaway in individual cells, severely impacting the safety and performance of the entire battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a battery cluster, which mainly solves the problem of safety hazards existing in the existing battery cluster.

[0004] The battery cluster includes a support frame and at least two battery packs disposed on the support frame; the battery pack includes a cylindrical body, an insulating sealant layer, and at least one battery module located inside the cylindrical body;

[0005] The battery module includes battery strings and heat exchange components connected to the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell.

[0006] The upper part of the cylinder is open;

[0007] Inside the cylinder, n partitions are fixedly installed, and the n partitions are arranged along the x direction, n≥1; the n partitions divide the inside of the box into n+1 battery unit placement areas, and the battery module is divided into multiple battery units by the n+1 battery unit placement areas, each battery unit including at least one single battery cell.

[0008] An insulating sealant layer is filled between the side walls of the cylinder and the individual cells, as well as between the separator and the individual cells. The thickness of the insulating sealant layer on top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover at least the heat exchange components.

[0009] First, this invention uses a heat exchange component to cool the polar terminals of each individual battery in the battery pack (the polar terminals mentioned here can be poles or an integral structure after pole extensions are connected to the poles). The heat generated by the battery polar terminals is conducted to the heat exchange component in close contact with them and dissipated through heat exchange, achieving efficient heat dissipation and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0010] Secondly, the battery pack of this utility model increases the strength of the cylinder by setting a partition inside the cylinder, thereby improving the strength and pressure resistance of the battery pack box. Furthermore, the partition divides a battery module into multiple battery units. When a single cell in a battery unit experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway only affects the single cells in the placement area of ​​that battery unit and will not affect the single cells in the placement areas of other battery units. This reduces the coverage area of ​​thermal runaway propagation within the box and improves the safety of the battery pack after thermal runaway occurs.

[0011] Third, the present invention fills the gaps between the side walls of the cylinder and the individual cells, as well as between the separator and the individual cells with an insulating sealant layer, which can replace the use of steel strips to provide pre-tightening force to the battery string in the existing battery pack. At the same time, since the top of the battery module is also filled with an insulating sealant layer and the thickness of the sealant layer on the top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover the heat exchange components, it can also avoid the risk of short circuit when condensation occurs on the heat exchange components. It can also prevent the spread of thermal runaway flue gas above the battery cell placement area from affecting other electrical components.

[0012] Furthermore, the open end of the battery pack cylinder of this utility model can also be provided with a cover plate, and the cover plate can be provided in two forms:

[0013] Form 1: Each battery pack has a sealed cover at the open end of its cylindrical body, and a control panel is provided on the side wall of each battery pack's cylindrical body.

[0014] Form 1: It also includes an outer shell with an open bottom that is fastened and fixed to the support frame. All battery packs are located inside the outer shell. A control panel is installed on one side beam of the support frame. The outer shell has multiple clearance holes on the side wall corresponding to the side beam. The clearance holes are used for various switches, connectors and other electrical components of the control panel to protrude.

[0015] The two battery cluster forms mentioned above utilize two innovative features—terminal cooling and insulating sealant layer—to improve the battery pack's temperature control capability and safety. At the same time, the battery cluster structure can directly modify existing energy storage devices without changing the battery rack structure, energy storage space size, or electrical connection method of the energy storage device, resulting in low modification costs.

[0016] Furthermore, each battery module also includes a hollow tube, which is glued to the top of the battery module and covers the explosion vent of each individual cell within the module. One end of the hollow tube is connected to an explosion vent manifold, and an explosion vent manifold connected to the hollow tube is fixedly installed on the outer side wall of the casing. The explosion vent manifolds of adjacent battery packs are also interconnected. When any individual cell experiences thermal runaway, the explosion vent of that cell opens, and the thermal runaway gas is orderly discharged from the hollow tube to the explosion vent manifold outside the battery pack. The hollow tube design allows the thermal runaway gas from any individual cell in a battery module to be orderly discharged out of the casing, further preventing the thermal runaway gas from spreading within the casing and improving the safety of the battery pack after thermal runaway.

[0017] Furthermore, the aforementioned explosion relief manifold consists of multiple first pipes and one second pipe. One end of each of the multiple first pipes is connected to multiple hollow pipes, and the other end of each of the multiple first pipes is connected to the second pipe.

[0018] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the polar terminal of the individual battery, and the heat exchange component includes two heat exchange tubes; one heat exchange tube is snapped into the polar terminal on one side of each individual battery, and the other heat exchange tube is snapped into the polar terminal on the other side of each individual battery, and the outer wall of the two heat exchange tubes is provided with an insulating layer.

[0019] Each heat exchanger tube includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel;

[0020] The water inlet channels in multiple heat exchange tubes within multiple battery packs are connected in series to form a total water inlet path; the water outlet channels in multiple heat exchange components are connected in series to form a total water outlet path; the end of the total water inlet path is connected to the beginning of the total water outlet path via an external pipe section.

[0021] After entering the main inlet, the coolant flows through the inlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and then through the outer pipe section, flows through the outlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and flows out from the main outlet.

[0022] In this invention, the coolant forms a highly efficient heat exchange through adjacent inlet and outlet channels inside a single heat exchange tube, ensuring that each polarity terminal receives a balanced heat dissipation effect. For all heat exchange tubes, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet channels remains essentially constant, effectively avoiding the local overheating or undercooling phenomena present in traditional series cooling (traditional series cooling: the coolant gradually heats up as it flows from the main inlet to the main outlet, resulting in a lower battery temperature near the main inlet and a higher battery temperature at the main outlet).

[0023] In addition, the heat exchange tubes are installed in the slots of the polarity terminals by snap-fit, which facilitates efficient assembly of the battery pack.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes an electrical connection pressure plate; the electrical connection pressure plate is fixedly connected to the slot opening end of the polarity terminal of the individual battery. The setting of the electrical connection pressure plate not only realizes the electrical connection between individual batteries, but also applies pressure to the heat exchange tube to ensure full contact between the heat exchange tube and the polarity terminal, improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange tube, and at the same time, it also realizes the reliable positioning of the heat exchange tube in the polarity terminal slot.

[0025] Furthermore, when there are two or more battery modules, the two or more battery modules are arranged along the y-direction, and an epoxy plate is provided between two adjacent battery modules. The purpose is to provide a safe gap between the polar terminals on the adjacent battery modules, and at the same time to achieve reliable positioning of multiple battery modules in the y-direction.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to ensure the overall insulation of the battery cluster and reduce the cost of overall insulation treatment of the battery cluster, the cover plate, cylinder and explosion venting manifold described in this utility model are all coated with an insulating layer.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are as follows:

[0028] 1. This utility model uses a heat exchange component to cool the polar terminals of each individual battery in the battery pack (the polar terminals mentioned here can be terminals or an integral structure after connecting terminal extensions to terminals). The heat generated by the battery polar terminals is conducted to the heat exchange component in close contact with them and dissipated through heat exchange, achieving efficient heat dissipation and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0029] The battery pack of this invention increases the strength of the cylinder by setting a partition inside the cylinder, thereby improving the strength and pressure resistance of the battery pack box. Secondly, the partition divides a battery module into multiple battery units. When a single cell in a battery unit experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway only affects the single cells in the placement area of ​​that battery unit and will not affect the single cells in the placement areas of other battery units. This reduces the coverage area of ​​thermal runaway propagation inside the box and improves the safety of the battery pack after thermal runaway.

[0030] This invention fills the gaps between the side walls of the cylinder and the individual cells, as well as between the separator and the individual cells, with an insulating sealant layer, which can replace the existing battery pack that uses steel strips to provide pre-tightening force to the battery string. This insulating sealant layer also greatly improves the insulation between the individual cells and the outer casing.

[0031] Meanwhile, since the top of the battery module is also filled with an insulating sealant layer, and the thickness of the sealant layer on the top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover the heat exchange components, it can also avoid the risk of short circuits that may be caused by condensation on the heat exchange components. It can also prevent thermal runaway fumes from spreading above the battery cell placement area and potentially affecting other electrical components, thereby greatly improving the safety of the battery cluster.

[0032] 2. This utility model improves the battery pack's temperature control capability and safety by adopting two innovative points: pole cooling and insulating sealing adhesive layer. At the same time, the battery cluster structure can directly modify existing energy storage devices without changing the battery rack structure, energy storage space size, or electrical connection method of the energy storage device, resulting in low modification costs.

[0033] 3. In this utility model, a hollow tube is attached to the top of each battery module as a venting channel for the battery module. This allows the thermal runaway fumes from any single cell in a battery module to be orderly discharged from the box, preventing the thermal runaway fumes from spreading inside the box and improving the safety of the battery pack after thermal runaway.

[0034] Secondly, the hollow tube is pre-positioned on the top of the battery module by adhesive bonding, which facilitates assembly and manufacturing.

[0035] Meanwhile, the hollow tube is entirely located within the insulating sealant layer, which provides a compressive force to the hollow tube, preventing insufficient adhesion that could cause the hollow tube to detach during thermal runaway.

[0036] 4. The heat exchange component in this utility model includes two heat exchange tubes. Inside a single heat exchange tube, the coolant forms a high-efficiency heat exchange through adjacent inlet and outlet channels, so that each polarity terminal can obtain a balanced heat dissipation effect. For all heat exchange tubes, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet channels is basically kept constant, effectively avoiding the local overheating or overcooling phenomenon that exists in traditional series cooling (traditional series cooling: the coolant gradually heats up as it flows from the total inlet end to the total outlet end, resulting in a lower battery temperature near the total inlet end and a higher battery temperature at the total outlet end).

[0037] In addition, the heat exchange components are installed in the slots of the polarity terminals by snap-fit, which facilitates efficient assembly of the battery pack.

[0038] 5. The electrical connection pressure plate in this utility model not only enables electrical connection between individual cells, but also applies pressure to the heat exchange tube to ensure full contact between the heat exchange tube and the polarity terminal, improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange tube. At the same time, it also achieves reliable positioning of the heat exchange tube in the polarity terminal slot.

[0039] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is an external view of the battery cluster in Embodiment 1;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cluster in Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the cylindrical structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the battery pack in Embodiment 1 with the insulating sealant layer removed;

[0045] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the electrical connection plate, heat exchange components, and polarity terminals when the individual cells are connected in series in Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the electrical connection plate, heat exchange components, and polarity terminals when the individual cells are connected in parallel in Embodiment 1.

[0047] Figure 7 This is an external view of the battery cluster with a type-one cover in Embodiment 2.

[0048] Figure 8 This is an external view of the battery cluster with a type two cover plate in Embodiment 2.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the battery pack in Embodiment 3 with the insulating sealant layer removed;

[0050] Figure 10 This is an external view of the battery cluster in Embodiment 3;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the explosion venting manifold;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cluster in Embodiment 3;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the cylinder in embodiment 3.

[0054] Figure label:

[0055] 100 - Support frame; 200 - Battery pack;

[0056] 11-Cylinder body, 12-Cover plate, 13-Separator, 14-Battery unit placement area, 15-Outer shell, 151-Allowing hole, 2-Battery module, 21-Single cell, 211-Terminal post, 212-Terminal post extension, 213-Slot, 22-Hollow tube, 3-Explosion relief manifold, 31-First tube, 32-Second tube, 4-Heat exchange component, 41-Heat exchange tube, 411-Inlet channel, 412-Outlet channel, 5-Electrical connection pressure plate, 6-Insulating sealant layer, 7-Epoxy board, 8-Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0058] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," 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 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0060] This invention provides a battery pack. To ensure sufficient strength and pressure resistance of the battery pack housing when a single cell in the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the battery pack housing of this invention has at least one partition spaced inside the cylindrical body. This partition divides a battery module into multiple battery units. When a single cell in a battery unit experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway only affects the cells within the placement area of ​​that battery unit and will not affect the cells within the placement areas of other battery units. This reduces the coverage area of ​​thermal runaway propagation within the housing and improves the safety of the battery pack after thermal runaway.

[0061] It should be noted that:

[0062] 1. The polar terminal described in this utility model can be a single battery terminal post, or it can be an integral structure of a single battery terminal post and a terminal post extension member connected thereto.

[0063] 2. For ease of description, the arrangement direction of the individual cells is defined as the x-direction, the height direction of the individual cells is defined as the z-direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the x-direction and the z-direction is defined as the y-direction.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery cluster, a support frame 100, and at least two battery packs 200 disposed on the support frame 100; the battery pack 200 includes a cylindrical body 11, an insulating sealant layer 6, and at least one battery module 2 located inside the cylindrical body.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, there are m battery modules 2, which are arranged along the y-direction inside the cylinder 11, where m ≥ 1; in this embodiment, there are two battery modules 2; each battery module 2 includes multiple individual batteries 11 arranged along the x-direction;

[0067] Battery module 2 includes battery strings and heat exchange components 4 connected to the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell;

[0068] This embodiment of the battery string includes 13 individual cells 21. In this embodiment, the individual cells 21 are prismatic cells, and each individual cell 21 has an electrolyte region and a gas region inside. In other embodiments, the number of individual cells 21 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the shape of the individual cells 21 can also be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, n partitions 13 are fixedly arranged inside the cylinder 11. In this embodiment, the partitions 13 can be fixed to the cylinder 11 by welding. In some other embodiments, the partitions 13 can also be set inside the cylinder 11 by casting or other integral processing methods, and the n partitions 13 are arranged along the x-direction, n≥1. The n partitions 13 divide the inside of the cylinder 11 into n+1 battery unit placement areas 14. The battery module 2 is divided into multiple battery units by the n+1 battery unit placement areas 14, and each battery unit includes at least one single battery cell 21. In this embodiment, one battery module 2 has 13 single batteries 21. Two partitions 13 are set, that is, three battery unit placement areas. Four single batteries 21 are arranged along the x-direction in the battery unit placement areas 14 at both ends, and five single batteries 21 are placed in the middle battery unit placement area.

[0070] To ensure strength and pressure resistance, the cylinder 11 and the partition 13 are made of metal materials, such as aluminum or steel. In this embodiment, the cylinder, cover plate and partition are all made of steel.

[0071] Similar to the battery modules of existing battery packs, in this embodiment, foam boards are provided between adjacent individual cells 21, between the first and last individual cells 21 in each battery unit and the inner wall of the cylinder 11, and between the first and last individual cells 21 in each battery unit and the separator 13.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the insulating sealant layer 6 fills the gaps between the four sides of the cylinder 11 and the individual cells 21, as well as between the separator 13 and the individual cells 21. The thickness of the insulating sealant layer 6 at the top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover at least the heat exchange components. The insulating sealant layer has the following advantages:

[0073] 1. Since the top of the battery module is also filled with an insulating sealant layer, and the thickness of the sealant layer on the top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover the heat exchange components, it can also avoid the risk of short circuits that may be caused when condensation occurs on the heat exchange components.

[0074] 2. It can replace the existing battery pack method of using steel strips to provide pre-tension to the battery string;

[0075] 3. It can also prevent thermal runaway fumes from spreading above the battery cell placement area and potentially affecting other electrical components.

[0076] The heat exchange component 4 is connected to the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell in the battery module 2, enabling temperature control for each cell. As a crucial connection between the battery's internal and external components, the polarity terminals allow current to flow in and out of the battery during charging and discharging. When heat is generated inside the battery, heat dissipation through the polarity terminals provides a relatively direct heat conduction path. Heat can be rapidly conducted from inside the battery to the polarity terminals, and then dissipated to the external environment. Furthermore, since the polarity terminals are typically located at the positive and negative terminals of the battery, these areas are often where heat is concentrated during charging and discharging. By dissipating heat from the polarity terminals, the temperature of these critical components can be reduced more effectively.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the heat exchange component 4 includes two heat exchange tubes 41. One heat exchange tube 41 is connected to the polarity terminal on one side of all the individual cells 21 in the battery module, and the other heat exchange tube 41 is connected to the polarity terminal on the other side of all the individual cells 21 in the battery module.

[0078] like Figure 4As shown, each individual cell 21 has a terminal extension 212 connected to its terminal post 211 as a polarity terminal. The terminal extension 212 has a slot 213 for mounting a heat exchange tube. The slot 213 extends along the x-direction, meaning its length is parallel to the x-axis. The inner shape of the slot 213 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tube 41, ensuring a tight clamping of the heat exchange tube to guarantee installation stability and heat transfer between the heat exchange tube and the terminal extension 212. Figure 7 As can be seen from the image, this embodiment uses a rectangular slot 213, and the heat exchange tube 4 that is adapted to it is a square tube.

[0079] In other embodiments, when the height of the terminal post 211 of the single cell 21 meets the requirements, a slot 213 can be directly opened on the terminal post 211 to fix the heat exchange tube.

[0080] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, each heat exchange tube 41 includes an inlet channel 411 and an outlet channel 412;

[0081] In the battery cluster, the water inlet channels 411 of multiple heat exchange tubes 41 are connected in series to form a total water inlet path; the water outlet channels 412 of two heat exchange elements are connected in series to form a total water outlet path; the end of the total water inlet path is connected to the beginning of the total water outlet path through an external pipe section.

[0082] After entering the main inlet, the coolant flows through the inlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and then through the outer pipe section, flows through the outlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and flows out from the main outlet.

[0083] Specifically, since there are two battery modules 2 in this embodiment, the water inlet channels of the eight heat exchange tubes 41 of the two battery modules 2 are connected in series, and the water outlet channels of the eight heat exchange tubes of the two battery modules are connected in series.

[0084] This series-connected fluid flow design allows cooling water to flow sequentially through each battery module, carrying away the heat generated by each module. During the cooling water flow, each battery module receives relatively even cooling, avoiding temperature differences caused by insufficient or excessive cooling of some battery components, and achieving uniform temperature distribution across the entire battery pack.

[0085] Since the heat exchange medium is water in this embodiment, the outer wall of the heat exchange tube needs to be insulated. The insulation of the outer wall of the heat exchange tube can be achieved by attaching an enamel layer, oxidation treatment, or wearing an insulating sleeve, or a combination of the above methods.

[0086] In this embodiment, an electrical connection pressure plate 5 is also included. The electrical connection pressure plate 5 is fixedly connected to the opening end of the slot 213 of the polarity terminal of the individual battery. It can not only realize the electrical connection between each individual battery 21, but also apply pressure to the heat exchange tube to ensure that the heat exchange tube 41 is in full contact with the polarity terminal and improve the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange tube. At the same time, it also realizes the reliable positioning of the heat exchange tube 41 in the polarity terminal slot.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, when the individual cells in the battery module 2 are connected in series, multiple electrical connection plates 5 are provided, and each pair of adjacent individual cells 21 with different polarity terminals are connected by an electrical connection plate 5.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, when the individual cells in the battery module 2 are connected in parallel, two electrical connection plates 5 are provided. The positive terminals of all individual cells 21 in each battery module 2 located on the same side are connected by one electrical connection plate 5; the negative terminals of all individual cells 21 in each battery module 2 located on the same side are connected by another electrical connection plate 5.

[0089] Preferably, the top surface of the electrical connection plate 5 and the end face of the opening section of the polarity terminal slot 213 are flush, and the electrical connection plate can be fixed to the polarity terminal slot by welding.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] This embodiment adds a cover plate to embodiment 1. The cover plate can be set in two forms:

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, in Form 1: a cover plate 12 is sealed at the open end of the cylinder of each battery pack, and a control panel 8 is provided on the side wall of the cylinder 11 of each battery pack.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the second form also includes a housing 15, which has an open bottom and is fastened to the support frame 100. All battery packs are located inside the housing 15. A control panel 8 is provided on one side beam of the support frame 100. The housing 15 has multiple clearance holes 151 on the side wall corresponding to the side beam. The clearance holes are used for various switches, connectors and other electrical components of the control panel to extend out.

[0094] The two battery cluster forms mentioned above utilize two innovative features—terminal cooling and insulating sealant layer—to improve the battery pack's temperature control capability and safety. At the same time, the battery cluster structure can directly modify existing energy storage devices without changing the battery rack structure, energy storage space size, or electrical connection method of the energy storage device, resulting in low modification costs.

[0095] After the cover plate 12 is installed on the battery pack, it can reduce or even avoid the probability of thermal runaway smoke spreading to the external environment.

[0096] Since the entire cylinder 1 is made of steel, to ensure the overall insulation of the battery pack, in this embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces of the cover plate 12, the cylinder 11, the surface of the separator 13 in contact with the individual battery cells 21, and the explosion venting manifold are all coated with an insulating layer. This insulating layer can be a powder coating, an enamel layer, etc. Compared with the existing battery pack method of using epoxy boards on the inner walls and bottom plate of the casing for insulation, the insulation treatment method of this embodiment is easier to assemble and reduces the cost of the battery pack. At the same time, since the thickness of the epoxy board is greater than the thickness of the insulating coating, the battery pack structure of this embodiment is more compact and has a higher energy density.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] This embodiment adds an explosion venting function based on embodiments 2 and 3, such as... Figure 9 and 10 As shown, each battery module 2 also includes a hollow tube 22 as a venting channel for the battery module 2. The hollow tube 22 is fixed to the top of the battery module 2 by adhesive and covers the venting section of each individual battery cell 21 in the battery module 2. A venting manifold 3 communicating with the hollow tube 22 is fixedly installed on the outside of the side wall of the cylinder 11, and the venting manifold 3 of adjacent battery packs are connected. When any individual battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the venting section of the individual battery cell opens, and the thermal runaway fumes are orderly discharged from the hollow tube 22 to the venting manifold 3 outside the battery pack.

[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the explosion-venting manifold 3 includes M first pipes 31 and one second pipe 32. One end of each of the M first pipes 31 is connected to one of the M hollow pipes 22, and the other end of each first pipe 31 is connected to the second pipe 32. In this embodiment, since there are two battery modules 2, the explosion-venting manifold is a four-way pipe. When multiple battery packs are used to form an energy storage device, the second pipes of the four-way pipes on the multiple battery packs are interconnected.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, due to the injection of an insulating sealant layer 6 on top of the battery module 2, this insulating sealant layer 6 encapsulates the hollow tube within the sealant layer on top of the battery module 2. The use of an insulating sealant layer offers the following advantages:

[0101] Firstly, it can avoid the risk of short circuits that may be caused by condensation on heat exchange components;

[0102] Secondly, it can provide clamping force to the hollow tube, preventing the hollow tube from falling off due to insufficient adhesion in the event of thermal runaway.

[0103] Thirdly, it addresses the issue of thermal runaway fumes potentially spreading above the battery cell placement area and affecting other electrical components.

[0104] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the polar terminals use rectangular slots, which are relatively large. In order to ensure a safe gap between the polar terminals on adjacent battery modules 2 and to achieve reliable positioning of multiple battery modules 2 in the y direction, an epoxy board 7 is provided between the two battery modules 2 in this embodiment.

Claims

1. A battery cluster, characterized in that: It includes a support frame and at least two battery packs disposed on the support frame; the battery pack includes a cylindrical body, an insulating sealant layer, and at least one battery module located inside the cylindrical body. The battery module includes battery strings and heat exchange components connected to the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell. The upper part of the cylinder is open; Inside the cylinder, n partitions are fixedly installed, and the n partitions are arranged along the x direction, n≥1; the n partitions divide the inside of the box into n+1 battery unit placement areas, and the battery module is divided into multiple battery units by the n+1 battery unit placement areas, each battery unit including at least one single battery cell. An insulating sealant layer is filled between the side walls of the cylinder and the individual cells, as well as between the separator and the individual cells. The thickness of the insulating sealant layer on top of the battery module must be sufficient to cover at least the heat exchange components.

2. The battery cluster according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each battery pack has a sealed cover at the open end of its cylindrical body, and a control panel is provided on the side wall of each battery pack's cylindrical body.

3. The battery cluster according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an outer casing with an open bottom that is fastened to a support frame, and all battery packs are located inside the casing; a control panel is provided on one side beam of the support frame, and the casing has multiple clearance holes on the side wall corresponding to the side beam.

4. The battery cluster according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each battery module also includes a hollow tube, which is fixed to the top of the battery module by adhesive and covers the explosion venting part of each individual battery cell in the battery module; an explosion venting manifold that communicates with the hollow tube is fixedly installed on the outside of the cylinder side wall, and the explosion venting manifolds of adjacent battery packs are connected.

5. The battery cluster according to claim 4, characterized in that, The explosion relief manifold consists of multiple first pipes and one second pipe. One end of each of the multiple first pipes is connected to multiple hollow pipes, and the other end of each of the multiple first pipes is connected to the second pipe.

6. The battery cluster according to claim 1, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the polarity terminal of the individual battery. The heat exchange component includes two heat exchange tubes. In the battery module, one heat exchange tube is snapped into the polarity terminal on one side of each individual battery, and the other heat exchange tube is snapped into the polarity terminal on the other side of each individual battery. The outer walls of the two heat exchange tubes are provided with an insulating layer. Each heat exchanger tube includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel; The water inlet channels in multiple heat exchange tubes within multiple battery packs are connected in series to form the total water inlet path; the water outlet channels in multiple heat exchange components are connected in series to form the total water outlet path. The end of the main inlet path is connected to the beginning of the main outlet path via an external pipe section; After entering the main inlet, the coolant flows through the inlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and then through the outer pipe section, flows through the outlet channels of each heat exchanger in sequence, and flows out from the main outlet.

7. The battery cluster according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an electrical connection plate; the electrical connection plate is fixedly connected to the slot opening end of the polarity terminal of the individual battery.

8. The battery cluster according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each battery pack contains two battery modules, which are arranged along the y-direction and are separated by an epoxy board.

9. The battery cluster according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cylinder and the explosion vent manifold are both coated with an insulating layer.

10. The battery cluster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover plate is coated with an insulating layer.

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