Cooling device, battery pack and electric equipment

Abstract

The application provides a cooling device, a battery pack and an electric equipment. The cooling device comprises: a cold plate structure, which is attached to a large surface of an electric core, and has a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure, and are partially opposite in the thickness direction of the cold plate structure, and at least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is used for flowing of a cooling medium. The cooling device is used to achieve the effect of improving the cooling efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a cooling device, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] As an important component of new energy vehicles, the power battery pack has attracted much attention due to the increasing demands for driving range, charging speed and battery life. Its high-rate charge and discharge performance has become a major focus.

[0003] Battery packs typically consist of battery cells. During high-rate charging and discharging, the internal chemical reaction rate of the cells accelerates, causing their temperature to rise rapidly. Excessive cell temperature accelerates aging, increases the risk of thermal runaway, and seriously threatens the safety and lifespan of the battery pack. Therefore, a thermal management system is needed to ensure that the cell temperature remains within a reasonable range.

[0004] However, the cooling efficiency of the battery cells is relatively low. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a cooling device, a battery pack, and electrical equipment to improve cooling efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cooling device for cooling a battery cell, the cooling device comprising:

[0007] The cold plate structure is attached to the large surface of the battery cell. The cold plate structure has a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure. At least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is supplied with a cooling medium.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the cold plate structure includes at least three plates stacked along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure;

[0009] Of the three adjacent plates, the middle plate and one of the plates on one side form the first flow channel, and the middle plate and the plate on the other side form the second flow channel.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the at least three plates include:

[0011] Flow channel plate;

[0012] A first heat-conducting plate is connected to one side of the flow channel plate and has a first protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate. The first protrusion and the flow channel plate form the first flow channel.

[0013] The second heat-conducting plate is connected to the other side of the flow channel plate and has a second protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate. The second protrusion and the flow channel plate form the second flow channel.

[0014] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion has a planar surface facing away from the flow channel plate; and / or,

[0015] At least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion abuts against the flow channel plate;

[0016] At least one of the first heat-conducting plate, the second heat-conducting plate, and the flow channel plate is stamped; and / or,

[0017] The first heat-conducting plate, the second heat-conducting plate, and the flow channel plate are brazed together.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are blown together.

[0019] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel has at least two branches, said at least two branches being connected in series, parallel, or mixed; and / or,

[0020] The cooling device further includes: a thermally conductive material filled between the cold plate structure and the large surface of the battery cell, the thermally conductive material being elastic to absorb the expansion force of the battery cell; and / or,

[0021] The cold plate structure also has an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to one of the first and second flow channels for the flow of the cooling medium, allowing the cooling medium to flow in and out. The inlet and outlet are also located beside the battery cell; and / or,

[0022] The cooling device further includes an insulating layer, which is sprayed onto the surface of the cold plate structure.

[0023] In one possible implementation, one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is supplied with a cooling medium, while the other is filled with air.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the cold plate structure has multiple components;

[0025] The cooling device also includes a connector located beside the battery cell and connected to the adjacent cold plate structure.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery pack, including a battery cell and a cooling device as described above, wherein the cooling device is in contact with the large surface of the battery cell and is used to cool the battery cell.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including the battery pack described above.

[0028] The cooling device, battery pack, and electrical equipment provided in this application include a cold plate structure that is in close contact with the large surface area of ​​the battery cell. The cold plate structure has a first flow channel and a second flow channel, which are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction. At least one of the first and second flow channels is used for the flow of a cooling medium. Utilizing the cold plate structure can increase the contact area with the battery cell, improve heat conduction efficiency and cooling rate, extend the battery cell's lifespan, and meet the high heat flux density heat dissipation requirements under high-rate charging and discharging scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery cell and cooling device provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 2 Exploded view of the cooling device provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the cold plate structure provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first type of first flow channel provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the second type of first flow channel provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the third type of first flow channel provided in this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 10-Cold plate structure; 11-First flow channel; 12-Second flow channel; 13-First heat conduction plate; 14-Second heat conduction plate; 15-Flow channel plate; 16-Inlet; 17-Outlet;

[0038] 20-Water tap;

[0039] 30-Connector;

[0040] 40-cell;

[0041] 50-Thermoconductive gel.

[0042] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0044] Current thermal management systems often use bottom liquid cooling plates to cool the battery cells, which provides relatively fast cooling and a high heat transfer coefficient. However, this cooling method has its limits in terms of efficiency, limited by factors such as the vehicle's water pump power and the contact area between the battery cells and the cooling plate. Furthermore, battery cells often generate a great deal of heat under high-rate charge and discharge conditions, making it difficult to increase the vehicle's water pump power. Therefore, the main way to improve cooling efficiency is to increase the contact area between the battery cells and the cooling plate.

[0045] The cold plate structure provided in this embodiment is bonded to the large surface of the battery cell and is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure. At least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is used for the flow of cooling medium, which can increase the contact area with the battery cell, improve the heat conduction efficiency and cooling rate, improve the battery cell service life, and meet the heat dissipation requirements of high heat flux density in high-rate charging and discharging scenarios.

[0046] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] See Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a cooling device for cooling a battery cell 40. The cooling device includes a cold plate structure 10, which is attached to the large surface of the battery cell 40. The cold plate structure 10 has a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12. The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure 10 and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10. At least one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 is supplied with a cooling medium.

[0048] The battery cell 40 can be square in shape, such as a cuboid or cube, to improve space utilization and structural strength. The "large surface" of the battery cell 40 refers to the surface with the largest area within the cell 40, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the two opposing surfaces of the battery cell 40 along its width direction are the large surfaces. The two opposing surfaces of the battery cell 40 along its height direction are the top and bottom surfaces, and the two opposing surfaces of the battery cell 40 along its length direction are the side surfaces. The two side surfaces, the top surface, and the bottom surface are all narrow surfaces. Figure 1 As shown, the width direction of the battery cell 40 is the X direction, the length direction of the battery cell 40 is the Y direction, and the height direction of the battery cell 40 is the Z direction.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cooling device includes a cold plate structure 10, which dissipates heat from the battery cell 40. The cold plate structure 10 is in close contact with the large surface of the battery cell 40, increasing the contact area between them, improving heat conduction efficiency and cooling rate, extending the lifespan of the battery cell 40, and meeting the high heat flux density heat dissipation requirements under high-rate charging and discharging scenarios. For example, each of the two large surfaces of the battery cell 40 opposite to each other is provided with a cooling device; that is, cooling devices are provided on both opposite sides of the battery cell 40 along its width direction.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cold plate structure 10 has a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12, which are not connected to form different branches. The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure 10; along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are partially opposite each other. Thus, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are basically arranged side-by-side in the same plane, making the wall thickness of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 more uniform, facilitating molding and heat transfer, and also improving the overall strength of the cold plate structure 10.

[0051] The first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 are supplied with a cooling medium to achieve thermal management of the battery cell 40. Liquid cooling can achieve high cooling efficiency. The cooling medium can be water, ethylene glycol, organosilicon, etc., and can also be a refrigerant or a phase change heat-absorbing material. For example, either the first flow channel 11 or the second flow channel 12 is supplied with a cooling medium, or both the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel are supplied with a cooling medium. When both the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 contain a cooling medium, the cooling medium in the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 can be the same or different.

[0052] In this design, one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 is used for the flow of cooling medium, while the other is filled with air. For example, the first flow channel 11 is used for the flow of cooling medium, and the second flow channel 12 is filled with air. One of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 contains cooling medium, while the other is an empty cavity. This reduces interference between the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, reduces structural complexity, and reduces cooling medium leakage.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the cold plate structure 10 includes at least three plates stacked along its thickness direction; wherein, among the three adjacent plates, the middle plate and one side plate form a first flow channel 11, and the middle plate and the other side plate form a second flow channel 12. By providing at least three plates and allowing the outer plates to fit against the large surface of the battery cell 40, the contact area between the cold plate structure 10 and the large surface of the battery cell 40 can be increased, ensuring heat conduction efficiency and cooling rate.

[0054] The cold plate structure 10 may include three or more plates, which are stacked sequentially along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10, and the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10 is perpendicular to the large surface of the battery cell 40. Among the at least three plates, three adjacent plates form a first flow channel 11 between the middle plate and the plate on one side, and a second flow channel 12 between the middle plate and the plate on the other side.

[0055] For example, the cold plate structure 10 includes three plates, which form a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12. Also for example, the cold plate structure 10 includes four plates, with the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 formed between three of the plates. Still for example, the cold plate structure 10 includes five plates, with the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 formed between three of the plates. Alternatively, the middle plate forms the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 with two plates on one side, and also forms the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 with two plates on the other side; that is, the middle plate shares the same space, forming two sets of first flow channels 11 and second flow channels 12.

[0056] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least three plates include: a flow channel plate 15, a first heat-conducting plate 13, and a second heat-conducting plate 14. The first heat-conducting plate 13 is connected to one side of the flow channel plate 15 and has a first protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate 15. The first protrusion and the flow channel plate 15 form a first flow channel 11. The second heat-conducting plate 14 is connected to the other side of the flow channel plate 15 and has a second protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate 15. The second protrusion and the flow channel plate 15 form a second flow channel 12.

[0057] The first heat-conducting plate 13, the flow channel plate 15, and the second heat-conducting plate 14 are stacked and connected sequentially along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10, meaning that the first heat-conducting plate 13 and the second heat-conducting plate 14 are located on opposite sides of the flow channel plate 15. The first heat-conducting plate 13 has a first protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate 15, forming a first flow channel 11 between the first protrusion and the flow channel plate 15. Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion has a first groove facing the flow channel plate 15, and a portion of the flow channel plate 15 is located within the first groove. The first heat-conducting plate 13 also has a first outer edge that surrounds the first protrusion, and the first outer edge and the first protrusion can be an integral structure.

[0058] The second heat-conducting plate 14 has a second protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate 15 and contacts the flow channel plate 15, forming a second flow channel 12 between the second protrusion and the flow channel plate 15. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the second protrusion has a second groove facing the flow channel plate 15, and a portion of the flow channel plate 15 is located within the second groove. The flow channel plate 15 is placed within the first and second grooves and contacts both the first and second protrusions, which can support the first heat-conducting plate 13 and the second heat-conducting plate 14, improving the overall strength of the cold plate structure 10. The second heat-conducting plate 14 also has a second outer edge that surrounds the second protrusion, and the second outer edge and the second protrusion can be an integral structure.

[0059] At least one of the first and second protrusions abuts against the flow channel plate 15, using the flow channel plate 15 to provide support and improve overall strength. For example, both the first and second protrusions abut against the flow channel plate 15, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the bottom wall of the first groove abuts against the flow channel plate 15, and the bottom wall of the second groove abuts against the flow channel plate 15.

[0060] In some possible examples, at least one of the first and second protrusions has a flat surface facing away from the flow channel plate 15 to increase the contact area with the flow channel plate 15 and improve cooling efficiency. For example, the surface of the first protrusion facing away from the flow channel plate 15 is flat, and the surface of the second protrusion facing away from the flow channel plate 15 is flat. The first heat-conducting plate 13 can be of equal thickness, the second heat-conducting plate 14 can be of equal thickness, and the flow channel plate 15 can be of equal thickness.

[0061] In some possible examples, the flow channel plate 15 has a first channel and a second channel, which are not connected. The first channel faces the first heat-conducting plate 13, for example, the first channel faces the bottom wall of the first recess, and the bottom of the first channel abuts against the bottom wall of the second recess. The second channel faces the second heat-conducting plate 14, for example, the second channel faces the bottom wall of the second recess, and the bottom of the second channel abuts against the bottom wall of the first recess.

[0062] The thickness of the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the flow channel plate 15, the inclination angle of the inner wall of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, the depth of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, and the structural form of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 can all be adjusted. That is, the above parameters can be adjusted according to the expansion force of the battery cell 40 in the later stage to match the expansion force of the battery cell 40 and increase the overall strength of the cold plate structure 10. The materials of the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the flow channel plate 15 can be aluminum alloy, copper, and their alloys, etc. The materials of the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the flow channel plate 15 can be the same or different.

[0063] In some possible examples, at least one of the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the runner plate 15 is stamped; and / or, the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the runner plate 15 are brazed together. Stamping the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the runner plate 15 results in a simple, mature, and low-cost manufacturing process. Brazing the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the runner plate 15 reduces assembly difficulty and further reduces costs. For example, the first heat-conducting plate 13, the second heat-conducting plate 14, and the runner plate 15 can be stamped and then brazed together as a single unit. The inclination angle of the inner wall of the first runner 11 and / or the second runner 12 is the stamping draft angle.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are blow-formed, resulting in a simple, mature, low-cost, and highly efficient manufacturing and assembly process that eliminates the need for film preparation. Specifically, all three plates are flat, and the cavities to be blown are printed on their blown surfaces using graphite or similar materials. The three plates are then rolled together using a hot rolling process, and blow-out ports are opened on the corresponding blown surfaces. High-pressure gas is introduced, and the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are formed at the printed graphite locations.

[0065] The depth of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, the thickness of the bottom of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, and the structural form of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 can all be adjusted. That is, the above parameters can be adjusted according to the expansion force of the battery cell 40 in the later stage to match the expansion force of the battery cell 40 and increase the overall strength of the cold plate structure 10.

[0066] In some possible examples, the cooling medium flows through the first flow channel 11, and the second flow channel 12 is a cavity. The width of the first flow channel 11 is greater than the width of the second flow channel 12 to increase the flow rate of the cooling medium and improve the cooling effect.

[0067] In some possible examples, at least one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 has at least two branches, which may be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration. Thus, the structural form of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 can be configured as needed to achieve flow distribution and temperature uniformity, reduce flow resistance and improve cooling efficiency, and enhance the flexibility of thermal management performance.

[0068] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least two branches connected in series means that these branches are connected sequentially, and the cooling medium flows through all branches in sequence. This structural form is simple to manufacture, has a high flow rate, and helps to enhance the convective heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, it can flow over the entire surface of the cold plate structure 10, making it suitable for scenarios where cooling is required along a specific direction.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, at least two branches in parallel means that these branches are independent of each other and arranged in parallel, with the cooling medium flowing through all branches simultaneously. This structural form has good temperature uniformity, low flow resistance, and low pressure drop.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, a mixed connection of at least two branches refers to some branches being connected in parallel and others in series, i.e., series-parallel connection. That is, at least two branches are grouped together, with each group connected in series and the remaining groups connected in parallel. This structural form can achieve better temperature uniformity and lower flow resistance, while also providing higher flow velocities and heat transfer efficiency in localized regions.

[0071] Continue reading Figures 1 to 6 In some possible examples, the cooling device also includes a thermally conductive material filled between the cold plate structure 10 and the large surface area of ​​the battery cell 40. This thermally conductive material is elastic to absorb the expansion force of the battery cell 40. During charging and discharging, the battery cell 40 undergoes volume expansion, and the thermally conductive material can adaptively deform, making the cooling device flexible. The thermally conductive material can absorb the expansion force of the battery cell 40, avoiding uneven contact pressure or stress concentration between the cold plate structure 10 and the battery cell 40, thus extending the service life of the battery cell 40. The thermally conductive material can also transfer heat from the battery cell 40 to the cold plate structure 10, ensuring effective cooling of the battery cell 40.

[0072] The thermally conductive material can be thermally conductive gel 50, which is a partially cured paste-like thermal interface material based on silicone. Thermally conductive gel 50 enables heat transfer between the battery cell 40 and the cold plate structure 10, and can completely fill the space between the large surfaces of the cold plate structure 10 and the battery cell 40, smoothing out microscopic unevenness and gaps on the corresponding surfaces, expelling air, and forming an excellent thermal pathway. Thermally conductive gel 50 also maintains a soft, elastic gel-like state, does not harden, and can adaptively change its thickness according to temperature and pressure, absorbing the expansion force generated by the battery cell 40, such as absorbing the thermal expansion and contraction stress generated by the battery cell 40 under temperature changes.

[0073] In some possible examples, the cold plate structure 10 also has an inlet 16 and an outlet 17, both of which are connected to one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 for the flow of cooling medium, allowing the cooling medium to flow in and out. The inlet 16 and outlet 17 are also located beside the cell 40. By setting the inlet 16 and outlet 17 to connect with the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 can be externally connected to form a complete loop for the flow of cooling medium.

[0074] Inlet 16 and outlet 17 can penetrate the cold plate structure 10 and communicate with the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12. When cooling medium flows through both the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are respectively connected to inlet 16 and outlet 17. The inner diameter of inlet 16 and outlet 17 can be adjusted to adjust the uniformity of flow rate in the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, resulting in better overall temperature uniformity. Water nozzles 20 are connected to both inlet 16 and outlet 17 for external connection, for example, the water nozzles 20 can be welded to the corresponding inlet 16 or outlet 17. The water nozzles 20 are located beside the battery cell 40 to avoid interference with the battery cell 40.

[0075] In some possible examples, the cooling device also includes an insulating layer sprayed onto the surface of the cold plate structure 10 to ensure the overall insulation withstand voltage performance of the package. The insulating layer can be formed by spraying insulating powder, which can be epoxy resin powder, polyester resin powder, silicone resin powder, or ceramic matrix composite powder. In other possible examples, the insulating layer can also be formed by deposition.

[0076] The insulating layer can cover the surface of each of the at least three components, that is, spray the outer surface of each component. The insulating layer can also cover the outer surface of the at least three components as a whole, that is, spray the outer surface of the connected cold plate structure 10.

[0077] In some possible examples, there are multiple cold plate structures 10, and the cooling device further includes a connector 30 located beside the battery cell 40 and connecting adjacent cold plate structures 10. In this way, the cold plate structures 10 are connected via connectors 30 to form a complete liquid cooling circuit, and each cold plate structure 10 is connected in parallel, which can effectively reduce the overall flow resistance and improve cooling efficiency. Figure 4 As shown, the cooling medium enters from the inlet 16 on one side and flows in parallel through all the cold plate structures 10, which are connected by connectors 30. The cooling medium in each cold plate structure 10 is collected through the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 and flows out from the outlet 17 on one side, forming a complete liquid cooling circuit.

[0078] The cooling device provided in this embodiment is used to cool the battery cell 40. It includes a cold plate structure 10, which is in close contact with the large surface area of ​​the battery cell 40. The cold plate structure 10 has a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12, which are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure 10 and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure 10. At least one of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 is used for the flow of a cooling medium. The cold plate structure 10 increases the contact area with the battery cell 40, improves heat conduction efficiency and cooling rate, extends the service life of the battery cell 40, and meets the high heat flux density heat dissipation requirements under high-rate charging and discharging scenarios.

[0079] Continue reading Figures 1 to 6 This application also provides a battery pack, which includes battery cells 40 and a cooling device. The cooling device is in contact with the large surface of adjacent battery cells 40 for cooling the battery cells 40. The battery pack may include at least two battery cells 40, such as three or more, to improve the voltage, capacity, etc., of the battery pack and meet different power demands.

[0080] Multiple cells 40 (at least three cells 40) can be integrated into a battery module, and then formed into a battery pack; multiple cells 40 can also be directly integrated into a battery pack, i.e., a cell-to-pack (CTP) battery pack. The battery pack also includes a housing, which houses and protects the internal structure. The multiple cells 40 and cooling devices are located inside the housing. The shape of the housing is adapted to the shape of the cells 40; for example, if the cells 40 are square, the housing will be rectangular.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple battery cells 40 are arranged in an array, for example, multiple battery cells 40 are arranged in a rectangular array with multiple rows and columns along their length and width. One or more cooling devices are provided between the large faces of two adjacent battery cells 40, for example, the large faces of two adjacent battery cells 40 are cooled by a single cooling device. The battery cells 40 and the cooling devices are arranged alternately in a direction perpendicular to the large faces of the battery cells 40 to reduce the volume of the battery pack. The large faces of two adjacent battery cells 40 that are facing each other are respectively attached to the two opposite sides of the cold plate structure 10.

[0082] In some possible examples, there are multiple cold plate structures 10, with the large surfaces of two adjacent cells 40 facing each other having a cold plate structure 10, and the surfaces of at least two cells 40 facing away from each other having a cold plate structure 10. That is, some of the multiple cold plate structures 10 are located between the cells 40, and another part of the cold plate structures 10 are located on the outside of the cells 40, with each cell 40 having two cold plate structures 10 for cooling, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0083] In the above example, each cold plate structure 10 is connected in parallel. The structural form of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12 in each cold plate structure 10 can be designed as needed. Multiple cold plate structures 10 can be the same or different.

[0084] Furthermore, each cold plate structure 10 can adjust its thickness, the depth of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, the thickness of the bottom of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, the inclination angle of the inner wall of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, and the structural form of the first flow channel 11 and / or the second flow channel 12, according to the different expansion forces of the cells 40 it contacts, so as to ensure the strength of each cold plate structure 10 and thus ensure the reliability of the battery pack.

[0085] This application also provides an electrical device, which may include electric bicycles, electric cars, electric boats, etc. The electrical device includes a battery pack for storing and providing electrical energy. For example, the battery pack may be a lithium-ion battery pack, which has high specific energy per cell and low internal resistance, resulting in good driving range.

[0086] The embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between embodiments can be referred to accordingly. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this specification are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and motion relationships between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0087] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0088] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or the internal connection or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. (if present) are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of this utility model will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility model disclosed herein. This utility model is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this utility model that follow the general principles of this utility model and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this utility model is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling device, characterized in that, The cooling device is used for cooling the battery cell and includes: The cold plate structure is attached to the large surface of the battery cell. The cold plate structure has a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the cold plate structure and partially opposite each other along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure. At least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is supplied with a cooling medium.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold plate structure includes at least three plates, which are stacked along the thickness direction of the cold plate structure. Of the three adjacent plates, the middle plate and one of the plates on one side form the first flow channel, and the middle plate and the plate on the other side form the second flow channel.

3. The cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least three plates include: Flow channel plate; A first heat-conducting plate is connected to one side of the flow channel plate and has a first protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate. The first protrusion and the flow channel plate form the first flow channel. The second heat-conducting plate is connected to the other side of the flow channel plate and has a second protrusion that protrudes outward relative to the flow channel plate. The second protrusion and the flow channel plate form the second flow channel.

4. The cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion has a planar surface facing away from the flow channel plate; and / or, At least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion abuts against the flow channel plate; At least one of the first heat-conducting plate, the second heat-conducting plate, and the flow channel plate is stamped; and / or, The first heat-conducting plate, the second heat-conducting plate, and the flow channel plate are brazed together.

5. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel and the second flow channel are blown together.

6. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, At least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel has at least two branches, said at least two branches being connected in series, parallel, or mixed; and / or, The cooling device further includes: a thermally conductive material filled between the cold plate structure and the large surface of the battery cell, the thermally conductive material being elastic to absorb the expansion force of the battery cell; and / or, The cold plate structure also has an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to one of the first and second flow channels for the flow of the cooling medium, allowing the cooling medium to flow in and out. The inlet and outlet are also located beside the battery cell; and / or, The cooling device further includes an insulating layer, which is sprayed onto the surface of the cold plate structure.

7. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, One of the first flow channel and the second flow channel is used for the flow of cooling medium, and the other is filled with air.

8. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The cold plate structure has multiple components; The cooling device also includes a connector located beside the battery cell and connected to the adjacent cold plate structure.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell and a cooling device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cooling device is in contact with the large surface of the battery cell for cooling the battery cell.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in claim 9.

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