Energy storage arrangement

Abstract

Energy storage arrangement (1) with at least one energy storage cell (3) arranged in a housing (2) and with a temperature control device (4) for cooling / heating the at least one energy storage cell (3), - wherein at least one energy storage cell (3) is arranged in the housing (2), - wherein the temperature control device (4) comprises a spray device (5), a drip device (5') and / or a spray device (6) via which the at least one energy storage cell (3) can be supplied with a temperature control fluid (8) at its cell shell (7), - wherein the spray device (5), the drip device (5') or the spray device (6) has at least one fluid outlet opening (9'), in particular a nozzle (9), characterized in that in addition to a cover plate (10) a base plate (24) is also provided, wherein the at least one energy storage cell (3) penetrates both the cover plate (10) and the base plate (24) and wherein the cover plate (10) and the base plate (24) are sealed against the cell shell (7) of the at least one energy storage cell (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage arrangement comprising at least one energy storage device and a temperature control device for cooling / heating the energy storage device. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one such energy storage device.

[0002] From DE 10 2012 111 970 A1, a generic energy storage arrangement is known with at least one energy storage cell arranged in a housing and a temperature control device for cooling / heating the at least one energy storage cell, wherein the at least one energy storage cell is arranged in the housing, and the temperature control device has a spray device, a drip device and / or a spray device, via which the at least one energy storage cell can be supplied with a temperature control fluid on its cell shell.

[0003] From US patent 2017 / 0 125 860 A1, an electric battery is known which has the following: a plurality of storage cells for electrical energy arranged in a housing containing a dielectric fluid; thermal regulating means suitable for maintaining the dielectric fluid within a predetermined temperature range during normal operation; a plurality of individually controllable agitators arranged within the housing for circulating the dielectric fluid; and a management device suitable for detecting a possible cell fault and, if a cell fault is detected, for locally controlling the agitators.

[0004] From DE 10 2011 118 383 A1, a vehicle battery arrangement for accommodating several longitudinal battery cells is known, which are arranged in a frame parallel with respect to their longitudinal axes and wherein each battery cell has a first end and an opposite second end with respect to the longitudinal axis. The battery arrangement comprises the following: a printed circuit board for electrically coupling the second ends of the battery cells, a cooling plate which is thermally coupled to the printed circuit board, and a gap-filling layer which is layered between the printed circuit board and the cooling plate.

[0005] With the increasing prevalence of electromobility, demands on the range and thus the performance of electrical energy storage systems are constantly rising. To increase performance, electrical energy storage systems are already being temperature-controlled, meaning they are cooled or heated to maintain an optimal temperature range for power output. To cool these energy storage systems, a separate heat exchanger in the form of one or more fluid-flowing plates has typically been used, regardless of the specific cell type. Depending on the requirements and necessary cooling capacity, this can be combined with additional components made of a thermally conductive material to increase the heat-transferring surface area and, consequently, the cooling capacity.

[0006] Furthermore, to achieve the best possible use of installation space in modern vehicles, especially electric vehicles, so-called pouch cells are increasingly being used. Unlike the previously widespread cylindrical cells with their typically solid metallic outer casing and active layers wound around an inner electrode, these pouch cells now feature stacked or folded active layers enclosed by a flexible outer film, usually made of aluminum. The open outer surfaces of the outer film / pouch are usually thermally welded. Inside the outer pouch, several electrical energy storage units or individual cells can be stacked to increase the voltage in series and the capacity and current-carrying capacity in parallel.Particularly advantageous with such pouch cells are the comparatively small thicknesses, low weight and, above all, flexible dimensions due to the lack of an outer casing.

[0007] The present invention therefore deals with the problem of providing an energy storage arrangement that is particularly optimized in terms of installation space and at the same time enables improved temperature control.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention is based on the general concept of improving and, in particular, standardizing the temperature control and, especially, the cooling of energy storage cells arranged in a housing within an energy storage arrangement by exposing as much of their outer surface, i.e., as much of their cell shell, as possible to a temperature control fluid and thus regulating their temperature, i.e., cooling or heating, via this fluid. The energy storage arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one energy storage cell arranged in a housing and a temperature control device for cooling / heating the at least one energy storage cell. The at least one energy storage cell can preferably be arranged upright, but can also be arranged at an angle or lying down in the housing.The temperature control device has a spray device, a drip device, and / or a spray device, via which the at least one energy storage cell can be sprayed, dripped, or sprayed with a temperature control fluid, particularly a dielectric fluid, on its cell shell, and thus its temperature can be controlled. The temperature control fluid can, for example, be applied to the cell shell of the individual energy storage cells in the form of a jet, droplets, or mist, and then run down along it or evaporate. If the temperature control fluid evaporates, the vapor must be condensed elsewhere in or outside the energy storage housing to prevent a pressure increase within the housing. The temperature control fluid can reach temperatures below or above its boiling point.The temperature control fluid itself is located in a closed circuit together with the energy storage cells and therefore does not come into contact with other components of the battery housing. A particular advantage of the energy storage arrangement according to the invention is that a separate expansion tank for the temperature control fluid is not necessarily required, since this function is already integrated into the energy storage housing by design. The comparatively large cell shell of the individual energy storage cells allows for uniform temperature control and thus a homogeneous temperature distribution within the energy storage cell, as well as a small temperature difference between individual energy storage cells.The homogeneous temperature distribution described above, combined with the lower temperature difference between individual energy storage cells, allows for particularly advantageous temperature control of the energy storage arrangement, thereby increasing its lifespan and performance.

[0010] According to the invention, the spray device, drip device, and / or spray device has at least one fluid outlet opening, in particular a nozzle. Via such a fluid outlet opening, in particular a nozzle, it is possible to transfer a directed spray jet or a directed mist jet of temperature control fluid to the respective cell shell of the energy storage cells, thereby cooling or temperature-controlling them. The fluid outlet opening(s) are preferably arranged in a cover plate or a common rail, which can be part of the housing of the energy storage arrangement, thus enabling the individual energy storage cells to be sprayed from the side and above.The gravity-driven flow of the temperature control fluid sprayed onto the cell shell of the individual energy storage cells allows the temperature of each cell to remain relatively constant across its entire height, resulting in a comparatively homogeneous temperature distribution within the cell. This method effectively eliminates temperature spikes.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the at least one energy storage cell is designed as a cylindrical cell or as a so-called pouch cell. By designing the individual energy storage cells as cylindrical columns, a comparatively systematic arrangement of the individual energy storage cells within the housing can be achieved. Furthermore, by designing at least one energy storage cell as a pouch cell or pouch bag, previously inaccessible installation space can be utilized. In general, the external shape of the individual energy storage cells is almost freely selectable, whereby care should only be taken to ensure that the cell shell can be supplied with temperature control fluid over as large an area as possible through a fluid outlet opening, in particular a nozzle, of the spraying device, dripping device, or dispensing device. This can be achieved either directly by injection molding or...Spraying can be done, or later indirectly, provided that the sprayed or applied temperature control fluid subsequently runs downwards along the cell membrane due to gravity.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, at least three or four energy storage cells are provided, wherein the at least one fluid outlet, in particular a nozzle, is arranged such that it can spray, drip, or mist all three or all four energy storage cells with temperature control fluid. In particular, by aligning the individual energy storage cells in a so-called staggered arrangement, a particularly space-saving arrangement of the individual energy storage cells and thus a reduced installation space requirement can be achieved. The individual fluid outlets, in particular the nozzles, of the temperature control device are selected such that as many energy storage cells as possible can be supplied with temperature control fluid via a single fluid outlet, in particular a nozzle.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, a heating / cooling device is provided for heating and / or cooling the temperature control fluid, wherein this heating / cooling device is connected via a line to the temperature control unit and a collecting channel for collecting the temperature control fluid. The heating / cooling device can be a heating / cooling device already present in a motor vehicle or one specifically designed for battery temperature control. The temperature control fluid can be tempered, i.e., heated or cooled, by means of the heating / cooling device, thereby also allowing the individual energy storage cells to be tempered, i.e., heated or cooled, accordingly.

[0014] In an embodiment not covered by the invention, a structured perforated sheet or, more generally, a perforated plate is provided on which the energy storage cells are fixed in position and in which at least part of the collecting channel for temperature control fluid runs below this perforated sheet or below the perforated plate.

[0015] In the embodiments described so far, the individual energy storage cells are generally clamped and electrically contacted via two end-mounted plates, namely a top plate and a bottom plate. Clamping from above can be achieved, for example, from the top plate, into which the temperature control unit, including the fluid outlet openings, is integrated. The bottom plate contains a return line for the temperature control fluid, for example, in the form of a collection channel. In the embodiment now described, the lower clamping of the individual upright energy storage cells is achieved by means of the perforated sheet or plate, which not only provides drain openings for the temperature control fluid but also recesses for the individual energy storage cells, enabling them to be fixed in a defined position. Individual drain openings are located around the energy storage cells in the perforated sheet or plate.arranged on the perforated sheet. In this embodiment, it is also possible, for example, for the individual energy storage cells to be electrically contacted through both the top plate and the bottom plate, which then necessitates the use of a dielectric temperature control fluid. If the electrical contact of the individual energy storage cells is effected exclusively via the top plate, and this is additionally sealed against the individual energy storage cells or their outer surfaces, then the use of an electrically conductive temperature control fluid can also be considered.

[0016] According to the invention, in addition to a top plate, a bottom plate is also provided, wherein the energy storage cells penetrate both the top plate and the bottom plate, and wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are sealed against the cell shell of the at least one energy storage cell. In this embodiment of the energy storage arrangement according to the invention, an electrically conductive fluid can therefore also be used, since electrical contact of the at least one energy storage cell in the installed state is provided above the top plate and / or below the bottom plate and thus outside the area of ​​influence of the temperature control fluid.

[0017] The present invention is further based on the idea of ​​using the previously described energy storage arrangement according to the invention in a motor vehicle, in particular in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and thereby significantly increasing not only its performance but also its range. In addition, the service life of the individual energy storage units can be increased by the energy storage arrangement according to the invention due to the improved temperature control.

[0018] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0019] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0021] Each of these shows, schematically, Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view through an energy storage arrangement, Fig. 2 a sectional view along the cutting plane AA in a first possible arrangement of individual energy storage cells, Fig. 3 a representation as in Fig. 2, however, in the case of energy storage cells arranged in a runner assembly, Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view through an energy storage arrangement according to the Fig. 1, but with an additional perforated sheet, Fig. 5 an embodiment of the energy storage arrangement according to the invention with external electrical contacting.

[0022] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 exhibits a non-inventive and corresponding Fig. 5 an energy storage arrangement 1 according to the invention comprising at least one energy storage cell 3 arranged in a housing 2 and a temperature control device 4 for cooling or heating the individual energy storage cells 3. As described in the Fig. As can be seen from figures 1, 4 and 5, the individual energy storage cells 3 are arranged upright in the housing 2, which can also be seen analogously from the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. According to the invention, the temperature control device 4 has a spray device 5, a drip device 5' and / or a spray device 6, via which the at least one energy storage cell 3, here preferably all energy storage cells 3, can be sprayed or treated with a temperature control fluid 8, in particular a dielectric fluid, on their cell shell 7. Considering the Fig. From Figures 1, 4, and 5, it can be seen that the spray device 5, the drip device (5'), or the spray device 6 has at least one fluid outlet opening 9', in particular a nozzle 9, through which a comparatively large-area application of fluid to the cell shells 7 of the individual energy storage cells 3 is possible, thus enabling large-area and uniform temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3. The temperature control fluid 8 required for the temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3 can be sprayed or injected at the same temperature at any point via the separate fluid outlet openings 9', in particular the nozzles 9, thereby enabling comparatively homogeneous temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3.

[0023] Furthermore, by spraying the temperature control fluid 8 onto the respective cell shells 7 of the individual energy storage cells 3, a high heat transfer coefficient can be achieved, resulting in particularly effective cooling of the individual energy storage cells 3. Spray cooling also requires comparatively little temperature control fluid 8, resulting in a significant weight advantage, especially compared to direct flow of the temperature control fluid 8 around the individual energy storage cells 3. The performance, and thus the cooling or temperature control capacity, of the temperature control unit 4 can be adjusted by selecting various parameters such as nozzle geometry, nozzle pressure, volume flow rate, spray angle, and spray distance.

[0024] The fluid outlet openings 9' are arranged in a cover plate 10 of the housing 2 or a common rail 19 of the energy storage arrangement 1, whereby, during normal operation, the cell shells 7 of the individual energy storage cells 3 are sprayed with temperature control fluid 8 from an oblique angle above. This creates a temperature control fluid film 11 which, due to gravity, flows downwards along the individual cell shells 7 of the energy storage cells 3, thereby not only providing temperature control and, in particular, cooling directly at the injection point or at the point of impact of a spray jet 12 on the respective cell shell 7, but also below it and thus preferably over almost the entire cell shell 7. This allows, in particular, uniform temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3 across their height and thus a homogeneous temperature distribution within them.In particular, this also reliably prevents performance-impairing temperature spikes.

[0025] The individual energy storage cells 3 can be designed as round cells or cylindrical cells, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 is shown. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that the energy storage cells 3 are designed as so-called prismatic cells or pouch cells. A combination of different geometric designs is also conceivable.

[0026] If one considers the arrangement of the individual energy storage cells 3 according to the Fig. 2, it can be seen that these are arranged in rectangular patterns, with the fluid outlet openings 9', in particular the nozzles 9, being arranged at the respective intersection points of individual diagonals, so that they are able to simultaneously supply four adjacent energy storage cells 3 with temperature control fluid 8. In contrast, the energy storage cells 3 are arranged according to the Fig. 3 are arranged in the manner of a runner assembly, wherein a fluid outlet opening 9', in particular a nozzle 9, of the spray device 5, the drip device 5' or the spray device 6 is arranged in the center of each triangle formed by three energy storage cells. This makes it possible to supply not only the three directly adjacent energy storage cells 3 with temperature control fluid by means of a single nozzle 9, but even further energy storage cells 3.

[0027] Looking again at the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a heating and / or cooling device 13 is additionally provided for heating or cooling the temperature control fluid 8, wherein the heating / cooling device 13 is communicatively connected via a line 14 to the temperature control unit 4 and a collecting channel 15 for collecting the temperature control fluid 8 in the housing 2. A flow of temperature control fluid can be conveyed, for example, by means of a suitable pump 16.

[0028] The energy storage arrangement 1 according to the invention is used, for example, in an electric vehicle 17 or a hybrid vehicle 18, which significantly increases its range and performance due to the more uniform temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3.

[0029] The individual fluid outlet openings 9', in particular the nozzles 9, of the spray device 5, the drip device 5' or the spray device 6 or generally of the temperature control device 4 can be part of a so-called common rail 19, which enables a uniform supply of temperature control fluid 8 to the individual fluid outlet openings / nozzles 9',9.

[0030] Now, let us consider the energy storage arrangement 1 according to the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, a structured perforated sheet 20 is additionally provided, which can of course alternatively also be a perforated plate made of plastic, and on which the energy storage cells 3 are fixed in position, and in which at least part of a collecting channel 15 for collecting the temperature control fluid 8 runs below the perforated sheet 20. The perforated sheet 20 has recesses 21 in which the individual energy storage cells 3 are received at their end faces, thus enabling simple position fixing of them. The perforated sheet 20 also has drain openings 22 (see also Figure 4). Fig. 1) via which the temperature control fluid 8, which has flowed downwards, for example, over the temperature control fluid film 11 on the cell membranes 7 of the energy storage cells 3, can be transferred into the collecting channel 15. In accordance with the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, electrical contact 23 is made via the cover plate 10, wherein the energy storage cells 3 are sealed against the cover plate 10, so that an electrically conductive temperature control fluid 8 can also be used. If, in addition, electrical contact is also made downwards, i.e., through the perforated sheet 20 and a base plate 24, as shown in Figure 4, the following applies: Fig. 4 with interrupted contacts 23, the use of a dielectric temperature control fluid 8 is necessary to reliably prevent an electrical flashover.

[0031] Considering the energy storage arrangement 1 according to the invention, Fig.As shown in Figure 5, a base plate 24 is provided in addition to the top plate 10. The energy storage cells 3 penetrate both the top plate 10 and the base plate 24, and the top plate 10 and the base plate 24 are sealed against the cell shell 7 of at least one energy storage cell 3. Electrical contact 23 of the energy storage cells 3 is made above the top plate 10 and / or below the base plate 24 when installed. Since the electrical contact 23 is located outside of a contact area with the temperature control fluid 8, an electrically conductive fluid can also be used. The temperature control fluid 8 is returned via the base plate 24, which in this case forms the bottom of the collecting channel 15.

[0032] With the energy storage arrangement 1 according to the invention, significantly improved temperature control of the individual energy storage cells 3 can be achieved, in particular a smaller temperature difference across the height of the energy storage cells 3 and between the individual energy storage cells 3, thereby achieving a homogeneous temperature distribution and thus higher performance and an increased service life of the energy storage cells 3. By injection molding or spraying the individual energy storage cells 3 with temperature control fluid 8, a significant weight advantage can also be achieved compared to a flow-around flow of temperature control fluid 8 around the individual energy storage cells 3, since considerably less temperature control fluid 8 is required.

Claims

[1] Energy storage arrangement (1) comprising at least one energy storage cell (3) arranged in a housing (2) and a temperature control device (4) for cooling / heating the at least one energy storage cell (3), - wherein at least one energy storage cell (3) is arranged in the housing (2), - wherein the temperature control device (4) comprises a spray device (5), a drip device (5') and / or a spray device (6) via which the at least one energy storage cell (3) can be supplied with a temperature control fluid (8) at its cell shell (7), - wherein the spray device (5), the drip device (5') or the spray device (6) has at least one fluid outlet opening (9'), in particular a nozzle (9), characterized by, that in addition to a cover plate (10) a base plate (24) is also provided, wherein the at least one energy storage cell (3) penetrates both the cover plate (10) and the base plate (24) and wherein the cover plate (10) and the base plate (24) are sealed against the cell shell (7) of the at least one energy storage cell (3). [2] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fluid outlet opening (9') is arranged in the cover plate (10) or a common rail (19) of the energy storage arrangement (1). [3] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one energy storage cell (3) is designed as a cylindrical round cell, as a prismatic cell or as a pouch cell. [4] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that at least three or four energy storage cells (3) are provided, wherein the at least one fluid outlet opening (9') is arranged such that it can spray, drip or mist all three or all four energy storage cells (3) with temperature control fluid (8). [5] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a heating / cooling device (13) is provided for heating / cooling the temperature control fluid (8), wherein the heating / cooling device (13) is communicatively connected via a line (14) to the temperature control device (4) and a collecting channel (15) for collecting the temperature control fluid (8). [6] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one energy storage cell (3) is arranged inside the housing (2) and is sealed against the temperature control fluid (8). [7] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to claim 6, characterized by, that the temperature control fluid (8) is electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive. [8] Energy storage arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an electrical contact (23) of the at least one energy storage cell (3) is provided in the installed state above the cover plate (10) and / or below the base plate (24). [9] Motor vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle (17) or a hybrid vehicle (18), with an energy storage arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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