Battery system

Abstract

Battery system comprising: N hollow battery cells (250, 700, 800) each having: a housing (260) with an upper surface, a lower surface and a side wall; a hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) with a side wall and a cavity enclosed by the side wall, wherein the hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) extends through the upper surface of the housing (260); and a roller (272) with electrode and separator layers (280, 282, 284, 286) arranged between an outer surface of the hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) and the housing (260); and a battery heat exchange system (720) with a fluid channel (726) having N connections (730), configured to supply at least one end of the hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) of the N hollow battery cells (250, 700, 800) with fluid (742) and / or to receive fluid (742) from it; characterized in that the hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) does not extend through the lower surface of the housing (260);and that the hollow central tube (268, 706, 806) is closed at its lower end.;

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are not expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against this disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to battery cells, particularly hollow battery cells and heat exchange systems for hollow battery cells.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, comprise one or more electric motors and a battery system with one or more battery cells, modules, and / or packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving. SUMMARY

[0004] A battery system comprises N hollow battery cells, each comprising a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a sidewall; a hollow center tube having a sidewall and a cavity enclosed by the sidewall; and a roll of electrode and separator layers disposed between an outer surface of the hollow center tube and the housing. The hollow center tube extends through the top and / or bottom surface of the housing. A battery heat exchange system comprises a first fluid channel having N ports configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from at least one end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells.

[0005] In other features, the housing has a cylindrical shape and the hollow central tube has a circular cross-section.

[0006] In other features, the hollow center tube extends through the top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The battery heat exchange system includes a second fluid channel configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from an opposite end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells. The top and / or bottom surface includes a cap attached to the sidewalls of the housing and the hollow center tube.

[0007] In other features, the housing has a prismatic shape and the hollow center tube has a rounded rectangular cross-section. The hollow center tube extends through the top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The battery heat exchange system includes a second fluid channel configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from an opposite end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells. The first fluid channel includes a plurality of partitions to form a tortuous vertical path in the hollow center tube. The first fluid channel includes a plurality of partitions to form a tortuous horizontal path in the hollow center tube.

[0008] In other features, the N ports include N walls extending transversely of the first fluid channel and having threads on an outer surface. An inner surface of the sidewall of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells includes threads. The first fluid channel includes N partitions in each of the N ports. Each of the N hollow battery cells includes a partition disposed in the hollow center tube. A second fluid channel is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the first fluid channel, with fluid flowing in a first direction through the first fluid channel and in a second direction through the second fluid channel. The first fluid channel extends in a tortuous path up and down through the hollow center tubes of adjacent N hollow battery cells.

[0009] In other features, the N ports include N walls extending transversely to the first fluid channel. The N walls are pressed into an inner surface of the sidewall of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells.

[0010] A battery system comprises N hollow cylindrical battery cells, each comprising a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls, a hollow center tube having a sidewall defining a cavity and having a circular cross-section, and a roll having electrode and separator layers disposed between an outer surface of the hollow center tube and the housing. The hollow center tube extends through the top and / or bottom surface of the housing. A battery heat exchange system comprises a first fluid channel having N ports configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from at least one end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow cylindrical battery cells. The N ports comprise walls extending transversely to the first fluid channel and having threads on an outer surface.An inner surface of the side wall of the hollow center tube of the N hollow cylindrical battery cells is provided with a thread.

[0011] In other features, the hollow center tube extends through the top and bottom surfaces of the housing. The battery heat exchange system includes a second fluid channel configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from an opposite end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow cylindrical battery cells.

[0012] In other features, each of the first fluid channels includes N partitions in the N ports, and each of the N hollow cylindrical battery cells includes a partition disposed in the hollow center tube.

[0013] A method of manufacturing a hollow battery cell includes double reverse extruding a casing for the hollow battery cell having a top surface, a sidewall, a bottom surface, and a hollow center tube extending from the bottom surface and including a sidewall and a cavity disposed between the sidewall; winding a roll including electrode and separator layers; inserting the roll into the casing between the hollow center tube and the sidewall of the casing; and attaching a top cap to the sidewall and the hollow center tube on the top surface.

[0014] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A is a side view of an exemplary cylindrical battery cell; Fig. 1B is an enlarged plan view of exemplary electrodes and separators being wrapped around a center pin of the cylindrical battery; Fig. Figure 1C is a perspective view of a positive terminal with vents positioned over a rupture disk; Fig. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary prismatic battery cell; Fig. 2B is a perspective view of exemplary rolled electrodes disposed within the outer casing of the prismatic battery cell; Fig. 2C is a perspective view of exemplary terminals and tabs connected to electrodes of the prismatic battery cell; Fig. 3A is a side view of an exemplary hollow cylindrical battery cell with a hollow center tube extending through an outer casing according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3B is an enlarged top view of exemplary rolled electrodes being wrapped around a hollow center tube of the cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D are top views of exemplary top caps for the hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3E is a perspective view of an exemplary bottom cap of the hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4A is a side view of an exemplary hollow cylindrical battery cell having a hollow center tube that does not pass through the bottom surface of an outer casing according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4B is an enlarged plan view of exemplary rolled electrodes being wrapped around a hollow center tube of the cylindrical battery cell; Fig. 4C is a plan view of an exemplary top cap of the hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5A is a side view of an exemplary hollow prismatic battery cell having a hollow center tube extending through an outer casing according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5B is a top view of the hollow prismatic battery cell from Fig. 5A is; Fig. 5C a bottom view of the hollow prismatic battery cell Fig. 5A is; Fig. 6A is a side view of an exemplary hollow prismatic battery cell having a hollow center tube that does not pass through the bottom surface of an outer casing according to the present disclosure; Fig. 6B is a top view of the hollow prismatic battery cell from Fig. 6A is; Fig. 6C a bottom view of the hollow prismatic battery cell from Fig. 6A is; Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacturing a hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of another exemplary method for manufacturing a hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 9A to 9E are side cross-sectional views illustrating exemplary methods of manufacturing an outer casing with a hollow center tube for a cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 10A to 10D are perspective views showing exemplary methods of manufacturing a hollow cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 11 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery cell according to the present disclosure; Fig. 12A to 12D are side cross-sectional views of exemplary heat exchange systems for hollow cylindrical battery cells according to the present disclosure; Fig. 12E to 12F are plan views of exemplary heat exchange systems for an array of hollow cylindrical battery cells according to the present disclosure; Fig. 13A to 13B are side cross-sectional views of exemplary heat exchange systems for hollow prismatic battery cells according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 14A to 14C are side cross-sectional views of exemplary heat exchange systems for hollow cylindrical battery cells according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Reference symbols may be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Although hollow cylindrical and prismatic battery cells and heat exchange systems are illustrated and described in the context of electric vehicles, the hollow cylindrical and prismatic battery cells and heat exchange systems can also be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0018] Large-format battery cells have high energy density and are associated with lower manufacturing effort / cost. However, as battery cells increase in size, it becomes increasingly difficult to dissipate the heat generated by them. If battery cooling is inadequate, fast charging cannot be used with large-format cells due to the high heat generation. Although existing battery heat exchange systems can be used to heat and / or cool the exposed surfaces of the battery cells (e.g., the top, bottom, and / or sides of the battery cells), the center of the battery cell experiences the highest temperatures during use.

[0019] The present disclosure relates to hollow battery cells having an outer casing and a hollow center tube. The outer casing may be a prismatic or cylindrical casing. In some examples, the hollow center tube has a circular cross-section for cylindrical battery cells or a rounded rectangular cross-section for prismatic battery cells. In some examples, the hollow center tube is arranged centrally to a center or central axis of the outer casing.

[0020] A roll of layers containing one or more cathode electrodes, separators, and anode electrodes is wrapped around the hollow center tube. As described below, a top and / or bottom cap encloses the top and / or bottom of the battery cell.

[0021] The present disclosure further relates to a heat exchange system for hollow battery cells. The heat exchange system includes fluid channels and ports extending from one or both sides into and fluidly connecting the hollow center tubes to cool and / or heat the hollow battery cell from the center. In some examples, the fluid comprises air, gas, and / or liquid. Cooling may occur in response to cycling the battery cells. Heating may be performed to warm a battery cell to the desired operating temperature after maintaining it at a lower temperature, such as freezing or below.

[0022] With reference now to Fig. 1A to 1C, an exemplary cylindrical battery cell 80 is shown that is not hollow. In Fig. 1A, the cylindrical battery cell 80 includes an outer casing 82, a positive terminal 84, and a negative terminal 86. A center pin 88 extends vertically along a central axis of the outer casing 82. A roller 89 includes one or more anode electrodes, cathode electrodes, and separators wound around the center pin 88. Given the small radius of the center pin 88, thicker electrodes experience large bending forces, which may complicate manufacturing and / or reduce durability.

[0023] In Fig. 1B, the roll 89 of layers includes a cathode electrode 90, a separator 92, an anode electrode 94, and a separator 96. In some examples, the positive terminal 84 may include vents or holes and a rupture disk (not shown) to allow gas to escape when the pressure in the outer casing is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0024] In Fig. 1C, the cylindrical battery cell 80 may have a vent opening. A positive terminal 84 may, for example, have one or more vent openings 86. A rupture disc 88 may be disposed below the positive terminal 84. The rupture disc 88 and the one or more vent openings 86 release gas from the cylindrical battery cell 80 when the pressure within the cylindrical battery cell 80 is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0025] With reference now to Fig. 2A to 2C, an exemplary prismatic battery cell 100 is shown. In Fig. 2A, a prismatic battery cell 100 includes a housing 110. In some examples, the housing 110 has a rectangular cross-section. The prismatic battery cell 100 includes terminals 114 and 116 and a vent cap 124. In Fig. 2B, one or more rollers 130-1 and 130-2 with electrodes and separators are arranged side by side in the housing 110. The rollers 130-1 and 130-2 can, for example, have the Fig. 1B. The small winding diameter at the ends of rolls 130-1 and 130-2 requires a high bending force for thick electrodes, which can complicate manufacturing and / or reduce durability.

[0026] In Fig. 2C, terminal 114 and a tab 135 are connected to tab terminals 136. Tab terminals 136 connect a polarity of the battery cell's electrodes to terminal 114. In some examples, a seal 134 is disposed between terminal 114 and housing 110.

[0027] With reference now to Fig. 3A to 3E, an exemplary hollow cylindrical battery cell 200 is shown with a center hole extending through a bottom surface of an outer casing. Fig. 3A, the hollow cylindrical battery cell 200 includes an outer casing 210, a positive terminal 214 (or terminal 216), and a negative terminal 216. A hollow center tube 218 having a cylindrical outer wall 217 and an inner cavity 219 extends vertically along a central axis of the outer casing 210.

[0028] A roll 220 of layers is wound around the hollow central tube 218. The roll 220 of layers includes one or more anode electrodes, cathode electrodes, and separators. In Fig. 3B, the roller 220 includes a cathode electrode 230, a separator 232, an anode electrode 234, and a separator 236. In Fig. 3C, an upper cap 240 of the hollow cylindrical battery cell has a central through-hole 242. In Fig. 3D, the top cap 240 may include one or more vent openings 243. As described above, a rupture disk may be disposed beneath the top cap 240 to release gases when the pressure within the cylindrical battery cell exceeds a predetermined pressure. Fig. 3E, a lower cap 244 of the hollow cylindrical battery cell has a central through-hole 246.

[0029] In some examples, the outer housing 210 has a height in the range of 60 mm to 120 mm (e.g., 80 mm or 100 mm). In some examples, the outer housing 210 has a diameter in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm (e.g., 46 mm).

[0030] With reference now to Fig. 4A to 4C, an exemplary hollow cylindrical battery cell 250 is shown with a central through-hole that does not pass through a bottom surface of an outer casing. Fig. 4A, the hollow cylindrical battery cell 250 includes an outer casing 260, a positive terminal 264, and a negative terminal 266. A hollow center tube 268 extends vertically along a central axis of the outer casing 260. A lower end of the hollow center tube 268 is closed. For example, the hollow center tube 268 may be welded to an inner side of a lower surface of the outer casing 260, insulated from the lower surface of the outer casing 260, and / or sealed, as shown at 270. A roll 272 includes one or more anode electrodes, cathode electrodes, and / or separators wrapped around the hollow center tube 268.

[0031] In Fig. 4B, the roll 272 includes a cathode electrode 280, a separator 282, an anode electrode 284, and a separator 286 wound around the hollow center tube 268. In Fig. 4C, an upper cap 290 of the hollow cylindrical battery cell has a central through-hole 292.

[0032] With reference now to Fig. 5A to 5C, an exemplary hollow prismatic battery cell 300 is shown with a central through-hole extending through a bottom surface of an outer casing. Fig. 5A, the hollow prismatic battery cell 300 includes a housing 310. In some examples, the housing 310 has a rectangular shape and includes a top surface 311, a bottom surface 313, and sidewalls 315. The hollow prismatic battery cell 300 includes terminals 312 and 314 connected to the electrodes. The hollow prismatic battery cell 300 includes a hollow center tube 318 and a reel 320 with one or more electrodes and separators wrapped around the hollow center tube 318.

[0033] In Fig. 5B, the top surface 311 of the hollow prismatic battery cell 300 is shown. In some examples, the hollow center tube 318 includes side walls 341, a cavity 343 defined between the side walls 341, an open head end ( Fig. 5B) and an open floor ( Fig. 5C). The hollow center tube 318 has a rounded rectangular cross-section or an elongated elliptical cross-section extending in the vertical direction.

[0034] With reference now to Fig. 6A to 6C, an exemplary hollow prismatic battery cell 350 is shown with a central through-hole that does not pass through a bottom surface of an outer casing. Fig. 6A, the hollow prismatic battery cell 350 includes an outer casing 360. In some examples, the outer casing 360 has a rectangular shape and includes a top surface 361, a bottom surface 363, and sidewalls 365. The hollow prismatic battery cell 350 includes terminals 362 and 364 connected to the electrodes. The hollow prismatic battery cell 350 includes a hollow center tube 368 and a reel 370 with one or more electrodes and separators wrapped around the hollow center tube 368.

[0035] In Fig. 6B, the top surface 361 of the hollow prismatic battery cell 350 is shown. In some examples, the hollow center tube 368 includes walls 371, a cavity 373 defined between the walls, an open head end ( Fig. 6B) and a closed bottom ( Fig. 6C). The hollow central portion 318 has a rounded rectangular cross-section or an elongated elliptical cross-section extending in the vertical direction.

[0036] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for manufacturing a hollow cylindrical battery cell. At 410, the outer casing of the battery cell is stamped or extruded and then has an open top and a closed bottom. At 414, a hollow center tube is stamped or extruded.

[0037] At 418, a hole is punched, drilled, or lasered into the bottom surface of the outer casing. At 422, a roll of layers with one or more electrodes and separators is wrapped around the hollow center tube. At 426, the hollow center tube and the roll of layers are inserted into the outer casing. In some examples, one or both ends of the hollow center tube extend beyond the corresponding end(s) of the outer casing. In some examples, the hollow center tube extends through the hole in the bottom surface of the outer casing. In some examples, the hollow center tube extends through the hole in the top cap (when disposed on top).

[0038] At 430, the hollow center tube is flanged outwardly at the bottom of the outer shell to overlap edges of the hole in the bottom surface of the outer shell, and the end of the hollow center tube is secured or sealed to the bottom surface. In other examples, a butt joint is formed between the hollow center tube and the bottom surface. At 434, a top cap is placed on the head end of the outer shell and secured (e.g., laser welded or attached to the outer shell and the hollow center tube by another method) at 438.

[0039] With reference now to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a method 500 for manufacturing a hollow cylindrical battery cell. At 510, the outer casing of the battery cell is stamped or extruded and has an open top and a closed bottom. At 514, a hollow center tube is stamped or extruded and then has an open or closed bottom surface. At 522, a roll of layers with electrodes and separators is wrapped around the hollow center tube.

[0040] At 526, an inner housing (including the hollow center tube and wound layers) is inserted into the outer housing. At 530, the hollow center tube is attached (e.g., laser-sealed) to an inner side of the bottom surface of the outer housing. At 534, a hole is optionally punched, drilled, or laser-cut into the bottom surface and / or the center tube. At 538, a top cap is attached (e.g., by laser welding or another method).

[0041] With reference now to Fig. 9A to 9E show another method for producing an outer casing with a central tube for a hollow cylindrical battery cell. Fig. 9A, an extrusion die 550 having a female die 552 and a male die 554 is pressed together by a press or other device to extrude an outer shell 551 having a hollow center tube 553. In some examples, the double reverse extrusion is performed with or without heating.

[0042] As in Fig. 9B to 9E, one or more additional forming steps may be performed. In Fig. 9B, a deep drawing tool 570 may be used to improve the quality of the outer casing 551 and / or the hollow center tube 553 (e.g., by smoothing the side walls 571). Fig. 9C the outer casing 551 can be cut to size. Fig. 9D and Fig. 9E, a forming tool 584 is used to form steps or edges 586 on the outer casing 551 and / or the hollow center tube 553 prior to attaching the upper and / or lower cap and to connect it to the upper and / or lower cap and / or to provide clearance for the upper and / or lower cap to prevent it from falling through.

[0043] In this example, the hollow battery cell casing is manufactured as a single-piece component, eliminating the need to weld the hollow center tube to the outer casing. Further machining allows for the formation of steps and flanges for the top cap. The bottom of the hollow center tube can be left open for hollow battery cells with through holes. Alternatively, the bottom of the hollow center tube can be covered for hollow battery cells with non-through holes.

[0044] With reference now to Fig. 10A to 10D is the assembly of the hollow cylindrical battery cell using the outer casing made of Fig. 9A to 9E. In Fig. 10A, a roll 590 with electrodes and separators is wound. In Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C, the roll 590 of layers is placed around the hollow center tube 553 in the outer casing 551. A top cap 592 having a through-hole 594 is attached (e.g., by welding, a butt joint, or other joining method) to enclose a head end of the battery cell, as shown in Fig. 10D shown.

[0045] With reference now to Fig. 11 illustrates a method 650 for manufacturing a cylindrical battery cell. At 660, the outer shell is extruded with an integrated hollow center tube. At 664, the outer shell is optionally smoothed using a deep drawing tool to straighten the side walls of the outer shell. At 668, the outer shell is optionally trimmed. At 672, a roll electrode and separator layers are wound. At 676, the roll is inserted into the outer shell between the hollow center tube and walls of the outer shell. At 680, a top cap having a hole is placed on the outer shell and attached at 684 (e.g., by welding, a butt joint, or other joining method) to enclose a top end of the battery cell.

[0046] With reference now to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12D shows various exemplary heat exchange systems for hollow cylindrical battery cells. Fig. 12A, a heat exchange system 720 includes a first fluid channel 724 and a second fluid channel 726 that are in heat exchange relationship with each other and / or with the atmosphere. In other words, outer surfaces of the first fluid channel 724 and the second fluid channel 726 are in contact with each other and / or with the air.

[0047] In some examples, a pump is used to transfer fluid from a fluid source to the fluid channels for cooling. After the fluid passes through the fluid channels and absorbs heat, it optionally passes through a heat exchanger, such as a finned cooler, for cooling and is then returned to the source. In some examples, a pump is used to transfer fluid from a fluid source to a heating element and then to the fluid channels for heating. After the fluid passes through the fluid channels and absorbs heat, it is returned to the source.

[0048] The second fluid channel 726 includes ports 730 extending transversely from the second fluid channel 726 and connected to hollow center tubes 706 of the battery cells 700. In some examples, the hollow center tubes 706 and the ports 730 include walls 731 with threaded portions at 710 and 734, respectively. In other examples, the walls 731 of the ports 730 are unthreaded and are press-fitted into the hollow center tubes 706.

[0049] In some examples, the hollow center tubes 706 of the battery cells 700 are enclosed at 702 (at the bottom surface of the battery cells 700). In some examples, the battery cells 700 include partitions 708 configured to divide the hollow center tubes 706. In some examples, fluid 740 flows in a first direction in the first fluid channel 724. The fluid 742 flows in a second direction, different from the first direction, in the second fluid channel 726. The fluid 742 flows through the second fluid channel 726, through the ports 730, between the partition 708 and an inner surface of one side of the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cell 700, around one end of the partition 708, and between the partition 708 and an inner surface on the other side surface of the hollow center tube of the battery cell 700 back to port 730.

[0050] In Fig. 12B, a heat exchange system 750 is similar to the heat exchange system 720, except that a partition 752 is connected to the heat exchange system 750 (e.g., in the center of the terminals 730) rather than in the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700.

[0051] In Fig. 12C, a heat exchange system 770 is self-contained and does not include the interior surfaces of the battery cells. The heat exchange system 770 includes sidewalls 772 that enclose the distal ends of the terminals 730 and a partition 774 that runs transversely to the second fluid channel 726. In some examples, the sidewalls 772 contact and form a tight fit with the walls of the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700 to enhance heat exchange between the surfaces. In other examples, a thermal grease or adhesive (in Fig. 12D marked at 777).

[0052] In the examples in Fig. 12A to 12C, the heat exchange systems touch the top and / or bottom surfaces of the battery cells. In Fig. 12D, a heat exchange system 780 may form a gap 782 between upper surfaces of the battery cells 700 and the heat exchange system 780. Since most of the cooling occurs on the inner surfaces of the battery cells 700, the gap 782 may be used.

[0053] With reference now to Fig. 12E illustrates a heat exchange system 786 for an array 787 of battery cells 700. Distributors 788 are disposed on opposite sides of the array 787, and channels 789 extend from side to side between the distributors 788 along each row. It is understood that the channels 789 may extend along the columns of the array 787. Connections to the positive or negative terminals of the battery cells may be made at off-center locations.

[0054] With reference now to Fig. 12F illustrates a heat exchange system 790 for the array 787 of battery cells 700. One or more fluid channels 794 extend in a zigzag pattern, each covering more than one row of the array 787. It is understood that other arrangements of the fluid channels are possible.

[0055] In some examples, the fluid channels of the heat exchange system are made of a material selected from a group consisting of aluminum alloy and copper. In some examples, the fluid comprises liquid, gas, or air. If the fluid channel comprises multiple channels, a partition may be disposed in the fluid channel or in the hollow center tube to divide the fluid channel. The partition may be made of a material selected from a group consisting of metal, polymer, and / or plastic. In some examples, the heat exchange system is self-contained. In other examples, the heat exchange system uses walls in the hollow center core, and the fluid is in direct contact with the walls of the hollow center core.

[0056] With reference now to Fig. 13A to 13B show other exemplary heat exchange systems for hollow prismatic battery cells. Fig. 13A, the heat exchange system 810 includes a fluid channel 820 that extends into a hollow center 806 of a prismatic battery cell 800 and around vertical partitions 826 and 828 to form a vertical zigzag pattern 830. In Fig. 13B, the heat exchange system 838 includes a fluid channel 840 that extends into a hollow center 806 of the prismatic battery cell 800 and around horizontal partitions 842 and one or more vertical partitions 846 to form a horizontal zigzag pattern 850.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 14A to 14C, in hollow battery cells with through-holes, the fluid channels can be arranged on both sides of the battery cells. In Fig. 14A, a heat exchange system 900 includes horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cells 700. Fluid 924 flows in the horizontal fluid channels 920, through vertical channels 926, through the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700, to the horizontal fluid channel 930. In some examples, the horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930 extend in opposite directions.

[0058] In Fig. 14B, a heat exchange system 950 includes horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cells 700. Vertical partitions 952 are disposed within the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700. The vertical partitions 952 extend into the horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930 and form a gap with an inner wall of the horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930.

[0059] The fluid 924 flows downward in the horizontal fluid channels 920 through vertical channels 956 on one side of the vertical partition 952 through the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700 to the horizontal fluid channel 930. The fluid 924 flows upward in the horizontal fluid channel 930 through a vertical channel 960 on the other side of the vertical partition 952 through the hollow center tube 706 of the battery cells 700 to the horizontal fluid channel 920. In some examples, the horizontal fluid channels 920 and 930 deliver the fluid 924 in the same direction (e.g., from left to right in Fig. 14B).

[0060] In Fig. 14C, a heat exchange system 970 includes a fluid channel 974 (e.g., a single fluid channel) extending through the hollow center tubes 706 of a plurality of adjacent battery cells 700. In other words, the fluid channel 974 alternately extends upward through a hollow center tube of a first battery cell and over upper surfaces of the first battery cell and a second battery cell, and then downward through the hollow center tube of the second battery cell and over a lower surface of the second battery cell to another battery cell, and so on. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12F, the battery cells may be arranged in a row or in rows and columns.

[0061] The foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses in any way. The broad teachings of the disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms. While this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be limited thereto, since other modifications will become apparent upon review of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. It is understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of the present disclosure.Furthermore, although the embodiments are each described above as having specific features, any one or more of these features described with respect to one embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and interchanging one or more embodiments for one another remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaging," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Where a relationship between first and second elements is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, that relationship may be a direct relationship, with no other intervening elements between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship, with one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) between the first and second elements.As used herein, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” should be construed as logical (A ORed with B ORed with C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, rather than as “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

[1] Battery system comprising: N hollow battery cells each with: a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side wall; a hollow central tube with a side wall and a cavity enclosed by the side wall, wherein the hollow central tube extends through the upper and / or lower surface of the housing; and a roll with electrode and separator layers arranged between an outer surface of the hollow center tube and the housing; and a battery heat exchange system having a first fluid channel with N ports configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from at least one end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells. [2] Battery system according to claim 1, wherein: the housing has a cylindrical shape; and the hollow central tube has a circular cross-section. [3] The battery system of claim 2, wherein the hollow center tube extends through the top and / or bottom surface of the housing. [4] The battery system of claim 3, wherein the battery heat exchange system comprises a second fluid channel configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from an opposite end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells. [5] The battery system of claim 1, wherein the upper and / or lower surface comprises a cap secured to the side wall of the housing and the hollow center tube. [6] Battery system according to claim 1, wherein: the housing has a prismatic shape and the hollow central tube has a rounded rectangular cross-section. [7] The battery system of claim 6, wherein the hollow center tube extends through the top and / or bottom surface of the housing. [8] The battery system of claim 7, wherein the battery heat exchange system comprises a second fluid channel configured to supply fluid to and / or receive fluid from an opposite end of the hollow center tube of the N hollow battery cells. [9] The battery system of claim 6, wherein the first fluid channel comprises a plurality of partitions to form a tortuous vertical path in the hollow center tube. [10] The battery system of claim 6, wherein the first fluid channel comprises a plurality of partitions to form a tortuous horizontal path in the hollow center tube.

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