Temperature control arrangement for immersion temperature control and battery cell arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control arrangement for temperature control of battery cells (11), comprising: a planar main region (2) with a first flat side (21) and a second flat side (22), a plurality of first support regions (3) on the first flat side (21), a plurality of second support regions (4) on the second flat side (22), wherein first temperature control channels (5) are formed between adjacent first support regions (3), wherein second temperature control channels (6) are formed between adjacent second support regions (4), wherein the main region (2), the first support region (3) and the second support region (4) are produced in one piece from a reversibly deformable material and wherein the first temperature control channels (5) and the second temperature control channels (6) run continuously from a first side (23) of the main region to a second side (24) of the main region (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature control arrangement for the temperature control of battery cells and to a battery cell arrangement comprising a multiplicity of battery cells and to a temperature control arrangement according to the invention. The invention can also be used for analog cells and systems of supercapacitors.As a result of requirements which have recently become greatly increasing during charging processes of battery systems, in particular during rapid charging processes, new temperature control concepts for such battery systems have to be found. One possibility for tempering battery systems is a so-called immersion tempering, in which a liquid tempering medium, which is not electrically conductive, washes around the battery cells. In order for the immersion tempering to be as effective as possible, it is necessary for the battery cells to be flushed as directly and completely as possible with the tempering fluid. This complete flushing of the cell in the cell assembly is not possible according to the prior art, since the battery cells have to be operated in the mechanically pressed state in order to reduce aging effects. Therefore, in particular prismatic cells and pouch cells are braced with one another on the large side faces. To compensate for the change in the external shape of the cells by charging and discharging and by aging, compressible cell spacers are used.Current cell intermediate elements such as foams are designed in such a way that they do not allow a circulating temperature control medium to come into direct cell contact. The temperature control at the cell is thus limited to the narrow side surfaces, the base and the cover.From U.S. Pat. No. 11,626,636 B2, for example, a temperature control arrangement for immersion temperature control is known, having a grid structure as an outer frame. Although the temperature control allows free access between the cells, the cells can now no longer be braced with one another by means of a cell intermediate element.It is an object of the present invention to provide, with simple cost-effective manufacturing, a temperature control arrangement for the immersion temperature control of battery cells with a liquid temperature control medium and a battery cell arrangement with such a temperature control arrangement, wherein the possibility of bracing with one another remains ensured.This object is achieved by a temperature control arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a battery cell arrangement having the features of claim 14. The dependent claims each show preferred developments of the invention.The temperature control arrangement according to the invention for the temperature control of battery cells having the features of claim 1 has the advantage that a particularly effective temperature control of battery cells is possible even if the external shape of the battery cells has changed. Such a change in the external shape of the battery cell can occur, for example, as a result of charging and / or discharging processes or other internal and / or external influencing variables on the battery cell, in particular aging of the battery cells. At the same time, the temperature control arrangement according to the invention, which can be arranged in an intermediate space between two adjacent battery cells, enables a secure pressing of the adjacent battery cells with respect to one another, so that a battery cell arrangement having a multiplicity of battery cells is possible to have a particularly compact and stable structure with excellent temperature control performance with secure use. The temperature control arrangement according to the invention allows a large change in the external shape of battery cells, so that an effective temperature control over the entire life cycle of the battery cell is ensured. This is important since aged cells in particular have an increased internal resistance and thus release more heat during charging / discharging than fresh cells.This is achieved according to the invention in that the temperature control arrangement has a planar main region with a first and a second flat side and a multiplicity of first support regions, in particular first webs, on the first flat side a multiplicity of second support regions, in particular second webs, on the second flat side. The planar main region forms a mat-like structure with support regions on both flat sides. Between mutually adjacent first support regions, a first temperature control channel is formed in each case. In the same way, a second temperature control channel is formed between two adjacent second support regions. The main region of the temperature control arrangement and the first and second support regions are produced in one piece from a reversibly deformable material. The first and second temperature control channels extend continuously from a first end side of the temperature control arrangement to a second end side of the temperature control arrangement.In other words, the temperature control arrangement according to the invention comprises a mat on which temperature control channels are provided on both flat sides by forming support regions on the flat sides, wherein the support regions form a lateral delimitation of the temperature control channels. Apertures on the support regions of the temperature control channels are conceivable in sections, so that a medium exchange between the individual temperature control channels is possible. A base or side of the temperature control channels is formed by the planar main region, wherein the temperature control channels are open in particular to the battery cells.The temperature control channels are preferably open to the battery cells, so that the temperature control medium comes directly into contact with the wall regions of the battery cells. This allows effective temperature control with direct contact between the temperature control medium and the battery cells.At the same time, the temperature control arrangement also forms a spacer in the intermediate space between two adjacent battery cells. Since the temperature control arrangement is made of a reversibly deformable material, changes in the shape of the temperature control arrangement correspondingly occur when the shape of battery cells is changed externally. However, the plurality of support points or support regions and temperature control channels on both sides of the planar main region can ensure, even when the shape of the battery cells is changed externally, that there are still sufficient temperature control channels for a temperature control process of the battery cells despite the change in the shape of the intermediate cell element in order to enable effective temperature control.The invention thus comprises intermediate cell elements which, on the one hand, ensure the bracing of the cells and, on the other hand, have a high free cross section for the temperature control medium, particularly in the pressed state.According to the invention, a reversibly deformable material is understood to mean a material which is an elastic material, or is a viscoelastic material or is a plastic material which is reversibly deformable up to a yield point, or a material having open and closed pores, wherein in particular the closed pores are gas-filled, for example a foam. The material of the temperature control device further preferably has a Shore hardness in a range from 5 to 98 Shore A or in a range from 1 to 65 Shore D, in each case measured by means of a Shore hardness test method.Further preferably, the material of the temperature control arrangement has an elastic property in a range of a compressive deformation of 98% to 73%.Further preferably, the material of the temperature control arrangement has a compression set in a range from 0 to 90%.The material of the temperature control arrangement preferably has a hysteresis in the case of a tensile elongation and / or a compressive elongation in a range from 0 to 90%.Elastomers or polyurethanes or thermoplastics or a foam are preferably used as material of the temperature control arrangement. In particular, NBR or HNBR or TPU or PU-R or FKM or silicones or AEM or ACM or EPDM are used as material of the temperature control arrangement.More preferably, the material of the temperature control arrangement is selected from the group of EPM, EPDM, NBR, HNBR, ACM, AEM, ANM, VMQ, FVMQ, PMQ, PVMQ, FKM, FFKM, EVA, SBR, BR, IR, IIR, NR, CR, X-NBR, X-EPDM, X-SBR, AU, TPA, TPC, TPU, TPO, TPV, TPS.More preferably, the material of the temperature control arrangement is selected from the group of polyamides, polyesters, poly(thio)ethers, polycarbonates, polyimides, polysulfones, polyketones, polyurethanes, polyolefins, halogen-containing vinyl resins, polyvinylaromatics, (meth)acrylates, provided that these materials are at least partially reversibly deformable.Preferably, all first support regions and / or all second support regions are provided arranged in the same direction with respect to one another, in particular parallel or systematically.A particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the temperature control arrangement is possible if the first and / or second support regions are formed in a straight line. In particular, if the first and second support regions are formed in a straight line, the temperature control arrangement can be produced as a component by an extrusion process.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second support regions each have the same cross section.Further preferably, the first and second support regions are arranged offset with respect to one another in the transverse direction to the flow direction, i.e. transversely to the first and second temperature control channels. Particularly preferably, the first and second support regions are arranged offset to one another on the flat sides of the main region in such a way that the support regions are each arranged in a central region of the temperature control channels lying on the other flat side.Further preferably, the planar main region is designed wave-like with wave peaks and wave valleys, in particular with a constant wavelength. The planar main region thus meanders, wherein the first and second support regions are preferably each arranged at wave crests of the wave-like main region. Thus, a wave trough is provided on an opposite flat side of a wave crest, wherein the temperature control channels are formed in the wave troughs. This allows a particularly high compensation of a high change in the external shape of the battery cells.The respective material is preferably to be selected such that it has low or controllable swelling upon contact with the media. Typically, the swelling of the material should be at most 20%, preferably at most 10%, on contact with the media.Particularly preferably, the temperature control arrangement is configured such that, after a deformation due to a change in the external shape of one or more battery cells, a compression in a range from 0.03 MPa to 2.00 MPa and preferably between 0.05 and 0.8 MPa results in the cell assembly. This ensures that, if the change in the outer shape of the battery cell is completely or partially restored, the temperature control arrangement experiences sufficient compression in the cell assembly in order to remain in contact with the battery cell.The temperature control channels particularly preferably have a length of 80-150 mm and a sum of all cross sections of the temperature control channels is preferably about 30 m 2.Particularly preferably, the temperature control channels have a length of 100 mm and a sum of all cross sections of the temperature control channels is approximately 30 m 2.Preferably, at the end of the life, i.e. in the case of bulged cells, the free cross section of the temperature control arrangement amounts to at least 25%, and preferably at least 50%, of the original value.Channel structures are also preferred in which the support regions are interrupted in sections and the adjacent channels can thus be in material exchange. As a result, on the one hand, the free cross section can be increased and the homogeneity of the temperature control can be improved. Through openings can preferably be through openings or groove-shaped incisions in the support regions. The apertures are preferably formed offset relative to one another in the channel direction in adjacent support regions.The present invention further relates to a battery cell arrangement comprising at least a first and a second battery cell and a temperature control arrangement according to the invention. The temperature control arrangement is arranged between the first and second battery cells in such a way that the temperature control arrangement is in contact with the first battery cell with the first supporting regions and is in contact with the second battery cell with the second supporting regions. The first and second battery cells are preferably designed as prismatic cells or as pouch cells.Further preferably, the battery cell arrangement comprises a frame in which the first and second battery cells and / or the temperature control arrangement is accommodated.In the following, with reference to the accompanying drawing, a temperature control arrangement and a battery cell arrangement according to preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail. In the drawing, the following is: FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a battery cell arrangement with temperature control arrangements according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of the temperature control arrangement from FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the temperature control arrangement from FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the temperature control arrangement from FIG. 4. 1 FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of the battery cell arrangement of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a temperature control arrangement according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.In the following, a battery cell arrangement 10 with temperature control arrangements 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. An orientation of the temperature control arrangement 1 in both directions is preferably conceivable; the medium can thus be guided "horizontally" or "vertically" through the temperature control arrangement.As can be seen from the plan view of FIG. 1, each battery cell has an anode 12, a cathode 13, a closed burst opening 14 and a closed filling opening 16.A temperature control arrangement 1 is arranged between each of the battery cells 11 adjacent to one another.The temperature control arrangement 1 can be seen in detail from FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As can be seen from the plan view of FIG. 2, the temperature control arrangement has a planar main region 2. The planar main region 2 is of undulating configuration and has a first flat side 21 and a second flat side 22. On the first flat side 21, a plurality of first support regions 3 are arranged. On the second flat side 22, a plurality of second support regions 4 are arranged.The first and second support regions 3, 4 can be of identical design and can have an identical cross section. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the first support regions 3 and the second support regions 4 can be arranged in a straight line and parallel to one another. First temperature control channels 5 are formed between respectively adjacent first support regions 3. Second temperature control channels 6 are formed between adjacent second support regions 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ).The planar main region 2 and the first and second support regions 3, 4 are produced in one piece from a reversibly deformable material, in particular an elastic material, which has at least a certain elasticity. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second support regions 3, 4 and thus also the first and second temperature control channels 5, 6 extend from a first cell side 23 of the temperature control arrangement 1 to a second cell side 24.As can be seen from FIG. 3, a first width B 1 of the temperature control channels can be wider than a second width B 2 of the support regions. The first width B 1 is at least twice as large as the second width B 2.As indicated in FIG. 3 by the arrows 15 which represent the temperature control medium, the temperature control medium flows through the first and second temperature control channels 5, 6 on both sides of the planar main region 2.The first and second temperature control channels 5, 6 are thus formed by the first and second support regions 3, 4 as wall regions and the planar main region 2 as the base of the temperature control channels. The temperature control channels 5, 6 are open to the battery cells 11. As a result, the temperature control medium 15 comes into direct contact with an outer side of the battery cells 11. This allows a particularly good temperature control.The planar main region 2 is designed in the manner of a wave with wave peaks 25 and wave valleys 26. First grooves 7 can be formed on the wave troughs 26 on the first flat side 21 of the main region 2 and second grooves 8 can be formed on the second flat side 22 of the main region 2 (cf. in particular FIG. 4 ).The first and second temperature control channels 5, 6 are thus provided on the wave troughs 26 and the first and second support regions 3, 4 on the wave peaks 25 (cf. FIG. 4 ).The first and second channels 7, 8 in the temperature control channels 5, 6 thereby improve a straight flow through the first and second temperature control channels 5, 6.By means of the main region 2 which is thus meander-like in cross section, a certain prestress of the temperature control arrangement can be provided in such a way that the first and second support regions 3, 4 are each pressed against walls of the battery cells 11. In this case, after a change in the external shape, the temperature control arrangement 1 has a compression in a range from 0.05 MPa to 2.00 MPa and in particular in the range from 0.05 MPa and 0.80 MPa. Such a change in the outer shape of the temperature control arrangement 1 can take place, for example, on the basis of a change in the outer shape of the battery cells 11. Since the change in the external shape can occur during charging and discharging processes, such changes in the external shape of the battery cells 11 are optionally also reversible, so that the temperature control arrangement 1 always remains in contact with the walls of the battery cells 11 as a result of its internal pressing.The temperature control arrangement 1 can also absorb an irreversible change in the external shape of the cells over the lifetime, caused by aging processes in the cell.For this purpose, a cross section of the first support regions 3 and of the second support regions 4 is formed bone-like with a first contact region 31 and a second contact region 32 and a connecting region 33. The connecting region 33 connects the free end of the bone-shaped support regions to the main region 2.The bone-shaped configuration of the first and second support regions 3, 4 at their free ends in particular ensures that, in the event of a change in the outer shape of a battery cell on the temperature control arrangement 1, a change in the outer shape occurs at the first and second contact regions 31, 32, which are pushed away laterally by the change in the outer shape of the battery cell 11. As a result, a cross section of the first and second temperature control channels 5, 6 remains substantially unchanged despite an beginning change in the outer shape of a battery cell 11. If the battery cell 11 experiences a further change in the external shape, the first support regions 3 or second support regions 4 are pressed laterally in the direction of a temperature control channel, the cross-sectional area of which can thereby be reduced. In the same way, however, a cross section at the adjacent temperature control channel increases, so that overall the temperature control performance is only minimally reduced despite a change in the outer shape of the battery cell 11 and the temperature control arrangement 1. In any case, despite a change in the external shape of the battery cell, a temperature control duct always remains open at each region, with the result that temperature control is always ensured despite a change in the external shape.Since the first and second support regions 3, 4 are formed in a straight line, the temperature control arrangement 1 can be produced very cost-effectively as an extrusion component. An elastomer, or polyurethane or a thermoplastic can be used, for example, as material for the temperature control arrangement 1. Temperature control arrangements 1 which consist of a plurality of materials are also conceivable.In the present exemplary embodiment, the battery cells 11 are illustrated as prismatic cells. However, it is also possible for example for the two components to be locked. Pouch cells or cells of other shapes can be cooled with the temperature control arrangement 1 according to the invention.FIG. 6 shows a temperature control arrangement 1 of a battery cell arrangement according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. Identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference sign.In the second exemplary embodiment, the first and / or second support regions 3, 4 each have at least one aperture 27. By way of example, FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the first section regions 3. Each support region 3 has a plurality of apertures 27 which are formed in the first support regions 3. The perforations are grooves in this exemplary embodiment, so that a fluid connection is provided between adjacent temperature control channels. Thus, fluid can be exchanged between the channels. The apertures 27 can each be of identical design or can also be provided with different geometric shapes. Otherwise, this exemplary embodiment corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment, so that reference can be made to the description given there.In addition to the above written description of the invention, for the purpose of supplementary disclosure thereof, explicit reference is hereby made to the graphical representation of the invention in the figures.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedU.S. Pat. No. 11, 626, 636 B2

[0004]

Claims

Temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of battery cells (11), comprising: - a planar main region (2) having a first flat side (21) and a second flat side (22), - a plurality of first support regions (3) on the first flat side (21), - a plurality of second support regions (4) on the second flat side (22), - wherein first temperature control channels (5) are formed between adjacent first support regions (3), - wherein second temperature control channels (6) are formed between adjacent second support regions (4), - wherein the main region (2), the first support region (3) and the second support region (4) are produced in one piece from a reversibly deformable material and, - wherein the first temperature control channels (5) and the second temperature control channels (6) run continuously from a first side (23) of the main region to a second side (24) of the main region (2).Temperature control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first support regions (3) and / or the second support regions (4) extend in the same direction, in particular parallel, to one another.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support regions (3) and / or the second support regions (4) run in a straight line.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the temperature control arrangement is formed as a component from an extrusion process, and / or - wherein the first support regions (3) and / or the second support regions (4) have apertures, such that adjacent temperature control channels (5) are in fluid communication with one another.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support regions (3) and the second support regions (4) have the same cross section.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support regions (3) and the second support regions (4) on the planar main region (2) are arranged offset with respect to one another transversely to the flow direction.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar main region (2) is formed in a wave-like manner with wave peaks (25) and wave valleys (26).Temperature control arrangement according to Claim 7, wherein the first support regions (3) and / or the second support regions (4) are arranged on the wave crests (25) and / or wherein the first temperature control channels (5) and the second temperature control channels (6) are arranged on the wave troughs (26).Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross section of the first support regions (3) and / or a cross section of the second support regions (4) are formed bone-like with a first contact region (31), a second contact region (32) and a connecting region (33) for connection to the planar main region (2).The temperature control arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the first contact region (31) and the second contact region (32) are configured for line contact with the battery cell.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control arrangement is an elastomer or a polyurethane component or a thermoplastic or a foam.Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second temperature control channels (5, 6) have a maximum first width B1 which is at least twice as large as a maximum second width B2 of the first support regions (3) and of the second support regions (4).Temperature control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control arrangement is configured to be automatically reset after deformation into an initial shape with a restoring force, in particular in a range from 0.05 MPa to 2.00 MPa.Battery cell arrangement comprising at least a first and a second battery cell (11) and a temperature control arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control arrangement (1) is arranged between the first and the second battery cell (11) in such a way that the temperature control arrangement (1) is in contact with the first and with the second battery cell.Battery cell arrangement according to Claim 14, further comprising a frame in which the first and second battery cells (11) and / or the temperature control arrangement (1) is arranged.

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