High-voltage battery and cooling connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-voltage battery (10) with a housing (20) and battery cells arranged in the housing (20), a direct cooling system (40) with a coolant (41) cooling the battery cells and at least one bursting membrane (30), wherein the cooling system (40) comprises at least one first cooling connection (43) for a coolant supply line (45) and at least one second cooling connection (44) for a coolant discharge line (47), and wherein the first cooling connection (43) and the second cooling connection (44) are each connected to the housing (20) via a housing leadthrough (25), characterized in that the first cooling connection (43) and / or the second cooling connection (44) each contain at least one bursting membrane (30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a high-voltage battery and a cooling connection for a direct cooling system of a high-voltage battery.

[0002] A directly cooled high-voltage battery (HV battery) is a type of battery used in electric vehicles and other applications with high-voltage storage. In automotive engineering, the term "high-voltage" refers to alternating voltages in the range of 30 V to 1 kV (or direct voltages above 60 V to 1.5 kV). This voltage range is referred to as "high voltage" because it is significantly higher than the standard vehicle electrical system voltages (usually 12 V) and places special safety and technical demands on it.

[0003] The safety devices of an HV battery include, in particular, bursting membranes and the cooling system. Bursting membranes are designed to rupture or burst under defined overpressure conditions to release the pressure in a closed system. Their design and functionality can vary depending on the application. The bursting membrane is made of a special material designed to yield and rupture at a specific pressure. Typical materials are metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, but also special plastics. The membrane is securely fastened in place. This can be done by welding, gluing, or other fastening methods. If the internal pressure of the HV battery exceeds a predefined limit, the membrane is activated. The membrane material is designed to plastically deform or rupture when the critical pressure is reached.The bursting membrane opens, allowing a controlled release of pressure, gas, or coolant from the HV battery casing. This prevents an uncontrolled buildup of pressure that could lead to damage or dangerous situations.

[0004] Directly cooled batteries often utilize an active cooling system that allows controlled circulation of the coolant through the battery. The coolant absorbs the heat generated during operation and dissipates it to maintain the battery at an optimal temperature. The combination of burst membranes and an efficient cooling system, which maintains the battery temperature within the optimal range and enables controlled pressure relief during use, is a crucial factor for the safety and performance of high-voltage batteries.

[0005] The installation of bursting diaphragms generally requires special design and manufacturing processes to ensure that they function effectively in use and achieve the desired safety effect. The housing into which the bursting diaphragm is installed must be designed to have high mechanical strength while securely containing the diaphragm. During the assembly process, recesses or openings are made in the housing to accommodate the bursting diaphragm. These recesses must be precise and secure to ensure reliable function. The bursting diaphragm is inserted into this recess and secured in a variety of ways depending on the design. This can be done by welding, gluing, or other fastening methods. The material of the bursting diaphragm itself must be such that it exhibits the desired reaction when the critical pressure is reached, either through plastic deformation or rupture.The manufacturing process requires a high degree of precision to ensure that the bursting membrane is correctly positioned and secured.

[0006] The installation of bursting membranes in the housing of an HV battery is therefore time-consuming and cost-intensive and requires careful planning, high-quality materials and precise manufacturing processes to ensure reliable and safe operation when needed.

[0007] DE 102019 126 848 A1 discloses a battery having a plurality of battery cells and a cooling circuit which supplies a coolant for controlling the temperature of the battery cells, wherein the cooling circuit has at least one predetermined breaking point in order to open the cooling circuit and thereby drain the coolant as soon as a temperature of the coolant corresponds to a predetermined limit temperature.

[0008] US 2014 0349145 A1 discloses a cooling system having a liquid supply system that brings a liquid (e.g. water) into thermal contact with a battery, where it evaporates to exhaust gas, and an exhaust system for discharging the exhaust gas.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of improving the possibilities for attaching bursting membranes to a high-voltage battery in order to simplify assembly and increase the safety of the high-voltage battery in the event of a pressure increase.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention with respect to an HV battery by the features of patent claim 1 and with respect to a cooling connection by the features of patent claim 5. The further claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The inventive integration of a bursting membrane into a cooling connection simplifies the assembly of an HV battery and simultaneously increases its operational reliability.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a high-voltage battery, in particular for an electric vehicle. The high-voltage battery comprises a housing and battery cells arranged in the housing, a direct cooling system with a coolant that cools the battery cells, and at least one bursting membrane. The cooling system comprises at least one first cooling connection for a coolant supply line and at least one second cooling connection for a coolant discharge line. The first cooling connection and the second cooling connection are each connected to the housing via a housing feedthrough. The first cooling connection and / or the second cooling connection each contain at least one bursting membrane.

[0013] In a further development, it is provided that the bursting membrane is made of a plastic material or a metal-plastic composite material.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the bursting membrane is arranged in a recess on an end face of the cooling connection.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cooling connection comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or one pressure sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the pressure of the coolant.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a cooling connection for a direct cooling system of a high-voltage battery, comprising a housing and battery cells arranged in the housing. The cooling system comprises at least one first cooling connection for a coolant supply line and at least one second cooling connection for a coolant discharge line, wherein the first cooling connection and the second cooling connection are each connected to the housing via a housing feedthrough. The cooling connection contains at least one bursting membrane.

[0017] In a further development, it is provided that the bursting membrane is made of a plastic material or a metal-plastic composite material.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the bursting membrane is arranged in a recess on an end face of the cooling connection.

[0019] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cooling connection comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or one pressure sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the pressure of the coolant.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0021] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery according to the prior art; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a high-voltage battery according to the invention.

[0022] Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention or embodiments thereof will become apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the claims.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a high-voltage battery 10 with direct cooling according to the prior art. The high-voltage battery 10 comprises a housing 20, which typically houses a series of high-performance lithium-ion cells. These cells are the basic building blocks of the HV battery 10 and can store electrical energy. The HV battery 10 is intended in particular for use in an electric vehicle.

[0024] The safety devices include one or more bursting diaphragms 30 and a cooling system 40. The bursting diaphragms 30 are designed to rupture or burst under defined overpressure conditions to release the pressure in the housing 20. The bursting diaphragm 30 is made of a special material designed to yield and rupture at a specific pressure. Typical materials are metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, but also special plastics. The bursting diaphragm 30 is securely attached to its location. This can be done by welding, gluing, or other fastening methods. If the internal pressure of the housing 20 exceeds a predetermined limit, the bursting diaphragm 30 is activated. The diaphragm material is designed to plastically deform or rupture when the critical pressure is reached. The bursting diaphragm 30 opens and allows a controlled release of pressure, gas 32, or coolant 41 from the housing 20.This prevents an uncontrolled pressure buildup that could lead to damage or dangerous situations. The function of the bursting membrane 30 is to open the housing 20 and allow the pressure to escape, protecting the HV battery 10 from potential damage.

[0025] The cooling system 40 is a direct cooling system that directly regulates the temperature of the battery cells to ensure optimal performance and service life of the HV battery 10. In contrast to indirect cooling systems, where heat is dissipated via cooling fluids or cooling plates, cooling occurs directly via cooling channels that are in direct contact with the battery cells. A special cooling fluid (typically a mixture of water and glycol) circulates in the cooling channels. This fluid absorbs the heat generated by the battery cells during the charging and discharging process. Temperature sensors are installed in the HV battery 10 to monitor the temperature of the battery cells. These sensors control the cooling system 40 and ensure that the operating temperature remains within the optimal range. The direct cooling system 40 thus enables precise and rapid temperature control.If necessary, the cooling capacity can be increased or reduced to protect the HV battery 10 from overheating or overcooling. Precise temperature control allows the directly cooled HV battery 10 to optimize its performance and improve the range and efficiency of an electric vehicle. Thermal management also plays a crucial role in extending the service life of the HV battery 10, as temperature control minimizes cell aging. In addition, additional safety mechanisms can be incorporated to prevent overheating or other temperature-related problems. This may include shutting down the HV battery 10 or other protective measures.

[0026] Therefore, the bursting membranes 30 and an efficient cooling system 40, which keeps the battery temperature in the optimal range and enables controlled pressure relief in the event of an emergency, are important for the safety and performance of the HV battery 10.

[0027] The cooling system 40 includes at least one first cooling connection 43 for a coolant supply line 45 and at least one second cooling connection 44 for a coolant discharge line 47 for the continuous exchange of coolant 41 between the housing 20 of the HV battery 10 and an external container. The coolant supply line 45 supplies coolant 41 to the HV battery 10, while the coolant discharge line 47 discharges heated coolant 41. The coolant lines 45, 47 can be flexible for efficient integration into various vehicle configurations.

[0028] The cooling connections 43, 44 are thus the interfaces through which coolant 41 enters and exits the housing 20 of the HV battery 10 and fulfill an important function in regulating the temperature of the HV battery 10. The specific design of the cooling connections 43, 44 for a cooling system 40 of an HV battery 10 can vary depending on the type of cooling system 40. They can be screw connections, quick-release couplings, or other connecting elements that ensure a secure and tight connection between the coolant lines 45, 47 and the housing 20 of the HV battery 10.

[0029] To prevent leaks, the cooling connections 43, 44 are provided with seals or sealing materials. These seals ensure that the coolant 41 remains within the cooling system 40 and that no unwanted fluid loss occurs. Temperature sensors for measuring the coolant temperature and pressure sensors for controlling the coolant pressure can also be integrated into the cooling connections 43, 44. This enables precise control of the cooling process and helps keep the HV battery 10 within the optimal temperature range.

[0030] To connect to the housing 20 of the HV battery 10, the cooling connection 43, 44 penetrates the housing 20 of the HV battery 10 at a housing feedthrough 25 provided for this purpose. This housing feedthrough 25 is designed to enable a secure connection between a cooling connection 43, 44 and the interior of the HV battery 10. To prevent leaks, the housing feedthrough 25 is usually provided with seals or sealing materials. These seals ensure that the coolant 41 does not escape uncontrollably from the housing 20. The cooling connection 43, 44 is attached to the housing 20 by screw connections, clamps, or other fastening elements so that it is firmly and securely connected to the housing 20. The materials of the cooling connections 43, 44 and the housing feedthroughs 25 are selected to be compatible and ensure a reliable connection.This is especially important to avoid corrosion or other harmful reactions.

[0031] Depending on the battery housing design, sensors for temperature or pressure monitoring can also be integrated into the housing feedthrough 25. The connection technology is designed for the specific battery architecture and vehicle design and can therefore be flexibly configured in terms of shape and position. The specific design may therefore vary depending on the battery manufacturer and vehicle model.

[0032] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, an HV battery 10 according to the invention comprises a cooling connection 43, 44 with a bursting membrane 30. The cooling connection 43 is particularly angular in shape, so that the bursting membrane 30 is arranged in a recess on an end face 49 of the cooling connection 43, 44. In the event of excess pressure in the housing 20, the gas 32 and / or the coolant 41 is forced through the housing passage 25 into the cooling connection 43, 44 and can then escape through the opened bursting membrane 30.

[0033] Since the bursting membrane 30 is no longer arranged in a recess of the housing 20, the bursting membrane 30 can be made of a plastic material or a metal-plastic composite material and thus represents a cost-effective component. The bursting membrane 30 is arranged in a correspondingly designed opening of the cooling connection 43, 44, in particular on the front side 49. Since mechanical integration of the bursting membrane 30 into the housing 20 of the HV battery 10, as in the prior art, is eliminated, the assembly of the housing 20 is simplified. In addition, the safety of the HV battery 10 is increased because the cooling connection 43, 44 is equipped with a bursting membrane 30 as standard, thus eliminating the need for a recess in the housing 20 to accommodate the bursting membrane 30, thereby increasing the mechanical stability of the housing 20.

[0034] The inventive integration of a bursting membrane into a cooling connection simplifies the assembly of an HV battery and simultaneously increases its operational reliability. Reference symbol 10 high-voltage battery 20 housings 25 Housing feedthrough 30 bursting membrane 32 Gas 40 Cooling system 41 Coolant 43 first cooling connection 44 second cooling connection 45 Coolant supply line 47 Coolant drainage 49 front side QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102019 126 848 A1

[0007] US 2014 0349145 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] High-voltage battery (10), in particular for an electric vehicle, with a housing (20) and battery cells arranged in the housing (20), a direct cooling system (40) with a coolant (41) cooling the battery cells and at least one bursting membrane (30), wherein the cooling system (40) comprises at least one first cooling connection (43) for a coolant supply line (45) and at least one second cooling connection (44) for a coolant discharge line (47), and wherein the first cooling connection (43) and the second cooling connection (44) are each connected to the housing (20) via a housing leadthrough (25), characterized by that the first cooling connection (43) and / or the second cooling connection (44) each contain at least one bursting membrane (30). [2] High-voltage battery (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bursting membrane (30) is made of a plastic material or a metal-plastic composite material. [3] High-voltage battery (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bursting membrane (30) is arranged in a recess on an end face (49) of the cooling connection (43, 44). [4] High-voltage battery (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling connection (43, 44) comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the pressure of the coolant (41). [5] Cooling connection (43, 44) for a direct cooling system (40) of a high-voltage battery (10) with a housing (20) and battery cells arranged in the housing (20), wherein the cooling system (40) comprises at least a first cooling connection (43) for a coolant supply line (45) and at least one second cooling connection (44) for a coolant discharge line (47), and wherein the first cooling connection (43) and the second cooling connection (44) are each connected to the housing (20) via a housing leadthrough (25), wherein the cooling connection (43, 44) contains at least one bursting membrane (30). [6] Cooling connection (43, 44) according to claim 5, wherein the bursting membrane (30) is made of a plastic material or a metal-plastic composite material. [7] Cooling connection (43, 44) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the bursting membrane (30) is arranged in a recess on an end face (49) of the cooling connection (43, 44). [8] Cooling connection (43, 44) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cooling connection (43, 44) comprises at least one temperature sensor and / or one pressure sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the pressure of the coolant (41).

Images