TEMPERATURE CONTROL BODY AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY, USE OF A TEMPERATURE CONTROL BODY AND METHOD FOR INSERTING A TEMPERATURE CONTROL BODY INTO A BATTERY

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature control element 1 for temperature control of rechargeable batteries or modules 2 and / or battery cells for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein an outer shell of the temperature control element 1 is essentially formed from two planar contact elements 3, which are directly or indirectly connected to each other around their edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity 9 between them, and of which at least one consists of a metal plate or a planar metal molded part, the material thickness of which is selected in relation to its planar extent or in relation to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity 9,that the outer shell of the temperature control body 1 can be deformed by applying negative or positive pressure to the fluid-conducting cavity 9 and subsequently returns essentially to its original shape by elastic restoring force , The invention also relates to temperature control arrangements with a plurality of temperature control elements 1 and to a method for introducing temperature control elements, in which the height 11 of the temperature control elements 1 for insertion into gaps between the modules 2 of the battery is reduced by negative pressure, after which the temperature control elements 1 come into contact with the modules 2 on both sides by removing the negative pressure.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature control element for temperature control of batteries, battery cells, or modules for absorbing, storing, and releasing electrical energy according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a temperature control arrangement comprising a number of such temperature control elements. The invention further relates to a method for inserting such a temperature control element as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a battery composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules and / or battery cells for absorbing, storing, and releasing electrical energy.

[0002] A temperature control element of the present type has an outer shell formed essentially of two planar contact elements which are directly or indirectly connected to each other around their edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity between them. The temperature control element also has at least one inlet and at least one outlet that provide external access to the fluid-conducting cavity (or cavities) through the outer shell.

[0003] Such a temperature control element is attached to at least one module and / or at least one battery cell of the battery, but in particular is used as an intermediate layer between two modules and / or battery cells of the battery, and it is then in thermally conductive contact with at least one, preferably with both, adjacent modules and / or battery cells. There, it primarily performs the classic functions of a heat sink in order to cool the modules and / or battery cells of the battery, which typically heat up during charging and discharging, and to keep them as close as possible to an operating temperature at which the modules and / or battery cells exhibit their greatest efficiency, i.e., function optimally.

[0004] Especially in the field of battery-electric vehicles, it is often desirable or even necessary to heat the battery modules and / or cells to an optimal or at least suitable operating temperature. The subject matter of the present invention is therefore not a heat sink in the narrow sense that merely cools the battery modules and / or cells, but rather a temperature control element that maintains the modules and / or battery cells within a desired operating temperature range.

[0005] Especially in battery-electric vehicles, but also in other applications such as stationary energy storage systems for photovoltaically generated electricity, the required installation space for a given storage capacity of the battery, which is usually composed of numerous modules and / or battery cells, must be as small as possible. Therefore, there is typically only a narrow gap between the individual modules and / or battery cells to dissipate the heat generated within them and to regulate their temperature using heat sinks. These gaps are often not perfectly parallel, and the surfaces of the modules to be cooled are frequently contoured rather than flat.When heat sinks are used for heat dissipation (in the contact area) or for base plate cooling, it may be necessary for the flat contact elements to be non-parallel or even contoured. To ensure optimal heat transfer between the modules and the intervening cooling elements, thermal pastes (gap fillers) are often used. Obviously, this disproportionately increases the manufacturing effort of the battery.

[0006] WO 2022 / 069524 A1 discloses a temperature control element as a cooling device for a rechargeable battery, the outer shell of which is essentially formed from two flat contact elements. These are connected to each other around their edges, enclosing a fluid-conducting cavity between them, which is provided with an inlet and an outlet. According to this prior art, the flat contact elements are each made of a single- or multi-layered film, in particular a plastic composite film. An important property of these films is their flexibility, which allows them to adapt to any unevenness of the module when fluid is flowing through them, thus enabling a large-area thermally conductive contact without gap fillers.

[0007] Although this state of the art offers advantages through a low profile for the temperature control element and the elimination of thermal paste, the thermal conductivity of the plastic films used is not optimal. Furthermore, the low mechanical resistance of the plastic films and the desired flexibility of the outer shell of the temperature control element lead to difficulties in inserting the element into the gap between two modules.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a temperature control element of the type mentioned at the outset with improved properties for installation in a rechargeable battery, and of providing a temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery with a number of such temperature control elements.

[0009] Another object underlying the present invention is to propose a method for introducing a temperature control element between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery, whereby a reliable thermally conductive contact is established between the temperature control element and at least one adjacent module and / or at least one adjacent battery cell.

[0010] The first-mentioned problem is solved by a temperature control element with the features of claim 1 and by a temperature control arrangement with the features of claim 22 or by a temperature control arrangement with the features of claim 23. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the temperature control element according to the invention are found in claims 2 to 14; an advantageous further development of the temperature control arrangement from claims 22 or 23 is set out in claim 24.

[0011] The latter problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 16 and by a method with the features of claim 19. Advantageous further developments of these methods can be found in claims 17 and 18 as well as 20 and 21.

[0012] The temperature control element according to the invention, as is known from the prior art, has an outer shell which is essentially formed from two planar contact elements that are directly or indirectly connected to each other around their edges and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity between them. The temperature control element also has at least one inlet and at least one outlet which make the fluid-conducting cavity (or the fluid-conducting cavities) accessible from the outside through the outer shell and enable the removal or supply of heat by means of a fluid, which is in particular water or a water-glycol mixture.In contrast to the prior art, at least one of the two planar contact elements according to the invention consists of a metal plate or a planar shaped metal part, the material thickness of which is selected in relation to its planar extent or in relation to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity or cavities such that the outer shell of the temperature control element can be deformed by applying a vacuum in a range of 100 mbar to 700 mbar, preferably 400 mbar to 600 mbar, i.e., a rough vacuum, or a pressure in a range of 0.5 to 10 bar, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 bar, to at least one fluid-conducting cavity, and can subsequently return substantially to its original shape by means of an elastic restoring force, preferably by the elastic restoring force inherent in the metal.

[0013] For special applications, the invention may also provide that the elastic restoring force is supported or generated by spring elements, which are arranged in particular in the fluid-carrying cavity.

[0014] For the sake of readability, the following description of the invention refers only to one fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control element. However, it should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, a temperature control element may also have more than one fluid-conducting cavity, and mentioning only one cavity does not preclude this.

[0015] The use of metal plates or flat metal molded parts as flat contact elements forming the outer shell of the temperature control element has several significant advantages over the aforementioned prior art, according to which plastic or plastic composite films are used as flat contact elements:Metal surfaces are inherently more mechanically resistant than plastic surfaces, which simplifies handling during battery module assembly, particularly when inserting temperature control elements between two modules. Furthermore, metallic materials generally have good thermal conductivity, whereas plastics tend to have heat-insulating properties; however, the thermal conductivity of the outer shell is a crucial characteristic for a temperature control element. The recyclability of metals is superior, and their long-term stability is virtually unmatched by plastics, especially in battery-electric vehicles, which must operate reliably across a very wide temperature range. Moreover, the vehicle's movement can generate relative motion within the battery and corresponding friction between the contacting surfaces.Finally, the temperature control element according to the invention, whose outer casing consists of metal on at least one side, is fire-resistant and can therefore effectively delay or even prevent a fire originating in one of the battery modules from spreading across the battery. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, cooling of the entire system can continue, since there is no risk of a major leak due to the destruction of the temperature control element.

[0016] Due to the inventive choice of the (small) material thickness of the metal plate or the flat metal molded part, a temperature control element according to the invention can be very easily inserted into a gap between two modules, particularly when the fluid-conducting cavity is evacuated with a rough vacuum and the outer shell is thereby elastically deformed. The clear gap width of this gap is approximately equal to or less than the original height of the outer shell of the temperature control element. Subsequent ventilation of the fluid-conducting cavity causes the outer shell of the temperature control element to elastically deform back, thereby making thermally conductive contact over a large area with the adjacent modules or at least with one of these modules. This is the case even if the surfaces of the modules are not flat or not perfectly parallel.

[0017] Accordingly, the method according to the invention is designed to introduce the temperature control element as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control element is to be brought into thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules and / or battery cells: According to a first embodiment of the inventive method, a (horizontal and / or vertical) stack of at least two modules and / or battery cells arranged in a fixed position relative to one another is first provided, and a plane-parallel or contoured gap with a predetermined clear gap width is left between these modules and / or battery cells. The temperature control element, which is to serve as an intermediate layer, is selected such that its height, viewed in the direction of a mean surface normal of the planar contact elements, corresponds substantially to the clear gap width or is preferably greater than this gap width.To insert the temperature control element between the two adjacent modules, its fluid-carrying cavity is pressurized with a vacuum in the range of 100 mbar to 700 mbar, preferably 400 mbar to 600 mbar, so that the height of the temperature control element is reduced by elastic deformation of at least one of the first two planar contact elements and is therefore less than the clear gap width. In this state, the temperature control element can be inserted into the gap.The negative pressure is then removed, for example by simply venting the fluid-carrying cavity, so that the elastic deformation of the first planar contact element or the two contact elements of the cooling element is essentially reversed by its or their inherent elastic restoring force, and the outer shell of the cooling element thus conforms to the adjacent modules, preferably with preload, to establish the desired heat-conducting contact. Instead of or in addition to the inherent elastic restoring force, spring elements can also be provided inside the fluid-carrying cavity.

[0018] Optionally, the fluid-carrying cavity of the cooling element can also be pressurized with an overpressure in the range of 0.5 bar to 10 bar, preferably 0.5 bar to 1.5 bar, so that any residual plastic deformations are eliminated and / or to optimize the contact of the outer shell with uneven module surfaces. Pressurizing the fluid-carrying cavity of the cooling element with this overpressure is particularly preferred when the gap is not perfectly parallel to the surface but has areas with a larger gap width than the clear gap width, for example, in undercut areas.

[0019] In a second embodiment of the inventive method, a stack of at least two modules and / or battery cells is provided, between which an inventive temperature control element is placed in contact with the adjacent modules and / or battery cells. The modules and / or battery cells are then clamped against each other, for example by means of a clamping frame, by moving them towards each other against the elastic restoring force of at least the first of the planar contact elements of the temperature control element, until the outer shell of the temperature control element, due to its elasticity, optionally with the aid of pressurizing the fluid-carrying cavity, presses against the adjacent modules and / or battery cells to establish the desired thermally conductive contact.This method is particularly suitable for modules and / or battery cells with contoured surfaces, preferably using a correspondingly contoured molded part as a flat contact element.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred if at least the first planar contact element consists of a stainless steel plate or a planar shaped part made of stainless steel, wherein the latter is preferably selected from materials with material number 1.4404 or comparable austenitic or ferritic stainless steels or comparable materials.

[0021] The first planar contact element preferably has a material thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm, to ensure the properties according to the invention, particularly when stainless steel, preferably with the aforementioned material numbers, is used as the material. It has been shown that, for typical dimensions of rechargeable batteries consisting of a module stack and used for battery-electric vehicles, a material thickness of the outer shell of the temperature control element according to the invention of slightly less than 0.1 mm is optimal with regard to the properties according to the invention, as well as with regard to robustness, fire resistance, and an advantageously low overall height of the temperature control element, typically less than 4 mm, while still providing sufficient heat dissipation.

[0022] The fluid-conducting cavity of the temperature control element according to the invention is particularly preferably designed as a meandering channel between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. This ensures that the temperature control element is permeated across its surface with the most uniform fluid velocity possible, preventing the formation of areas where the fluid flow is reduced. Simultaneously, a meandering channel can generate turbulence in the fluid flow, which ensures better heat transfer from the module surface to be tempered into the fluid, since the fluid is continuously mixed as it flows through the cavity.

[0023] Other channel configurations, particularly those commonly used in heat sinks according to the prior art, are also usable within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, to avoid excessive pressure losses, it can be very advantageous to design the fluid-conducting cavity, even if it is configured as a meandering channel, in such a way as to allow cross-flow of at least a portion of the fluid.

[0024] To enhance or selectively influence the mixing effect of the fluid in the fluid-carrying cavity, thereby optimizing the heat distribution in the flowing fluid and consequently the heat transfer from the fluid to the module or vice versa, it is also particularly preferred within the scope of the invention, regardless of the shape of the fluid-carrying cavity, if it is equipped with flow-influencing elements for generating or enhancing turbulent flow behavior of a fluid flowing through the cavity, wherein these flow-influencing elements are preferably formed into at least the first planar contact element. Forming can be carried out in particular by embossing, for example, stamping, which is a particularly efficient forming technique for metal sheets.

[0025] A major advantage of molded, flow-influencing elements is that they can prevent the fluid-carrying cavity from collapsing during evacuation.

[0026] In order to achieve a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process for the temperature control element according to the invention, it is preferred if the outer shell of the temperature control element is formed essentially from two thin-walled metal plates, preferably less than 1 mm thick, and more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm thick, made from blanks, in particular stainless steel blanks, as planar contact elements. These plates are joined to each other around their edges by welding, soldering, or bonding and enclose a fluid-conducting cavity between them. The metal plates can, for example, be prepared in a drop forging process such that they enclose, for instance, a meandering channel as the fluid-conducting cavity between them.

[0027] This preferred embodiment of a temperature control element according to the invention also preferably features an embossed structure in its thin-walled metal plates for influencing the flow of a fluid that flows from the inlet to the outlet through the fluid-conducting cavity and for preventing the fluid-conducting cavity from collapsing. Advantageously, the embossed structure can be formed into the thin-walled metal plates simultaneously with the formation of the fluid-conducting cavity by forming, in particular cold forming, for example in a drop forging process.

[0028] Here too, it is particularly advantageous that the imprinted structures can also serve to prevent the fluid-conducting cavity from collapsing during evacuation.

[0029] In this preferred embodiment of the temperature control element, whose outer shell essentially consists of two thin-walled metal plates, the inlet and outlet (or multiple inlets and outlets) comprise at least one inlet nozzle and at least one outlet nozzle, each of which is soldered, welded, or bonded to an opening in one of the thin-walled metal plates, or which is inserted at the edge junction of the thin-walled metal plates and soldered, welded, or bonded in place, depending on the desired flow conditions or the installation situation. Inlet and outlet nozzles whose axes run essentially parallel to the central plane of the temperature control element offer the advantage of minimal flow resistance.

[0030] To enable temperature control of areas of the modules surrounding the electrical contact surfaces, the planar contact elements of the temperature control element according to the invention can be at least partially electrically insulated. For example, the area of ​​the electrical contacts can be protected by applying (for example, by gluing or embossing) an electrically non-conductive (insulating) layer in such a way that electrical short circuits in the area of ​​the module contact surfaces are prevented. This layer can consist of ceramic or another insulating material.

[0031] The use of the temperature control element according to the invention as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for absorbing, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein the battery is composed of a number of stacked modules and / or battery cells and the intermediate layer is in thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules and / or battery cells, also offers advantages according to the invention.

[0032] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is also solved by a temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery, which is composed of a number of stacked modules and / or battery cells for receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy. In a first embodiment, the temperature control arrangement consists of a number of temperature control elements according to the invention, which are designed for insertion into gaps between each pair of modules and / or battery cells of the battery. The temperature control elements are connected to one another by means of metal hoses, in particular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows. The metal hoses or metal bellows are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control elements, so that the fluid flows through them, in particular in series. Depending on the connection, the temperature control elements can also be connected in parallel.

[0033] This design of a temperature control assembly is particularly easy to manufacture, requires minimal installation space, and, thanks to the flexibility of the metal hoses or bellows, ensures an exceptionally long service life, even when the battery is located in a battery-electric vehicle, is subjected to movement and vibration during operation, and the temperature control assembly is subject to temperature-related expansion. Furthermore, this design of the temperature control assembly enables the implementation of the inventive method, in which the temperature control elements are first inserted between the modules and / or battery cells of the battery, and the modules and / or battery cells are then clamped against each other, which naturally reduces the distance between the individual temperature control elements.

[0034] In a second embodiment of the temperature control arrangement according to the invention, this arrangement comprises a number of temperature control elements, a supply pipe, and a return pipe. The temperature control elements are connected to the supply pipe in a fluid-carrying manner by means of metal hoses, in particular annular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows attached to the inlets of the temperature control elements, and to the return pipe in a fluid-carrying manner by means of metal hoses, in particular annular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows attached to the outlets of the temperature control elements. The metal hoses or metal bellows can be attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control elements by means of quick-release couplings, so that the temperature control elements can first be inserted as intermediate layers between the modules and / or battery cells using the method according to the invention and then easily connected to the supply pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0035] In this second variant of a temperature control arrangement according to the invention, the individual temperature control elements are arranged in parallel from a fluid dynamics perspective, and the fluid then flows through them in parallel rather than successively in series. This is advantageous for applications where the temperature of the fluid changes significantly during operation due to heat transfer to and from the modules.

[0036] The present invention thus provides, in particular, a temperature control element that normally or predominantly functions as a heat sink for dissipating heat generated in modules and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery during the absorption or release of electrical energy. This element is robust, friction-resistant, durable, easy to install, space-saving, and fire-resistant, and can be designed to be aerodynamically efficient for the heat-transferring fluid. Furthermore, the metal plates or flat metal components used for the outer casing expand with increasing temperature, thereby increasing the contact pressure of the outer casing against the module surface to be cooled and further improving heat transfer.

[0037] By applying a vacuum prior to mounting the temperature control element, as described in the invention, its installation height is reduced, allowing it to be inserted into the gap between two modules and / or battery cells. After pressure equalization and optionally the application of positive pressure after mounting, the temperature control element expands again in height, resulting in a large-area and, if necessary, positive-locking contact with the modules and / or battery cells to be temperature controlled. The use of gap fillers is not necessary.

[0038] The inventive method according to the second variant of an inventive method described above, in which the stack of modules with interposed temperature control elements as intermediate layers is first provided and then the modules are brought to their operational distance by clamping, finally makes it possible to produce a relevant battery without a previously indispensable, elaborate housing, by simply holding the modules in place by a clamping frame.

[0039] An exemplary embodiment of a temperature control element designed according to the invention, as well as exemplary embodiments of temperature control arrangements designed according to the invention, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby examples of methods according to the invention are also illustrated. These exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope and significance of the preceding description of the invention and the claims, but may include further features according to the invention.

[0040] They show: Fig. 1 a horizontal sectional view of a temperature control element along its planar extent plane; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b Vertical sectional views of a temperature control element in its original form and under negative pressure in the fluid-carrying cavity; Fig. 3 a horizontal sectional view of a temperature control body with inlet and outlet nozzles attached to the edge; Fig. Figures 4a to 4c are schematic illustrations of a method according to the invention for introducing a temperature control element between modules of a battery; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b Schematic illustrations of a method for clamping a temperature control element between modules of a battery; Fig. 6 a side view of a temperature control arrangement according to the invention for a battery using temperature control elements, supply pipe, return pipe and metal hoses.

[0041] The figures are schematic representations and are neither to scale nor proportionate with regard to the exemplary dimensions. In particular, the height of the temperature control element has been exaggerated for illustrative purposes. Spatial orientations such as vertical and horizontal are also only examples. In other embodiments, the temperature control element may extend vertically instead of horizontally as shown.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a temperature control element 1 designed according to the invention in a horizontal sectional view along its plane of extension. A contact element 3 is formed from a stainless steel plate and forms part of the outer shell of the temperature control element 1. A fluid-carrying cavity 9, designed as a channel 5, is enclosed by a further contact element designed as a counterpart (not visible here). For the sake of completeness, the invention encompasses fluids of any temperature; it may, for example, also be desirable to heat bodies in thermal contact with the temperature control element 1.

[0043] The contact element 3 and its counterpart are connected around their entire circumference. Perpendicular to the plane of the section, an inlet nozzle 7a and an outlet nozzle 7b are attached to the contact element 3. These provide external access to the channel 5. A fluid, in this case liquid coolant 6, is introduced into the channel 5 through the inlet nozzle 7a. The coolant 6 can flow out through the outlet nozzle 7b. If, for example, a pump is fluidically connected to the inlet nozzle 7a and the outlet nozzle 7b, a pressure gradient can be created between them, causing the introduced coolant 6 to flow. To ensure a uniform coolant flow across the surface of the temperature control element 1, the channel 5 is designed as a meandering channel. In this example, knobs 10 are embossed into the contact element 3 along the entire length of the channel 5. These knobs 10 create flow turbulence in the coolant 6.

[0044] The Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows a sectional view of the cooling element 1, with the section perpendicular to the plane of extension of the cooling element 1. Two contact elements 3 are joined together, connected circumferentially at the edges, and form a meandering channel 5. Only two sections of the channel 5 are shown as examples. In this embodiment, two knobs 10 are arranged in each section of the channel 5 shown, which generate turbulence in the coolant flow. In this case, the contact elements 3 were formed from stainless steel blanks. The material thickness of the blanks was selected depending on the width of the channel and the shape of the contact element such that a preferably elastic prestress is created in the blanks when the cooling element 1 is deformed. For example, the material thickness can be 0.1 mm.For optimal heat transfer, the smallest possible material thickness should always be used that is feasible under the mechanical requirements and with an economical manufacturing method. The illustration is not to scale; in this embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the contact elements 3 are much thinner relative to the size of the fluid-carrying cavity 9 than they appear in the figure.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2a shows the temperature control element 1 at normal pressure in channel 5. In this example, the contour shown corresponds to the original shape of the temperature control element 1. The temperature control element 1 assumes this original shape when it is not deformed. Deformation can occur, for example, if there is initially overpressure or underpressure in channel 5. During deformation, a mechanical stress, preferably in the elastic range, arises in the temperature control element 1 due to the selected material, the material thickness, the expansion, and the shape of the cavity 9. If normal pressure is restored, the temperature control element 1 returns to its original shape due to the mechanical stress, provided that only elastic deformation occurred. Any plastic deformations can be additionally provided for by a design allowance ("geometrically predetermined shape"), or, if necessary, compensated for by deformation in the opposite direction.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2b shows the temperature control element under negative pressure in channel 5. The negative pressure causes the cavity 9, which forms channel 5, to contract. This makes the temperature control element thinner. This deformation results in a mechanical stress that counteracts the negative pressure. In addition to the mechanical stress, the knobs 10 located in channel 5 also counteract the negative pressure and prevent the channel 5 from collapsing. When normal pressure returns to channel 5, the temperature control element 1 resumes its original shape due to the mechanical stress. Fig. The original shape shown in 2a can be achieved, if necessary, by the aforementioned concept of the "geometrically predetermined shape," provided that only elastic deformations have occurred. If the material's inherent stress is insufficient, the restoring force can be increased accordingly by an inserted spring or spring element.

[0047] Another embodiment of the temperature control element 1 is shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the temperature control element 1. In this figure, the temperature control element 1 is formed from two contact elements 3 that are joined together and connected around their edges. The fluid-conducting cavity 9 is formed between the contact elements 3. The cavity 9 is accessible from the outside through the laterally attached inlet nozzle 7a and the laterally attached outlet nozzle 7b. Strictly speaking, the contact elements 3 are only partially connected directly around their circumference, as this connection is interrupted by the laterally attached nozzles 7a and 7b. In this embodiment, the cavity 9 is not designed as a channel. Therefore, this embodiment exhibits poorer flow characteristics of the coolant 6 than the embodiment in Figure 3. Fig. 1. However, one advantage is that more coolant 6 can be absorbed and that pressure losses are reduced.

[0048] In the Fig. Figures 4a to 4c show schematic side views of the temperature control element 1 and stacked modules 2 of a battery during various steps of a method according to the invention for inserting the temperature control element. A clear gap with a predetermined gap width 8 is located between the modules 2. The surface normal, which is perpendicular to a plane of extension of the temperature control element 1, points upwards in these side views. The height 11 of the temperature control element 1 is defined by the extension of the contact elements 3 along a surface normal and varies with deformations. Inlet nozzles 7a and outlet nozzles 7b are arranged one behind the other in perspective.

[0049] In Fig. 4a Normal pressure prevails in the fluid-conducting cavity 9 of the temperature control body 1. The temperature control body 1 is in its original form, in which its height 11 is greater than the gap width 8 between the battery modules.

[0050] In Fig. 4b, the fluid-conducting cavity 9 of the temperature control element 1 was pressurized via the inlet 7a and outlet 7b. This reduced the overall height 11 to such an extent that it was smaller than the gap width 8. A mechanical stress is created in the temperature control element 1, which acts against the negative pressure in the cavity 9. In this state, the temperature control element 1 is inserted between the modules 2.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4c shows the temperature control element again at normal pressure in its cavity 9, after it has been inserted between the modules 2. Due to mechanical stress, the temperature control element 1 tends to return to its original shape. However, it is located between the modules 2, the spacing of which (gap width 8) is less than the height 11 of the temperature control element 1 in its original shape. The temperature control element 1 expands until its height 11 is equal to the gap width 8. At this point, it can no longer widen, is clamped between the battery modules 2, and is in thermal contact with them. Unless only elastic deformations occur, plastic deformation can be compensated for or even deliberately introduced by the aforementioned concept of design allowance or the "geometrically predetermined shape."

[0052] An embodiment of a method for inserting a temperature control element 1 between two modules 2 of a battery is described in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b schematically illustrated. Fig. Figure 5a shows several temperature control elements 1 that have been inserted between the modules 2 of a battery. Normal pressure prevails in the cavities of the temperature control elements 1, so that the temperature control elements 1 are in their original shape. Alternatively, the cavities 9 of the temperature control elements 1 can be pressurized, so that their respective height 11 is less than in their original shape. The modules 2 are not in thermal contact with the temperature control elements 1. It is also possible that they are in thermal contact, but not rigidly clamped against each other. In this state, the temperature control elements 1 are movable in their position.

[0053] In the next step, modules 2 and temperature control elements 1 are clamped against each other. This is done in Fig. Figure 5b shows the clamping process. Clamping is achieved by generating an external tension, which in this example is applied over a surface using a clamping frame 12. After clamping, the modules 2 are in thermal contact with the temperature control elements 1 and are fixed in their position. The inherent clamping force of the temperature control elements 1 counteracts the external clamping force, preventing the cavities 9 of the temperature control elements 1 from collapsing. Optionally, the cavities can be pressurized during clamping, resulting in stronger clamping and thus closer thermal contact between the contact elements 3 and the modules 2.

[0054] The temperature control elements 1 are fluidically connected to one another by metal bellows 16, each of which is attached on one side to the inlet port 7a of one temperature control element 1 and on the other side to the outlet port 7b of an adjacent temperature control element 1, thus fluidly connecting these two adjacent temperature control elements 1. The metal bellows 16 are axially movable, so that they are not damaged when the modules 2 are clamped as described above. The temperature control elements 1 of this embodiment, together with the metal bellows 16, form an example of a temperature control arrangement designed according to the invention.

[0055] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a temperature control arrangement for a battery. In this arrangement, temperature control elements 1 are inserted between the modules 2 of a battery. All temperature control elements 1 are fluidically connected to a supply pipe 15a via metal hoses 13 at the inlet ports 7a, while the outlet ports 7b are also connected to a return pipe 15b via metal hoses 13. The metal hoses 13 are attached to the inlet and outlet ports 7a and 7b of the temperature control elements 1 by means of quick-release couplings 14. The metal hoses 13 ensure a high degree of mechanical decoupling or vibration isolation of the supply and return pipes 15a and 15b from the temperature control elements 1 and the modules 2 of the battery, which, for example, also corresponds to a procedure according to the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is permitted. While in that case the coolant 6 flows through the temperature control elements 1 one after the other in series, here the temperature control elements are connected in parallel with respect to the coolant flow. However, both variants can also be operated in parallel or in series (not shown).

[0056] By adding a pump and coolant (both not shown), the temperature control arrangements of the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b and Fig. 6. An efficient, closed cooling circuit can be implemented in a simple way. Reference symbol list: 1 temperature control element Module 2 3 Contact element 5-channel 6 Coolant 7a Inlet nozzle 7b Drainage nozzle 8 gap width 9 fluid-conducting cavity 10 studs 11 Height of the temperature control unit 12 tension frames 13 metal hose 14 Quick-mount coupling 15a Flow pipe 15b Return pipe 16 metal bellows QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2022 / 069524 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Temperature control element (1) for temperature control of rechargeable batteries, battery cells and / or modules (2) for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein an outer shell of the temperature control element (1) is essentially formed from two planar contact elements (3) which are directly or indirectly connected to each other at their perimeter and enclose at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) between them, wherein the temperature control element (1) is provided with at least one inlet (7a) and at least one outlet (7b) which make the fluid-conducting cavity (9) accessible from the outside through the outer shell, characterized by, that at least one first of the two planar contact elements (3) consists of a metal plate or a planar shaped metal part, the material thickness of which is selected in relation to its planar extent or in relation to the extent and shape of the fluid-conducting cavity (9) such that the outer shell of the temperature control element (1) can be deformed by applying negative pressure to the fluid-conducting cavity (9) in a range of 100-700 mbar, preferably 400-600 mbar, or positive pressure in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, and subsequently returns substantially to its original shape by elastic restoring force. [2] Temperature control element according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least the first planar contact element (3) consists of a stainless steel plate or a planar shaped part made of stainless steel, in particular of material number 1.4404 or of comparable austenitic or ferritic stainless steels or comparable materials. [3] Temperature control element according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first planar contact element (3) has a material thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm. [4] Temperature control elements according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) between the inlet and the outlet is designed as a meandering channel (5). [5] Temperature control elements according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that at least one fluid-conducting cavity (9) is equipped with flow-influencing elements (10) for generating or enhancing turbulent flow behavior of a fluid flowing through the cavity (9). [6] Temperature control element according to claim 5, characterized by , that the flow-influencing elements (10) are formed into at least the first planar contact element (3), in particular by embossing. [7] Temperature control elements according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the elastic restoring force, which allows the outer shell of the temperature control element (1) to essentially return to its original shape, is inherent in the material and / or is generated by spring elements, which are preferably arranged in the fluid-carrying cavity (9). [8] Temperature control elements according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the outer shell of the temperature control element (1) is essentially formed from two thin-walled metal plates made of circuit boards, in particular stainless steel circuit boards, as planar contact elements (3), which are connected to each other around the perimeter by welding, soldering or gluing and enclose the fluid-conducting cavity (9) between them. [9] Temperature control element according to claim 8, characterized by , that the thin-walled metal plates have an imprinted structure to influence the flow of a fluid that flows from the inlet to the outlet through the fluid-conducting cavity (9). [10] Temperature control element according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by , that contours such as channels (5) or channel halves are formed into the thin-walled metal plates to form the fluid-conducting cavity (9), in particular by cold forming, preferably stamping. [11] Temperature control elements according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by, that a number of nubs (10) and / or short beads are formed into the contours as flow-influencing elements, in particular by stamping. [12] Temperature control elements according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by , that a number of nubs (10) and / or short beads are formed into the contours, in particular stamped, as structure-stabilizing elements, which in particular also prevent the fluid-conducting cavity (9) from collapsing [13] Temperature control element according to at least one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by , that the inlet and outlet are formed by an inlet nozzle (7a) and an outlet nozzle (7b), each of which is soldered, welded or glued to an opening in one of the thin-walled metal plates, or which is inserted at the edge connection of the thin-walled metal plates between them and soldered, welded or glued there. [14] Temperature control elements according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the planar contact elements (3) are at least partially electrically insulated. [15] Use of a temperature control element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the intermediate layer is in thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells. [16] Method for introducing a temperature control element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 as an intermediate layer between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control element (1) is brought into thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells, comprising the following method steps: (a) Providing at least two stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells and leaving a parallel or contoured gap with a predetermined clear gap width (8) between these modules (2) and / or battery cells; (b) Providing a temperature control element (1) whose height (11), viewed in the direction of the surface normal of the planar contact elements (3), is substantially equal to or greater than the clear gap width (8); (c) Applying a vacuum to at least one fluid-carrying cavity (9) of the temperature control element (1) in a range of 100-700 mbar, preferably 400-600 mbar, so that the height of the temperature control element (1) is reduced by preferably elastic deformation of at least one of the two planar contact elements (3) and is thereby less than the clear gap width (8); (d) Inserting the temperature control element (1) into the gap; (e) Removing the negative pressure so that the elastic deformation of the first planar contact element (3) or of the two contact elements (3) is substantially reversed by its or their inherent elastic restoring force and / or by at least one spring element arranged in the fluid-carrying cavity (9), and the outer shell of the temperature control element (1) thereby conforms to the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells in order to establish the thermally conductive contact. [17] The method of claim 16, with the additional method step: (f) Applying overpressure to the at least one fluid-carrying cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1) in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, so that any residual plastic deformations are eliminated. [18] The method of claim 16, comprising the additional process step: (f') Applying overpressure to at least one fluid-carrying cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1) in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, so that the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) also makes thermally conductive contact with at least one of the modules (2) and / or battery cells in areas of the gap between the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells that have a larger gap width (8) than the clear gap width (8). [19] Method for introducing a temperature control element (1) between two adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells of a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control element (1) is brought into thermally conductive contact with at least one of these modules (2) and / or battery cells, preferably with both adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells, comprising the following method steps: (a) Providing a stack of at least two modules (2) and / or battery cells, between which a temperature control element (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 is arranged in conjunction with the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells; (b) Clamping the modules (2) and / or battery cells by moving them towards each other against the elastic restoring force of at least the first of the planar contact elements (3) until the outer shell of the temperature control body (1) thereby contacts the adjacent modules (2) and / or battery cells to establish the thermally conductive contact. [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein a clamping frame (12) is used to clamp the modules (2) and / or battery cells with intermediate temperature control elements (1). [21] Method according to one of claims 19 or 20, comprising the additional method step: (c) Applying overpressure to at least one fluid-carrying cavity (9) of the temperature control body (1) in a range of 0.5-10 bar, preferably 0.5-1.5 bar, before, during or after step (b) to increase the counterforce against the clamping of the modules (2) and / or battery cells. [22] Temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, wherein the temperature control arrangement consists of a number of temperature control elements (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, which are provided for insertion into gaps between modules (2) and / or battery cells of the battery, wherein the temperature control elements (1) are fluid-conductingly connected to one another by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16) which are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control elements (1). [23] Temperature control arrangement for a rechargeable battery for receiving, storing and releasing electrical energy, which is composed of a number of horizontally and / or vertically stacked modules (2) and / or battery cells, wherein the temperature control arrangement comprises a supply pipe (15a), a return pipe (15b) and a number of temperature control elements (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, which are provided for insertion into gaps between modules (2) and / or battery cells of the battery, wherein the temperature control elements (1) are connected to the supply pipe (15a) by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16) attached to the inlets of the temperature control elements, and to the return pipe by means of metal hoses (13), in particular annular corrugated hoses, or metal bellows (16) attached to the outlets of the temperature control elements (1), in a fluid-carrying manner (15b) are connected. [24] Temperature control arrangement according to one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the metal hoses (13) or metal bellows (16) are attached to the inlets and / or outlets of the temperature control elements (1) by means of quick-assembly couplings (14).

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