Battery storage system with heat transfer plate, as well as vehicle with battery storage system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a battery storage device (20) for a vehicle (1) comprising a battery storage housing (22) which defines a receiving space (24) accommodating a plurality of battery cells (26), and at least one cooling channel (30) structurally separated from the receiving space (24) by a heat transfer plate (28; 40), through which air flows to convectively exchange thermal energy with the heat transfer plate (28; 40). Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a vehicle (1) comprising an air conditioning system (4) for climate-controlling a passenger compartment (2) and a battery storage device (20) as disclosed, wherein air flowing into the cooling channel (30) is branched off from a supply line (8) of the air conditioning system (4).

Description

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery storage device for a vehicle with a substantially cuboid-shaped battery storage housing, which defines a receiving space for a plurality of prismatic or circular cylindrical battery storage cells. Background of the Revelation

[0002] The thermal management of a battery storage system, or electrical energy storage system, plays a significant role in the development of such systems. Specifically, it influences lifespan, performance, and safety aspects. The battery storage system, and its smallest unit, the cells it contains, can usually be cooled and heated. The thermal management of the individual cells is particularly challenging. On the one hand, the cell must be well connected to the cooling / heating system. On the other hand, in the event of a thermal event in one cell, the energy must be dissipated in a controlled manner and not cause neighboring cells to propagate. Furthermore, there are requirements for electrical insulation between components that can act as electrical conductors.

[0003] Concepts for thermal management are already known from the state of the art. For example, cooling systems for battery storage cells are widely used. The cells are thermally abused in functional boundary ranges if no cooling is present. In other words, the cells can leave their thermally ideal operating range in functional boundary ranges and thereby experience accelerated aging if no or only insufficient cooling is present. This is particularly relevant in the automotive environment for highly dynamic cycles and especially during fast charging. Known cooling systems include liquid cooling systems with separate cooling coils (using coolant or refrigerant). Immersion cooling is also used, in which the cells and / or other electrical / electronic components are immersed in a fluid such as oil.This can be achieved by air cooling, where the air passes over the cells (cold air or ambient air), or passive cooling via, for example, cooling fins on the underbody and the airflow from driving.

[0004] In addition, actively air-cooled systems are also used, in some cases of which the existing air temperature control for the interior or passenger compartment can be used.

[0005] For example, FR 3 118 313 A1 shows a power storage battery and an assembly with an air conditioning system and such a battery. The battery comprises a battery housing with a heat exchange wall made of a thermally conductive material, a dielectric fluid circuit, and a heat dissipation circuit. The dielectric fluid circuit is configured to circulate a dielectric fluid in contact with the battery storage cells and with the inner surface of the heat exchange wall, while the heat dissipation circuit is configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid with the outer surface of the heat exchange wall.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2023 128 216 A1 discloses an underride protection plate attached to a battery storage unit with a plurality of cooling channels, each designed to capture air flowing outside the vehicle in order to cool the battery storage unit.

[0007] However, the current state of the art always has the disadvantage that a potential thermal cell event, for example in a crash, or even just cold venting due to the direct air connection to the interior, poses a danger to the vehicle occupants. Furthermore, the pressure level in the battery compartment is altered. This pressure level is very precisely calibrated to the various installed valves, such as over / under pressure relief valves and explosion valves. With cooling water systems, on the other hand, there is always a risk of leakage and subsequent corrosion of the battery cells and / or hydrogen formation. In refrigerant systems, in the event of a leak, the refrigerant itself acts as a fuel. Summary of Revelation

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is therefore to avoid or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide a cost-effective and lightweight cooling concept for a battery storage system that ensures the safety of vehicle occupants even in the event of a thermal incident.

[0009] In a device of this type, this task is solved according to the disclosure by at least one cooling channel structurally separated from the receiving space by a heat transfer plate, through which air flows to exchange heat energy convectively with the heat transfer plate.

[0010] In other words, the present disclosure is based on the idea of ​​ensuring the temperature control, i.e., the cooling and / or heating, of the battery storage via the cooling channel, which is spatially and gas-technically isolated / separated from the receiving space.

[0011] This has the advantage that the intake chamber can be separated from the cooling duct and the air flowing in the cooling duct is not contaminated with pollutants even in the event of a thermal event.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0013] Preferably, the battery cells can be connected / attached (directly) to the heat transfer plate (on the side facing away from the cooling channel) in such a way that the battery cells and the heat transfer plate exchange thermal energy primarily through conduction. This means the battery cells can exchange heat with the heat transfer plate via conduction and do not require an additional cooling system, such as immersion cooling. This eliminates the need for a separate, additional cooling system for the battery storage unit and the battery cells. Especially with smaller and less power-critical battery storage systems, this can lead to significant cost reductions as well as reductions in weight and installation space.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cooling channel can be arranged on an upper side of the battery storage system, facing away from the roadway. In other words, the cooling channel can be positioned vertically within the vehicle between the passenger compartment and the battery storage system. This increases passenger compartment safety and reduces potential heat loss to the environment. Furthermore, arranging the cooling channel on the upper side of the battery storage system improves the efficiency of the passenger compartment's air conditioning, as an optimized operating temperature for the battery storage system is within the range of a passenger-comfortable interior temperature, resulting in the lowest possible temperature gradient between the battery storage system / cooling channel and the passenger compartment.

[0015] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to position the cooling channel on a side surface or below the battery pack. With such an arrangement, the cooling channel can assume additional intrusion prevention zone functions in the event of a vehicle crash or similar incident. In other words, the cooling channel can act as a damping element that deforms during a vehicle crash and thereby absorbs crash energy.

[0016] According to a further development as disclosed, the cooling channel in the battery storage housing can be formed between the heat transfer plate and the battery storage housing. That is, a separate heat transfer plate can be provided, which can be inserted into the battery storage housing in such a way that the cooling channel is formed between the heat transfer plate and the battery storage housing.

[0017] In an alternative design, it may also be advantageous for the cooling channel to be located on the outer surface of the battery storage housing, where the cooling channel is defined by a side plate of the battery storage housing acting as a heat transfer plate and a separate channel structure. In particular, it can be beneficial if the separate channel structure extends only over a portion of the battery storage housing. Furthermore, the geometry of the channel structure can be adapted to the cooling and heating requirements of the battery storage system to ensure optimal temperature control.

[0018] To further improve heat transfer between the air flowing in the cooling channel and the heat transfer plate and ultimately the battery cells, it may be advantageous if a large number of pin fins project into the cooling channel from a surface of the heat transfer plate that borders the cooling channel.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heat transfer plate can have heating elements, in particular heating resistors, to supply thermal energy to the battery cells. Consequently, the heating of the battery cells can be carried out exclusively via the heating elements, and the cooling of the battery cells via the airflow flowing in the cooling channel.

[0020] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a vehicle with an air conditioning system for air conditioning a passenger compartment and a battery storage system as disclosed, wherein air flowing into the cooling channel is diverted from a supply line of the air conditioning system.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment as disclosed, a switching element, such as a flap, can be provided at a branch point where the air flowing into the cooling duct is diverted from the supply line. This switching element can be used to block the branch point, so that air flowing out of the cooling duct is fed to an inlet of the cooling duct via a return line. The temperature control, or the air circuit used for temperature control of the battery storage system, can therefore be implemented as a closed circuit. Brief description of the characters

[0022] The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic partial sectional view of a vehicle as disclosed; Fig. 2 a schematic partial sectional view of a battery storage system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 3 a schematic partial sectional view of a battery storage device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The figures are schematic and serve only to illustrate the revelation. Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols. The features of the different versions are interchangeable. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a vehicle 1 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle 1 has a passenger compartment 2 and an air conditioning system 4 for air conditioning the passenger compartment 2. The air conditioning system 4 is in Fig. 1 is only partially shown and has an air inlet 6 through which ambient air can be drawn in. The drawn-in ambient air is then directed via a supply channel 8 to an air outlet 10, where it can flow into the passenger compartment 2.

[0025] Before entering passenger compartment 2, the ambient air drawn in can be conditioned. For this purpose, an air conditioning element 12 is provided in the supply duct 8. For example, the air can be heated, cooled, or dried as it flows through the air conditioning element 12. Of course, several air conditioning elements 12 can also be provided, each performing a defined air conditioning step. The conditioning of the drawn-in air can be performed either manually by a passenger in passenger compartment 2 or automatically based on defined environmental parameters.

[0026] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, a flap mechanism 16 is arranged at a branch point 14 of the supply channel 8. The flap mechanism 16 is an example of a switching element as disclosed. The flap mechanism 16 can be switched between an enabling state and a blocking state. In the enabling state, the air drawn in through the air inlet 6 into the supply channel 8 of the air conditioning system 4 can flow into a battery storage supply channel 18. In the blocking state, however, the flap mechanism 16 blocks the battery storage supply channel 18, so that the drawn-in air flows completely through the supply channel 8 towards the passenger compartment 2.

[0027] According to the in Fig. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the switching element is designed as the flap mechanism 16, which can be switched between the open and closed states. Of course, the switching element can also be designed as any other element, such as a proportional valve. Furthermore, the switching element can also be switched, particularly continuously, into further intermediate states, so that the air supply to the battery storage feed channel 18 is only partially blocked, thus allowing the volume flow of aspirated air supplied to the battery storage feed channel 18 to be adjusted.

[0028] The battery storage feed channel 18 is, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a battery storage unit 20 connected to a battery storage unit to supply it with (cooling) air. The battery storage unit 20 is located on the underbody of the vehicle 1. In other words, the battery storage unit is located vertically below the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. The battery storage unit 20 is also connected to a drive unit (not shown) to provide electrical energy for propelling the vehicle 1.

[0029] During operation of the vehicle 1, the battery storage unit 20 heats up, so that, as disclosed, it must be cooled using the air flowing in the battery storage supply channel 18.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a battery storage return channel 19 is also provided. This connects a current-down side of the battery storage 20 with a current-up side of the battery storage 20. Therefore, when the flap mechanism 16 is switched to the locked position, the air flowing within the battery storage supply channel 18 can consequently flow through the battery storage 20 and is returned via the battery storage return channel 19. The air thus circulates in a closed loop.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the battery storage device 20 according to the disclosure. The battery storage device 20 comprises a battery storage housing 22. The battery storage housing 22 is essentially cuboid and defines a receiving space 24 within it. A plurality of prismatic or circular cylindrical battery cells 26 are arranged in the receiving space 24. The battery cells 26 are attached to a side wall, in particular a battery storage housing cover 28, of the battery storage housing 22. According to the disclosure, the battery cells 26 are arranged directly on the battery storage housing cover 28, so that the exchange of heat energy between the battery cells 26 and the battery storage housing cover 28 is essentially conductive. The battery storage housing cover 28 is therefore an example of a heat transfer plate according to the disclosure.

[0032] A cooling channel 30 is arranged on the upper side of the battery storage unit 20, facing the passenger compartment 2. In the Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cooling channel 30 is formed between the battery storage housing cover 28 and a separate channel structure 32, which is attached to the battery storage housing 22.

[0033] A cooling channel inlet 34 of the cooling channel 30 is connected to the battery storage supply channel 18, allowing air to flow from the battery storage supply channel 18 into the cooling channel 30. As the air flows in the cooling channel 30 towards a cooling channel outlet 36, it convectively exchanges heat with the battery storage housing cover 28 to cool the battery cells 26.

[0034] To improve heat transfer within the cooling channel 30 between the flowing air and the battery storage housing cover 28, furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows a plurality of pin fins 38. These are shaped or designed on the battery storage housing cover 28 in such a way that they project from the battery storage housing cover 28 into the cooling channel 30.

[0035] As described above, the battery cells 26 are directly attached to the battery storage housing cover 28. This means that the battery cells 26 exchange heat energy predominantly conductively with the battery storage housing cover 28. Waste heat generated by the battery cells 26 during operation of the vehicle 1 is therefore conducted conductively into the battery storage housing cover 28, where the heat energy is in turn transferred convectively to the air flowing in the cooling channel 30 and can thus be dissipated from the battery storage 20.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the battery storage device 20 according to the disclosure. In the following description of the second embodiment, only the differences from the one described above and in Fig. 2 shown, first embodiment.

[0037] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, in the second embodiment of the battery storage system 20, a separate partition plate 40 is arranged within the battery storage housing 22. The battery cells 26 are attached directly to this partition plate 40. The cooling channel 30 is formed between the partition plate 40 and the battery storage housing cover 28. In other words, in the second embodiment, the separate partition plate 40 functions as a heat transfer plate. In other words, the partition plate 40 divides the interior of the battery storage housing 22 into the receiving chamber 24 and the cooling channel 30.

[0038] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, at least one heating resistor 42 is provided on the separating plate 40. The at least one heating resistor 42 enables the battery cells 26 to be heated in order to condition them to operating temperature as quickly as possible. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 passenger compartment 4. Air conditioning system 6 Air intake 8 Feed channel 10 air outlets 12 air conditioning elements 14 Junction 16 Flap mechanism (switching element) 18 Battery storage feed channel 19 Battery storage feedback channel 20 battery storage units 22 battery storage housings 24 Recording Room 26 battery cells 28 Battery storage housing covers (heat transfer plate) 30 Cooling channel 32 Channel structure 34 Cooling channel inlet 36 Cooling channel outlet 38 pin lamellae 40 Separating plate (heat transfer plate) 42 Heating resistor 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] FR 3 118 313 A1

[0005] DE 10 2023 128 216 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Battery storage (20) for a vehicle (1) with a battery storage housing (22) which defines a receiving space (24) accommodating a plurality of battery cells (26), characterized by at least one cooling channel (30) structurally separated from the receiving space (24) by a heat transfer plate (28; 40), through which air flows to exchange heat energy convectively with the heat transfer plate (28; 40). [2] Battery storage (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the battery cells (26) are attached to the heat transfer plate (28: 40) in such a way that the battery cells (26) and the heat transfer plate (28; 40) exchange heat energy in a substantially conductive manner. [3] Battery storage (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the cooling channel (30) is located on an upper side of the battery storage unit (20) facing away from the roadway. [4] Battery storage device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the cooling channel (30) is formed in the battery storage housing (22) between the heat transfer plate (40) and the battery storage housing (22). [5] Battery storage device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the cooling channel (30) is formed on an outside of the battery storage housing (22), wherein the cooling channel (30) is defined by a side plate (28) of the battery storage housing acting as a heat transfer plate and a separate channel structure (32). [6] Battery storage (20) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the separate channel structure (32) extends over a partial area of ​​the battery storage housing (22). [7] Battery storage (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a plurality of pin fins (38) project into the cooling channel (30) from a surface of the heat transfer plate (28; 40) that limits the cooling channel (30). [8] Battery storage device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the heat transfer plate (28; 40) has heating elements, in particular heating resistors (42), to supply heat energy to the battery cells (26). [9] Vehicle (1) with an air conditioning system (4) for air conditioning a passenger compartment (2) and a battery storage system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that air flowing into the cooling duct (30) is branched off from a supply line (8) of the air conditioning system (4). [10] Vehicle (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that at a branch point (14) where the air flowing into the cooling channel (30) is branched off from the supply line (8), a switching element (16) is provided with which the branch point (14) can be blocked so that only air flowing out of the cooling channel (30) is supplied to an inlet (34) of the cooling channel (30) via a return line (19).

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