Energy storage device and method for producing an energy storage device

Abstract

An energy storage device (1) comprises an energy storage module (30) and a heat exchanger (100), the heat exchange object of which is the energy storage module (30). The energy storage module (30) is bonded to the heat exchanger (100) by an adhesive (A). The heat exchanger (100) exchanges heat with the heat exchange object using a refrigerant (C) flowing through a main flow path (102) and a secondary flow path (103). The heat exchanger (100) comprises a base member (110) and an outer wall (130, 140). The outer wall (130, 140) is provided in the base member (110). The main flow path (102) is formed inside the base member (110). The secondary flow path (103) is formed by the base member (110) and the outer wall (130, 140). The outer wall (130, 140) deforms more easily than the base element (110) and the energy storage module (30).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-049389 filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND area

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy storage device and a method for manufacturing an energy storage device. Description of the state of the art

[0003] For example, Japanese patent application JP 2013-545219 A discloses a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with an energy storage module. The energy storage module and the heat exchanger exchange heat in the area where they come into contact with each other. SUMMARY

[0004] The heat exchanger described in Japanese patent application JP 2013-545219 A comprises an outer plate and an inner plate. The outer plate and the inner plate, which have a protrusion, form a flow path within the heat exchanger. The protrusion is shaped so that it can be compressed by an external force acting on the outer plate.

[0005] In this configuration, the outer plate deforms due to the deformation of the protrusion along the surface shape of the energy storage module when the energy storage module is stacked on the heat exchanger. The deformation of the outer plate increases the area where the outer plate comes into contact with the energy storage module, resulting in efficient heat exchange.

[0006] However, due to the deformation of the protrusion, the outer plate deforms vertically at the nodes and maintains a flat shape without deformation between the nodes. Therefore, the deformation of the outer plate cannot conform to the fine shape of the heat exchange object. Therefore, a gap still forms between the outer plate and the energy storage module. The cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path decreases by the area of ​​the resulting gap, thereby reducing the cooling and temperature rise performance.

[0007] The present invention was conceived in view of the above-mentioned problem. The object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger having a shape that corresponds to the surface shape of a heat exchange object, such as an energy storage module.

[0008] An energy storage device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an energy storage module and a heat exchanger whose heat exchange object is the energy storage module. The energy storage module is bonded to the heat exchanger by an adhesive. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with the heat exchange object using a refrigerant flowing through a main flow path and a sub-flow path. The heat exchanger includes a base member and an outer wall. The outer wall is disposed in the base member. The main flow path is formed in the base member. The sub-flow path is formed by the base member and the outer wall. The outer wall deforms more easily than the base member and the energy storage module.

[0009] The outer wall of the energy storage device according to the first aspect of the present invention has a larger linear expansion coefficient than the base member.

[0010] The outer wall of the energy storage device according to the first aspect of the present invention has a lower yield strength than the base member.

[0011] The outer wall of the energy storage device according to the first aspect of the present invention has a lower modulus of elasticity than the base member.

[0012] A method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an application step, an arrangement step, and a deformation step. The energy storage device includes an energy storage module and a heat exchanger that cools or raises the temperature of the energy storage module with a refrigerant flowing through a main flow path and a sub-flow path. The heat exchanger includes a base member and an outer wall. The outer wall is arranged in the base member. The main flow path is formed in the base member. The sub-flow path is defined by the base member and the outer wall. The outer wall deforms more easily than the base member and the energy storage module. The application step includes applying an adhesive to a surface of an outer surface of the outer wall, the surface facing the energy storage module.The arranging step comprises alternately stacking the energy storage module and the heat exchanger in a first direction. The deforming step comprises allowing the fluid to flow through the bypass flow path to deform the outer wall along a shape of the energy storage module.

[0013] In the method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the fluid has a temperature of 200°C or higher.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the II-II cross section in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an energy storage module according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary deposition step in a method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary arrangement step in the method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary deformation step in the method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to the present embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, like or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. <Konfiguration der vorliegenden Ausführungsform>

[0016] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage device according to the present embodiment. In Fig. 1, a stacking direction H indicates the stacking direction of a stack 20, which will be described later. A width direction W indicates the width direction of an energy storage device 1. Here, the stacking direction H is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention.

[0017] The energy storage device 1 comprises a receiving housing 10 and a stack 20. The receiving housing 10 receives the stack 20 therein and holds the stack 20 in the stacking direction H.

[0018] The receiving case 10 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower case 12. The upper cover 11 and the lower case 12 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction H. The upper cover 11 and the lower case 12 are held in the stacking direction H with screws or the like.

[0019] The lower housing 12 is open at the top. The lower housing 12 includes a lower plate 13a and a peripheral wall 13b. The lower plate 13a is rectangular in shape when viewed in plan view from a position away from the lower plate 13a in the stacking direction H. The peripheral wall 13b is shaped to rise from the outer peripheral edge of the lower plate 13a. The upper cover 11 is shaped to cover the opening of the lower housing 12.

[0020] The stack 20 is housed in the receiving housing 10. Insulating foils 15a, 15b with electrical insulating properties are arranged between the receiving housing 10 and the stack 20. Consequently, the receiving housing 10 is insulated from the stack 20.

[0021] The stack 20 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 30, a main heat exchanger 100, a final heat exchanger 200a, and a final heat exchanger 200b. The energy storage modules 30 are stacked in the stacking direction H with the main heat exchanger 100 in between. In the stacking direction H, the final heat exchanger 200a is arranged at one end of the stacked energy storage modules 30. The final heat exchanger 200b is arranged at the other end of the energy storage modules 30. The energy storage module 30 is an example of the "heat exchange object" of the present invention. The main heat exchanger 100 and the final heat exchangers 200a, 200b are examples of the "heat exchanger" of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the II-II cross section in Fig. 1. The energy storage module 30 is, for example, a bipolar battery. When viewed in plan view from a position away from the energy storage module 30 in the stacking direction H, the energy storage module 30 is formed in a rectangular shape. The energy storage module 30 has main surfaces 30a, 30b arranged in the stacking direction H. The energy storage module 30 faces the main heat exchanger 100 or the end heat exchanger 200a with one main surface 30a, and faces the main heat exchanger 100 or the end heat exchanger 200b with one main surface 30b.

[0023] An electrically conductive adhesive A is disposed between the energy storage module 30 and the main heat exchanger 100, between the energy storage module 30 and the end heat exchanger 200a, and between the energy storage module 30 and the end heat exchanger 200b. The adhesive A is not an essential component and can be omitted. If the adhesive A is not provided, the energy storage module 30 is in contact with the main heat exchanger 100 or the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b.

[0024] The main heat exchanger 100 is electrically conductive. The main heat exchanger 100 electrically connects the energy storage modules 30 adjacent to the main heat exchanger 100.

[0025] The main heat exchanger 100 has a flow path. The main heat exchanger 100 cools or raises the temperature of the energy storage module 30 adjacent to the main heat exchanger 100 using the refrigerant C flowing through the flow path 101. The flow path 101 has a main flow path 102 and a secondary flow path 103. The secondary flow path 103 has a first path 103a and a second path 103b. The structure of the main heat exchanger 100 will be described in detail below.

[0026] The main heat exchanger 100 has a base element 110, an outer wall 130 and an outer wall 140.

[0027] The main flow path 102 is formed in the base member 110. The main flow path 102 consists of a plurality of flow paths. The base member 110 has a first plane 111 and a second plane 112. The first plane 111 and the second plane 112 are each end surface of the base member 110 in the stacking direction H. When the first plane 111 and the second plane 112 are viewed in plan view from a position away from the first plane 111 and the second plane 112 in the stacking direction H, the first plane 111 and the second plane 112 are formed in a square shape. The first plane 111 includes an outer edge 111a, and the second plane 112 includes an outer edge 112a.

[0028] The outer wall 130 is arranged on the first plane 111 of the base member 110 in the stacking direction H. The outer wall 130 has a plate-shaped member 132 and a connecting member 131 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member 132 and having an annular shape.

[0029] The connecting element 131 is shaped to extend annularly along the outer edge 111a located on the first plane 111 and at the end of the first plane 111 in the width direction W. The connecting element 131 is connected to the base element 110 by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0030] The plate-shaped element 132 is spaced from the first plane 111 in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 132 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the main surface 30b of the energy storage module 30. More specifically, the plate-shaped element 132 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the unevenness of the main surface 30b in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 132 has a main surface 132a. The main surface 132a is a surface facing the main surface 30b of the energy storage module 30. Adhesive A can be applied to the main surface 132a. The adhesive A is arranged to fill the gap between the main surface 30b and the main surface 132a.

[0031] The outer wall 140 is arranged on the second plane 112 of the base member 110 in the stacking direction H. The outer wall 140 has a plate-shaped member 142 and a connecting member 141 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member 142 and having an annular shape.

[0032] The connecting element 141 is shaped to extend annularly along the outer edge 112a located on the second plane 112 and at the end of the second plane 112 in the width direction W. The connecting element 141 is connected to the base element 110 by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0033] The plate-shaped element 142 is spaced from the second plane 112 in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 142 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the main surface 30a of the energy storage module 30. More specifically, the plate-shaped element 142 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the unevenness of the main surface 30a in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 142 has a main surface 142a. The main surface 142a is a surface that faces the main surface 30a of the energy storage module 30. Adhesive A can be applied to the main surface 142a. The adhesive A is arranged to fill the gap between the main surface 30a and the main surface 142a.

[0034] The final heat exchanger 200a and the final heat exchanger 200b have a similar configuration to the main heat exchanger 100. The final heat exchanger 200a and the final heat exchanger 200b have a base member and an outer wall. In other words, the main heat exchanger 100 includes two outer walls, namely the outer wall 130 and the outer wall 140, while the final heat exchanger 200a and the final heat exchanger 200b include one outer wall. Apart from this, the configurations of the final heat exchanger 200a and the final heat exchanger 200b are essentially the same as the configuration of the main heat exchanger 100.

[0035] The final heat exchanger 200a and the final heat exchanger 200b are electrically conductive. Since the final heat exchanger 200b has substantially the same configuration as the final heat exchanger 200a, the configuration of the final heat exchanger 200a will be primarily described below.

[0036] The final heat exchanger 200a has a base element 210 and an outer wall 220.

[0037] A main flow path 202 is formed in the base element 210. The main flow path 202 consists of several flow paths. The base element 210 has a first plane 211 and a second plane 212. The first plane 211 and the second plane 212 are each end surfaces of the base element 110 in the stacking direction H.

[0038] When the first plane 211 and the second plane 212 are viewed in plan view from a position away from the first plane 211 and the second plane 212 in the stacking direction H, the first plane 211 and the second plane 212 are formed in a square shape. The first plane 211 includes an outer edge 211a, and the second plane 212 includes an outer edge 212a.

[0039] The outer wall 220 is arranged on the first plane 211 of the base member 210 in the stacking direction H. The outer wall 220 has a plate-shaped member 222 and a connecting member 221 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the plate-shaped member 222 and having an annular shape.

[0040] The connecting element 221 is shaped to extend annularly along the outer edge 211a located on the first plane 211 and at the end of the first plane 211 in the width direction W. The connecting element 221 is connected to the base element 210 by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0041] The plate-shaped element 222 is spaced from the first plane 211 in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 222 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the main surface 30a of the energy storage module 30. More specifically, the plate-shaped element 222 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the unevenness of the main surface 30a in the stacking direction H. The plate-shaped element 222 has a main surface 222a. The main surface 222a is a surface facing the main surface 30a of the energy storage module 30. Adhesive A can be applied to the main surface 222a. The adhesive A is arranged to fill the gap between the main surface 30a and the main surface 222a.

[0042] The end heat exchanger 200a is arranged at one end of the stacked energy storage modules 30 in the stacking direction H. The second plane 212 borders the insulating film 15a. The end heat exchanger 200a is connected to a positive electrode terminal 2.

[0043] The end heat exchanger 200b is arranged at the other end of the stacked energy storage modules 30 in the stacking direction H. The second plane 212 borders the insulating film 15b. The end heat exchanger 200b is connected to a negative electrode terminal 3.

[0044] The positive electrode terminal 2 and the negative electrode terminal 3 each extend in the width direction W. By connecting the positive electrode terminal 2 and the negative electrode terminal 3 to an external terminal, charging and discharging of the energy storage device 1 is enabled.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the energy storage module according to the present embodiment. The energy storage module 30 consists of an electrode stack 31 and a resin portion 32. The electrode stack 31 has a plurality of unit cells 33. The unit cells 33 are stacked in the stacking direction H.

[0046] Each unit cell 33 has a first current collector plate 34, a first active material layer 35, a separator 36, a second active material layer 37 and a second current collector plate 38.

[0047] The first current collector plate 34 is made of aluminum, for example. The first active material layer 35 is, for example, a positive electrode active material layer. The first active material layer 35 is formed on a first application surface 34a of the first current collector plate 34. The first application surface 34a is the lower surface of the first current collector plate 34.

[0048] The second active material layer 37 is, for example, a negative electrode active material layer. The second active material layer 37 is formed on a second deposition surface 38a of the second current collector plate 38. The second deposition surface 38a is the upper surface of the second current collector plate 38. The second current collector plate 38 is made of copper, for example.

[0049] The separator 36 is arranged between the first active material layer 35 and the second active material layer 37. The separator 36 is formed, for example, in a sheet shape. The separator 36 contains, for example, a polymer that absorbs and retains an electrolyte. Examples of the material of the separator 36 are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyolefin, and polyester.

[0050] In the adjacent unit cells 33 in the stacking direction H, the first current collector plate 34 of one unit cell 33 is in contact with the second current collector plate 38 of the other unit cell. The electrode stack 31 is formed from the first current collector plate 34 and the second current collector plate 38, which are in contact.

[0051] The space formed by the current collector plates 34, 38 and the resin portion 32 is sealed with an electrolyte L.

[0052] In the stacking direction H, the first current collector plate 34 is exposed at one end of the electrode stack 31, and the second current collector plate 38 is exposed at the other end of the electrode stack 31. In the stacking direction H, the first current collector plate 34 and the second current collector plate 38, which are exposed at the ends of the electrode stack 31, are referred to as end walls 39 and 40, respectively.

[0053] The end wall 39 has a main surface 30a. The main surface 30a is arranged on the other surface of the first application surface 34a in the stacking direction H. The end wall 40 has a main surface 30b. The main surface 30b is arranged on the other surface of the second application surface 38a in the stacking direction H.

[0054] The resin portion 32 is formed in a ring shape to surround the electrode stack 31. The outer peripheral edge of the first current collector plate 34, the outer peripheral edge of the second current collector plate 38, and the outer peripheral edge of the separator 36 are embedded in the resin portion 32.

[0055] The material of the main heat exchanger 100 is essentially the same as the material of the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b. Therefore, the material of the main heat exchanger 100 is primarily described by comparing the properties of the material of the outer walls 130, 140 with the material of the base member 110.

[0056] The material of the outer walls 130, 140 of the main heat exchanger 100 has a larger linear expansion coefficient [1 / K] than the material of the base member 110. The method for measuring the linear expansion coefficient is based on JIS Z 2285. In other words, the linear expansion coefficient is calculated based on the relationship between temperature changes of the sample and the amount of length change of each sample.

[0057] The material of the outer walls 130, 140 may have a lower yield strength [MPa] than the material of the base member 110. The method for measuring the yield strength is based on JIS Z 2241. In other words, the yield strength is calculated based on the relationship between the test force at the yield point and the cross-sectional area of ​​the specimen.

[0058] The material of the outer walls 130, 140 may have a lower modulus of elasticity [N / mm 2 ] than the material of the base member 110. The method for measuring the elastic modulus is based on JIS Z 2280. In other words, the elastic modulus is calculated based on the relationship between stress and strain in the elastic range of the sample.

[0059] The outer walls 130, 140 can have a lower bending stiffness [N / mm 2 ] than the base element 110. The bending stiffness is a value that is derived from the modulus of elasticity [N / mm 2] and the second area moment of inertia [mm 4 ] of the outer walls 130, 140.

[0060] The configuration described above also applies to the relationship between the base member 210 and the outer wall 220 in the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b, similar to the relationship between the base member 110 and the outer walls 130, 140 in the main heat exchanger 100.

[0061] For example, if stainless steel such as SUS304 or a steel sheet such as SGCC is used for the base members 110, 210, aluminum such as A5052-O, 5083-O, or 6063-T5, which has a larger coefficient of linear expansion and a lower yield strength than stainless steel or steel sheet, can be used for the outer walls 130, 140. Alternatively, if aluminum is used for the base members 110, 210, a resin material that has a larger coefficient of linear expansion and a lower yield strength than aluminum can be used for the outer walls 130, 140.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the main heat exchanger 100 and the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b exchange heat with the energy storage module 30. For example, the vehicle-mounted energy storage device 1 cools or raises the temperature of the energy storage module 30 by flowing refrigerant C through the flow path 101 of the main heat exchanger 100.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, for example, the plate-shaped member 132 is formed in a shape corresponding to the unevenness of the main surface 30b in the stacking direction H.

[0064] With this configuration, the contact area between the energy storage module 30 and the plate-shaped member 132 can be increased more than with a gap between the energy storage module 30 and the plate-shaped member 132. Consequently, an energy storage device 1 with a highly efficient heat exchanger can be provided.

[0065] The main heat exchanger 100 or the like of the vehicle-mounted energy storage device 1 must have sufficient strength to prevent deformation due to external forces. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the base member 110 is formed of a material that is less susceptible to deformation than the outer walls 130, 140. The base member 110 functions to prevent deformation of the main heat exchanger 100, particularly due to an external force from the width direction W.

[0066] With this configuration, the flexural rigidity of the outer walls 130, 140 can be reduced. In other words, thin plate-shaped elements 132, 142 can be used. This reduces the heat capacity of the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 and shortens the length of the heat transfer path from the refrigerant C to the energy storage module 30, thus providing an energy storage device 1 that enables excellent thermal response.

[0067] Furthermore, with this configuration, when an external load is applied to the main heat exchanger 100, the base member 110 can become the main part to suppress deformation of the main heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, if the yield strength of the material of the base member 110 is greater than that of the outer walls 130, 140, or if the elastic modulus of the material of the base member 110 is higher than that of the outer walls 130, 140, the main heat exchanger 100 can be smaller in size and thinner in thickness.

[0068] In the energy storage device manufactured as described above, for example, the thickness of the adhesive A between the main surface 30b and the plate-shaped member 142 can be made smaller and uniform. Therefore, for example, when the refrigerant C is supplied to the main heat exchanger 100 with the manufactured energy storage device 1 mounted in a vehicle or the like, the heat exchange efficiency of the main heat exchanger 100 can be improved more than with a larger and uneven thickness of the adhesive A, and the energy storage module 30 can be cooled or the temperature of the energy storage module 30 can be uniformly increased by the main heat exchanger 100.

[0069] In the energy storage device manufactured as described above, for example, the plate-shaped member 132 is deformed along the shape of the main surface 30b. Compared with an energy storage device in which a gap exists between the plate-shaped member 132 and the main surface 30b because the plate-shaped member 132 does not conform to the shape of the main surface 30b, the energy storage device 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the amount of adhesive A used, and at the same time, an energy storage device can be provided that has a smaller thickness of the adhesive A and enables highly efficient heat exchange. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path for the refrigerant C in the energy storage device 1 according to the present embodiment can be increased.When the refrigerant C is supplied to the main heat exchanger 100 while the energy storage device 1 is mounted in a vehicle, the pressure loss when the refrigerant C circulates through the flow path 101 can be reduced and the working performance of the vehicle can be improved. <Herstellungsverfahren der vorliegenden Ausführungsform>

[0070] Next, an example of the method for manufacturing the energy storage device 1 will be described. The energy storage device 1 includes an application step, an arrangement step, and a deformation step in the order of the steps. The details of the steps are described below with reference to Fig. 4 to 6.

[0071] Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of the application step. In the application step, adhesive A is applied to the main heat exchanger 100, the end heat exchanger 200a, and the end heat exchanger 200b. More specifically, adhesive A is applied to the main surfaces 132a, 142a of the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 of the main heat exchanger 100. Additionally, adhesive A is applied to the main surfaces 222a of the plate-shaped elements 222 of the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows an example of the arrangement step. In the arrangement step, a stack 20A is formed. Specifically, energy storage modules 30 are stacked in the stacking direction H. The main heat exchanger 100 is arranged between the energy storage modules 30. The end heat exchanger 200a is arranged at one end of the stacked energy storage modules 30 in the stacking direction H. The end heat exchanger 200b is arranged at the other end of the stacked energy storage modules 30 in the stacking direction H.

[0073] The stack 20A is then placed in the receiving housing 10. Insulating foils 15a, 15b are arranged between the stack 20A and the receiving housing 10. The stack 20A is held in the stacking direction H by the upper cover 11 and the lower plate 13a, which form the receiving housing 10.

[0074] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of the deformation step. In the deformation step, the plate-shaped element 132 is deformed into a shape corresponding to the main surface 30b of the energy storage module 30. The plate-shaped element 142 is also deformed into a shape corresponding to the main surface 30a of the energy storage module 30. The same applies to the end heat exchangers 200a, 200b.

[0075] More specifically, a high-pressure fluid W is passed through the first path 103a of the main heat exchanger 100. As a result, the pressure within the first path 103a becomes higher than atmospheric pressure. Since the stack 20A is restrained by the receiving case 10 in the stacking direction H, the plate-shaped member 132 deforms along the shape of the main surface 30b by the fluid W. Similarly, by allowing the high-pressure fluid W to flow through the second path 103b of the main heat exchanger 100, the plate-shaped member 142 is deformed along the shape of the main surface 30a. When the high-pressure fluid W flows through the secondary flow path 103, which has a first path 103a and a second path 103b, the fluid W is preferably also passed through the main flow path 102 at the same time. This serves to prevent stress on the main flow path 102 due to the pressure difference.

[0076] The same applies to the deformation of the plate-shaped element 222 in the final heat exchangers 200a, 200b.

[0077] In the forming step, several heat exchangers can be formed simultaneously or sequentially. This step can also serve, for example, as a leak test for the heat exchanger of the energy storage device 1.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the main heat exchanger 100 is arranged at a position adjacent to the energy storage module 30. For example, the plate-shaped element 132 of the main heat exchanger 100 deforms more easily than the base element 110. Here, the fact that the plate-shaped element 132 deforms more easily than the base element 110 means that the formability is based on the comparison of the linear expansion coefficient, the yield strength, the elastic modulus, or the area moment of inertia.

[0079] In addition, the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 of the main heat exchanger 100 deform more easily than the energy storage module 30. Here, the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 deform more easily than the energy storage module 30 means that even when a load is exerted on the energy storage module 30 from the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 by a high-pressure fluid W flowing through the first path 103a and the second path 103b of the stack 20A, the plate-shaped elements 132, 134 deform along the main surfaces 30a, 30b without damaging the energy storage module 30.

[0080] Damage to the energy storage module 30 refers to the occurrence of cracks or damage to the first active material layer 35, the separator 36, or the second active material layer 37, the buckling of the resin portion 32, or the leakage of the electrolyte contained in the energy storage module 30.

[0081] In this configuration, when the high-pressure fluid W flows through the secondary flow path 103, the plate-shaped elements 132, 142 can be deformed into a shape that fits the main surfaces 30a, 30b without damaging the energy storage module 30.

[0082] The high-pressure fluid W is a fluid with a water pressure greater than the capacity of an on-board pump (5 MPa) and less than 20 MPa. The fluid W is also insulating.

[0083] In addition, the fluid W may also have a high temperature. By allowing the high-temperature fluid W to flow through the flow path 101, thermal expansion occurs, and the plate-shaped member 132 can be deformed along the shape of the main surface 30b. Furthermore, the plate-shaped member 132, which is made of metal, exhibits excellent ductility at high temperatures. Therefore, compared to the deformation step using a low-temperature fluid W, the risk of brittle fracture in the deformation step using a high-temperature fluid W can be suppressed.

[0084] Here, high-temperature fluid W means, for example, a fluid of 100°C or higher and 310°C or lower. This is because the maximum temperature of the refrigerant C when the vehicle-mounted energy storage device 1 cools the energy storage module 30 is 100°C. Particularly, when aluminum such as A5052-O, 5083-O, or 6063-T5 is used for the outer walls 130, 140, it is desirable that the high-temperature fluid W be oil with a temperature of 200°C or higher.

[0085] In addition, the connecting portions between the base member 110 and the outer walls 130, 140 are sufficiently connected without peeling off when the outer walls 130, 140 deform.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, adhesive A is applied to the plate-shaped elements 132, 142.

[0087] For example, in an energy storage device where the flatness of the main surface 30b of the energy storage module 30 may not match the flatness of the main surface 132a of the main heat exchanger 100, a gap is formed between the main surfaces. To seal the gap, it was necessary to apply a large amount of adhesive A. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of adhesive A used can be reduced because the plate-shaped member 132 deforms along the main surface 30b. Therefore, the electrical resistance caused by the adhesive A can be reduced by reducing the amount used. Furthermore, the size of the energy storage device 1 can be reduced.

[0088] If adhesive A is not present, a gap may occur due to springback after the load is removed by the fluid W or due to shrinkage after the plate-shaped member 132 returns to room temperature. When adhesive A is applied, the shape of the plate-shaped member 132 can be maintained even when the load is removed by the fluid W or the plate-shaped member 132 returns to room temperature by curing the adhesive A, whereby the plate-shaped member 132 deforms along the main surface 30b.

[0089] Although the present embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning that comply with the terms of the claims. 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] JP 2024-049389

[0001] JP 2013- 545 219 A [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Energy storage device, comprising: an energy storage module (30); and a heat exchanger (100), the heat exchange object of which is the energy storage module (30), wherein the energy storage module (30) is connected to the heat exchanger (100) by an adhesive (A), the heat exchanger (100) exchanges heat with the heat exchange object using a refrigerant (C) flowing through a main flow path (102) and a secondary flow path (103), the heat exchanger (100) comprises a base element (110) and an outer wall (130, 140), the outer wall (130, 140) is arranged in the base element (110), the main flow path (102) is formed inside the base element (110), the secondary flow path (103) is formed by the base element (110) and the outer wall (130, 140), and the outer wall (130, 140) deforms more easily than the base element (110) and the energy storage module (30). [2] The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall (130, 140) has a larger linear expansion coefficient than the base member (110). [3] The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall (130, 140) has a yield strength that is smaller than that of the base member (110). [4] The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall (130, 140) has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the base member (110). [5] A method for producing an energy storage device (1), the method comprising: an application step; an arrangement step; and a deformation step, where the energy storage device (1) comprises an energy storage module (30), and a heat exchanger (100) which cools or increases the temperature of the energy storage module (30) with a coolant (C) flowing through a main flow path (102) and a secondary flow path (103), the heat exchanger (100) comprises a base element (110) and an outer wall (130, 140), the outer wall (130, 140) is arranged in the base element (110), the main flow path (102) is formed inside the base element (110), the secondary flow path (103) is defined by the base element (110) and the outer wall (130, 140), the outer wall (130, 140) deforms more easily than the base element (110) and the energy storage module (30), the applying step comprises applying an adhesive (A) to a surface of an outer surface of the outer wall (130, 140), the surface facing the energy storage module (30), the arranging step comprises alternately stacking the energy storage module (30) and the heat exchanger (100) in a first direction (H), and the deformation step comprises allowing a fluid (W) to flow through the bypass flow path (103) to deform the outer wall (130, 140) along a shape of the energy storage module (30). [6] A method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid has a temperature of 200°C or higher.

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