Systems for a battery

Abstract

Battery, including: a case; a large number of battery cells arranged inside the casing; and a multitude of heat exchangers arranged between the multitude of battery cells, the multitude of heat exchangers comprising a multitude of spray openings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description generally relates to systems for a battery of a vehicle. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] Vehicles can be equipped with electric energy storage systems. The energy storage systems can be configured to release electrical energy to power an electric motor and absorb electrical energy to restore a vehicle's range. Some customers may be hesitant to switch to electrified vehicles because they fear certain disadvantages.

[0003] For example, the ubiquity of gas stations and the speed with which an internal combustion engine vehicle can be refueled may offer greater convenience compared to charging an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle charging stations may be less common in less densely populated areas, and charging times may be relatively long compared to refueling times. Therefore, different methods and systems than those currently in place may be desired.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide thermal management systems that improve battery temperature control to increase recharge rates. In one example, the problems described above can be solved by a battery with a housing. A plurality of battery cells are arranged within the housing, along with a plurality of heat exchangers positioned between the plurality of battery cells. The plurality of heat exchangers include a plurality of spray orifices. In this way, the spray orifices can provide improved thermal management of the plurality of battery cells.

[0005] The plurality of heat exchangers may, for example, be included in an immersion thermal management system. The plurality of spray orifices may be disposed above the plurality of battery cells. Fluid may be sprayed from the plurality of spray orifices onto the plurality of battery cells and other electronics within the enclosure. The plurality of heat exchangers may be disposed such that at least one side of each heat exchanger is in surface contact with at least one side of a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells. In this manner, thermal effects due to elevated temperatures across the plurality of heat exchangers may be mitigated.

[0006] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify the most important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address the disadvantages noted above or elsewhere in this disclosure. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a vehicle that is at least partially powered by an electric motor. Fig. 2 shows a first view of the internal volume of a battery housing. Fig. 3 shows a second view of the battery housing. Fig. Figure 4 shows a third view of the internal volume of the battery housing. Fig. Figure 5 shows a fourth view of the internal volume of the battery housing. Detailed description

[0007] The following description refers to systems for a battery. The battery may include cells and electrical connections associated with the storage or transmission of electrical energy. The battery may include or be coupled to a thermal management system. The battery may be coupled to an electric motor of a vehicle, as in Fig. 1. The battery may have a housing (hereinafter also referred to as battery housing). The battery housing may have an internal volume in which a plurality of battery cells and heat exchangers are arranged, as shown in the Fig. The exterior of the battery casing may contain one or more ports for the circulation of fluid into and out of the interior volume of the battery casing.

[0008] Fig. 1-5 show example configurations with the relative arrangement of the various components. Where such elements are shown as directly touching or directly coupled to one another, then in at least one example they may be referred to as directly touching or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, elements shown adjacent to or alongside one another may be adjacent to or alongside one another, at least in one example. For example, components that are in surface-to-surface contact with one another may be referred to as being in surface-to-surface contact. As another example, in at least one instance, elements that are separated from one another with only a space between them and that do not have any other components may be referred to as such.In yet another example, elements depicted above / below, on opposite sides, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such, relative to each other. Further, in at least one example, as depicted in the figures, a topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as a "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may refer to a vertical axis of the figures and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to each other. For example, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements.As another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as such (e.g., circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like). Further, in at least one example, depicted elements that intersect each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or as intersecting elements. Furthermore, an element depicted inside another element or outside another element may be referred to as such. It is understood that one or more components described as "substantially similar and / or identical" may vary from one another according to manufacturing tolerances (e.g., within 1-5% variation). Fig. Figures 2-5 are drawn approximately to scale. Other dimensions can be used upon request.

[0009] In Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 is shown that includes a driveline 101 and a transmission 103. The driveline 101 may include a prime mover 106 and a transmission 108. The prime mover 106 may be, for example, an electric motor and is operated to provide rotational power to the transmission 108. The transmission 108 may be any type of transmission, such as a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission. In this context, the transmission 108 may also be referred to as a geared transmission. The transmission 108 receives the rotational power generated by the prime mover 106 as input and outputs the rotational power to a first axle assembly 102 according to a selected gear ratio or setting.In one example, the prime mover 106 is one of a plurality of prime movers, where each of the plurality of prime movers may include various drivetrain components for providing power to a first set of wheels 104 and / or other components of the vehicle 100.

[0010] The prime mover 106 may be powered by energy from an energy storage device 132. In one example, the energy storage device 132 is a battery configured to store electrical energy. An inverter may be disposed between the energy storage device 132 and the prime mover 106 and configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter.

[0011] In some examples, the transmission may be omitted and the prime mover may be one of a plurality of prime movers disposed adjacent to a corresponding wheel.

[0012] The vehicle 100 may be one or more of a commercial vehicle, a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, or a sport utility vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 and / or one or more of its components may be used in industrial, locomotive, military, agricultural, and aerospace applications. In one example, the vehicle 100 is an all-electric vehicle or a vehicle with an all-electric mode of operation, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Thus, the prime mover 106 is an electric machine. In one example, the prime mover 106 is an electric motor / generator.

[0013] In some examples, such as Fig. 1, the geartrain 103 includes the first axle assembly 102 and a second axle assembly 112. The first axle assembly 102 may be configured to drive the first set of wheels 104, and the second axle assembly 112 may be configured to drive a second set of wheels 114. In one example, the first axle assembly 102 is located near a front end of the vehicle 100 and therefore includes a front axle, and the second axle assembly 112 is located near a rear end of the vehicle 100 and therefore includes a rear axle. The geartrain 103 is shown in an all-wheel drive configuration, although other configurations are possible. For example, the geartrain 103 may have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Additionally, the geartrain 103 may include one or more tandem axle assemblies.Thus, the transmission train 103 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the configurations shown in . Fig. 1 is for illustrative purposes and is not limiting. In addition, the vehicle 100 may include additional wheels that are not connected to the transmission train 103.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the powertrain 101 includes a prime mover 120 and a transmission 122. The prime mover 120 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric motor and is operated to provide rotational power to the transmission 122. The transmission 122 may be any type of transmission, such as a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission. In this context, the transmission 122 may also be referred to as a geared transmission. The transmission 122 receives the rotational power generated by the prime mover 120 as input and outputs the rotational power to the second axle assembly 112 according to a selected gear ratio or setting.In one example, the prime mover 120 is one of a plurality of prime movers, where each of the prime movers may include various driveline components for providing power to the second set of wheels 114 and / or other components of the vehicle 100.

[0015] The prime mover 120 may be powered by energy from an energy storage device 134. In one example, the energy storage device 134 is a battery configured to store electrical energy. An inverter may be disposed between the energy storage device 134 and the prime mover 120 and configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter may include a variety of components and circuits, the thermal requirements of which affect the efficiency of the inverter.

[0016] In some examples, the vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be a hybrid vehicle that includes both a motor and an electric machine, each configured to power one or more of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112. For example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be powered by power from the electric machine in a first operating mode in which the electric machine is not operating to provide power (e.g., a motor-only mode), by power from the electric machine in a second operating mode in which the motor is not operating to provide power (e.g., a pure electric mode), and by power from both the motor and the electric machine in a third operating mode (e.g., an electric-assist mode).In another example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be an electric axle assembly configured to be driven by an integrated electric machine.

[0017] In some embodiments, the energy storage device and the electric machine may additionally or alternatively be used in stationary applications. This means that in some applications, the energy storage device and the electric machine may be used to actuate a tool or other device rather than for propulsion, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows a first view 200 of a battery system with a housing 212 for a battery 210. The battery 210 may be a non-limiting example of the energy storage device 132 and / or the energy storage device 134 of Fig. 1. An axis system 290 is shown that includes three axes: an x-axis parallel to a longitudinal direction, a y-axis parallel to a vertical direction, and a z-axis parallel to a lateral direction. A direction of gravity may be parallel to the y-axis.

[0019] The housing 212 may have a plurality of sides that form at least part of a box. In one example, the box is a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the box may additionally or alternatively have other shapes, such as the shape of a cube. The plurality of sides may include a first short side 213, a second short side 214, a first long side 215, and a second long side 216. The first short side 213 and the second short side 214 may be identical in size and shape. The first short side 213 and the second short side 214 may be opposite and spaced from each other. The first long side 215 and the second long side 216 may be identical in size and shape. The first long side 215 and the second long side 216 may be opposite and spaced from each other.In one example, the first long side 215 is physically connected to the first short side 213 at a first outermost end and to the second short side 214 at a second outermost end opposite the first outermost end. The second long side 216 is physically connected to the first short side 213 at a first outermost end and to the second short side 214 at a second outermost end opposite the first outermost end.

[0020] A conduit 218 may extend from the first short side 213. The conduit 218 may be a fluid conduit configured to circulate fluid to or from an interior volume 230 of the housing 212. In this way, the conduit 218 may extend through a thickness of the first short side 213, and the interior volume 230 may be in fluid communication with another component, such as a radiator, a heat exchanger, a pump, or other device included in a fluid circuit and located outside the housing 212. In one example, the conduit 218 is an outlet.

[0021] A plurality of ribs 222, 224 may be arranged on the first longitudinal side 215 and the second longitudinal side 216. The first longitudinal side 215 may include a first plurality of ribs 222, and the second longitudinal side 216 may include a second plurality of ribs 224. The first and second pluralities of ribs 222, 224 may be identical to one another and extend in a vertical direction parallel to the y-axis. The strength of the housing 212 may be increased by the first and second pluralities of ribs 222, 224. Additionally or alternatively, a surface area of ​​the housing 212 is enlarged by the first and second pluralities of ribs 222, 224. Thus, the temperature of the fluid in the interior volume 230 may be lowered by increased heat transfer between the surfaces of the housing 212 and the environment.In this way, the first long side 215 and the second long side 216 may have features that deviate from the plane, while the first short side 213 and the second short side 214 are planar. The first long side 215 and the second long side 216 are parallel to an xy plane. The first short side 213 and the second short side 214 are parallel to a zy plane that is perpendicular to the xy plane.

[0022] In one example, the shape of the housing 212 and the number of the plurality of ribs 222, 224 may be customized based on an application in which the battery 210 is included. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 222, 224 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the housing 212 may deviate from a rectangular or square shape.

[0023] A lip 220 may extend around the top of each of the first short side 213, the second short side 214, the first long side 215, and the second long side 216. The lip 220 may be a continuous member whose circumference is greater than the circumference of the plurality of sides of the housing 212. That is, the lip 220 may extend beyond a profile of each of the plurality of sides in the xz plane normal to gravity. The lip 220 may also extend along the y-axis. In this way, a cross-sectional shape of the lip 220 may be an L-shape. In other words, the lip 220 may include an elbow, with the lip 220 extending outward from a plurality of sides and then upward in a direction parallel to the plurality of sides.

[0024] A cover may be attached to the inside of lip 220. The cover may include hooks, latches, or other coupling devices that engage an outside of lip 220. For example, the latches may wrap around the curvature of lip 220 and engage the surfaces of lip 220 in the xz plane. Additionally or alternatively, the cover may be physically connected to lip 220 via welds, fusions, adhesives, and / or fasteners.

[0025] In one example, the housing 212, including the plurality of sides and the lip 220, is a single, continuous piece. The housing 212 may be manufactured using a mold. The housing 212 may comprise one or more of plastic, metal, silicone, ceramic, and other materials.

[0026] The interior volume 230 may include a first busbar 232 and a second busbar 234. In the example of Fig. 2, the first busbar 232 and the second busbar 234 are mounted on the second longitudinal side 216. In some examples, the first busbar 232 and the second busbar 234 may be mounted on a different side. Additionally or alternatively, the first busbar 232 and the second busbar 234 may not be mounted on the same side.

[0027] The first bus bar 232 may be a positive bus bar, and the second bus bar 234 may be a negative bus bar. A plurality of first leads 236 may extend from a plurality of battery cells 240 to the first bus bar 232. A plurality of second leads 238 may extend from the plurality of battery cells 240 to the second bus bar 234. The first bus bar 232 and the second bus bar 234 may also be arranged in other positions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The plurality of battery cells 240 may be arranged such that each cell is parallel to a yz-plane. One of the plurality of first leads 236 and one of the plurality of second leads 238 may extend from a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells 240. Thus, if there are five of the plurality of battery cells 240, there may be five of the plurality of first leads 236 and five of the plurality of second leads 238. In some examples, the leads may be omitted, and the cell terminals may be coupled directly to the busbars.

[0029] The plurality of battery cells 240 may be supported by a plurality of heat exchangers 250. In one example, the plurality of heat exchangers 250 are inter-cell (IC) heat exchangers. Thus, a heat exchanger of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be disposed between every other cell of the plurality of battery cells 240. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchanger of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be disposed on either side of a cell of the plurality of battery cells 240. In this manner, deformation of the plurality of battery cells 240 may be reduced. For example, swelling of the plurality of battery cells 240 may be reduced, enabling faster charging times and increasing the adoption of electric vehicles.

[0030] In one example, at least one side of each of the plurality of battery cells 240 may be in surface contact with at least one side of each of the plurality of heat exchangers 250. For example, two or more of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be disposed between battery cells of the plurality of battery cells 240.

[0031] Each of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may include a plurality of spray orifices 252 disposed outside a profile of each of the plurality of battery cells 240. In one example, the plurality of spray orifices 252 may be vertically higher than the plurality of battery cells 240. The plurality of spray orifices 252 may be configured to direct fluid to one or more of the first bus bar 232, the second bus bar 234, the plurality of first leads 236, the plurality of second leads 238, connections between the bus bars, the leads, and the plurality of battery cells 240, and to additional portions of the plurality of battery cells 240, such as the top of a battery cell. The plurality of spray orifices 252 and the plurality of heat exchangers 250 are described in the Fig. described in more detail.

[0032] In this way, the plurality of heat exchangers 250 provide structural support for the plurality of battery cells 240 and enable thermal management through fluid immersion, direct cell-to-cell contact, and fluid spraying. Thus, a spray system is integrated into the plurality of heat exchangers 250, eliminating the need for a separate spray system, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity and improving thermal management of the plurality of battery cells 240.

[0033] In Fig. 3, a second view 300 of the housing 212 of the battery 210 is shown. Therefore, the previously introduced components are numbered similarly in this and the following figures. The second view 300 shows the bottom 312 of the housing 212. The bottom 312 may be coupled to any of the plurality of sides, including the first short side 213, the second short side (e.g., the second short side 214 in Fig. 2), the first long page 215 and the second long page (e.g. the second long page 216 in Fig. 2). The bottom 312 may be parallel to the xz-plane. The bottom 312 may be physically connected to an edge of the plurality of sides that is opposite an edge to which the lip 220 is physically connected.

[0034] The floor 312 may include a plurality of ribs 314. The plurality of ribs 314 may have a similar shape to the first plurality of ribs 222 or the second plurality of ribs 224. The plurality of ribs 314 may extend in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the first plurality of ribs 222. In one example, the plurality of ribs 314 may extend in a direction along the xz plane.

[0035] An inlet manifold 320 may be connected to the base 312. The inlet manifold 320 may include a conduit 322 in fluid communication with a plurality of passageways. In one example, conduit 322 is an inlet conduit and conduit 218 is an outlet conduit. The number of the plurality of passageways may be equal to the number of the plurality of heat exchangers (e.g., the plurality of heat exchangers 250) disposed within the housing 212. The plurality of passageways may include a first passageway 324, a second passageway 326, and a third passageway 328. Each of the first passageways 324, the second passageways 326, and the third passageways 328 may extend through a thickness of the base 312 and is in direct fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of heat exchangers.It is understood that the inlet manifold 320 and conduit 218 may be located at other locations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The first passage 324 may include a first hose clamp 325. The second passage 326 may include a second hose clamp 327. The third passage 328 may include a third hose clamp 329.

[0037] Each of the plurality of passages may include a valve for controlling fluid flow to the corresponding heat exchanger. The position of the valve may be adjusted depending on the temperature of the battery cells, bus bar, supply line, or the like. The valve may be actuated to a fully open position (e.g., 100% open), a fully closed position (e.g., 0% open), or a plurality of positions in between. Additionally or alternatively, a single valve may control the flow of coolant from the inlet manifold 320 to the plurality of heat exchangers.

[0038] In some embodiments of the inlet manifold 320, a single conduit may extend toward the housing 212, and the plurality of passages may be disposed within the interior volume of the housing 212. Thus, the single conduit may lead to a plurality of heat exchangers within the interior volume 230.

[0039] Conduit 322 and conduit 218 may extend in the same direction. In one example, conduit 322 and conduit 218 are parallel to the x-axis. Conduit 322 and conduit 218 may be configured to circulate fluid through the interior volume of housing 212. In one example, the fluid is a dielectric fluid.

[0040] The Fig. show the fourth and fifth views 400 and 500, respectively, of the housing 212 of the battery 210. The fourth view 400 and the fifth view 500 illustrate a more detailed relationship between the plurality of battery cells 240 and the plurality of heat exchangers 250. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are described together here.

[0041] In the examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the plurality of spray openings 252 is a first plurality of spray openings 252. The first plurality of spray openings 252 is arranged on a first side of the plurality of heat exchangers 250, with the first side facing the first short side 213. The plurality of heat exchangers 250 may further include a second plurality of spray openings 254. The second plurality of spray openings 254 may be arranged on a second side of the plurality of heat exchangers 250. The second side of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be opposite the first side and facing the second short side 214. In one example, the first side of a heat exchanger is in surface contact with one battery cell and the second side of the heat exchanger is in surface contact with another battery cell.

[0042] In some examples, one or more heat exchangers of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be free of spray openings. This means that spray openings may not be located on both sides of one or more heat exchangers. The fluid flow may be directed to areas that are free of spray openings. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may have spray openings on only one side, with the other side being free of spray openings. This means that one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may include only the first plurality of spray openings or only the second plurality of spray openings.

[0043] Each of the first plurality of spray orifices 252 and the second plurality of spray orifices 254 may be configured to spray fluid downwardly toward the bus bars, leads, and battery cells. In one example, the first plurality of spray orifices 252 and the second plurality of spray orifices 254 may be disposed near a top surface of the plurality of heat exchangers 250, where the top surface may be positioned vertically higher than (e.g., above) a height of the plurality of battery cells 240. Additionally or alternatively, a height of the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be greater than a height of the housing 212, where the height is measured along the y-axis. In one example, the height of the housing 212 includes the height of the walls and the height of the lip 220.A cover of the housing 212 may therefore be shaped to hermetically seal the interior volume 230 of the housing 212 while simultaneously containing the plurality of heat exchangers 250 within the interior volume 230.

[0044] In the examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 includes an arrangement of the plurality of battery cells 240 and the plurality of heat exchangers 250 such that a first battery cell 541 is positioned closest to the first short side 213. A first heat exchanger 551 may be disposed between the first battery cell 541 and a second battery cell 542. The second battery cell 542 may be adjacent to a third battery cell 543 without a heat exchanger disposed therebetween. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, a heat exchanger may be disposed between the second battery cell 542 and the third battery cell 543. A second heat exchanger 552 may be disposed between the third battery cell 543 and a fourth battery cell 544. The fourth battery cell 544 is adjacent to a fifth battery cell 545, with no heat exchanger disposed between the fourth battery cell 544 and the fifth battery cell 545.A third heat exchanger 553 may be disposed between the fifth battery cell 545 and the second short side 214. In one example, the distance between the third heat exchanger 553 and the second short side 214 is less than the distance between the first battery cell 541 and the first short side 213. Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement of the battery cells and heat exchangers may be equidistant from the first short side 213 and the second short side 214 or biased toward the first short side 213. In this way, a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration may be used without exceeding the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] In the examples of Fig. Battery cells and heat exchangers are omitted to provide a more detailed representation of the enclosure's internal volume. In some examples, the internal volume may contain several battery cells and heat exchangers, reducing the available free space and maximizing energy storage and thermal management.

[0046] Arrows illustrate the direction of fluid flow through the inlet manifold 320, the plurality of heat exchangers 250, the interior volume 230, and the conduit 218. Fluid flows through the conduit 322 to the first passage 324, the second passage 326, and the third passage 328, respectively. The fluid may then flow through the passages and through the tray 312 to the plurality of heat exchangers 250. Fluid flows from the first passage 324 to the first heat exchanger 551. Fluid flows from the second passage 326 to the second heat exchanger 552. Fluid flows from the third passage 328 to the third heat exchanger 553. Fluid entering the plurality of heat exchangers 250 from the passages may flow through a heat exchanger inlet region 512. The heat exchanger inlet region 512 may direct fluid to a heat exchanger manifold 514. The manifold of the heat exchanger 514 may include a plurality of fins 516.The plurality of fins 516 may form a plurality of passages that run parallel to the yz-plane. The plurality of fins 516 may increase the surface area of ​​the heat exchanger, which may promote better temperature control of the plurality of battery cells 240. The plurality of fins 516 may provide additional support to the plurality of battery cells 240 and / or a corresponding heat exchanger. In one example, the plurality of fins 516 are arranged linearly and parallel to the y-axis. The plurality of fins 516 may be arranged on both sides of each heat exchanger such that the plurality of fins face the first short side 213 and the second short side 214. The height of the plurality of fins 516, measured along the y-axis, may be uneven. In one example, fins closer to the heat exchanger inlet region 512 may have a greater height than fins farther from the heat exchanger inlet region 512.The height, width, and dimensions of the plurality of ribs 516 may be adjusted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the plurality of fins 516 may be omitted, and the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may include depressions, protrusions, or other patterns that alter a surface and fluid flow pattern. In some examples, the plurality of fins 516 may include a combination of fins, depressions, protrusions, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may include internal components, such as turbulators, in conjunction with outer plates when no heat transfer surface is present.

[0048] Fluid may flow through the plurality of passages to the first plurality of spray orifices 252 and the second plurality of spray orifices 254. The first plurality of spray orifices 252 may spray fluid at a first angle, and the second plurality of spray orifices 254 may spray fluid at a second angle that differs from the first angle. In one example, the first angle differs from the second angle by at least 45 degrees, at least 90 degrees, at least 135 degrees, or at least 180 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the openings of the first plurality of spray orifices 252 and / or the second plurality of spray orifices 254 may be angled differently from one another. Furthermore, a spray direction of each opening of the first plurality of spray orifices 252 and / or the second plurality of spray orifices 254 may be oriented differently.For example, some spray holes may spray onto the battery cells, while others may spray onto the busbar. Another example: The orientations of a plurality of spray holes arranged on a common side may be uniform (e.g., identical).

[0049] In one example, the first plurality of spray openings 252 and the second plurality of spray openings 254 may be arranged on surfaces of the plurality of heat exchangers 250. The direction of the spray openings may be directed toward different walls of the housing 212 depending on the requirements of the application. In the examples of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the spray openings are directed toward the first short side 213 and the second short side 214. In other examples, the plurality of heat exchangers 250 may be oriented such that the plurality of spray openings are directed toward the first long side 215 and the second long side 216.

[0050] Fluid may exit the interior volume 230 by flowing through opening 518 and entering conduit 218. Opening 518 is disposed in the first short side 213 and fluidly connects conduit 218 to the interior volume. In this manner, conduit 218 and conduit 322 promote the circulation of fluids through the interior volume 230 of the housing 212. While the inlet manifold 320 and conduit 218 are illustrated as being coupled to different surfaces of the housing 212, in some embodiments, the inlet manifold 320 and conduit 218 may be coupled to the same surface without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0051] For example, a battery with an immersion thermal management system also includes heat exchangers arranged between the battery cells. The spray holes in the heat exchangers can reduce the thermal stress on the battery cells. This can increase the charging speed of the battery cells, which can increase customer satisfaction and the acceptance of electric vehicles.

[0052] The disclosure provides a mount for a battery comprising a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, and a plurality of heat exchangers disposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of heat exchangers comprises a plurality of spray orifices. A first example of a battery, wherein the plurality of spray orifices is a first plurality of spray orifices disposed on a first side of the plurality of heat exchangers, further comprises a second plurality of spray orifices disposed on a second side of the plurality of heat exchangers, the second side being opposite the first side. A second example of a battery, optionally including the first example, further includes an inlet manifold comprising a conduit in fluid communication with a plurality of passageways.A third example of a battery, optionally including one or more of the preceding examples, further includes wherein each of the plurality of passageways is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of heat exchangers. A fourth example of a battery, optionally including one or more of the preceding examples, further includes an outlet conduit disposed in a wall of the housing that is different from a wall to which the inlet manifold is coupled. A fifth example of a battery, optionally including one or more of the preceding examples, further includes wherein the plurality of spray orifices are configured to spray fluid toward one or more of the plurality of battery cells, one or more bus bars, and one or more supply lines disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the one or more bus bars.A sixth example of a battery, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes the plurality of heat exchangers supporting the plurality of battery cells within the housing.

[0053] The disclosure provides additional support for a system having a battery including a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, and a thermal management system including a plurality of heat exchangers disposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers includes a first plurality of spray orifices on a first side and a second plurality of spray orifices on a second side opposite the first side.A first example of the system further includes where each of the plurality of heat exchangers includes a heat exchanger inlet region in fluid communication with a plurality of heat exchanger passages formed by a plurality of fins, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanger passages is in fluid communication with a spray port of one or more of the first plurality of spray orifices and the second plurality of spray orifices. A second example of the system, optionally including the first example, further includes where a height of the plurality of heat exchanger passages is non-uniform. A third example of the system, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers includes only the first plurality of spray orifices or only the second plurality of spray orifices.A fourth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes the plurality of heat exchangers being arranged parallel to the plurality of battery cells. A fifth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes the first plurality of spray orifices and the second plurality of spray orifices being arranged vertically above the plurality of battery cells. A sixth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes the thermal management system being an immersion thermal management system. A seventh example of the system, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes an inlet manifold configured to flow fluid into an interior volume of the housing and a conduit configured to flow fluid out of the interior volume.

[0054] The disclosure provides further support for a battery system comprising a plurality of battery cells disposed within a housing, a plurality of bus bars mounted on a wall of the housing, a plurality of leads connected to the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of bus bars, and a plurality of heat exchangers disposed with the housing, wherein the plurality of heat exchangers comprises a plurality of spray orifices configured to spray fluid onto the plurality of battery cells. A first example of a battery system further includes each of the plurality of battery cells being in surface contact along at least one surface of a battery cell with a heat exchanger of the plurality of heat exchangers.A second example of the battery system, optionally including the first example, further includes wherein the height of each of the plurality of heat exchangers is greater than the height of the sides of the housing, and wherein the plurality of spray openings are arranged vertically above the plurality of battery cells. A third example of a battery system, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes an inlet manifold comprising a conduit in fluid communication with a plurality of passages, each of the plurality of passages in fluid communication with a heat exchanger inlet region of each of the plurality of heat exchangers, each of the plurality of heat exchangers comprising a plurality of fins and a plurality of heat exchanger passages extending from the heat exchanger inlet region to the plurality of spray openings.A fourth example of a battery system, optionally comprising one or more of the preceding examples, further includes two or more of the plurality of heat exchangers being disposed between two of the plurality of battery cells.

[0055] It is understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered limiting, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0056] The term “approximately” means plus or minus five percent of the range, unless otherwise stated.

[0057] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be construed as including the inclusion of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope than the original claims, are also to be considered included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Battery comprising: a housing; a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing; and a plurality of heat exchangers disposed between the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of heat exchangers comprising a plurality of spray orifices. [2] The battery of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spray orifices is a first plurality of spray orifices disposed on a first side of the plurality of heat exchangers, and further comprising a second plurality of spray orifices disposed on a second side of the plurality of heat exchangers, the second side being opposite the first side. [3] The battery of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an inlet manifold comprising a conduit in fluid communication with a plurality of passages. [4] The battery of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of passages is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of heat exchangers. [5] A battery according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising an outlet conduit disposed in a wall of the housing different from a wall to which the inlet manifold is connected. [6] A battery according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spray openings are arranged to spray fluid onto one or more of the plurality of battery cells, one or more bus bars, and one or more supply lines arranged between the plurality of battery cells and the one or more bus bars. [7] A battery according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of heat exchangers support the plurality of battery cells in the housing. [8] System comprising: a battery with a housing; a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing; and a thermal management system comprising a plurality of heat exchangers disposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers comprises a first plurality of spray orifices on a first side and a second plurality of spray orifices on a second side opposite the first side. [9] The system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchangers comprises a heat exchanger inlet region in fluid communication with a plurality of heat exchanger passages formed over a plurality of fins, each of the plurality of heat exchanger passages in fluid communication with a spray orifice of one or more of the first plurality of spray orifices and the second plurality of spray orifices. [10] The system of claim 9, wherein a height of the plurality of heat exchanger passages is non-uniform. [11] The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of heat exchangers includes only the first plurality of spray orifices or only the second plurality of spray orifices. [12] The system of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in parallel with the plurality of battery cells. [13] The system of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the first plurality of spray orifices and the second plurality of spray orifices are arranged vertically above the plurality of battery cells. [14] The system of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the thermal management system is an immersion thermal management system. [15] The system of any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising an inlet manifold configured to allow fluid to flow into an interior volume of the housing and a conduit configured to allow fluid to flow out of the interior volume.

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