Device for spacing battery cells of a vehicle battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for spacing battery cells, comprising a spacer in contact with adjacent large side faces of the cells, the spacer comprising: - a flow region which is located opposite the adjacent large side faces of the cells and extends over the majority of these large faces, - one or more ribs which form at least one forced circulation circuit (C) of the fluid between the cells, wherein turbulators (T) are present in the flow region, along the forced circulation circuit (C), so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet (E) and the outlet (S) of the forced circulation circuit, which turbulators are in relief and extend heightwise in the ribs.

Description

Description Title: DEVICE FOR SPACING BATTERY CELLS OF A VEHICLE BATTERY PACK Technical field [1] The invention relates to a device for spacing battery cells from a vehicle battery pack. The invention also relates to a thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack comprising such a device, as well as a cooling installation comprising such a system. [2] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements, in particular battery elements, likely to release heat during their operation. The invention applies preferentially, but not exclusively, to the automotive field and more particularly to the field of vehicles with electric and / or hybrid motors. State of the art [3] The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more battery packs, each comprising several battery cells. During their operation, the cells are likely to heat up and swell, thus risking damage. In particular, a charging technique, known as fast charging, consists of charging the cells under a high voltage and high amperage, in a short time, in particular in a maximum time of around twenty minutes. This fast charging involves significant heating of the cells, which must be treated. [4] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation system, in particular for cooling battery packs. Such a thermal regulation system makes it possible to modify the temperature of a battery pack, for example when starting the vehicle in cold weather, by increasing its temperature for example, or whether during driving or during a recharging operation, by reducing the temperature of the cells, which tend to heat up during their use. [5] According to a known solution, the thermal regulation system comprises a cold plate inside which a cooling fluid circulates, and arranged in contact with the cells to be cooled. It has been found that such an arrangement can lead to non-uniform cooling of the cells of the same battery pack to be cooled, thus resulting in a reduction in overall performance. Such a thermal regulation system also has a high thermal resistance due to the thicknesses of material present between the cooling fluid and the cells to be cooled. In addition, this solution generally has a large footprint. [6] According to another known thermal regulation solution, a dielectric fluid is sprayed, generally in the form of a spray, directly onto the cells, by means of a dielectric fluid circuit and orifices or nozzles for spraying the dielectric fluid. A heat exchange can then take place between the cells and the dielectric fluid which comes into direct contact with a surface of said cells. After spraying the dielectric fluid onto the cells, in particular in the liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can flow along the walls of said cells, and accumulate in particular in a lower part of the housing receiving the battery pack to be thermally regulated. Such a solution is for example described in patent document FR3077683.However, particularly when used in a vehicle, the cells may not necessarily be arranged flat, parallel to the horizontal, but may be inclined, leaning relative to the horizontal, so that the dielectric fluid may only accumulate on one side. The accumulated dielectric fluid is then not distributed uniformly relative to the cells. These problems may also be encountered when the vehicle itself is inclined, for example on a sloping road, or due to vibrations, due to the state of the road, driving, or any other condition. In addition, this may cause a pump to have to work harder, for example to be able to suck the dielectric fluid accumulated on one side out of the housing. In addition, the pump could suck in air, which could damage it. [7] Patent document FR3060863 proposes another solution for dissipating the heat generated by the battery cells, consisting of installing a spacer between the cells so as to space them apart from each other and blowing air from cooling to said cells. The solution proposed in this document is, however, relatively complex to implement and does not, in practice, allow for uniform and optimal cooling of the cells. It has also been noted that the time taken to bring the cells to a desired temperature can be relatively long. [8] Regulation systems are also known which include a housing in which a cooling fluid circulates and in which the battery pack is housed. This ensures a heat exchange between the cells and the cooling fluid. However, immersing the cells in a fluid does not allow for uniform cooling of the said cells. [9] The invention aims to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, one objective of the invention is to propose a device for spacing battery cells that allows the cells of a battery pack to be cooled more evenly and efficiently. Another objective of the invention is to propose a thermal regulation system that allows the cells to be brought to the desired temperature more quickly. An additional objective of the invention is to propose a thermal regulation system that is simple in design, inexpensive and easy to install. Presentation of the invention

[0010] The solution proposed by the invention is a device for spacing battery cells of a vehicle battery pack, comprising a spacer configured to be in contact with large adjacent lateral faces of said cells.

[0011] The spacer includes: - a flow zone arranged to be located opposite the large adjacent lateral faces of the cells and to extend over the majority of said large faces, - one or more ribs extending into the flow zone, the rib(s) being arranged so as to form at least one circuit for forced circulation of the heat transfer fluid between said cells, preferably so that the fluid is in contact with the two large adjacent lateral faces of said cells, the forced circulation circuit comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0012] Turbulators are present in the flow zone, along the forced circulation circuit, so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet and the outlet of said forced circulation circuit, which turbulators are in relief and extend into the height of the ribs.

[0013] The fact that two rotary members control the circulation of fluid between the orifices of the first series, combined with the fact that the three stages can be in fluid communication, makes it possible to increase tenfold the number of possible operating modes in comparison with the multi-stage valves of the prior art, while maintaining a small radial and axial footprint. The multi-way valve according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to group together four three-way valves or three four-way valves. In addition, the use of three separate rotary members makes it possible to design each of them specifically in order to very simply offer all the combinations suitable for the desired operating modes.

[0014] Other advantageous features of the invention (according to its different aspects) are listed below. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily contribute. The following features can thus be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0015] According to one embodiment, the turbulators are arranged on one or more supports separate from the spacer and added to the forced circulation circuit.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the turbulators form a single piece with the spacer.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the turbulators and / or the rib(s) are arranged on a support configured to be fixed to a cell.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to a thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack, comprising: - a housing comprising a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit, which housing is capable of housing a battery block, which block comprises at least two battery cells of generally parallelepiped shape each having two large lateral faces, which cells are adjacent at one of their large lateral faces, - a device for spacing cells conforming to one of the preceding characteristics

[0019] According to one embodiment, the turbulators and / or the rib(s) are formed in the wall of at least one large lateral face of the cells, preferably in each of the walls of the two large lateral faces of the cells.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the turbulators and / or the rib(s) protrude from the wall of a large side face of one cell and extend towards the wall of the large side face of another adjacent cell.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a thermal breaker thermally isolates the turbulators and / or the rib(s) of the wall of the large lateral face of the other adjacent cell.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the turbulators are made of a thermal insulating material, preferably made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the turbulators have: - a first part adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face of a cell, - a second part adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face of another adjacent cell, - a thermal breaker to thermally isolate the first part from the second part.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first part and the second part of the turbulators are made of a thermally conductive material, preferably made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the thermal breaker forms a support on which the first part and the second part are fixed.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the thermal breaker forms a physical interface between the first part and the second part, which breaker is made of a material having a melting point below a threshold temperature, so that when the temperature of the first part and / or the second part reaches said threshold temperature, said breaker melts without leaving physical contact between said first part and said second part, which melting point is preferably less than or equal to 200°C.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the system comprises variable turbulator densities along the forced circulation circuit, the density of the turbulators at the outlet of the forced circulation circuit preferably being greater than the density of the turbulators at the inlet of said circuit.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the forced circulation circuit comprises fluid circulation sections of variable width, preferably of decreasing width, gradually or continuously, from the inlet to the outlet.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the spacer and / or the turbulators are clipped or glued onto at least one cell.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the ribs are arranged so that the forced circulation circuit has at least one change in direction of the fluid.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a cooling installation comprising a system according to one of the preceding characteristics, and further comprising: - a battery pack comprising N adjacent battery cells, including two end cells each arranged at an end wall of the housing, N being an integer greater than 3, - the system comprises at least N-1 spacers, preferably N+1 spacers.

[0032] According to one embodiment: - a spacer is installed between each cell adjacent to another cell; - a spacer is installed between each end wall of the housing and the cell end of which a large lateral face is adjacent to said wall, - the spacers comply with one of the preceding characteristics so that all the large side faces of the cells are cooled by a forced circulation circuit.

[0033] According to one embodiment: - the battery pack comprises two or more rows of cells placed side by side, - the ribs of each spacer are shaped so as to create one or more forced circulation circuits, each said circuit having one or more passes straddling the two large lateral faces of two cells arranged side by side, - each spacer preferably comprises a median rib which extends in the height of said cells and which is installed, in use, between lateral edges of said large lateral faces, so that said median rib fills the space between the two cells and forms a seal between said cells.

[0034] According to one embodiment, openings are provided in the median rib so as to allow the circulation of fluid between the large lateral faces of two cells arranged side by side. Brief description of the figures

[0035] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of the embodiments which follow, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which: [Fig. 1] is an exploded view showing various constituent elements of the device, system and installation according to the invention. [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of a case. [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of an example of a spacer according to the invention (the turbulators not being shown). [Fig. 4] shows an assembly of two adjacent battery cells with spacers installed (turbulators not shown). [Fig. 5] illustrates a sectional view along AA of the assembly of Figure 4. [Fig. 6] illustrates a sectional view along BB of Figure 2 (the beams and turbulators not being shown). [Fig. 7A], [Fig. 7B], [Fig. 7C], [Fig. 7D], [Fig. 7E] and [Fig. 7F] illustrate different possible spacer and fluid flow configurations (turbulators not shown). [Fig. 8A] and [Fig. 8B] illustrate a mode of circulation of the fluid in the housing, said housing being seen from above and below respectively. [Fig. 9] illustrates a configuration of the spacer with the turbulators. [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11] illustrate different turbulator configurations. [Fig. 12], [Fig. 13], [Fig. 14], [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 16] are enlargements of detail D in [Fig. 5] illustrating different turbulator arrangements. [Fig. 17] is a front view of a cell incorporating ribs and turbulators on one of its large side faces. [Fig. 18], [Fig. 19], [Fig. 20] and [Fig. 21] illustrate other turbulator arrangements. [Fig. 22] illustrates a battery pack comprising two rows of cells placed side by side (the turbulators not being shown). [Fig. 23] illustrates a possible spacer configuration (turbulators not shown) for the battery pack of [Fig. 22], [Fig. 24] illustrates a possible configuration of fluid inlet and outlet manifolds. Description of the embodiments

[0036] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object merely indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are being referred to and does not imply that the objects so described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ordering, or otherwise. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. On the one hand, Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various attached drawings, the objects are arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading.

[0037] The thermal regulation system that is the subject of the invention aims to regulate the temperature of a battery pack, in particular a battery pack of an electric and / or hybrid motor vehicle. However, it can be fitted to other types of vehicles or used to regulate the temperature of other electrical and / or electronic components such as power electronics elements, for example, but not limited to, semiconductors, such as diodes or transistors. It could also be computer server components. According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation consists of cooling the cells of the battery pack.

[0038] In Figure 1, the battery pack 1 comprises at least two battery cells 10 and generally between 2 and 25 cells, which pack is housed in a housing 2 (Figure 2). According to one embodiment, the battery pack 1 comprises N adjacent cells 10, with N an integer greater than 2 and preferably greater than 3, including two end cells each arranged at an end wall 201 of the housing 2.

[0039] The cells 10 are of the type known to those skilled in the art, generally prismatic, that is to say of a generally parallelepiped shape, each having two large lateral faces 100, two small lateral faces 103, an upper face 101 and a lower face 102. These different faces are generally flat, but some may be curved or curved. The cells 10 are positioned adjacent to each other at their large lateral faces 100.

[0040] The battery pack 1 is housed in a housing 2 formed by an enclosure 20 sealed by a cover 21 and by a bottom wall 22. The enclosure 20 has an internal space capable of receiving one or more battery packs. Structural beams 24 may be fixed to the enclosure 20 to further stiffen the housing 2.

[0041] In Figure 2, the housing 2 is generally parallelepiped in shape, but other suitable shapes can be envisaged, in particular according to the general shape of the battery pack 2. According to one embodiment, the different elements 20, 21, 22 are made by molding a plastic material, but other materials suitable to those skilled in the art can be used.

[0042] In the example of Figure 1, the enclosure 20 is delimited by two side walls 200 extending in a longitudinal direction and two end walls 201 perpendicular to said side walls.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the cover 21 is provided with one or more heat transfer fluid circulation channels 210i, 2102 forming collectors, in fluid communication with the enclosure 20. Preferably, these channels 210i, 2102 extend along the entire length of the enclosure 20 so as to be in fluid communication with all of the cells 10 of the block 1. These channels 210i, 2102 can serve as an inlet (i.e., for the fluid to enter the housing 2) or as an outlet (i.e., for the fluid to leave the housing 2). According to one embodiment, one channel 210i can serve as an inlet and another channel 2102 can serve as an outlet. According to another embodiment, the channels 210i, 2102 serve as an inlet. According to yet another embodiment, channels 210i, 2102 serve as output.In another embodiment, the cover 21 is devoid of a heat transfer fluid circulation channel, the fluid inlet / outlet being made exclusively at the level of the bottom wall 22.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the bottom wall 22 is made of two parts 220, 221 assembled together, for example by screwing, welding, gluing, etc. A first part 22 is in the form of a plate intended to be fixed at the bottom of the enclosure 20. A second part 221 has profiles in the form of channels 2210i, 22102, opening at openings 2200i, 22002 arranged in the plate 222, which openings are in fluid communication with the enclosure 20. In FIG. 1, these openings extend along the entire length of the enclosure 20 so as to be in fluid communication with all of the cells 10 of the block 1. The channels 2210i, 22102 thus open at each spacer 3 (in each intercell space). The bottom wall 22 can however be produced in a single part, the channels 2210 then being directly integrated into the plate 220, for example by molding.The bottom wall 22 can form the bottom of the enclosure 20 or be an additional wall, independent of the bottom of said enclosure.

[0045] The channels 221 Oi, 22102 of the bottom wall 22 are used for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid 210. They can serve as inlet (i.e., for the fluid to enter the housing 2) or outlet (i.e., for the fluid to be discharged from the housing 2). According to one embodiment, one channel 22101 can serve as inlet and another channel 22102 can serve as outlet. According to another embodiment, the channels 22101, 22102 serve as inlets. According to yet another embodiment, the channels 22101, 22102 serve as outlets. In another embodiment, the bottom wall 22 is devoid of a heat transfer fluid circulation channel, the inlet / outlet of the fluid being made exclusively at the level of the cover 21.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the inlets / outlets of the housing 2 are connected to a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 23, comprising for example a pumping circuit, and in particular making it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid in said housing to regulate the temperature of cells 10 housed therein. The circulation of the fluid in the housing 2 is described in detail further in the description. The temperature regulation preferably consists of cooling adjusted to maintain the cells 10 at a temperature less than or equal to a threshold temperature, for example between 20°C and 40°C. When the cells 10 exceed this threshold temperature, they are cooled by the heat transfer fluid, the latter then being a cooling fluid.

[0047] Particularly advantageously, the inlet of the housing 2 may comprise a screen configured to filter the heat transfer fluid so as to prevent the circulation of particles in said housing. These particles also have the disadvantage of reducing the efficiency of the heat transfer fluid, in particular in its heat exchange capacity. The screen is therefore preferably placed at the inlet of the housing 2 and / or upstream of the arrival of the fluid in the circuit 23. The screen is for example installed at the inlet of the channels 2101, 2102, 22101, 22102. Advantageously, the sieve may be of a generally cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the sieve is adapted to the shape of the channels / collectors 2101, 2102, 22101, 22102. The sieve is generally constituted by a rigid structure, manufactured in particular from a plastic or metallic material, in the form of a net or frame. This net serves as a support for a mesh grid capable of allowing the filtration of particles smaller than 200 pm, preferably less than 50 pm. The mesh grid is advantageously made of metallic material

[0048] In certain cases, for example when starting the vehicle, the regulation may also consist of heating the cells 10, in particular when they are at a temperature lower than or equal to a threshold temperature, for example lower than 0°C. Below this threshold temperature, the cells 10 are heated by the heat transfer fluid which is then a heating fluid.

[0049] The heat transfer fluid used is preferably a dielectric liquid, for example mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid. The heat transfer fluid can, however, be in another form, for example blown air. The fluid can be pre-cooled or pre-heated depending on the desired thermal regulation.

[0050] A spacer 3 (or interlayer, the two terms being synonymous within the meaning of the invention) is installed between each cell 10 adjacent to another cell so as to space them apart from each other. A spacer 3 is also advantageously installed between each end wall 201 of the housing 2 and the end cell 10 of which a large lateral face 100 is adjacent to said wall. According to one embodiment, if the battery pack 1 comprises N cells 10, the system comprises at least N-1 spacers 3, preferably N+1 spacers.

[0051] Advantageously, the spacers 3 have a relatively low thermal conductivity so as to act as a thermal insulator between the cells. According to one embodiment, the spacers 3 are made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at most 0.4 W.nr 1 .K -1 , preferably a thermal conductivity of at most 0.2 W.nr 1 .K~ 1The material used may be a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, or a material from the silicate family, preferably fiber-reinforced calcium silicate.

[0052] Each spacer 3 has a structure configured to be installed in a removable manner on a cell 10, preferably by clipping. According to one embodiment, the structure of the spacer 3 is adjusted (for example by elastic deformation of said structure) to the shape of the cell 10 to be tightly mounted on said cell so that the contacts between said structure and said cell are fluid-tight contacts. According to another embodiment, the spacers 3 can be installed in a non-removable manner on the cells 10, and for example fixed by gluing or welding.

[0053] In Figures 3, 4 and 5, the structure of the spacer 3 has a general shape of a U-shaped chute. It can be in the form of a single piece or in the form of several parts distinct from each other. The spacer 3 has a first support zone 30 configured to come to bear against a large lateral face 100 of the cell 10, a second support zone 31 configured to come to bear against the upper face 101 of said cell, and a third support zone 32 configured to come to bear against the lower face 102 of said cell. The structure of the spacer 3 can however have another conformation, and for example have only the first support zone 30, or only the first zone 30 and the second zone 31, or only the first zone 30 and the third zone 32.

[0054] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, when the cells 10 are installed in the usage configuration in the housing 2, the first zone 30 not only bears against the large lateral face 100 of the cell 10 against which the spacer 3 is installed (hereinafter the large “front” lateral face) but also bears against the large lateral face 100 of the adjacent cell 10 (hereinafter the large “rear” lateral face). The first zone 30 is thus sandwiched between the adjacent large lateral faces of the cells. According to a preferred embodiment, the contacts between the first zone 30 and the large front and rear lateral faces of the adjacent cells are fluid-tight contacts. Alternatively or additionally, one or more seals are installed in the space between the adjacent cells 10 so as to create fluid-tight contacts.

[0055] The first zone 30 has the same dimensions, or substantially the same dimensions, in length and width, as those of a large lateral face 100. It defines a flow zone located opposite the large lateral face 100 of the cell 10 against which the spacer 3 is installed and which extends over the major part of said large lateral face. Symmetrically, this flow zone is also located opposite the large rear lateral face of the adjacent cell, so that the fluid flowing in said area is in contact with the two large lateral faces of the adjacent cells.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the flow zone 30 extends over at least 51%, advantageously at least 90% and preferably at least 95% of the surface area of ​​the adjacent large lateral faces 100. The majority of these large lateral faces 100 can thus be in contact with the heat transfer fluid as explained further in the description.

[0057] One or more ribs 300 extend into the openwork portion of the flow zone 30 and are arranged so as to form one or more circuits for forced circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the adjacent cells. "forced circulation" means that the fluid is forced to follow one or more singular paths imposed by the arrangement of the rib(s) 300. This or these circuits are thus delimited on the one hand by the large adjacent lateral faces 100 of the cells and on the other hand by the ribs 300. All the large lateral faces 100 of the cells 10 are thus cooled by a forced circulation circuit. The number of passes (i.e. the changes of direction in a forced circulation circuit) is adjusted according to the desired heat exchange and / or according to the permitted pressure drop. The best results in terms of heat exchange are obtained when the forced circulation circuit has at least one change of direction of the fluid, advantageously at least 3 and preferably between 5 and 10 changes of direction (this range offering a good compromise in heat exchange and pressure drop).

[0058] Each forced circulation circuit comprises an inlet and an outlet for the fluid, which inlet / outlet are defined by the arrangement of the rib(s) 300. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 6, several ribs 300 are arranged so as to form two separate circuits, respectively C1, C2, each circuit comprising an inlet, respectively E1 and E2, and an outlet, respectively S1 and S2. In other embodiments, the ribs 300 are arranged to form M forced circulation circuits, with M an integer greater than 2.

[0059] In the example of Figure 4, the inputs E1, E2 are located at one edge of a large lateral face 100 (at the junction of said large lateral face and the lower face 102) and the outputs S1, S2 at another edge of said large face (at the junction of said large face and the upper face 101). Other input / output configurations are however conceivable, in particular a configuration inverse to that of Figure 4. Similarly, the inputs, respectively the outputs, are not necessarily located at the same edge of the large lateral face 100. An input E1 of a first circuit C1 may be located at a first edge (for example an upper edge) and the output S1 at a second edge (for example a lower edge), while the input E2 of a second circuit C2 is located at said second edge and the output S2 at said first edge. Or vice versa.According to another example of configuration, the input E1 and the output E2 of a first circuit C1 are located at the same edge, for example a lower edge, while the input E2 and the output E2 of a second circuit C2 are located at another, for example an upper edge. In other embodiments, all or part of the inputs / outputs are located at one or more lateral edges of a large lateral face 100 (at the junction of said large lateral face and a small lateral face 103).

[0060] The ribs 300 are preferably rectilinear, but may be curved or have curved and rectilinear portions, be in broken lines, or be of any other shape suitable to those skilled in the art.

[0061] The ribs 300 are in tight contact with the adjacent large side faces 100. This tight contact forms a fluid seal so that the circulation of the fluid in a forced circulation circuit C1, C2 takes place only between the inlet E1, E2 and the outlet S1, S2 of said circuit. When several circuits are defined by the spacer 3, there is in particular no fluid communication between these circuits, which ensures homogeneous circulation in each circuit. Alternatively or additionally, one or more seals are installed in the space between the adjacent cells 10, in particular on the ribs 300, so that the circulation of the fluid in a forced circulation circuit takes place only between the inlet and the outlet of said circuit.

[0062] The thickness of the spacer structure 3 and / or the thickness of the ribs 300 depend on the desired distance between the cells 10 and / or the desired flow rate of the fluid circulating in the circuit(s). The best results, particularly in terms of regulation, are obtained when this thickness is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, advantageously between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0063] In addition to allowing a distancing of the adjacent cells 10 for the flow of the heat transfer fluid, the spacers 3 have a mechanical role against the swelling of the cells 10 induced by their rise in temperature. They in fact allow the cells 10 to be kept in compression under the effect of this swelling, which ensures a maximum capacity of said cells.

[0064] In order for the ribs 300 to minimally obscure the surface area of ​​the large lateral faces 100 in contact with the heat transfer fluid, said ribs occupy at most 10%, advantageously at most 5%, of the surface area of ​​a large lateral face 100. Optimum results in terms of limitation to swelling and efficiency of heat exchanges are obtained when the ribs 300 have a width of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, advantageously between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The ribs 300 may have the same width or different widths. In particular, the ribs 300 or the portions of ribs located in the central zone of the large lateral faces 100 may be wider to the extent that the mechanical stresses due to swelling are maximum in this zone.

[0065] In the attached figures, the second zone 31 and the third zone 32 have the same dimensions, or substantially the same dimensions, in length and width, as those of the upper 101 and lower 102 faces of a cell 10. They may however have different dimensions in length and / or width. The second zone 31 advantageously has openwork portions 310 arranged to leave the connection terminals 104 of the cell 10 free. The third zone 32 may also have openwork portions. In these openwork portions, the fluid is in contact with the upper 101 and lower 102 faces, contributing to the heat exchanges and thermal regulation of the cell 10 at the level of said faces.

[0066] When the cells 10 and the spacers 3 are installed in the usage configuration in the housing 2, the input(s) / output(s) of the circuit(s) C1, C2 are in fluid communication with the input(s) / output(s) of the circuit 23 of the housing 2. In FIG. 6, the openings 2210i, 22102 of the bottom wall 22 open at the inputs E1, E2 and the channels 210i, 2102 of the cover 21 open at the outputs S1, S2. Thus, the channels 2101, 2102 and 22101, 22102 open at each spacer 3, that is to say in each intercell space.

[0067] Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F illustrate different configurations of the device. Figure 7A corresponds to the aforementioned configuration. The spacer 3 comprises several ribs 300 arranged so as to form a first forced circulation circuit C1 and a second forced circulation circuit C2. The first circuit C1 comprises an inlet E1 and an outlet S1 and the second circuit C2 comprises an inlet E2 and an outlet S2. The inlets E1 and E2 are located at the lower edge of the large lateral face 100 and the outlets S1, S2 at the upper edge of said large face. The inlets E1 and E2 are in fluid communication with the inlet channels 2210i, 22102 arranged in the bottom wall 2. The outlets S1 and S2 are in fluid communication with the discharge channels 210i, 2102 arranged in the cover 21.The fluid enters through the inlet channel 2210i, circulates forcibly in the first circuit C1 from the inlet E1 to the outlet S1 and is discharged through the discharge channel 210i. At the same time, the fluid also enters through the other inlet channel 22102, circulates forcibly in the second circuit C2 from the inlet E2 to the outlet S2 and is discharged through the discharge channel 2102. The circulation of the fluid in the first circuit C1 and the circulation of said fluid in the second circuit C2 have the same direction here.

[0068] The configuration of Figure 7B is similar to that of Figure 7A. The main difference is that the inputs E1 and E2 are not located at the same edge of the large side face 100, nor are the outputs S1, S2.

[0069] In the configuration of Figure 7C, the ribs 300 are arranged so as to form a single forced circulation circuit C comprising an inlet E and an outlet S which are both located at the lower edge of the large lateral face 100.

[0070] The configuration of Figure 7D is similar to that of Figure 7C. The main difference is that the input E is located at the lower edge of the large face 100, while the output S is located at the upper edge of said large face.

[0071] A configuration opposite to Figure 7D can be envisaged as illustrated in Figure 7E. In this case, the input E is located at the upper edge of the large face 100 and the output S is located at the lower edge of said large face is conceivable.

[0072] In the configuration of Figure 7F, the inlet E and the outlet S of the circuit C are located at the upper edge of the large side face 100. The fluid is supplied and discharged here from the cover 21, said fluid not circulating through the bottom wall 22.

[0073] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate yet another configuration of the device making the assembly particularly compact and easy to install. The configuration of the spacer 3 is similar to that of Figure 7F. The fluid is supplied and discharged from the bottom wall 22. This is provided with an inlet channel 2210i and an outlet channel 22102 which each open at each spacer 3 (in each intercell space). The fluid connection of the housing 2 to the circuit 23 is therefore made only at the bottom wall 22, which simplifies installation. Furthermore, since the cover 21 has no connections to the circuit 23, it can be easily and quickly removed in the event of work on the battery pack 1.

[0074] A first conduit 2100i makes it possible to bring the fluid circulating in the inlet channel 2210i to a first channel 210i arranged in the cover 21. According to one embodiment, the ends of the first conduit 2100i open respectively into the inlet channel 2210i and into the first channel 210i. The first conduit 2100i thus makes it possible to “raise” the fluid from the bottom wall 22 to the cover 21. The first channel 210i arranged in the cover 21 makes it possible to supply in parallel the inputs E of the different circuits C. In FIG. 8A, the first conduit 2100i is arranged at an end wall 201 of the housing 2.

[0075] A second conduit 21 OO2 makes it possible to bring the fluid circulating in the second channel 2102 arranged in the cover 21 to the evacuation channel 22102. According to one embodiment, the ends of the second conduit 21002 open respectively into the second channel 2102 and into the evacuation channel 22102. The second conduit 21002 thus makes it possible to “lower” the fluid from the cover 21 to the bottom wall 22. The second channel 2102 arranged in the cover 21 is in fluid communication with the outlets S of the different circuits C. In FIG. 8A, the second conduit 21002 is arranged at the level of another end wall 201 of the housing 2.

[0076] In this configuration, the fluid enters through the inlet channel 22101 and passes through the first conduit 21 OO1 to reach the first channel 2101 of the cover 21. The fluid then circulates forcibly in the circuit C from the inlet E to the outlet S. The fluid then circulates in the second channel 2102 and passes through the second conduit 21002 to reach the discharge channel 22102 through which it is discharged.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the battery pack 1 has two or more rows of cells placed side by side. In Figure 22, the battery pack 1 is for example composed of two rows of cells 10, 10' placed side by side.

[0078] To enable the cells 10, 10' to be held and the flow to be uniform along their large lateral faces 100, 100', the ribs 300 of the spacer 3 are shaped so as to create one or more forced circulation circuits C, each having one or more passes, as in the case of a spacer for a single cell described previously.

[0079] Advantageously, so that the temperature is as uniform as possible, each circuit C (and each of its passes) extends - or straddles - the two large lateral faces 100, 100' of the cells 10, 10' arranged side by side.

[0080] Spacer 3 forms a fluid seal along the entire length of circuit C as with a single cell spacer described previously.

[0081] In Figures 22, 23 and 24, the spacer 3 comprises a median rib 301 which extends in the height of the cells 10, 10' and which is installed in use between the lateral edges of the large lateral faces 100, 100'. This median rib 301 thus fills the space between the two cells 10, 10' and forms a seal between said cells. Openings 3010 are provided in the median rib 301 so as to allow the circulation of the fluid between the large lateral faces 100, 100'.

[0082] The median rib 301 further allows for distancing of the cells 10, 10' arranged side by side and plays a mechanical role against the swelling of said cells induced by their rise in temperature. It contributes to maintaining the cells 10, 10' in compression under the effect of this swelling, which ensures maximum capacity of said cells.

[0083] The sealing between the cells 10, 10' is particularly advantageous when the fluid inlet / outlet collectors 210i, 2102 are arranged laterally and on one side only of the battery block 1, as illustrated in figures 22 and 24. The inlet E and the outlet S (figure 23) of the circuit C are then arranged in the spacer 3, at the level of a rib located at the edge of the cell.

[0084] If the collectors are positioned on either side of the cells 10, 10' (for example the inlet collector positioned on one side of the cell 10 and the outlet collector positioned on the opposite side of the cell 10'), this sealing would no longer necessarily be important. Indeed, the space between the cells 10, 10' can be used as an intermediate collector facilitating the distribution of the fluid between the cells. In this case, the spacer 3 may not have a median rib 301 or may have a median rib, but which does not fill the space between the two cells 10, 10'.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the ribs 300 can be arranged so as to form a first circuit which winds along the large lateral face 100 of the first cell 10 and a second circuit which winds along the large lateral face 100' of the second cell 10'. Communication between the two circuits can be achieved at the cover 21 (more particularly at the busbar area) or at the bottom wall 22 of the housing 2. This embodiment has the advantage of not requiring sealing between the cells 10, 10', but is not optimal in terms temperature homogeneity due to the fact that the fluid arrives hotter at the second cell 10' than at the first cell 10.

[0086] In Figure 24, the input / output collectors 210i, 2102 are arranged laterally and on one side only of the battery pack 1. To ensure the power supply of one or more cells 10 located at the ends of the battery pack 1, the input collector 2101 and / or the output collector 2102 can be extended and bent so as to open directly into the circuit C formed at the level of at least one of said end cells.

[0087] According to a characteristic of the invention illustrated in Figure 9, turbulators T (or disturbance elements, the two terms being synonymous within the meaning of the invention) are present in the flow zone 30, along the circuit(s) C, C1, C2 described above, so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet and the outlet of said circuit(s). The turbulence thus created makes it possible to improve the heat exchanges between the fluid and the cells, in particular by increasing the heat exchange (or transmission) coefficient. Indeed, the turbulators, by disturbing the flow, induce a rupture of the boundary layer and therefore an increase in the heat exchange coefficient.

[0088] For the sake of brevity and clarity, the following description describes turbulators arranged in a single forced circulation circuit C. However, the invention also covers spacers having several forced circulation circuits, and in which the turbulators are arranged in all or part of these circuits.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the turbulators T are present all along the circuit C, from the inlet E to the outlet S so as to maximize the heat exchanges with the large lateral faces 100. According to another embodiment, the turbulators T are present only on one or more portions of the circuit C, and in particular located in the zones of the large lateral faces 100 where the temperatures are the highest (in the case where the aim is to cool the cells) and / or the lowest (in the case where the aim is to heat the cells).

[0090] Depending on the surface area of ​​the exchange zone in circuit C, the number of turbulators T can vary from around ten to several hundred, or even several thousand. For example, one or several tens of turbulators can be provided per cm 2 They can be distributed regularly, that is to say with the same density along the circuit C, or distributed irregularly, that is to say with variable densities along said circuit.

[0091] Variable densities of turbulators T make it possible to homogenize the heat exchanges along the circuit C, in particular when the density of the turbulators at the outlet S is greater than the density of the turbulators at the inlet E. Indeed, the heat flux P can be written according to the following formula: P = K.Se.AT; where K is the heat exchange coefficient, Se the exchange surface and AT represents the temperature difference between the fluid and the large lateral face 100 on which said fluid flows. Based on the assumption that the exchange surface is constant, that the temperature of the large lateral face 100 is substantially the same at the inlet E and the outlet S, but that the temperature of the fluid changes between the inlet E and the outlet S (due to the heat exchanges along the circuit C), then ATinlet E + Aîoutlet s. More particularly, AT decreases from the inlet E to the outlet S.

[0092] To obtain homogeneous heat exchanges along the circuit C, we seek to ensure that Pinput E = Poutput s, and ideally that P is constant along the flow of the fluid in the circuit C. The heat exchange coefficient K being proportional to the Reynolds number, the increase in the density of the turbulators T will make it possible to increase the value of the coefficient K. Thus, the decrease in AT along the circuit C is therefore compensated by an increase in the coefficient K so that a balance can be obtained between Pinput E and Poutput s. Also, according to a preferred embodiment, the density of the turbulators T is increasing, gradually or continuously, from the inlet E to the outlet S of the circuit C. In the case where the turbulators T are made of a thermally conductive material and participate in the heat exchange, the increase in the density of said turbulators increases the exchange surface Se.The decrease in AT along circuit C can therefore also be compensated by an increase in the exchange surface Se.

[0093] Alternatively, the reduction in AT can be compensated (without modifying the value of the coefficient K and therefore without modifying the density of the turbulators), by increasing the exchange surface Se by modifying the shape of said turbulators between the inlet E and the outlet S.

[0094] According to yet another embodiment which may be complementary to or substituted for the modes described previously, the circuit C comprises fluid circulation sections of variable width so that the flow speed of the fluid is variable from one section to another. This variability of the speed makes it possible to vary the value of the coefficient K (without having to modify the density of the turbulators). Advantageously, these sections have a decreasing width, gradually or continuously, from the inlet E to the outlet S of the circuit C, so that the speed increases from said inlet to said outlet. The best results in terms of homogeneity of the heat flow are obtained when the decreasing width of the sections from the inlet E to the outlet S is between -20% and -80%, preferably between -40% and -60%.

[0095] In Figures 9 to 21, the turbulators T are in relief and extend in the height of the ribs 300, or in other words in the space separating two adjacent cells 10a, 10b or in the thickness of the fluid layer. The height of the turbulators T is advantageously greater than or equal to 50% of that of the ribs 300, preferably greater than 70%, and very preferably greater than or equal to 90%. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 making it possible to optimize the turbulence, the height of the turbulators T corresponds to that of the ribs 300 (and / or to the space separating two adjacent cells and / or to the thickness of the fluid layer) so that said turbulators are in contact with the two large adjacent lateral faces 100i, 10O2 of cells 10i, 102.

[0096] The T turbulators can have the shape of ribs, nipples, half-spheres, cylindrical or polygonal tubes, pyramids, fins, etc. In Figures 10 and 11, the T turbulators form a lattice or an alveolar (or pseudo-alveolar) structure having openings so that the fluid can flow along each of the large adjacent lateral faces 100i, O2. This type of structure gives very good results in terms of heat exchange. The T turbulators can for example be obtained by molding, die-casting, rolling, 3D printing, or by any other technique suitable to those skilled in the art.

[0097] The turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 are arranged on one or more supports separate from the spacer 3 and added to the forced circulation circuit C. The support(s) can then be held in position on the cells 10i and / or 102 by gluing, heat-sealing, clipping, fitting, or by any other means suitable to those skilled in the art.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment which has the advantage of being simple, inexpensive, lightweight and easy to install, the turbulators T form a single piece with the spacer 3. The turbulators T and the rib(s) 300 may, for example, be formed by molding, stamping or stamping a sheet or strip.

[0099] To actively participate in thermal exchanges, the T turbulators can be made of a thermally conductive material and / or having a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example greater than 100 Wm -1.K“ 1 , preferably greater than 200 Wm -1 .K“ 1 The material used for the support can be aluminum, or an aluminum alloy so as to obtain a good compromise between weight / price / thermal conductivity. Other materials can be used such as copper, copper alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, carbon, polymers loaded with powders or metal flakes, etc.

[0100] According to an alternative embodiment, the turbulators T are made of a thermal insulating material and / or having a relatively low thermal conductivity, for example of at most 0.4 W.nr 1 .K -1 , preferably at most 0.2 W.rrr 1 .K“ 1. The material used may be a material distinct from or preferably identical to that of the spacer 3, in particular a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, or a material from the silicate family, preferably made of calcium silicate reinforced by fibers. An advantage linked to the use of a thermally insulating material and / or one having relatively low thermal conductivity, is that in the event of thermal runaway of a cell 10i, the heat is not - or only slightly - transferred to the adjacent cells102.

[0101] However, this design has the disadvantage of not taking advantage of the increase in the exchange surface offered by the T turbulators. Also, in the solution illustrated as a non-limiting example in figures 14 and 15, the T turbulators have a dual function: to disturb the flow of the fluid so as to promote heat exchanges and to increase the heat exchange surface.

[0102] The turbulators T here have a first part Ti adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face 100i of a cell 10i, and a second part T2 adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face O2 of an adjacent cell I O2. These two parts T1 and T2 are made of a thermally conductive material and / or having a relatively high thermal conductivity of the type described previously.

[0103] The two parts T1 and T2 are thermally insulated by a thermal breaker T3, so that in the event of thermal runaway of a 10i cell, the heat is not - or only slightly - transferred to the adjacent cell 2 (or vice versa).

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal breaker T3 is made of a thermal insulating material and / or having a relatively low thermal conductivity of the type described above.

[0105] In Figure 14, the breaker T3 is in the form of a support on which the parts T1 and T2 are fixed, for example a plastic plate on which the said parts are glued.

[0106] In Figure 15, the turbulators T are made of a composite material obtained for example by an injection or 3D printing technique, the two parts T1 and T2 being made of a thermally conductive material and / or having a relatively high thermal conductivity of the type described previously, and the breaker T3, forming the core, being made of a thermally insulating material and / or having a relatively low thermal conductivity of the type described previously.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment, the breaker T3 is made of a phase change material having a melting point below a threshold temperature. This is in particular a temperature characteristic of runaway thermal of a cell 10, typically a temperature above 200°C. The material of the breaker T3 is in this example chosen so that its melting point is less than or equal to 200°C. Materials such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyacetal copolymer or Polyoxymethylene (POMC or POM), High density polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), may in particular be used, without this list being limiting.

[0108] Thus, when the temperature of cell 10i (respectively 2) reaches the threshold temperature, the heat is also transmitted to the breaker T3 via the first part T1 (respectively the second part T2). The temperature of the breaker T3 is then such that it melts without leaving any physical contact between the first part T1 and said second part T2 (figure 16). In this state, the heat emitted by cell 10i cannot be transferred to the adjacent cell 2 (or vice versa). The molten material is then naturally evacuated in the fluid flow.

[0109] In another embodiment variant illustrated in Figures 17 to 21, the turbulators T, T1, T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 are formed directly in the wall of at least one large lateral face 100n, O21 of the cells 10i, I O2, and preferably in each of the walls of the two large lateral faces 100n, O12, O21, O22. The turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 project from the wall of a large lateral face 100n of a cell 10i and extend towards the wall of the large lateral face O22 of another adjacent cell 2.

[0110] The turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 may for example be shaped during the stamping, die-stamping, molding or machining of the walls of the large side faces 100n, WO12, O21, O22.

[0111] To preserve the electrical insulation of each cell, the turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 are advantageously covered with an electrically insulating film, for example a film made from aramid fiber, polycarbonate resin or a polyimide film (Kapton®).

[0112] In Figure 17, the ribs 300 are corrugated to increase turbulence. The corrugation pitch corresponds to the turbulator pitch T. This configuration may apply to all of the embodiments presented in the description.

[0113] Since cell walls are generally made of a thermally conductive material and / or have relatively high thermal conductivity, turbulators have the dual function of disrupting fluid flow and increasing the heat exchange surface. To avoid or limit heat transfer from one cell to another in the event of thermal runaway, several solutions described below are possible.

[0114] In Figure 18, the height of the turbulators Ti, T2 is less than the thickness of the fluid layer flowing in the circuit C or, equivalently, less than the height of the ribs 300 or less than the distance separating two adjacent cells 101, 102. The turbulators T1 of a cell 101 are therefore not in contact with the wall of the large lateral face O22 of another adjacent cell 102, so that in the event of thermal runaway of a cell 101, the heat is not transferred to the adjacent cell 2 (or vice versa). When the turbulators T1, T2 are shaped in each of the walls of the two large lateral faces 100n, O12, O21, O22, the turbulators T1 of a large face 100n are advantageously arranged in a staggered manner with the turbulators T2 of the adjacent large face O22, so that said turbulators do not touch each other and the heat cannot be transferred from one cell to the other.

[0115] In Figure 19, the height of the turbulators T1, T2 corresponds (i.e. is equal) to the thickness of the fluid layer flowing in the circuit C or, equivalently, corresponds to the height of the ribs 300 or to the distance separating two adjacent cells 10i, 2. The turbulators T1 (respectively T2) of a cell 10i are therefore in contact with the wall of the large lateral face O22 (respectively 100n) of another adjacent cell 2 (respectively 10i). The turbulators T1, T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 may be shaped in the wall of only one of the large lateral faces of the cells or in both. The contact between the turbulators T1, T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 and the adjacent large lateral face is preferably achieved by a thermal breaker T3 so as to thermally isolate said turbulators from said wall of the large side face. The thermal breaker T3 is of the type described previously.

[0116] In Figure 20, some turbulators T 1 of a cell 101 are in contact with the wall of the large lateral face O22 of another adjacent cell 2 and other turbulators of said cell 10i are therefore not in contact with said wall of the large lateral face O22. This solution makes it possible to locally increase the contact surface of the spacer 3 with an adjacent cell in the areas where the swelling of the cells under the effect of their heating is maximum (in particular at the center of the cells).

[0117] In Figure 21, the height of the turbulators T1, T2 is such that they are not in contact with the wall of the large lateral face O22, respectively O21, of another adjacent cell 2, respectively 10i. However, the turbulators T1 of a cell 101 are arranged opposite the turbulators T2 of the adjacent cell 2 so that said turbulators touch each other. The contact between the turbulators T1, T2 is preferably made by a thermal breaker T3 so as to thermally insulate the cells. The thermal breaker T3 is of the type described previously.

[0118] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0119] Furthermore, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if that or those features are described only in combination with other features, j

Claims

Claims

1. Device for spacing battery cells (10) of a vehicle battery pack (1), comprising a spacer (3) configured to be in contact with adjacent large lateral faces (100) of said cells, characterized in that said spacer (3) comprises: - a flow zone (30) arranged to be located opposite the large adjacent lateral faces of the cells (10) and to extend over the majority of said large faces, - one or more ribs (300) extending in the flow zone (30), the rib(s) (300) being arranged so as to form at least one forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2) of the heat transfer fluid between said cells (10), preferably so that the fluid is in contact with the two adjacent large lateral faces of said cells, the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2) comprises an inlet (E, E1, E2) and an outlet (S, S1, S2), and in that turbulators (T, Ti, T2) are present in the flow zone, along the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2), so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet (E, E1, E2) and the outlet (S, S1, S2) of said circulation circuit forced, which turbulators are in relief and extend into the height of the ribs (300).

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the turbulators (T, T1, T2) are arranged on one or more supports separate from the spacer (3) and added to the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2).

3. Device according to claim 1, in which the turbulators (T, T1, T2) form a single piece with the spacer (3).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the turbulators (T, T1, T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) are arranged on a support configured to be fixed to a cell (10).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the turbulators (T) have: - a first part (T1) adapted to be in contact with a large face lateral (100i) of a cell (1 Oi), - a second part (T2) adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face (I OO2) of another adjacent cell (102), - a thermal breaker (T3) to thermally isolate the first part from the second part.

6. Device according to claim 5, in which the turbulators (T, T1, T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) are shaped on the wall of at least one large lateral face (10011) of the cells (101, 102), preferably on each of the walls of the two large lateral faces (100n, O12, O21, O22) of the cells (101, 2).

7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, in which the turbulators (T1, T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) project from the wall of a large lateral face (100n) of a cell (10i) and extend towards the wall of the large lateral face (O22) of another adjacent cell (1 O2).

8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which a thermal breaker (T3) thermally isolates the turbulators (T1) and / or the rib(s) (300) of the wall of the large lateral face (O22) of the other adjacent cell (I O2).

9. Device according to one of claims 5, 7 or 8, in which the turbulators (T) are made of a thermal insulating material, preferably made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

10. Device according to claim 5, wherein the first part (T1) and the second part (T2) of the turbulators (T) are made of a thermally conductive material, preferably made of a polymer material or a polymer-based composite material.

11. Device according to one of claims 5 or 10, in which the thermal breaker (T3) forms a support on which the first part (T1) and the second part (T2) are fixed.

12. Device according to one of claims 5 or 10, in which the thermal breaker (T3) forms a physical interface between the first part (T1) and second part (T2), which breaker is made of a material having a melting point lower than a threshold temperature, so that that when the temperature of the first part (Ti) and / or the second part (T2) reaches said threshold temperature, said breaker melts without leaving physical contact between said first part and said second part, which melting point is preferably less than or equal to 200°C.

13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, comprising variable turbulator densities (T) along the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2), the density of the turbulators (T) at the outlet (S, S1, S2) of the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2) being preferably greater than the density of the turbulators at the inlet (E, E1, E2) of said circuit.

14. Device according to one of claims 5 to 13, in which the forced circulation circuit (C, C1, C2) comprises fluid circulation sections of variable width, preferably of decreasing width, gradually or continuously, from the inlet (E) to the outlet (S).

15. Device according to one of claims 5 to 14, in which the spacer (3) and / or the turbulators (T) are configured to be clipped or glued onto at least one cell (10).

16. Thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack (1), comprising: - a housing (2) comprising a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit, which housing is capable of housing a battery pack (1), - a device according to one of the preceding claims.

17. A cooling installation comprising a system according to the preceding claim, and further comprising: - a battery pack (1) comprising N adjacent battery cells (10), including two end cells each arranged at an end wall (201) of the housing (2), N being an integer greater than 3, - the system comprises at least N-1 spacers (3), preferably N+1 spacers (3).

18. Installation according to claim 17, in which: - a spacer (3) is installed between each cell (10) adjacent to another cell, - a spacer (3) is installed between each end wall (201) of the housing (2) and the end cell (10) of which a large lateral face is adjacent to said wall, - the spacers (3) are in accordance with claim 1 so that all the large lateral faces (100) of the cells (10) are cooled by a forced circulation circuit.

19. Cooling installation according to one of claims 17 or 18, in which: - the battery pack (1) comprises two or more rows of cells (10, 10') placed side by side, - the ribs (300) of each spacer (3) are shaped so as to create one or more forced circulation circuits (C), each said circuit having one or more passes straddling the two large lateral faces (100, 100') of two cells (10, 10') arranged side by side, - each spacer (3) comprises a median rib (301) which extends in the height of said cells (10, 10') and which is installed, in use, between lateral edges of said large lateral faces (100, 100'), so that said median rib fills the space between the two cells and forms a seal between said cells, openings (301) preferably being provided in the median rib (301) so as to allow the circulation of the fluid between the large lateral faces (100, 100') of two cells (10, 10') arranged side by side. |

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