Device for spacing battery cells in a vehicle battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for spacing battery cells, comprising a spacer in contact with adjacent large lateral faces of said cells. The spacer comprises: a flow zone located opposite the adjacent large lateral faces of the cells and extending over most of said large faces; one or more ribs forming at least one forced circulation circuit (C) of the fluid between said cells; and turbulators (T) present in the flow zone, 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 said forced circulation circuit. These turbulators are raised and extend along the height of the ribs. Figure 9

Description

Title of the invention: Device for spacing battery cells in a vehicle battery pack technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for spacing battery cells in 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 system comprising such a system.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements, especially battery elements, which are capable of releasing heat during their operation. The invention applies preferably, but not exclusively, to the automotive field and more particularly to the field of electric and / or hybrid vehicles. Prior art

[0003] The electrical energy of electric and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more battery packs, each comprising several battery cells. During operation, the cells heat up and swell, which can damage them. In particular, one charging technique, known as fast charging, involves charging the cells at a high voltage and high amperage in a short period of time, typically a maximum of about twenty minutes. This fast charging results in significant heating of the cells, which requires treatment.

[0004] In the field of motor vehicles, it is known to use a thermal regulation system, particularly 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, or during driving or during a charging operation, by decreasing the temperature of the cells, which tend to heat up during their use.

[0005] 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 observed that such an arrangement can lead to uneven cooling of the cells in the same battery block, resulting in a decrease in overall performance. Furthermore, such a thermal regulation system exhibits high thermal resistance due to the thickness of the material present between the cooling fluid and the cells. To cool. In addition, this solution generally takes up a significant amount of space.

[0006] According to another known thermal regulation solution, a dielectric fluid is sprayed, generally in spray form, directly onto the cells by means of a dielectric fluid circuit and orifices or nozzles for spraying the dielectric fluid. Heat exchange can then occur 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, particularly in its liquid phase, the dielectric fluid can flow along the walls of said cells and accumulate, notably in a lower part of the casing housing the battery pack to be thermally regulated. Such a solution is described, for example, in patent document FR3077683.However, particularly when used in a vehicle, the cells may not be positioned flat, parallel to the horizontal, but may be tilted or inclined relative to the horizontal, so that the dielectric fluid may accumulate on only one side. The accumulated dielectric fluid is then not distributed evenly across the cells. These problems can also occur when the vehicle itself is tilted, for example, on a banked road, or due to vibrations caused by road conditions, driving, or any other factor. Furthermore, this can increase the workload of a pump, for example, to remove the accumulated dielectric fluid from the casing. In addition, the pump could draw in air, which could damage it.

[0007] French patent document FR3060863 proposes an alternative solution for dissipating the heat generated by battery cells, consisting of installing a spacer between the cells to create a gap between them and blowing cooling air towards them. However, the solution proposed in this document is relatively complex to implement and does not, in practice, provide homogeneous and optimal cooling of the cells. Furthermore, it has been observed that the time required to bring the cells to a desired temperature can be relatively long.

[0008] Regulation systems are also known that comprise a housing through which a cooling fluid circulates and in which the battery pack is housed. This ensures heat exchange between the cells and the cooling fluid. However, immersing the cells in a fluid does not allow for homogeneous cooling of said cells.

[0009] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, one objective of the invention is to provide a device for spacing battery cells that allows for more homogeneous and efficient cooling of the cells in a battery pack. Another objective of the invention is to provide a thermal regulation system that allows the cells to reach their operating temperature more quickly. desired temperature. An additional objective of the invention is to provide 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 in a vehicle battery pack, comprising a spacer configured to be in contact with large adjacent lateral faces of said cells.

[0011] The spacer comprises: - a flow zone designed to be located opposite the large adjacent lateral faces of the cells and to extend over most of said large faces, - one or more ribs extending into the flow zone, the rib or ribs being arranged so as to form at least one forced circulation circuit 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 includes 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 outlet of said forced circulation circuit, which turbulators are in relief and extend in the height of the ribs.

[0013] The fact that two rotating elements control the fluid flow between the orifices of the first series, combined with the fact that the three stages can be in fluidic communication, makes it possible to increase tenfold the number of possible operating modes compared to prior art multi-way valves, while maintaining a small radial and axial footprint. The multi-way valve according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to group four three-way valves or three four-way valves. Furthermore, the use of three separate rotating elements makes it possible to design each one specifically in order to easily offer all the combinations suitable for the desired operating modes.

[0014] Other advantageous features of the invention (according to its various aspects) are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable 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 participate. The following features may 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 brought into 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 on 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 suitable for housing a battery pack, which pack 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 lateral face of a cell and extend towards the wall of the large lateral face of another adjacent cell.

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

[0022] According to one embodiment, the turbulators are made of a thermally insulating material, preferably made of polymer material or of 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 break 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 break forms a support on which are fixed the first part and the second part.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the thermal break forms a physical interface between the first part and the second part, which break 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 break melts without leaving any 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 turbulator density at the outlet of the forced circulation circuit being preferably greater than the turbulator density 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 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 of 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 casing, N being an integer greater than 3, - The system comprises at least Nl spacers, preferably N+l 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 end cell, one large lateral face of which is adjacent to said wall, - the spacers conform to one of the previous characteristics so that all the large lateral 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 to create one or more forced circulation circuits, each said circuit having one or more passes to straddling the two large lateral faces of two cells arranged side-by-side, - each spacer preferably includes a midrib 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 midrib fills the space between the two cells and forms a seal between said cells.

[0034] According to one embodiment, openings are provided in the midrib 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 features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of the embodiments that follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which:

[0036] [Fig-1] is an exploded view showing different component elements of the device, system and installation according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a housing.

[0038] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an example of a spacer according to the invention (turbulators not shown).

[0039] [Fig.4] shows an assembly of two adjacent battery cells on which spacers are installed (turbulators not shown).

[0040] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-sectional view along AA of the assembly of [Fig.4].

[0041] [Fig.6] illustrates a cross-sectional view along BB of [Fig.2] (the beams and the tur bubateurs not being shown).

[0042] [Fig.7A], [Fig.7B], [Fig.7C], [Fig.7D], [Fig.7E] and [Fig.7F] illustrate different Possible configurations of spacer and fluid circulation (turbulators not shown).

[0043] [Fig.8A] and [Fig.8B] illustrate a mode of fluid circulation in the casing, said case being viewed from above and below respectively.

[0044] [Fig.9] illustrates a configuration of the spacer with the turbulators.

[0045] [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11] illustrate different turbulator configurations.

[0046] [Fig.12], [Fig.13], [Fig.14], [Fig.15] and [Fig.16] are enlargements of detail D in [Fig.5] illustrating different turbulator arrangements.

[0047] [Fig. 17] is a front view of a cell incorporating ribs and turbulators on one of its large lateral faces.

[0048] [Fig. 18], [Fig. 19], [Fig. 20] and [Fig. 21] illustrate other turbulator arrangements.

[0049] [Fig.22] illustrates a battery block comprising two rows of cells placed side-by-side (turbulators not shown).

[0050] [Fig.23] illustrates a possible spacer configuration (the turbulators not being represented) for the battery pack of the [Fig.22].

[0051] [Fig.24] illustrates a possible configuration of input and output manifolds of fluid. Description of the implementation methods

[0052] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or any other way. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0053] The thermal regulation system of the invention is designed to regulate the temperature of a battery pack, in particular a battery pack of an electric and / or hybrid motor vehicle. However, it can also be used in other types of vehicles or 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 used for computer server components. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation consists of cooling the cells of the battery pack.

[0054] In [Fig. 1], the battery block 1 comprises at least two battery cells 10 and generally between 2 and 25 cells, which block is housed in a casing 2 ([Fig. 2]). According to one embodiment, the battery block 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 casing 2.

[0055] The cells 10 are of a type known to those skilled in the art, generally prismatic, that is to say, generally parallelepiped in shape, each having two large lateral faces 100, two small lateral faces 103, a top face 101 and a bottom face 102. These different faces are generally flat, but some may be curved or rounded. The cells 10 are positioned adjacently at their large lateral faces 100.

[0056] The battery pack 1 is housed in a casing 2 formed by an enclosure 20 sealed by a cover 21 and a bottom wall 22. The enclosure 20 has an internal space suitable for receiving one or more battery packs. Structural beams 24 can be attached to the enclosure 20 to further stiffen the casing 2.

[0057] In [Fig.2], the housing 2 is generally parallelepiped in shape, but other Suitable shapes can be considered, in particular according to the general shape of the battery block 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 may be used.

[0058] In the example of [Fig. 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.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cover 21 is provided with one or more heat transfer fluid circulation channels 210i, 2102 forming manifolds, in fluidic communication with the enclosure 20. Preferably, these channels 210i, 2102 extend along the entire length of the enclosure 20 so as to be in fluidic communication with all the cells 10 of the block 1. These channels 210i, 2102 can serve as inlets (i.e., the fluid enters the housing 2) or outlets (i.e., the fluid exits the housing 2). In one embodiment, one channel 210i can serve as an inlet and another channel 2102 can serve as an outlet. In another embodiment, both channels 210i and 2102 serve as inlets. According to yet another embodiment, channels 210i, 2102 serve as outputs.In another embodiment, the cover 21 is devoid of a heat transfer fluid circulation channel, the fluid inlet / outlet occurring exclusively at the bottom wall 22.

[0060] 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 to the bottom of the enclosure 20. A second part 221 has channel-shaped profiles 22101, 22102, opening into openings 22001, 22002 provided in the plate 222, which openings are in fluidic communication with the enclosure 20. In [Fig. 1], these openings extend along the entire length of the enclosure 20 so as to be in fluidic communication with all the cells 10 of the block 1. The channels 22101, 22102 thus open into each spacer 3 (in each inter-cell space). The bottom wall 22 can however be made in one piece, with the channels 2210 then being directly integrated into the plate 220, for example by molding.The back wall 22 can form the bottom of the enclosure 20 or be an additional wall added separately, independent of the bottom of said enclosure.

[0061] The channels 22101, 22102 of the bottom wall 22 serve for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid 210. They can serve as inlets (i.e., the fluid enters the housing 2) or outlets (i.e., the fluid exits the housing 2). In one embodiment, one channel 22101 can serve as an inlet and another channel 22102 can serve as an outlet. In another embodiment, both channels 22101 and 22102 serve as inlets. According to yet another embodiment, channels 22101 and 22102 serve as outlets. In another embodiment, the bottom wall 22 has no heat transfer fluid circulation channel, with the fluid inlet / outlet occurring exclusively at the lid 21.

[0062] Referring to [Fig. 2], the inlet / outlet of the housing 2 is connected to a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 23, comprising, for example, a pumping circuit, and enabling the heat transfer fluid to be circulated within the housing to regulate the temperature of the cells 10 housed therein. The fluid circulation within the housing 2 is described in detail later in the description. The temperature regulation preferably consists of a cooling system set 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, which then acts as a cooling fluid.

[0063] Advantageously, the inlet of the housing 2 may include a screen configured to filter the heat transfer fluid so as to prevent the circulation of particles within the housing. These particles also have the disadvantage of reducing the efficiency of the heat transfer fluid, particularly its heat exchange capacity. The screen is therefore preferably located at the inlet of the housing 2 and / or upstream of the fluid inlet in the circuit 23. The screen is, for example, installed at the inlet of the channels 210i, 2102, 22101, 22102. Advantageously, the screen may generally be cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the screen is adapted to the shape of the channels / manifolds 210i, 2102, 22101, 22102. The screen generally consists of a rigid structure, made in particular of a plastic or metallic material, in the form of a mesh or frame.This net serves as a support for a mesh grid capable of filtering particles smaller than 200 µm, preferably smaller than 50 µm. The mesh grid is advantageously made of metallic material.

[0064] In certain cases, for example when starting the vehicle, the regulation may also consist of heating the cells 10, particularly when they are at a temperature less than or equal to a threshold temperature, for example below 0°C. Below this threshold temperature, the cells 10 are heated by the heat transfer fluid, which is then a heating fluid.

[0065] The heat transfer fluid used is preferably a dielectric liquid, for example a mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid. However, the heat transfer fluid may be in another form, for example blown air. The fluid may be pre-cooled or pre-heated depending on the intended temperature control.

[0066] A spacer 3 (or insert, the two terms being synonymous in the sense of (The invention) is installed between each cell 10 adjacent to another cell so as to space them apart. A spacer 3 is also advantageously installed between each end wall 201 of the housing 2 and the end cell 10 whose large lateral face 100 is adjacent to said wall. According to one embodiment, if the battery block 1 comprises N cells 10, the system comprises at least Nl spacers 3, preferably N+l spacers.

[0067] Advantageously, the spacers 3 have a relatively low thermal conductivity so as to act as thermal insulation between the cells. In one embodiment, the spacers 3 are made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at most 0.4 W.nr'.K-1, preferably a thermal conductivity of at most 0.2 W.nr'.K-1. The material used may be a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, or a material from the silicate family, preferably a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate.

[0068] Each spacer 3 has a structure configured for removable installation on a cell 10, preferably by clipping. In 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 for a tight fit on said cell such that the contacts between said structure and said cell are fluid-tight. In another embodiment, the spacers 3 can be permanently installed on the cells 10, for example, by gluing or welding.

[0069] In Figures 3, 4, and 5, the structure of the spacer 3 has a general U-shaped channel. It can be in the form of a single piece or in the form of several distinct parts. The spacer 3 has a first bearing area 30 configured to bear against a large lateral face 100 of the cell 10, a second bearing area 31 configured to bear against the upper face 101 of said cell, and a third bearing area 32 configured 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 bearing area 30, or only the first area 30 and the second area 31, or only the first area 30 and the third area 32.

[0070] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, when the cells 10 are installed in their operating configuration in the housing 2, the first zone 30 not only rests against the large lateral face 100 of the cell 10 against which the spacer 3 is installed (hereinafter referred to as the "front" large lateral face) but also against the large lateral face 100 of the adjacent cell 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "rear" large 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 to create fluid-tight contacts.

[0071] The first zone 30 has the same, 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 most of said large lateral face. Symmetrically, this flow zone is also located opposite the rear large lateral face of the adjacent cell, so that the fluid flowing in said zone is in contact with both large lateral faces of the adjacent cells.

[0072] 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.

[0073] One or more ribs 300 extend into the perforated portion of the flow zone 30 and are arranged to form one or more forced circulation circuits of the heat transfer fluid between adjacent cells. "Forced circulation" means that the fluid is constrained to follow one or more specific paths imposed by the arrangement of the rib(s) 300. This circuit or these circuits are thus delimited on one side by the large adjacent lateral faces 100 of the cells and on the other side 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., changes of direction in a forced circulation circuit) is adjusted according to the desired heat exchange and / or the permissible 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 between heat exchange and pressure loss).

[0074] Each forced circulation circuit comprises a fluid inlet and outlet, which inlet / outlet are defined by the arrangement of the rib(s) 300. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 6, several ribs 300 are arranged to form two distinct circuits, C1 and C2 respectively, each circuit comprising an inlet, E1 and E2 respectively, and an outlet, S1 and S2 respectively. In other embodiments, the ribs 300 are arranged to form M forced circulation circuits, with M an integer greater than 2.

[0075] In the example of [Fig. 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, possible, including a configuration inverse to that of [Fig. 4]. Similarly, the inputs, and respectively the outputs, of 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, a top edge) and the output S1 at a second edge (for example, a bottom 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 configuration, the input E1 and output E2 of a first circuit C1 are located at the same edge, for example a lower edge, while the input E2 and output E2 of a second circuit C2 are located at a different edge, for example a top 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).

[0076] The ribs 300 are preferably straight, but may be curved or have curved and straight portions, be in broken lines, or be of any other shape suitable to a person skilled in the art.

[0077] The ribs 300 are in close contact with the adjacent large lateral faces 100. This close contact creates a fluid seal so that fluid circulation in a forced circulation circuit Cl, C2 occurs only between the inlet El, E2 and the outlet SI, 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, particularly on the ribs 300, so that fluid circulation in a forced circulation circuit occurs only between the inlet and outlet of said circuit.

[0078] The thickness of the spacer structure 3 and / or the thickness of the ribs 300 depend on the desired spacing 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, and preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0079] In addition to allowing spacing between 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 temperature rise. They allow the cells 10 to remain in compression under the effect of this swelling, which ensures maximum capacity of said cells.

[0080] To ensure that the ribs 300 minimally cover 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 limiting swelling and maximizing heat exchange efficiency are obtained when the ribs 300 have a width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, advantageously between 1 mm and 4 mm, and 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 portions of ribs located in the central area of ​​the large lateral faces 100, may be wider, since the mechanical stresses due to swelling are greatest in this area.

[0081] In the accompanying figures, the second zone 31 and the third zone 32 have the same, or substantially the same, dimensions in length and width as 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 sections 310 arranged to leave the connection terminals 104 of the cell 10 free. The third zone 32 may also have openwork sections. In these openwork sections, the fluid is in contact with the upper 101 and lower 102 faces, contributing to heat exchange and thermal regulation of the cell 10 at the level of said faces.

[0082] When the cells 10 and the spacers 3 are installed in their operating configuration in the housing 2, the input(s) / output(s) of the circuit(s) Cl, C2 are in fluidic communication with the input(s) / output(s) of the circuit 23 of the housing 2. In [Fig. 6], the openings 22101, 22102 of the bottom wall 22 open at the inlets El, E2 and the channels 210i, 2102 of the cover 21 open at the outlets SI, S2. Thus, the channels 210i, 2102 and 22101, 22102 open at each spacer 3, i.e. in each inter-cell space.

[0083] 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 to form a first forced circulation circuit Cl and a second forced circulation circuit C2. The first circuit Cl comprises an inlet El and an outlet SI, and the second circuit C2 comprises an inlet E2 and an outlet S2. The inlets El and E2 are located at the lower edge of the large lateral face 100, and the outlets SI and S2 at the upper edge of said large face. The inlets El and E2 are in fluidic communication with the inlet channels 22101 and 22102 arranged in the bottom wall 2. The outlets SI and S2 are in Fluidic communication with the discharge channels 210i, 2102 provided in the cover 21. The fluid enters through the inlet channel 22101, flows under force in the first circuit Cl from the inlet El to the outlet SI, and is discharged through the discharge channel 210i. Simultaneously, the fluid also enters through the other inlet channel 22102, flows under force in the second circuit C2 from the inlet E2 to the outlet S2, and is discharged through the discharge channel 2102. The fluid flow in the first circuit Cl and the flow of said fluid in the second circuit C2 are in the same direction.

[0084] The configuration of [Fig.7B] is similar to that of [Fig.7A]. The main difference is that the inputs El and E2 are not located at the same edge of the large lateral face 100, nor are the outputs SI, S2.

[0085] In the configuration of [Fig.7C], the ribs 300 are arranged to form a single forced circulation circuit C comprising an inlet E and an outlet S, both of which are located at the lower edge of the large lateral face 100.

[0086] The configuration of [Fig.7D] is similar to that of [Fig.7C]. The main difference is that the inlet E is located at the lower edge of the large face 100, while the outlet S is located at the upper edge of said large face.

[0087] An inverse configuration to [Fig.7D] can be envisaged as illustrated in [Fig.7E]. In this case, the inlet E is located at the upper edge of the large face 100 and the outlet S is located at the lower edge of said large face.

[0088] In the configuration of [Fig.7F], the inlet E and outlet S of the circuit C are located at the upper edge of the large lateral face 100. The fluid inlet and outlet are here from the cover 21, the fluid not circulating through the bottom wall 22.

[0089] 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 [Fig. 7F]. However, the fluid inlet and outlet are located at the bottom wall 22. This wall is provided with an inlet channel 2210i and an outlet channel 22102, each opening at each spacer 3 (in each intercell space). The fluid connection from the housing 2 to the circuit 23 is therefore made solely 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 if work is required on the battery pack 1.

[0090] A first conduit 21001 carries the fluid circulating in the inlet channel 22101 to a first channel 210i provided in the cover 21. According to one embodiment, the ends of the first conduit 21001 open respectively into the inlet channel 22101 and in the first channel 210i. The first conduit 21001 thus allows the fluid to "rise" from the bottom wall 22 to the cover 21. The first channel 210i in the cover 21 allows the inlets E of the different circuits C to be supplied in parallel. In [Fig.8A], the first conduit 21001 is located at the level of an end wall 201 of the housing 2.

[0091] A second conduit 21002 carries the fluid circulating in the second channel 2102 formed in the cover 21 to the discharge channel 22102. In one embodiment, the ends of the second conduit 21002 open respectively into the second channel 2102 and the discharge channel 22102. The second conduit 21002 thus allows the fluid to "descend" from the cover 21 to the bottom wall 22. The second channel 2102 formed in the cover 21 is in fluidic communication with the outlets S of the various circuits C. In [Fig. 8A], the second conduit 21002 is formed at the level of another end wall 201 of the housing 2.

[0092] In this configuration, the fluid enters through the inlet channel 22101 and passes through the first conduit 21001 to reach the first channel 210i of the cover 21. The fluid then flows in a forced manner in the circuit C from the inlet E to the outlet S. The fluid then flows in the second channel 2102 and passes through the second conduit 21002 to reach the discharge channel 22102 through which it is discharged.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the battery block 1 has two or more rows of cells placed side-by-side. In [Fig. 22], the battery block 1 is, for example, composed of two rows of cells 10, 10' placed side-by-side.

[0094] To allow the cells 10, 10' to be held together and the flow to be homogeneous along their large lateral faces 100, 100', the ribs 300 of the spacer 3 are shaped to create one or more forced circulation circuits C each having one or more passes, as in the case of a single-cell spacer described previously.

[0095] Advantageously, in order to ensure that the temperature is as homogeneous as possible, each circuit C (and each of its passes) is situated - or straddles - the two large lateral faces 100, 100' of the cells 10, 10' arranged side by side.

[0096] The spacer 3 forms a fluid seal all along the circuit C as with a single-cell spacer described previously.

[0097] In Figures 22, 23, and 24, the spacer 3 comprises a central rib 301 extending the height of the cells 10, 10' and positioned between the lateral edges of the large lateral faces 100, 100'. This central 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 central rib 301 to allow fluid circulation between the large lateral faces 100, 100'.

[0098] The midrib 301 further allows for spacing of the adjacent cells 10, 10' and plays a mechanical role against the swelling of said cells induced by their temperature increase. It helps to maintain the cells 10, 10' under greater compression due to this swelling, thus ensuring maximum capacity of said cells.

[0099] The sealing between the cells 10, 10' is particularly advantageous when the fluid inlet / outlet manifolds 210i, 2102 are arranged laterally and on one side of the battery block 1, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 24. The inlet E and outlet S ([Fig.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.

[0100] If the manifolds are positioned on either side of the cells 10, 10' (for example, the inlet manifold positioned on one side of cell 10 and the outlet manifold positioned on the opposite side of cell 10'), this sealing would no longer necessarily be important. Indeed, the space between the cells 10, 10' can be used as an intermediate manifold, facilitating the distribution of the fluid between the cells. In this case, the spacer 3 may not have a central rib 301 or may have a central rib, but one that does not fill the space between the two cells 10, 10'.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the ribs 300 can be arranged to form a first circuit that winds along the large lateral face 100 of the first cell 10 and a second circuit that winds along the large lateral face 100' of the second cell 10'. Communication between the two circuits can be made at the level of the cover 21 (more particularly at the level of the busbars) or the bottom wall 22 of the housing 2. This embodiment has the advantage of not requiring a seal between the cells 10, 10', but is not optimal in terms of temperature homogeneity because the fluid arrives hotter at the second cell 10' than at the first cell 10.

[0102] In [Fig.24], the input / output collectors 210i, 2102 are arranged laterally and on one side of the battery block 1. To supply one or more cells 10 located at the ends of the battery block 1, the input collector 210i 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.

[0103] According to a feature of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 9], turbulators T (or perturbation elements, the two terms being synonymous within the meaning of the invention) are present in the flow zone 30, along the circuit(s) C, Cl, C2 described above, so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet and outlet of said circuit(s). The turbulence thus created improves heat exchange between the fluid and the cells. in particular by increasing the heat transfer coefficient. Indeed, turbulators, by disturbing the flow, induce a rupture of the boundary layer and therefore, an increase in the heat transfer coefficient.

[0104] For the sake of conciseness 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.

[0105] 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 heat exchange 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 areas of the large lateral faces 100 where the temperatures are highest (in the case where we seek to cool the cells) and / or lowest (in the case where we seek to heat the cells).

[0106] Depending on the surface area of ​​the exchange zone in circuit C, the number of turbulators T can vary from a dozen to several hundred, or even several thousand. For example, one or several dozen turbulators per cm² can be used. They can be distributed regularly, i.e., with the same density along circuit C, or distributed irregularly, i.e., with varying densities along said circuit.

[0107] Variable turbulator densities T allow for homogenization of heat exchange along the circuit C, particularly when the turbulator density at the outlet S is greater than the turbulator density 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 transfer coefficient, Se the exchange surface area, and AT represents the temperature difference between the fluid and the large lateral face 100 over which the fluid flows. Assuming that the exchange surface area is constant, that the temperature of the large lateral face 100 is approximately the same at the inlet E and the outlet S, but that the fluid temperature varies between the inlet E and the outlet S (due to heat exchange along the circuit C), then ATinletE = AToutletE. More specifically, AT decreases from the inlet E to the outlet S.

[0108] To obtain homogeneous heat exchange along circuit C, we aim for PinletE = PoutletE, and ideally for P to be constant along the fluid flow in circuit C. Since the heat transfer coefficient K is proportional to the Reynolds number, increasing the turbulator density T will increase the value of the coefficient K. Thus, the decrease in AT along circuit C is compensated by an increase in the coefficient K, so that an equilibrium can be obtained between PinletE and PoutletE. Also, according to a preferred embodiment, the The density of the turbulators T increases, gradually or continuously, from the inlet E to the outlet S of the circuit C. If the turbulators T are made of a thermally conductive material and participate in heat exchange, increasing their density increases the heat exchange surface area Se. Therefore, the decrease in AT along the circuit C can also be compensated by an increase in the heat exchange surface area Se.

[0109] Alternatively, the decrease in AT can be compensated for (without changing the value of the coefficient K and therefore without changing the density of the turbulators), by increasing the exchange surface Se by a modification of the shape of said turbulators between the inlet E and the outlet S.

[0110] According to yet another embodiment, which can be complementary to or replace the embodiments described above, the circuit C comprises fluid circulation sections of variable width such that the fluid flow velocity varies from one section to another. This variability in velocity allows the value of the coefficient K to be varied (without having to modify the turbulator density). 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 velocity increases from said inlet to said outlet. The best results in terms of heat flux homogeneity 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%.

[0111] In Figures 9 to 21, the turbulators T are raised and extend into the height of the ribs 300, or in other words into the space separating two adjacent cells 10a, 10b or into 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 most preferably greater than or equal to 90%. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig.

[13] allowing to optimize the turbulences, 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 blade) so that said turbulators are in contact with the two large adjacent lateral faces 100i, 1002 of the cells 10i, 102.

[0112] T-turbulators can be in the form of ribs, nipples, hemispheres, cylindrical or polygonal tubes, pyramids, fins, etc. In Figures 10 and 11, the T-turbulators form a lattice or a honeycomb (or pseudo-honeycomb) structure with openings so that the fluid can flow along each of the large adjacent lateral faces 100i, 1002. This type of structure gives very good results in terms of heat exchange. 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.

[0113] The turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 are arranged on one or more supports separate from the spacer 3 and brought into the forced circulation circuit C. The support(s) can then be held in position on the cells 10i and / or 102 by gluing, heat-welding, clipping, fitting, or by any other means suitable to a person skilled in the art.

[0114] In an embodiment that 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 can, for example, be formed by molding, forging, or stamping a sheet or strip.

[0115] To actively participate in heat exchange, the turbulators T can be made of a thermally conductive material and / or one with a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example, greater than 100 W.nr'.K-1, preferably greater than 200 W.nr'.K-1. The support material can be aluminum or an aluminum alloy to obtain a good compromise between weight, price, and thermal conductivity. Other materials can be used, such as copper, copper alloy, zinc, zinc alloy, carbon, polymers filled with metallic powders or flakes, etc.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the turbulators T are made of a thermally insulating material and / or one having relatively low thermal conductivity, for example, of at most 0.4 W.mAK1, preferably of at most 0.2 W.mAK1. The material used may be a different material or preferably the same as that of the spacer 3, in particular a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, or a material from the silicate family, preferably fiber-reinforced calcium silicate. An advantage of using a thermally insulating material and / or one having relatively low thermal conductivity is that, in the event of thermal runaway of a cell 10i, heat is not—or only minimally—transferred to adjacent cells 102.

[0117] However, this design has the disadvantage of not taking advantage of the increased exchange surface area 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 fluid flow in order to promote heat exchange and to increase the heat exchange surface area.

[0118] 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 1002 of an adjacent cell 102. These two parts Ti and T2 are made of a thermally conductive material and / or one having a relatively high thermal conductivity of the type described above.

[0119] The two parts Ti and T2 are thermally isolated by a thermal break T3, so that in the event of thermal runaway of a cell 10i, the heat is not - or very little - transferred to the adjacent cell 102 (or vice versa).

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal break T3 is made of a thermally insulating material and / or having a relatively low thermal conductivity of the type described above.

[0121] In [Fig. 14], the breaker T3 is in the form of a support on which the parts Ti and T2 are fixed, for example a plastic plate on which said parts are glued.

[0122] In [Fig. 15], the turbulators T are made of a composite material obtained for example by an injection or 3D printing technique, the two parts Ti and T 2 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.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the T3 breaker is made of a phase-change material having a melting point below a threshold temperature. This is, in particular, a temperature characteristic of a thermal runaway of a cell 10, typically a temperature above 200°C. In this example, the material of the T3 breaker is chosen such 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), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) may be used, among others, without this list being exhaustive.

[0124] Thus, when the temperature of cell 10i (respectively 102) reaches the threshold temperature, heat is also transferred to the breaker T3 via the first part Ti (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 Ti and said second part T2 ([Fig. 16]). In this state, the heat emitted by cell 10i cannot be transferred to the adjacent cell 102 (or vice versa). The molten material is then naturally discharged into the fluid flow.

[0125] In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 to 21, the turbulators T, Ti, T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 are formed directly in the wall of at least one large lateral face 100n, 1002i of the cells 10i, 102, and preferably in each of the walls of the two large lateral faces 100n, 100i2, 1002i, 10022. 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 10022 of another adjacent cell 102.

[0126] The turbulators T and / or the rib(s) 300 can for example be shaped during the stamping, die-casting, molding or machining of the walls of the large lateral faces 100n, 100i2, 1002i, 10022.

[0127] 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®).

[0128] In [Fig. 17], the ribs 300 are corrugated to increase turbulence. The corrugation pitch corresponds to the turbulator pitch T. This configuration can be applied to all embodiments presented in the description.

[0129] Since the cell walls are generally made of a thermally conductive material and / or one with relatively high thermal conductivity, the turbulators serve the dual purpose of disrupting the fluid flow and increasing the heat exchange surface area. To prevent or limit heat transfer from one cell to another in the event of thermal runaway, several solutions described below are possible.

[0130] On [Fig.18], the height of the turbulators Tb T2 is less than the thickness of the fluid blade flowing in the circuit C or, equivalently, less than the height of the ribs 300 or less than the distance separating two adjacent cells 10i, 102. The turbulators Ti of a cell 10i are therefore not in contact with the wall of the large lateral face 10022 of another adjacent cell 102, so that in the event of thermal runaway of a cell 10i, the heat is not transferred to the adjacent cell 102 (or vice versa). When the Th T2 turbulators are formed in each of the walls of the two large lateral faces 100n, 100i2, 1002i, 10022, the Ti turbulators of a large face 100n are advantageously arranged in a staggered pattern with the T2 turbulators of the adjacent large face 10022, so that said turbulators do not touch and heat cannot be transferred from one cell to the other.

[0131] In [Fig. 19], the height of the turbulators Tb T2 corresponds to (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, 102. The turbulators Ti (respectively T2) of a cell 10i are therefore in contact with the wall of the large lateral face 10022 (respectively 100n) of another adjacent cell 102 (respectively 10i). The turbulators Th T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 can be formed in the wall of only one of the large lateral faces of the cells or in both. The contact between the turbulators Tb T2 and / or the rib(s) 300 and the adjacent large lateral face is preferably made by a thermal break T3 so as to thermally isolate said turbulators from said wall of the large lateral face. The thermal break T3 is of the type described above. previously.

[0132] In [Fig.20], some Ti turbulators of a cell 10i are in contact with the wall of the large lateral face 10022 of another adjacent cell 102 and other turbulators of said cell 10i are therefore not in contact with said wall of the large lateral face 10022. This solution makes it possible to locally increase the contact area of ​​the spacer 3 with an adjacent cell in areas where the swelling of the cells under the effect of their heating is maximal (especially at the center of the cells).

[0133] In [Fig.21], the height of the turbulators Tb T2 is such that they are not in contact with the wall of the large lateral face 10022, respectively 1002i, of another adjacent cell 102, respectively lOp. However, the turbulators Ti of a cell 10i are arranged opposite the turbulators T2 of the adjacent cell 102 so that said turbulators touch. The contact between the turbulators Tb T2 is preferably achieved by a thermal break T3 so as to thermally isolate the cells. The thermal break T3 is of the type described previously.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

1.

2.

3.

4. Demands 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 greater part of said large faces, - one or more ribs (300) extending into the flow zone (30), the rib(s) (300) being arranged so as to form at least one forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2) of the heat transfer fluid between said cells (10), preferably so that the fluid is in contact with the two large adjacent lateral faces of said cells, the forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2) comprises an inlet (E, El, E2) and an outlet (S, SI, S2), and in that turbulators (T, T2) are present in the area flow, along the forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2), so as to create turbulence in the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the inlet (E, El, E2) and the outlet (S, SI, S2) of said forced circulation circuit, which turbulators are raised and extend into the height of the ribs (300), the turbulators (T) have: - a first part (Ti) adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face (100i) of a cell (10i), - a second part (T2) adapted to be in contact with a large lateral face (1002) of another adjacent cell (102), - a thermal break (T3) to thermally insulate the first part from the second part. Device according to claim 1, wherein the turbulators (T, Ti, T2) are arranged on one or more supports separate from the spacer (3) and brought into the forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2). Device according to claim 1, in which the turbulators (T, Ti, T 2) form with the spacer (3) a single piece. A device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the turbulators (T, Tb T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) are arranged on a support configured to be fixed on a cell (10).

5. Thermal regulation system for a vehicle battery pack (1), comprising: - a housing (2) including a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit, which housing is suitable for housing a battery pack (1), - a device according to claim 1.

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the turbulators (T, T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) are formed on the wall of at least one large lateral face (100n) of the cells (10i, 102), preferably on each of the walls of the two large lateral faces (100n, 100i2, 1002i, 10022) of the cells (10i, 102).

7. System according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the turbulators (Ti, T2) and / or the rib(s) (300) protrude from the wall of a large lateral face (100n) of a cell (10i) and extend towards the wall of the large lateral face (10022) of another adjacent cell (102).

8. System according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a thermal break (T3) thermally isolates the turbulators (Ti) and / or the rib(s) (300) of the wall of the large side face (10022) of the other adjacent cell (102).

9. System according to any one of claims 5, 7 or 8, wherein the turbulators (T) are made of a thermally insulating material, preferably made of polymer material or of a polymer-based composite material.

10. System according to claim 5, wherein the first part (Ti) 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. System according to any one of claims 5 or 10, wherein the thermal break (T3) forms a support on which the first part (Ti) and the second part (T2) are fixed.

12. A system according to any one of claims 5 or 10, wherein the thermal break (T3) forms a physical interface between the first part (Ti) and the second part (T2), which thermal break is made of a material having a melting point below a threshold temperature, such that when the temperature of the first part (TJ) 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. System according to any one of claims 5 to 12, comprising variable turbulator densities (T) along the forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2), the turbulator density (T) at the outlet (S, SI, S2) of the forced circulation circuit (C, Cl, C2) preferably being greater than the turbulator density at the inlet (E, El, E2) of said circuit.

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

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

16. Cooling installation comprising a system according to any one of claims 5 to 16, and further comprising: - a battery block (1) comprising N adjacent battery cells (10), of which two end cells are each arranged at an end wall (201) of the housing (2), N being an integer greater than 3, - the system comprises at least Nl spacers (3), preferably N+l spacers (3).

17. Installation according to claim 17, wherein: - 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) conform to claim 1 so that all the large lateral faces (100) of the cells (10) are cooled by a forced circulation circuit.

18. Cooling installation according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: - 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 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) includes a midrib (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 midrib fills the space between the two cells and forms a seal between said cells.

19. Installation according to claim 19, wherein openings (301) are provided in the midrib (301) so as to permit the circulation of fluid between the large lateral faces (100, 100') of two cells (10, 10') arranged side-by-side.

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