Battery module and associated electrical power storage system

Abstract

Battery Module and Associated Electrical Power Storage System. The module comprises a first region (70) having a first packing wall (78) and a first intermediate wall (80), defining a first circulation channel (76) for a battery cell cooling fluid, and opposite it, a first collection channel for excess gases (84) evacuated from the battery cells. It includes a second region (72) adjacent to the first region (70), having a second packing wall (86) and a second intermediate wall (88) defining a second circulation channel (77) for a battery cell cooling fluid, and opposite it, a second collection channel for excess gases (92) evacuated from the battery cells. The second packing wall (86) is offset from the first packing wall (78) and from the first intermediate wall (80) on the side of the first excess gas collection channel (84).Figure for the abbreviation: figure 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Battery module and associated electrical power storage system

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module comprising a housing defining a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and an elevation direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, the housing defining an internal space, the internal space containing a battery cell support structure comprising at least a first battery cell support region and a second battery cell support region situated adjacent to each other, the first support region comprising:

[0002] - a first wall for securing battery elements,

[0003] - a first intermediate wall, the first bracing wall and the first wall intermediate wall defining between them a first internal volume intended to contain a first group of battery elements, and intended to define around the battery elements of the first group in the first internal volume a first circulation conduit for a cooling fluid for the battery elements, the first intermediate wall defining with the casing, on one side of the first intermediate wall opposite the first bracing wall, a first conduit for collecting excess gases likely to be evacuated from the battery elements of the first group,

[0004] the second support region comprising:

[0005] - a second wall for securing battery elements,

[0006] - a second intermediate wall, the second bracing wall and the second wall intermediate wall defining between them a second internal volume intended to contain a second group of battery elements and intended to define around the battery elements of the second group a second circulation conduit for a cooling fluid of the battery elements, the second intermediate wall defining with the casing, on one side of the second intermediate wall opposite the shoring wall, a second conduit for collecting excess gases that may be evacuated from the battery elements of the second group.

[0007] Such a battery module is intended to be used within an electrical power storage system, in particular when the storage system is on board a vehicle such as an aircraft, a rail transport vehicle, a road transport vehicle or a maritime or river transport vehicle.

[0008] Alternatively, the module is intended for static electrical energy storage, for example in the form of at least one electrical storage bay in which several battery modules are stacked.

[0009] The arrangement of the electrical power storage system in a vehicle or in an electrical storage bay generates strong constraints in terms of compactness and safety for the battery modules.

[0010] Battery modules containing a high density of battery cells, the on-board battery cells are likely to undergo, in some extreme cases, a thermal runaway phenomenon (designated by the English term "thermal runaway").

[0011] Thermal runaway of a battery cell results in a sharp increase in the internal temperature within the battery cell and / or the generation of excess gases increasing the internal pressure.

[0012] An exhaust for excess gases is generally provided in each battery cell, in particular by one of the polarities of the battery cell.

[0013] Poor management of such thermal runaway can cause a chain reaction and lead to thermal runaways in neighboring battery elements.

[0014] This thermal runaway therefore results in an increase in pressure within the battery module and can lead to destruction of the battery module walls under the effect of pressure. Furthermore, the excess gases released are sometimes toxic and must therefore be collected and treated separately from other fluids that may be present within the battery module.

[0015] In a conventional manner, it is known to cool battery elements using a cooling circuit, in order to prevent thermal runaway.

[0016] US2016 / 0141573 describes a battery module of the aforementioned type. In this module, the battery elements are all arranged at the same height.

[0017] In a particular example, the polarity orientations vary within the module, the battery elements of a first support region having an orientation in a first direction, while the battery elements of a second support region have an orientation in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] Each battery module has an upper channel and a lower channel which allow the collection and evacuation of excess gases from the battery elements.

[0019] The channels are hermetically sealed from the space housing the battery elements and various exhaust ports for the excess gases are connected to them on the walls of the battery module.

[0020] The presence of two excess gas collection channels above and below the battery elements provides a large volume for excess gas collection.

[0021] However, such a solution is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the presence of the collection channels above and below the battery elements significantly reduces the total energy density of the battery module. This is therefore not favorable to an energy power storage system, particularly one mounted in a vehicle or placed in an electrical storage bay, where available space is limited.

[0022] In addition, the gases collected in the different channels must be collected separately, which complicates the management of excess gases.

[0023] One object of the invention is therefore to offer a battery module with a high compactness, in particular for its installation in a vehicle or its placement in an electrical storage bay, while offering high safety in the event of thermal runaway.

[0024] For this purpose, the invention relates to a battery module of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the second bracing wall is offset relative to the first bracing wall and relative to the first intermediate wall along the elevation direction on the side of the first waste gas collection duct, and in that the first bracing wall is offset relative to the second bracing wall and relative to the second intermediate wall along the elevation direction on the side of the second waste gas collection duct.

[0025] The battery module according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0026] - the support structure defines a corridor for the collection and evacuation of excess gases, the first waste gas collection duct and the second waste gas collection duct opening into the corridor, the corridor being separated from each coolant circulation duct;

[0027] - the corridor is a central corridor extending between the first support region and the second adjacent support region, the housing delimiting a degassing orifice into which the central corridor opens;

[0028] - the central corridor extends along the entire length of the casing, taken along the direction longitudinal, the casing comprising an upstream transverse wall completely blocking the central upstream channel and a downstream transverse wall in which the degassing orifice is provided;

[0029] - each circulation line for a cooling fluid is connected upstream to an upstream orifice provided in the casing and is connected downstream to a downstream orifice provided in the casing, the degassing orifice being distinct from each upstream orifice and from each downstream orifice, each upstream orifice being advantageously provided in the upstream transverse wall and each downstream orifice being advantageously provided in the downstream transverse wall;

[0030] - the battery module includes a common electrical pathway connected to drum elements of the first group and / or the second group and / or including at minus a temperature and / or pressure measurement sensor located in the central corridor;

[0031] - the distance separating the first shim wall and the opposite housing taken according to the elevation direction opposite the first intermediate wall, is less than 50% of the distance separating the first intermediate wall and the facing box, taken along the elevation direction opposite the first shoring wall, the distance separating the second shoring wall and the facing box taken along the elevation direction opposite the second intermediate wall, is less than 50% of the distance separating the second intermediate wall and facing box, taken along the elevation direction, opposite the second shoring wall;

[0032] - the battery module comprises a first group of battery elements arranged between the first bedding wall and the first intermediate wall and a second group of battery elements arranged between the second bedding wall and the second intermediate wall;

[0033] - each battery element of the first group and the second group comprises a outward release valve for excess gases produced in the battery element located at the intermediate wall directed respectively towards the first or second excess gas collection duct or located in the first or second excess gas collection duct;

[0034] - each battery element of the first group and the second group is applied in a sealed manner respectively on the first intermediate wall and on the second intermediate wall, the first and second cooling fluid circulation duct being separated respectively from the first and second waste gas collection duct by the intermediate wall;

[0035] - the battery elements of the first group are electrically connected to each other in parallel and the battery elements of the second group are electrically connected to each other in parallel, the first group and the second group being connected to each other in series;

[0036] - each battery element comprises, depending on the direction of elevation, a first terminal having a first polarity and a second terminal having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, all battery elements of the first group having their polarities oriented in the same first direction along the direction of elevation, all battery elements of the second group having their polarities oriented in the same second direction along the direction of elevation opposite to the first direction;

[0037] - the first support region is formed from a first block, the second region from support being formed of a second block identical to the first block, having been rotated 180° with respect to a central axis of the block;

[0038] - the first support region and the second support region are arranged ad adjacent to each other in the transverse direction, the battery module defining, in a first row opposite the first support region in the longitudinal direction, at least a second additional support region adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the first support region, advantageously an alternation of second additional support regions and first additional support regions, the battery module defining, in a second row opposite the second support region in the longitudinal direction, at least a first additional support region adjacent in the longitudinal direction to the second support region and adjacent in the transverse direction to the first additional support region, advantageously an alternation of first additional support regions and second additional support regions.

[0039] The invention also relates to an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of battery modules as defined above, a battery module cooling system connected to each cooling fluid circulation duct to circulate, in each circulation duct, a battery element cooling fluid and an excess gas collection system, separate from the cooling system and connected to each excess gas collection duct.

[0040] The electrical power storage system may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0041] - the system for collecting excess gases includes a common collector connected to degassing ports on several of the battery modules and a common exhaust of excess gases out of the electrical power storage system.

[0042] The invention also relates to a vehicle or an associated electrical storage bay comprising an electrical power storage system as defined above, the vehicle being in particular an aircraft, a rail transport vehicle, a road transport vehicle or a maritime or river transport vehicle.

[0043] The invention also has an electrical storage bay comprising an electrical power storage system as defined above.

[0044] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view of a power storage system electrical containing battery modules according to the invention, for example carried in a vehicle or arranged in an electrical storage bay;

[0046] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a battery module according to the invention, seen from its upstream wall;

[0047] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a battery module according to the invention, seen from its downstream wall;

[0048] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a battery element support of the battery module of figures 2 and 3, equipped with battery elements;

[0049] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to the invention;

[0050] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view of a detail of [Fig.5], illustrating a first region of the battery module;

[0051] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a support region for elements of battery, the battery elements having been removed;

[0052] An example of a battery module 10 according to the invention, as seen in Figures 2 to 7, is intended to be disposed for example in a vehicle or an electrical storage bay 8, shown schematically in [Fig. 1].

[0053] The battery module 10 is integrated within an electrical power storage system 12, also partially visible in [Fig.1].

[0054] When installed in a vehicle 8, the electrical power storage system 12 is configured to provide electrical power, for example usable for the propulsion of the vehicle 8, via an electric or hybrid motor (not shown), for powering the navigation instruments and / or for powering the comfort features installed in the vehicle 8.

[0055] It is intended to receive electrical power from an electrical power source for its recharging.

[0056] The electrical power storage system 12 is arranged in a vehicle or an electrical storage bay 8, advantageously in a dedicated space 13, preferably having controlled gas inlets and outlets. This space is, for example, a technical room or a battery room.

[0057] In addition to the battery modules 10, the electrical power storage system 12 includes a support 14 receiving the battery modules 10.

[0058] It further comprises a cooling system 16 for the battery modules 10, intended to circulate a cooling fluid in the battery modules 10, a separate system 18 for collecting excess gases that may be produced by the battery modules 10 and an electrical connection system (not shown) for collecting the electrical power produced by the battery modules 10 or for conveying electrical charging power to the battery modules 10.

[0059] The retaining support 14 is configured to support at least one stack of battery modules 10 and connections to the cooling system 16 of the battery modules 10, to the waste gas collection system 18 and to the electrical connection system.

[0060] In the support bracket 14, the battery modules 10 are advantageously arranged in rows and / or columns 20.

[0061] The support 14 includes, for example, at least one electrical cabinet, one shelf, one locker and / or one basket (not shown).

[0062] The cooling system 16 of the battery modules 10 includes a cooling unit 22 for a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid circulation circuit.

[0063] The cooling fluid here is a gas, in particular ambient air from the dedicated space 13 and / or ambient air from outside the dedicated space 13.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 22 includes an air conditioner (not shown) that cools the cooling fluid, for example, to a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. This temperature is adjusted, in particular, according to the application of the electrical power storage system 12 and / or according to the chemical composition of the battery cells 42.

[0065] The cooling fluid circulation circuit optionally includes upstream 24A cooling fluid delivery lines, equipped with distribution fittings 26 connected to the battery modules 10.

[0066] It further comprises a plurality of downstream lines 24B for the recovery of heated cooling fluid, fitted with recovery nozzles 28 connected to the battery modules 10.

[0067] The upstream pipes 24A, when present, connect the cooling unit 22 to the various battery modules 10. The downstream pipes 24B connect the various battery modules 10 to a ventilation unit (not shown) to the outside of the dedicated space 13.

[0068] The excess gas collection system 18 includes an excess gas collection network 30, and at least one non-return valve 32.

[0069] The collection network 30 includes a common collector 30A to at least one column of battery modules 10, the common collector 30A being provided with collection nozzles 34 for excess gases connected to the battery modules 10. It includes a common exhaust 30B for excess gases out of the dedicated space 13, through which the common collector 30A opens downstream.

[0070] The non-return valve 32 is located in the common drain 30B. It is intended to allow excess gases to pass outside the electrical power storage system 12, while preventing their re-entry.

[0071] The excess gas collection system 18 optionally includes a unit of treatment of excess gases (not shown), positioned upstream of the non-return valve 32.

[0072] With reference to figures 2 to 7, each battery module 10 comprises a housing 36 defining an interior space 37, a support structure 38 wedged in the interior space 37, a plurality of battery elements 42 received in the support structure 38 and at least one electrical connection assembly 40 intended to connect the battery elements 42 to the electrical connection system.

[0073] The housing 36 is here prismatic, in particular parallelepiped. As can be seen in [Fig.2], it defines a longitudinal direction A-A', a transverse direction B-B', perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A-A' and an elevation direction C-C', perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A-A' and the transverse direction B-B'.

[0074] The housing 36 comprises an upstream wall 44, a downstream wall 46, two side walls 48, an upper wall 48A and a lower wall 48B.

[0075] The upstream wall 44 and the downstream wall 46 of the housing 36 extend along the transverse direction B-B' and are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the housing 36.

[0076] The side walls 48 respectively connect the lateral edges of the upstream wall 44 to the lateral edges of the downstream wall 46 along the longitudinal direction A-A', perpendicular to the transverse direction B-B'.

[0077] The upper wall 48A connects the upper edges of the upstream wall 44 and the downstream wall 46 along the longitudinal direction A-A', perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'. The lower wall 48B connects the lower edges of the upstream wall 44 and the downstream wall 46 along the longitudinal direction A-A', perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'.

[0078] The walls of the housing 36 are formed of a rigid material configured to support the support structure 38 and resist the pressure of the gases contained in the housing 36.

[0079] Such a material is, for example, a fiber-reinforced composite material. In particular, the material is a polyamide, notably a polyamide 66, reinforced with glass fibers. The mass content of glass fibers is advantageously greater than 10% and between 20% and 30%.

[0080] Typically, the housing 36 has a length, taken along the longitudinal direction A-A' of between 500 and 800 mm, a width, taken along the transverse direction B-B', of between 400 and 600 mm and a height, taken along the elevation direction C-C', of between 60 and 100 mm.

[0081] The walls of the housing 36 are fixed together in a sealed manner and define the internal space 37 containing the support structure 38.

[0082] Advantageously, the side walls 48 have notches 50 allowing the guidance and retention of the battery module 10 in the retaining support 14.

[0083] With reference to [Fig.2], the upstream wall 44 of the housing 36 is fitted with an electronic module tronic 52 and has at least one upstream orifice 54 of the cooling fluid, here two upstream orifices 54.

[0084] The electronic module 52 is intended for retrieving status data from the battery module 10, such as, for example, temperature, internal pressure and the amount of energy stored in the battery module 10. It includes communication connectors (not shown) and an electronic board 58.

[0085] The electronic card 58 is configured to centralize and possibly analyze data from various sensors present in the battery module 10.

[0086] In the example shown in [Fig.2], the electronic module 52 is centered on the upstream wall 44 of the battery module 10.

[0087] The two upstream orifices 54 of the cooling fluid are formed by a longitudinally projecting housing advantageously containing a fan 60.

[0088] They are here arranged on either side of the electronic module 52 along the transverse direction B-B'.

[0089] The two upstream ports 54 are optionally connected to distribution fittings 26 of the upstream lines 24A to receive cooling fluid from the cooling unit 22.

[0090] Alternatively, in the absence of the upstream pipes 24A and the distribution fittings 26, the two upstream orifices 54 open directly into the dedicated space 13.

[0091] With reference to [Fig.3], the downstream wall 46 of the housing 36 has at least one downstream outlet 62 for the cooling fluid, here two downstream outlets 62, a separate degassing outlet 64 for the evacuation of excess gases to the common collector 30A and at least one electrical outlet 56.

[0092] In this example, the degassing orifice 64 is centered on the downstream wall 46 of the battery module 10.

[0093] The degassing port 64 is connected to the common collector 30A of the waste gas collection system 18 by a waste gas collection nozzle 34 covering all the degassing passages 66, 67 and 68.

[0094] The downstream outlet ports 62 for the cooling fluid are arranged on either side of the degassing port 64 along the transverse direction B-B' on the downstream wall 46.

[0095] The downstream outlet ports 62 of the cooling fluid are connected to the downstream lines 24B by a recovery nozzle 28, to evacuate the heated cooling fluid in the battery module 10.

[0096] The or each electrical socket 56 is arranged on the downstream wall 46. The or each electrical socket 46 is intended for the electrical connection of the battery module 10 to the electrical connection system.

[0097] With reference to Figures 4 to 7, the support structure 38 carries the plurality of elements battery 42 contained in battery module 10.

[0098] The support structure 38 comprises a plurality of first support regions 70, each first support region 70 receiving a first group of battery elements 42, and a plurality of second support regions 72, adjacent to the first support regions 70, receiving a second group of battery elements 42.

[0099] The support structure 38 further has a central longitudinal channel 74 arranged between a first row 98 and a second row 100 of support regions 70, 72 located on either side of a central longitudinal axis, a first circulation path of a cooling fluid extending along the first row 98 and a second circulation path of a cooling fluid extending along the second row 100.

[0100] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, each first support region 70 comprises a first battery element 42 mounting wall 78, arranged adjacent to the lower wall 48B of the housing 36, and a first intermediate wall 80 arranged opposite and away from the upper wall 48A of the housing 36.

[0101] The first shimming wall 78 and the first intermediate wall 80 define between them a first internal volume 82 containing the first group of battery elements 42. They define, around the battery elements 42 of the first support region 70, in the first internal volume 82, a first circulation conduit 76 for the cooling fluid of the battery elements 42.

[0102] The first intermediate wall 80 defines with the upper wall 48A of the housing 36, on the side of the first intermediate wall 80 opposite the first shoring wall 78, a first conduit for collecting excess gases 84 that can be evacuated from the battery elements 42 of the first support region 70.

[0103] The first chocking wall 78 extends parallel to the lower wall 48B, perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'. It defines a plurality of chocking cells 85 of a first end of a battery element 42.

[0104] The first intermediate wall 80 extends parallel to the upper wall 48A, perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'. It defines a plurality of through orifices 87, each defining a retaining rim 87A of a second end of a battery element 42.

[0105] Each through orifice 87 is located opposite a socket 85, parallel to the elevation direction C-C'.

[0106] The distance dl separating the first support wall 78 and the lower wall 48B of the housing 36 opposite, taken along the elevation direction C-C', opposite the first intermediate wall 80, is less than 50% of the distance Dl separating the first intermediate wall 80 and the upper wall 48A of the housing 36 opposite, taken along the elevation direction C-C' opposite the first shoring wall 78.

[0107] Thus, the first waste gas collection conduit 84 has a height, taken along the elevation direction C-C', between the first intermediate wall 80 and the upper wall 48A greater than 10% of the height, taken along the elevation direction C-C', between the first bedding wall 78 and the first intermediate wall 80.

[0108] As also illustrated in [Fig.5], each second support region 72 has a second battery element 42 mounting wall 86, arranged adjacent to the upper wall 48A of the housing 36, and a second intermediate wall 88 arranged opposite and away from the lower wall 48A of the housing 36.

[0109] The second support wall 86 and the second intermediate wall 88 define between them a second internal volume 90 containing the second group of battery elements 42. They define, around the battery elements 42 of the second support region 72, in the second internal volume 90, a second circulation conduit 77 for a cooling fluid for the battery elements 42,

[0110] The second intermediate wall 88 defines with the lower wall 48B of the housing 36, on the side of the second intermediate wall 88 opposite the second support wall 86, a second conduit for collecting excess gases 92 that can be evacuated from the battery elements 42 of the second support region 72.

[0111] The second shimming wall 86 extends parallel to the upper wall 48A, perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'. It defines a plurality of shimming cells 93 of a first end of a battery element 42.

[0112] The second intermediate wall 88 extends parallel to the lower wall 48B, perpendicular to the elevation direction C-C'. It defines a plurality of through orifices 95 defining a retaining rim 95A of a second end of a battery element 42.

[0113] Each through orifice 95 is located opposite a socket 93, parallel to the elevation direction C-C'.

[0114] The distance d2 separating the second shoring wall 86 and the upper wall 48A of the housing 36 opposite, taken along the elevation direction C-C', opposite the second intermediate wall 88, is less than 50% of the distance D2 separating the second intermediate wall 88 and the lower wall 48B of the housing 36 opposite, taken along the elevation direction C-C', opposite the second shoring wall 86.

[0115] Thus, the second excess gas collection duct 92 has a height, taken along the elevation direction C-C', between the second intermediate wall 88 and the lower wall 48B greater than 10% of the height, taken along the direction elevation C-C', between the second shimming wall 86 and the second intermediate wall 88.

[0116] According to the invention, the second bracing wall 86 is offset relative to the first bracing wall 78 and relative to the first intermediate wall 80 along the elevation direction C-C' on the side of the first waste gas collection duct 84.

[0117] The first bracing wall 78 is offset relative to the second bracing wall 86 and relative to the second intermediate wall 88 along the elevation direction C-C' on the side of the second excess gas collection conduit 92.

[0118] Thus, in orthogonal projection on an axis parallel to the elevation direction C-C', the second bracing wall 86 extends opposite the first waste gas collection conduit 84, between the first intermediate wall 80 and the upper wall 48A.

[0119] In orthogonal projection on an axis parallel to the elevation direction C-C', the first bracing wall 78 extends opposite the second waste gas collection conduit 92, between the second intermediate wall 88 and the lower wall 48B.

[0120] This arrangement of the respective shoring walls 78, 86 and the respective intermediate walls 80, 88 between the adjacent support regions 70, 72 increases the space available to receive battery elements 42 in the respective internal volumes 82, 90, while defining a respective waste gas collection conduit 84, 92, separate from the respective cooling fluid circulation conduits 76, 77.

[0121] Advantageously, the first support region 70 has stop pins 94 interposed between the first intermediate wall 80 and the opposite upper wall 48A in the first waste gas collection conduit 84.

[0122] The first support region 70 includes support wedges 99 between the first support wall 78 and the lower wall 48B.

[0123] Similarly, the second support region 72 includes stop pins 94 interposed between the second intermediate wall 88 and the opposite lower wall 48A in the second waste gas collection duct 92.

[0124] The second support region 72 includes support wedges 99 between the second support wall 86 and the upper wall 48A.

[0125] Advantageously still, each support region 70, 72 includes at least one pillar 97 interposed between the shoring wall 78, 86 and the opposite intermediate wall 80, 88.

[0126] In the example shown in figures 4 to 7, each first support region 70 is formed of a first block 96, the second support region 72 being formed of a second block 96 identical to the first block 96 having been rotated 180° with respect to a central axis of the block 96.

[0127] The blocks 96 are each formed in one piece or in several parts assembled one on top of the other, for example in two parts. The material forming the blocks 96 is Rigid. The material forming the 96 blocks is also electrically insulating. This material is, for example, a fiber-reinforced composite material. In particular, the material is a polyamide, specifically polyamide 66, reinforced with glass fibers. The glass fiber content by mass is advantageously greater than 10% and between 20% and 30%.

[0128] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the support structure 38 comprises a first row 98 of support regions 70, 72 extending opposite the first support region 70 in the longitudinal direction A-A' and a second row 100 of support regions 70, 72 extending opposite the second support region 72 in the longitudinal direction A-A'.

[0129] The first row 98 comprises an alternation of first support regions 70 and second support regions 72. In this example, the first row 98 comprises an alternation of N first and second support regions 70, 72, with N between 4 and 8, in particular equal to 6. It extends from a first support region 70 adjacent to the upstream wall 44 of the housing 36 to a second support region 72 adjacent to the downstream wall 46 of the housing 36.

[0130] The second row 100 comprises an alternation of second support regions 72 and first support regions 70.

[0131] In this example, the second row 100 comprises an alternation of N first and second support regions 70, 72, with N between 4 and 8, in particular equal to 6. It extends from a second support region 72 adjacent to the upstream wall 44 of the housing 36 to a first support region 70 adjacent to the downstream wall 46 of the housing 36.

[0132] Rows 98, 100 are each formed of successive blocks 96 held together by a fastening system, for example pegs or pins.

[0133] Each first support region 70 on a first row 98 and the second support region 72 adjacent to the first support region 70 along the transverse direction B-B' on the second row 100 define between them, along the central longitudinal axis, a part of the central corridor 74.

[0134] The central corridor 74 extends along the entire length of the casing 36, taken along the longitudinal direction A-A' from the upstream wall 44 to the downstream wall 46.

[0135] The central channel 74 is closed upstream by the upstream wall 44. It is connected downstream to the degassing orifice 64 of the downstream wall 46 of the casing 36.

[0136] The first and second waste gas collection conduits 84, 92 respectively of the first and second support regions 70, 72 respectively open into the central corridor 74, in the transverse direction B-B'.

[0137] In this example, the maximum width of the central channel 74, taken along the transverse direction B-B', is between 1% and 10% of the width of the housing 34.

[0138] With reference to Figures 4 and 7, each first support region 70 has a plurality of upper tabs 102A projecting transversely from the first intermediate wall 80 to the adjacent second support region 72, above the central channel 74. It includes a plurality of lower tabs 102B projecting transversely from the first wedge wall 78 to the adjacent second support region 72, below the central channel 74.

[0139] Each leg 102A, 102B projects in the transverse direction B-B' over an area equal to half the width of the central channel 74 along the transverse direction B-B'. The legs 102A, 102B are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction A-A'.

[0140] In this example, each first support region 70 has four upper tabs 102A and four lower tabs 102B, respectively on the first intermediate wall 80 and on the first shim wall 78.

[0141] Correspondingly, each second support region 72 has a plurality of upper tabs 102C projecting transversely from the second intermediate wall 88 to the adjacent first support region 70, above the central channel 74. It includes a plurality of lower tabs 102D projecting transversely from the second wedge wall 86 to the adjacent first support region 70, below the central channel 74.

[0142] Each leg 102C, 102D projects in the transverse direction B-B' over an area equal to half the width of the central channel 74 along the transverse direction B-B'. The legs 102C, 102D are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction A-A'.

[0143] In this example, each second support region 72 has four upper tabs 102C and four lower tabs 102D, respectively on the second intermediate wall 88 and on the second shim wall 86.

[0144] Each free end of an upper leg 102A from the first support region 70 is placed opposite and in contact with a free end of an upper leg 102C from the second support region 72. The free ends of the upper legs 102A, 102C are thus juxtaposed.

[0145] Similarly, each free end of a lower leg 102B from the first support region 70 is placed opposite and in contact with a free end of a lower leg 102D from the second support region 72. The free ends of the lower legs 102B, 102D are thus juxtaposed.

[0146] As can be seen in figures 4 and 7, the upper legs 102A, 102C delimit between themselves, along the longitudinal direction A-A', upper passage windows 104A allowing the passage of excess gases from the first collection conduits 84 to the central corridor 74.

[0147] Similarly, the lower legs 102B, 102D delimit between themselves along the longitudinal direction A-A' lower passage windows 104B allowing the passage of excess gases from the second collection conduits 92 to the central corridor 74.

[0148] In this example, the fixing of each first support region 70 with a second support region 72 adjacent in the transverse direction B-B' is carried out by at least one dowel 106 connecting a leg 102A of the first support region 70 to a leg 102C of the second support region 72 adjacent in the transverse direction B-B' and / or by at least one dowel 106 connecting a leg 102B of the first support region 70 to a leg 102D of the second support region 72 adjacent in the transverse direction B-B'.

[0149] Within the same row 98, 100, the cooling fluid circulation conduits 76, 77 are connected together in the longitudinal direction A-A' to form the continuous cooling fluid circulation path in each row 98, 100.

[0150] Each cooling fluid circulation path opens upstream into the upstream wall 44 through an upstream orifice 54 and opens downstream into the downstream wall through a downstream orifice 62.

[0151] Thus, the cooling fluid flows from the upstream wall 44 to the downstream wall 46 through the conduits 76, 77 forming the fluid circulation paths.

[0152] With reference to [Fig.4], the battery elements 42 are inserted into the battery module 10 within the support structure 38.

[0153] In this example, the battery elements 42 are cylindrical elements. Alternatively, the battery elements 42 are prismatic elements or pockets.

[0154] Each battery element 42 forms an electrochemical cell which includes anodes, cathodes and separators, between which chemical reactions take place.

[0155] For example, the battery cells 42 are of the cylindrical lithium-ion type.

[0156] Each battery cell 42 has two terminals 105A, 105B of opposite polarities and a vent valve 107 for releasing excess gases.

[0157] In the example shown in the figures, each battery element 42 has, along the elevation direction C-C', a first terminal 105A having a first polarity, located at a first end of the battery element 42 along the elevation direction C-C', and a second terminal 105B, located at a second end of the battery element 42 along the elevation direction C-C', having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0158] The excess gas release valve 107 is present on one of the polarities, at one end of each battery cell 42 in the vicinity of the terminal 105A, 105B. Preferably, all battery elements 42 present in the battery module 10 have valves 107 arranged on the same polarity, for example in the vicinity of the second terminal 105B.

[0159] The valve 107 is, for example, formed by a weakened area in the vicinity of terminal 105B, normally closed and designed to open under the effect of overpressure within the battery cell 42, for example greater than 8 bar, in particular greater than 15 bar. The value of the overpressure is adjusted according to the type of battery cells 42.

[0160] All battery elements 42 of the first group housed in the first support region 70 have polarities oriented in the same first direction, while all battery elements 42 of the second group housed in the second support region 72 have polarities oriented in the same second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0161] Thus, each battery element 42 of the first group housed in a first support region 70 has a first end having the first terminal 105A wedged in a recess 85 of the first wedge wall 78. It has a second end wedged under the rim 87 A of the first intermediate wall 80. The second terminal 105B and the valve 107 are arranged in the through orifice 87, to open into the first excess gas collection conduit 84.

[0162] Each battery element 42 of the second group housed in a second support region 72 is arranged head-to-tail with respect to each battery element 42 of the first group housed in a first support region 70.

[0163] It thus has a first end having the first terminal 105A wedged in a recess 93 of the second wedge wall 86. It has a second end wedged under the rim 95A of the second intermediate wall 88. The second terminal 105B and the valve 107 are arranged in the through orifice 95, to open into the second excess gas collection conduit 92.

[0164] The battery elements 42 are wedged at the intermediate wall 80, 88 in each support region 70, 72 so as to obtain a separation between the cooling fluid circulation duct 76, 77 and the excess gas collection duct 84, 92.

[0165] Thus, each cooling fluid circulation path associated with a row 98, 100 is separated from the waste gas collection ducts 84, 92 from all support regions 70, 72 of the row 98, 100.

[0166] The electrical connection assembly 40 includes connecting buses (not shown) connected to terminals 105A, 105B of the battery elements 42 in the support regions 70, 72, at least one common electrical pathway (not shown) connecting the connecting buses to the socket 56. It includes a network of 110 sensors arranged in the central corridor 74.

[0167] The connection buses are configured to connect in parallel all the battery elements 42 of the same group housed in the same support region 70, 72. They are also configured to connect in series all the groups of battery elements 42 connected in parallel in each support region 70, 72, and each common electrical path.

[0168] Each common electrical path is formed for example by an electrical line connected to the electrical outlet 56.

[0169] The sensor network 110 includes at least one thermocouple and at least one pressure sensor.

[0170] The thermocouple is for example located in the central corridor 74 to measure the temperature within the battery module 10. It is connected to the electronic module 52 for the transmission and analysis of the measured temperature data.

[0171] The pressure sensor is for example located in the central corridor 74 to measure the pressure within the central corridor 74. It is connected to the electronic module 52 for the transmission and analysis of pressure data.

[0172] The operation of the electrical power storage system 12 will now be described.

[0173] In normal operation, the electrical power storage system 12 is, for example, in a charging configuration.

[0174] In this configuration, the electrical power storage system 12 receives electrical power from a power source connected to the electrical connection system.

[0175] The received power is transferred from the electrical connection system to the battery modules 10 via the electrical outlets 56.

[0176] The electrical connection assembly 40 of each battery module 10 carries the received power to the battery elements 42 of the battery module 10 via the common electrical path, enabling the charging of the battery elements 42.

[0177] Alternatively, the electrical power storage system 12 is in a discharge configuration, it delivers electrical power to a consumer device connected to the electrical connection system of the electrical power storage system 12.

[0178] The battery elements 42 of the battery modules 10 discharge and supply electrical power to the electrical outlet 56 of the battery modules 10 via the common electrical path.

[0179] The electrical power from the battery elements 42 is transmitted to the electrical connection system via its connection to the battery modules 10 made possible by electrical outlets 56.

[0180] During normal operation of the electrical power storage system 12, the cooling system 16 ensures the circulation of a cooling fluid within the battery modules 10.

[0181] For this purpose, the cooling unit 22 collects and then cools the cooling fluid, for example from outside air to the dedicated space 13. The cooling fluid is optionally routed to the battery modules 10 via the upstream lines 24A and the distribution fittings 26. Air is introduced into the battery modules 10 through the upstream ports 54.

[0182] The cooling fluid then circulates from the upstream wall 44 to the downstream wall 46 of the battery modules 10 through the circulation channels 76, 77 and cools the battery elements 42 by coming into contact with them.

[0183] The cooling fluid is then extracted from the battery modules 10 through the downstream ports 62 and then through the recovery nozzles 28, to reach the outside of the dedicated space 13 via the downstream pipes 24B.

[0184] In the event of thermal runaway, a battery cell 42 of a support region 70, 72 is likely to rise in temperature and expel excess gases through its release valve 107, located for example at its second terminal 105B.

[0185] The excess gases are then discharged by the battery element 42 at the level of the excess gas collection conduit 84, 92 corresponding to the support region 70, 72 in which the battery element 42 is located.

[0186] The excess gases released enter the central corridor 74 through a window 104A, 104B and head towards the downstream wall 46.

[0187] The excess gases then pass into the common collector 30A of the excess gas collection network 30 via the degassing orifice 64.

[0188] The excess gases created during the thermal runaway are then expelled from the dedicated space 13 by the common vent 30B through the non-return valve 32.

[0189] The battery element 42 which has undergone thermal runaway is still cooled by the cooling fluid present in the circulation duct 76, 77.

[0190] Advantageously, the flow rate of cooling fluid circulating in the circulation ducts 76, 77 is increased by supplying each fan 60 in the row 98, 100 comprising the battery element 42 which has undergone thermal runaway, in particular in response to a detection of thermal runaway by the sensor network 110.

[0191] Thanks to the invention just described, the electrical power storage system 12 has a high energy density. Indeed, the volume available to house battery elements 42 in each support region 70, 72 is maximized since the excess gases are collected in a single collection conduit 84, 92 dedicated by support region 70, 72.

[0192] This is made simple by the arrangement, in each support region 70, 72, of battery elements 42 having their polarities oriented identically, and of the excess gas release valves 107 opening into the collection conduit 84, 92.

[0193] The electrical power storage system 12 also features efficient and safe management of excess gases from thermal runaway phenomena by segregating them from the cooling fluid and collecting them in a common manner from several battery modules 10.

[0194] Thus, the electrical power storage system 12 is particularly suited to the requirements of on-board installation within a vehicle 8 or of arrangement in an electrical storage bay 8.

Claims

Claims

1. Battery module (10) comprising a housing (36) defining a longitudinal direction (A-A'), a transverse direction (B-B') and an elevation direction (C-C') perpendicular to the longitudinal (A-A') and transverse (B-B') directions, the housing (36) defining an interior space (37), the interior space (37) containing a support structure (38) for battery elements (42) comprising at least a first support region (70) for battery elements (42), and a second support region (72) for battery elements (42) located adjacent to each other, the first support region (70) comprising: - a first wedging wall (78) for battery elements (42), - a first intermediate wall (80), the first wedging wall (78) and the first intermediate wall (80) defining between them a first interior volume (82) intended to contain a first battery cell group (42),and intended to define around the battery elements (42) of the first group in the first interior volume (82) a first circulation conduit (76) for a cooling fluid for the battery elements (42), the first intermediate wall (80) defining with the housing (36), on one side of the first intermediate wall (80) opposite the first wedging wall (78), a first conduit for collecting abusive gases (84) capable of being evacuated from the battery elements (42) of the first group, the second support region (72) comprising:, - a second wedging wall (86) for battery elements (42), - a second intermediate wall (88), the second wedging wall (86) and the second intermediate wall (88) defining between them a second interior volume (90) intended to contain a second group of battery elements (42) and intended to define around the battery elements (42) of the second group a second circulation duct (77) for a cooling fluid for the battery elements (42), the second intermediate wall (88) defining with the housing (36), on one side of the second intermediate wall (88) opposite the wedging wall (86), a second collection duct for abusive gases (92) capable of being evacuated from the battery elements (42) of the second group, characterized in that the second wedging wall (86) is offset relative to the first wedging wall (78) and relative to the first intermediate wall (80) in the elevation direction (C-C') of the side of the first abusive gas collection duct (84), and in that the first wedging wall (78) is offset relative to the second wedging wall (86) and relative to the second intermediate wall (88) in the elevation direction (C-C') on the side of the second abusive gas collection duct (92).

2. Battery module (10) according to claim 1, in which the support structure (38) defines a corridor (74) for collecting and evacuating abusive gases, the first abusive gas collection conduit (84) and the second abusive gas collection conduit (92) opening into the corridor (74), the corridor (74) being separated from each coolant circulation conduit (76, 77).

3. Battery module (10) according to claim 2, in which the corridor (74) is a central corridor (74) extending between the first support region (70) and the adjacent second support region (72), the housing (36) delimiting a degassing orifice (64) into which the central corridor (74) opens.

4. Battery module (10) according to claim 3, in which the central corridor (74) extends over the entire length of the housing (36), taken in the longitudinal direction (A-A'), the housing (36) comprising an upstream transverse wall (44) completely closing the central corridor (74) upstream and a downstream transverse wall (46) in which the degassing orifice (64) is formed.

5. Battery module (10) according to claim 4, wherein each cooling fluid circulation conduit (76, 77) is connected upstream to an upstream orifice (54) provided in the housing and is connected downstream to a downstream orifice (62) provided in the housing (36), the degassing orifice (64) being distinct from each upstream orifice (54) and from each downstream orifice (62), each upstream orifice (54) being advantageously provided in the upstream transverse wall (44) and each downstream orifice (62) being advantageously provided in the downstream transverse wall (46).

6. Battery module (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a common electrical path connected to battery elements (42) of the first group and / or the second group and / or comprising at least one temperature and / or pressure measuring sensor arranged in the central corridor (74).

7. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (dl) separating the first wall from wedging (78) and the housing (36) opposite taken along the elevation direction (C-C') opposite the first intermediate wall (80), is less than 50% of the distance (D1) separating the first intermediate wall (80) and the housing (36) opposite, taken along the elevation direction (C-C') opposite the first wedging wall (78), the distance (d2) separating the second wedging wall (86) and the housing (36) opposite taken along the elevation direction (C-C') opposite the second intermediate wall (88), is less than 50% of the distance (D2) separating the second intermediate wall (88) and housing (36) opposite, taken along the elevation direction (C-C'), opposite the second wedging wall (86).

8. A battery module (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a first group of battery cells (42) disposed between the first wedging wall (78) and the first intermediate wall (80) and a second group of battery cells (42) disposed between the second wedging wall (86) and the second intermediate wall (88).

9. Battery module (10) according to claim 8, wherein each battery element (42) of the first group and the second group comprises a release valve (107) towards the outside of abusive gases produced in the battery element (42) arranged at the intermediate wall (80, 88) directed respectively towards the first or the second abusive gas collection conduit (84, 92) or arranged in the first or the second abusive gas collection conduit (84, 92).

10. Battery module (10) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein each battery element (42) of the first group and of the second group is applied in a sealed manner respectively on the first intermediate wall (80) and on the second intermediate wall (88), the first and the second cooling fluid circulation conduit (76, 77) being separated respectively from the first and the second abusive gas collection conduit (84, 92) by the intermediate wall (80, 88).

11. A battery module (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the battery cells (42) of the first group are electrically connected to each other in parallel and the battery cells (42) of the second group are electrically connected to each other in parallel, the first group and the second group being connected to each other in series.

12. Battery module (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein each battery element (42) comprises, along the elevation direction (C-C'), a first terminal (105A) having a first polarity and a second terminal (105B) having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, all the battery elements (42) of the first group having their polarities oriented in the same first direction along the elevation direction (C-C'), all the battery elements (42) of the second group having their polarities oriented in the same second direction along the elevation direction (C-C') opposite to the first direction.

13. A battery module (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first support region (70) is formed from a first block (96), the second support region (72) being formed from a second block (96) identical to the first block (96) having been rotated 180° relative to a central axis of the block (96).

14. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support region (70) and the second support region (72) are arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction (B-B'), the battery module (10) defining in a first row (98) opposite the first support region (70) in the longitudinal direction (A-A'), at least one additional second support region (72) adjacent in the longitudinal direction (A-A') to the first support region (70), advantageously an alternation of additional second support regions (72) and additional first support regions (70), the battery module (10) defining in a second row (100) opposite the second support region (72) in the longitudinal direction (A-A'),at least one first additional support region (70) adjacent in the longitudinal direction (A-A') to the second support region (72) and adjacent in the transverse direction (B-B') to the first additional support region (70), advantageously an alternation of first additional support regions (70) and second additional support regions (72).,

15. An electrical power storage system (12) comprising a plurality of battery modules (10) according to any preceding claim, a cooling system (16) of the battery modules (10) connected to each cooling fluid circulation conduit (76, 77) for circulating in each circulation conduit culation (76, 77), a battery cell cooling fluid (42) and an abusive gas collection system (18), separate from the cooling system (16) and connected to each abusive gas collection conduit (84, 92).

16. The electrical power storage system (12) of claim 15, wherein the abusive gas collection system (18) includes a common collector (30A) connected to the vent ports (64) of a plurality of the battery modules (10) and a common exhaust (30B) of abusive gases from the electrical power storage system (12).

17. Vehicle (8) comprising an electrical power storage system (12) according to any one of claims 15 or 16, the vehicle (8) being in particular an aircraft, a rail transport vehicle, a road transport vehicle or a maritime or river transport vehicle.

18. An electrical storage bay (8) comprising an electrical power storage system (12) according to any one of claims 15 or 16.

Images