Battery module including a cooling circuit

Abstract

Battery module comprising a cooling circuit. Battery module (1), particularly for aircraft, comprising a cooling circuit (3) including a cooling tube (5) and a plurality of fins (7) attached to the cooling tube (5), each fin (7) having a cooperation portion (9) in contact with the cooling tube (5), said cooperation portion (9) extending at least partially along an extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5) so as to define cooperation by complementary shape between said fin (7) and the cooling tube (5); a plurality of electrochemical cells (13) each comprising two terminals (15), the electrochemical cells (13) being configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel, each electrochemical cell (13) being configured to be in contact with at least one fin (7) or at least one connecting element to said fin (7). Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Battery module comprising a cooling circuit. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, particularly for aircraft, comprising a cooling circuit including a cooling tube and a plurality of fins attached to the cooling tube. Previous art

[0002] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions have been, are being, or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new types of aircraft and those currently in operation, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to bring them into compliance with current regulations. Civil aviation has been actively working for several years now to contribute to the fight against climate change.

[0003] Technological research efforts have already led to very significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant takes into account the factors impacting all phases of design and development in order to obtain aeronautical components and products that are less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly, and whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental impacts, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft. Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its climate impact by employing methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0004] This sustained research and development work focuses in particular on the development of on-board electrical technologies, for example to provide propulsion.

[0005] An electric battery module comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, each having at least two terminals. The electrochemical cells can thus be connected together in series and / or in parallel.

[0006] It is known to use several types of electrochemical cells, each having different geometric characteristics.

[0007] A flexible pouch-type electrochemical cell has an outer casing comprising a plasticized metallic film. This type of electrochemical cell is lightweight and simple to manufacture but must be held in position due to its flexible structure.

[0008] A cylindrical electrochemical cell, on the other hand, is rigid, which allows for assembly requiring fewer reinforcements to hold it in place. A disadvantage of this type of cell is its cylindrical shape, which leaves empty spaces in the battery module.

[0009] A rigid prismatic electrochemical cell has an outer shell forming a rectangular parallelepiped. This format offers a very good filling coefficient but still requires reinforcements to hold it in position.

[0010] In addition to the constraints of the arrangement of the electrochemical cells in the battery module, it is necessary to cool the electrochemical cells in operation for use in an aircraft.

[0011] Indeed, beyond a temperature threshold known as "thermal runaway," which can be between 70°C and 110°C, exothermic internal chemical reactions can begin. When the battery is no longer able to dissipate sufficient heat, the cell temperature rises until it is destroyed; this phenomenon is commonly referred to as thermal runaway. In other words, thermal runaway occurs in a battery when the energy released by the exothermic reactions occurring inside it exceeds its capacity to dissipate it externally. This runaway can be followed by the generation of gas and an explosion and / or fire, which risks propagating the reaction to the other electrochemical cells of the battery.

[0012] Document FR 3 131 454 A1 describes, for example, metallic cooling tubes welded to a support plate. The support plate, together with a bell-shaped housing, forms a closed mechanical enclosure designed to contain the heat produced by the electrochemical cells, with the cooling tubes dissipating the heat to regulate the temperature.

[0013] However, a difficulty arises in cooling the electrochemical cells, as the contact between them and the support platform is limited. This results in reduced heat flux. A substantial cooling circuit may be necessary to adequately dissipate the heat.

[0014] Other systems exist in which cooling fluid coils are inserted directly between the cells (for example, cylindrical coils) and are thus in direct contact with the cells. However, such a cooling circuit has a significant impact in terms of size and mass, and the direct contact between the cooling circuit and the cells also presents risks in the event of thermal runaway at the cell level.

[0015] There is therefore a need for optimization of heat exchanges as well as for reduction of the mass and size of the fluid circuit.

[0016] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above. Description of the invention

[0017] To this end, the present invention relates to a battery module comprising:

[0018] a cooling circuit including at least one cooling tube and a plurality of fins attached to the cooling tube, each fin having a cooperation portion in contact with the cooling tube, said cooperation portion extending at least in part along an extension direction of the cooling tube so as to define a cooperation by complementary shape between said fin and the cooling tube,

[0019] a plurality of electrochemical cells each comprising two terminals, the electrochemical cells being configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel, each electrochemical cell being configured to be in contact with at least one fin or at least one connecting element to said fin.

[0020] The cooperation between the cooling tube and the fins on the one hand and between the fins and the electrochemical cells on the other hand ensures an efficient thermal link between a hot source (electrochemical cells when they have to dissipate heat) and a cold source (cooling tube).

[0021] This arrangement therefore allows for good heat dissipation from the battery module. Due to the high efficiency of the heat transfer, the size of the cooling tube and the flow rate used can be reduced.

[0022] The electrochemical cells used may be of the Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) type. They may also be lithium-ion type electrochemical cells composed of a metal oxide couple, most often Nickel and Cobalt-Graphite.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the fins and the cooling tube are made of aluminum or of a material having similar thermal conductivity properties.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooperation portion corresponds to a portion of a cylinder or to a cylinder extending at least partially along the direction of extension of the cooling tube. The portion of the cylinder is, for example, coaxial with the cooling tube.

[0025] By "section of cylinder," it is understood that the cooperation section is a profile having a circular arc base. Generally speaking, the cooperation section has a small thickness compared to its extension surface.

[0026] The cooperation portion thus presents an internal contact surface of complementary shape with an external surface of the cooling tube. This complementary shape allows for efficient heat transfer between the cooling tube and the fins.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooperation portion is crimped onto the cooling tube, said corresponding fin being integral with the cooling tube.

[0028] This arrangement improves cooperation through complementary shape, the fins being force-mounted on the cooling tube so as to be integral with the cooling tube.

[0029] Moreover, this arrangement generates mechanical rigidity of the assembly consisting of the cooling tube and the plurality of fins.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the consecutive fins are configured to maintain in position along the extension direction of the cooling tube at least one electrochemical cell or at least one electrochemical cell and at least one corresponding linking element disposed between said consecutive fins.

[0031] It appears that two consecutive fins also serve as bracing elements in addition to their function as heat transfer elements. Between two consecutive fins, one or more electrochemical cells are thus found, possibly accompanied by one or more connecting elements (such as heat drains).

[0032] This arrangement makes the battery module more rigid: it is thus easier to transport and the electrochemical cells maintain their position relative to the fins. The battery module is therefore more robust and easier to assemble as a standalone unit.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrochemical cells are of the flexible bag type, each electrochemical cell extending along a principal plane of its own transverse to the direction of extension of the cooling tube.

[0034] Each principal plane is parallel to the adjacent fin. Thus, the battery module is in the form of a stack of layers, each layer extending transversely to the direction of extension of the cooling tube.

[0035] The advantage of the battery module arrangement is that it forms a rigid assembly even though the electrochemical cells are flexible.

[0036] According to another aspect, each fin then extends along a fin plane transverse to the direction of extension of the cooling tube, each fin being parallel to the electrochemical cells.

[0037] According to an alternative, the electrochemical cells are cylindrical. In this case, the consecutive fins are configured to maintain in position according to the direction of extension of the cooling tube several electrochemical cells with possibly one or more connecting elements arranged between said consecutive fins.

[0038] According to one example, it is possible to arrange between five and twenty-five, in particular fifteen, electrochemical cells between two consecutive fins. The cylindrical electrochemical cells each have an axis of revolution extending parallel to the planes of extension of the consecutive fins.

[0039] Each cylindrical type electrochemical cell has two opposite ends constituting the terminals of said electrochemical cell.

[0040] Cylindrical electrochemical cells are arranged in rows and columns so as to define rows in which the electrochemical cells are joined at their ends.

[0041] This arrangement allows several electrochemical cells to be arranged between two consecutive fins, the electrochemical cells of the same row being connected in series.

[0042] One or more connecting elements can be used to fill the gaps left between the electrochemical cells and the fins.

[0043] According to another alternative, each electrochemical cell has a rigid prismatic shape. In this configuration, the construction is similar to that of flexible pouch-type electrochemical cells. The thickness of this rigid prismatic shape is greater than that of a flexible pouch. The thickness is the dimension along the extension axis of the cooling tube.

[0044] The construction remains the same and one or more connecting elements can be added between the electrochemical cell and the adjacent fin.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the linking element is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell and the adjacent fin, the linking element being made of a thermally conductive material and / or of a material capable of deforming so as to dampen the mechanical stresses transmitted by said electrochemical cell and / or the adjacent fin.

[0046] The linking element therefore makes it possible to adapt the fins to the electrochemical cells even if there is no perfect complementarity of shape between the latter.

[0047] Depending on the chosen assembly, the connecting element can have a protective or shock-absorbing role or a thermal conductor role to better dissipate heat from the electrochemical cells to the fins.

[0048] According to one possibility, the connecting element is a heat drain adapted to be attached to an electrochemical cell. The heat drain is adapted to conduct the heat produced by the electrochemical cell to the fin.

[0049] The thermal drain may have at least one flap folded at a right angle and intended to cooperate with a thickness of the electrochemical cell.

[0050] In particular, the thermal drain is a graphite sheet on which is attached an adhesive part like aluminum tape.

[0051] According to another possibility, the linking element is made of foam and arranged to crush under the effect of the electrochemical cell and / or the adjacent fin.

[0052] The foam can be placed on only one side of the electrochemical cell when it is made of a thermally insulating material. Thus, the heat from the electrochemical cell is guided towards the fin located on the other side.

[0053] This arrangement can be useful for defining a dissipation path followed by the heat from the electrochemical cell to the cooling tube.

[0054] Alternatively, it is possible to provide a thermally conductive foam which can be used on both sides of the electrochemical cell.

[0055] Furthermore, the connecting element can be made of any other material having both damping and / or thermal conductivity properties.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, each fin comprises a body integral with the cooperation portion, the body extending along a height dimension and along a width dimension transverse to the height dimension, the body having a free part extending beyond the adjacent electrochemical cell along the height dimension and / or the width dimension.

[0057] This oversizing of the fin relative to the electrochemical cell promotes heat dissipation by convection. Indeed, depending on the temperature differences, an airflow is created, particularly along the width. Preferably, the free portion extends along the height dimension.

[0058] The fins can also be drilled in the free part in order to add a structural part of the battery module. This improves mechanical rigidity.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one fin comprises a measuring portion attached to the body and extending along the width dimension and / or along the height dimension.

[0060] The measuring portion is configured to be connected to a measuring device or a connection element to a measuring device, such as a cable. The measuring device can be configured to measure temperature. The measurement is thus accurate without being intrusive.

[0061] Preferably, the measurement portion is an extension of the body made in one piece with the body.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the cooling circuit comprises at least two cooling tubes connected by at least one connecting tube of the circuit cooling, for example an elbow, so as to generate the cooling circuit with an inlet and an outlet.

[0063] Preferably, the cooling circuit comprises two parallel cooling tubes, at least one connecting tube being a 180° elbow.

[0064] Each fin thus includes two cooperation portions, the cooling circuit making a round trip. The two cooling tubes are aligned along the width dimension.

[0065] Each cooperation portion is contained in an outgrowth of the body preferably having an oblong or arc-shaped form extending along the height dimension.

[0066] The free portion is located opposite at least one protrusion along the height dimension. The battery module thus dissipates heat through the cooling circuit at one end and by convection at the opposite end.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the terminals of each electrochemical cell extend beyond the fins along their width dimension. The terminals are thus easily accessible.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a closed mechanical housing comprising a base and a bell arranged to cooperate with the base in a closed position, the closed mechanical housing comprising at least one battery module as described above, the at least one battery module being adapted to be disposed in the closed mechanical housing, the at least one corresponding cooling circuit being able to be connected to a cooling fluid circulation circuit external to the closed mechanical housing.

[0069] Thus, while being protected by the base and the bell, the cooling circuit(s) can be connected to an external cold source. The base and the bell prevent thermal runaway of the battery by containing the heat produced.

[0070] Preferably, the closed mechanical housing has, for at least two cooling tubes, an opening adapted for the passage of the corresponding cooling tube between the inside and outside of the closed mechanical housing.

[0071] Thus, one cooling tube is an inlet tube and another cooling tube is an outlet tube. There may also be several inlets and outlets.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, said opening is provided in the base, the base having a recess adapted to receive at least one battery module. Preferably, the recess is adapted to cooperate with the protrusions of the fins so as to hold at least one battery module in position.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the closed mechanical housing may have a vent that can be arranged in an open or closed position. The purpose of this vent is to dissipate heat in the event of overheating and / or thermal runaway.

[0074] The enclosed mechanical housing includes at least one voltage sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. The enclosed mechanical housing includes a terminal connection assembly for the electrochemical cells and a control and balancing board for at least one battery module; these elements may be internal or external to the enclosed mechanical housing depending on the configuration.

[0075] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one battery module as described above or comprising at least one enclosed mechanical housing as described above. The aircraft further comprises the cooling fluid circulation circuit connected to a cold source of the aircraft.

[0076] The aircraft also includes a propulsion unit and an electrical distribution chain adapted to connect the propulsion unit and at least one enclosed mechanical housing to at least one current-consuming element of the aircraft. The electrical distribution chain includes capacitors adapted to the types of current produced and consumed.

[0077] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0078] have at least one cooling tube, a plurality of fins and a plurality of electrochemical cells,

[0079] mount a fin on at least one cooling tube by fitting it and then place at least one electrochemical cell on said fin or place at least one electrochemical cell with at least one connecting element on said fin, and then repeat so as to constitute an alternation of fins and one or more electrochemical cells or one or more electrochemical cells with at least one connecting element.

[0080] Mounting the battery module is easy. The fin is adapted to cooperate with the tube so as to remain in place once mounted.

[0081] The alternating arrangement of fins and electrochemical cells (possibly accompanied by connecting elements such as thermal drains) allows for the formation of a rigid and solid assembly. This rigid assembly may include electrochemical cells of the flexible pouch type, cylindrical type, or prismatic format.

[0082] This manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain a battery module with reduced mass. Furthermore, industrialization is simplified with a simple assembly.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the mounting of a fin on at least one cooling tube is carried out by crimping so as to secure said fin to at least one cooling tube.

[0084] Crimping also creates the cooperating portion by deforming the fin. In practice, each fin is initially provided with an orifice with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cooling tube. The fin is then press-fitted onto the cooling tube and subsequently moved by sliding into its final position using a dedicated tool adapted for crimping.

[0085] This manufacturing method is fast and reliable. The fin can be attached to the cooling tube by welding.

[0086] The various aspects defined above, which are not incompatible, can be combined. Brief description of the figures

[0087] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description set out below in relation to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a battery module.

[0089] [Fig.2] is a detailed perspective view of the battery module.

[0090] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a battery module comprising cells cylindrical type electrochemicals.

[0091] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an electrochemical cell and a bonding element reported on said electrochemical cell.

[0092] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a detail of the battery module with a fin comprising two measuring ports.

[0093] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a battery module with fins comprising free parts extending beyond the electrochemical cells.

[0094] [Fig.7] is an exploded perspective view of a closed mechanical housing comprising a battery module.

[0095] [Fig. 8] is a diagram of current generation and consumption in an aircraft. Description with reference to the figures

[0096] In the detailed description that will follow of the figures defined above, the same elements or elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0097] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a battery module 1 comprises a cooling circuit 3 including two cooling tubes 5 and a plurality of fins 7 attached to the cooling tubes 5.

[0098] Each fin 7 has a cooperation portion 9 in contact with the corresponding cooling tube 5, said cooperation portion 9 extending at least partially along an extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5 so as to define a cooperation by complementary shape between said fin 7 and the cooling tube 5.

[0099] The battery module 1 comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells 13 each comprising two terminals 15. The electrochemical cells 13 are configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel.

[0100] Each electrochemical cell 13 is configured to be in contact with at least one fin 7 or at least one linking element 17 to said fin 7 as seen in [Fig.4],

[0101] The electrochemical cells 13 used may be of the Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) type. They may also be lithium-ion type electrochemical cells 13 composed of a metal oxide couple, most often Nickel and Cobalt-Graphite. Any other chemical type may also be used, for example, lithium-metal.

[0102] The fins 7 and / or the cooling tubes 5 are made of aluminium or of a material having similar thermal conductivity properties.

[0103] The cooperation portion 9 corresponds for example to a portion of a cylinder or to a cylinder extending at least in part along the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5.

[0104] By "section of cylinder," it is understood that the cooperation section 9 is a profile having a circular arc base. Generally speaking, the cooperation section 9 has a small thickness compared to its extension surface.

[0105] The cooperation portion 9 thus presents an internal contact surface of complementary shape with an external surface of the corresponding cooling tube 5.

[0106] The cooperation portion 9 is preferably crimped onto the cooling tube 5, the corresponding fin 7 being integral with the cooling tube 5.

[0107] For example, the cooperation portion 9 is integrated at the level of an outgrowth 39 of the fin 7, preferably having an oblong or arc-shaped shape projecting from the fin. The outgrowth 39 has, for example, a leg-like shape.

[0108] The consecutive fins 7 are configured to hold in position along the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5 at least one electrochemical cell 13 or at least one electrochemical cell 13 and at least one corresponding linking element 17 arranged between said consecutive fins 7.

[0109] It appears that two consecutive fins 7 also serve as stabilizing elements in addition to their function as heat transfer elements. Between two consecutive fins 7, there is thus one or more electrochemical cells 13 possibly accompanied by one or more bonding elements 17.

[0110] The electrochemical cells 13 are of the flexible bag type, each electrochemical cell 13 extending along a principal plane 19 transverse to the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5.

[0111] Each principal propria 19 is parallel to the adjacent fin 7 and in particular to the plurality of fins 7; these being parallel to each other. Thus, the battery module 1 is in the form of a stack of layers, each layer extending transversely to the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5.

[0112] According to an alternative shown in [Fig.3], the electrochemical cells 13 are cylindrical. In this case, the consecutive fins 7 are configured to hold in position along the extension direction 11 of the cooling tube 5 several electrochemical cells 13 with optionally one or more connecting elements 17 arranged between said consecutive fins 7.

[0113] According to this example, it is possible to arrange between five and twenty-five, in particular fifteen electrochemical cells 13 between two consecutive fins 7. The cylindrical electrochemical cells 13 each have an axis of revolution 21 extending parallel to the planes of extension of the consecutive fins 7.

[0114] Each cylindrical type electrochemical cell 13 has two opposite ends constituting the terminals 15 of said electrochemical cell 13.

[0115] The cylindrical type electrochemical cells 13 are arranged in rows and columns so as to define rows in which the electrochemical cells 13 are joined at their ends.

[0116] This arrangement allows several electrochemical cells 13 to be arranged between two consecutive fins 7, the electrochemical cells 13 of the same line being connected in series.

[0117] Optionally, one or more connecting elements 17 can be used to fill the gaps left between the electrochemical cells 13 and the fins 7.

[0118] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the bonding element 17 is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell 13 and the adjacent fin 7, the bonding element 17 being made of a thermally conductive material and / or of a material capable of deforming so as to dampen the mechanical stresses transmitted by said electrochemical cell 13 and / or the adjacent fin 7.

[0119] The linking element 17 therefore allows the fins 7 to be adapted to the electrochemical cells 13 even if there is no perfect complementarity of form between the latter.

[0120] Depending on the chosen assembly, the connecting element 17 can have a role as a protector or shock absorber or a role as a thermal conductor to better dissipate heat from the electrochemical cells 13 to the fins 7.

[0121] According to one possibility, the linking element 17 is a thermal drain adapted to be attached to an electrochemical cell 13. The thermal drain is adapted to conduct the heat produced by the electrochemical cell 13 to the fin 7.

[0122] The thermal drain may have at least one flap 23 folded at a right angle and intended to cooperate with a thickness of the electrochemical cell 13.

[0123] In particular, the thermal drain is a graphite sheet on which is attached an adhesive part like aluminum tape.

[0124] According to another possibility as an alternative or in combination with the graphite drain, the connecting element 17 is made of foam and arranged to crush under the effect of the electrochemical cell 13 and / or the adjacent fin 7.

[0125] The foam can be placed on only one side of the electrochemical cell 13 when it is made of a thermally insulating material. Thus, the heat from the electrochemical cell 13 is guided to the fin 7 located on the other side.

[0126] This arrangement can be useful for defining a dissipation path followed by the heat from the electrochemical cell 13 to the cooling tube 5.

[0127] Alternatively, it is possible to provide a thermally conductive foam which can be used on both sides of the electrochemical cell 13.

[0128] Furthermore, the connecting element 17 can be made of any other material having both damping and / or thermal conduction properties.

[0129] As illustrated in [Fig.6], in one possible embodiment, each fin 7 comprises a body 25 integral with the cooperation portion 9, the body 25 extending along a height dimension 27 and along a width dimension 29 transverse to the height dimension 27.

[0130] The body 25 has a free part 31 extending beyond the adjacent electrochemical cell 13 along the height dimension 27.

[0131] This oversizing of the fin 7 relative to the electrochemical cell 13 promotes heat dissipation by convection. Indeed, depending on the temperature differences, an air current is created (see arrows in [Fig.6]), particularly along the width 29.

[0132] As illustrated in [Fig.5], at least one fin 7 includes a measuring portion 33 attached to the body 5 and extending along the width dimension 29 and / or along the height dimension 27.

[0133] The measuring port 33 is configured to be connected to a measuring device or a connection element to a measuring device, such as a cable 35. The measuring device can be configured to measure a temperature. The measurement is thus accurate without being intrusive.

[0134] Preferably, the measuring portion 33 is an extension of the body 25 made in one piece with the body 25.

[0135] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the cooling circuit 3 comprises two cooling tubes 5 connected by at least one connecting tube 37 of the circuit cooling 3, for example an elbow, so as to generate the cooling circuit 3 with an inlet and an outlet.

[0136] Preferably, the cooling circuit 3 comprises two parallel cooling tubes 5, at least one connecting tube 37 being a 180° bend.

[0137] Each fin 7 thus preferably includes two cooperation portions 9, the cooling circuit 3 making a round trip. The two cooling tubes 5 are aligned along the width dimension 29. The two cooling tubes preferably extend along two parallel directions.

[0138] Each cooperation portion 9 is included in an outgrowth 39 of the body 25 preferably having an oblong or arc-shaped form extending along the height dimension 27.

[0139] The free part 31 is located opposite at least one protrusion 39 along the height dimension 27. The battery module 1 thus dissipates heat through the cooling circuit 3 at one end and by convection at another opposite end.

[0140] The terminals 15 of each electrochemical cell 13 extend beyond the fins 7 along the width dimension 29. The terminals 15 are thus easily accessible.

[0141] As illustrated in [Fig.7], a closed mechanical case 41 includes a base 43 and a bell 45 arranged to cooperate with the base 43 in a closed position.

[0142] The closed mechanical housing 41 comprises at least one battery module 1 as described above, the at least one battery module 1 being adapted to be disposed in the closed mechanical housing 4L

[0143] At least one corresponding cooling circuit 3 is suitable for connection to a cooling fluid circulation circuit, the circulation circuit being, for example, external to the closed mechanical housing 4L

[0144] Thus, while being protected by the base 43 and the bell 45, the cooling circuit(s) 3 can be connected to an external cold source. The base 43 and the bell 45 prevent thermal runaway of the battery by containing the heat produced.

[0145] Preferably, the closed mechanical housing 41 has, for at least two cooling tubes 5, an opening 47 adapted for the passage of the corresponding cooling tube 5 between the inside and outside of the closed mechanical housing 4L

[0146] Thus, one cooling tube 5 is an inlet tube and another cooling tube 5 is an outlet tube. There may also be several inlets and outlets.

[0147] Said opening 47 is provided in the base 43, the base 43 having a recess 49 suitable for receiving at least one battery module 1. Preferably, the recess 49 is adapted to cooperate with the outgrowths 39 of the fins 7 so as to hold at least one battery module 1 in position.

[0148] The closed mechanical housing 41 may have a vent 51 suitable for being arranged in an open or closed position, allowing gases to be evacuated, particularly in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0149] The closed mechanical housing 41 includes at least one voltage sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. The closed mechanical housing 41 includes a terminal connection assembly for the electrochemical cells 13 and a control and balancing board for at least one battery module 1, these elements being able to be internal or external to the closed mechanical housing 41 depending on the configuration.

[0150] As illustrated in [Fig. 8], an aircraft 53 comprises at least one enclosed mechanical housing 41 as described above. The aircraft 53 further comprises the cooling fluid circulation circuit connected to a cold source of the aircraft 53.

[0151] The aircraft 53 also includes a propulsion unit 55 and an electrical distribution chain 57 adapted to connect the propulsion unit 55 and at least one closed mechanical housing 41 to at least one current consumption element 59 of the aircraft 53. The electrical distribution chain 57 includes converters 61 adapted to the types of current produced and consumed.

[0152] A method for manufacturing a battery module 1 as described above consists first of all in having two cooling tubes 5, a plurality of fins and a plurality of electrochemical cells 13.

[0153] The manufacturing process then consists of mounting a fin 7 on the cooling tubes 5 by fitting it in place and then placing at least one electrochemical cell 13 or at least one electrochemical cell 13 with at least one connecting element 17 on said fin 7 and then repeating so as to constitute an alternation of fins 7 and one or more electrochemical cells 13 or one or more electrochemical cells 13 with at least one connecting element 17.

[0154] The alternating arrangement of fins 7 and electrochemical cells 13 allows for the formation of a rigid and solid assembly. This rigid assembly may include electrochemical cells 13 of the flexible pouch type, cylindrical type, or prismatic format.

[0155] The mounting of a fin 7 on the cooling tube 5 is carried out by crimping so as to secure said fin 7 to the cooling tube 5.

[0156] Crimping also preferably generates the cooperation portion 9 by deformation of the fin 7. Mounting the fin 7 on the cooling tube 5 by crimping secures the fin 7 and the cooling tube 5 by creating the cooperation portion 9.

[0157] Preferably, in practice, each fin 7 is initially provided with an orifice of a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the cooling tube 5. The fin 7 is press-fitted onto the cooling tube 5 and then slid into its final position using a dedicated tool adapted for crimping, thus forming the connecting portion 9. This manufacturing method is quick and reliable. The fin 7 can be further secured to the cooling tube 5 by welding.

[0158] In general, it appears that the cooperation between the cooling tubes 5 and the fins 7 on the one hand and between the fins 7 and the electrochemical cells 13 on the other hand guarantees an efficient thermal link between a hot source (electrochemical cells 13) and a cold source (cooling tubes 5).

[0159] This arrangement therefore allows good heat dissipation from the battery module 1. Due to the good efficiency of the heat transfer, the size of the cooling tube 5 and the flow rate used can be reduced.

[0160] The advantage of the arrangement of the battery module 1 is also that it constitutes a rigid assembly although the electrochemical cells 13 are flexible.

[0161] The invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above by way of example, but on the contrary encompasses all variants of its realization.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery module (1) comprising: - a cooling circuit (3) including at least one cooling tube (5) and a plurality of fins (7) attached to the cooling tube (5), each fin (7) having a cooperation portion (9) in contact with the cooling tube (5), said cooperation portion (9) extending at least partially along an extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5) so as to define cooperation by complementary shape between said fin (7) and the cooling tube (5), the cooperation portion (9) being crimped onto the cooling tube (5), said corresponding fin (7) being integral with the cooling tube (5), - a plurality of electrochemical cells (13) each comprising two terminals (15), the electrochemical cells (13) being configured to be connected together in series and / or in parallel,each electrochemical cell (13) being configured to be in contact with at least one fin (7) or at least one connecting element (17) to said fin (7).

2. Battery module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooperation portion (9) corresponds to a portion of a cylinder or to a cylinder extending at least in part along the extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5).

3. Battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the consecutive fins (7) are configured to hold in position along the extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (13) at least one electrochemical cell (13) or at least one electrochemical cell (13) and at least one corresponding linking element (9) disposed between said consecutive fins (7).

4. Battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrochemical cells (13) are of the flexible bag type, each electrochemical cell (13) extending along a principal plane proper (19) transverse to the extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5).

5. Battery module according to claim 4, wherein each fin (7) extends along a fin plane transverse to the extension direction (11) of the cooling tube (5), each fin (7) being parallel to the electrochemical cells (19).

6. Battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the linking element (17) is a layer disposed between the electrochemical cell (13) and the adjacent fin (7), the linking element (17) being made of a thermally conductive material and / or of a material capable of deforming so as to dampen the mechanical stresses transmitted by said electrochemical cell (13) and / or the adjacent fin (7).

7. Closed mechanical housing (41) comprising a base (43) and a bell (45) arranged to cooperate with the base (43) in a closed position, the closed mechanical housing (41) comprising at least one battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the at least one battery module (1) being adapted to be disposed in the closed mechanical housing (41), the at least one corresponding cooling circuit (3) being able to be connected to a cooling fluid circulation circuit external to the closed mechanical housing (41).

8. A method for manufacturing a battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: - having at least one cooling tube (5), a plurality of fins (7), and a plurality of electrochemical cells (13), - mounting a fin (7) onto at least one cooling tube (5) by press-fitting, the mounting of a fin (7) onto at least one cooling tube (5) being effected by crimping so as to secure said fin (7) to at least one cooling tube (5), then placing at least one electrochemical cell (13) onto said fin (7) or placing at least one electrochemical cell (13) with at least one connecting element (17) onto said fin (7), and then repeating so as to constitute an alternation of fins (7) and one or more electrochemical cells (13) or of one or more cells electrochemical (13) with at least one bonding element (17).

Images