Collector system and liquid cooling system

Abstract

To provide a collector system which simplifies complexity of a structure caused by flow rate distribution while improving a uniform heat exchange effect of a liquid cooling plate, and a liquid cooling system.SOLUTION: A collector system includes at least two collectors, and the collector includes a collector case 1 in which a liquid cavity 11 in which a liquid flows is provided and an opened collector connection port 12 is provided on one side of the liquid cavity 11, and a collector main channel 2 which is provided while penetrating the collector case 1, the collector main channels 2 of the at least two collectors being connected in series with each other. A flow rate hole 3 for communicating the collector main channel 2 and the liquid cavity 11 is provided between the liquid cavity 11 and the collector main channel 2, and hole diameters of the flow rate holes 3 of the at least two collectors are different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 2024206178276, filed with the China Patent Office on March 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application relates to the technical field of current collectors, and in particular to current collector systems and liquid cooling systems. [Background technology]

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic devices, heat dissipation problems are becoming increasingly prominent, and the need for heat dissipation is becoming more urgent, especially in battery packs. As an efficient heat dissipation method, liquid cooling technology is widely used in electronic devices. However, flow distribution is a critical aspect in the design of liquid cooling systems for battery packs.

[0003] The design of a conventional liquid-cooled plate collector usually includes a liquid cavity and inlets and outlets of main channels used to control the supply and drainage of the liquid cavity. This design adjusts the flow distribution at the inlets and outlets of each main channel of the liquid cooling system through the hole diameter and number of holes in the main pipe. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Firstly, the design of the main pipe is complicated, and accurate calculation of the pipe diameter and length is required to balance the flow distribution, which not only increases the difficulty of the design but also occupies a lot of space, which is not conducive to the compact design of the liquid cooling system.

[0005] Second, the existence of multiple branches and ducts in the main pipe makes the liquid cooling system structure complex, increasing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembly. The complex ducts also increase the risk of coolant leakage, posing a risk to the safety and stability of electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for producing a composition comprising: At least two current collectors, the current collectors comprising: a current collector case having a liquid cavity therein through which a liquid flows, and an open current collector connection port provided on one side of the liquid cavity; current collector main channels provided to penetrate the current collector case, the current collector main channels of at least two of the current collectors being connected in series to each other; a flow hole is provided between the liquid cavity and the current collector main channel to communicate the current collector main channel with the liquid cavity; A current collector system is provided in which the flow holes of at least two of the current collectors have different pore sizes.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for producing a composition comprising: Provided is a liquid cooling system including a liquid-cooled main supply pipe, a liquid-cooled main drain pipe, one or more liquid-cooled plates, and a current collector system, wherein the liquid-cooled plates are stacked in order with gaps between them, and both ends of the liquid-cooled plates are each connected by sealing to a current collector connection port of one of the current collectors, the liquid-cooled main supply pipe communicates with a current collector main channel at one end of the stacked one or more liquid-cooled plates, and the liquid-cooled main drain pipe communicates with a current collector main channel at the other end of the stacked one or more liquid-cooled plates, and the diameter of the flow holes in the current collectors increases with increasing distance from the liquid-cooled main supply pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The beneficial effects are as follows: 1. By combining the liquid cavity, the current collector main channel, and the flow hole, there is no need to adjust the flow rate and volume from outside the current collector, which simplifies the connection structure, reduces the number of branch paths and pipelines in the current collector system, and reduces the complexity of the pipelines. 2. The flow hole design makes it easier to change the pore size compared to changing the pore size of the main channel of the current collector, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent pore sizes of the main channel of the current collector and low compatibility during assembly. In addition, the flow hole design makes the entire current collector system more compact and occupies less space. 3. By adjusting the pore size of the flow holes of each current collector in the current collector system, the flow rate and flow distribution of the liquid within each current collector can be flexibly changed. The flow rate distribution can be more accurately controlled due to the direct relationship between the pore size of the flow holes and the flow rate than when the flow rate is controlled by changing the pore size and length of the current collector main channel. 4. The flow hole design reduces the potential leakage points of the collector system. Compared with the complicated design of the connecting passage, this collector system has a simple structure and reduces the risk of leakage. 5. By adjusting the diameter of the flow holes, the flow rate of the liquid from the main channel of the current collector to the connection port of the current collector can be effectively controlled. Furthermore, according to Bernoulli's law, the change in flow rate also affects the change in pressure, so by adjusting the flow holes, the pressure distribution can be indirectly controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a current collector system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a current collector according to an example of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of one side of a collector connection port in an example of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Example 1 of the present application discloses a current collector system as shown in Figures 1 to 4. This current collector system includes at least two current collectors, each of which includes a current collector case 1 and a current collector main channel 2. The current collector main channel 2 vertically penetrates the current collector case 1, and a liquid cavity 11 through which a liquid flows is provided within the current collector case 1. One side of the liquid cavity 11, i.e., one side of the current collector case 1, is provided with an open current collector connection port 12, which is used to seal communication with a liquid-cooled plate. The other side of the liquid cavity 11 communicates with the current collector main channel 2 via a flow hole 3. The current collector main channel 2 has a main channel inlet 21 and a main channel outlet 22 at both ends. The main channel inlet 21 is used to inject coolant into the liquid cavity 11, and the main channel outlet 22 is used to allow the coolant in the liquid cavity 11 to flow out. In at least two current collectors, the main channel inlet 21 of the current collector communicates with the main channel outlet 22 of the adjacent current collector, and thus the at least two current collectors are connected in series. The diameter of the flow holes 3 is smaller than the diameter of the main channel inlet 21, and the diameters of the flow holes 3 of the at least two current collectors are different. By adjusting the diameter of the flow holes 3 in each current collector, the flow rate and pressure of the liquid flowing from the flow holes 3 into the liquid cavity 11 can be adjusted. This changes the diameter of the flow holes 3 inside the current collector for each position of the current collector, and keeps the speed of the liquid flowing out of the current collector connection port 12 constant for each current collector.

[0011] In this Example 1, the diameter of the flow hole 3 is in the range of 0.5mm to 5mm, allowing for precise control of the fluid flow rate. An appropriate diameter can be selected according to actual needs to ensure that the fluid flow rate meets the required requirements and achieve precise flow rate control. The main channel inlet 21 and main channel outlet 22 are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the current collector main channel 2 between them is in the range of 6mm to 14mm. The coaxial design of the main channel inlet 21 and main channel outlet 22 allows the fluid to maintain a stable flow direction within the main channel, reducing vortices and turbulence caused by direction changes, contributing to reduced energy loss and improved fluid transport efficiency. Furthermore, the size of the current collector main channel 2 facilitates its processing, manufacturing, assembly, and installation. The collector case 1 combines the liquid cavity 11, the main channel, and the flow holes 3, and provides flow holes 3 with different hole diameters in different collector cases 1, thereby reducing the number of liquid cooling branch paths and ducts for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid cooling system, thereby simplifying the structural complexity caused by the flow rate distribution while improving the uniform heat exchange effect of the liquid cooling plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, in order to adjust the flow rate distribution using the current collector, a transition cavity 4 may be provided between the flow hole 3 and the liquid cavity 11, and a step portion 5 may be provided between the transition cavity 4 and the liquid cavity 11, with the liquid flow area of ​​the flow hole 3 being smaller than that of the transition cavity 4, which is smaller than that of the liquid cavity 11, and a flow distribution rib 43 is further provided within the transition cavity 4, which divides the transition cavity 4 into a flow rate adjustment cavity 41 and an empty cavity 42, and similarly, the liquid flow area of ​​the flow hole 3 is smaller than that of the flow rate adjustment cavity 41, which is smaller than the liquid flow area of ​​the liquid cavity 11. At least two of the current collectors have at least two flow distribution ribs at different positions, which can solve the problem of liquid flow distribution at various flow rates and change the flow rate when the liquid flows through areas with different flow areas. Because the flow area of ​​the flow hole 3 is the smallest, the flow rate of the liquid when flowing through the flow hole 3 is relatively high. On the other hand, the flow area of ​​the liquid cavity 11 and the flow control cavity 41 is large and the flow rate is relatively low, which is advantageous for reducing pressure loss and energy consumption caused by excessively high flow rates.

[0013] One side of the flow control cavity 41 is connected to the flow hole 3, and the other side is connected to the liquid cavity 11. The design of the flow control cavity 41 allows for adjustment and control of the liquid flow rate. By rationally designing the shape and size of the flow control cavity 41, the flow rate distribution of the liquid flowing in a certain area can be optimized, preventing excessive or insufficient flow rates. The provision of a step portion 5 streamlines the internal structure of the current collector, facilitating processing. Furthermore, gradually reducing the flow area allows for more flexible control of the flow rate and flow rate distribution, improving the performance of the current collector. In Example 1, the side wall of the flow control cavity 41 on the side connected to the flow hole 3 has a width equal to or greater than the diameter of the flow hole 3 and a length between 10 mm and 50 mm, providing sufficient space and time for the liquid to flow and gradually adjusting the flow rate within the flow control cavity 41.

[0014] The flow distribution rib 43, which separates the flow control cavity 41 from the empty cavity 42, has a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm. The flow distribution rib 43 has an appropriate thickness, allowing it to withstand a predetermined liquid pressure and impact force without being too bulky or taking up too much space. This makes the current collector structure more stable and reduces performance degradation due to structural deformation or damage.

[0015] To easily improve the stability and sealing of the connection between the current collector connection port 12 and the end of the liquid-cooled plate, the distance from the surface of the liquid cavity 11 connected to the flow rate control cavity 41 to the surface where the current collector connection port 12 is located is controlled to a range of 3 mm to 7 mm. In this case, the volume of the current collector is not too large, and the mounting position can be secured, which is advantageous for assembling with the liquid-cooled plate and improving the sealing and stability during assembly.

[0016] The present application also relates to a liquid cooling system, which includes a liquid cooling main supply pipe, a liquid cooling main drain pipe, one or more liquid cooling plates, and a current collector system, the liquid cooling plates are stacked in order with a gap between them, and both ends of the liquid cooling plates are each sealed and connected to the current collector connection port 12 of one current collector. In one or more current collectors, the main channel inlet 21 of the current collector is connected to the main channel outlet 22 of the adjacent current collector, the liquid cooling main supply pipe communicates with the current collector main channel 2 at one end of the stacked one or more liquid cooling plates, and the liquid cooling main drain pipe communicates with the current collector main channel 2 at the other end of the stacked one or more liquid cooling plates, the liquid cooling plate closest to the liquid cooling main supply pipe and the liquid cooling main drain pipe is the leading end, and the liquid cooling plate farther from the liquid cooling main supply pipe and the liquid cooling main drain pipe is the trailing end. Therefore, the liquid-cooling main supply pipe is connected to the current collector main channel inlet 21 at one end of the leading liquid-cooling plate, and the liquid-cooling main drain pipe is connected to the current collector main channel outlet 22 at the other end of the leading liquid-cooling plate. The current collectors at both ends of the terminal liquid-cooling plate block the main channel outlets 22. The diameter of the flow holes 3 in the current collector increases with distance from the liquid-cooling main supply pipe and the liquid-cooling main drain pipe. That is, the diameter of the flow holes 3 increases in the current collectors connected to the liquid-cooling plates from leading to trailing. The liquid-cooling system can effectively transfer heat from the heat source to the coolant. Furthermore, the smaller the diameter of the flow holes 3 in the current collector case 1, the farther from the main supply pipe, the more precisely the flow rate can be controlled in the liquid-cooling system. This design ensures uniform distribution of the coolant at various locations, avoiding variations in the cooling effect due to uneven flow rates.

[0017] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the effect of varying the flow rate can also be achieved by changing the number of flow holes 3 instead of changing the hole size of the flow holes 3 in different current collectors of the liquid cooling system described above.

[0018] Based on the liquid cooling system described above, the operating principle of the current collector will be explained in detail. When the coolant in the liquid cooling main supply pipe flows into the leading liquid cooling plate, there is almost no loss of coolant at the main channel inlet 21 at the end of the liquid cooling plate. This results in high coolant pressure and a fast flow rate. For this reason, the diameter of the flow holes 3 in the current collector of the leading liquid cooling plate is 0.5 mm. This results in a fast flow rate to the liquid cooling plate but a low flow rate. On the other hand, when the coolant in the liquid cooling main supply pipe flows into the trailing liquid cooling plate, the coolant is affected by frictional forces due to the length of the current collector main channel 2 itself within the main channel inlet 21 at the end of the liquid cooling plate, resulting in a decrease in coolant pressure and a slower flow rate. For this reason, the diameter of the trailing liquid cooling plate and flow holes 3 is 5 mm. Although the flow rate to the liquid-cooled plates is slow, the total flow rate is large, so that the total flow rate and flow rate of the coolant in the current collector at the end of the leading liquid-cooled plate and the coolant in the current collector at the end of the terminal liquid-cooled plate are roughly the same, and the heat exchange effect of all liquid-cooled plates is consistent. This design compensates for the decrease in flow rate due to frictional resistance in the liquid-cooled system and provides an appropriate amount of coolant to all liquid-cooled plates.

[0019] In the current collector between the leading and trailing liquid-cooled plates, the diameter of the flow holes 3 increases with each layer, and the increase may be adjusted according to the number of battery rows. Similarly, when the number of battery rows is large, the diameter of the flow holes 3 may be selected from the range of less than 0.5 mm to more than 5 mm, but is not particularly limited in this embodiment.

[0020] In summary, the current collector system and liquid cooling system according to the present application have the following technical effects. 1. By combining the liquid cavity 11, the current collector main channel 2, and the flow hole 3, there is no need to adjust the flow rate and volume from outside the current collector, which simplifies the connection structure, reduces the number of branch paths and pipelines in the current collector system, and reduces the complexity of the pipelines. 2. The design of the flow holes 3 makes it easier to change the hole diameter compared to changing the hole diameter of the current collector main channel 2, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent hole diameters of the current collector main channel 2 and low compatibility during assembly. In addition, the design of the flow holes 3 makes the entire current collector system more compact and occupies less space. 3. By adjusting the pore size of the flow holes 3 of each current collector in the current collector system, the flow rate and flow distribution of the liquid within each current collector can be flexibly changed. The flow rate distribution can be more accurately achieved due to the direct relationship between the pore size of the flow holes 3 and the flow rate than when the flow rate is controlled by changing the pore size and length of the current collector main channel 2. 4. The design of the flow holes 3 reduces potential leakage points in the collector system. Compared with the complicated design of the connecting passages, this collector system has a simple structure and reduces the risk of leakage. 5. By adjusting the diameter of the flow hole 3, the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the current collector main channel 2 to the current collector connection port 12 can be effectively controlled. In addition, according to Bernoulli's law, changes in flow rate also affect changes in pressure, so by adjusting the flow hole 3, the pressure distribution can be indirectly controlled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0021] 1 Current collector case 11 Liquid Cavity 12 Current collector connection port 2 Current collector main channel 21 Main Channel Entrance 22 Main Channel Exit 3 flow hole 4 Transition Cavity 41 Flow control cavity 42 empty cavity 43 Flow distribution rib 5 Step

Claims

1. 1. A current collector system comprising at least two current collectors, the current collectors comprising: a current collector case (1) having a liquid cavity (11) therein through which a liquid flows and an open current collector connection port (12) provided on one side of the liquid cavity (11); a current collector main channel (2) provided through the current collector case (1), wherein the current collector main channels (2) of at least two of the current collectors are connected in series to each other; Between the liquid cavity (11) and the current collector main channel (2), a flow hole (3) is provided to communicate the current collector main channel (2) with the liquid cavity (11); A current collector system, wherein the flow holes (3) of at least two of the current collectors have different pore sizes.

2. 2. The current collector system according to claim 1, wherein a transition cavity (4) is provided between the flow hole (3) and the liquid cavity (11), and a step portion (5) is provided between the transition cavity (4) and the liquid cavity (11) to provide a step-like transition, and the liquid flow area of ​​the flow hole (3) is smaller than the liquid flow area of ​​the transition cavity (4), and the liquid flow area of ​​the transition cavity (4) is larger than the liquid flow area of ​​the liquid cavity (11).

3. 3. The current collector system according to claim 2, wherein a flow distribution rib (43) is provided in the transition cavity (4), the flow distribution rib (43) dividing the transition cavity (4) into a flow regulation cavity (41) and an empty cavity (42), one side of the flow regulation cavity (41) communicating with the flow hole (3) and the other side of the flow regulation cavity (41) communicating with the liquid cavity (11), and the positions of at least two of the flow distribution ribs (43) are different in at least two of the current collectors.

4. 4. The current collector system according to claim 3, wherein the liquid flow area of ​​the flow hole (3) is smaller than the liquid flow area of ​​the flow control cavity (41), and the liquid flow area of ​​the flow control cavity (41) is smaller than the liquid flow area of ​​the liquid cavity (11).

5. The current collector system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate distribution rib (43) has a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm and separates the flow rate adjustment cavity (41) from the empty cavity (42).

6. 4. The current collector system according to claim 3, wherein a side wall of the flow rate regulating cavity (41) on a side communicating with the flow rate hole (3) has a width equal to or greater than a diameter of the flow rate hole (3) and a length between 10 mm and 50 mm.

7. 4. The current collector system according to claim 3, wherein the distance from the surface of the liquid cavity (11) connected to the flow rate adjustment cavity (41) to the surface where the current collector connection port (12) is present is 3 mm to 7 mm.

8. 2. The current collector system of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the flow holes (3) is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

9. 2. The current collector system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the current collector main channel (2) is in the range of 6 mm to 14 mm.

10. A liquid cooling system comprising: a liquid-cooled main supply pipe; a liquid-cooled main drain pipe; one or more liquid-cooled plates; and the current collector system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the liquid-cooled plates are stacked in order with gaps between them, and both ends of the liquid-cooled plates are each connected by sealing to a current collector connection port (12) of one of the current collectors, the liquid-cooled main supply pipe communicates with a current collector main channel (2) at one end of the one or more stacked liquid-cooled plates, and the liquid-cooled main drain pipe communicates with a current collector main channel (2) at the other end of the one or more stacked liquid-cooled plates, and the diameter of the flow holes (3) of the current collectors increases with increasing distance from the liquid-cooled main supply pipe.

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