A battery module including a fluid that applies pressure to the cells.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module (1), comprising a housing (30), cells (8) arranged in the housing (30), a space (31) formed between a first main surface (8A) of the cell (8) and a second main surface (8B) of an adjacent cell (8), and a fluid occupying one or more spaces (31) to cool the first main surface (8A) and / or the second main surface (8B), the module (1) comprising a flexible wall (13) facing the first main surface (8A) or the second main surface (8B) of the cell (8) and extending in contact with the first main surface (8A) or the second main surface (8B), respectively, and a flow rate of the fluid being controlled such that a pressure of the fluid applied to the flexible wall (13) can be changed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a module for a battery. The present invention also relates to a battery comprising such a module. The present invention also relates to a system comprising such a module or such a battery. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a system or such a battery or such a module. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles, such as automobiles, typically include a battery. Such batteries (e.g., traction batteries and / or propulsion batteries) typically comprise one or more modules. Each such module comprises at least one electrochemical electric energy storage cell (e.g., of the lithium-ion type).

[0003] The cells of a battery module, especially those of the lithium-ion type, vary in volume over their life. More specifically, during charge and discharge cycles, the volume of the cells changes due to expansion and contraction, respectively. Such volume changes are particularly important when certain materials, especially silicon, are used in the cells. Moreover, as the cells age, they expand slightly without contracting.

[0004] The cells are also subject to temperature changes. Indeed, during charging, the cells may heat up in particular. This leads to a temperature rise, especially at their connections, which is inevitable during rapid recharging (generally obtained by high currents). Such cells therefore need to be cooled in order to maximize their performance level, especially in terms of autonomy and recharging times.

[0005] Thus, simultaneously managing thermal regulation and expansion / contraction for the cells of a battery module is particularly difficult.

[0006] Korean Patent No. 10-2256604 (KR10-2256604) describes a battery module aiming at controlling both cell expansion and cell cooling with a compact structure. The module comprises a number of "buffers" arranged between the cells, which are pockets of elastic material filled with a phase change material. The elastic buffers are compressed when the cells expand, and the phase change material allows to control the temperature of the cells. The main drawback of this solution is that it involves a passive system, which is operated in particular independently of the actual state of the cells, whether it be the short-term state in terms of charge or temperature, or the long-term state in terms of ageing and / or health.

[0007] Presentation of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide a module that solves the problem of cell expansion / contraction and the problem of cell thermal regulation. Furthermore, the present invention proposes a system that can be controlled depending on the cell state.

[0008] Summary of the Invention To this end, the invention relates to a module for a battery, in particular for a vehicle battery, said module comprising: Housing, cells disposed within the housing, each cell having a first major surface and a second major surface; a space formed between a first main surface of the cell and a second main surface of an adjacent cell, and / or a space formed between one of the first and second main surfaces of the cell and the housing; a fluid intake means and a fluid exhaust means, the fluid occupying one or more spaces such that the fluid cools the first major surface and / or the second major surface; Equipped with The module comprises a flexible wall facing a first or second major surface of the cell, respectively, and extending in contact or substantial contact with the first or second major surface, and a flow rate of the fluid is controlled such that a pressure of the fluid applied to the flexible wall at the first and / or second major surface of the cell can be varied during charge / discharge cycles of the cell and / or during aging of the cell to conform to contraction and / or expansion of the cell.

[0009] The flexible wall extending across a first major face of a cell and the flexible wall extending across a second major face of an adjacent cell may be of a single piece and form only one membrane.

[0010] At least one flexible wall may be made of a polymer and may be at least partially covered on the side in contact with the cell by a plate obtained from a material more thermally conductive than the polymer, in particular a metal, or at least one flexible wall may comprise a rectangular plate insert obtained from a material more thermally conductive than the polymer, in particular a metal.

[0011] This module: to stretch each membrane facing a first major surface of a cell and facing a second major surface of an adjacent cell; or To stretch each membrane facing the first or second major surface of the cell and facing the housing, There may be a first retaining means for each membrane and a second retaining means for each membrane.

[0012] The first retaining means for each membrane may each be cylindrical, in particular tubular cylindrical, and / or the second retaining means for each membrane may each be cylindrical, in particular tubular cylindrical, and each membrane may in particular partially surround the first retaining means and the second retaining means.

[0013] The housing may comprise an upper portion, in particular the upper portion having a fluid discharge means, and a bottom portion, in particular the bottom portion having a fluid intake means, and the upper portion and the bottom portion may be arranged to direct fluid from the bottom portion to the space and then to the upper portion.

[0014] The top part may have a first positioning means for the first and second retaining means and for the membrane, and / or the bottom part may have a second positioning means for the first and second retaining means and for the membrane.

[0015] The invention also relates to a battery comprising at least one module as defined above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a system including a module as defined above, or a battery as defined above, said system comprising: a pump for a fluid and means for controlling the parameters of said pump, in particular its activation and / or deactivation and / or its flow level, Means for determining the pressure of the fluid, in particular in the housing; means for measuring the temperature in the module and / or in the housing and / or in at least one cell, Includes.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a system as defined above, or a battery as defined above, or a module as defined above.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a method of operating the system defined above, comprising the step of activating a pump to obtain a fluid flow rate resulting in a pressure being applied to at least one flexible wall facing a first main face of the cell and / or to at least one flexible wall facing a second main face of the cell.

[0019] The method comprises: determining the pressure of the fluid by a pressure determining means and / or measuring the temperature by a temperature measuring means, controlling the flow rate of the pump by means of a control means in response to the determined pressure of said fluid and / or to the measured temperature in order to maintain a constant or substantially constant pressure on at least one first main surface and / or on at least one second main surface of the cell, Includes.

[0020] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the embodiments and the manner of operation thereof are described without, however, limiting the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a membrane of a battery module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a membrane of a battery module according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery module according to an embodiment viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic diagram of cells, membranes, and spaces according to an embodiment in an unexpanded cell state. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic diagram of cells, membranes, and spaces according to an embodiment with the cells in an expanded state. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a module according to an embodiment.

[0022] Detailed Description The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. Conventionally, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which lies in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the lateral direction Y. A third direction perpendicular to the other two directions is called the vertical direction Z. A directional reference frame XYZ is thus used, with X being the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e. towards the rear, Y being the lateral direction towards the right and Z being the vertical direction looking upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which a vehicle normally moves longitudinally and is opposite to the reverse direction.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 100, for example a motor vehicle, comprises electric energy storage means 101 of the battery type. The vehicle, or battery 101, comprises at least one module 1. The battery 101 preferably comprises several modules 1, which are arranged, for example side by side, for example by touching or substantially touching each other. Each module 1 comprises at least one cell 8, preferably several cells 8. Each cell 8 has a first main surface 8A and a second main surface 8B. Advantageously, each cell is rectangular or substantially rectangular, the first and second main surfaces 8A, 8B being the two largest surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped. In this case, the surfaces 8A, 8B of each cell are a parallel pair.

[0024] The vehicle 100 is equipped with a system 40 .

[0025] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the system 40 comprises a module 1 and / or a battery 101. A fluid F, preferably a liquid (e.g. a glycol-water type liquid), is present within the module 1 as described below.

[0026] The system also comprises a pump 102 for the fluid F and means 103 for controlling the parameters of the pump 102. For example, these parameters include the start-up of the pump 102 and / or the stop of the pump 102 and / or the flow level of the pump 102. The pump control means for example use Pulse Width Modulation (known by the abbreviation PWM). Thus, by means of pulse modulation, the frequency of the fluid and therefore the flow rate of the fluid is modulated. It is advantageous to complement the control means by a flow meter. The system 40 also preferably comprises means 104 for measuring the temperature in the module 1 and / or in at least one cell 8. The temperature control means 104 preferably comprise one or more thermocouples. Advantageously, the system 40 comprises means 106 for determining the pressure of the fluid. The fluid pressure determination means 106 measure, for example, the pressure exerted by the cell through the head loss of the hydraulic network, i.e. the flow rate drop of the fluid F. Preferably, the control means 103 of the pump 102 is servo-controlled by pressure determination means 106 in order to keep the pressure of the fluid F in the module constant or substantially constant. Preferably, the pump control means 103 comprises software means for tracking the flow rate and for managing the pump by PWM. It should be noted that several pumps can be arranged in the same circuit.

[0027] Alternatively, the system 40 comprises several electrically interconnected modules 1. Alternatively or additionally, the system 40 comprises several modules 1 with the same volume of fluid, where the modules have hydraulic connections between them, and the system 40 comprises one pump or several pumps.

[0028] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the module 1 includes a housing 30. In the case of the cells 8 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing 30 is also rectangular parallelepiped shaped. The housing 30 covers all of the cells 8 of the module 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the cells 8 are arranged in the housing 30 such that the first main surface 8A of the cell 8 is parallel to the second main surface 8B of the adjacent cell 8. Preferably, the first main surface 8A of the cell 8 adjacent to the housing 30 extends facing the inner surface 32 of the housing 30. Preferably, the second main surface 8B of the cell 8 adjacent to the housing 30 extends facing the inner surface 34 of the housing 30. The inner surfaces 32, 34 of the housing 30 are parallel with the same or substantially the same dimensions, and face each other when the housing is empty. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the module 1 preferably includes terminals 2, 3 (e.g., a positive terminal and a negative terminal, e.g., extending above the module 1). For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the terminal 2 is connected to or comprises a connection means 6, which is preferably of the "busbar" type. Similarly, for example, the terminal 3 is connected to or comprises a connection means 7, which is preferably of the "busbar" type. Preferably, the module 1 comprises at least one connection means or connection system 9 between the module cells 8. For example, the terminals 2, 3 allow the module 1 to be electrically connected to another module, preferably to another adjacent module.

[0029] 7, 8, 9 and 19 in particular, a space 31 is formed between a first major surface 8A of a cell 8 and a second major surface 8B of an adjacent cell 8. Preferably, the space 31 is formed between the first major surface 8A of the cell 8 adjacent to the housing 30 and an inner surface 32 of the housing 30. Preferably, the space 31 is formed between the second major surface 8B of the cell 8 adjacent to the housing 30 and an inner surface 34 of the housing 30.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the module 1 also comprises a fluid intake 4, or inlet, or inlet. The fluid F is preferably a coolant. The module 1 also comprises fluid F discharge means 5, or outlet, or outlet. Thus, as will be seen below, the fluid enabling the management of the expansion and the cooling of the cells enters the module 1 at the inlet 4 and leaves it through the outlet 5. Alternatively, the fluid circulates in the opposite direction.

[0031] Fluid F occupies space 31 so as to cool first and second main faces 8A and 8B. The flow rate of fluid F is controlled to allow for the modification of pressure P applied to first and second main faces 8A and 8B of cell 8. By modifying the pressure of fluid F in this way, contraction or expansion of the first and second main faces of cell 8 is tracked. In other words, the pressure applied to the first and second main faces 8A, 8B of the cell is modified during the charge and discharge cycles of the cell and over the course of the cell's life.

[0032] As shown in figures 3 to 10, the module 1 comprises flexible walls 13, which extend facing the first or second main surface 8A or 8B, respectively, of the cells 8. Advantageously, the flexible walls 13 extend facing the first or second main surface 8A or 8B, respectively, of each cell 8 and in contact or substantially in contact with the first or second main surface 8A or 8B of each cell 8. These walls are flexible and preferably elastic. Thus, the flexible walls 13 in the form of a thin band or sheet are different from the cells 8 through which they extend. In other words, the flexible walls 13 are fixed to the first or second main surface 8A or 8B, respectively, of the cells 8 or at least partially cover the first or second main surface 8A or 8B of the cells 8.

[0033] For example, two flexible walls 13 extend between two holding means 14, 15. In this case, each flexible wall 13 is, for example, fixed to holding means 14 on one side and to holding means 15 on the other side.

[0034] Thus, more specifically, the space 31 between two adjacent cells, or one or more spaces between a cell and an inner surface 32 , 34 of the housing 30 , extends between the flexible walls 13 .

[0035] Advantageously, each flexible wall 13 is made of a polymer. Preferably, the polymer used is flexible so that it can change its shape under the level of pressure P of the fluid F and under the pressure resulting from the expansion of the cells. For example, according to a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, at least one wall 13 is at least partially covered on the side in contact with the cell 8 by a plate 16. In this case, the wall 13 comprises, for example, a rectangular plate 16. Preferably, the plate 16 is obtained from a material that is more thermally conductive than the polymer. Advantageously, the material of the plate 16 is a metal, for example copper, or even an alloy containing copper.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one wall 13 comprises a rectangular plate insert 16' obtained from a material more thermally conductive than the polymer, for example a metal, for example copper or a metal containing copper. The term "insert" should be understood to mean that the wall 13 comprises only one insert 16' over the entire area that receives the insert 16' or substantially over the entire area. In other words, the insert 16' replaces the material of the wall 13 over the entire surface of the insert.

[0037] Advantageously, the area of ​​the plate 16 or the area of ​​the insert 16' is substantially equal to the area of ​​the main faces 8A, 8B of the cells. The plate 16 or the insert 16' faces completely or substantially completely against the main faces 8A, 8B of the cells and is in contact or substantially in contact with the main faces 8A, 8B of the cells.

[0038] Preferably, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the wall 13 extending against the first main face of the cell 8 and the wall 13 (not shown) extending against the second main face of the adjacent cell 8 are made of a single piece. The two walls 13 thus form one membrane 20. Advantageously, as shown in Figures 4 to 9, each membrane has the shape of a sleeve extending between the two holding means 14, 15. The membrane 20 is thus different from the cell or cells through which it extends. In other words, each membrane 20 is fixed to the first main face 8A or the second main face 8B of the cell 8 or at least partially covers the first main face 8A or the second main face 8B of the cell 8. Preferably, as shown in particular in Figure 7, the same membrane 20 is fixed to the first main face 8A of the cell and the second main face 8B of the adjacent cell or at least partially covers the first main face 8A of the cell and the second main face 8B of the adjacent cell.

[0039] The contact of two walls on one side of the cell, or the contact of two membranes 20 on one side of the cell 8, allows the pressure P of the fluid F to be applied to the first and second main faces 8A, 8B of the cell. In practice, simply put, the fluid F occupies the space 31 and then extends into the membrane 20. In the case of an insert 16' or plate 16 on the wall 13 or membrane 20, the ability to transfer heat from the faces 8A, 8B of the cell 8 to the insert 16' or plate 16 and then from the insert 16' or plate 16 to the fluid contributes to and helps improve the cooling of the cell. In other words, the calories generated by the cell are quickly transferred to the fluid F, which is dissipated by the continuous circulation of the fluid F.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the module 1, or the housing 30, comprises a first holding means 14 for each membrane 20 and a second holding means 15 for each membrane 20. The first and second holding means 14, 15 are arranged to stretch the membrane 20 facing the first main surface 8A of the cell 8 and facing the second main surface 8B of the adjacent cell 8. Alternatively, the first and second holding means 14, 15 are arranged to stretch the membrane 20 facing the first main surface 8A and the inner surface 32 of the housing 30, or the membrane 20 facing the second main surface 8B and the inner surface 34 of the housing 30. Preferably, the first holding means 14 for each membrane 20, respectively, is cylindrical, for example tubular or in the form of a solid cylindrical shaft. Preferably, the second holding means 15 for each membrane 20, respectively, is cylindrical, for example tubular or in the form of a solid cylindrical shaft. Thus, for example, each membrane 20 at least partially surrounds the first and second retaining means 14, 15. In the case of a circular cross-section of the retaining means 14, 15, the membrane 20 surrounds or covers substantially half of the outer surface of the retaining means 14, 15 keeping the membrane taut, as shown in figures 5 to 9. These retaining means are preferably rigid to obtain a high mechanical strength adapted to the tensions that the wall 13 or the membrane 20 are subjected to by the retaining means 14, 15, and are for example obtained on the basis of metallic or composite materials.

[0041] In the contracting or shrinking phase of the cell 8, as will be explained below, the membrane 20 surrounds the retaining means 14, 15 over half, or substantially half, of its outer surface (FIG. 8), whereas in the expanding phase of the cell 8 when it is being charged, or in the case of an expanded cell, the membrane 20 surrounds the retaining means 14, 15 over more than half of its outer surface (FIG. 9: in the case of a cell adjacent to the illustrated cell (and thus also in contact with the illustrated membrane 20), the membrane deforms not only on one side, but on both sides, as illustrated here for one cell).

[0042] As shown in figures 3 and 4, the module 1 or housing 30 also comprises a top part 11. Advantageously, the top part 11 comprises fluid F discharge means 5. The module 1 or housing 30 also comprises a bottom part 12. Advantageously, the bottom part 12 comprises fluid F intake means 4. In general, the top part 11 and the bottom part 12 are arranged to transport and to facilitate the transport of fluid from the bottom part 12 to the space 31 and then to the top part 11. In other words, the top part 11 and the bottom part 12 comprise ducts and / or channels and / or cavities that allow the flow of fluid from the inlet 4 to the space 31 and from the space 31 to the outlet 5.

[0043] Preferably, the top part 11 comprises a first positioning means for the first and second holding means 14, 15 and / or for the membrane 20. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, the bottom part 12 comprises a second positioning means 19 for the first and second holding means 14, 15 and / or for the membrane 20. The first and second positioning means for the first and second holding means 14, 15 and / or for the membrane 20 are made of pieces, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, each comprising a top part 11 and a bottom part 12. For example, the first and second positioning means hold the first and second holding means 14, 15 and / or the membrane 20 in place and also seal the holding means 14, 15 and / or the membrane 20. For example, the wall 13 or the membrane 20 is sealed, for example by gluing or laser welding, with the first and second positioning means for the holding means. The tubes 14, 15 are, for example, placed and inserted into the locations provided in the top 11 and bottom 12. The walls 13 or membrane 20 are also placed into notches or protrusions or cavities formed in the top 11 and bottom 12 to hold them. Alternatively, the walls 13 or membrane 20 are welded to the bottom 12 and top 11 zones.

[0044] It should be noted that all elements containing the fluid F for managing the pressure P at the faces of the cell and the thermal regulation of the cell are leak-proof and withstand the maximum threshold pressure that the fluid can reach in these elements.

[0045] The manner in which the method for operating the system 40 is carried out is now described.

[0046] A method for operating the system 40 includes starting the pump 102 to obtain a flow rate of fluid F that results in a pressure P being applied to the first major surface 8A and the second major surface 8B of the cell 8.

[0047] Advantageously, the method comprises a first step, namely determining the pressure P of the fluid F, preferably in the housing, by pressure determining means 106. Alternatively, or additionally, the method comprises measuring the temperature by temperature measuring means 104.

[0048] There is then a step of controlling the flow rate of the pump 102 by the control means 103 depending on the determined fluid pressure and / or the measured temperature, such that the pressure P at the first main surface 8A and the second main surface 8B of the cell is kept constant or substantially constant.

[0049] Due to their elasticity, the walls 13 or the membrane 20 can be deformed due to the expansion of the cell. These deformations change the volume of the space 31. If the cell expands, the volume of the space 31 decreases. If the cell contracts, the volume of the space 31 increases. Preferably, the pressure P exerted on the cell by the fluid injected into the housing only "follows" the expansion / contraction of the cell. In other words, the pressure P exerted on the walls or membrane and reflected at the faces 8A, 8B of the cell and possibly at the inner faces 32, 34 of the housing 30, accompanies the expansion of the cell and, if necessary, the contraction of the cell.

[0050] Thus, if the cells expand, in particular in connection with an electrical charging of the cells, the total volume of the spaces 31 decreases. The fluid pressure determination means 106 observes an increase in pressure. In this case, the pump 102 is controlled in order to reduce the pressure of the fluid and bring it back to the target value in the module 1. Conversely, if the cells contract, in particular in connection with an electrical discharge of the cells caused by the consumption of the electrical energy stored in the battery 101, the volume of the spaces 31 increases. The pressure determination means 106 observes a decrease in pressure. In this case, the pump 102 is controlled in order to increase the pressure of the fluid and bring it back to the target value in the module 1.

[0051] In summary, this solution allows a constant and continuous pressure to be applied to the first and second main faces of the battery module, even with variably expanding and contracting cells in question. Furthermore, this solution allows the cells to be cooled by a fluid that allows the release of calories. This solution thus allows the expansion / contraction of a cell or cells, in particular electrochemical cells, to be managed during charge / discharge cycles and over the life of such cells.

[0052] As a result, the module's enclosure 30, and in particular the wall 33 (FIG. 2), which may possibly be inserted into a housing or case for containing the battery, is not subject to deformation due to the expansion. When the cells expand, in particular due to a reduction in the pump flow rate, the pressure of the fluid F decreases and the enclosure 30 is not affected in terms of deformation.

[0053] The use of walls and / or membranes also makes it possible to limit the amount of fluid used.

[0054] Advantageously, pressure is applied only to the first and second main faces of the cell. Indeed, advantageously, the cell is not immersed in the fluid. In this case, the electrical connection system of the cell is not subjected to pressure. Advantageously, the membrane 20 and the bottom 12 and top 11 are arranged to contain and store the fluid. Thus, if necessary, it is possible to replace the cell, and even to remove it, without leakage or loss of fluid, in particular by opening the module.

[0055] With this solution, the lithium-ion cell, which has expanded during aging and in the course of the various charge / discharge cycles, is kept at a certain pressure in its housing, especially on its main surfaces. This is particularly advantageous for cells that have large volume variations during the various charge / discharge cycles. This is the case for cells with materials that increase the energy density and / or have a high specific capacity, for example materials based on silicon. The reversible expansion / contraction during charging / discharging of the cell, and the irreversible expansion associated with aging, are managed by monitoring or managing the fluid circulating in the module. Furthermore, in the case of fast charging, especially in the electrical connection system, with high currents that cause overheating in the cell, the fluid cools the cell by cooling its various surfaces. The presence of a fluid (whose pressure is monitored in the module) thus allows adaptation to the expansion of the cell while controlling the temperature changes of the cell.

[0056] In other words, this solution allows to adapt to the expansion of the cells during "cycling" and aging by adjusting the internal pressure of the module. Indeed, by controlling the pressure of the fluids, the internal pressure varies according to the state of charge of one or more cells. A decrease in the pressure of fluid F allows to expand the cells 8 (FIG. 9), while an increase in the pressure of fluid F allows to tolerate that the cells 8 are not expanded or are not substantially expanded (FIG. 8). Thus, by adjusting the pressure of the fluids, the expansion of the cells can be followed.

[0057] This solution also makes it possible to estimate the expansion level of the cell and possibly to infer its ageing. Indeed, the implementation of the system, in particular by means of the fluid pressure determination means 106 and / or the temperature measurement means 104, makes it possible to interpret commands to the fluid transport pump 102 to increase or decrease the pressure. In summary, this solution aims to maintain constant or substantially constant pressure in the cell, in particular on the main faces 8A,B of the cell 8, in order to accommodate expansions in general. "Expansion in general" is understood to mean relating to expansions of the cell due to its ageing and expansions due to charging of the cell with electrical energy. This solution thus provides a means for determining the state of the cell.

[0058] In particular, by virtue of the walls 13 or membrane 20 being in contact or substantially in contact with the cell faces 8A, 8B, this solution makes it possible to apply continuous pressure to the cell assembly, which can be set and adjusted, in particular against the first and / or second main faces, depending in particular on the stiffness of the walls 13 or membrane 20.

[0059] This solution makes it possible to avoid deformation of the walls of the housing 30, or deformation beyond a threshold value, due to the expansion of the cells. Indeed, if the cells 8 expand, the flow rate of the pump 102 is reduced so as to deform the cells without any effect on the walls of the housing 30. Conversely, if the cells shrink, the flow rate of the pump is increased. It should be noted that the circulation, preferably continuous circulation, of the fluid makes it possible to control and even limit the changes or increases in the cell temperature. The circulation of the fluid thus contributes to maintaining a constant pressure in the cells, while ensuring the cooling function. Obviously, if a plate 16 or an insert 16' made of a material with higher thermal conductivity is present in the wall 13 or in the membrane 20, the cooling of the cells is promoted due to a better heat exchange between the cells and the fluid.

[0060] It should be noted that this solution is compatible with different types of materials, both positive and negative electrodes, and / or with all-solid-state battery technologies (batteries with solid electrolytes) or even with traditional lithium-ion batteries (typically liquid electrolytes).

[0061] This solution is particularly suitable for battery modules of electric or hybrid vehicles, or even for vehicles having a thermal engine equipped with a battery, especially with a voltage of around 48 V. These vehicles can be buses, two-wheelers or other types of vehicles. Alternatively, this solution can be used with batteries intended to be stationary, or even with batteries intended to power electric and / or electronic devices, especially mobile devices.

[0062] The solution according to the invention thus achieves the given objective of providing a battery module adapted to the expansion / contraction of the cells while ensuring their thermal regulation. Furthermore, the performance level of the cells is improved, especially in terms of autonomy and recharging speed.

Claims

1. A module (1) for a battery (101), in particular a module for a battery of a motor vehicle (100), comprising: a housing (30); Cells (8) disposed within the housing (30), each cell (8) having a first major surface (8A8) and a second major surface (8B); a space (31) formed between the first main surface (8A) of a cell (8) and the second main surface (8B) of an adjacent cell (8), and / or a space (31) formed between one of the first and second main surfaces (8A; 8B) of a cell (8) and the housing (30); a fluid (F) intake means (4) and a fluid (F) discharge means (5), wherein the fluid (F) occupies one or more of the spaces (31) so as to cool the first main surface (8A) and / or the second main surface (8B); In the module (1), the module (1) comprises a flexible wall (13) facing the first main surface (8A) or the second main surface (8B) of the cell (8) respectively and extending in contact or substantially in contact with the first or second main surface, and the flow rate of the fluid (F) is actuated to vary the pressure (P) of the fluid (F) applied to the flexible wall (13) at the first main surface (8A) and / or the second main surface (8B) of the cell (8) during the charge / discharge cycle of the cell (8) and / or in the course of aging of the cell (8) to follow the contraction and / or expansion of the cell (8), A module (1).

2. the flexible wall (13) extending toward the first main surface (8A) of the cell (8) and the flexible wall (13) extending toward the second main surface (8B) of the adjacent cell (8) are made of a single piece and form only one membrane (20); A module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it

3. At least one flexible wall (13) may be made of polymer and at least partially covered on the side in contact with the cell (8) by a plate (16), said plate (16) being made of a material more thermally conductive than said polymer, in particular a metal, or at least one flexible wall (13) is provided with a rectangular plate insert (16') made of a material, in particular a metal, that is more thermally conductive than said polymer; A module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it

4. To stretch each membrane (20) facing the first major surface (8A) of a cell (8) and facing the second major surface (8B) of an adjacent cell (8), or To stretch each membrane (20) facing the first main surface (8A) or the second main surface (8B) of the cell (8) and facing the housing (30), the module (1) comprises a first holding means (14) for each membrane (20) and a second holding means (15) for each membrane (20), A module (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it

5. the first holding means (14) for each membrane (20) are each cylindrical, in particular tubular, and / or the second holding means (15) for each membrane (20) are each cylindrical, in particular tubular, Each membrane (20) particularly partially surrounds said first holding means (14) and said second holding means (15), A module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it

6. the housing (30) comprises an upper part (11), in particular the upper part (11) having the fluid (F) discharge means (5), and a bottom part (12), in particular the bottom part (12) having the fluid (F) intake means (4), the upper part (11) and the bottom part (12) being arranged to direct the fluid (F) from the bottom part (12) to the space (31) and then to the upper part (11); A module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it

7. said top portion (11) having first positioning means for said first and second holding means (14, 15) and for said membrane (20); and / or the bottom (12) has second positioning means (19) for the first and second holding means (14, 15) and for the membrane (20); A module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it

8. Comprising at least one module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A battery (101).

9. a pump (102) for said fluid (F) and means (103) for controlling the parameters of said pump (102), in particular its activation and / or deactivation and / or its flow level, means (106) for determining the pressure of said fluid (F), in particular in said housing (30); - means (104) for measuring the temperature in the module (1) and / or in the housing (30) and / or in at least one cell; Equipped with A system (40) comprising a module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that:

11. activating said pump (102) to obtain a fluid (F) flow rate that results in a pressure (P) being exerted on at least one flexible wall (13) facing a first main surface (8A) of the cell (8) and / or on at least one flexible wall (13) facing a second main surface (8B) of the cell (8), 10. A method of operating a system (40) according to claim 9.

12. determining the pressure (P) of the fluid (F) by pressure determination means (106) and / or measuring the temperature by temperature measurement means (104); controlling the flow rate of said pump (102) by means of control means (103) in response to the determined pressure (P) of said fluid and / or to the measured temperature in order to maintain a constant or substantially constant pressure (P) at at least one first main surface (8A) and / or at least one second main surface (8B) of the cell (8); Including, 12. The method according to claim 11 .

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