Battery module cooling system

Abstract

To provide a battery module cooling system that can improve the cooling efficiency of multiple battery modules and the utilization efficiency of the cooling fluid by adjusting the flow rate and speed of the cooling fluid circulating to cool multiple battery modules. [Solution] A battery module cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an inlet section into which cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system formed by connecting n battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet section is supplied; a second parallel system formed by connecting m battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system is supplied; a third parallel system formed by connecting s battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system is supplied; and an outlet section through which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system flows out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module cooling system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, mobile information terminals such as mobile phones and notebook computers have been miniaturized and lightened, and various batteries have been developed and used because high-capacity power sources are required in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like.

[0003] Regarding secondary batteries, depending on the application field, as efficiency becomes increasingly important, various problems due to the external environment such as heat generation and fires that occur during charging and operation have arisen.

[0004] As a result, various technologies have been developed to increase the operating efficiency of secondary batteries and ensure safety.

[0005] Also, recently, due to the rapid increase in power consumption, the increase in carbon emissions, and the problem of global warming, there is an increasing demand for a more efficient device operation mechanism and the maximization of cooling efficiency for that purpose.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery module cooling system that can increase the cooling efficiency of a plurality of battery modules and improve the usage efficiency of a cooling fluid by adjusting the flow rate, speed, etc. of the cooling fluid that circulates to cool the plurality of battery modules.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A battery module cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inlet section into which cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system formed by connecting n battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet section is supplied; a second parallel system formed by connecting m battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system is supplied; a third parallel system formed by connecting s battery modules in parallel to each other to which the cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system is supplied; and an outlet section through which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system flows out.

[0009] Here, the cooling fluid can be supplied equally to each of the n battery modules in the first parallel system, the cooling fluid that has passed through the first parallel system can be supplied equally to each of the m battery modules in the second parallel system, and the cooling fluid that has passed through the second parallel system can be supplied equally to each of the s battery modules in the third parallel system.

[0010] Furthermore, the total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the n battery modules of the first parallel system, the total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the m battery modules of the second parallel system, and the total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the s battery modules of the third parallel system may all be equal.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system can be set to be 2 to 3 times larger than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system.

[0012] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules of the third parallel system can be set to be 2 to 3 times larger than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system.

[0013] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system can be set to a flow rate that is 2 to 3 times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system.

[0014] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system can be set to a flow rate that is 2 to 3 times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system.

[0015] Furthermore, if the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the first parallel system from the inlet is defined as the first temperature, the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first parallel system and into the second parallel system is defined as the second temperature, and the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system and into the third parallel system is defined as the third temperature, then the second temperature is set to be higher than the first temperature, and the third temperature is set to be higher than the second temperature. The difference between the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the first parallel system and the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system can be adjusted in proportion to the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and the difference between the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system and the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the third parallel system can be adjusted in proportion to the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

[0016] Furthermore, the number n of battery modules in the first parallel system is at least twice the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system, and the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system may be at least twice the number s of battery modules in the third parallel system.

[0017] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become even clearer through the subsequent detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed in their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be construed in accordance with the meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of this disclosure, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best explain his invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by appropriately adjusting the circulation path and circulation flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing between multiple battery modules, there is an effect that the cooling efficiency via the cooling fluid can be maximized.

[0020] Also, by maximizing the cooling efficiency for multiple battery modules, there is an effect that the energy efficiency during battery module cooling can be increased, the power consumption can be reduced, and the carbon emissions due to the operation of related devices can be reduced.

[0021] Also, as a cooling system applicable to various structures in which multiple battery modules are combined, there is an effect that the degree of freedom in designing the coupling structure of the battery modules and the cooling system can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the circulation structure of a battery module cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing that multiple battery modules to which the cooling system of FIG. 1 is applied are combined.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The terms used to describe one embodiment of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless otherwise specified in the context.

[0024] When assigning reference numerals to elements in a drawing, the same elements should be assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they appear on other drawings, and similar elements should be assigned the same reference numeral.

[0025] The drawings may be schematic or exaggerated for illustrative purposes of the embodiments. In this specification, expressions such as “having,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” refer to the presence of such feature (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components) and do not preclude the presence of additional features.

[0026] Terms such as "one," "other," "another," "first," and "second" are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by these terms.

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the circulation structure of a battery module cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing that multiple battery modules to which the cooling system of Figure 1 is applied are coupled together.

[0029] A battery module cooling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inlet section 1 into which cooling fluid flows; a first parallel system 10 formed by connecting n battery modules in parallel to each other to receive the cooling fluid that flows in from the inlet section 1; a second parallel system 20 formed by connecting m battery modules in parallel to each other to receive the cooling fluid that flows out from the first parallel system 10; a third parallel system 30 formed by connecting s battery modules in parallel to each other to receive the cooling fluid that flows out from the second parallel system 20; and an outlet section 2 through which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system 30 flows out.

[0030] The inlet section 1 serves to supply cooling fluid to cool the battery module. Although a single inlet section 1 is shown in the drawing, the number or arrangement of the inlet sections 1 is not limited to this.

[0031] In other words, as shown in Figure 1, the first parallel system 10 can consist of the first battery module 11 to the fifth battery module 15, the second parallel system 20 can consist of the sixth battery module 21 and the seventh battery module 22, and the third parallel module 30 can consist of a single eighth battery module 31.

[0032] Such a diagrammatic configuration is merely an example, and the number or arrangement of battery modules included in each parallel system can be freely modified within the scope of the technical concept of one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] The first parallel system 10 may be in a configuration in which multiple battery modules are connected in parallel. This system plays the role of initially supplying cooling fluid, which flows in from the inlet section 1, to cool the battery modules.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the first parallel system 10 shows an example in which two or more battery modules, i.e., n battery modules, are connected in parallel.

[0035] Specifically, the first battery module 11, the second battery module 12, the third battery module 13, the fourth battery module 14, and the fifth battery module 15 are connected in parallel, and the cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet section 1 can be supplied to each battery module via the first supply pipe A.

[0036] After the first parallel system 10 has been cooled, the discharged cooling fluid can be supplied to the second parallel system 20 via the second supply pipe B. The second parallel system 20 can be configured by connecting m battery modules in parallel, which is less than the number of battery modules in the first parallel system 10 (n modules).

[0037] The cooling fluid that has passed through the second parallel system 20 is supplied to the third parallel system 30 via the third supply pipe C. In this case, the third parallel system 30 can be composed of s battery modules, which is less than the number of battery modules in the second parallel system 20, m.

[0038] The cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system 30 flows out to the outside through the outlet section 2.

[0039] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the battery module cooling system is shown as a three-stage parallel system consisting of a first parallel system 10, a second parallel system 20, and a third parallel system 30. However, the number or arrangement of such stages can be appropriately changed or adjusted considering the number of battery modules and cooling efficiency.

[0040] Furthermore, it is assumed that the battery modules included in the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 are all composed of battery modules with the same specifications, and that the size and length of the cooling fluid channels passing through the inside of each battery module are also the same. However, within the scope in which the technical concept of this disclosure is reflected, the size, number, etc. of the cooling fluid channels formed inside the battery modules can be appropriately changed.

[0041] The cooling fluid can be supplied equally to each of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10, the cooling fluid that has passed through this system can be supplied equally to each of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20, and then the cooling fluid that has passed through the second parallel system 20 can be supplied equally to each of the s battery modules in the third parallel system 30.

[0042] Furthermore, in this case, it is assumed that the total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the n battery modules of the first parallel system 10, the total flow rate passing through the m battery modules of the second parallel system 20, and the total flow rate passing through the s battery modules of the third parallel system 30 are all the same.

[0043] In other words, the total flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet section 1 is sequentially supplied to the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30, and the flow rate and velocity of the cooling fluid passing through each individual battery module can be adjusted according to the number of battery modules in each parallel system.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the inlet section 1 can supply a uniform flow rate of cooling fluid to each of the n battery modules of the first parallel system 10 via the first supply pipe A.

[0045] In this case, if the same flow rate is supplied to each battery module, the internal cooling oil passages can be configured so that the flow velocity of the cooling fluid is also maintained at the same level.

[0046] The cooling fluid that has passed through the first parallel system 10 is supplied to the next stage, the second parallel system 20. Since the second parallel system 20 consists of m battery modules, which is a number less than the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10, in this case the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module can be greater than the flow rate that flowed into the battery modules of the first parallel system 10.

[0047] In particular, cooling efficiency can be improved by supplying the cooling fluid, whose temperature has risen as it passes through the first parallel system 10, to each battery module of the second parallel system 20 at a larger flow rate.

[0048] Similarly, the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system 20 can be supplied to the next third parallel system 30. The battery modules of the third parallel system 30 are formed from s battery modules, which is less than the number of m battery modules in the second parallel system 20, so that the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into the individual battery modules of the third parallel system 30 may be greater than the flow rate flowing into the individual battery modules of the second parallel system 20.

[0049] The cooling fluid, whose temperature has risen as it passes through the second parallel system 20, is supplied to the individual battery modules of the third parallel system 30 at a flow rate greater than that of the cooling fluid supplied to the individual battery modules of the second parallel system 20, thereby further maximizing the cooling efficiency of the cooling fluid.

[0050] Specifically, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20 may be 2 to 3 times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules of the third parallel system 30 may be 2 to 3 times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system 20.

[0052] By adjusting the flow rate through each battery module in this way, the battery modules can be cooled to maintain the appropriate temperature they should keep, and the cooling fluid, which has increased in temperature after passing through the first parallel system 10, can also smoothly maintain the cooling of each battery module in the second parallel system 20. Similarly, when the cooling fluid, which has increased in temperature after passing through the second parallel system 20, passes through the third parallel system 30, the cooling of each battery module can be maintained even more effectively. However, it goes without saying that the difference in the flow rate of such cooling fluid can be appropriately changed and adjusted according to the number of battery modules or the number of parallel system stages.

[0053] As a result, the overall battery module cooling system can be operated stably by ensuring that the cooling fluid passing through the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 maintains the cooling efficiency of the battery module until it passes through the final third parallel system 30.

[0054] Furthermore, specifications such as the size and length of the cooling channels formed inside the battery modules through which the cooling fluid passes are applied similarly to all battery modules in the cooling system, and of course, the velocity of the cooling fluid passing through the cooling channels can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the cooling channels.

[0055] Specifically, if the diameter of the cooling oil passages inside all the battery modules in the battery module cooling system is designed to be the same, the velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20 can be designed to be 2 to 3 times greater than the velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules in the first parallel system 10.

[0056] Furthermore, by ensuring that the speed of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system 30 is similarly 2 to 3 times greater than the speed of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system 20, the cooling efficiency when the heated cooling fluid passes through each parallel system and cools the subsequent battery modules can be maintained and maximized.

[0057] It is appropriate to design the number of battery modules in each of the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 to decrease gradually with each step.

[0058] Specifically, the number of battery modules n in the first parallel system 10 can be more than twice the number of battery modules m in the second parallel system 20, and the number of battery modules m in the second parallel system 20 can be more than twice the number of battery modules s in the third parallel system 30. By doing so, the cooling efficiency of the battery modules by the cooling fluid can be further increased by creating differences in the flow rate and flow velocity of the cooling fluid flowing through each parallel system.

[0059] It is certainly possible to adjust the relative differences in the number of battery modules between multiple parallel systems and the flow rate of the cooling fluid, depending on factors such as the degree to which the temperature rises after the cooling fluid has cooled one system, and how the cooling fluid circulates and cools multiple parallel systems.

[0060] If the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing from the inlet section 1 into the first parallel system 10 is defined as the first temperature, the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first parallel system 10 into the second parallel system 20 is defined as the second temperature, and the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system 20 into the third parallel system 30 is defined as the third temperature, then the second temperature can be set to be higher than the first temperature, and the third temperature can be set to be higher than the second temperature.

[0061] Here, the difference between the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the first parallel system 10 and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system 20 can be adjusted in proportion to the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and the difference between the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system 20 and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the third parallel system 30 can be adjusted in proportion to the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature. Here, "proportional to the temperature difference" does not simply mean a proportionality of an integer multiple, but includes all linear and nonlinear relationships, however it can be interpreted as meaning that the flow rate of the cooling fluid can be adjusted in accordance with that temperature difference.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the arrangement structure of the battery modules can be appropriately modified to suit the device being applied in order to properly adjust the flow rate or flow velocity of the cooling fluid that is regulated between the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30 of the cooling system as shown in Figure 1.

[0063] In other words, as shown in Figure 2, even if the battery modules are arranged in two lines, by defining the battery modules corresponding to the first parallel system 10, the second parallel system 20, and the third parallel system 30, and connecting the supply pipes that flow into each battery module in parallel with each battery module, it is possible to realize the cooling system according to one embodiment of this disclosure even with various battery module coupling structures.

[0064] The present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. The embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention and the technical concept, and that such variations and modifications also fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Inlet section 10. First Parallel System 11. First Battery Module 12. Second battery module 13. Third Battery Module 14. Fourth Battery Module 15. Fifth Battery Module 20. Second Parallel System 21. Sixth Battery Module 22. Seventh Battery Module 30. Third parallel system 31. Battery Module No. 8 2. Outlet section A 1st supply pipe B 2nd supply pipe C 3rd supply pipe

Claims

1. The inlet section into which the cooling fluid flows, A first parallel system is formed by connecting n battery modules in parallel, to which cooling fluid flowing in from the inlet section is supplied, A second parallel system is formed by connecting in parallel less than n m battery modules, to which cooling fluid flowing out from the first parallel system is supplied, A third parallel system is formed by connecting in parallel less than m battery modules, to which cooling fluid flowing out from the second parallel system is supplied, A battery module cooling system, comprising: an outlet section through which the cooling fluid that has passed through the third parallel system flows out.

2. The cooling fluid is supplied equally to each of the n battery modules of the first parallel system. The cooling fluid that has passed through the first parallel system is supplied equally to each of the m battery modules of the second parallel system. The battery module cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling fluid that has passed through the second parallel system is supplied equally to each of the s battery modules of the third parallel system.

3. The total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the n battery modules of the first parallel system, The total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the m battery modules of the second parallel system, The battery module cooling system according to claim 2, wherein the total flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through the s battery modules of the third parallel system is all equal.

4. The flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system is: The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate is formed to be two to three times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules of the first parallel system.

5. The flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules of the third parallel system is: The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate is formed to be 2 to 3 times greater than the flow rate of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system.

6. The velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules in the second parallel system is: The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate is formed to be 2 to 3 times greater than the velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the n battery modules of the first parallel system.

7. The velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the s battery modules in the third parallel system is: The battery module cooling system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate is formed to be 2 to 3 times greater than the velocity of the cooling fluid passing through one of the m battery modules of the second parallel system.

8. The temperature of the cooling fluid flowing into the first parallel system from the inlet section is defined as the first temperature. The temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first parallel system and into the second parallel system is defined as the second temperature. If the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second parallel system and into the third parallel system is defined as the third temperature, The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the third temperature is higher than the second temperature. The difference between the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the first parallel system and the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system is adjusted in proportion to the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The battery module cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the second parallel system and the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing into each battery module of the third parallel system is adjusted in proportion to the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

9. The number of battery modules n in the first parallel system is at least twice the number of battery modules m in the second parallel system. The battery module cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the number m of battery modules in the second parallel system is at least twice the number s of battery modules in the third parallel system.

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