Battery packs and devices containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a heat sink arranged to correspond to each of the battery modules and cooling the battery modules; a temperature control system that supplies and recovers refrigerant to the heat sinks; a refrigerant line connecting the heat sinks and the temperature control system; and a Battery Management System (BMS) module that monitors and controls the state of the battery modules. A three-way valve type regulating valve is provided in the refrigerant line connected to each of the heat sinks. The BMS module adjusts the regulating valve based on the temperature of the battery modules and controls whether or not refrigerant is supplied to the heat sinks corresponding to the battery modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0154463, filed on November 9, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack and a device including the same having a system capable of efficiently utilizing internal energy.

Background Art

[0003] In modern society, the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, video cameras, and digital cameras has become common, and technological development in the field related to such mobile devices has been active. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are a solution for solving problems such as air pollution in existing gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels, and are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc., and the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004]

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can - type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed inside a metal can and pouch - type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed inside a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.For secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are typically arranged. However, for secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used, which consists of numerous electrically connected battery cells. In such battery modules, the capacity and output are improved by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a stack of battery cells. Furthermore, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0006] When secondary batteries are exposed to temperatures above their optimal level, their performance may deteriorate, and in severe cases, there is a risk of explosion or fire. In particular, battery modules and battery packs containing a large number of secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, can experience a rapid and significant temperature increase due to the accumulation of heat from numerous battery cells in a confined space. In other words, while battery modules with many stacked battery cells and battery packs equipped with such modules can provide high output, it is not easy to dissipate the heat generated by the battery cells during charging and discharging. If heat dissipation from the battery cells is not properly managed, the battery cells will deteriorate more quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and the risk of explosion or fire will increase.

[0007] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high-temperature conditions such as those experienced in summer or in desert regions.

[0008] Therefore, when designing battery modules or battery packs, ensuring stable yet effective cooling performance is extremely important.

[0009] Cooling methods for battery modules and battery packs can be broadly divided into two categories: water-cooling methods that utilize refrigerants such as cooling water, and air-cooling methods that utilize cooling air.

[0010] Of these, water cooling offers superior cooling performance and can effectively cool the high heat generated by large-capacity battery modules and battery packs.

[0011] However, with conventional battery packs, the refrigerant lines through which the refrigerant flows are centralized, which makes it difficult to individually control the temperature of different regions within the battery pack. With such a centralized cooling system, it is difficult to reduce temperature differences between battery modules within the battery pack.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new type of cooling structure that can actively control the temperature of different regions inside the battery pack. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and a device including the same, which have a method for individually controlling the temperature of different regions inside the battery pack.

[0014] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, each containing a plurality of battery cells; a heat sink arranged to correspond to each of the battery modules and cooling the battery modules; a temperature control system that supplies and recovers refrigerant to the heat sinks; a refrigerant line connecting the heat sinks and the temperature control system; and a Battery Management System (BMS) module that monitors and controls the state of the battery modules. A three-way valve type regulating valve is provided in the refrigerant line connected to each of the heat sinks. The BMS module adjusts the regulating valve based on the temperature of the battery modules and controls whether or not refrigerant is supplied to the heat sinks corresponding to the battery modules.

[0016] Each of the heat sinks is arranged to correspond one-to-one with each of the battery modules, and each battery module may have individually separated cooling zones.

[0017] When the battery module reaches a temperature above the upper limit or below the lower limit, the BMS module can control the control valve connected to the heat sink corresponding to the battery module, thereby supplying refrigerant to the heat sink.

[0018] The refrigerant line may include a refrigerant supply line for supplying refrigerant to the heat sink and a refrigerant discharge line for discharging refrigerant from the heat sink, and the control valve may include a first control valve connected to the refrigerant supply line and a second control valve connected to the refrigerant discharge line.

[0019] The BMS module can control whether or not the refrigerant circulates to the heat sink, or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the heat sink, by adjusting the path or degree of opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve.

[0020] The battery pack may further include a PRA (Power Relay Assembly) module that controls the electrical connection of the battery modules.

[0021] The battery pack may further include a control heat sink connected to the refrigerant line while being arranged to correspond to the PRA module. The adjustment valve may be provided in the refrigerant line connected to the control heat sink.

[0022] The refrigerant supplied from the temperature control system can flow through the adjustment valve arranged in the refrigerant line corresponding to the heat sink, via the adjustment valve arranged in the refrigerant line corresponding to the control heat sink.

[0023] The BMS module can control the adjustment valve connected to the control heat sink to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0024] The refrigerant flowing along the control heat sink may be heated by the heat generated in the PRA module while the temperature of the refrigerant is adjusted.

[0025] The device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, based on an adjustment valve in the form of a three-way valve, a BMS (Battery Management System) module can adjust the presence or absence of the supply of refrigerant to the heat sink corresponding to each battery module. Thereby, based on the temperature of the battery module, the temperature of each battery module can be individually controlled for each region, and the temperature deviation between the battery modules can be minimized.

[0027] In addition, the heat generated in the PRA (Power Relay Assembly) module can be utilized to increase the temperature of the battery module, and the internal energy of the battery pack can be efficiently utilized.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an adjustment valve in the form of a three-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are partial drawings explaining the form in which the refrigerant supply line and the refrigerant discharge line according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected to the heat sink.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can easily implement them. The present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] In order to clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary parts in the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0032] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for the sake of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0033] In the drawings, the thickness of several layers and areas is shown enlarged to clearly represent them. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness of some layers and areas is exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0034] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on top of" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there are other parts in between. Conversely, when one part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Also, being "on top of" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on top" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0035] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part of it "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, this means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the subject is viewed from the side of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly.

[0037] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100, each containing a plurality of battery cells; and a BMS (Battery Management System) module 1300 for monitoring and controlling the status of the battery modules 100.

[0040] There is no particular limit to the number of battery modules (100) included in one battery pack (1000).

[0041] Real-time temperature and voltage data from the battery cells 110 contained in the battery module 100 are sent to the BMS module 1300 via the LV (Low Voltage) connection line 900. Based on this temperature and voltage data, the BMS module 1300 can monitor and control the real-time operating state of the battery module 100. The LV connection line 900 represents a sensing connection for sensing and controlling the voltage, temperature, etc., of the battery module 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 may further include a PRA (Power Relay Assembly) module 1200 that controls the electrical connections of the battery modules 100. Electrical connections between the battery modules 100 and between the battery modules 100 and the PRA module 1200 can be made by HV (High voltage) connection lines 800. The HV connection lines 800 are power supply connections that provide power requiring high voltage, and include connections between battery cells and connections between battery modules.

[0043] The PRA module 1200 is equivalent to a so-called BDU (Battery Disconnection Unit) module and is configured to control the electrical connection of the battery module 100. The PRA module 1200 can interrupt the power supply between the power converter and the battery module 100. In other words, if a condition occurs where the current exceeds a set range, the PRA module 1200 can interrupt the power supply to the battery pack 1000, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0044] The battery module 100, BMS module 1300, and PRA module 1200 can be mounted on the pack frame 1100. For example, the pack frame 1100 is a box-shaped structure with an open top, and the battery module 100, BMS module 1300, and PRA module 1200 can be mounted in the internal space of the pack frame 1100. Although not specifically shown in the figures, a pack cover may also be provided to cover the open top of the pack frame 1100.

[0045] The battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a heat sink 300 arranged to correspond to each of the battery modules 100 and for cooling the battery modules 100; a temperature control system 1400 for supplying and recovering coolant to the heat sink 300; and a coolant line 1500 connecting the heat sink 300 and the temperature control system 1400.

[0046] The coolant can be circulated inside the heat sink 300, and each such heat sink 300 is arranged to correspond one-to-one with each of the battery modules 100. Each heat sink 300 can use the coolant flowing inside to cool and heat each battery module 100. Within the battery pack 1000, the battery modules 100 may have individually separated cooling or heating zones. There are no particular restrictions on the coolant, but cooling water can be used.

[0047] As an example, a first battery module 100a, a second battery module 100b, a third battery module 100c, and a fourth battery module 100d are arranged inside a single battery pack 1000. A first heat sink 300a, a second heat sink 300b, a third heat sink 300c, and a fourth heat sink 300d can be provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the first battery module 100a, the second battery module 100b, the third battery module 100c, and the fourth battery module 100d.

[0048] The temperature control system 1400 can supply refrigerant to each heat sink 300 and can also recover the refrigerant flowing along the heat sinks 300 and return it to the temperature control system 1400. The temperature control system 1400 and each heat sink 300 can realize a refrigerant circulation structure. The temperature control system 1400 and each heat sink 300 may also be connected to each other by a refrigerant line 1500. The refrigerant line 1500 may be a type of tubular member, and the refrigerant can flow inside the refrigerant line 1500.

[0049] Specifically, the BMS module 1300 can monitor the temperature of each battery module 100 in real time. If heat is generated in a battery module 100 and the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling is necessary for the battery module 100, the temperature control system 1400 supplies cooled refrigerant along the refrigerant line 1500 of path A. This refrigerant can cool the battery module 100 by circulating through the refrigerant line 1500 to each heat sink 300 corresponding to each battery module 100. Subsequently, the refrigerant is recovered back to the temperature control system 1400 along the refrigerant line 1500 of path B. The recovered refrigerant is cooled again in the temperature control system 1400 and can be supplied again along the refrigerant line 1500 of path A. In other words, the refrigerant can continue to circulate between the temperature control system 1400 and each heat sink 300 so that the battery module 100 is cooled to a preset reference temperature.

[0050] Conversely, if the BMS module 1300 determines that heating of the battery module 100 is necessary due to external environmental factors or the implementation of rapid charging, the temperature control system 1400 supplies heated refrigerant along the refrigerant line 1500 of path A. This refrigerant can heat the battery module 100 by circulating through the refrigerant line 1500 to each heat sink 300 corresponding to each battery module 100. Subsequently, the refrigerant is recovered back to the temperature control system 1400 along the refrigerant line 1500 of path B.

[0051] The recovered refrigerant can be reheated by the temperature control system 1400 and supplied again along the refrigerant line 1500 of path A. In other words, the refrigerant can continue to circulate between the temperature control system 1400 and each heat sink 300 so that the battery module 100 is heated to a preset reference temperature.

[0052] Maintaining the temperature of the battery module 100 within the battery pack 1000 between a preset upper and lower temperature limit is advantageous for the performance of the battery pack 1000.

[0053] The upper and lower temperature limits can be determined by various factors such as the capacity, size, and type of battery cells of the battery pack 1000.

[0054] The following describes an exemplary structure of the battery module 100 and heat sink 300 of the present invention. That is, the battery module 100 and heat sink 300 described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5 are merely exemplary structures of the present invention, and their form is not particularly limited as long as the battery module 100 and heat sink 300 can correspond to each other one-to-one in the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Figure 5 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module shown in Figure 4.

[0058] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 120 in which battery cells 110 are stacked, a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120, and a heat sink 300 located below the bottom 210a of the module frame 200. For example, the above-mentioned refrigerant can flow along the recessed portion 320 of the heat sink 300.

[0059] First, the battery cell 110 in this embodiment may be of various forms, for example, a pouch-type battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. As an example, as shown in Figure 5, the battery cell 110 in this embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell. The following description will focus on pouch-type battery cells, but the battery cell 110 in this embodiment is not limited to this, and various types of battery cells can be applied.

[0060] The battery cell 110 according to this embodiment may be in a form in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads 111 protruding in one direction or both directions is housed in a pouch case 114. Such a battery cell 110 may be in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The battery cell 110 may be formed by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case 114 made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case 114. As an example, the battery cell 110 may have a structure in which two electrode leads 111 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the cell body 113, respectively. In another embodiment, the battery cell 110 may have a structure in which all electrode leads 111 protrude in one direction. One of the electrode leads 111 is the positive electrode lead and the other is the negative electrode lead.

[0061] The battery cell 110 can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly (not shown) in a pouch case 114 and then bonding the ends 114a and 114b of the pouch case 114 to one side 114c that connects them.

[0062] In other words, the battery cell 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions 114s, the sealing portions 114s are sealed by methods such as fusion, and the other side can consist of a folding portion 115. That is, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment may be a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is housed inside the pouch case 114, the outer periphery of the pouch case 114 is sealed, and the sealing portions 114s are formed. In Figure 5, only the sealing portions 114s formed at both ends 114a and 114b of the pouch case 114 are shown, and the sealing portions on the side facing the folding portion 115 are not shown, but the sealing portions on the side facing the folding portion 115 are folded to one side after sealing is completed for space utilization.

[0063] The laminated sheet pouch case 114 may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer to prevent penetration of the material, and an outermost outer resin layer.

[0064] With respect to the electrode assembly inside the pouch case 114, the inner resin layer is located at the innermost position, the outer resin layer is located at the outermost position, and the metal layer can be located between the inner and outer resin layers.

[0065] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness, as well as electrical insulation, to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. Such an outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. A metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc., from entering the pouch-type secondary battery. Such a metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be heat-fused to each other by applied heat and / or pressure with the electrode assembly inside. Such inner resin layers may include casted polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0066] The pouch case 114 may be divided into two parts, and a recessed housing portion may be formed in at least one of the two parts on which an electrode assembly can be placed. Along the outer circumference of such a housing portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case 114 can be joined together to form a sealing portion 114s. In this way, the pouch case is sealed, and a battery cell 110, which is a pouch-type secondary battery, can be manufactured.

[0067] Within the battery cell stack 120, there may be multiple battery cells 110. Multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked so that they can be electrically connected to each other. In particular, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked upright along a direction parallel to the x-axis. This allows the electrode leads 111 to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked. From a battery cell 110, one electrode lead 111 can protrude in the y-axis direction, and the other electrode lead 111 can protrude in the -y-axis direction. If a battery cell has electrode leads 111 protruding in only one direction, the electrode leads 111 can protrude in either the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0068] The module frame 200 housing the battery cell stack 120 may include an upper cover 220 and a U-shaped frame 210. The U-shaped frame 210 may include a bottom 210a and two side portions 210b extending upward from both ends of the bottom 210a. The bottom 210a can cover the bottom surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the side portions 210b can each cover both sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0069] The upper cover 220 can be formed as a single plate-like structure that covers the upper surface excluding the lower surface and both sides that are enclosed by the U-shaped frame 210. The upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210 can be joined by welding or other means with their corresponding corner portions in contact, thereby forming a structure that covers the battery cell stack 120 from all sides. The battery cell stack 120 can be physically protected via the upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210. For this purpose, the upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0070] On the other hand, although not specifically shown in the illustrations, the modified module frame 200 may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate with the top, bottom, and both sides integrated. That is, it may not be a structure in which the U-shaped frame 210 and the upper cover 220 are joined to each other, but rather a structure in which the top, bottom, and both sides are integrated, manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0071] The end plates 400 can be formed to cover the battery cell stack 120, positioned on the open, corresponding sides of the module frame 200. Such end plates 400 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts. On the other hand, although not specifically shown, a busbar frame on which busbars are mounted and an insulating cover for electrical insulation may be located between the battery cell stack 120 and the end plates 400.

[0072] The module frame 200 according to this embodiment may include a module frame projection 211 that protrudes from the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 so as to pass through the end plate 400. In this case, a cooling port 500 connected to the upper surface of the module frame projection 211 can supply and discharge refrigerant to and from the heat sink 300. That is, the battery module according to this embodiment may include a cooling port 500 that supplies refrigerant to the heat sink 300 and discharges refrigerant from the heat sink 300.

[0073] Specifically, the cooling port 500 according to this embodiment may include a refrigerant injection port 500a for supplying refrigerant to the heat sink 300 and a refrigerant discharge port 500b for discharging refrigerant from the heat sink 300. The refrigerant injection port 500a and the refrigerant discharge port 500b may be connected to the refrigerant line 1500, respectively. The module frame protrusion 211 may consist of two parts, with the refrigerant injection port 500a positioned on one of these module frame protrusions 211 and the refrigerant discharge port 500b positioned on the other of these module frame protrusions 211.

[0074] On the other hand, the heatsink 300 may be formed on one side of the module frame 200. For example, the heatsink 300 may be located below the bottom 210a of the module frame 200. However, this is just an example, and there are no particular restrictions on the specific location of the heatsink 300, as it can be located adjacent to the battery module 100 in order to cool or heat the battery module 100.

[0075] Such a heat sink 300 may include a lower plate 310 that forms the frame of the heat sink 300 and is directly joined to the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 by welding or other means, and a recessed portion 320 that serves as a path for the flow of refrigerant. The heat sink 300 may also include a heat sink projection 300P that protrudes from one side of the heat sink 300 to the portion where the module frame projection 211 is located. That is, the recessed portion 320 can be connected between two heat sink projections 300P, but the two heat sink projections 300P may be a portion for refrigerant inflow and a portion for refrigerant discharge, respectively. For this purpose, the heat sink projection 300P can be positioned to correspond to the module frame projection 211 on which the cooling port 500 is formed. The heat sink projection 300P and the module frame projection 211 can be directly joined to each other by methods such as welding.

[0076] The recessed portion 320 of the heat sink 300 corresponds to the portion of the lower plate 310 that is recessed on the lower side. The recessed portion 320 may be a tube whose cross-section, when cut perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flow path extends, is U-shaped, and the bottom portion 210a can be located on the open upper side of the U-shaped tube. The space between the recessed portion 320 and the bottom portion 210a, while the lower plate 310 of the heat sink 300 is in contact with the bottom portion 210a, becomes the region through which the refrigerant flows, i.e., the refrigerant flow path. This allows the bottom portion 210a of the module frame 200 to come into direct contact with the refrigerant.

[0077] The method for manufacturing the recessed portion 320 of the heat sink 300 is not particularly limited, but by providing a recessed structure to the plate-shaped heat sink 300, a U-shaped recessed portion 320 with an open top can be formed.

[0078] As described above, such a recessed portion 320 can be connected from one heat sink projection 300P to the other. The refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant injection port 500a initially flows into the space between the recessed portion 320 and the bottom 210a, passing between one module frame projection 211 and the heat sink projection 300P. Thereafter, the refrigerant moves along the recessed portion 320 and is discharged through the refrigerant discharge port 500b, passing between the other module frame projection 211 and the heat sink projection 300P.

[0079] The battery module 100 shown in Figure 4 achieves an integrated structure of the module frame 200 and the heat sink 300, thereby improving cooling or heating performance. The integrated structure is achieved by the bottom portion 210a of the module frame 200 corresponding to the upper plate of the heat sink 300. This increases the efficiency of cooling and heating, and the space utilization rate on the battery module 100 and the battery pack on which the battery module 100 is mounted can be further improved through the structure in which the heat sink 300 is integrated with the bottom portion 210a of the module frame 200. However, this describes an example of a heat sink 300 applicable to the present invention, and there are no particular limitations on the form of the heat sink 300 in the present invention as long as it can provide a cooling area that is individually divided for the battery module 100 in a one-to-one correspondence with the battery module 100.

[0080] The following explains how the temperature of each battery module can be individually controlled using the control valves provided in the refrigerant lines connected to each heatsink.

[0081] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a three-way valve type control valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, as described above, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment is provided with a refrigerant line 1500 connecting each heat sink 300 to the temperature control system 1400. Each refrigerant line 1500 connected to the heat sink 300 is provided with a three-way valve type control valve 1600. The BMS module 1300 according to this embodiment adjusts the control valve 1600 based on the temperature of each battery module 100, controlling whether or not to supply refrigerant to the heat sink 300 corresponding to a specific battery module 100.

[0083] As schematically illustrated in Figure 6, the three-way valve configuration control valve 1600 may be a component having three branch pipes. The three-way valve configuration control valve 1600 may be connected to each of the three refrigerant lines 1500. The control valve 1600 may be adjusted so that two of the three branch pipes communicate with each other. That is, it is possible to control in real time so that two of the three refrigerant lines 1500 connected to the control valve 1600 communicate with each other. The BMS module 1300 can control which two branch pipes the control valve 1600 communicates with.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2, when the battery module 100 reaches a temperature above or below a preset temperature, the BMS module 1300 controls the control valve 1600 connected to the heat sink 300 corresponding to the battery module 100, thereby supplying refrigerant to the heat sink 300.

[0085] Specifically, the refrigerant line 1500 may include a refrigerant supply line 1510 that supplies refrigerant to the heat sink 300 and a refrigerant discharge line 1520 through which the refrigerant is discharged from the heat sink 300.

[0086] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are partial drawings illustrating a configuration in which a refrigerant supply line and a refrigerant discharge line according to one embodiment of the present invention are connected to a heat sink.

[0087] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 7, the refrigerant supply line 1510 may be connected to the refrigerant injection port 500a, and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 may be connected to the refrigerant discharge port 500b. The refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant supply line 1510 can flow into the recessed portion 320 of the heat sink 300 via the refrigerant injection port 500a. The refrigerant flowing along the recessed portion 320 may be discharged to the refrigerant discharge line 1520 via the refrigerant discharge port 500b. An O-ring type sealing member 1700 can be fitted between the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant injection port 500a, and between the refrigerant discharge line 1520 and the refrigerant discharge port 500b, respectively, to prevent refrigerant leakage. In this embodiment, the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 are the same type of refrigerant line 1500, but can be distinguished by whether they are connected to the refrigerant injection port 500a or the refrigerant discharge port 500b.

[0088] Referring again to Figure 2, the control valve 1600 according to this embodiment may include a first control valve 1610 connected to the refrigerant supply line 1510 and a second control valve 1620 connected to the refrigerant discharge line 1520.

[0089] The BMS module 1300 can control whether or not the refrigerant circulates to the heat sink 300 and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the heat sink 300 by adjusting the paths of the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620.

[0090] Specifically, when the first battery module 100a reaches a temperature above the upper limit or below the lower limit, and the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is necessary for the first battery module 100a, the BMS module 1300 can adjust the paths of the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 so that refrigerant flows along the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 connected to the first heat sink 300a.

[0091] In other words, in Figure 2, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 may be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along the D1 path.

[0092] The refrigerant flows through the first heat sink 300a along the D1 path, allowing for cooling or heating of the first battery module 100a.

[0093] Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of each branch pipe with the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing inside the first heat sink 300a along the D1 path can also be adjusted.

[0094] If the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is not required for the first battery module 100a, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along the C1 path.

[0095] Furthermore, by having some of the refrigerant flow through the C1 path and other parts of the refrigerant flow through the D1 path simultaneously, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing inside the first heat sink 300a can be adjusted, thereby controlling the degree of cooling or heating of the first battery module 100a.

[0096] Similarly, if the second battery module 100b reaches a temperature above the upper limit or below the lower limit, and the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is necessary for the second battery module 100b, the BMS module 1300 can adjust the paths of the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 so that refrigerant flows along the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 connected to the second heat sink 300b. That is, in Figure 2, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that refrigerant flows along the D2 path. The refrigerant flows inside the second heat sink 300b along the D2 path, providing cooling or heating to the second battery module 100b. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of each branch pipe with the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing inside the second heat sink 300b along the D2 path can also be adjusted. If the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is not necessary for the second battery module 100b, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along the C2 path. In addition, by allowing some of the refrigerant to flow along the C2 path and other parts of the refrigerant to flow along the D2 path, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing inside the second heat sink 300b can be adjusted, thereby controlling the degree of cooling or heating for the second battery module 100b.

[0097] Similarly, if the third battery module 100c reaches a temperature above or below the upper limit, and the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is necessary for the third battery module 100c, the BMS module 1300 can adjust the paths of the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 so that refrigerant flows along the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 connected to the third heat sink 300c. That is, in Figure 2, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that refrigerant flows along the D3 path. The refrigerant flows inside the third heat sink 300c along the D3 path, providing cooling or heating to the third battery module 100c. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of each branch pipe with the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing inside the third heat sink 300c along the D3 path can also be adjusted. If the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is not necessary for the third battery module 100c, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along the C3 path. In addition, by allowing some of the refrigerant to flow along the C3 path and other parts of the refrigerant to flow along the D3 path, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing inside the third heat sink 300c can be adjusted, thereby controlling the degree of cooling or heating for the third battery module 100c.

[0098] Similarly, if the fourth battery module 100d is above the upper temperature limit or below the lower temperature limit, and the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is necessary for the fourth battery module 100d, the BMS module 1300 can adjust the paths of the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 so that refrigerant flows along the refrigerant supply line 1510 and the refrigerant discharge line 1520 connected to the fourth heat sink 300d. That is, in Figure 2, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that refrigerant flows along the D4 path. The refrigerant flows inside the fourth heat sink 300d along the D4 path, providing cooling or heating to the fourth battery module 100d. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of each branch pipe with the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing inside the fourth heat sink 300d along the D4 path can also be adjusted. If the BMS module 1300 determines that cooling or heating is not necessary for the fourth battery module 100d, the first control valve 1610 and the second control valve 1620 can be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along the C4 path. In addition, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing inside the fourth heat sink 300d can be adjusted by having some of the refrigerant flow along the C4 path and other parts of the refrigerant flow along the D4 path, thereby adjusting the degree of cooling or heating for the fourth battery module 100d.

[0099] In this case, the upper and lower temperature limits can be determined by various factors such as the size of the battery module, the battery capacity, and the type of battery cell.

[0100] In summary, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the temperature of each battery module 100 can be controlled independently of each other by utilizing the control valve 1600 provided in the refrigerant line 1500 connected to each heat sink 300. Specifically, by changing the two branch pipes that communicate with each other via the three-way valve type control valve 1600, the supply of refrigerant to a particular heat sink 300 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of the branch pipes with the three-way valve type control valve 1600, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through a particular heat sink 300 can also be adjusted. In this way, the temperature of each battery module 100 can be controlled independently of each other, so that the temperature difference between each battery module 100 can be minimized, and this minimized temperature difference can lead to improved performance of the battery module 100 and suppression of degradation of the battery cells 110.

[0101] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention in which waste heat is utilized to heat the refrigerant using the PRA module 1200.

[0102] Referring again to Figure 2, as described above, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include a PRA module 1200 that can disconnect the electrical connections of the battery modules. The battery pack 1000 may further include a control heat sink 300' that is connected to the refrigerant line 1500' while remaining positioned to correspond to the PRA module 1200.

[0103] The control heatsink 300' according to this embodiment is a component through which a refrigerant circulates, and can have the same or similar structure as the heatsink 300. A three-way valve type control valve 1600' can be provided in the refrigerant line 1500' connected to the control heatsink 300'.

[0104] The refrigerant line 1500' connected to the control heatsink 300' may include a refrigerant supply line 1510' that supplies refrigerant to the control heatsink 300' and a refrigerant discharge line 1520' through which refrigerant is discharged from the control heatsink 300'.

[0105] Furthermore, the control valve 1600' may include a first control valve 1610' connected to a refrigerant supply line 1510' and a second control valve 1620' connected to a refrigerant discharge line 1520'. The BMS module 1300 can control whether or not the refrigerant circulates to the control heat sink 300' and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the control heat sink 300' by adjusting the paths of the first control valve 1610' and the second control valve 1620'.

[0106] Specifically, the refrigerant supplied from the temperature control system 1400 can flow through the control valve 1600' located in the refrigerant line 1500' corresponding to the control heatsink 300', and then to the control valve 1600' located in the refrigerant line 1500' corresponding to the heatsink 300'. The refrigerant can first flow to the control heatsink 300' and its corresponding control valve 1600' before the heatsink 300 and its corresponding control valve 1600.

[0107] The BMS module 1300 can regulate the temperature of the refrigerant by controlling the adjustment valve 1600 connected to the control heatsink 300'.

[0108] Specifically, the refrigerant flowing along the control heatsink 300' is heated by the heat generated by the PRA module 1200, allowing the temperature of the refrigerant to be adjusted. The first control valve 1610' and the second control valve 1620' can be adjusted so that the refrigerant supplied from the temperature control system 1400 flows along path D'. As the refrigerant flows through the control heatsink 300' along path D', it can be heated by the heat generated by the PRA module 1200. If heating of the refrigerant is not required, the first control valve 1610' and the second control valve 1620' can be adjusted so that the refrigerant flows along path C'. In addition, the degree of heating by the PRA module 1200 can be adjusted so that some of the refrigerant flows along path C' while other parts of the refrigerant flow along path D'.

[0109] When the BMS module 1300 determines that heating is necessary for the battery module 100, the circulating refrigerant can be heated by the temperature control system 1400 via a separate heating element. However, in this embodiment, instead of heating the refrigerant using a separate heating element in the temperature control system 1400, the refrigerant can be heated using the heat generated by the PRA module 1200, i.e., waste heat. In other words, in this embodiment, energy harvesting using the PRA module 1200 is possible, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the device, such as a vehicle, to which the battery pack 1000 is installed.

[0110] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used, but these terms are for explanatory convenience and can change depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0111] The battery pack according to the embodiment described above can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, it can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, as well as to ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but it is not limited to these and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0112] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, utilizing the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the claims below, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d battery modules 200 Module Frames 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d heatsinks 1000 Battery Pack 1100 Pack Frame 1200 PRA Modules 1300 BMS module 1400 Temperature Control System 1500 Refrigerant Line 1600 Adjustable Valve

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules containing multiple battery cells, A heat sink is arranged to correspond to each of the aforementioned battery modules and to cool the battery modules. A temperature control system that supplies and recovers refrigerant to the heat sink. A refrigerant line connecting the heat sink and the temperature control system, and It includes a Battery Management System (BMS) module for monitoring and controlling the status of the battery module, A three-way valve type control valve is provided in the refrigerant line connected to each of the heat sinks. A battery pack in which the BMS module adjusts the control valve based on the temperature of the battery module to control whether or not a coolant is supplied to the heat sink corresponding to the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the heat sinks is arranged to correspond one-to-one with each of the battery modules, and each battery module has individually separated cooling areas.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the battery module reaches an upper limit temperature or a lower limit temperature, the BMS module controls the control valve connected to the heat sink corresponding to the battery module and supplies a coolant to the heat sink.

4. The refrigerant line includes a refrigerant supply line that supplies refrigerant to the heat sink and a refrigerant discharge line through which refrigerant is discharged from the heat sink. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control valve includes a first control valve connected to the refrigerant supply line and a second control valve connected to the refrigerant discharge line.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the BMS module controls whether or not the refrigerant circulates to the heat sink, or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the heat sink, by adjusting the path or degree of opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a PRA (Power Relay Assembly) module for controlling the electrical connections of the battery module.

7. Further including a control heatsink that remains positioned in correspondence with the PRA module and is connected to the refrigerant line, The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the regulating valve is provided in the refrigerant line connected to the control heat sink.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerant supplied from the temperature control system flows through the control valve located in the refrigerant line corresponding to the control heat sink to the control valve located in the refrigerant line corresponding to the heat sink.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the BMS module controls the regulating valve connected to the control heat sink to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerant flowing along the control heat sink is heated by the heat generated in the PRA module, and the temperature of the refrigerant is adjusted.

11. A device comprising the battery pack described in claim 1 or 2.

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