Battery module with heat transfer assembly

Abstract

We provide a battery module equipped with a heat transfer assembly. [Solution] The battery module 1 includes a hollow housing 12, a plurality of battery cells 14, and a heat transfer assembly. The hollow housing has first and second openings 122, 124. The battery cells are arranged inside the hollow housing. The heat transfer assembly includes a first heat transfer plate 22 located outside the first side wall 12a of the hollow housing, and a second heat transfer plate 24 located outside the second side wall 12b and / or fourth side wall 12d of the hollow housing. The battery cells include a plurality of support members 16 arranged between the battery cells to form at least one flow path between the battery cells. The first heat transfer fluid flows through the first opening, at least one flow path, and the second opening, and the second heat transfer fluid flows through the first and second heat transfer plates. Combining these two heat transfer methods improves the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module provided with a heat transfer assembly, and particularly to a battery module including a composite heat transfer structure formed by a battery cell immersed in a heat transfer fluid and a heat transfer plate disposed outside the battery cell.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, the heat transfer technology of battery packs can be divided into two typical solutions. One of them is that while the battery cells are usually vertically arranged, the heat transfer plate is horizontally arranged under the battery pack. However, with the further development of battery technology, the size of battery cells has been gradually increasing (at least 200mm×500mm). Due to the strict space limitation on the height of the battery pack, the battery cells can no longer be vertically arranged and need to be arranged in a horizontal stacking manner. In the current battery pack design, this phenomenon is more common, especially in large battery modules. In the horizontal stacking method, when the heat transfer plate is horizontally arranged under the battery pack, the available height of the battery cells is greatly limited, and the overall capacity of the battery pack decreases. Furthermore, this structural design also affects the cooling effect. The temperature difference between the upper and lower battery cells in the battery pack becomes more prominent. This significant increase in the temperature difference directly affects the operating efficiency and lifespan of the battery cells.

[0003] Another existing heat transfer technology for battery packs involves directly immersing the battery pack in a heat transfer fluid. This heat transfer technology effectively solves the problem of excessive temperature differences between battery cells. By ensuring uniform heat dissipation in a battery pack immersed in a heat transfer fluid, each battery cell within the battery pack can operate under the same cooling environment, thereby improving the stability and performance of the battery module. However, as the size of the battery cells gradually increases, when battery modules are stacked horizontally, dead zones in the flow are formed in areas away from the inlet and outlet of the heat transfer fluid. In these dead zones, the flow of the heat transfer fluid weakens, preventing heat from being dissipated in time, and heat accumulates in these dead zones, significantly reducing heat dissipation efficiency. In the case of horizontally stacked battery modules, these dead zones typically appear at the outer boundary (periphery) of the battery pack. As a result, battery cells near the outer boundary of the battery pack cannot achieve the same heat transfer effect as the battery cells inside the battery pack, affecting the overall operating efficiency and heat dissipation performance of the module.

[0004] Conventional heat transfer technologies for battery packs face challenges as battery cell sizes continue to increase, limiting space constraints and battery pack height. This not only restricts the stacking height of battery cells but also leads to uneven cooling, particularly excessive temperature differences between upper and lower cells within the pack. While immersing the battery pack in a heat transfer fluid can alleviate some of the temperature differences, the uneven flow of the fluid, especially the dead zones formed at the battery pack boundaries, reduces overall heat dissipation efficiency. As battery cell sizes continue to grow, overcoming these technical challenges to achieve more efficient and uniform cooling has become an urgent issue in this field. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a battery module equipped with a heat transfer assembly consisting of a heat transfer fluid that fills the space between battery cells and a heat transfer plate installed at the outer boundary. The flow of the heat transfer fluid ensures uniformity among the battery cells, improves the overall heat transfer efficiency of the battery module, and maximizes the energy density of the battery within a limited volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery module equipped with a heat transfer assembly. The battery module includes a hollow housing, a plurality of battery cells, and a heat transfer assembly, the hollow housing comprising a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, the first side wall being positioned opposite the third side wall, and the second side wall being positioned opposite the fourth side wall. The first side wall comprises a first opening, and the third side wall comprises a second opening. The battery cells are arranged in a stack inside the hollow housing. The heat transfer assembly is used to transfer heat from the battery cells and comprises a first heat transfer plate, a second heat transfer plate, a plurality of support members, a first heat transfer fluid, and a second heat transfer fluid. The first heat transfer plate is located outside the first side wall and includes a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a first conduit formed inside the first heat transfer plate and communicating with the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet. The second heat transfer plate is located outside the second side wall and / or the fourth side wall and includes a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second conduit formed inside the second heat transfer plate and communicating with the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet. The plurality of support members are arranged between the battery cells to form at least one flow path between the battery cells. The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the first opening, the at least one flow path, and the second opening, and through the hollow housing to transfer heat generated from the battery cells. The second heat transfer fluid flows through the first and second conduits, transferring heat generated from the plurality of battery cells. This structure improves the overall heat transfer efficiency of the battery module and allows for an overall design of the battery module to maximize the energy density of the battery within a limited volume.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow housing is provided with two total electrode output terminals that are electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat transfer fluid is a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ethylene glycol solution, propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and fluorinated liquid.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second heat transfer fluid is a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ethylene glycol solution, propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and fluorinated liquid.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, another first heat transfer plate is positioned on the outside of the third side wall.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, another second heat transfer plate is positioned outside the fourth side wall or the second side wall.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer assembly further includes a first heat transfer element positioned between the first heat transfer plate and the hollow housing.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer assembly further includes a second heat transfer element positioned between the second heat transfer plate and the hollow housing.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a side cover covering the first heat transfer plate is further included, the side cover comprising a first connection hole, a second connection hole, and a third connection hole. The first connection hole is connected to the first opening, and the second and third connection holes are connected to the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first opening and the second opening each include a plurality of sub-openings, each of which corresponds to at least one flow path.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support members are arranged in an offset manner in adjacent rows and adjacent columns.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1A] It is a schematic exploded view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 1B] It is a schematic exploded view according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 1C] It is a schematic exploded view according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 2A] It is a schematic diagram showing a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] It is a schematic diagram showing a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 3] It is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 4] It is a schematic structural diagram of a heat transfer component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 5A] It is a schematic structural diagram of a side cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] It is a schematic structural diagram of a side cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] In view of the problems of the prior art described above, the present invention provides a battery module equipped with a heat transfer assembly. The battery module includes a hollow housing combined with the heat transfer assembly. Multiple battery cells are arranged in a stack inside the hollow housing. The heat transfer assembly includes multiple support members positioned between the battery cells, allowing a first heat transfer fluid to flow between the battery cells. The heat transfer assembly further includes a first heat transfer plate and a second heat transfer plate positioned correspondingly outside the hollow housing, allowing a second heat transfer fluid to flow inside the first and second heat transfer plates. By combining these two heat transfer methods, the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell is improved, and the problems of uneven heat transfer and dead zones in the flow in the prior art are solved.

[0025] Refer to Figure 1A. Figure 1A is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing an assembly diagram in which conductive handles (conductive tabs) (not shown) are arranged on the side of the battery cell. As shown in the figure, this embodiment is a battery module 1 with a heat transfer assembly, the battery module 1 including a hollow housing 12, a plurality of battery cells 14, and a heat transfer assembly 20.

[0026] Refer again to Figure 1A. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment the hollow housing 12 comprises a first side wall 12a, a second side wall 12b, a third side wall 12c, and a fourth side wall 12d. The first side wall 12a and the third side wall 12c face each other and are positioned opposite to the battery cell 14, and the second side wall 12b and the fourth side wall 12d face each other and are positioned opposite to the battery cell 14. As a result the battery cell 14 is arranged in a stack inside the hollow housing 12. The first side wall 12a has a first opening 122, and the third side wall 12c has a second opening 124.

[0027] See also Figure 2A. The heat transfer assembly 20 is used to transfer heat generated from the battery cells 14. The heat transfer assembly 20 includes a first heat transfer plate 22, a second heat transfer plate 24, a plurality of support members 16, a first heat transfer fluid L1, and a second heat transfer fluid L2. The support members 16 are arranged between adjacent battery cells 14. That is, the support members 16 are arranged between any two adjacent battery cells 14, except for the top surface of the uppermost battery cell 14 and the bottom surface of the lowermost battery cell 14. As shown in Figure 1A, the support members 16 are arranged in a staggered manner in adjacent rows and adjacent columns. That is, the support members 16 are staggered in adjacent rows and adjacent columns. For example, as shown, the support members 16 are arranged sequentially in 3 or 4 columns. The support members 16 may be arranged in a matrix. The material of the support members 16 may be, but is not limited to, an electrically insulating block of foam. Any electrical insulating material can be used as the support member 16. The support member 16 forms at least one gap between adjacent battery cells 14, thereby forming at least one flow path 17 between the battery cells 14. Here, each flow path 17 is formed between two adjacent battery cells 14, as illustrated (as shown in Figure 2A). At least one flow path 17 allows the first heat transfer liquid L1 to flow. The first heat transfer plate 22 is located outside the first side wall 12a. The first heat transfer plate 22 includes a first liquid inlet 222, a first liquid outlet 224, and a first conduit 226 formed inside the first heat transfer plate 22 and connected to the first liquid inlet 222 and the first liquid outlet 224. Both the first liquid inlet 222 and the first liquid outlet 224 are located outside the first heat transfer plate 22. The second heat transfer plate 24 is positioned outside the second side wall 12b. The second heat transfer plate 24 includes a second liquid inlet 242 and a second liquid outlet 244, which are positioned opposite each other on the outside of the second heat transfer plate 24. The second conduit 246 is formed inside the second heat transfer plate 24 and is connected to the second liquid inlet 242 and the second liquid outlet 244.In this embodiment, the second heat transfer liquid L2 flows in from the first liquid inlet 222 and enters the first conduit 226 inside the first heat transfer plate 22, and flows in from the second liquid inlet 242 and enters the second conduit 246 inside the second heat transfer plate 24, and can flow out from the first liquid outlet 224 and the second liquid outlet 244, respectively. That is, the first conduit 226 and the second conduit 246 are not connected to each other, and the second heat transfer liquid L2 flows through each of them, so that the first heat transfer plate 22 and the second heat transfer plate 24 transfer heat generated from the battery cell 14, respectively.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first opening 122 and the second opening 124 of the hollow housing 12 are located on the first side wall 12a and the third side wall 12c of the hollow housing 12, which are arranged opposite each other, and the first heat transfer liquid L1 flows sequentially through the first opening 122, at least one flow path 17, and the second opening 124 inside the hollow housing 12, thereby transferring heat generated from the battery cell 14.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the first side wall 12a and the third side wall 12c of the hollow housing 12 may be metal support frames, and the first side wall 12a can support the first heat transfer plate 22.

[0030] Refer to Figures 1A and 1C together. Figure 1C is a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention. The battery cell 14 is provided with conductive handles (not shown) on both sides of the X axis. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, where a conductive handle (not shown) is provided on one side of the battery cell 14, the first opening 122 comprises a plurality of first sub-openings 122a arranged on the first side wall 12a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1C, the second opening 124 has a plurality of second sub-openings 124a arranged on the third side wall 12c. The first sub-openings 122a and the second sub-openings 124a correspond to at least one flow path 17, that is, the first sub-openings 122a and the second sub-openings 124a correspond to the space formed by a support member 16 arranged between two adjacent battery cells 14. As shown in Figures 1A and 1C, the support member 16 creates eight spaces between the battery cells 14, each corresponding to two rows of eight first sub-openings 122a and eight second sub-openings 124a, which allows the first heat transfer fluid L1 to flow directly into the gap between the battery cells 14 and the support member 16.

[0031] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 1B, another first heat transfer plate 22 may be symmetrically positioned outside the third side wall 12c of the hollow housing 12 (shown as another first heat transfer plate 22' in Figure 1B). Similarly, another second heat transfer plate 24 may be symmetrically positioned outside the fourth side wall 12d of the hollow housing 12 (shown as another second heat transfer plate 24' in Figure 1B). The conduits of the first heat transfer plate 22, the second heat transfer plate 24, another first heat transfer plate 22', and another second heat transfer plate 24' are not connected to each other, and the second heat transfer fluid L2 flows through each conduit. As a result, the second heat transfer liquid L2 flowing through the first heat transfer plate 22, the second heat transfer plate 24, another first heat transfer plate 22', and another second heat transfer plate 24' each transfers heat generated from the battery cell 14, improving thermal conductivity and overall heat dissipation efficiency. The material of the outer housings of the first heat transfer plates 22, 22' and the second heat transfer plates 24, 24' may be metal, but is not limited thereto. Any material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation can be used as the outer housing of the first heat transfer plates 22, 22' and the second heat transfer plates 24, 24'.

[0032] Refer to Figures 1B and 2A-2B. Figures 2A-2B are schematic diagrams showing the fluid path of a heat transfer liquid in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2A, the hollow housing 12 is filled with a first heat transfer liquid L1. The first heat transfer liquid L1 flows inside the hollow housing 12 and between the battery cells 14. The first heat transfer liquid L1 enters the hollow housing 12 through a first opening 122, passes through at least one flow path 17 formed between the battery cells 14 by the support members 16, and flows out of the hollow housing 12 through a second opening 124. That is, the first heat transfer liquid L1 inside the hollow housing 12 flows from the first opening 122 to the second opening 124. Furthermore, the support members 16 are positioned in a staggered manner in adjacent rows and adjacent columns, so that the first heat transfer liquid L1 can flow sufficiently between the battery cells 14 and remove the heat generated from the battery cells 14.

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 2B. The interiors of the first heat transfer plate 22 and the second heat transfer plate 24 are filled with a second heat transfer fluid L2. Specifically, the second heat transfer fluid L2 is located in the first conduit 226 of the first heat transfer plate 22 and in the second conduit 246 of the second heat transfer plate 24. The second heat transfer fluid L2 enters the first conduit 226 inside the first heat transfer plate 22 through the first inlet 222 and flows out of the first conduit 226 through the first outlet 224. Another portion of the second heat transfer fluid L2 enters the second conduit 246 inside the second heat transfer plate 24 through the second inlet 242, passes through the second conduit 246, and flows out of the second conduit 246 through the second outlet 244.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first heat transfer fluid L1 may be, but is not limited to, a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ethylene glycol solution, propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and fluorinated liquids. In this embodiment, any other solution with high thermal conductivity can be used as the first heat transfer fluid L1. The second heat transfer fluid L2 may be, but is not limited to, a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ethylene glycol solution, propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and fluorinated liquids. In this embodiment, any other solution with high thermal conductivity can be used as the second heat transfer fluid L2.

[0035] Refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, each battery cell 14 has a conductive handle (not shown) extending from one side. Two total electrode output terminals 18 are provided on the first side wall 12a of the hollow housing 12. The two total electrode output terminals 18 are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 14, respectively, and function as connection ports for the battery cell 14 to output power. Furthermore, after the first heat transfer plate 22 is fixedly positioned on the first side wall 12a, the first opening 122 is partially exposed, allowing the first heat transfer liquid L1 to flow into at least one channel 17.

[0036] Refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat transfer component according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a first heat conduction component 26 is positioned between the first heat transfer plate 22 and the first side wall 12a of the hollow housing 12 to improve heat conduction efficiency. The material of the first heat conduction component 26 is an elastic material and provides a cushioning function to prevent the first heat transfer plate 22 from colliding with the shell 12 due to vibrations during vehicle operation. Similarly, another first heat conduction component 26' may be positioned between the first heat transfer plate 22' and the third side wall 12c of the hollow housing 12. The width of the first heat conduction component 26 may be the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the first heat transfer plate 22 so that the first heat transfer fluid L1 can flow into the flow path 17. As a result, the first heat conduction component 26 and the first heat transfer plate 22 are sequentially fixed to the first side wall 12a, and the first opening 122 is partially exposed.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a second heat transfer element 28 may be further positioned between the second heat transfer plate 24 and the second side wall 12b of the hollow housing 12. Similarly, another second heat transfer element (not shown) may be further positioned between the second heat transfer plate 24' and the fourth side wall 12d of the hollow housing 12. In this embodiment, the material of the first heat transfer element 26 and the second heat transfer element 28 is a thermally conductive material such as a soft metal.

[0038] Refer to Figures 5A to 5B. Figures 5A to 5B are schematic diagrams of a side cover of another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment further includes a side cover 30 positioned on one side of the hollow housing 12 and covering the first heat transfer plate 22. The side cover 30 is provided with a first connection hole 32, a second connection hole 32', and a third connection hole 32'', corresponding to the first opening 122 of the hollow housing 12, the first liquid inlet 222 of the first heat transfer plate 22, and the first liquid outlet 224, respectively. The first connection hole 32 is connected to the first opening 122 of the hollow housing 12, allowing the first heat transfer liquid L1 to flow into the hollow housing 12. The second connection hole 32' and the third connection hole 32'' are connected to the first liquid inlet 222 and the first liquid outlet 224 of the first heat transfer plate 22, respectively, allowing the second heat transfer liquid L2 to flow in and out, respectively. Similarly, the side cover 30 is positioned symmetrically on the other side of the hollow housing 12 and can seal the third side wall 12c of the hollow housing 12 and cover the first heat transfer plate 22' (not shown).

[0039] In summary, the present invention provides a battery module equipped with heat transfer components. The battery module includes a first heat transfer fluid flowing inside a hollow housing and between battery cells, and a first heat transfer plate and a second heat transfer plate located outside the hollow housing and filled with a second heat transfer fluid. The first heat transfer fluid flows inside the hollow housing to ensure temperature uniformity of the battery cells. Meanwhile, the second heat transfer fluid circulates within the first and second heat transfer plates located outside the hollow housing. The two heat dissipation systems improve the overall heat transfer efficiency of the battery module and solve the problems of excessive temperature differences between upper and lower battery cells caused by uneven heat conduction in conventional battery module structures, and the problem of reduced overall heat dissipation efficiency due to dead water zones caused by uneven flow of the heat transfer fluid.

Claims

1. A battery module equipped with a heat transfer assembly, It includes a hollow housing, multiple battery cells, and a heat transfer assembly, The hollow housing comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall, wherein the first side wall is positioned opposite the third side wall, the second side wall is positioned opposite the fourth side wall, the first side wall has a first opening, and the third side wall has a second opening. The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a stack inside the hollow housing, The heat transfer assembly is used to transfer heat generated from the battery cell. The heat transfer assembly includes a first heat transfer plate, a second heat transfer plate, a plurality of support members, a first heat transfer fluid, and a second heat transfer fluid. The first heat transfer plate is positioned on the outside of the first side wall. The first heat transfer plate comprises a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, and a first conduit formed inside the first heat transfer plate and communicating with the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet. The second heat transfer plate is positioned outside the second side wall and / or the fourth side wall. The second heat transfer plate comprises a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second conduit formed inside the second heat transfer plate and communicating with the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet. The plurality of support members are arranged between the battery cells so as to form at least one flow path between the battery cells. The first heat transfer fluid flows sequentially through the first opening, the at least one flow path, and the second opening, through the hollow housing, and transfers the heat generated from the battery cell. The second heat transfer fluid flows through the first and second conduits to transfer heat generated from the battery cell. A battery module with a heat transfer assembly.

2. The battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hollow housing is provided with two total electrode output terminals electrically connected to the battery cells, respectively.

3. The battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first heat transfer fluid is a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, an ethylene glycol solution, a propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and a fluorinated liquid.

4. The battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second heat transfer fluid is a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, an ethylene glycol solution, a propylene glycol solution, mineral oil, and a fluorinated liquid.

5. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, further comprising another first heat transfer plate positioned outside the third side wall.

6. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, further comprising another second heat transfer plate positioned outside the fourth side wall or the second side wall.

7. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first heat transfer element disposed between the first heat transfer plate and the hollow housing.

8. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second heat transfer element disposed between the second heat transfer plate and the hollow housing.

9. The system further includes a side cover that covers the first heat transfer plate, The side cover is provided with a first connection hole, a second connection hole, and a third connection hole, the first connection hole being connected to the first opening, and the second and third connection holes being connected to the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, respectively. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly described in claim 1.

10. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening each comprise a plurality of sub-openings, each of which corresponds to at least one flow path.

11. A battery module comprising the heat transfer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support members are arranged offset in adjacent rows and adjacent columns.

Images