Battery temperature control device

Abstract

To perform battery temperature control by selectively cooling or warming a battery according to battery temperature control request.SOLUTION: A battery temperature control device 1 includes a battery pack 2, a heat exchange part 12 for exchanging heat between the battery pack 2 and heat medium, and a heat medium circuit 3 for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange part 12, and controls temperature of the battery pack 2 by causing the heat medium to exchange with the battery pack 2 by flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange part 12 by the heat medium circuit 3. The heat medium circuit 3 includes a warming circuit 5 for flowing heating medium to the heat exchange part 12 for warming the battery pack 2, and a cooling circuit 6 for flowing cooling medium to the heat exchange part 12 for cooling the battery pack 2. The battery temperature control device 1 further includes circuit changeover means 9 for changing over circuit so as to connect the heat exchange part 12 and the warming circuit 5 when warming the battery pack 2 and connect the heat exchange part 12 to the cooling circuit 6 when cooling the battery pack 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a battery temperature regulator configured to regulate the temperature of a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of this type of technology is a "battery temperature control device" described in Patent Document 1 below. This device controls the temperature of a battery pack including multiple battery cells by exchanging heat between the multiple battery cells and a heat medium. The temperature of each of the multiple battery cells varies depending on their layout. Therefore, this device has the following configuration to bring the temperatures of the multiple battery cells close to the same temperature after temperature control.

[0003] That is, this device includes a battery pack, a heat medium circuit, and a heat transfer amount adjustment unit. The battery pack includes a first battery cell, a second battery cell electrically connected to the first battery cell, a first heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between the first battery cell and a heat medium (refrigerant), and a second heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between the second battery cell and the refrigerant. The heat medium circuit is configured to flow a temperature-adjusted refrigerant through the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit. Here, when the temperatures of the first battery cell and the second battery cell are not adjusted, a temperature difference occurs between the first battery cell and the second battery cell due to heat generated by charging and discharging under predetermined usage conditions. The heat transfer amount adjustment unit is configured to adjust a first heat transfer amount between the first battery cell and the refrigerant and a second heat transfer amount between the second battery cell and the refrigerant so that the temperature difference between the first battery cell and the second battery cell after temperature adjustment is smaller than in a non-temperature adjusted state under the predetermined usage conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-44135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The battery temperature regulator described in Patent Document 1 takes into consideration the layout of multiple battery cells and uses a refrigerant to cool the multiple battery cells to reduce the temperature difference between the cells in response to heat generated by charging and discharging. However, this device does not disclose a technique for warming up the multiple battery cells when they are cold. Considering year-round use of batteries, both cooling and warming the battery are necessary to maintain the battery at an appropriate temperature, so a battery temperature regulator that can achieve this is desired.

[0006] This disclosed technology has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a battery temperature control device that enables battery temperature control by selectively cooling or warming the battery in response to battery temperature control requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 1 is a battery temperature regulation device that includes a battery, a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium, and a heat medium circuit for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit, and regulates the temperature of the battery by flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit through the heat medium circuit to exchange heat with the battery, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a warm-up circuit for flowing a heated heat medium to the heat exchange unit to warm up the battery, and a cooling circuit for flowing a cooled heat medium to the heat exchange unit to cool the battery, and further includes circuit switching means for switching the circuit so as to connect the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit when warming up the battery, and to connect the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit when cooling the battery. The heat exchange unit has a first inlet and a second inlet through which the heat medium flows in and out, and when warming up the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange unit to the warm-up circuit and allow the heat medium to flow from the first inlet to the second inlet, and when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange unit to the cooling circuit and allow the heat medium to flow from the second inlet to the first inlet. The purpose of this is to

[0008] According to the configuration of the above technology, the heat medium circuit for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit includes a warm-up circuit that flows a heated heat medium (heating medium) to the heat exchange unit to warm up the battery, and a cooling circuit that flows a cooled heat medium (cooling medium) to cool the battery to the heat exchange unit.When warming up the battery, the circuit is switched by the circuit switching means, connecting the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit so that the heating medium flows to the heat exchange unit.When cooling the battery, the circuit is switched by the circuit switching means, connecting the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit so that the cooling medium flows to the heat exchange unit. In particular, when warming up the battery, the circuit switching means is switched so that the heating medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the first port and flows out from the second port. On the other hand, when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means is switched so that the cooling medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the second port and flows out from the first port. Therefore, when warming up the battery, the heating medium flows from the first port into the heat exchange piping, allowing the heating medium to first warm up the area near the periphery of the battery, and then the heating medium can warm up the area near the center of the battery. On the other hand, when cooling the battery, the cooling medium flows from the second port into the heat exchange piping, allowing the cooling medium to first cool the area near the center of the battery, and then the cooling medium can cool the area near the periphery of the battery.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 2 is the technology described in claim 1, wherein the battery is composed of a plurality of battery stacks each containing a plurality of battery cells in a case, and the heat exchange unit is arranged so that a heat medium flows between each of the plurality of battery stacks.

[0010] According to the configuration of the above technology, in addition to the function of the technology described in claim 1, when warming up the batteries, the circuit switching means switches the circuit, connecting the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit for each of the multiple battery stacks, and allowing a heating medium to flow to the heat exchange unit for each of the battery stacks. Also, when cooling the batteries, the circuit switching means switches the circuit, connecting the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit for each of the multiple battery stacks, and allowing a cooling medium to flow to the heat exchange unit for each of the battery stacks.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the technology described in claim 3 is: In a battery temperature regulation device comprising a battery, a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium, and a heat medium circuit for causing the heat medium to flow to the heat exchange unit, the battery temperature regulation device regulates the temperature of the battery by causing the heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit via the heat medium circuit to exchange heat with the battery, the heat medium circuit including a warm-up circuit for causing heated heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit to warm up the battery, and a cooling circuit for causing cooled heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit to cool the battery, the battery temperature regulation device further comprising circuit switching means for switching the circuit so as to connect the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit when warming up the battery, and to connect the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit when cooling the battery, The heat exchange section is composed of a heat exchange pipe having a first inlet / outlet for the heat medium at one end and a second inlet / outlet for the heat medium at the other end, and the heat exchange pipe is arranged so as to run from the first inlet / outlet around the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery, further around the vicinity of the center of the battery, and then to reach the second inlet / outlet. When warming up the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange pipe and the warm-up circuit and allow the heat medium to flow from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, and when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange pipe and the cooling circuit and allow the heat medium to flow from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet. The purpose of this is to

[0012] According to the configuration of the above technology 、When the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the first inlet / outlet, the heat medium first flows around the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery, then flows around the vicinity of the center of the battery, and then flows out from the second inlet / outlet. On the other hand, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the second inlet / outlet, the heat medium first flows around the vicinity of the center of the battery, then flows around the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery, and then flows out from the first inlet / outlet. Therefore, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the first inlet / outlet, heat exchange with the heat medium occurs first with the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery, and then heat exchange with the heat medium occurs with the vicinity of the center of the battery. On the other hand, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the second inlet / outlet, heat exchange with the heat medium occurs first with the vicinity of the center of the battery, and then heat exchange with the heat medium occurs with the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery. In particular, when warming up the battery, the circuit switching means connects the heat exchange piping and the warm-up circuit, and the heating medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the first port, circulating first near the outer periphery of the battery, then near the center of the battery, before flowing out from the second port. On the other hand, when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means connects the heat exchange piping and the cooling circuit, and the cooling medium flows into the heat exchange piping from the second port, circulating first near the center of the battery, then near the outer periphery of the battery, before flowing out from the first port.

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, claims 4 The technology described in In a battery temperature regulation device comprising a battery, a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium, and a heat medium circuit for causing the heat medium to flow to the heat exchange unit, the battery temperature regulation device regulates the temperature of the battery by causing the heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit via the heat medium circuit to exchange heat with the battery, the heat medium circuit including a warm-up circuit for causing heated heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit to warm up the battery, and a cooling circuit for causing cooled heat medium to flow through the heat exchange unit to cool the battery, the battery temperature regulation device further comprising circuit switching means for switching the circuit so as to connect the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit when warming up the battery, and to connect the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit when cooling the battery, The battery is provided with a plurality of heat exchange units, each having a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet through which a heat medium flows, the warm-up circuit is configured to flow a heated heat medium to the plurality of heat exchange units in order to warm up the battery, the cooling circuit is configured to flow a cooled heat medium to the plurality of heat exchange units in order to cool the battery, a solenoid valve is further provided at at least one of the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet of each of the plurality of heat exchange units, and the battery is further provided with control means for controlling the circuit switching means and the plurality of solenoid valves, and when there is a request to warm up the battery, the control means controls the circuit switching means and the plurality of solenoid valves to connect the plurality of heat exchange units to the warm-up circuit, and when there is a request to cool the battery, it controls the circuit switching means and the plurality of solenoid valves to connect the plurality of heat exchange units to the cooling circuit.

[0018] According to the configuration of the above technology 、When there is a request to warm up the battery, the control means controls the circuit switching means and the multiple solenoid valves to connect the multiple heat exchange units to the warm-up circuit. This connects the multiple heat exchange units to the warm-up circuit, and a heating medium flows to the multiple heat exchange units. On the other hand, when there is a request to cool the battery, the control means controls the circuit switching means and the multiple solenoid valves to connect the multiple heat exchange units to the cooling circuit. This connects the multiple heat exchange units to the cooling circuit, and a cooling medium flows to the multiple heat exchange units. Therefore, the control means controls the circuit switching means and selectively opens the multiple solenoid valves, so that a heating medium or a cooling medium flows selectively to some of the multiple heat exchange units.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, claims 5 The technology described in claim 4 In the technology described above, the purpose is to arrange the multiple heat exchange units in the battery so that when cooling the battery, the flow rate of the heat medium is greater towards the center of the battery, and when warming the battery, the flow rate of the heat medium is greater towards the outer periphery of the battery.

[0020] In the configuration of the above technology, when there is a request to warm up the battery, it is preferable to start with the outer periphery of the battery, which is cooler than the center. Also, when there is a request to cool the battery, it is preferable to start with the center, which is hotter than the outer periphery. According to the configuration of the above technology, in addition to the effect of the technology described in claim 6, when cooling the battery, the multiple heat exchange units are arranged so that the flow rate of the cooling medium is greater toward the center, so more cooling medium flows toward the center of the battery. On the other hand, when warming up the battery, the multiple heat exchange units are arranged so that the flow rate of the heating medium is greater toward the outer periphery, so more heating medium flows toward the outer periphery of the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the technology described in claim 1, it is possible to selectively cool or warm up the battery in response to a battery temperature control request. In particular, when warming up a battery, the area near the periphery of the battery or the battery stack that constitutes it can be warmed up more effectively than the area near the center, and when cooling a battery, the area near the center of the battery or the battery stack that constitutes it can be cooled more effectively than the area near the periphery.

[0022] According to the technology recited in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the technology recited in claim 1, it is possible to selectively cool or warm up each of the plurality of battery stacks that make up the battery.

[0023] According to the technology described in claim 3 ,heat By selectively allowing the medium to flow into the first inlet and the second inlet, it is possible to selectively first perform heat exchange with the heat medium either near the outer periphery or near the center of the battery. In particular, when warming up a battery, the area near the periphery of the battery or the battery stack that constitutes it can be warmed up more effectively than the area near the center, and when cooling a battery, the area near the center of the battery or the battery stack that constitutes it can be cooled more effectively than the area near the periphery.

[0026] Claim 4 According to the technology described in , electric Portions of the pond can be selectively heated or cooled.

[0027] Claim 5 According to the technology described in claim 4 In addition to the effects of the technology described above, when cooling the battery, the central part of the battery can be cooled effectively, and when warming up the battery, the outer periphery of the battery can be warmed up effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a battery stack according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the warm-up / cool-down control of the battery pack in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a cooling medium in the battery temperature regulator in operation mode 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a heating medium in the battery temperature regulator in operation mode 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 2 showing the state of the battery stack in operation mode 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 2 showing the state of the battery stack in operation mode 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 7 showing the state of the battery stack in operation mode 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 7 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 6 showing the state of the battery stack in operation mode 2 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a six-way valve according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a six-way valve according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of battery pack cooling control according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a graph showing the results of temperature control of the battery pack by the battery pack cooling control according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a graph showing the results of temperature control of the battery pack by the battery pack cooling control according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of battery pack cooling control according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the warm-up / cool-down control of the battery pack according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator according to a thirteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the battery temperature regulator will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, a battery temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a battery (secondary battery) mounted on an electric vehicle will be described as an example.

[0031] [Battery temperature control device overview] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery temperature regulator 1 according to this embodiment. The battery temperature regulator 1 generally includes a battery pack 2, a heat medium circuit 3, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 4 for controlling the flow of the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 3. The battery pack 2, which corresponds to an example of a "battery" in the disclosed technology, includes multiple battery stacks 11A-11E arranged in parallel and multiple heat exchange units 12 provided for each of the battery stacks 11A-11E for exchanging heat between the battery stacks 11A-11E and the heat medium. The heat medium circuit 3 is configured to pass the heat medium through the multiple heat exchange units 12. In this embodiment, the heat medium is, for example, water. The battery temperature regulator 1 adjusts the temperature of the multiple battery stacks 11A-11E, and thus the temperature of the battery pack 2, by passing the heat medium through the heat medium circuit 3 and passing it through the multiple heat exchange units 12 to exchange heat with each of the multiple battery stacks 11A-11E. In the battery pack 2 in FIG. 1, the intervals between adjacent battery stacks 11A to 11E are shown as being wider for the sake of convenience, but in reality the intervals are narrower (this also applies to other figures described below).

[0032] [About the battery stack] In this embodiment, each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E is configured by housing a plurality of battery cells 13 arranged in a row in a case 14 (FIG. 1 exemplarily shows the battery cells 13 and the case 14 in the battery stacks 11A and 11E). These battery stacks 11A to 11E are housed in a single housing 15 to form a single battery pack 2. Each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E has stack electrodes (not shown) to which the electrodes of the battery cells 13 are connected in parallel. Here, each of the multiple battery cells 13 is provided with a cell temperature sensor 19 for detecting its temperature (battery cell temperature TBCX) (for convenience, FIG. 1 exemplarily shows only one cell temperature sensor 19 in each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E).

[0033] [About the heat exchanger] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the battery stacks 11A-11E. As shown in FIG. 2, in the battery stacks 11A-11E, the heat exchanger 12 is composed of a heat exchange pipe 16 having a first heat medium inlet / outlet 16a at one end and a second heat medium inlet / outlet 16b at the other end. The heat exchange pipe 16 is arranged so that it runs from the first inlet / outlet 16a around the periphery of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then runs around the center of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and finally reaches the second inlet / outlet 16b. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchange pipe 16 extending from the first inlet / outlet 16a into the battery stacks 11A-11E runs almost one full circle around the periphery of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then turns back almost halfway, and finally bends in a zigzag pattern around the center of the battery stacks 11A-11E before reaching the second inlet / outlet 16b. With this configuration, the heat exchange pipes 16 are arranged in each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E so that the heat medium flows sequentially through the aligned battery cells 13. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the first inlets 16a corresponding to each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E are connected in parallel to the first common pipe 17, and the second inlets 16b corresponding to each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E are connected in parallel to the second common pipe 18.

[0034] Due to the arrangement of the heat exchange piping 16 described above, the heat medium that flows into the first inlet / outlet 16a flows near the outer periphery of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then flows near the center, and then flows out from the second inlet / outlet 16b. At this time, in each battery cell 13, the heat medium flows near the outer periphery and then flows near the center. In contrast, the heat medium that flows into the second inlet / outlet 16b flows near the center of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then flows near the outer periphery, and then flows out from the first inlet / outlet 16a. At this time, in each battery cell 13, the heat medium flows near the center, and then flows near the outer periphery.

[0035] [About the heat transfer medium circuit] 1, the heat medium circuit 3 of this embodiment includes a warm-up circuit 5, a cooling circuit 6, and a circuit switching means 9 including a first three-way valve 7 and a second three-way valve 8. The warm-up circuit 5 includes a warm-up piping 21, a heater 22 that heats the heat medium in the warm-up piping 21, an electric first pump 23 that pumps the heat medium (heating medium) heated by the heater 22 in the warm-up piping 21, and a first medium temperature sensor 24 that is provided in the warm-up piping 21 between the heater 22 and the first pump 23 and that detects the temperature of the heating medium (heating medium temperature HTHW). The heater 22 can be, for example, an electrically operated heater. The cooling circuit 6 includes a cooling pipe 31, a cooler 32 that cools the heat medium in the cooling pipe 31, an electric second pump 33 that pumps the heat medium (cooling medium) cooled by the cooler 32 through the cooling pipe 31, and a second medium temperature sensor 34 that is provided in the cooling pipe 31 between the cooler 32 and the second pump 33 and that detects the temperature of the cooling medium (cooling medium temperature CTHW). The cooler 32 can be, for example, an electrically operated cooler.

[0036] The first three-way valve 7 has a first port 7a, a second port 7b, and a third port 7c, and the second three-way valve 8 has a first port 8a, a second port 8b, and a third port 8c. One end of the warming pipe 21 is connected to the first port 7a of the first three-way valve 7, and the other end of the warming pipe 21 is connected to the third port 8c of the second three-way valve 8. The first common pipe 17 is connected to the second port 7b of the first three-way valve 7. One end of the cooling pipe 31 is connected to the first port 8a of the second three-way valve 8, and the other end of the cooling pipe 31 is connected to the third port 7c of the first three-way valve 7. The second common pipe 18 is connected to the second port 8b of the second three-way valve 8. The first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8 can be, for example, electrically operated valves.

[0037] Here, the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8 are configured to switch the circuit so that when warming up each battery stack 11A to 11E, they connect each heat exchange pipe 16 to the warm-up circuit 5, and when cooling each battery stack 11A to 11E, they connect each heat exchange pipe 16 to the cooling circuit 6.

[0038] With the above configuration, the warm-up circuit 5 is configured to use the first pump 23 to pump a heating medium heated by the heater 22 to flow through each heat exchange pipe 16 in order to warm up the multiple battery stacks 11A to 11E. Furthermore, the cooling circuit 6 is configured to use the second pump 33 to pump a cooling medium cooled by the cooler 32 to flow through each heat exchange pipe 16 in order to cool the multiple battery stacks 11A to 11E.

[0039] [Electrical configuration of the battery temperature control device] In this embodiment, the ECU 4 controls the battery temperature control device and corresponds to an example of the control means of the disclosed technology. That is, the first medium temperature sensor 24, the second medium temperature sensor 34, and the multiple cell temperature sensors 19 are each connected to the ECU 4. The first three-way valve 7, the second three-way valve 8, the heater 22, the first pump 23, the cooler 32, and the second pump 33 are also connected to the ECU 4. The ECU 4 controls the first three-way valve 7, the second three-way valve 8, the heater 22, the first pump 23, the cooler 32, and the second pump 33 based on the detection values ​​of the sensors 19, 24, and 34.

[0040] Here, it is assumed that the performance of the battery pack 2 decreases as the temperature of each battery cell 13 decreases, and that the battery cells 13 tend to deteriorate when used at temperatures above 25°C. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the battery pack 2, it is necessary to use each battery cell 13 at temperatures as close to 25°C as possible. To satisfy the above-mentioned requirements regardless of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of the electric vehicle, it is necessary to increase the performance or size of the heat medium circuit 3. However, this increases the cost and size of the battery temperature regulator 1 (deteriorating vehicle mountability). Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to maximize the performance of the heat medium circuit 3 and ensure the performance of the battery pack 2 and suppress deterioration at low cost, the ECU 4 executes the following "warm-up / cool-down control of the battery pack."

[0041] [Battery pack warm-up / cool-down control] An example of the contents of this "battery pack warm-up / cool-down control" is shown in a flowchart in Figure 3. When processing transitions to this routine, in step 100, the ECU 4 acquires the battery cell temperatures TBCX detected by the cell temperature sensors 19 of each battery cell 13 for the multiple battery stacks 11A to 11E.

[0042] Next, in step 110, the ECU 4 determines the highest battery cell temperature TBCMX and the lowest battery cell temperature TBCMN from the plurality of battery cell temperatures TBCX that have been taken in.

[0043] Next, in step 120, the ECU 4 acquires the cooling medium temperature CTHW detected by the second medium temperature sensor 34 of the cooling circuit 6 and the heating medium temperature HTHW detected by the first medium temperature sensor 24 of the warm-up circuit 5.

[0044] Next, in step 130, the ECU 4 determines whether the maximum battery cell temperature TBCMX is higher than 25°C, which is the battery degradation criterion. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 140, and if the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 190.

[0045] In step 140, the ECU 4 determines whether the cooling medium temperature CTHW is lower than the highest battery cell temperature TBCMX. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 150 to execute operation mode 2 (DM2). If the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 170 to execute operation mode 3 (DM3).

[0046] Then, in operation mode 2 (DM2), in step 150, the ECU 4 turns on the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8.

[0047] In operation mode 2 (DM2), in step 160, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and turns on the second pump 33. Thereafter, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 100.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the cooling medium in the battery temperature regulator 1 in operation mode 2 (DM2). In this case, the cooling medium flowing from the cooling circuit 6 to the battery pack 2 flows into the heat exchange pipe 16 from the second inlet / outlet 16b in each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4, and flows out of the heat exchange pipe 16 from the first inlet / outlet 16a. The flow of the cooling medium in the battery stacks 11A-11E in this case is shown by the arrows in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2 showing the state of the battery stacks 11A-11E in operation mode 2 (DM2). In this case, since the temperature is higher toward the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, the cooling medium flows from the higher temperature central portion to cool it.

[0049] On the other hand, in step 170 to which the process proceeds from step 140, the ECU 4 turns off the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8 in operation mode 3 (DM3).

[0050] In operation mode 3 (DM3), in step 180, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and the second pump 33. Thereafter, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 100.

[0051] 1 shows the state of the battery temperature regulator 1 in operation mode 3 (DM3). In this case, no heat medium flows from either the cooling circuit 6 or the warm-up circuit 5 to the battery pack 2, as shown in FIG.

[0052] On the other hand, moving from step 130 to step 190, the ECU 4 determines whether the heating medium temperature HTHW is higher than the lowest battery cell temperature TBCMN. If the result of this determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 200 to execute operation mode 1 (DM1), and if the result of this determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 170 to execute operation mode 3 (DM3).

[0053] Then, in operation mode 1 (DM1), in step 200, the ECU 4 turns off the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8.

[0054] In operation mode 1 (DM1), in step 210, the ECU 4 turns on the first pump 23 and turns off the second pump 33. Thereafter, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 100.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the heating medium in the battery temperature regulator 1 in operation mode 1 (DM1). In this case, the heating medium flowing from the warm-up circuit 5 to the battery pack 2 flows into the heat exchange pipe 16 from the first inlet / outlet 16a in each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5, and flows out of the heat exchange pipe 16 from the second inlet / outlet 16b. The flow of the heating medium in the battery stacks 11A-11E in this case is shown by the arrows in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2 showing the state of the battery stacks 11A-11E in operation mode 1 (DM1). In this case, since the temperature is lower at the outer periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, the heating medium flows from the outer periphery where the temperature is lower, thereby warming up the battery stacks.

[0056] According to the above-described "battery pack warm-up / cool-down control," the ECU 4 acquires the temperature of the battery cells 13 constituting the battery pack 2 (battery cell temperature TBCX), the temperature of the cooling medium flowing from the cooling circuit 6 to the battery pack 2 (cooling medium temperature CTHW), and the temperature of the heating medium flowing from the warm-up circuit 5 to the battery pack 2 (heating medium temperature HTHW). When the battery pack 2 requires warm-up (when the highest battery cell temperature TBCMX is not higher than 25°C) and the heating medium temperature HTHW is higher than the lowest battery cell temperature TBCMN of all the battery cells 13, the ECU 4 executes operation mode 1 (DM1). That is, the ECU 4 controls the first and second three-way valves 7 and 8 and the first and second pumps 23 and 33 to continue warming up the battery pack 2 and to continue flowing the heating medium from the warm-up circuit 5 to the battery pack 2. In this case, even if the heating medium temperature HTHW is low, as long as it is higher than the lowest battery cell temperature TBCMN, the battery pack 2 can be warmed up effectively, and the performance of the battery pack 2 can be ensured.

[0057] On the other hand, when cooling of the battery pack 2 is required (when the maximum battery cell temperature TBCMX is higher than 25°C) and the cooling medium temperature CTHW is lower than the maximum battery cell temperature TBCMX, the ECU 4 executes operation mode 2 (DM2). That is, the ECU 4 controls the first and second three-way valves 7, 8 and the first and second pumps 23, 33 to continue cooling the battery pack 2 and to keep the cooling medium flowing from the cooling circuit 6 to the battery pack 2. In this case, even if the cooling medium temperature CTHW is high, as long as it is lower than the maximum battery cell temperature TBCMX, a cooling effect for the battery pack 2 can be obtained and deterioration of the battery pack 2 can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, the ECU 4 executes operation mode 3 (DM3) in cases other than the above-described operation mode 1 and operation mode 2. That is, the ECU 4 controls the first and second three-way valves 7 and 8 and the first and second pumps 23 and 33 to stop the warming and cooling of the battery pack 2 by the heating medium and the cooling medium. Here, when switching from operation mode 2 to operation mode 3, the cooling function of the battery pack 2 can be stopped by turning off the second pump 33 while keeping the three-way valves 7 and 8 on, but since the three-way valves 7 and 8 are turned off at the same time, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, in operation mode 1, ECU 4 turns off both three-way valves 7 and 8, so when the battery performance of battery pack 2 is low and warming up is required, the load on battery pack 2 can be reduced by turning off both three-way valves 7 and 8.

[0060] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, the heat medium circuit 3 for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchanger 12 (heat exchange piping 16) includes the warming circuit 5 for flowing a heated heat medium (heating medium) to the heat exchange piping 16 to warm up the battery pack 2, and the cooling circuit 6 for flowing a cooled heat medium (cooling medium) to the heat exchange piping 16 to cool the battery pack 2. When warming up the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 switches the circuit to connect the heat exchange piping 16 and the warming circuit 5, allowing the heating medium to flow to the heat exchange piping 16. When cooling the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 switches the circuit to connect the heat exchange piping 16 and the cooling circuit 6, allowing the cooling medium to flow to the heat exchange piping 16. Therefore, the battery pack 2 can be selectively cooled or warmed up in response to a temperature regulation request for the battery pack 2 (battery).

[0061] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when warming up the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 switches the circuit, connecting the heat exchanger 12 (heat exchange piping 16) and the warm-up circuit 5 for each of the plurality of battery stacks 11A to 11E, and causing a heating medium to flow through the heat exchange piping 16 for each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E. When cooling the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 switches the circuit, connecting the heat exchange piping 16 and the cooling circuit 6 for each of the plurality of battery stacks 11A to 11E, and causing a cooling medium to flow through the heat exchange piping 16 for each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E. Therefore, each of the plurality of battery stacks 11A to 11E constituting the battery pack 2 can be selectively cooled or warmed up.

[0062] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 through the first inlet / outlet 16a, the heat medium first flows around the periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then flows around the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then flows out through the second inlet / outlet 16b. On the other hand, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 through the second inlet / outlet 16b, the heat medium first flows around the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then flows around the periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then flows out through the first inlet / outlet 16a. Therefore, when the heat medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 through the first inlet / outlet 16a, heat exchange with the heat medium occurs first near the periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then near the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E. Furthermore, by the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange pipe 16 from the second inlet / outlet 16b, the vicinity of the central portion of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E is first heat-exchanged with the heat medium, and then the vicinity of the peripheral portion of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E is heat-exchanged with the heat medium. Therefore, by selectively allowing the heat medium to flow into the first inlet / outlet 16a and the second inlet / outlet 16b, it is possible to selectively first exchange heat with the heat medium either in the vicinity of the peripheral portion or in the vicinity of the central portion of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E.

[0063] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when warming up the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 is switched so that the heating medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the first port 16a and flows out from the second port 16b. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 is switched so that the cooling medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the second port 16b and flows out from the first port 16a. Therefore, when warming up the battery pack 2, the heating medium flows from the first port 16a to the heat exchange piping 16, and the vicinity of the outer periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E constituting the battery pack 2 can be warmed up first by the heating medium, and then the vicinity of the center of the battery stacks 11A to 11E can be warmed up by the heating medium. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack 2, the cooling medium flows from the second inlet / outlet 16b to the heat exchange pipe 16, and the vicinity of the central portions of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E constituting the battery pack 2 is first cooled by the cooling medium, and then the vicinity of the peripheral portions of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E can be cooled by the cooling medium. Therefore, when warming up the battery pack 2, the vicinity of the peripheral portions of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E constituting the battery pack 2 can be effectively warmed up before the vicinity of the central portions, and when cooling the battery pack 2, the vicinity of the central portions of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E constituting the battery pack 2 can be effectively cooled before the vicinity of the peripheral portions.

[0064] According to the configuration of this embodiment, when warming up the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 connects the heat exchange piping 16 to the warm-up circuit 5, and the heating medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the first port 16a. The heating medium first flows around the periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E that make up the battery pack 2, then flows around the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then flows out from the second port 16b. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack 2, the circuit switching means 9 connects the heat exchange piping 16 to the cooling circuit 6, and the cooling medium flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the second port 16b. The cooling medium first flows around the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E that make up the battery pack 2, then flows around the periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then flows out from the first port 16a. Therefore, when warming up the battery pack 2, the areas near the outer periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E that make up the battery pack 2 can be effectively warmed up before the areas near the center, and when cooling down the battery pack 2, the areas near the center of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11E can be effectively cooled before the areas near the outer periphery.

[0065] Here, when there is a request to warm up the battery pack 2 or each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, it is preferable to warm up the outer periphery of the battery pack 2 or each of the battery stacks 11A-11E first, as it is cooler than the center. Also, when there is a request to cool the battery pack 2 or each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, it is preferable to cool the center of the battery pack 2 or each of the battery stacks 11A-11E first, as it is hotter than the outer periphery. In this embodiment, when warming up the battery pack 2, the outer periphery of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, which is cooler than the center, is warmed up first by the heating medium, so that each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and in turn, the battery pack 2, can be effectively warmed up. On the other hand, when cooling the battery pack 2, the center of each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, which is hotter than the outer periphery, is cooled first by the cooling medium, so that each of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and in turn, the battery pack 2, can be effectively cooled.

[0066] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the following description, components equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0067] [About the heat exchange piping configuration] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the heat exchanger 12. FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of the battery stacks 11A-11E. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heat exchanger 12 in the battery stacks 11A-11E of this embodiment also includes heat exchange piping 16 having a first heat medium inlet / outlet 16a at one end and a second heat medium inlet / outlet 16b at the other end. The heat exchange piping 16 runs from the first inlet / outlet 16a around the periphery of the battery stacks 11A-11E, spirals toward the center of the battery stacks 11A-11E, and then reaches the second inlet / outlet 16b. That is, the heat exchange piping 16 extends from the first inlet / outlet 16a into the battery stacks 11A-11E, gradually spirals from the periphery toward the center, and then linearly reaches the second inlet / outlet 16b. With this configuration, the heat exchange pipes 16 are arranged so that the heat medium flows repeatedly in sequence through the multiple battery cells 13 arranged in a row in the battery stacks 11A to 11E, and gradually flows from the outer periphery of the battery cells 13 toward the center, or from the center toward the outer periphery.

[0068] Due to the arrangement of the heat exchange piping 16 described above, the heat medium that flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the first inlet / outlet 16a flows near the outer periphery of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then gradually flows in a spiral from the outer periphery toward the center, and then flows out of the center in a burst from the center through the second inlet / outlet 16b. At this time, in each battery cell 13, the heat medium flows near the outer periphery and then flows out of the center. In contrast, the heat medium that flows into the heat exchange piping 16 from the second inlet / outlet 16b flows near the center of the battery stacks 11A-11E, then gradually flows in a spiral from the center toward the outer periphery, and then flows out of the first inlet / outlet 16a in a burst from the outer periphery. At this time, in each battery cell 13, the heat medium flows near the center and then flows out of the center.

[0069] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, although the configuration of the heat exchange pipe 16 (heat exchange section 12) is different, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] [Battery temperature control device overview] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a battery temperature regulator 1 according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in the configuration of the battery pack 2. As shown in FIG. 10, this embodiment is configured so that the heat medium flows from the heat medium circuit 3 to only one battery 10. Here, one battery 10 may be a single battery element, or may be a battery stack made up of multiple battery cells.

[0072] Therefore, according to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, although the configuration of the battery pack 2 is different, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

[0073] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] [Circuit switching means] This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in the configuration of the circuit switching means 9. In the previous embodiments, the circuit switching means 9 was configured with two three-way valves 7 and 8, but in this embodiment, the circuit switching means 9 is configured with a single six-way valve 41. Figures 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of an example of the six-way valve 41. Figure 11 shows the switching state of the six-way valve 41 when cooling of the battery pack 2 is required, and Figure 12 shows the switching state of the six-way valve 41 when warming up of the battery pack 2 is required.

[0075] 11 and 12, the six-way valve 41 includes a casing 42 having a flat circular shape and a rotor 43 having a flat circular shape and rotatably provided inside the casing 42. The rotor 43 is driven to rotate by, for example, a motor. Four substantially arc-shaped communication passages 44 to 47 (first to fourth) are provided in parallel in the rotor 43. Both ends of each of the communication passages 44 to 47 open at the outer periphery of the rotor 43.

[0076] Six ports, numbered first to sixth, 42a to 42f are radially provided on the outer periphery of the casing 42. Here, the first port 42a corresponds to the first port 8a of the second three-way valve 8 described above, the second port 42b corresponds to the third port 7c of the first three-way valve 7 described above, the third port 42c corresponds to the second port 8b of the second three-way valve 8 described above, the fourth port 42d corresponds to the third port 8c of the second three-way valve 8 described above, the fifth port 42e corresponds to the second port 7a of the first three-way valve 7 described above, and further, the sixth port 42f corresponds to the second port 7b of the first three-way valve 7 described above.

[0077] Here, the first and second ports 42a, 42b of the six-way valve 41 are connected to the cooling pipe 31, and the third port 42c is connected to the first common pipe 18 of the second inlet / outlet 16b. In addition, the fourth and fifth ports 42d, 42e are connected to the warm-up pipe 21, and the sixth port 42f is connected to the second common pipe 17 of the first inlet / outlet 16a.

[0078] Therefore, when cooling of the battery pack 2 is required, the six-way valve 41 can be switched to the state shown in Fig. 11 to allow a cooling medium to flow to the battery pack 2 in the same manner as in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when warming up of the battery pack 2 is required, the six-way valve 41 can be switched to the state shown in Fig. 12 to allow a heating medium to flow to the battery pack 2 in the same manner as in Fig. 5.

[0079] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the same functions and effects as the above-described embodiments, although the configuration of the circuit switching means 9 is different. In addition, in this embodiment, the flow of heat medium to the battery pack 2 can be switched using a single six-way valve 41, so the battery temperature regulator 1 can be configured more compactly than the above-described embodiments that use two three-way valves 7, 8.

[0080] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] Recent batteries have the following major issues: (1) long charging times, (2) deterioration due to temperature rise, and (3) high battery costs. Issue (1) can be addressed by increasing the capacity (current) of fast charging. Issue (2) comes at the cost of increasing the capacity (current), which increases battery temperature and accelerates battery degradation. To prevent battery temperature rise during fast charging, a solution is to switch from air-cooling to water-cooling. However, a water-cooling system requires a pump. The pump's required output varies depending on the cooling performance during fast charging. However, battery temperature during fast charging increases toward the center of the battery (e.g., battery cells). To efficiently suppress battery temperature rise, the maximum battery temperature must be suppressed, which necessitates efficient temperature uniformity. However, because the pump's output requirements become excessive during driving, it is desirable to use a pump as small as possible. Regarding issue (3), costs can be reduced through product improvements and mass production.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, the battery pack 2 including multiple battery stacks 11A to 11F and the related configuration are modified so that the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing to each battery stack 11A to 11F is controlled according to the temperature of each battery stack 11A to 11F.

[0083] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a battery temperature regulator 1 according to this embodiment. The battery temperature regulator 1 shown in FIG. 13 differs from the previous embodiments in terms of the battery pack 2 and its associated configuration. As shown in FIG. 13, the battery pack 2 according to this embodiment includes six battery stacks 11A-11F. The basic configuration of each battery stack 11A-11F is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the heat exchange pipes 16 (heat exchange units 12) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of each battery stack 11A-11F (the direction in which the battery cells 13 are arranged). In addition, a solenoid valve 20 is provided in each battery stack 11A-11F immediately after the second inlet / outlet 16b of the heat exchange pipe 16, i.e., on the cooling medium inlet side of each battery stack 11A-11F. These solenoid valves 20 are connected to the ECU 4 and are controlled by the "battery pack cooling control" executed by the ECU 4. In Figure 13, for the sake of convenience, the multiple battery cells 13 that make up each of the battery stacks 11A to 11F are shown only in the leftmost battery stack 11A, and the other battery stacks 11B to 11F are omitted (the same applies to other figures described below).

[0084] [Battery pack cooling control] An example of the contents of the "battery pack cooling control" is shown in a flowchart in Figure 14. When the process proceeds to this routine, the ECU 4 acquires the battery cell temperatures TBCX detected by the cell temperature sensors 19 of each battery cell 13 for the plurality of battery stacks 11A to 11F in step 200.

[0085] Next, in step 210, the ECU 4 obtains the temperature (battery stack temperature) TBSX2 of each battery stack 11A-11F from the plurality of battery cell temperatures TBCX that have been taken in. The ECU 4 can obtain the battery stack temperature TBSX2 from the highest temperature of the battery cell temperatures TBCX among the battery stacks 11A-11F.

[0086] Next, in step 220, the ECU 4 determines whether the battery stack temperature TBSX2 is equal to or higher than 40° C. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 230, and if the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 300.

[0087] In step 230, the ECU 4 determines whether the battery stack temperatures TBSX2 of all the battery stacks 11A to 11F have exceeded 40° C. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 240, and if the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 280.

[0088] In step 240, the ECU 4 opens the solenoid valve 20 of the battery stack 11A to 11F with the highest temperature.

[0089] Next, in step 250, the ECU 4 closes the solenoid valves 20 of the other battery stacks 11A to 11F.

[0090] Then, in step 260, the ECU 4 turns on the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8 in order to cool the battery pack 2.

[0091] In step 270, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and turns on the second pump 33. After that, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 200.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the battery temperature regulator 1 when cooling the battery pack 2. In this case, the cooling medium flowing from the cooling circuit 6 to the battery pack 2 flows into the heat exchange pipe 16 from the second inlet / outlet 16b in each of the battery stacks 11A to 11F, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 13, and flows out of the heat exchange pipe 16 from the first inlet / outlet 16a. The flow of the cooling medium in the battery stacks 11A to 11F in this case is shown by the arrows in FIG. 13. However, FIG. 13 shows the case where the solenoid valves 20 of all the battery stacks 11A to 11F are open. In this case, since the temperature is higher in the central portions of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11F, the cooling medium flows through the higher-temperature central portions to cool them.

[0093] On the other hand, moving from step 230 to step 280, the ECU 4 opens the solenoid valves 20 of all the battery stacks 11A to 11F whose temperatures are equal to or higher than "40°C".

[0094] Next, in step 290, the ECU 4 closes the solenoid valves 20 of all the battery stacks 11A to 11F whose temperatures are less than 40°C, and then proceeds to step 260.

[0095] On the other hand, moving from step 220 to step 300, the ECU 4 closes the solenoid valves 20 of all the battery stacks 11A to 11F.

[0096] Then, in step 310, in order to stop cooling of the battery pack 2, the ECU 4 turns off the first three-way valve 7 and the second three-way valve 8.

[0097] In step 320, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and the second pump 33. After that, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 200.

[0098] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, when there is a request to warm up the battery pack 2, the ECU 4 controls the circuit switching means 9 and the multiple solenoid valves 20 to connect the multiple heat exchangers 12 (heat exchange pipes 16) to the warm-up circuit 5. This connects the multiple heat exchange pipes 16 to the warm-up circuit 5, and a heating medium flows through the multiple heat exchange pipes 16. On the other hand, when there is a request to cool the battery pack 2, the ECU 4 controls the circuit switching means 9 and the multiple solenoid valves 20 to connect the multiple heat exchange pipes 16 to the cooling circuit 6. This connects the multiple heat exchange pipes 16 to the cooling circuit 6, and a cooling medium flows through the multiple heat exchange pipes 16. Therefore, the ECU 4 controls the circuit switching means 9 and the multiple solenoid valves 20 to selectively open and close the multiple solenoid valves 20, thereby allowing a heating medium or a cooling medium to flow selectively through some of the multiple heat exchange pipes 16. Therefore, it is possible to selectively warm up or cool down a part of the plurality of battery stacks 11A to 11F, that is, a part of the battery pack 2 (battery).

[0099] According to the configuration of this embodiment, a solenoid valve 20 is provided for each heat exchange pipe 16 of the multiple battery stacks 11A-11F that make up the battery pack 2. When cooling the battery pack 2, the solenoid valve 20 is controlled according to the temperature of each battery stack 11A-11F, thereby controlling the flow of the cooling medium to each battery stack 11A-11F. That is, according to the "battery pack cooling control," the flow of the cooling medium is controlled by opening only the solenoid valve 20 corresponding to the battery stack 11A-11F with the highest temperature among all the battery stacks 11A-11F. Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling medium increases in the heat exchange pipe 16 of the high-temperature battery stack 11A-11F that corresponds to the selectively opened solenoid valve 20, thereby improving the cooling performance of the cooling medium in the high-temperature battery stack 11A-11F.

[0100] The results of temperature control of the battery pack 2 using the above-described "battery pack cooling control" are shown in graphs in FIGS. 15 and 16. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the solid line LS indicates the temperature distribution when flow rate control is not performed using a solenoid valve, the dashed line LB indicates the temperature distribution in the conventional example, the two-dot chain line LD indicates the target suppression temperature, and the thick line LT indicates the temperature distribution in this embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the results of temperature control of the battery pack 2 using the control of steps 240 to 270 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, with the above-described battery pack cooling control, the temperature of the battery pack 2 is higher than the target suppression temperature, but is lower than the temperature without flow rate control or the conventional example. This indicates that the temperature of the battery pack 2 can be made uniform throughout the entire area, from the outermost (both ends) to the center. FIG. 16 shows the results of temperature control of the battery pack 2 using the control of steps 280, 290, 260, and 270 in FIG. 14. As shown in Figure 16, according to the above-mentioned battery pack cooling control, the temperature of the battery pack 2 becomes lower than the target suppression temperature near the outermost parts (both ends) of the battery pack 2, and can be controlled to the target suppression temperature in the central part of the battery pack 2.

[0101] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] [Battery pack cooling control] This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the content of the "battery pack cooling control." Figure 17 shows an example of the content of the "battery pack cooling control" in this embodiment in the form of a flowchart. The flowchart in Figure 17 differs from the flowchart in Figure 14 in that steps 400 to 420 are added between steps 230 and 240, and steps 430 to 450 are added between steps 230 and 280.

[0103] When the processing transitions to this routine, ECU4 executes the processing of steps 200 to 230, and if the judgment result of step 230 is positive, the processing transitions to step 400, and if the judgment result of step 230 is negative, the processing transitions to step 430.

[0104] Then, in step 400, the ECU 4 determines which of the battery stacks 11A to 11F has the highest temperature.

[0105] Next, in step 410, the ECU 4 determines whether the high-temperature battery stacks 11A to 11F have been switched. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 420, and if the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 returns to step 200.

[0106] Next, in step 420, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and the second pump 33.

[0107] Then, the ECU 4 executes the processes of steps 240 to 270 and returns the process to step 200.

[0108] On the other hand, moving from step 230 to step 430, the ECU 4 determines which of the battery stacks 11A to 11F has exceeded "40°C".

[0109] Next, in step 440, the ECU 4 determines whether or not the battery stacks 11A to 11F that have exceeded "40°C" have been switched. If the result of this determination is positive, the ECU 4 proceeds to step 450, and if the result of this determination is negative, the ECU 4 returns to step 200.

[0110] In step 450, the ECU 4 turns off the first pump 23 and the second pump 33.

[0111] Then, the ECU 4 executes the processes of steps 280, 290, 260 and 270, and returns the process to step 200.

[0112] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, unlike the fifth embodiment, in the "battery pack cooling control" described above, when the ECU 4 opens the corresponding solenoid valve 20 to cool the high-temperature battery stacks 11A to 11F, it stops each pump 23, 33 before opening the valve. Therefore, the pressure difference of the cooling medium between the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve 20 (the pressure difference before and after the valve) is reduced. Therefore, the coil used in the solenoid valve 20 can be made smaller, and the cost of the solenoid valve 20 can be reduced.

[0113] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] [Battery pack warm-up / cool-down control] In this embodiment, similarly to the fifth and sixth embodiments, a "warm-up / cooling control of a battery pack" is executed instead of a "cooling control of a battery pack" on the premise that the system configuration shown in Fig. 13 is provided. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the content of the "warm-up / cooling control of a battery pack" in this embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 18 differs from the flowchart in Fig. 3 described in the first embodiment in that step 500 is added after step 160 and step 510 is added after step 210.

[0115] 18, the ECU 4 executes the process of step 160 to cool the battery pack 2, and then in step 500, controls the plurality of solenoid valves 20 so that the flow rate of the cooling medium increases toward the center of the battery pack 2. For example, in FIG. 13, the solenoid valves 20 corresponding to the battery stacks 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F located on the left and right outer peripheries of the battery pack 2 are turned off (closed), and only the solenoid valves 20 corresponding to the battery stacks 11C and 11D located in the center of the battery pack 2 are turned on (open). After that, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 100.

[0116] On the other hand, when the ECU 4 executes the process of step 210 to warm up the battery pack 2, in step 510, the ECU 4 controls the plurality of solenoid valves 20 so that the flow rate of the heating medium increases toward the outer periphery of the battery pack 2. For example, in Fig. 13, only the solenoid valves 20 corresponding to the battery stacks 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F located on the left and right outer peripheries of the battery pack 2 are turned on (opened), and the solenoid valves 20 corresponding to the battery stacks 11C and 11D located in the center of the battery pack 2 are turned off (closed). Then, the ECU 4 returns the process to step 100.

[0117] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment described above, when there is a request to warm up the battery pack 2, it is preferable to start with the outer periphery of the battery pack 2, which is cooler than the center. Furthermore, when there is a request to cool the battery pack 2, it is preferable to start with the center of the battery pack 2, which is hotter than the outer periphery. According to the above configuration, the multiple heat exchangers 12 (heat exchange pipes 16) are arranged so that the flow rate of the cooling medium is greater toward the center when cooling the battery pack 2, so that more cooling medium flows toward the center of the battery pack 2. On the other hand, when there is a request to warm up the battery pack 2, the multiple heat exchange pipes 16 are arranged so that the flow rate of the heating medium is greater toward the outer periphery, so that more heating medium flows toward the outer periphery of the battery pack 2. Therefore, when cooling the battery pack 2 (battery), the center of the battery pack 2 can be effectively cooled, and when warming up the battery pack 2, the outer periphery of the battery pack 2 can be effectively warmed.

[0118] Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0119] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the fifth to seventh embodiments in the arrangement of the heat exchange pipes 16 and the solenoid valves 20 in the battery pack 2. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 19, three solenoid valves 20A, 20B, and 20C are provided for six battery stacks 11A to 11F immediately before the second inlets / outlets 16b of the heat exchange pipes 16, i.e., on the cooling medium inlet side of each of the battery stacks 11A to 11F. Of the three solenoid valves 20A to 20C, the first solenoid valve 20A is provided corresponding to the heat exchange pipes 16 of the two battery stacks 11A, 11F located at both ends of the six battery stacks 11A to 11F arranged in parallel, the second solenoid valve 20B is provided corresponding to the heat exchange pipes 16 of the two battery stacks 11B, 11E adjacent to the two battery stacks 11A, 11F, and the third solenoid valve 20C is provided corresponding to the heat exchange pipes 16 of the two central battery stacks 11C, 11D. These solenoid valves 20A to 20C are connected to the ECU 4 and are controlled by the "battery pack cooling control" and "battery pack warm-up / cooling control" executed by the ECU 4. That is, in this embodiment, the arrangement area for the multiple battery stacks 11A to 11F is divided into both left and right ends, the middle and center, and one solenoid valve 20A to 20C is provided corresponding to each of the two battery stacks 11A to 11F in each area, so as to control the flow of cooling medium and heating medium to the battery stacks 11A to 11C for each arrangement area.

[0120] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, unlike the sixth and seventh embodiments, the battery pack 2, which is composed of six battery stacks 11A-11F, is divided into three areas (the outer battery stacks 11A and 11F on the left and right, the inner battery stacks 11B and 11E on the outside, and the central battery stack 11C and 11D), and three solenoid valves 20A-20C are provided corresponding to these areas to control the flow of the cooling medium and heating medium to each area. Therefore, the flow of the cooling medium and heating medium to each area can be controlled using fewer solenoid valves 20A-20C than the number of battery stacks 11A-11F. Therefore, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be simplified and made more compact by the reduced number of solenoid valves 20A-20C.

[0121] Ninth Embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0122] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the configuration of the heat exchange piping 16 in the battery pack 2. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. Here, during rapid charging of the battery pack 2, the battery cells 13 and battery stacks 11A-11F tend to become hotter toward the center of their arrangement. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange piping 16 is configured to improve the cooling performance of the central portion of the battery pack 2, i.e., the battery stacks 11B-11E located near the center of the multiple battery stacks 11A-11F. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, of the six battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel, one heat exchange piping 16 is provided in each of the two battery stacks 11A and 11F located at both ends, two heat exchange piping 16 are provided in each of the two battery stacks 11B and 11E adjacent to the two battery stacks 11A and 11F, and three heat exchange piping 16 are provided in each of the two central battery stacks 11C and 11D. In other words, in this embodiment, of the six battery stacks 11A to 11F arranged in parallel, the battery stacks 11B to 11E arranged in the central area have a larger number of heat exchange pipes 16, thereby increasing the total passage wall area of ​​the pipes and changing the flow rate of the cooling medium and heating medium for each area.

[0123] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, the battery stacks 11B-11E located closer to the center of the six battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel are configured to have a larger number of heat exchange pipes 16, thereby increasing the total passage wall area of ​​the pipes. This allows the flow rates of the cooling medium and heating medium to be changed depending on the arrangement area of ​​the battery stacks 11A-11F. Furthermore, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be simplified and made more compact by not providing solenoid valves or the like.

[0124] Tenth Embodiment Next, a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0125] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in the configuration of the heat exchange piping 16 in the battery pack 2. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of a battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the number of heat exchange piping 16 is increased for the battery stacks 11B-11E located closer to the center of the six battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel, thereby increasing the total passage wall area of ​​the piping. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 21, the outer diameter of the heat exchange piping 16, which has a circular cross section, is increased for the battery stacks 11B-11E located closer to the center of the six battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel, thereby increasing the passage wall area of ​​the piping. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, of the six battery stacks 11A to 11F, the outer diameter of the heat exchange piping 16 of the two battery stacks 11A and 11F located at both ends is small, the outer diameter of the heat exchange piping 16 of the two battery stacks 11B and 11E adjacent to these two battery stacks 11A and 11F is next largest, and the outer diameter of the heat exchange piping 16 of the two central battery stacks 11C and 11D is even larger.

[0126] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, the passage area of ​​the heat exchange pipes 16 is increased for the battery stacks 11B-11E located closer to the center, so the cooling medium flowing through these heat exchange pipes 16 experiences low pressure loss, allowing the flow rate of the cooling medium to be increased. Furthermore, the flow rates of the cooling medium and heating medium can be changed according to the differences in the placement areas of the battery stacks 11A-11F. Furthermore, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be simplified and made more compact by eliminating the need for electromagnetic valves and the like.

[0127] Eleventh Embodiment Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0128] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the configuration of the heat exchange piping 16 in the battery pack 2. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. In the fifth to tenth embodiments, the heat exchange piping 16 is arranged along the longitudinal direction (arrangement direction of the battery cells 13) of the battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel. The total passage wall area of ​​the piping is increased by increasing the number of heat exchange piping 16 or the outer diameter of the piping for the battery stacks 11B-11E arranged closer to the center of the battery stacks 11A-11F. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the heat exchange piping 16 is arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery stacks 11A-11F, and the spacing between the heat exchange piping 16 is narrowed toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the battery stacks 11A-11F, increasing the number of piping.

[0129] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, the spacing between the heat exchange pipes 16 is narrowed toward the center of the parallel-arranged battery stacks 11A-11F in the longitudinal direction, increasing the number of pipes and thereby increasing the total passage wall area of ​​the pipes. This allows the flow rates of the cooling medium and heating medium to be varied for each area in the longitudinal direction of the battery stacks 11A-11F. Furthermore, since no solenoid valves or the like are required for this purpose, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be simplified and made more compact.

[0130] <Twelfth embodiment> Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the eleventh embodiment in the configuration of the heat exchange piping 16 in the battery pack 2. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. In the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange piping 16 are arranged in parallel to a plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery stacks, and the spacing between the heat exchange piping 16 is narrowed toward the center in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the number of piping. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange piping 16 are further arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel, and the number of piping is increased toward the battery stacks 11B-11E arranged in the central areas of the plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F. That is, among the multiple battery stacks 11A to 11F, the battery stacks 11A and 11F located at both ends of the parallel arrangement do not have heat exchange piping 16 arranged parallel to their longitudinal direction, the battery stacks 11B and 11E adjacent to the battery stacks 11A and 11F each have one heat exchange piping 16 arranged parallel to their longitudinal direction, and the battery stacks 11C and 11D located in the center each have two heat exchange piping 16 arranged parallel to their longitudinal direction.

[0132] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh embodiment, multiple heat exchange pipes 16 are further arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the parallel-arranged battery stacks 11A-11F, and the number of heat exchange pipes 16 increases toward the battery stacks 11B-11E located in the central area. This allows the flow rate of the cooling medium and heating medium to be increased toward the central area of ​​the battery pack 2 including the multiple battery stacks 11A-11F. Furthermore, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be made more compact by eliminating the need for electromagnetic valves, etc.

[0133] <Thirteenth embodiment> Next, a thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] [Configuration of the battery temperature control device] This embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in the configuration of the heat exchange piping 16 in the battery pack 2. Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram of a battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange piping 16 is simply arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of a plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F arranged in parallel, and the spacing between the heat exchange piping 16 is narrowed toward the center of the arrangement of the plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F, thereby increasing the number of piping. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 24, the length of the heat exchange piping 16 is increased toward the center of the arrangement of the plurality of battery stacks 11A-11F, and the heat exchange piping is arranged in a zigzag pattern in the center.

[0135] [About the function and effect of the battery temperature control device] According to the configuration of the battery temperature regulator 1 of this embodiment, the length and distribution of the heat exchange pipes 16 are increased for the battery stacks 11B-11E located closer to the center of the parallel-arranged battery stacks 11A-11F, thereby increasing the total passage wall area of ​​the pipes. This allows the flow rates of the cooling medium and heating medium to be changed depending on the arrangement area of ​​the battery stacks 11A-11F. Furthermore, the battery temperature regulator 1 can be simplified and made more compact by eliminating the need for electromagnetic valves, etc.

[0136] <Another embodiment> The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying part of the configuration within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0137] (1) In the fifth and eighth embodiments, the solenoid valves 20, 20A-20C are provided immediately after the second inlet / outlet 16b of the heat exchange pipe 16 in the battery stacks 11A-11F constituting the battery pack 2, i.e., on the cooling medium inlet side of the battery stacks 11A-11F. In contrast, the solenoid valves may be provided immediately after the first inlet / outlet of the heat exchange pipe in the battery stack of the battery pack, i.e., on the cooling medium outlet side of the battery stack. In this case, the differential pressure across the solenoid valve is reduced, allowing the coil of the solenoid valve to be made smaller, and ultimately the solenoid valve itself to be made smaller.

[0138] (2) In the tenth embodiment, among the six battery stacks 11A to 11F arranged in parallel, the battery stacks 11A to 11F arranged in the central area are configured to have larger outer diameters of the heat exchange pipes 16 with circular cross sections, thereby increasing the passage wall area of ​​the pipes. In contrast, the cross-sectional shape of the pipes of the battery stacks 11A to 11F arranged in the central area can be made elliptical, thereby increasing the outer circumferential length per equal cross-sectional area.

[0139] (3) In the ninth to thirteenth embodiments, no electromagnetic valves were provided on the heat exchange pipes 16 (heat exchange units 12), but by providing electromagnetic valves on each of the heat exchange pipes (heat exchange units) and selectively opening some of the electromagnetic valves, it is possible to flow a cooling medium or heating medium only to battery stacks located in specific areas among multiple battery stacks arranged in parallel. This allows more cooling medium or heating medium to flow to battery stacks located in areas closer to the center of the battery pack. [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] The disclosed technology can be used to regulate the temperature of secondary batteries mounted on electric vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Battery temperature controller 2 Battery pack (battery) 3 Heat medium circuit 4 ECU (control means) 5 Warm-up circuit 6 Cooling circuit 7. First three-way valve (circuit switching means) 8. Second three-way valve (circuit switching means) 9 Circuit switching means 10 batteries 11A~11F Battery stack (battery) 12 Heat exchange section 13 Battery Cells 14 cases 16 Heat exchange piping (heat exchange section) 16a 1st entrance / exit 16b 2nd entrance / exit 20 Solenoid valve 20A First Solenoid Valve 20B Second solenoid valve 20C Third solenoid valve 41 Six-way valve (circuit switching means)

Claims

1. Batteries and a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium; a heat medium circuit for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit; a battery temperature regulating device including: a heat medium circuit configured to circulate the heat medium through the heat exchange unit to exchange heat with the battery, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery; the heat medium circuit includes a warm-up circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been heated to warm up the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, and a cooling circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been cooled to cool the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, further comprising a circuit switching means for switching the circuit so that when warming up the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the warming circuit, and when cooling the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the cooling circuit; the heat exchange unit has a first inlet and a second inlet through which the heat medium enters and exits, When warming up the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange unit and the warm-up circuit, allowing the heat medium to flow from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, and when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange unit and the cooling circuit, allowing the heat medium to flow from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet. A battery temperature control device characterized by:

2. The battery temperature regulating device according to claim 1 , the battery is composed of a plurality of battery stacks each containing a plurality of battery cells in a case; The heat exchange unit is arranged so that the heat medium flows through each of the plurality of battery stacks. A battery temperature control device characterized by:

3. Batteries and a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium; a heat medium circuit for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit; a battery temperature regulating device including: a heat medium circuit configured to circulate the heat medium through the heat exchange unit to exchange heat with the battery, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery; the heat medium circuit includes a warm-up circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been heated to warm up the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, and a cooling circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been cooled to cool the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, further comprising a circuit switching means for switching the circuit so that when warming up the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the warming circuit, and when cooling the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the cooling circuit; the heat exchange unit is configured by a heat exchange pipe having a first inlet / outlet for the heat medium at one end and a second inlet / outlet for the heat medium at the other end, the heat exchange piping is arranged so as to run from the first inlet / outlet around the vicinity of the outer periphery of the battery, further around the vicinity of the center of the battery, and then reach the second inlet / outlet; When warming up the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange piping and the warm-up circuit, allowing the heat medium to flow from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, and when cooling the battery, the circuit switching means is switched to connect the heat exchange piping and the cooling circuit, allowing the heat medium to flow from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet. A battery temperature control device characterized by:

4. Batteries and a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the battery and a heat medium; a heat medium circuit for flowing the heat medium to the heat exchange unit; a battery temperature regulating device including: a heat medium circuit configured to circulate the heat medium through the heat exchange unit to exchange heat with the battery, thereby regulating the temperature of the battery; the heat medium circuit includes a warm-up circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been heated to warm up the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, and a cooling circuit that causes the heat medium, which has been cooled to cool the battery, to flow to the heat exchange unit, further comprising a circuit switching means for switching the circuit so that when warming up the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the warming circuit, and when cooling the battery, the heat exchange unit is connected to the cooling circuit; a plurality of the heat exchange units are provided in the battery, and each of the plurality of heat exchange units has a first inlet and a second inlet through which the heat medium flows in and out; the warm-up circuit is configured to flow the heat medium, the temperature of which has been increased in order to warm up the battery, through the plurality of heat exchange units; the cooling circuit is configured to flow the cooled heat medium to the plurality of heat exchange units in order to cool the battery; an electromagnetic valve is further provided in at least one of the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet of each of the plurality of heat exchange units; The system further includes a control means for controlling the circuit switching means and the plurality of solenoid valves, When there is a request to warm up the battery, the control means controls the circuit switching means to connect the plurality of heat exchange units to the warm-up circuit and also controls the plurality of solenoid valves, and when there is a request to cool the battery, the control means controls the circuit switching means to connect the plurality of heat exchange units to the cooling circuit and also controls the plurality of solenoid valves. A battery temperature control device characterized by:

5. In the battery temperature control device according to claim 4, The plurality of heat exchange units are arranged in the battery so that when cooling the battery, the flow rate of the heat medium is greater toward the center of the battery, and when warming the battery, the flow rate of the heat medium is greater toward the outer periphery of the battery. A battery temperature control device characterized by:

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