Energy storage unit and method for controlling the temperature of an energy storage unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy storage unit, wherein the energy storage unit can in particular be an energy storage module and / or the energy storage unit can make available energy, in particular electrical energy, for driving a motor vehicle, the energy storage unit comprising the following: multiple energy storage elements, preferably multiple electrochemical energy storage elements, for example multiple battery cells; and a temperature-control fluid barrier, wherein said temperature-control fluid barrier extends around a temperature-control space and in said temperature-control space at least a plurality of the energy storage elements can be temperature-controlled by means of a temperature-control fluid.

Description

[0001] Energy storage unit and method for controlling the temperature of an energy storage unit

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy storage units and associated components. It particularly relates to high-performance energy storage units that can be used to provide electrical energy for powering a motor vehicle.

[0003] A wide variety of proposals have been made to increase the efficiency and range of fully or partially electrically powered vehicles.

[0004] Efforts are being made to design the temperature control of electrochemical energy storage units or energy storage modules, especially their cooling, in such a way that as little energy as possible is consumed while at the same time not unnecessarily increasing the mass of the vehicle. This allows a higher proportion of the energy stored in the energy storage unit to be directly available for powering a vehicle that is as light as possible.

[0005] There are also efforts to provide electrochemical energy storage units or energy storage modules in the most compact designs possible, so that as much of the space in a motor vehicle as possible is available for loading.

[0006] In addition, the center of gravity of the vehicle should be as low as possible, as this increases driving safety, especially when suddenly appearing obstacles have to be avoided at high speed.

[0007] In this respect, there is still a great need for improvement.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an efficient energy storage unit and / or a component therefor in the simplest possible manner.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by an energy storage unit according to the relevant independent claim. The energy storage unit can, in particular, be an energy storage module.

[0010] The term “in particular” is used in this description and the appended claims to describe possible optional and / or facultative features.

[0011] The energy storage unit can in particular be used to provide electrical energy for driving a motor vehicle.

[0012] Multiple energy storage units, e.g., multiple energy storage units according to the invention, can be interconnected to form energy storage devices or energy storage systems that can provide the entire electrical energy for driving a motor vehicle. An energy storage unit according to the invention can, in particular, provide a portion of the electrical energy for driving a motor vehicle.

[0013] The energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage elements. These are preferably a plurality of electrochemical energy storage elements, e.g., a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells can be, for example, rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells.

[0014] Energy storage elements that may be included in the energy storage unit may be energy storage elements that are commonly installed in energy storage devices used to power motor vehicles. These are generally known, so they will not be discussed in detail here.

[0015] Energy storage units used to provide electrical energy to power a motor vehicle utilize three different types of battery cells: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and pouch cells.

[0016] The battery cells can preferably be cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, or pouch cells, particularly preferably cylindrical battery cells or prismatic battery cells, e.g., cylindrical battery cells. When an energy storage element is mentioned herein, this particularly refers to a rechargeable energy storage element.

[0017] The energy storage unit includes a temperature control fluid barrier.

[0018] The temperature control fluid barrier extends around a temperature control chamber. In the temperature control chamber, at least a majority of the energy storage elements can be temperature-controlled using a temperature control fluid.

[0019] The term "plurality of energy storage elements" refers to a plurality of the energy storage elements comprised by the energy storage unit. The plurality of energy storage elements comprised by the energy storage unit can be 5% to 100% of the energy storage elements comprised by the energy storage unit, preferably 40% to 100% of the energy storage elements comprised by the energy storage unit, particularly preferably 75% to 100% of the energy storage elements comprised by the energy storage unit.

[0020] It can be particularly advantageous if all energy storage elements included in the energy storage unit can be tempered in the tempering chamber by means of the tempering fluid.

[0021] The energy storage unit is not limited in terms of the structure and materials of the temperature control fluid barrier. The temperature control fluid barrier can be constructed in one piece or in multiple pieces, preferably in multiple pieces, for example, in three pieces.

[0022] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid barrier has at least one first barrier element and at least one second barrier element.

[0023] It may be advantageous if at least one first barrier element and at least one second barrier element form the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0024] It may be advantageous if a first barrier element forms a cover element, e.g., a lid element, of the temperature control fluid barrier. It may be advantageous if a second barrier element forms a cover element, e.g., a base element, of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0025] Preferably, a third barrier element can form a frame wall element of the temperature control fluid barrier. The frame wall element can be a frame and extend around the temperature control chamber.

[0026] It can be particularly advantageous if the temperature control fluid barrier has a barrier zone. The barrier zone can, for example, be a wall zone. The barrier zone can preferably be reinforced by means of a reinforcing element.

[0027] The barrier zone reinforced by the reinforcing element may preferably be a barrier zone formed by the first barrier element or by the second barrier element.

[0028] It can be particularly advantageous if the reinforcing element reinforces the barrier zone against outward bending of the barrier zone.

[0029] The reinforcing element can, for example, reinforce the barrier zone against bulging of the barrier zone.

[0030] A bulge of the barrier zone can, in particular, mean an outward curvature of the barrier zone or an outward reinforcement of a curvature of the barrier zone. Bending of the barrier zone outward or a curvature of the barrier zone outward can, in particular, mean that where the barrier zone is bent or curved outward, the barrier zone bends in such a way that the temperature control chamber is enlarged or inflated.

[0031] It can be particularly advantageous if the reinforcing element extends from the barrier zone into the temperature control chamber.

[0032] It can be particularly advantageous if the barrier zone is a first barrier zone and the temperature control fluid barrier has a second barrier zone. The first barrier zone can, for example, be a first wall zone. The second barrier zone can, for example, be a second wall zone. The reinforcing element can preferably extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone.

[0033] It can be particularly advantageous if the first and second barrier zones are opposite barrier zones of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0034] For example, the first barrier zone and the second barrier zone can be opposing barrier zones of the temperature control fluid barrier. Advantageously, the first wall zone and the second wall zone can be opposing wall zones of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0035] Preferably, the first wall zone can be a wall zone formed by a first barrier element, e.g., a cover element. Preferably, the second wall zone can be a wall zone formed by the second barrier element, e.g., the base element.

[0036] It may be particularly advantageous if the reinforcing element extends from a first wall zone formed by the cover element to a second wall zone formed by the base element.

[0037] It may be advantageous if the reinforcing element is arranged such that a bulging of the barrier zone, e.g., the first barrier zone or the second barrier zone, is accompanied by a tensile load on the reinforcing element. In particular, a force can then act in the reinforcing element that can counteract the bulging.

[0038] Preferably, a plurality of the energy storage elements can be arranged regularly.

[0039] In particular, surfaces of several pairs of adjacent energy storage elements can be in contact with each other, or the distances between the two energy storage elements of several pairs of adjacent energy storage elements can be equal. It can be particularly advantageous if the distances between the adjacent positioning zones of a separating element, e.g., a shaped element, determine the distances between the adjacent energy storage elements. A separating element, e.g., a shaped element, described herein can surround the adjacent energy storage elements.

[0040] In particular, the position of a plurality of energy storage elements can define two parallel planes between which a plurality of the energy storage elements are arranged.

[0041] In particular, the position of adjacent energy storage elements can be approximated using a prism. It is preferred if the edges extending along the lateral surface of the prism coincide with straight lines running centrally through the energy storage elements. For example, the position of three adjacent energy storage elements can be approximated using a triangular prism. It is preferred if the three edges extending along the lateral surface of the triangular prism coincide with straight lines running centrally through the three adjacent energy storage elements.

[0042] Of course, the parallel planes, the prism and the triangular prism mentioned are merely aids used solely for the purpose of defining the regular arrangement of the majority of the energy storage elements.

[0043] It may be advantageous if the reinforcement element occupies a position of one of the energy storage elements in the regular arrangement of the plurality of energy storage elements. In particular, the reinforcement element can then replace one of the energy storage elements in the regular arrangement.

[0044] It may be advantageous if the reinforcing element extends between a plurality of energy storage elements in the regular arrangement of the plurality of energy storage elements. It may be preferred if the reinforcing element extends through the prism. It may, for example, extend at least from the base surface to the top surface of the prism. It may, for example, extend across the base surface into the prism, through the prism, and across the top surface out of the prism. It may be particularly preferred if a reinforcing element longitudinal axis of the reinforcing element extends parallel to the edges extending along the lateral surface of the prism in the prism.

[0045] Preferably, the reinforcement element may comprise a counter-reinforcement element. The counter-reinforcement element may, for example, be a support reinforcement element.

[0046] It may be particularly preferred if the reinforcing element simultaneously functions as a counter-reinforcing element or as a supporting reinforcing element.

[0047] The counter-reinforcement element or the support reinforcement element can reinforce the barrier zone against inward bending of the barrier zone. The counter-reinforcement element or the support reinforcement element can reinforce the barrier zone, for example, against indentation of the barrier zone.

[0048] In particular, an indentation can be a countermovement to the bulging described herein.

[0049] It may be advantageous if the counter-reinforcing element extends from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone. For example, it may extend from the first wall zone to the second wall zone.

[0050] It may be advantageous if one end of the reinforcing element extends into a recess in the barrier zone. For example, a first end of the reinforcing element may extend into a first recess in the first barrier zone.

[0051] It may be preferred if a second end of the reinforcing element extends into a second recess in the second barrier zone. The designations “first” and “second” merely express that it is a recess in the respectively designated “first” barrier zone or “second” barrier zone. Reference to a “first” recess does not mean that the “first” barrier zone must necessarily have a further recess. Reference to a “second” recess does not mean that the second barrier zone must necessarily have a further recess. The reinforcing element can preferably be fixed to the first barrier zone and to the second barrier zone, preferably fixed by a material bond, particularly preferably welded or adhesively bonded, e.g. welded.

[0052] It may be particularly advantageous if the first end of the reinforcing element is fixed in a material-to-material manner, preferably welded or glued, e.g., welded; and / or the second end of the reinforcing element is fixed in a material-to-material manner, preferably welded or glued, e.g., welded.

[0053] For example, the first end of the reinforcing element can be firmly fixed in the first recess, preferably welded or glued, e.g., welded; and / or the second end of the reinforcing element can be firmly fixed in the second recess, preferably welded or glued, e.g., welded.

[0054] It may be advantageous if the reinforcement element comprises a fixing element with which the counter-reinforcement element can be fixed to the barrier zone. The counter-reinforcement element can be fixed with the fixing element, for example, in the recess of the barrier zone.

[0055] The reinforcing element may comprise a fixing element.

[0056] The fastening element may preferably have a thread. The fastening element may, for example, be a screw, a bolt, or a nut.

[0057] It can be advantageous if the reinforcement element has a shoulder zone, a neck zone and a head zone.

[0058] It may be preferred if the barrier zone extends into a fixing zone located between the shoulder zone and the head zone at the neck zone.

[0059] It can be particularly advantageous if the fastening element forms the head zone and the counter-reinforcing element forms the shoulder zone. If the fastening element is a screw, a head of the screw can form the head zone. If the fastening element is a nut, the nut can form the head zone. It can be advantageous if the reinforcing element has intermeshing threads.

[0060] It can be particularly advantageous if the counter-reinforcing element and the fixing element have interlocking threads.

[0061] It can be particularly advantageous if the reinforcement element is connected to the barrier zone.

[0062] The reinforcing element can be connected to the barrier zone, for example, in a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0063] It is preferred if the end of the reinforcing element or the counter-reinforcing element extends into the recess of the barrier zone and is connected there to the barrier zone.

[0064] For example, the first end of the reinforcing element or the counter-reinforcing element can extend into the first recess of the first barrier zone and be connected there to the first barrier zone.

[0065] Of course, the energy storage unit can comprise multiple reinforcement elements. The barrier zone can be reinforced with multiple reinforcement elements.

[0066] For example, the reinforcement element can be a first reinforcement element, and the energy storage unit can comprise at least one further reinforcement element, e.g., a plurality of further reinforcement elements. It can be advantageous if the first reinforcement element and at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six, e.g., at least eight, of the further reinforcement elements extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone.

[0067] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber extends around several of the reinforcement elements that extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone. For example, a first temperature control zone described herein may extend around one section, and a second temperature control zone described herein may extend around another section, of each of the reinforcement elements around which the temperature control chamber extends.

[0068] It may be advantageous if a total cross-sectional area of ​​all reinforcement elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone is at least 0.025%, preferably at least 0.04%, particularly preferably at least 0.06%, e.g. at least 0.1%, of a total cross-sectional area of ​​all energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid.

[0069] It may be advantageous if a total cross-sectional area of ​​all reinforcement elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone is at most 5.0%, preferably at most 4.0%, particularly preferably at most 3.0%, e.g. at most 2.5%, of a total cross-sectional area of ​​all energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid.

[0070] It may be particularly advantageous if a total cross-sectional area of ​​all reinforcement elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone is 0.025% to 5.0%, preferably 0.04% to 4.0%, particularly preferably 0.06% to 3.0%, e.g. 0.1% to 2.5%, of a total cross-sectional area of ​​all energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid.

[0071] When comparing the total cross-sectional areas, the total cross-sectional areas of reinforcement elements and energy storage elements that result from a section of the energy storage unit in a center plane are preferably taken into account. The center plane can preferably extend centrally through the energy storage unit parallel to a first direction, e.g., the first direction described herein, and to a second direction, e.g., the second direction described herein. In particular, the center plane can extend centrally through the energy storage unit orthogonally to a third direction, e.g., the third direction described herein.Extending centrally through the energy storage unit can in particular mean that one half of the energy storage unit lies on one side of the central plane and the other half of the energy storage unit lies on the other side of the central plane, wherein the volume of one half corresponds to the volume of the other half.

[0072] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the energy storage elements also includes the cross-sectional areas that may be attributable to any casings or housings, e.g. battery cell casings or housings.

[0073] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the reinforcing elements includes the material cross-sections of the reinforcing elements, whereby any cavities of reinforcing elements, e.g. cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical reinforcing elements, are not included.

[0074] It may be advantageous if a ratio of the number of reinforcing elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone to the number of energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid is at least 0.005, preferably at least 0.0075, e.g. at least 0.01.

[0075] It may be advantageous if a ratio of the number of reinforcing elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone to the number of energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid is at most 0.6, preferably at most 0.5, e.g. at most 0.4.

[0076] It may be advantageous if a ratio of the number of reinforcing elements around which the temperature control chamber extends and which extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone to the number of energy storage elements which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber by means of the temperature control fluid is 0.005 to 0.6, preferably 0.0075 to 0.5, e.g. 0.01 to 0.4.

[0077] It may be advantageous if at least one barrier zone is reinforced by an external reinforcement element. The external reinforcement element can preferably run along an outer surface of the barrier zone.

[0078] Preferably, the external reinforcing element may be a reinforcing rib.

[0079] It can be particularly advantageous if the recess into which one end of the reinforcing element extends is reinforced by the outer reinforcing element. For example, a raised portion corresponding to the recess can be present on the outer surface of the barrier zone, and the outer reinforcing element can merge into the raised portion.

[0080] It can be particularly advantageous if an inlet extends through the temperature control fluid barrier. The inlet can be an opening.

[0081] It is preferred if the tempering fluid or at least a part of the tempering fluid can be supplied to the tempering chamber through the inlet.

[0082] It can be particularly advantageous if an outlet extends through the temperature control fluid barrier. The outlet can be an opening.

[0083] It is preferred if the temperature control fluid or at least a portion of the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the temperature control chamber through the outlet. The temperature control fluid or at least a portion of the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the temperature control chamber, for example, through the outlet.

[0084] It may be advantageous if a first extension of the energy storage unit in a first direction is greater than a second extension of the energy storage unit in a second direction and the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is greater than a third extension of the energy storage unit in a third direction.

[0085] Each of the three directions can, in particular, be oriented orthogonally to the other two directions. In particular, the first direction can be oriented orthogonally to the second direction and the third direction, the second direction can be oriented orthogonally to the first and third directions, and the third direction can be oriented orthogonally to the first and second directions.

[0086] The first direction can be a longitudinal direction in which a length of the energy storage unit is measurable. The second direction can be a lateral direction in which a width of the energy storage unit is measurable. The third direction can be a vertical direction in which a height of the energy storage unit is measurable.

[0087] It is preferred if the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is greater than the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction.

[0088] It may be advantageous if the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is at least 150%, in particular at least 180%, preferably at least 220%, of the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction.

[0089] It may be advantageous if the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is at most 800%, in particular at most 625%, preferably at most 500%, of the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction.

[0090] It may be advantageous if the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is 150% to 800%, in particular 180% to 625%, preferably 220% to 500%, of the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction.

[0091] It may be advantageous if the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is at least 160%, in particular at least 180%, preferably at least 225%, of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction. It may be advantageous if the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is at most 1000%, in particular at most 850%, preferably at most 700%, of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction.

[0092] It may be advantageous if the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is 160% to 1000%, in particular 180% to 850%, preferably 225% to 700%, of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction.

[0093] It may be particularly advantageous if the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is at least 150%, in particular 150% to 800%, for example 180% to 625%, of the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction and the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is at least 160%, in particular 160% to 1000%, for example 180% to 850% of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction.

[0094] It may be particularly advantageous if the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is at least 150%, in particular at least 180%, preferably at least 220%, of the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction; and the second extension of the energy storage unit in the second direction is at least 160%, in particular at least 180%, preferably at least 225%, of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction; and the first extension of the energy storage unit in the first direction is at most 3000%, in particular at most 2700%, preferably at most 2500%, of the third extension of the energy storage unit in the third direction.

[0095] This may, in particular, mean that a length of the energy storage unit is greater than a width of the energy storage unit and a width of the energy storage unit is greater than a height of the energy storage unit. It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid barrier has a barrier zone at the front, with the inlet and outlet extending through the barrier zone at the front.

[0096] It may be advantageous if the frontal barrier zone is neither the first barrier zone described herein nor the second barrier zone described herein.

[0097] It is preferred if the inlet and the outlet extend through the frontal barrier zone in such a way that a supply flow direction of the tempering fluid that can be supplied to the tempering chamber through the inlet is oriented opposite to a discharge flow direction of the tempering fluid that can be discharged from the tempering chamber through the outlet.

[0098] It is preferred if the frontal barrier zone is aligned such that the frontal barrier zone can be described by two frontal planes aligned parallel to one another and spaced from one another, wherein the two frontal planes are aligned orthogonally to the first direction and the frontal barrier zone extends between these two frontal planes.

[0099] Of course, the two frontal planes mentioned are merely tools used, particularly to define the frontal barrier zone and its shape. In particular, the frontal planes are not physical objects.

[0100] It can be particularly advantageous if the inlet and outlet are offset from each other in the second or third direction. For example, the inlet and outlet can be offset from each other in the third direction.

[0101] It is preferred if the inlet and the outlet in the frontal barrier zone are offset from one another in the second or third direction. For example, the inlet and the outlet in the frontal barrier zone can be offset from one another in the third direction.

[0102] It can be particularly advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a temperature control fluid distribution channel. Preferably, the energy storage unit can comprise a temperature control fluid distribution channel, and the inlet can be in fluid communication with the temperature control fluid distribution channel.

[0103] It is preferred if the temperature control fluid distribution channel is aligned such that a first section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel located closer to the inlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction is offset less far in the first direction from the inlet than a second section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel located further away from the inlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction.

[0104] It is preferred if the temperature control fluid distribution channel is aligned such that the first section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel, which is closer to the inlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction, is offset from the inlet by the same distance in the third direction as the second section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel, which is further away from the inlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction.

[0105] It can be particularly advantageous if the energy storage unit includes a temperature control fluid collection channel.

[0106] Preferably, the energy storage unit may comprise a temperature control fluid collection channel and the outlet may be in fluid communication with the temperature control fluid collection channel.

[0107] It is preferred if the temperature control fluid collecting channel is aligned such that a first section of the temperature control fluid collecting channel located closer to the outlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction is offset less far in the first direction from the outlet than a second section of the temperature control fluid collecting channel located further away from the second opening in the temperature control fluid flow direction.

[0108] It is preferred if the temperature control fluid collection channel is oriented such that the first section of the temperature control fluid collection channel, which is closer to the outlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction, is offset from the outlet by the same distance in the third direction as the second section of the temperature control fluid collection channel, which is further away from the outlet in the temperature control fluid flow direction. It may be particularly advantageous if the temperature control fluid distribution channel has a fluid distribution passage through which the temperature control fluid can be transferred from the temperature control fluid distribution channel into a temperature control zone.

[0109] Preferably, a cross section of a fluid distribution passage, for example the fluid distribution passage, or a width of a fluid distribution passage, e.g. the fluid distribution passage, measurable transversely to the tempering fluid flow direction, can be smaller in the first section of the tempering fluid distribution channel than in the second section of the tempering fluid distribution channel.

[0110] It can be particularly advantageous if the temperature control fluid collection channel has a fluid collection passage through which the temperature control fluid can be transferred from a temperature control zone into the temperature control fluid collection channel.

[0111] Preferably, a cross section of a fluid collection passage, e.g., the fluid collection passage, or a width of a fluid collection passage, e.g., the fluid collection passage, measurable transversely to the tempering fluid flow direction, can be smaller in the first section of the tempering fluid collection channel than in the second section of the tempering fluid collection channel.

[0112] It may be advantageous if the fluid distribution passage widens with increasing distance from the inlet, at least in one section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel. The increasing distance from the inlet can, in particular, be a measurable increasing distance from the inlet in the first direction.

[0113] It may be advantageous if the fluid collection passage widens with increasing distance from the outlet, at least in one section of the temperature control fluid collection channel. The increasing distance from the outlet may, in particular, be a distance from the outlet that increases in the first direction.

[0114] It can be particularly advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone.

[0115] Preferably, the temperature control fluid can be transferred from the temperature control fluid distribution channel into the first temperature control zone through the fluid distribution passage. Preferably, the temperature control fluid can be transferred from the second temperature control zone into the temperature control fluid collection channel.

[0116] It may be preferred if the tempering fluid can be transferred from the tempering fluid distribution channel into the first tempering zone.

[0117] It may be preferred if the tempering fluid can be transferred from the second tempering zone into the tempering fluid collecting channel.

[0118] The two tempering zones are preferably flat tempering zones. They can preferably extend further along the first direction and along the second direction than along the third direction.

[0119] It can be advantageous if the two tempering zones are offset from each other in the third direction.

[0120] It can be particularly advantageous if a separating element surrounds a plurality of the energy storage elements. The separating element can, for example, be a shaped element.

[0121] It may be preferred if the separating element separates the first tempering zone from the second tempering zone. It may be preferred if the separating element extends between the first tempering zone and the second tempering zone.

[0122] The separating element can be a potting element. The potting element can be formed entirely or partially from a potting compound or contain a potting compound.

[0123] The separating element can be an intermediate barrier element. The majority of the energy storage elements can be accommodated in recesses of the intermediate barrier element and secured to the intermediate barrier element. They can be secured to the intermediate barrier element, for example, with a potting compound.

[0124] The molded element may be a molded element described in more detail herein. The density of the molded element or of a foam that the molded element may contain or from which the molded element may be made may preferably be at most 0.7 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably not more than 0.5 g / cm 3 , most preferably not more than 0.3 g / cm 3 , for example a maximum of 0.15 g / cm 3 , amount to.

[0125] It may be advantageous if the density of the molded element or of a foam that the molded element may contain or from which the molded element may be made is at least 0.0005 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably at least 0.0015 g / cm 3 , most preferably at least 0.01 g / cm 3 , for example at least 0.015 g / cm 3 , amounts.

[0126] It may be advantageous if the at least one temperature control fluid passage is a temperature control fluid passage integrated into the separating element or shaped element and arranged at an edge of the shaped element or separating element. It may be advantageous if at least one further temperature control fluid passage is a temperature control fluid passage integrated into the separating element or shaped element and arranged at an opposite edge of the shaped element or separating element.

[0127] It may be advantageous if the at least one temperature control fluid passage is integrated into a material of the barrier zone on an inner surface of a barrier zone of the temperature control fluid barrier. It may be advantageous if at least one further temperature control fluid passage is integrated into a material of the opposite barrier zone on an opposite inner surface of an opposite barrier zone of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0128] It may be particularly advantageous if a majority of the energy storage elements are cylindrical. It may be preferred if a majority of the energy storage elements extend from the first tempering zone into the second tempering zone, for example, from the first tempering zone through the separating element into the second tempering zone.

[0129] It can be particularly advantageous if the energy storage unit has at least one temperature control fluid passage. Preferably, the at least one temperature control fluid passage can fluidically connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone. The at least one temperature control fluid passage can preferably be located at an edge of the temperature control chamber, in particular at an edge of the temperature control chamber that delimits the extent of the temperature control chamber in or opposite to the second direction, e.g., the width direction.

[0130] Preferably, at least one temperature control fluid passage is located at an edge of the temperature control chamber, wherein the edge limits the extent of the temperature control chamber in the second direction, e.g., the width direction. Preferably, at least one temperature control fluid passage is also located at an opposite edge of the temperature control chamber, wherein the opposite edge limits the extent of the temperature control chamber opposite to the second direction, e.g., the width direction.

[0131] It is preferred if the energy storage unit has a plurality of tempering fluid passages, wherein the tempering fluid passages fluidly connect the first tempering zone to the second tempering zone.

[0132] It is preferred if the inlet is arranged along the second direction between two tempering fluid passages, wherein the tempering fluid passages between which the inlet is arranged can be offset from the inlet in the first direction.

[0133] It is particularly preferred if the inlet and also the outlet are each arranged between two tempering fluid passages along the second direction, wherein the tempering fluid passages, between which the inlet and also the outlet are arranged, can be offset in the first direction with respect to the inlet and also with respect to the outlet.

[0134] It may be particularly advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a tempering fluid guide element, wherein the tempering fluid guide element determines the course of the tempering fluid distribution channel or the course of the tempering fluid collection channel.

[0135] For example, the energy storage unit may comprise a first tempering fluid guide element which determines the course of the tempering fluid distribution channel, and a second tempering fluid guide element which determines the course of the tempering fluid collection channel.

[0136] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a barrier element, e.g., a cover element, wherein the barrier element forms a barrier zone delimiting the temperature control chamber and a channel barrier zone delimiting the temperature control fluid distribution channel or the temperature control fluid collection channel.

[0137] It may be particularly advantageous if the fluid distribution passage is a fluid distribution passage formed on the tempering fluid guide element, which determines the course of the tempering fluid distribution channel.

[0138] It may be particularly advantageous if the fluid collection passage is a fluid collection passage formed on the tempering fluid guide element, which determines the course of the tempering fluid collection channel.

[0139] It can be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide element is channel-shaped. The cross-section of the temperature control fluid guide element can be C-shaped or U-shaped, for example.

[0140] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit includes a temperature control fluid supply zone. The temperature control fluid supply zone can be, for example, a temperature control fluid distribution zone or a temperature control fluid collection zone.

[0141] Preferably, the energy storage unit may comprise a tempering fluid distribution zone and / or a tempering fluid collection zone.

[0142] For example, the energy storage unit may comprise a tempering fluid distribution zone and a tempering fluid collection zone.

[0143] The tempering fluid guide zone comprises a first guide zone section and a second guide zone section.

[0144] The first guide zone section can be, for example, a first distribution zone section or a first collection zone section. The second guide zone section can be, for example, a second distribution zone section or a second collection zone section.

[0145] The first distribution zone section can in particular be a first section of the temperature control fluid distribution zone.

[0146] The first collection zone section can in particular be a first section of the tempering fluid collection zone.

[0147] The second distribution zone section can in particular be a second section of the temperature control fluid distribution zone.

[0148] The second collection zone section can in particular be a second section of the tempering fluid collection zone.

[0149] The two guide zone sections follow one another directly or indirectly in a tempering fluid flow direction in which the tempering fluid can be guided in the tempering fluid guide zone.

[0150] Alternatively or in addition to the possibility that the two guide zone sections follow one another directly or indirectly in a tempering fluid flow direction in which the tempering fluid can be guided in the tempering fluid guide zone, the two guide zone sections can be adjacent to one another or offset from one another in a first direction, which can be, for example, the longitudinal extension direction of the energy storage unit.

[0151] It may be particularly advantageous if the two guide zone sections are adjacent to one another or offset from one another in the first direction, which may be, for example, the longitudinal direction of the energy storage unit.

[0152] It is preferred if a first guide zone section extension of the first guide zone section in the first direction is equal to a second guide zone section extension of the second guide zone section in the first direction. In particular, measurable lengths of the two guide zone sections in the first direction can be equal.

[0153] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide zone extends through a temperature control fluid guide channel. The temperature control fluid guide channel can be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution channel described herein or the temperature control fluid collection channel described herein.

[0154] It can be advantageous if the tempering fluid distribution zone extends through the tempering fluid distribution channel.

[0155] It may be advantageous if the tempering fluid collection zone extends through the tempering fluid collection channel.

[0156] For example, the temperature control fluid guide channel may comprise a first temperature control fluid guide channel section, e.g., a first temperature control fluid distribution channel section or a first temperature control fluid collection channel section.

[0157] For example, the temperature control fluid guide channel may comprise a second temperature control fluid guide channel section, e.g., a second temperature control fluid distribution channel section or a second temperature control fluid collection channel section.

[0158] It may be advantageous if the first guide zone section extends through the first temperature control fluid guide channel section.

[0159] It may be advantageous if the second guide zone section extends through the second temperature control fluid guide channel section.

[0160] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g. a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone is fluidly connected to the temperature control zone via one or more passages, wherein the passage or passages are designed such that a second flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the second guide zone section is lower than a first flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the first guide zone section.

[0161] Which of the flow resistances is lower can be tested by allowing a temperature control fluid, which is supplied to the temperature control fluid guide zone at a specific pressure, to flow only through the passage(s) of the first guide zone section for a defined period of time and measuring the volume of temperature control fluid received through the passage(s) during this period. The test is then repeated for the second guide zone section. The flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the second guide zone section is then lower than the flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the first guide zone section if more temperature control fluid is received via the passage(s) from the second guide zone section. The test can preferably be carried out on a temperature control fluid guide element remote from the temperature control chamber.

[0162] A passage described in connection with the guide zone sections may, for example, be a fluid collection passage or fluid distribution passage described herein.

[0163] A wide variety of possibilities have been found to design the passage or passages in such a way that a second flow resistance for the transfer of tempering fluid between the tempering zone and the second guide zone section is lower than a first flow resistance for the transfer of tempering fluid between the tempering zone and the first guide zone section.

[0164] For example, the passage may be V-shaped or wedge-shaped, with a narrower portion of the passage extending through or into the first guide zone section and a wider portion of the passage extending through or into the second guide zone section.

[0165] Webs can divide the V-shaped or wedge-shaped basic shape of the passage.

[0166] For example, several successive V-shaped, wedge-shaped or trapezoidal passages can follow one another or adjoin one another, wherein in particular ends of at least two V-shaped, wedge-shaped or trapezoidal passages can face one another.

[0167] It is possible for a narrower portion of a passage to extend through or into the first guide zone portion and a wider portion of the passage to extend through or into the second guide zone portion.

[0168] The passage can be a wave-shaped or any type of slot. Multiple passages can be wave-shaped or any type of slot.

[0169] Multiple passages can be round passages, for example, holes. They can be distributed along the length of the temperature control fluid guide zone in one direction of flow or against a direction of flow in which the temperature control fluid can be guided through the temperature control fluid guide zone. They can, for example, be arranged centrally in the temperature control fluid guide zone, in particular centrally relative to a second direction, which is, for example, the width direction.

[0170] A spacing of passages may be smaller at the second guide zone section than at the first guide zone section.

[0171] Alternatively, the temperature control chamber can have a temperature control zone, e.g. a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone is fluidly connected to the temperature control zone via one or more passages, wherein the passage or passages are designed such that a second flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the second guide zone section is greater than a first flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone and the first guide zone section. For example, the passage can be V-shaped or wedge-shaped, with a narrower section of the passage extending through or into the second guide zone section and a wider section of the passage extending through or into the first guide zone section. Webs can subdivide the V-shaped or wedge-shaped basic shape of the passage.For example, several consecutive V-shaped, wedge-shaped, or trapezoidal passages can follow one another or adjoin one another, wherein, in particular, the ends of at least two V-shaped, wedge-shaped, or trapezoidal passages can face one another. It is possible for a narrower section of a passage to extend through or into the second guide zone section, and for a wider section of the passage to extend through or into the first guide zone section. The spacing of passages can be smaller at the first guide zone section than at the second guide zone section.

[0172] At least some of the passages may be arranged off-center, e.g. offset from one another in the second direction.

[0173] Passages can have a wide variety of shapes.

[0174] At least some of the passages may be round, crescent-shaped, oval and / or slit-shaped.

[0175] A guide fin can be arranged in the tempering chamber, in particular in at least one tempering zone, e.g. in the first and / or in the second tempering zone.

[0176] A plurality of guide fins can be arranged in the tempering chamber, in particular in at least one tempering zone, e.g. in the first and / or in the second tempering zone.

[0177] The guide fin(s) can help to ensure that the temperature control fluid can be distributed or guided evenly in the temperature control chamber, preferably in one temperature control zone or in several temperature control zones, e.g. in the first temperature control zone and / or the second temperature control zone.

[0178] For example, a guide fin can be arranged in such a way that it can guide the temperature control fluid to a front end of the temperature control chamber which is facing away from the inlet, and there promotes a Z-flow of the temperature control fluid.

[0179] At least two of several passages may vary in length, location and / or shape.

[0180] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g. a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone is fluidly connected to the temperature control zone via one or more passages, wherein a dimension of a passage in the first guide zone section is smaller than a dimension, preferably the corresponding dimension, of the same passage or another passage in the second guide zone section, wherein the dimension can in particular be a diameter, for example a smallest diameter.

[0181] A smallest diameter is understood to mean in particular the distance between edges or walls of a passage which extends through a central conducting path of a tempering fluid which can be guided through the passage and which is smaller than all other distances between edges or walls of the same passage.

[0182] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g. a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone is fluidly connected to the temperature control zone via a passage or via several passages, wherein a first cross section of a passage in the first guide zone section is smaller than a second cross section of the same passage or of another passage in the second guide zone section.

[0183] The first cross section can, in particular, have a first cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area can, in particular, be a smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the passage in the first guide zone section.

[0184] The second cross section can, in particular, have a second cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area can, in particular, be a smallest cross-sectional area of ​​the same passage or of another passage in the second guide zone section.

[0185] A cross-sectional area of ​​a passage can extend transversely through the passage, in particular orthogonally to a flow direction in which tempering fluid can flow through the passage.

[0186] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g., a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone is fluidly connected to the temperature control zone via one or more passages, wherein a number of passages in the first guide zone section is less than a number of passages in the second guide zone section.

[0187] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide zone has a tapered zone, wherein the temperature control fluid guide zone tapers in the tapered zone in the direction of the temperature control fluid flow in which the temperature control fluid can be guided in the temperature control fluid guide zone. Alternatively, the temperature control fluid guide zone can taper in the tapered zone opposite to the temperature control fluid flow direction.

[0188] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide zone tapers in the tapering zone in a second direction, which may, for example, be the width direction of the energy storage unit.

[0189] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a tempering fluid guide element, wherein the tempering fluid guide element determines the course of the tempering fluid guide zone.

[0190] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a barrier element, e.g., a cover element, wherein the barrier element forms a barrier zone delimiting the temperature control chamber and a channel barrier zone delimiting the temperature control fluid guide zone, e.g., the temperature control fluid guide channel.

[0191] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide element is fixed to the barrier element and the temperature control fluid guide element fixed to the barrier element determines the course of the temperature control fluid guide zone.

[0192] It can be advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide element and the barrier element are integrally connected to each other.

[0193] For example, the temperature control fluid guide element and the barrier element can be welded.

[0194] It can be particularly advantageous if the temperature control fluid guide element is a

[0195] Contains or is made of a plastic material and the barrier element contains or is made of a plastic material and the two plastic materials are welded.

[0196] The two plastic materials may be the same or different and may optionally contain at least one reinforcing material, e.g., fibers, preferably glass fibers, carbon fibers, or plastic fibers, independently of one another.

[0197] The energy storage unit can preferably comprise the temperature control fluid distribution zone, the temperature control fluid collection zone, the first temperature control zone, and the second temperature control zone. The energy storage unit can preferably also have one or more temperature control fluid passages described herein. Preferably, the temperature control fluid passage or the multiple temperature control fluid passages can fluidically connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone.

[0198] It may be particularly advantageous if the length of a shortest tempering path, which leads from a passage via the first tempering zone, through a tempering fluid passage into the second tempering zone and via the second tempering zone to another passage, is at most 150%, preferably at most 130%, particularly preferably at most 100%, e.g. at most 80%, of a greatest distance measurable in a first direction, e.g. in the longitudinal direction, between passage ends which are offset furthest from one another in the first direction, e.g. the longitudinal direction.

[0199] The length of the shortest temperature control path can then be measured, in particular, from a passage through which the temperature control fluid distribution zone is fluidly connected to the first temperature control zone. The length of the shortest temperature control path can then be measured, in particular, to another passage through which the temperature control fluid collection zone is fluidly connected to the second temperature control zone.

[0200] From the relative arrangement of passages and temperature control fluid passages, it is easy to determine which of several temperature control paths is the shortest temperature control path and how long the shortest temperature control path is. The greatest distance between passage ends that are most displaced from each other in the first direction, e.g., the longitudinal direction, is determined either at the temperature control fluid distribution zone or at the temperature control fluid collection zone. If the two greatest distances between passage ends differ at the temperature control fluid distribution zone and the temperature control fluid collection zone, the larger of the two distances is decisive.

[0201] The distance between the ends of the passages is measured in the first direction, e.g. the longitudinal direction, whereby the distance from the two points of the one or more passages that are furthest apart from each other in the first direction is decisive.

[0202] It is preferred if the tempering fluid or at least a portion of the tempering fluid can be supplied to the tempering chamber through the inlet via the tempering fluid distribution zone, through the first distribution zone section and the second distribution zone section and through the passage or the plurality of passages.

[0203] It is preferred if the tempering fluid or at least a portion of the tempering fluid can be discharged from the tempering chamber through the passage or the plurality of passages, through the first collection zone section and the second collection zone section via the tempering fluid collection zone and through the outlet.

[0204] For example, the second guide zone section may be offset more significantly from the inlet in or opposite to the first direction than the first guide zone section. This may apply in particular if the temperature control fluid guide zone or one of the temperature control fluid guide zones is the temperature control fluid distribution zone, the first guide zone section is the first distribution zone section, and the second guide zone section is the second distribution zone section.

[0205] For example, the second guide zone section can be offset more significantly from the outlet in or opposite to the first direction than the first guide zone section. This can apply in particular if the temperature control fluid guide zone or one of the temperature control fluid guide zones is the temperature control fluid collection zone, the first guide zone section is the first collection zone section, and the second guide zone section is the second collection zone section. It can be advantageous if the first temperature control fluid distribution channel section is the first section of the temperature control fluid distribution channel described herein.

[0206] It may be advantageous if the second tempering fluid distribution channel section is the second section of the tempering fluid distribution channel described herein.

[0207] It may be advantageous if the first tempering fluid collection channel section is the first section of the tempering fluid collection channel described herein.

[0208] It may be advantageous if the second tempering fluid collection channel section is the second section of the tempering fluid collection channel described herein.

[0209] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone and the energy storage unit has one or more temperature control fluid passages, wherein one temperature control fluid passage connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner or several of the temperature control fluid passages connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0210] If the temperature control chamber has a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone and the energy storage unit has a temperature control fluid passage, wherein the one temperature control fluid passage connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner, the passage can, for example, be a passage whose length measurable in a first direction, e.g. the longitudinal extension direction of the energy storage unit, is at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of a length of the energy storage unit measurable in the first direction.

[0211] The statement that one temperature control fluid passage connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner or that several of the temperature control fluid passages connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner can mean that one temperature control fluid passage directly connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner or that several of the temperature control fluid passages directly connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner.The statement that one temperature control fluid passage connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner, or that several of the temperature control fluid passages connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner, can mean that one temperature control fluid passage indirectly connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner, or that several of the temperature control fluid passages indirectly connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner. For example, one temperature control fluid passage can connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner via another temperature control zone or via several other temperature control zones, or that several of the temperature control fluid passages can connect the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone in a fluid-conducting manner via another temperature control zone or via several other temperature control zones.

[0212] An optional additional tempering zone can be located between the first tempering zone and the second tempering zone.

[0213] Several optional additional tempering zones can be located between the first tempering zone and the second tempering zone.

[0214] It can be advantageous if there is no further tempering zone between the first tempering zone and the second tempering zone.

[0215] It may be advantageous if the one or more of the temperature control fluid passages comprise a first passage section and a second passage section, wherein a first passage section extension of the first passage section in a first direction, e.g. the longitudinal direction, is equal to a second passage section extension of the second passage section in the first direction, wherein the two passage sections are adjacent to one another or offset from one another in the first direction.

[0216] Preferably, the second passage section can be offset more significantly in the first direction relative to an inlet of the energy storage unit described herein and / or relative to an outlet of the energy storage unit described herein than the first passage section. It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid passage or passages are configured such that a second passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the second passage section is lower than a first passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the first passage section.

[0217] The passage flow resistances in the two passage sections can be tested and compared as described herein for flow resistances with respect to passages described in connection with the guide zone sections.

[0218] This can be advantageous because, during operation of the energy storage unit, a lower pressure gradient can exist across the second passage section than across the first passage section. The lower second passage flow resistance compared to the first passage flow resistance can contribute to the fact that the same amount, or approximately the same amount, of temperature control fluid can flow into the second temperature control zone via the second passage section. One reason for the lower pressure gradient across the second passage section can be that the inlet and / or outlet are further away from the second passage section than from the first passage section.

[0219] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit has an inlet and an outlet described herein, e.g., an inlet through which a temperature control fluid can be introduced into the energy storage unit, and an outlet through which a temperature control fluid can flow out of the energy storage unit, wherein a second temperature control fluid guide path leading from the inlet to the outlet centrally through the second passage section is longer than a first temperature control fluid guide path leading from the inlet to the outlet centrally through the first passage section.

[0220] It may be advantageous if a dimension of a tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is smaller than a dimension of the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0221] It may be advantageous if a dimension of a tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0222] The dimension can, in particular, be a diameter. The diameter can, for example, be a smallest diameter.

[0223] It may be advantageous if a first cross section of a tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is smaller than a second cross section of the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0224] When reference is made herein to a cross section of a tempering fluid passage, this may in particular mean a cross-sectional area of ​​the tempering fluid passage, in particular a cross-sectional area at a narrowest point of the tempering fluid passage.

[0225] It may be advantageous if a first cross-sectional area of ​​a tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of ​​the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0226] It may be advantageous if a first cross-sectional area of ​​a tempering fluid passage at a narrowest point of the tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is smaller than a second cross-sectional area at a narrowest point of the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0227] Alternatively, the temperature control fluid passage or passages can be configured such that a second passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the second passage section is greater than a first passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the first passage section. It may be advantageous if a dimension of a temperature control fluid passage in the first passage section is larger than a dimension of the same temperature control fluid passage or of another temperature control fluid passage in the second passage section.It may be advantageous if a dimension of a temperature control fluid passage in the first passage section is larger than the corresponding dimension of the same temperature control fluid passage or of another temperature control fluid passage in the second passage section. It may be advantageous if a first cross-section of a temperature control fluid passage in the first passage section is larger than a second cross-section of the same temperature control fluid passage or of another temperature control fluid passage in the second passage section. It may be advantageous if a first cross-sectional area of ​​a temperature control fluid passage in the first passage section is larger than a second cross-sectional area of ​​the same temperature control fluid passage or of another temperature control fluid passage in the second passage section.It may be advantageous if a first cross-sectional area of ​​a tempering fluid passage at a narrowest point of the tempering fluid passage in the first passage section is larger than a second cross-sectional area at a narrowest point of the same tempering fluid passage or of another tempering fluid passage in the second passage section.

[0228] Alternatively, the temperature control fluid passage or passages can be designed such that a second passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the second passage section is equal to a first passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone into the second temperature control zone in the first passage section.

[0229] It may be particularly advantageous if the passage or passages are designed in such a way and the tempering fluid passage or passages are designed in such a way and matched to the passage or passages in such a way that in all areas of a tempering zone, e.g. in all areas of the first tempering zone, a uniform flow of the tempering fluid and / or the same flow velocity of the tempering fluid and / or a uniform tempering of all energy storage elements that can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid can be achieved in a main flow direction.

[0230] It is conceivable, for example, that elements such as throttles / orifices are used in tempering fluid passages, which may include pipe or line sections with a round cross-section, or that cross-sectional adjustments of tempering fluid passages are achieved through mechanical processing, e.g. through drilling.

[0231] It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid barrier has two long sides and one or more temperature control fluid passages are arranged or formed along the two long sides of the temperature control fluid barrier on the inside of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0232] It can be particularly advantageous if the temperature control fluid barrier has two long sides and a plurality of temperature control fluid passages are arranged or formed on the inside of the temperature control fluid barrier along each of the two long sides of the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0233] Longitudinal sides are referred to in particular as those sides of the temperature control fluid barrier which extend along the first direction, e.g. the longitudinal direction, and the third direction, e.g. the vertical direction, in particular extend flatly, wherein the longitudinal sides of the temperature control fluid barrier delimit the temperature control space on both sides, in particular in the second direction, e.g. in the width direction.

[0234] It may be preferred if the temperature control fluid barrier has two end faces and no temperature control fluid passage is arranged along the two end faces of the temperature control fluid barrier, which fluidically connects the first temperature control zone to the second temperature control zone.

[0235] It may be advantageous if a temperature control fluid passage extends along an inner surface of a longitudinal side in the third direction, e.g., the vertical extension direction, e.g., through a material from which at least the longitudinal side of the temperature control fluid barrier consists or is manufactured, or through a material from which a separating element described herein is made or manufactured, which surrounds a plurality of the energy storage elements. The separating element can, for example, be the molded element described herein.

[0236] The separating element or the shaped element can be a carrier element to which several energy storage elements of the energy storage unit are fixed.

[0237] One temperature control fluid passage, several temperature control fluid passages or all temperature control fluid passages can be manufactured by casting from a plastic material, e.g. by injection molding.

[0238] It may be advantageous if a number of tempering fluid passages in the first passage section is less than a number of tempering fluid passages in the second passage section.

[0239] An inventive design of a temperature control fluid passage can contribute to achieving or promoting a more uniform distribution of temperature control fluid in the energy storage unit. This can, in particular, contribute to optimizing a cooling function.

[0240] It may be advantageous if, in a main flow direction that runs parallel to a second direction, e.g., a widthwise extension direction, or counter to the second direction through the first temperature control zone toward the temperature control fluid passage, starting from a temperature control fluid distribution zone, a maximum of 20 energy storage elements, preferably a maximum of 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably a maximum of 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably a maximum of 14 energy storage elements, e.g., a maximum of 12 energy storage elements, can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction. The number of energy storage elements that can be flowed against and / or around in the main flow direction and / or can be temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction can be at least 2, preferably at least 3, e.g., at least 4.

[0241] It may be advantageous if, in a main flow direction which runs parallel to a second direction, e.g. a width direction, or counter to the second direction through the first tempering zone towards the tempering fluid passage, starting from a tempering fluid distribution zone, a maximum of 20 energy storage elements, preferably a maximum of 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably a maximum of 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably a maximum of 14 energy storage elements, e.g. a maximum of 12 energy storage elements, can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid which can be guided in the main flow direction.

[0242] In particular, the largest number of energy storage elements intersected by a main flow direction plane can be decisive. The main flow direction can extend in the main flow direction plane. The main flow direction plane is intersected orthogonally by the first direction, e.g., the longitudinal direction. The main flow direction plane extends, in or opposite to the second direction, from outside the energy storage unit only to the center of the temperature control fluid distribution zone. The position of the main flow direction plane along the first direction is selected, in particular, such that the largest number of energy storage elements is intersected by the main flow direction plane.

[0243] It may be preferred if, in a main flow direction opposite to the main flow direction, which runs through the second temperature control zone towards a temperature control fluid collection zone, starting from the temperature control fluid passage, a maximum of 20 energy storage elements, preferably a maximum of 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably a maximum of 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably a maximum of 14 energy storage elements, e.g., a maximum of 12 energy storage elements, can be flowed against and / or around and / or temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid that can be guided in the direction opposite to the main flow. The number of energy storage elements that can be flowed against and / or around in the direction opposite to the main flow and / or temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction can be at least 2, preferably at least 3, e.g., at least 4.

[0244] It may be preferred if, in a main flow counter direction, which runs counter to the main flow direction through the second tempering zone towards a tempering fluid collection zone, starting from the tempering fluid passage, at most 20 energy storage elements, preferably at most 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably at most 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably at most 14 energy storage elements, e.g. at most 12 energy storage elements, can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid which can be guided in the main flow counter direction.

[0245] In particular, the largest number of energy storage elements intersected by a main counterflow direction plane can be decisive. The main counterflow direction can extend in the main counterflow direction plane. The main counterflow direction plane is intersected orthogonally by the first direction, e.g., the longitudinal direction. The main counterflow direction plane extends from outside the energy storage unit, opposite to or in the second direction, only to the center of the temperature control fluid distribution zone. The position of the main counterflow direction plane along the first direction is selected, in particular, such that the largest number of energy storage elements is intersected by the main counterflow direction plane.

[0246] The skin flow counter-direction plane can be the main flow direction plane.

[0247] It may be advantageous if, in the main flow direction in the first tempering zone, first ends of the at most 20 energy storage elements, preferably at most 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably at most 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably at most 14 energy storage elements, e.g. at most 12 energy storage elements, can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be temperature-controlled by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction; and / or in the opposite direction of the main flow in the second tempering zone, second ends of the at most 20 energy storage elements, preferably at most 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably at most 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably at most 14 energy storage elements, e.g. at most 12 energy storage elements, can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be temperature-controlled by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the opposite direction of the main flow.

[0248] It may be preferred if the first ends and the second ends are opposite ends of the same at most 20 energy storage elements, preferably at most 18 energy storage elements, particularly preferably at most 16 energy storage elements, very particularly preferably at most 14 energy storage elements, e.g., at most 12 energy storage elements. It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g., a first temperature control zone, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a flow disturbance unit that is arranged in the temperature control zone or is arranged or formed on a surface of the energy storage unit facing the temperature control zone.

[0249] Any unit that can function as a turbulator can be considered a flow disturbance unit. The flow disturbance unit can have a passage zone that extends through the contacting element.

[0250] While a temperature control fluid that can be guided in the temperature control zone tends to have a laminar flow at certain flow velocities, turbulence can occur more frequently at the flow disturbance unit at the same flow velocity, which can lead to increased cooling of one or more energy storage elements due to the stronger mixing of the temperature control fluid.

[0251] The passage zone can fluidically connect a zone further away from an energy storage element, through which a temperature control fluid can flow, to a contact temperature control zone described herein. The more distant zone can be offset more from the contact temperature control zone than the contact temperature control zone, particularly in or opposite to the third direction, e.g., the vertical direction.

[0252] The zone further away from the energy storage element can lead, in particular in or opposite to the second direction, e.g., the width direction, to a fluid deflection element, which can promote a deflection of tempering fluid through the passage zone toward the contact tempering zone described herein.

[0253] The tempering zone in which the flow disturbance unit can be arranged can in particular be the first tempering zone, which is also described herein without reference to the flow disturbance unit.

[0254] The surface on which the flow disturbance unit can be arranged or formed can, in particular, face the first temperature control zone, which is also described herein without reference to the flow disturbance unit. It can be advantageous if the temperature control chamber has a temperature control zone, e.g., a first temperature control zone, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a current-conducting element extending from the interior of one of the energy storage elements to the temperature control zone or into the temperature control zone, which current-conducting element can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control zone by means of the temperature control fluid.

[0255] The tempering zone in which the current-conducting element can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid can in particular be the first tempering zone, which is also described herein without reference to the current-conducting element.

[0256] It may be advantageous if the temperature control chamber also has a second temperature control zone, e.g. a second temperature control zone described herein without reference to the flow disturbance unit or to the current conducting element.

[0257] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a contacting element by means of which at least a section of an electrically conductive connection from at least one of the energy storage elements of the energy storage unit to a contacting zone of the energy storage unit can be produced or exists, wherein it may be preferred if the electrical energy or a part of the electrical energy can be removed from the energy storage unit and / or supplied to the energy storage unit via the contacting zone and the contacting element.

[0258] The contacting zone may comprise or be formed on a terminal, e.g., a first terminal, wherein the terminal can be used to withdraw electrical energy from the energy storage unit and / or to supply electrical energy to the energy storage unit.

[0259] It may be advantageous if the contacting element extends into the temperature control zone, out of the temperature control zone, and / or through the temperature control zone. It may be particularly advantageous if the contacting element extends into the first temperature control zone, out of the first temperature control zone, and / or through the first temperature control zone.

[0260] It may be advantageous if the contacting element has the flow disturbance unit or if the flow disturbance unit is formed on the contacting element. It may be advantageous if at least a portion of the temperature control zone, e.g., the first temperature control zone, extends on the contacting element up to the current-conducting element and / or around the current-conducting element.

[0261] It may be advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a connection zone in which storage element contact zones of different energy storage elements are electrically conductively connected to one another, wherein the storage element contact zones can preferably be poles of the energy storage elements, e.g., positive poles and negative poles.

[0262] One of the storage element contact zones can, for example, exist on a surface of the current conducting element.

[0263] It may be advantageous if a portion of the contacting element extends at least along a portion of the connection zone. The portion of the connection zone can preferably be located between one or more of the energy storage elements and the portion of the contacting element.

[0264] It may be advantageous if one or more connecting devices are arranged in the connection zone. The storage element contact zones of different energy storage elements can be electrically connected to one another via the connecting device or via the connecting devices.

[0265] It may be advantageous if an insulating material prevents direct electrical contact between the portion of the contacting element and the portion of the connection zone. It may be preferred if the contacting element comprises the insulating material, e.g., a layer of the insulating material on a surface of the contacting element.

[0266] It may be advantageous if at least one of the energy storage elements has a first end facing the first tempering zone or projecting into the first tempering zone, wherein it may be preferred if two storage element contact zones, e.g. the positive pole and the negative pole, are arranged at the first end.

[0267] It may be advantageous if at least one of the energy storage elements has a second end facing the second tempering zone or projecting into the second tempering zone, wherein it may be preferred if two storage element contact zones, e.g. the positive pole and the negative pole, are arranged at the first end.

[0268] Alternatively, two storage element contact zones, e.g., the positive pole and the negative pole, may be arranged at the second end.

[0269] It may be advantageous if the contacting element has a reinforcing element recess, wherein the temperature control fluid barrier has a barrier zone, e.g., a wall zone, wherein the barrier zone is reinforced by means of a reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element extends from the barrier zone into the temperature control chamber through the reinforcing element recess.

[0270] The contacting element can, for example, be grid-shaped, resulting in regularly spaced recesses determined by the grid shape, and the reinforcing element extends through one of the recesses resulting from the grid shape. This recess then forms a reinforcing element recess.

[0271] For example, corresponding reinforcing element recesses may be present in particular or only at the locations where reinforcing elements are provided.

[0272] It may be advantageous if the first reinforcing element and at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six, e.g., at least eight, of the further reinforcing elements extend from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone through one reinforcing element recess or several reinforcing element recesses, preferably through several reinforcing element recesses.

[0273] The contacting element can, for example, have a plurality of recesses offset from one another in a first direction, e.g., the longitudinal direction, for example, at least three recesses offset from one another in the first direction, with a plurality of reinforcing elements, for example, at least three reinforcing elements, extending through the offset recesses. It can be particularly advantageous if the energy storage unit comprises a monitoring unit.

[0274] The monitoring unit can, in particular, be a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit can, for example, be a cell monitoring circuit.

[0275] In particular, differences in the charge states of a majority of the energy storage elements can be completely or partially avoided or compensated for by means of the monitoring unit.

[0276] The plurality of energy storage elements mentioned in connection with the monitoring unit may be the plurality of energy storage elements mentioned in connection with the temperature control by means of the temperature control fluid in the temperature control chamber.

[0277] If reference is made herein in one context to a plurality of energy storage elements of the energy storage unit and in another context to a plurality of energy storage elements of the energy storage unit, the two groups of energy storage elements referred to by the word "plurality" do not have to coincide. For example, it is conceivable that the majority of energy storage elements that can be temperature-controlled in the temperature-control chamber using the temperature-control fluid refers to a group of energy storage elements that does not, partially, or completely coincide with a plurality of energy storage elements mentioned herein in another context.

[0278] For example, it is conceivable that the energy storage unit comprises further energy storage elements in addition to the majority of energy storage elements that can be tempered in the tempering chamber by means of the tempering fluid.

[0279] It is conceivable that at least one energy storage element of these additional energy storage elements belongs to the plurality of energy storage elements mentioned in connection with the monitoring unit. It may be advantageous if the monitoring unit is arranged in the temperature control chamber and / or extends into the temperature control chamber and / or the temperature control fluid barrier also extends around the monitoring unit.

[0280] Preferably, the monitoring unit can fulfill at least one of the following three conditions with respect to the temperature control chamber or the temperature control fluid barrier:

[0281] Condition 1: The monitoring unit is located in the temperature control room.

[0282] Condition 2: The monitoring unit extends into the temperature control room.

[0283] Condition 3: The temperature control fluid barrier also extends around the monitoring unit.

[0284] It can be advantageous to arrange a shielding material on the monitoring unit or between the monitoring unit and the temperature control chamber, which prevents or reduces the inflow of temperature control fluid to the monitoring unit. This can also contribute to the simplest possible provision of an efficient energy storage unit. In particular, air pockets in the installation space around the monitoring unit can be avoided. At the same time, contacting of the energy storage elements within the temperature control fluid barrier can be enabled, since electrically conductive connections between the monitoring unit and the energy storage elements can be established within the temperature control fluid barrier, thus eliminating the need to produce complicated connector seals in the area of ​​the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0285] It can be advantageous if the monitoring unit is fully or partially embedded in the shielding material.

[0286] Preferably, the shielding material may comprise a plastic material or be made of the plastic material.

[0287] Preferably, the shielding material, for example, the plastic material, can be porous. It can be particularly advantageous if the shielding material, for example, the plastic material, is in foam form.

[0288] For example, the shielding material can be a plastic foam material.

[0289] It may be preferred if the shielding material, e.g. the foam-shaped plastic material or the plastic foam material, is fluid-tight.

[0290] An average density of the shielding material, for example the foamed plastic material or the plastic foam material, may preferably be at most 0.7 g / cm 3, particularly preferably not more than 0.5 g / cm 3 , most preferably not more than 0.3 g / cm 3 , for example a maximum of 0.15 g / cm 3 , amount to.

[0291] It may be advantageous if the average density of the shielding material, for example the foamed plastic material or the plastic foam material, is at least 0.0005 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably at least 0.0015 g / cm 3 , most preferably at least 0.01 g / cm 3 , for example at least 0.015 g / cm 3 , amounts.

[0292] The foam-like plastic material or the plastic foam material can be, for example, a rigid foam. Rigid foams can be, for example, polyurethane foams.

[0293] Preferably, the foam-shaped plastic material or the plastic foam material is or comprises a closed-cell foam.

[0294] The object is achieved according to the invention by a monitoring unit according to the relevant independent claim.

[0295] By means of the monitoring unit, differences in the charge states of a plurality of energy storage elements of an energy storage unit can be completely or partially avoided or compensated.

[0296] Preferably, differences in the charge states of a plurality of energy storage elements of an energy storage module, for example an electrochemical energy storage module, can be completely or partially avoided or compensated for by means of the monitoring unit.

[0297] The monitoring unit according to the invention can, in particular, be a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit can, for example, be a cell monitoring circuit. Cell monitoring circuits are known to those skilled in the art as so-called Cell Supervisory Circuits (CSC).

[0298] The monitoring unit according to the invention is fully or partially embedded in a shielding material.

[0299] The shielding material was described in connection with the energy storage unit according to the invention. Therefore, the information provided there regarding the shielding material will not be repeated.

[0300] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing an energy storage unit according to the relevant independent claim.

[0301] The method may, for example, be a method for producing an energy storage unit according to the invention described herein.

[0302] In the method, a monitoring unit, by means of which differences in the charge states of a plurality of energy storage elements of an energy storage unit can be completely or partially avoided or compensated, is arranged in a monitoring space or a monitoring zone and the monitoring space or the monitoring zone is foamed.

[0303] The monitoring space or zone can be a space or zone surrounded by a temperature control fluid barrier. The temperature control fluid barrier can be a housing of the energy storage unit or a part of a housing of an energy storage unit.

[0304] In particular, any foaming agent from which a shielding material described herein can be produced, for example the foamed plastic material described herein or the plastic foam material described herein, may be suitable for foaming the monitored space or the monitored zone.

[0305] It can be particularly advantageous if the monitoring unit is placed in the monitoring room or the monitoring zone and the foaming takes place in a later process step.

[0306] It is conceivable that further process steps take place between the introduction of the monitoring unit into the monitoring space or zone, and that the foaming takes place in a subsequent process step following the further process steps. The further process steps may include, for example, the introduction of energy storage elements into the energy storage unit or the temperature control fluid barrier.

[0307] It may be advantageous if the monitoring space or the monitoring zone is completely or partially foamed, for example with a foaming agent, and the arrangement of the monitoring unit in the monitoring space or the monitoring zone, for example in the foaming agent located therein, takes place in a later process step.

[0308] Even if the monitoring space or the monitoring zone is completely or partially filled with foam and the arrangement of the monitoring unit in the monitoring space or the monitoring zone takes place in a later process step, further process steps can take place between the foaming and the arrangement of the monitoring unit.

[0309] The object is achieved according to the invention by a contacting system according to the relevant independent claim.

[0310] The contacting system is a contacting system for contacting energy storage elements of an energy storage unit.

[0311] Preferably, the contacting system can be a contacting system for contacting energy storage elements of an energy storage unit according to the invention described herein. The contacting system can also be a system for guiding a temperature control fluid in a temperature control zone of an energy storage unit.

[0312] The contacting system can be a contacting and tempering fluid supply system.

[0313] The contacting system comprises an electrically conductive contacting element and a flow disturbance unit, wherein the contacting element has the flow disturbance unit or the flow disturbance unit is formed on the contacting element.

[0314] The contacting element may be particularly suitable for arrangement in a temperature control zone of the energy storage unit or for arrangement on a surface of the energy storage unit, wherein the surface faces a temperature control zone of the energy storage unit.

[0315] It can be advantageous if the contacting system includes a connecting device.

[0316] It may be advantageous if the connecting device has at least two connecting zones that are electrically conductively connected to one another, e.g., a positive pole connecting zone and a negative pole connecting zone.

[0317] In particular, a contact can be established from the negative pole of one energy storage element to the positive pole of another energy storage element via the electrically conductively connected connection zones.

[0318] It may be advantageous if the flow disturbance unit is a flow disturbance unit corresponding to at least one of the connection zones, e.g. a flow disturbance unit corresponding to the positive pole connection zone.

[0319] It may be advantageous if the connecting device is a first connecting device, wherein the contacting system comprises a second connecting device, wherein the second connecting device also has at least two connecting zones that are electrically conductively connected to one another, e.g. a positive pole connecting zone and a negative pole connecting zone, wherein a negative pole connecting zone is formed on a contact section of the first connecting device and a positive pole connecting zone is formed on a contact section of the second connecting device, wherein these two contact sections extend into a contact tempering zone or border on a contact tempering zone.

[0320] It can be advantageous if the flow disturbance unit is located in or near the contact temperature control zone.

[0321] It may be particularly advantageous if the contacting element has the flow disturbance unit at the contact tempering zone or the flow disturbance unit is formed on the contacting element at the contact tempering zone.

[0322] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for controlling the temperature of energy storage elements of an energy storage unit according to the relevant independent claim.

[0323] The method may be a method for controlling the temperature of electrochemical energy storage elements, e.g., battery cells, of the energy storage unit.

[0324] In connection with the method, the energy storage unit can in particular be an energy storage unit according to the invention as described herein.

[0325] A temperature control fluid is supplied to a first central region of a first temperature control zone of the energy storage unit, wherein the first central region extends in a longitudinal direction of the first temperature control zone through the first temperature control zone and divides the first temperature control zone into a first outflow zone located on one side of the first central region and a second outflow zone located on the other side of the first central region. The temperature control fluid supplied to the first temperature control zone is divided between the first outflow zone and the second outflow zone, where it is guided into heat exchange contact with a portion of the energy storage elements of the energy storage unit. This can represent a method step.It may be advantageous if the tempering fluid guided in the heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements in a directly or indirectly preceding process step is discharged from the energy storage unit, e.g., through the outlet described herein.

[0326] It may be advantageous if at least a part of the tempering fluid supplied to the first tempering zone spreads in the first outflow zone and in the second outflow zone in mutually opposite main flow directions.

[0327] It may be advantageous if the number of energy storage elements following one another along the main flow directions starting from the first central region is so small and so much temperature control fluid is conveyed through the energy storage unit that the temperature of the temperature control fluid discharged from the energy storage unit, e.g. temperature control fluid discharged through the outlet, during a charging process of the energy storage unit in which the energy storage unit is conveyed from a charge state of 20% to a charge state of 80% in less than 15 minutes, does not exceed a temperature of the temperature control fluid flowing into the energy storage unit, e.g. temperature control fluid flowing in through the inlet, by more than 6 K, preferably not by more than 4 K, e.g. not by more than 2.5 K, e.g. not by more than 6 K, preferably not by more than 4 K, e.g. not by more than 2.5 K.

[0328] Advantageously, the number of successive energy storage elements along the main flow directions from the first central region can be at most 20, preferably at most 18, particularly preferably at most 16, very particularly preferably at most 14, e.g., at most 12. Advantageously, the number can be at least 2, preferably at least 3, e.g., at least 4.

[0329] It may be advantageous if a first portion of the temperature control fluid is guided through a temperature control fluid passage or through several temperature control fluid passages at a first end of the outflow zone, which is offset from the first central region, and a second portion of the temperature control fluid is guided through another temperature control fluid passage or through several other temperature control fluid passages at a second end of the second outflow zone, which is offset from the first central region. It may be advantageous if the temperature control fluid is discharged from the energy storage unit via a second central region of a second temperature control zone, e.g.through the outlet described herein, wherein the second central region extends in a longitudinal direction of the second tempering zone through the second tempering zone and divides the second tempering zone into a first inflow zone located on one side of the second central region and a second inflow zone located on the other side of the second central region.

[0330] It may be advantageous if the first portion of the temperature control fluid is guided from one temperature control fluid passage or from the plurality of temperature control fluid passages at a first end of the first inflow zone offset from the second central region, and the second portion of the temperature control fluid is guided from one other temperature control fluid passage or from the plurality of other temperature control fluid passages at a second end of the second inflow zone offset from the second central region.

[0331] Advantageously, the first portion of the tempering fluid can be fed into the second central area via the first inflow zone.

[0332] Advantageously, the second portion of the tempering fluid can be guided into the second central area via the second inflow zone.

[0333] The two parts of the tempering fluid can each be guided in the inflow zones into heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements of the energy storage unit.

[0334] It may be advantageous if the inlet is fluidly connected to the first central region via a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution channel, and / or via a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution zone.

[0335] For example, the temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution channel, and / or the temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution zone, can extend along the first central region and / or completely or partially cover the first central region. The first central region can, for example, run between energy storage elements and the temperature control fluid distribution channel and / or the temperature control fluid distribution zone.

[0336] It may be advantageous if the inlet is fluidly connected to the first outflow zone and the second outflow zone via a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution channel, and / or via a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution zone.

[0337] It may be advantageous if a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution channel, and / or a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid distribution zone, forms the first central region.

[0338] It may be advantageous if the second central region is fluidly connected to the outlet via a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection channel, and / or via a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection zone.

[0339] For example, the temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection channel, and / or the temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection zone, can extend along the second central region and / or completely or partially cover the second central region. The second central region can, for example, run between energy storage elements and the temperature control fluid collection channel and / or the temperature control fluid collection zone.

[0340] It may be advantageous if the first inflow zone and the second inflow zone are fluidly connected to the outlet via a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection channel, and / or via a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection zone. It may be advantageous if a temperature control fluid guide channel described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection channel, and / or a temperature control fluid guide zone described herein, which may be, for example, the temperature control fluid collection zone, forms the first central region.

[0341] Of course, features described in connection with an inventive subject matter can also form features of another inventive subject matter described herein. Subject matters according to the invention include, in particular, the energy storage unit, the monitoring unit, the contacting system, the method for producing an energy storage unit, and the method for controlling the temperature of energy storage elements.

[0342] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0343] The drawings show:

[0344] Fig. 1: a first embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention in perspective view;

[0345] Fig. 2: the perspective view from Fig. 1 without the first barrier element;

[0346] Fig. 3: a section through the energy storage unit shown in Fig. 1 along the line III-III;

[0347] Fig. 4: an enlarged section of Fig. 3;

[0348] Fig. 5: a section through energy storage elements and a reinforcing element of the first embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0349] Fig. 6: an enlarged section of the surface facing upwards in Fig. 2;

[0350] Fig. 7: a perspective view of a second embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention; Fig. 8: the energy storage unit from Fig. 7 without the first barrier element;

[0351] Fig. 9: a section through Fig. 7 along the line IX-IX;

[0352] Fig. 10: an enlarged section of Fig. 9;

[0353] Fig. 11: a plan view of the energy storage elements of the second embodiment of the energy storage unit;

[0354] Fig. 12: a shaped element from the second embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0355] Fig. 13: a perspective view of energy storage elements and reinforcement elements of the second embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0356] Fig. 14: a perspective sectional view of a third embodiment of an energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0357] Fig. 15: a further sectional view of the third embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0358] Fig. 16: a roughly simplified sectional view of an energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0359] Fig. 17: the fourth embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention in perspective view;

[0360] Fig. 18: an exploded view of the fourth embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0361] Fig. 19: a plan view of the fourth embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0362] Fig. 20: the top view from Fig. 19 without a first barrier element; Fig. 21: a side view of the third embodiment of the energy storage unit according to the invention;

[0363] Fig. 22: a section through the energy storage unit shown in Fig. 19 along the line XXI l-XXII;

[0364] Fig. 23: a section through a schematically illustrated energy storage unit;

[0365] Fig. 24: another possible design of a current disturbance unit of the energy storage unit from Fig. 23;

[0366] Fig. 25: a further embodiment of a current disturbance unit of the energy storage unit from Fig. 23;

[0367] Fig. 26: a perspective view of an energy storage unit according to a fifth embodiment;

[0368] Fig. 27: the perspective view from Fig. 26 with open floor area;

[0369] Fig. 28: the open floor area from Fig. 27;

[0370] Fig. 29: the open floor area from Fig. 28 without monitoring system;

[0371] Fig. 30: a section through the energy storage unit according to the fifth embodiment along line XXX-XXX in Fig. 26;

[0372] Fig. 31 : an enlarged section of Fig. 30;

[0373] Fig. 32: a part of the energy storage unit according to the fifth embodiment;

[0374] Fig. 33: a contacting system;

[0375] Fig. 34: an enlarged section of the contacting system from Fig. 33; Fig. 35: the contacting system from Fig. 33 without the carrier element;

[0376] Fig. 36: a perspective view of the contacting system from Fig. 35, cut along line XXXVI-XXXVI;

[0377] Fig. 37: the representation from Fig. 36 without connecting devices;

[0378] Fig. 38: another perspective view of the energy storage unit according to the fifth embodiment with an open bottom area;

[0379] Fig. 39: a perspective view of the energy storage unit according to a fifth embodiment with an open cover area;

[0380] Fig. 40: a temperature control fluid guide element for an energy storage unit;

[0381] Fig. 41 : another tempering fluid guide element for an energy storage unit;

[0382] Fig. 42: another temperature control fluid guide element for an energy storage unit;

[0383] Fig. 43: another view of the tempering fluid guide element from Fig. 42;

[0384] Fig. 44: another tempering fluid guide element for an energy storage unit and

[0385] Fig. 45: another temperature control fluid guide element for an energy storage unit.

[0386] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0387] Figs. 1 to 6 illustrate a first embodiment of an energy storage unit 100. The energy storage unit 100 is an energy storage module 102. With the energy storage unit 100, electrical energy can be provided for driving a motor vehicle (not shown here).

[0388] With the energy storage unit shown in Figs. 1 to 6, for example, a portion of the electrical energy can be provided for driving a motor vehicle. Several of the illustrated energy storage units 100 can be interconnected to form an energy storage device (not shown). The additional energy storage units 100, which can be interconnected to form the energy storage device, can then provide the remaining electrical energy for driving a motor vehicle.

[0389] The energy storage unit 100 is an electrochemical energy storage unit 104. The energy storage module 102 is an electrochemical energy storage module 106.

[0390] The energy storage unit 100 includes a temperature control fluid barrier 108. The temperature control fluid barrier is a housing 110.

[0391] The temperature control fluid barrier 108 has several barrier zones 112. The barrier zones 112 are wall zones 114.

[0392] Several barrier elements 115 together form the temperature control fluid barrier. A first barrier element 116 is a cover element 118. The cover element 118 is a lid element 120.

[0393] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the first barrier element 116 comprises an overlay portion 122 that forms a channel barrier zone 124. The first barrier element 116 forms a first barrier zone 126. The first barrier zone 126 is a first wall zone 128.

[0394] A second barrier element 130 is also a cover element 118. This further cover element 118 is a floor element 132. The second barrier element 130 forms a second barrier zone 134.

[0395] A third barrier element 136 is a frame wall element 138. The third barrier element 136 forms a third barrier zone 140. The third barrier element is a frame 142.

[0396] The third barrier element 136 has an inlet 150 and an outlet 148.

[0397] A temperature control fluid can be introduced into the energy storage unit 100 through the inlet 150. A temperature control fluid can flow out of the energy storage unit 100 through the outlet 148.

[0398] The energy storage unit 100 extends in a first direction 152, a second direction 154, and a third direction 156. These three directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0399] The first direction 152 can be understood as a longitudinal extension direction 158, along which a length of the energy storage unit 100 can be measured. The second direction 154 can be understood as a width extension direction 160 of the energy storage unit 100, along which a width of the energy storage unit 100 can be measured. The third direction 156 can be understood as a height extension direction 162, along which a height of the energy storage unit 100 can be measured.

[0400] Fig. 2 shows the energy storage unit 100 without the first barrier element 116.

[0401] From Fig. 2, it can be seen that the energy storage unit 100 comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 164. The energy storage elements 164 are electrochemical energy storage elements 166. They are battery cells 168, e.g., rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells.

[0402] The temperature control fluid barrier 108 extends around a temperature control chamber 170. In the temperature control chamber 170, the energy storage elements 164 can be temperature controlled by means of the temperature control fluid.

[0403] The energy storage unit comprises several reinforcement elements 172.

[0404] To improve clarity, only a small part of the energy storage elements 164 and only a part of the reinforcement elements 172 are provided with reference numerals in Fig. 2.

[0405] In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the reinforcing elements 172 are sleeves 174. It is clear from Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6 that the outer diameters of the reinforcing elements 172 correspond to the diameters of the energy storage elements 164. The reinforcing elements 172 have recesses 176.

[0406] An upper wall end 178 of the third barrier element 136 faces the first barrier element 116 (not shown in Fig. 2). For example, a sealing element 180 or a weld seam 182 can be arranged between the upper wall end 178 and the first barrier element 116. The weld seam 182 can preferably be a plastic weld seam, since the barrier elements, e.g., the first barrier element 116 and the third barrier element 136, preferably consist of a plastic material or can be manufactured from a plastic material.

[0407] Fig. 3 shows a section through the energy storage unit 100, taken orthogonally to the longitudinal direction 158 along the line III-III (cf. Fig. 1). Fig. 3 illustrates, for one of the reinforcing elements 172, how the reinforcing element 172 reinforces the barrier zone 112 against outward bending of the barrier zone 112, e.g., against bulging of the barrier zone 112. The directions in which outward bending of the barrier zone 112 or bulging of the barrier zone 112 would occur without the reinforcing element 172 are indicated in Fig. 3 by an upward and a downward pointing arrow, which is drawn on the respective barrier zone 112 in the region of the reinforcing element 172.

[0408] The reinforcing element 172 extends from the respective barrier zone 112, i.e. from the already described first barrier zone 126 and from the second barrier zone 184 into the temperature control chamber 170.

[0409] As already described in connection with Fig. 1, the first barrier zone 126 is a first wall zone 128. The second barrier zone 184 is a second wall zone 186.

[0410] The reinforcement element 172 extends from the first barrier zone 126 to the second barrier zone 184. The first barrier zone 126 and the second barrier zone 184 are opposing barrier zones 112 of the temperature control fluid barrier 108 formed from the first barrier element 116, the second barrier element 130, and the third barrier element 136. The reinforcement element 172 includes a counter-reinforcement element 188. The counter-reinforcement element 188 is a support reinforcement element 190. In the example shown here, the reinforcement element 172 is the counter-reinforcement element 188.

[0411] The counter-reinforcement element 188 reinforces the first barrier zone 126 and the second barrier zone 184 against inward bending, e.g., against indentation of the first barrier zone 126 and the second barrier zone 184. The inward bending of the first barrier zone 126 and the second barrier zone 184 and the indentation of the first barrier zone 126 and the second barrier zone 184 are indicated by the black arrows pointing inward into the temperature control chamber 170 in Fig. 3.

[0412] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 3. The reinforcing element 172 has two ends 192. One of the ends 192 is a first end 194. The other of the two ends 192 is a second end 196. The barrier zones 112, 126, and 184 have recesses 198. The first barrier zone 126 has a first recess 200. The second barrier zone 184 has a second recess 202.

[0413] Ends 192 of the reinforcing element 172 are received in the recesses 198. The first end 194 is received in the first recess 200. The second end 196 is received in the second recess 202. Fig. 4 illustrates the reception of the second end 196 in the second recess 202. The reinforcing element 172 has a hollow cylindrical reinforcing wall 204. The second recess 202 is a second hollow cylindrical recess 206. The second end 196 of the reinforcing element 172 can be integrally bonded in the second recess 202, for example, by means of a material bond. The integral bond can be achieved, for example, by plastic welding or with the aid of an adhesive. This is not shown in Fig. 4.

[0414] Fig. 3 also shows that the energy storage unit 100 comprises a temperature control fluid distribution channel 210 and a temperature control fluid collection channel 208. The temperature control fluid distribution channel 210 extends between the cover section 122 and a first temperature control fluid guide element 212 in the longitudinal direction 158.

[0415] The temperature control fluid collection channel 208 extends between a further covering section 214 of the second barrier element 130 and a second temperature control fluid guide element 216 opposite to the longitudinal extension direction 158. The further covering section 214 is a further channel barrier zone 218.

[0416] In particular, it is clear from Figs. 2, 5, and 6 that the energy storage elements 164 are regularly arranged in the energy storage unit 100. In pairs of adjacent energy storage elements 164, the surfaces 220 of the energy storage elements are in contact with each other. This is shown in particular in Fig. 6.

[0417] The position of several energy storage elements defines two parallel planes, between which several of the energy storage elements 164 are arranged. It is clear from Fig. 6 that several of the energy storage elements 164 are arranged between the first plane 222 and the second plane 224 running parallel thereto, and that several energy storage elements 164 are also arranged between the third plane 226 and the fourth plane 228 running parallel thereto. The four planes are indicated as straight lines in Fig. 6, since the viewer's line of sight runs along the surfaces of the planes.

[0418] The position of the nearest adjacent energy storage elements 164 can be approximated by a prism 230. A first prism 232 and a second prism 234 are indicated in Fig. 6. The edges extending along the lateral surfaces of the two prisms 232, 234 each coincide with straight lines running centrally through the energy storage elements 164. Fig. 5 clearly shows how the edges 238 extending along the lateral surface 242 of a prism 230 coincide with straight lines 240 running centrally through the energy storage elements 164.

[0419] In the first embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the reinforcing elements 172 each occupy a position of one of the energy storage elements 164 in the regular arrangement of the energy storage elements 164.

[0420] In particular, but not only in this respect, the second embodiment of an energy storage unit 100 illustrated in Figs. 7 to 13 differs.

[0421] This difference is not apparent from Figure 7, since the observer's view of the energy storage elements is blocked by the first barrier element 116. However, Figure 7 clearly shows that the channel barrier zone 124 is not formed on an overlap section in the second embodiment shown there.

[0422] Fig. 8 shows the energy storage unit 100 from Fig. 7 without the first barrier element 116. It can be clearly seen that in the second embodiment shown there, the reinforcing elements 172 in the regular arrangement of the energy storage elements do not occupy positions of one of the energy storage elements 164.

[0423] Instead, the reinforcement elements 172 extend between three energy storage elements 164 in the regular arrangement of the energy storage elements 164.

[0424] A further difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the number of reinforcing elements is substantially larger and the diameters of the reinforcing elements 172 are substantially smaller than in the first embodiment.

[0425] Unlike the first embodiment, the ends of the reinforcing elements 172 are not received in hollow cylindrical recesses of the barrier zones 112, 126, 184, but in cylindrical recesses 243. This is illustrated in Fig. 10, which shows a section of Fig. 9 including a second cylindrical recess 244.

[0426] While in the first embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 the surfaces of pairs of nearest adjacent energy storage elements touch each other, in the second embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 shown in Figs. 7 to 13 there is a distance between surfaces of nearest adjacent energy storage elements 164. This can be seen particularly well in Fig. 13.

[0427] The distances between the two energy storage elements 164 of several pairs of adjacent energy storage elements 164 are equal in the second embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 illustrated in Figs. 7 to 13. This is also evident from Fig. 11. Fig. 12 shows a shaped element 246. The shaped element has several positioning zones 248. The positioning zones 248 are storage element receiving zones 250. In the second embodiment of the energy storage unit 100, the energy storage elements 164 are arranged in the positioning zones 248. They are received in the storage element receiving zones 250. The distances between the adjacent positioning zones 248 of the shaped element 246 determine the distances between the adjacent energy storage elements 164.

[0428] The shaped element 246 comprises a plurality of tempering fluid guide elements 252. The tempering fluid guide elements 252 each have a tempering fluid passage 254.

[0429] In the second embodiment of the energy storage unit 100, the shaped element 246 defines a first tempering zone 258 located on one side of the shaped element and a second tempering zone 256 located on the opposite side of the shaped element 246. This is particularly evident in Fig. 9. A tempering fluid can pass from the first tempering zone 258 into the second tempering zone 256 through the tempering fluid passages 254.

[0430] Fig. 13 shows that a reinforcing element 172 extends through a prism 230, which can be used to approximate the position of adjacent energy storage elements. The reinforcing element 172 extends through the prism 230, in particular also through the top surface and the base surface of the prism.

[0431] 14 to 16 illustrate a third embodiment of an energy storage unit 100. The energy storage unit 100 comprises a temperature control fluid barrier 108. The temperature control fluid barrier 108 extends around a temperature control chamber 170. The energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 164. The energy storage elements 164 can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control chamber 170 by means of a temperature control fluid.

[0432] The third embodiment of an energy storage unit 100 illustrated in Figs. 14 to 16 comprises a monitoring unit 260. The monitoring unit 260 is a monitoring circuit 262. The monitoring circuit 262 is a cell monitoring circuit 264. The cell monitoring circuit may, in particular, be a so-called Cell Supervisory Circuit (CSC) 266. By means of the monitoring unit 260, differences in the charge states of the energy storage elements 164 can be completely or partially avoided or compensated.

[0433] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 to 16, the monitoring unit 260 is arranged in a monitoring zone 268. The monitoring zone 268 is located in the monitoring room 270.

[0434] The temperature control fluid barrier 108 also forms a monitoring space barrier 272. The temperature control fluid barrier 108 thus also extends around the monitoring zone 268 and around the monitoring unit 260 located therein.

[0435] In Figs. 14 and 15, a shielding material 274, which can prevent or reduce an inflow of the tempering fluid to the monitoring unit, is not shown.

[0436] Such a shielding material 274 is shown in Figure 16, in which the energy storage unit 100 is depicted in a highly simplified manner. The monitoring unit 260 is embedded in the shielding material 274. The shielding material comprises a plastic material 276. The plastic material 276 is porous. It is a foam-like shielding material. It can be, for example, a plastic foam material 278.

[0437] The plastic foam material 278 is fluid-tight. This ensures that the flow of temperature control fluid to the monitoring unit 260 is prevented or reduced.

[0438] The average density of the plastic foam material can be, for example, 0.08 g / cm 3 be.

[0439] The third embodiment of an energy storage unit 100 shown in Figs. 14 to 16 can be manufactured, for example, by arranging the monitoring unit 260 in the monitoring space 270 and filling the monitoring space 270 with foam. Here, the monitoring unit 260 can be introduced into the monitoring space 270, and the foaming can take place in a later process step. Alternatively, the monitoring space 270 can be completely or partially filled with foam. This can be done, for example, with a foaming agent. The arrangement of the monitoring unit 260 in the monitoring space 270 can take place, for example, in the foaming agent located therein in a later process step.

[0440] Figs. 17 to 22 show further details of the energy storage unit 100 from Figs. 14 to 16.

[0441] Figure 17 shows that the energy storage unit 100 has an inlet 150 and an outlet 148. The two corresponding openings 144 and 146 extend through the temperature control fluid barrier 108. The temperature control fluid can be supplied to the temperature control chamber through the inlet 150. The temperature control fluid can be discharged from the temperature control chamber through the outlet.

[0442] Fig. 17 shows that a first extension of the energy storage unit 100 in a first direction 152 is greater than a second extension of the energy storage unit 100 in a second direction 154.

[0443] Fig. 17 also shows that the first extension of the energy storage unit 100 in the first direction 152 is greater than a third extension of the energy storage unit 100 in a third direction 156.

[0444] Each of the three directions 152, 154, and 156 is oriented orthogonally to the other two directions. This means that the first direction 152 is oriented orthogonally to the second direction 154 and the third direction 156, the second direction 154 is oriented orthogonally to the first direction 152 and the third direction 156, and the third direction 156 is oriented orthogonally to the first direction 152 and the second direction 154.

[0445] The first direction 152 is a longitudinal extension direction 158. An extension of the energy storage unit 100 in the first direction 152 can thus be understood as a length of the energy storage unit 100. The second direction 154 is a width extension direction 160. A second extension of the energy storage unit 100 in the second direction 154 can thus be understood as a width of the energy storage unit 100.

[0446] The third direction 156 is a height extension direction 162. An extension of the energy storage unit 100 in the third direction 156 can thus be understood as a height of the energy storage unit 100.

[0447] The temperature control fluid barrier 108 has a plurality of barrier zones 112. These were described in connection with other embodiments of the energy storage unit 100, so they will not be repeated in this regard. One of the barrier zones 112 is a front-side barrier zone 113. The temperature control fluid barrier 108 therefore has a front-side barrier zone 113. The inlet 150 and the outlet 148 extend through the front-side barrier zone 113. They extend through the front-side barrier zone 113 such that a supply flow direction 280 of the temperature control fluid that can be supplied to the temperature control chamber through the inlet 150 is oriented opposite a discharge flow direction 282 of the temperature control fluid that can be discharged from the temperature control chamber through the outlet 148.

[0448] The frontal barrier zone 113 is oriented such that the frontal barrier zone 113 can be described by two mutually parallel and spaced-apart frontal planes 284 and 286. The two frontal planes 284 and 286 are oriented orthogonally to the first direction 152. The frontal barrier zone 113 extends between these two frontal planes 284 and 286.

[0449] The two end face planes 284 and 286 are shown in Fig. 17.

[0450] The inlet 150 and the outlet 148 are offset from each other in the third direction 156. The two corresponding openings 144 and 146 are offset from each other in the frontal barrier zone 113 in the third direction 156.

[0451] Fig. 17 shows that the third embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 shown there also has reinforcing elements 172. The exploded view shown in Fig. 18 shows that the energy storage unit includes a temperature control fluid collection channel 288 and the outlet 148 is in fluid communication with the temperature control fluid collection channel 288.

[0452] In the energy storage unit 100, the temperature control fluid collection channel 288 is oriented such that a first section 292 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288, which is closer to the outlet 148 in the temperature control fluid flow direction 290, is offset less far in the first direction 152 from the outlet 148 than a second section 294 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288, which is further away from the outlet 148 in the temperature control fluid flow direction 290. At the same time, the temperature control fluid collection channel 288 is oriented such that the first section 292 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288, which is closer to the outlet 148 in the temperature control fluid flow direction 290, is offset the same distance in the third direction 156 from the outlet 148 as the first section 294 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288, which is further away from the outlet 148 in the temperature control fluid flow direction 290. Outlet 148 remote second section 294 of the tempering fluid collection channel 288.

[0453] The tempering fluid collection channel 288 has a fluid collection passage 296 through which the tempering fluid can be transferred from a tempering zone into the tempering fluid collection channel 288.

[0454] The fluid collection passage 296 widens with increasing distance from the second outlet 148. Therefore, a cross-section of the fluid collection passage 296 in the first section 292 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288 is smaller than in the second section 294 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288. A width of the fluid collection passage 296 measurable transversely to the temperature control fluid flow direction 290 is also smaller in the first section 292 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288 than in the second section 294 of the temperature control fluid collection channel 288. The width of the fluid collection passage 296 can be determined in the second direction 154.

[0455] In Fig. 19, the energy storage unit 100 is shown from above. The viewer's line of sight runs counter to the third direction 156. Fig. 19 also shows that the monitoring space 270 and the monitoring space barrier 272 surrounding the monitoring space are formed opposite the outlet 148 and the inlet 150. Fig. 20 corresponds to Fig. 19, with all elements and components that cover the energy storage elements 164 in Fig. 19 being omitted. Fig. 21 shows the end-side barrier zone 113 in an enlarged view. The viewer's line of sight runs counter to the discharge flow direction 282 and along the supply flow direction 280.

[0456] Fig. 22 shows a section along the line XXII-XXII shown in Fig. 19.

[0457] The section shown in Fig. 22 illustrates the structure of the reinforcement elements 172 installed in the energy storage unit 100 according to the third embodiment. The reinforcement element 172 shown there in section comprises a counter-reinforcement element 188. The counter-reinforcement element 188 is a support reinforcement element 190. The mode of operation of the counter-reinforcement element 188 was explained in connection with Fig. 3. Therefore, repetition is omitted.

[0458] The reinforcement element 172 comprises two fastening elements 298. The two fastening elements 298 are screws 300. The fastening elements can be used to fasten the counter-reinforcement element 188 to the two barrier zones 112. One of the two barrier zones 112 is a first barrier zone 126. The other of the two barrier zones 112 is a second barrier zone 184. The reinforcement element 172 extends from the first barrier zone 126 to the second barrier zone 184. The reinforcement element 172 shown in Fig. 22 has a shoulder zone 302, a neck zone 304, and a head zone 306. It has a shoulder zone 302, a neck zone 304, and a head zone 306 at each of the two ends of the reinforcement element 172. A fixing zone 308 is located at the neck zone between the respective head zone and the respective shoulder zone. The first barrier zone 126 extends into one of the two fixing zones 308.The second barrier zone 184 extends into the other of the two fixing zones 308.

[0459] The two fixing elements 298 each form the head zones 306. The two ends of the counter-reinforcing element 188 form the two shoulder zones 302.

[0460] The counter-reinforcing element 188 and the two fixing elements 298 have intermeshing threads. Figure 23 shows a section through an energy storage unit 100 according to the invention. The energy storage unit 100 shown in Figure 23 can be an energy storage unit 100 according to the first, second, third, or fourth embodiments described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 22.

[0461] In particular, the tempering zone 255, e.g., the first tempering zone 258, can also be configured in the first, second, third, or fourth embodiment as described below with reference to Figs. 23 to 37.

[0462] Figure 23 shows an energy storage unit 100, which is an energy storage module 102. The energy storage unit 100 comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 164 and a temperature control fluid barrier 108.

[0463] The energy storage elements 164 are electrochemical energy storage elements 166. They are battery cells 168. In particular, they can be rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells.

[0464] The temperature control fluid barrier extends around a temperature control chamber 170. The energy storage elements 164 shown can be temperature controlled in the temperature control chamber 170 by means of a temperature control fluid.

[0465] The temperature control fluid barrier 108 shown in Fig. 23 has a barrier zone 112. The barrier zone is a wall zone 114. The barrier zone 112 is reinforced by a reinforcing element 172. The reinforcing element 172 shown in Fig. 23 is an external reinforcing element 330. This can, in particular, be reinforcing ribs that run along an outer surface of the barrier element 115 shown.

[0466] The reinforcement element 172 reinforces the barrier zone 112 against outward bending of the barrier zone 112. In particular, the reinforcement element 172 can reinforce the barrier zone 112 against bulging of the barrier zone 112. The outer reinforcement elements 330 shown in Fig. 23 do not extend from the barrier zone 112 into the temperature control chamber 170. The barrier zone 112 comprises a barrier element 115. The barrier element 115 is a second barrier element 130. The second barrier element 130 is a cover element 118. The cover element 118 is a base element.

[0467] The temperature control chamber 170 has a temperature control zone 255. The temperature control zone is a first temperature control zone 258.

[0468] The energy storage unit 100 comprises a flow disturbance unit 312. The flow disturbance unit 312 is arranged in the tempering zone 255, i.e., in the first tempering zone 258.

[0469] The energy storage unit 100 comprises, for each energy storage element 164, a plurality of current-conducting elements 318, 320 extending from the interior of the respective energy storage element 164 into the temperature control zone 255, which can be temperature-controlled in the temperature control zone 255 using the temperature control fluid. The current-conducting elements 318, 320, each extending from the interior of one of the energy storage elements 164, together form a storage element contact zone 316. The storage element contact zone 316 functions as a pole 356, wherein the poles 356 of the energy storage elements 164 shown are each positive poles 358.

[0470] The energy storage unit 100 comprises a contacting element 338. This may be a contacting element 338 of a contacting system 336, which is described in more detail herein, particularly with reference to Figs. 33 to 37.

[0471] Through the contacting element 338, a section 341 of an electrically conductive connection 339 exists from at least one of the energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 to a contacting zone of the energy storage unit 100. This is not apparent from Fig. 23.

[0472] The electrical energy or a part of the electrical energy can be taken from the energy storage unit or supplied to the energy storage unit via the contacting zone 350 and the contacting element 338.

[0473] The contacting element 338 extends into the tempering zone 255. Fig. 23 shows that the contacting element 338 has the flow disturbance unit 312.

[0474] In addition, at least a portion of the tempering zone 255, i.e. the first tempering zone 258, extends on the contacting element 338 up to the current conducting elements 318, 320 of the right of the two energy storage elements 164 shown and around these current conducting elements.

[0475] The contacting element 338 functions simultaneously as a fluid guide unit 310 and as a temperature zone division unit 314.

[0476] The flow disturbance unit 312 functions as a turbulator 326. The flow disturbance unit 312 has a passage zone 324 that extends through the contacting element 338.

[0477] While the tempering fluid in the tempering zone 255 tends to have a laminar flow at certain flow velocities, turbulence may occur more frequently at the flow disturbance unit 312 at the same flow velocity, which turbulence may result in increased cooling of the energy storage element 164, which is shown on the right in Fig. 23, due to the greater mixing of the tempering fluid.

[0478] Figs. 24 and 25 show exemplary possibilities for the design of the flow disturbance unit 312. In each case, only a small section of Fig. 23 is shown, from which the deviations from Fig. 23 can be seen.

[0479] Fig. 24 shows that the contacting element 338 has a bend 334 on the flow disturbance unit 312, so that a bent section 332 of the contacting element can act as a fluid deflection element 332. The fluid deflection element 332 can, in particular, cause a tempering fluid flowing on one side of the contacting element 338 to strike the fluid deflection element 332 and escape through the passage zone 324, whereby increased turbulence can occur in a contact tempering zone 322 and thus greater cooling of the energy storage element 164 can be achieved. This can also be achieved by the design option of the flow disturbance unit 312 shown in Fig. 25. Instead of the bend 334 shown in Fig. 24, there are three bends 334 in the design option shown in Fig. 25. Due to these bends 334, the contacting element 338 is bent in a substantially U-shape in the section shown.

[0480] A fifth embodiment of an energy storage unit 100 according to the invention is shown in Figs. 26 to 32.

[0481] The fifth embodiment of the energy storage unit 100 according to the invention shown in Fig. 26 is similar in many respects to the energy storage units 100 of the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, repetitions in the description of the figures are largely omitted. The thermal fluid barrier 108 shown in Fig. 26 has a barrier zone 112. The barrier zone 112 shown there is also reinforced by reinforcing elements 172. Some of the reinforcing elements 172 can be seen in Fig. 26. These reinforcing elements 172 are external reinforcing elements 330, which are arranged on the outside of the barrier zone 112. The outer reinforcement elements 330 are arranged in a grid-like manner at a plurality of barrier zones 112, wherein a part of the outer reinforcement elements 330 extends in one direction and another part of the outer reinforcement elements 330 extends in another direction along the respective barrier zone 112.

[0482] As will be clear from the following figures, the energy storage unit 100 shown in Fig. 26 further comprises reinforcing elements 172 which extend from a barrier zone 112 into a temperature control chamber.

[0483] In Fig. 27, the energy storage unit 100 from Fig. 26 is shown without the base element 132. This reveals components of the contacting system 336 and monitoring system 340 included in the energy storage unit 100. Removing the base element 132 also provides a view of the reinforcement elements 172.

[0484] Fig. 28 shows the energy storage unit 100 from Fig. 27 from below. The energy storage unit 100 shown comprises a monitoring system 340 and a contacting system 336. It comprises contacting elements 338. One of the contacting elements establishes a section 341 of an electrically conductive connection 339 from energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 to a contacting zone 350 of the energy storage unit 100. The energy storage elements 164 and the contacting zone 350 are not visible in Fig. 28. The same applies to the second contacting element 338 shown in Fig. 28. The second contacting element 338 establishes a section 341 of a further electrically conductive connection 339 from energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 to the other contacting zone of the energy storage unit 100. The other contact zone 350 is also not visible in Fig. 28.

[0485] From Fig. 28 it can also be clearly seen that the two contacting elements 338 each have reinforcing element recesses 370.

[0486] Reinforcing elements 172 extend through the reinforcing element recesses 370 into the temperature control chamber 170.

[0487] The representation shown in Fig. 29 corresponds to that in Fig. 28, wherein the monitoring system 340 is not shown.

[0488] Fig. 30 shows a section through the energy storage unit 100 from Fig. 26 along the line XX. In Fig. 30, the respective tempering fluid flow direction is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0489] Figure 30 also shows a temperature control fluid collection channel 208 and a temperature control fluid distribution channel 210. These two channels 208, 210 extend along the viewing direction. The inlet 150 is in fluid communication with the temperature control fluid distribution channel 210. The outlet 148 is in fluid communication with the temperature control fluid collection channel 208.

[0490] The energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 shown in Fig. 30 each have a first end 366 and a second end 368. For reasons of clarity, only one of the energy storage elements 164 is provided with the two reference numerals 366 and 368. The energy storage elements 164 each have a first end 366 facing the first tempering zone 258.

[0491] Fig. 31 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 30. Fig. 31 shows that the energy storage elements 164 each have two storage element contact zones 316. One of the storage element contact zones 316 is a positive pole 358. The other of the storage element contact zones 316 is a negative pole 360. The two aforementioned storage element contact zones 316 are arranged at the first end 366 of the respective energy storage element 164.

[0492] Fig. 31 shows that the energy storage unit 100 comprises a connection zone 348 in which storage element contact zones 316 of different energy storage elements 164 are electrically conductively connected to one another.

[0493] In the connection zone, the storage element contact zones of different energy storage elements are each connected to one another via one of several connecting devices 384.

[0494] Fig. 32 shows the section from Fig. 30 in perspective. From the illustration shown there, it is clear that the two contacting elements 338 each establish at least one section 341 of an electrically conductive connection 339 from at least one of the energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 to one of two contacting zones 350 of the energy storage unit 100. The contacting zone shown on the left in Fig. 32 is a first contacting zone 352. The contacting zone shown on the right in Fig. 32 is a second contacting zone 354.

[0495] In the area of ​​the contact zones 350, a terminal 342 can be present in each case, wherein a first terminal 344 can be present in the area of ​​the first contact zone 352 and a second terminal 346 can be present in the area of ​​the second contact zone 354.

[0496] Fig. 32 also shows that the two contacting elements are not directly electrically connected 339 to one of the energy storage elements 164. The electrically conductive connection 339 from the contacting elements 338 to the energy storage elements 164 is established via an edge connection device 386. A further section 343 of the respective electrically conductive connection 339 from the energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100 to the respective contacting zone 350 is established by an edge connection device 386.

[0497] Fig. 33 shows an example of a contacting system 336 according to the invention. The contacting system shown is installed in the energy storage unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment, which is illustrated in Figs. 26 to 32. The contacting system 336 shown is a contacting system 336 for contacting energy storage elements 164. The contacting of energy storage elements 164 can take place on the connection side 390. The contacting system is also suitable for guiding a temperature control fluid in a temperature control zone 255, 256, 258 of an energy storage unit 100, for example, an energy storage unit 100 according to one of the first to fifth embodiments described herein.

[0498] The contacting system 336 includes a support element 372. The support element can serve, for example, to hold the energy storage elements 164 in desired positions. The support element 372 can also serve to hold the connecting devices 384, which are described with reference to the following figures, in desired positions.

[0499] Fig. 34 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 33. Fig. 34 shows that the support element 372 has positioning elements 374. The positioning elements 374 can serve to hold the energy storage elements 164 on the connection side 390 in the desired positions.

[0500] Figure 34 shows that the contacting system 336 has connection zones 376. The connection zones 376 include positive pole connection zones 378 and negative pole connection zones 380.

[0501] Fig. 35 shows the contacting system 336, which is also shown in Figs. 33 and 34, without the carrier element 372. Fig. 35 shows that the contacting system 336 has a plurality of connecting devices 384 extending substantially parallel to one another. The connecting devices 384 also extend substantially parallel to the edge connecting devices 386 provided at each of the two edges. The connecting devices 384 are each connecting devices that have at least two connecting zones 376, 378, and 380 that are electrically conductively connected to one another. They each have at least two positive pole connecting zones 378 and negative pole connecting zones 380 that are electrically conductively connected to one another.

[0502] Figure 36 shows a section through the illustration in Figure 35 along the line XXXVI-XXXVI. One of the connecting devices 384 forms a first connecting device. A connecting device 384 immediately adjacent to it forms a second connecting device 394.

[0503] A negative pole connection zone 380 is formed on a contact portion 396 of the first connecting device 392. A positive pole connection zone 378 is formed on a contact portion 396 of the second connecting device 394.

[0504] These two contact sections 396 border on a contact tempering zone 322.

[0505] The contacting element 338 has the flow disturbance unit 312 at the contact temperature control zone 322. The flow disturbance unit 312 functions as a turbulator 326. In the example shown, it is designed as a passage zone 324. In the contact temperature control zone 322, a particularly efficient possibility for cooling an energy storage element 164 can arise via the storage element contact zone 316 and the current-conducting elements 318, 320 extending thereto.

[0506] Fig. 37 corresponds to Fig. 36, with the connecting devices 384 not shown. It is clear from Figs. 36 and 37 that the insulating material 362 prevents direct electrical contact of the portion of the contacting element 338 extending along the connecting zone 348 with the connecting zone 348. The insulating material 362 forms a layer 364 disposed between the contacting element 338 and the connecting devices 384.

[0507] Fig. 38 also shows the energy storage unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Deviating from the illustration in Fig. 27, a temperature control fluid guide element 211 is additionally shown. The temperature control fluid guide element 211 is a first temperature control fluid guide element 212. Furthermore, the energy storage unit 100 comprises a further temperature control fluid guide element 211. The further temperature control fluid guide element 211 is a second temperature control fluid guide element 216. The second temperature control fluid guide element 216 is arranged opposite the first temperature control fluid guide element 212. Fig. 39 shows the energy storage unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment without the cover element 120. The second temperature control fluid guide element 216 is arranged on the top side under the cover element 120. The first temperature control fluid guide element 212 is arranged on the underside above the base element 132.

[0508] From Figs. 38 and 39, it is clear that the energy storage unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment comprises two temperature control fluid guide zones 414. One temperature control fluid guide zone 414 is a temperature control fluid distribution zone 418. It is shown in Fig. 38. The other temperature control fluid guide zone 414 is a temperature control fluid collection zone 416. It is shown in Fig. 39. The energy storage units 100 according to the first to fourth embodiments also each comprise two temperature control fluid guide zones 414, wherein one of the temperature control fluid guide zones 414 is a temperature control fluid collection zone 416 and the other of the temperature control fluid guide zones 414 is a temperature control fluid distribution zone 418.

[0509] Details in this regard are described below using the fifth embodiment as an example with reference to Figs. 38 to 45.

[0510] The two tempering fluid guide zones 414 shown in Figs. 38 and 39 each extend through a tempering fluid guide channel 398.

[0511] Figure 38 illustrates that the temperature control fluid guide zone 414 shown therein comprises a first guide zone section 420 and a second guide zone section 426. The first guide zone section 420 shown therein is a first distribution zone section 422. The second guide zone section 426 shown therein is a second distribution zone section 428.

[0512] The temperature control fluid guide zone 414 shown in Fig. 39 also comprises a first guide zone section 420 and a second guide zone section 426. The first guide zone section 420 shown there is a first collection zone section 424. The second guide zone section 426 shown there is a second collection zone section 430.

[0513] The two first guide zone sections 420 shown in Figs. 38 and 39 are opposite each other. The two second guide zone sections 426 shown in Figs. 38 and 39 are also opposite each other.

[0514] Both the two guide zone sections 420 and 426 shown in Fig. 38 and the two guide zone sections 420 and 426 shown in Fig. 39 follow one another indirectly in the tempering fluid flow direction 290 in which the tempering fluid can be guided in the respective tempering fluid guide zone.

[0515] Both the guide zone sections 420 and 426 shown in Fig. 38 and the guide zone sections 420 and 426 shown in Fig. 39 are offset from one another in a first direction 152, which is a longitudinal extension direction 158 of the energy storage unit 100.

[0516] The guide zone sections 420 and 426 are not demarcated in any way from the areas of the tempering fluid guide zones 414 adjacent to the guide zone sections 420 and 426.

[0517] However, the guide zone sections 420 and 426 are selected such that a first guide zone section extent 432 of the first guide zone section 420 in the first direction 152 is the same size as a second guide zone section extent 434 of the second guide zone section 426 in the first direction 152.

[0518] The tempering fluid distribution zone 418 shown in Fig. 38 extends through a tempering fluid distribution channel 210.

[0519] The tempering fluid collection zone 416 shown in Fig. 39 extends through a tempering fluid collection channel.

[0520] The temperature control chamber 170 of the energy storage unit 100 has two temperature control zones 255. The temperature control zone 255 shown in Fig. 38 is a first temperature control zone 258. The temperature control zone 255 shown in Fig. 39 is a second temperature control zone 256. The temperature control fluid guide zone 414 shown in Fig. 38 is fluidly connected to the first temperature control zone 258 via a plurality of passages 412.

[0521] The temperature control fluid guide zone 414 shown in Fig. 39 is fluidly connected to the second temperature control zone 256 via several passages 412. In both temperature control fluid guide zones 414, the passages are designed such that a second flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255 and the second guide zone section 426 is lower than a first flow resistance for the transfer of the temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255 and the first guide zone section 420.

[0522] There are various ways to adjust the flow resistance of the passages.

[0523] This is illustrated by the tempering fluid guide elements 211 shown in Figs. 40 to 45, which can be used optionally as the first tempering fluid guide element 212 (cf. Fig. 38) or as the second tempering fluid guide element 216 (cf. Fig. 39).

[0524] Depending on the use as the first tempering fluid guide element 212 or as the second tempering fluid guide element 216, the tempering fluid guide zone 414 can function as a tempering fluid distribution zone 418 or as a tempering fluid collection zone 416.

[0525] The temperature control fluid distribution zone 418 may extend through a temperature control fluid distribution channel 210. The temperature control fluid collection zone 416 may extend through a temperature control fluid collection channel 208.

[0526] When the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 40 is used as a first tempering fluid guide element, the first guide zone section 420 is a first distribution zone section 422 and the second guide zone section 426 is a second distribution zone section 428.

[0527] If the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 40 is used as a second

[0528] When the tempering fluid guide element 216 is used, the first guide zone section 420 is a first collection zone section 424 and the second guide zone section 426 is a second collection zone section 430.

[0529] A first temperature control fluid guide channel section 400 may extend through the first guide zone section 420. A first temperature control fluid distribution channel section 402 may extend through the first distribution zone section 422. A first temperature control fluid collection channel section 404 may extend through the first collection zone section 424.

[0530] The first temperature control fluid distribution channel section 402 can, for example, be the first section 292, which is also described herein in connection with other figures. The first temperature control fluid collection channel section 404 can, for example, be the first section 292, which is also described herein in connection with other figures.

[0531] The second temperature control fluid distribution channel section 408 can, for example, be the second section 294, which is also described herein in connection with other figures. The second temperature control fluid collection channel section 410 can, for example, be the second section 294, which is also described herein in connection with other figures.

[0532] In Fig. 40, a first guide zone section extension 432 of the first guide zone section 420 in the first direction 152 is the same size as a second guide zone section extension 434 of the second guide zone section 426 in the first direction 152.

[0533] When the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 40 is used according to the invention in an energy storage unit 100, the tempering fluid guide zone 414 can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to one of the two tempering zones 255, 256, 258 via a plurality of passages 412.

[0534] It is directly evident from Fig. 40 that the passages 412 are designed such that a second flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255, 256, 258 and the second guide zone section 426 is lower than a first flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255, 256, 258 and the first guide zone section 420. For this purpose, a first cross section 436 of a passage 412 in the first guide zone section 420 is smaller than a second cross section 438 of another passage 412 in the second guide zone section 426.

[0535] Fig. 41 shows a further temperature control fluid guide element 211. A dimension 440 of a passage 412 in the first guide zone section 420 is smaller than a dimension 440 of another passage in the second guide zone section 426. In Fig. 41, the dimension 440 is a diameter 446. The diameter 446 is a smallest diameter 442.

[0536] The temperature control fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 42 is similar to the temperature control fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 41. In the temperature control fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 42, the temperature control fluid guide zone 414 has a tapered zone 450. The temperature control fluid guide zone 414 tapers in the tapered zone 450 in the temperature control fluid flow direction 290, in which the temperature control fluid can be guided in the temperature control fluid guide zone 414. Alternatively, it can be provided that the temperature control fluid guide zone tapers in the tapered zone 450 opposite to the temperature control fluid flow direction 290. This depends on whether the tempering fluid guide element 211 is used as a second tempering fluid guide element 216 for collecting tempering fluid or as a first tempering fluid guide element for distributing tempering fluid.

[0537] Fig. 43 shows the tempering fluid guide element 211 from Fig. 42 in a perspective view.

[0538] Fig. 43 shows that the tempering fluid guide zone 414 tapers in the tapering zone 450 in a second direction 154, which may be, for example, the width direction 160 of the energy storage unit 100.

[0539] Fig. 44 shows the tempering fluid guide element 211 from Fig. 41 in a perspective view.

[0540] Both in the case of the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Figs. 41 and 44 and in the case of the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Figs. 42 and 43, a number of passages 412 in the first guide zone section 420 is less than a number of passages 412 in the second guide zone section 426. This is illustrated in Fig. 41 by way of example for the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Figs. 41 and

[0541] 44 is shown.

[0542] The temperature control fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 45 also has a passage 412, via which the temperature control fluid guide zone 414 can be fluidly connected to a temperature control zone 255, 256, 258. The passage is designed such that a second flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255, 256, 258 and the second guide zone section 426 is lower than a first flow resistance for the transfer of temperature control fluid between the temperature control zone 255, 256, 258 and the first guide zone section 420.

[0543] A dimension 440 of the passage 412 in the first guide zone section 420 is smaller than a dimension 440 of the same passage 412 in the second guide zone section 426. The dimension may, for example, be a slot width of the slot shown in Fig.

[0544] 45 shown slot-shaped passage 412.

[0545] Furthermore, in the tempering fluid guide element 211 shown in Fig. 45, a first cross section 436 of the passage 412 in the first guide zone section 420 is smaller than a second cross section 438 of the same passage in the second guide zone section 426. The cross section can in particular be the cross-sectional area that the section of the passage 412 located in the respective guide zone section 420 or 426 has.

[0546] In Figs. 38 and 39, a shortest temperature control path 452 is shown in dotted lines. The shortest temperature control path 452 leads from a passage 412, shown in Fig. 38, via the first temperature control zone 258, also shown in Fig. 38, through a temperature control fluid passage 254 into the second temperature control zone 256, which can be seen in Fig. 39. The shortest temperature control path 452 continues via the second temperature control zone 256 to a passage 412, shown in Fig. 39.

[0547] Additionally, Figure 39 shows a maximum distance between passage ends 454. This maximum distance is also shown as a dotted line. A dotted line connects the two passage ends 454. It can be seen from Figures 38 and 39 that the length of the shortest temperature control path 452 is at most 150% of the maximum distance between passage ends 454 measurable in the first direction 152.

[0548] In all embodiments shown in the figures, the temperature control chamber 170 has a first temperature control zone and a second temperature control zone. Furthermore, the energy storage units 100 each have a plurality of temperature control fluid passages 254. The temperature control fluid passages 254 each fluidically connect the first temperature control zone 258 to the second temperature control zone 256. Figure 9 shows, as an example of one of the embodiments, the first temperature control zone 258 and the second temperature control zone 256. In the embodiment shown there, the temperature control fluid passages 254 are integrated into the molded element 246, which is shown in Figure 12.

[0549] The invention does not preclude the presence of one or more additional temperature control zones between the first temperature control zone 258 and the second temperature control zone 256. This means that the temperature control fluid passages 254 do not necessarily have to lead directly from the first temperature control zone 258 to the second temperature control zone 256.

[0550] It is conceivable that there is an indirect connection between the first temperature control zone 258 and the second temperature control zone 256 via one or more temperature control fluid passages 254 and at least one further temperature control zone. For example, further temperature control fluid passages can be provided between one of the further temperature control zones and the second temperature control zone 256.

[0551] Fig. 39 illustrates, for another embodiment, that a plurality of temperature control fluid passages 254 comprise a first passage section 456 and a second passage section 458, wherein a passage section extension 460 of the first passage section 456 in a first direction 152, which is the longitudinal extension direction 158 of the energy storage unit 100, is the same size as a second passage section extension 462 of the second passage section 458 in the first direction 152.

[0552] The two passage sections 456 and 458 are offset from one another in the first direction 152. It is possible for the temperature control fluid passages 254 to be configured such that a second passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone 258 into the second temperature control zone 256 in the second passage section 458 is lower than a first passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone 258 into the second temperature control zone 256 in the first passage section 456.

[0553] When considering Fig. 39, it is clear that a second tempering fluid guide path 465 leading from the inlet 150 to the outlet 148 centrally through the second passage section 458 is longer than a first tempering fluid guide path 464 leading from the inlet 150 to the outlet centrally through the first passage section. Arrows are shown in Fig. 39 which indicate the course of the first tempering fluid guide path 464 leading through the first passage section 456 in the second tempering zone 256.

[0554] It may be advantageous if a dimension 440 of a temperature control fluid passage 254 in the first passage section 456 is smaller than a dimension 440 of the same temperature control fluid passage 254 or of another temperature control fluid passage 254 in the second passage section 458. The dimension may in particular be a diameter 446, for example a smallest diameter 442.

[0555] It is conceivable that a first cross section 436 of a temperature control fluid passage 254 in the first passage section 456 is smaller than a second cross section 438 of the same temperature control fluid passage 254 or of another temperature control fluid passage 254 in the second passage section 458.

[0556] It is also conceivable that a number of tempering fluid passages 254 in the first passage section 456 is smaller than a number of tempering fluid passages 254 in the second passage section 458.

[0557] In all embodiments shown in the figures, in a main flow direction 466, which is indicated by way of example in Fig. 38, starting from a temperature control fluid distribution zone 418, a maximum of 20 energy storage elements 164, e.g., a maximum of 12 energy storage elements 164, can be temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction 466. As Fig. 38 shows, the main flow direction 466 runs parallel to the second direction 154, which is a width direction 160 of the energy storage unit 100. The main flow direction 466 runs in this direction toward the temperature control fluid passage 254.

[0558] Fig. 39 shows a main counterflow direction 468. The main counterflow direction 468 runs counter to the main flow direction 466 through the second tempering zone 256 to a tempering fluid collection zone 416. In the main counterflow direction 468, starting from the tempering fluid passage 254, a maximum of 20 energy storage elements 164, e.g., a maximum of 12 energy storage elements 164, can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the main counterflow direction 468.

[0559] As is particularly clear from Fig. 30, in the main flow direction 466 in the first tempering zone 258, first ends 366 of the at most 20 energy storage elements 164, for example, of the at most 12 energy storage elements 164, can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction 466. Furthermore, in the opposite main flow direction 468 in the second tempering zone 256, second ends 368 of the at most 20 energy storage elements 164, for example, of the at most 12 energy storage elements 164, can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the opposite main flow direction 468.

[0560] The first ends 366 and second ends 368 are opposite ends 366 and 368 of the same maximum of 20 energy storage elements 164, for example of the same maximum of 12 energy storage elements 164.

[0561] In a method according to the invention for controlling the temperature of energy storage elements 164, a temperature control fluid is supplied to a first central region 470 of a first temperature control zone 258 of an energy storage unit 100. The first central region 470 extends in a longitudinal direction 471 of the first temperature control zone 258 through the first temperature control zone 258. The first central region divides the first temperature control zone 258 into an outflow zone 472 located on one side of the first central region 470 and a second outflow zone 474 located on the other side of the first central region 470. This is illustrated in Fig. 38 by way of example for the embodiment of an energy storage unit 100 shown there. The tempering fluid supplied to the first tempering zone 258 is divided between the first outflow zone 472 and the second outflow zone 474 and is guided there in heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements 164 of the energy storage unit 100.

[0562] In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the tempering fluid guided and heated in the heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements 164 in a directly or indirectly preceding method step is discharged from the energy storage unit 100.

[0563] Fig. 38 also shows that at least a portion of the tempering fluid supplied to the first tempering zone 258 spreads in the first outflow zone 472 and in the second outflow zone 474 in mutually opposite main flow directions 466.

[0564] The number of energy storage elements 164 following one another along the main flow directions 466 starting from the first central region 470 is so small and, in addition, so much temperature control fluid is conveyed through the energy storage unit 100 that the temperature of the temperature control fluid flowing out of the energy storage unit during a charging process of the energy storage unit 100, in which the energy storage unit 100 is conveyed from a charge state of 10% to a charge state of 90% in 30 minutes, does not exceed a temperature of the temperature control fluid flowing into the energy storage unit by more than 6 K, preferably not by more than 4 K, for example not by more than 2.5 K.

[0565] List of reference symbols

[0566] Energy storage unit

[0567] Energy storage module electrochemical energy storage unit electrochemical energy storage module T emperierfluid barrier

[0568] Housing

[0569] Barrier zone frontal barrier zone

[0570] Wall zone

[0571] Barrier element first barrier element

[0572] Cover element

[0573] Cover element

[0574] Cover section

[0575] Channel barrier zone first barrier zone first wall zone second barrier element

[0576] Floor element second barrier zone third barrier element

[0577] Frame wall element

[0578] Barrier zone

[0579] Frame first opening second opening

[0580] Outlet

[0581] Entrance first direction second direction third direction

[0582] Longitudinal direction

[0583] Width direction Height direction Energy storage element Electrochemical energy storage element Battery cell

[0584] Temperature control room

[0585] Reinforcing element sleeve

[0586] recess

[0587] Wall end

[0588] Sealing element

[0589] Weld seam second barrier zone second wall zone

[0590] Counter reinforcement element Support reinforcement element End first end second end

[0591] Recess first recess second recess hollow cylindrical reinforcement wall hollow cylindrical recess tempering fluid collection channel tempering fluid distribution channel tempering fluid guide element first tempering fluid guide element further covering section second tempering fluid guide element further channel barrier zone

[0592] Surface first plane second plane third plane fourth plane prism first prism second prism edge

[0593] Straight

[0594] Shell surface cylindrical recess second cylindrical recess form element

[0595] Positioning zone

[0596] Storage element receiving zone T empering fluid guide element T empering fluid passage T empering zone Second tempering zone First tempering zone Monitoring unit Monitoring circuit Cell monitoring circuit Cell Supervisory Circuit (CSC) Monitoring zone Monitoring space

[0597] Interstitial space barrier shielding material plastic material

[0598] Plastic foam material Supply flow direction Discharge flow direction , 286 Front side plane

[0599] Tempering fluid collection channel Tempering fluid flow direction first section second section Fluid collection passage fixing element screw

[0600] shoulder zone

[0601] Neck zone

[0602] Head zone

[0603] Determination zone

[0604] Fluid guide unit

[0605] Flow disturbance unit

[0606] Tempering zone division unit

[0607] Memory element contact zone

[0608] current conducting element

[0609] current conducting element

[0610] Contact tempering zone

[0611] Passing zone

[0612] Turbulator surface facing a tempering zone

[0613] External reinforcement element

[0614] Fluid deflection element

[0615] bend

[0616] Contacting system

[0617] Contacting element electrically conductive connection

[0618] monitoring system

[0619] Section

[0620] Terminal first terminal second terminal

[0621] Connection zone

[0622] Contact zone first contact zone second contact zone

[0623] pole

[0624] positive pole

[0625] negative pole

[0626] insulating material

[0627] Layer first end second end

[0628] Reinforcing element recess

[0629] Support element

[0630] Positioning element

[0631] Connection zone

[0632] Positive pole connection zone

[0633] Negative pole connection zone

[0634] Connecting device

[0635] Edge connecting device

[0636] Connection side first connection device second connection device

[0637] Contact section

[0638] T empering fluid guide channel first T empering fluid guide channel section first T empering fluid distribution channel section first T empering fluid collection channel section second T empering fluid distribution channel section second T empering fluid collection channel section

[0639] passage

[0640] T empering fluid guide zone

[0641] Tempering fluid collection zone

[0642] Tempering fluid distribution zone first guide zone section first distribution zone section first collection zone section second guide zone section second distribution zone section second collection zone section first guide zone section extension second guide zone section extension first cross section second cross section

[0643] Dimension of smallest diameter

[0644] diameter

[0645] Tapering zone shortest tempering path passage end first passage section second passage section first passage section extension second passage section extension first tempering fluid guide path second tempering fluid guide path main flow direction

[0646] Main flow counter direction first central area

[0647] Longitudinal direction first outflow zone second outflow zone

Claims

Patent claims 1. Energy storage unit (100), wherein the energy storage unit (100) can in particular be an energy storage module (102) and / or the energy storage unit (100) can in particular be used to provide electrical energy for driving a motor vehicle, wherein the energy storage unit (100) comprises the following: a plurality of energy storage elements (164), preferably a plurality of electrochemical energy storage elements (166), e.g. a plurality of battery cells (168); and a temperature control fluid barrier (108), wherein the temperature control fluid barrier (108) extends around a temperature control chamber (170) and at least a plurality of the energy storage elements (164) can be temperature controlled by means of a temperature control fluid in the temperature control chamber (170).

2. Energy storage unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature control chamber (170) has a first temperature control zone (258) and a second temperature control zone (256) and the energy storage unit (100) has one or more temperature control fluid passages (254), wherein the one temperature control fluid passage (254) connects the first temperature control zone (258) to the second temperature control zone (256) in a fluid-conducting manner or several of the temperature control fluid passages (254) connect the first temperature control zone (258) to the second temperature control zone (256) in a fluid-conducting manner.

3. Energy storage unit (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the one temperature control fluid passage (254) or several of the temperature control fluid passages (254) comprise a first passage section (456) and a second passage section (458), wherein a first passage section extension (460) of the first passage section (456) in a first direction (152), e.g. the longitudinal direction (158), is equal to a second passage section extension (462) of the second passage section (458) in the first direction (152), wherein the two passage sections (456, 458) are adjacent to one another or offset from one another in the first direction (152).

4. Energy storage unit (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature control fluid passage (254) or the temperature control fluid passages (254) are designed such that a second passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone (258) into the second temperature control zone (256) in the second passage section (458) is lower than a first passage flow resistance for the passage of temperature control fluid from the first temperature control zone (258) into the second temperature control zone (256) in the first passage section (456).

5. Energy storage unit (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the energy storage unit (100) has an inlet (150) through which a temperature control fluid can be introduced into the energy storage unit (100), and an outlet (148) through which a temperature control fluid can flow out of the energy storage unit (100), wherein a second temperature control fluid guide path (466) leading from the inlet (150) to the outlet (148) centrally through the second passage section (458) is longer than a first temperature control fluid guide path (464) leading from the inlet (150) to the outlet (148) centrally through the first passage section (456).

6. Energy storage unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a dimension (440) of a temperature control fluid passage (254) in the first passage section (456) is smaller than a dimension (440), preferably the corresponding dimension (440), of the same temperature control fluid passage (254) or of another temperature control fluid passage (254) in the second passage section (458), wherein the dimension (440) can in particular be a diameter (446), for example a smallest diameter (442).

7. Energy storage unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a first cross section (436) of a tempering fluid passage (254) in the first passage section (456) is smaller than a second cross section (438) of the same tempering fluid passage (254) or of another tempering fluid passage (254) in the second passage section (458).

8. Energy storage unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a number of tempering fluid passages (254) in the first passage section (456) is less than a number of tempering fluid passages (254) in the second passage section (458).

9. Energy storage unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that in a main flow direction (466), which runs parallel to a second direction (154), e.g. a width direction (160), or counter to the second direction through the first tempering zone (258) towards the tempering fluid passage (254), starting from a tempering fluid distribution zone (418), a maximum of 20 energy storage elements (164), e.g. a maximum of 12 energy storage elements (164), can be flowed against and / or flowed around and / or can be temperature-controlled by means of the tempering fluid which can be guided in the main flow direction (466).

10. Energy storage unit (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that in a main flow counter direction (468), which runs counter to the main flow direction (466) through the second tempering zone (256) towards a tempering fluid collection zone (416), starting from the tempering fluid passage (254), a maximum of 20 energy storage elements (164), e.g. a maximum of 12 energy storage elements (164), can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid which can be guided in the opposite direction of the main flow (468).

11. Energy storage unit (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the main flow direction (466) in the first tempering zone (258), first ends (366) of the at most 20 energy storage elements (164), e.g., at most 12 energy storage elements (164), can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the main flow direction (466); and / or in the opposite main flow direction (468) in the second tempering zone (256), second ends (368) of the at most 20 energy storage elements (164), e.g., at most 12 energy storage elements (164), can be flowed against and / or around and / or can be tempered by means of the tempering fluid that can be guided in the opposite main flow direction (468); wherein it may be preferred if the first ends (366) and the second ends (368) are mutually opposite ends (366, 368) of at most 20 energy storage elements (164), e.g.a maximum of 12 energy storage elements (164).

12. Method for controlling the temperature of energy storage elements (164), preferably of electrochemical energy storage elements (166), e.g.of battery cells (168), an energy storage unit (100), wherein the energy storage unit (100) can in particular be an energy storage unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a temperature control fluid is supplied to a first central region (470) of a first temperature control zone (258) of the energy storage unit (100), wherein the first central region (470) extends in a longitudinal direction (472) of the first temperature control zone (258) through the first temperature control zone (258) and divides the first temperature control zone (258) into a first outflow zone (472) located on one side of the first central region (470) and into a second outflow zone (474) located on the other side of the first central region (470), wherein the temperature control fluid supplied to the first temperature control zone (258) is distributed between the first outflow zone (472) and the second outflow zone (474) is divided and there. each being guided in heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements (164) of the energy storage unit (100).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the tempering fluid guided in a directly or indirectly preceding method step in the heat exchange contact with a part of the energy storage elements (164) is discharged from the energy storage unit (100).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that at least a part of the tempering fluid supplied to the first tempering zone (258) spreads in the first outflow zone (472) and in the second outflow zone (474) in mutually opposite main flow directions (466).

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the number of energy storage elements (164) following one another along the main flow directions (466) starting from the first central region (470) is so small and so much temperature control fluid is conveyed through the energy storage unit that the temperature of the temperature control fluid discharged from the energy storage unit (100) during a charging process of the energy storage unit (100), in which the energy storage unit (100) is conveyed from a charge state of 20% to a charge state of 80% in less than 15 minutes, does not exceed a temperature of the temperature control fluid flowing into the energy storage unit (100) by more than 6 K, preferably not by more than 4 K, e.g. not by more than 2.5 K.

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