Battery box with improved thermal performance for vehicles and cooling method

Abstract

The invention is a thermal management method for the effective cooling of vehicle batteries comprising multiple battery packs (60) in the outer housing (10) forming the case (C), characterized in that the temperature change in the case (C) is detected locally by at least one temperature sensor (30) under the control of at least one electronically operated control unit (20), and at least one cooling material (42) is moved in the magnetic field formed on multiple paths formed between the battery packs (60).

Description

[0001] BATTERY BOX WITH IMPROVED THERMAL PERFORMANCE FOR VEHICLES AND COOLING METHOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a case structure with improved thermal performance for cooling the battery, suitable for use in electric vehicles.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The most important unit of vehicles (electric / hydrogen vehicle) is the main power storage unit. This process is usually accomplished with a battery consisting of packs with cells located in a special configuration in a chamber. The biggest problem with any kind of power storage in the state of the art is that it begins to heat up while the system is running. Battery systems are currently being developed to solve this problem.

[0006] In the state of the art, battery cases have a number of features in terms of thermal efficiency. In particular, the choice of material is crucial in terms of thermal conduction. Batteries used in electric vehicles are generally cooled by supporting air or liquid cooling systems. It is an undeniable fact that effective cooling is a requirement in terms of battery performance and life.

[0007] In liquid cooling systems, coolant is transmitted through specially developed channels in the battery case. Particularly if the temperature rises above the specified threshold value, the cooling system operates to try to reduce the battery to the optimum temperature. Said cooling system can operate before charging the battery, as well as during use.

[0008] In the state of the art, a compressor compresses the cooling component on the vehicle and absorbs energy from the outside air with a condenser. In addition, there is an electronic control module in these systems. In some applications in the state of the art, it is also possible to recover the waste heat generated.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention described in the KIPO patent document with publication number KR102120157B1 , there is described a battery pack for an electric vehicle comprising a thermal management device for a battery, and a battery tray having a case and a plurality of mounting grooves for mounting battery cells mounted in the case. To control the temperature of the battery cells, there is a module in the battery tray filled with a Phase Change Material (PCM) that changes phase depending on the temperature of the battery cells, for cooling or heating the battery cells. In this study, a complex design is needed. Problems are likely to be encountered in integration in existing designs, requiring high labor and mechanical fasteners. In addition, it is possible to use said design in batteries consisting of cylindrical cells, but it is not possible to use it in batteries with different geometric designs.

[0010] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant field.

[0011] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is introduced with the object of eliminating the above-mentioned problems and making a technical innovation in the relevant field.

[0013] The main object of the invention is to introduce the battery box structure that provides effective cooling by analyzing the heating regions of the batteries used in vehicles.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need to use external coolant for the battery cooling process.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide cooling only of the heated battery pack.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a cooling system structure with reduced energy consumption.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention is a battery box with improved thermal performance for vehicles and cooling method. The invention is a thermal management method for the effective cooling of vehicle batteries comprising multiple battery packs in the outer housing forming the case, characterized in that the temperature change in the case is detected locally by at least one temperature sensor under the control of at least one electronically operated control unit, and at least one cooling material is moved in the magnetic field formed on multiple paths formed between the battery packs.

[0019] The invention is a case suitable for use in battery systems for vehicles in which multiple battery packs are used, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of battery support surfaces including a recess structure extending linearly therebetween to enable positioning of said battery packs; a magnetic path positioned in said recesses; at least one heat sink housing comprising a phase change material capable of linearly moving along said magnetic path and switching between intersecting magnetic paths; at least one temperature sensor for locally measuring the temperature inside the case; at least one control unit for determining the movement region according to the data received from the temperature sensor and controlling the movement of said heat sink housing inside the case by the magnetic field formed on the magnetic path.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said cooling material is a phase change material capable of absorbing heat in the region of interest.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a heat sink housing which is made into a monolithic element by being associated with at least one magnetic element to provide movement of the cooling material in a magnetic field.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooling material is moved along the path which is a magnetic region on the channel formed on the housing plate forming the case.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said path is a magnetic rail.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said magnetic element is a material with magnetic properties. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises multiple temperature sensors to detect the local temperature change in the case.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a cooling material, which is a phase change material, positioned between two magnetic elements.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises at least one drive element at each intersection to enable the switch of the heat sink housing between intersecting magnetic paths.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises the drive element which is a servo motor.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a magnetic element on at least one surface and a heat sink housing monolithic with said magnetic element comprising a cooling material.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a cooling material positioned between two magnetic elements.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a magnetic element which is a magnetic plate.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a magnetic element which is a magnetic film.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises multiple position sensors to detect the position of each heat sink housing through the control unit.

[0033] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 shows a representative drawing illustrating the operation of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a representative drawing illustrating the location of the battery packs in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a representative perspective drawing illustrating the positions of the heat sink housing.

[0037] Figure 3A shows a drawing illustrating the appearance of the heat sink housing on the magnetic path.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the drawing illustrating the initial position of the heat sink housings.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a drawing illustrating a position of the heat sink housings during movement.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a perspective drawing illustrating another preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of protection defined in the claims and should not be referred to alone without reference to the technical description in the description of the present invention for the purpose of interpreting the scope defined in said claims. These drawings aim to define the invention by adding clarity.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0043] 10. Outer housing

[0044] 100. Housing plate

[0045] 11 . Battery support surface

[0046] 12. Channel

[0047] 20. Control unit

[0048] 30. Temperature sensor 40. Heat sink housing

[0049] 41 . Magnetic element

[0050] 42. Cooling material

[0051] 50. Magnetic path

[0052] 60. Battery pack

[0053] 70. Drive element

[0054] C. Case

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] In this detailed description, the battery (60) box with improved thermal performance for vehicles and cooling method subject to the invention are explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0057] The subject of the invention is related to a case (C) structure with improved thermal performance for cooling the battery, suitable for use in electric / hybrid vehicles, and a method for cooling the battery block (60) located in said case (C) independently of each other.

[0058] The invention is a thermal management method for the effective cooling of vehicle batteries comprising multiple battery packs (60) in the outer housing (10) forming the case (C), characterized in that the temperature change in the case (C) is detected locally by at least one temperature sensor (30) under the control of at least one electronically operated control unit (20), and at least one cooling material (42) is moved in the magnetic field formed on multiple paths formed between the battery packs (60).

[0059] The invention is a case (C) suitable for use in battery systems for vehicles in which multiple battery packs (60) are used, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of battery support surfaces (11 ) including a recess structure extending linearly therebetween to enable positioning of said battery packs (60); a magnetic path (50) positioned in said recesses; at least one heat sink housing (40) comprising a phase change material capable of linearly moving along said magnetic path (50) and switching between intersecting magnetic paths (50); at least one temperature sensor (30) for locally measuring the temperature inside the case (C); at least one control unit (20) for determining the movement region according to the data received from the temperature sensor (30) and controlling the movement of said heat sink housing (40) inside the case (C) by the magnetic field formed on the magnetic path (50).

[0060] Figure 1 shows a representative drawing of the case (C) to describe the operation of the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the case (C) comprises at least one outer housing (10), a battery support surface (1 1 ) formed within said outer housing

[0061] (10) and allowing multiple battery packs (60) to be positioned thereon, and a magnetic path (50) positioned between said battery support surfaces (1 1 ). On said magnetic path (50), the heat sink housing (40) can move linearly. In a preferred embodiment, said magnetic path (50) is located on the offset channel (12) between the battery support surfaces (11 ) on the housing plate (100) of the outer housing (10). In this way, the heat sink housing (40) located on the magnetic path (50) and the battery support surfaces

[0062] (11 ) where the battery packs (60) are located can be positioned in alignment.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a representative drawing of multiple battery packs (60) positioned on the case (C). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there is at least one temperature sensor (30) on each battery pack (60). In a preferred embodiment, the heating regions in the case (C) can be detected by means of at least one and preferably two smart temperature sensors (30) on the case (C).

[0064] There is at least one control unit (20) on the case (C) that allows temperature control to be performed. Said control unit (20) detects the regions / battery packs (60) with increased temperature and transmits the heat sink housings (40) to the relevant regions on the magnetic path (50).

[0065] Figure 3A shows a representative drawing illustrating a heat sink housing (40) positioned on a magnetic path (50). The heat sink housing (40) comprises a magnetic element (41 ) on at least one surface and a magnetic field is formed with said magnetic element (41 ). In the preferred embodiment, said magnetic field is provided by means of permanent magnet(s). The magnetic path (50) of the invention forms a magnetic field under the control of the control unit (20). With the control and direction of the intensity of said magnetic field, the movement of the heat sink housing (40) located on the magnetic path (50) is ensured. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit (20) is equipped with electronic circuitry to control the strength and direction of the magnetic field so as to enable movement of the heat sink housing (40) positioned on the magnetic path (50) and having the magnetic element (41 ). Said control unit (20) precisely controls the movement to direct the heat sink housing (40) to the region where the temperature is high. In this context, a multi-directional magnetic path (50) is located on the case (C). The wiring harness required to control the direction of the heat sink housing (40) in each movement region is connected to the control unit (20). The magnetic path (50) is provided to move the magnetic element (41 ) associated with the heat sink housing (40) on the magnetic region formed on the channel (12).

[0066] Figure 6 shows a representative drawing of another preferred embodiment of the invention. Within the scope of this embodiment, the movement of the heat sink housing (40) on the magnetic path (50) is provided by at least one drive element (70). In this context, the heat sink housing (40) can move in a bearing on the magnetic field. The space partitioned on the case (C) can be directed for a path connection by means of said drive element (70). In a preferred embodiment, said drive element (70) is a servo motor controlled by the control unit (20). In said embodiment of the invention, there is at least one and preferably two drive elements (70) for the corner region at each junction on the magnetic path (50).

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic path (50) can be a magnetic tunnel formed in the channel (12) region and controlled by the control unit (20).

[0068] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic path (50) is a magnetic rail on which the heat sink housing (40) supported in bearings in the channel (12) region is movable.

[0069] The magnetic element (41 ) is made of a magnetically sensitive material in a preferred embodiment. Under the effect of the magnetic field, this material is moved along the magnetic path (50), preferably in the channel (12).

[0070] The heat sink housing (40) of the invention comprises cooling material (42) connected with the magnetic element (41 ). The cooling material (42) is a phase change material. In this way, the necessary absorption process takes place in the region where the heat is present and after the position of the heat sink housing (40) is changed in the case (C), the heat absorbed by the cooling material (42), which is the phase changing material, is removed. In this way, effective and controlled cooling of the battery packs (60) is ensured.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat sink housing (40) comprises a cooling material (41 ) located between two magnetic elements (42) parallel to each other. Said magnetic element (41 ) can be a magnetic plate or in film form.

[0072] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic element (41 ) may be encapsulated in the cooling material (42), which is a phase change material. This provides magnetic properties to the cooling material (42).

[0073] The magnetic element (41 ) used within the scope of the invention is not affected by the temperature of the battery packs (60).

[0074] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above and the technical drawings, without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A thermal management method for the effective cooling of vehicle batteries comprising multiple battery packs (60) in the outer housing (10) forming the case (C), characterized in that the temperature change in the case (C) is detected locally by at least one temperature sensor (30) under the control of at least one electronically operated control unit (20), and at least one cooling material (42) is moved in the magnetic field formed on multiple paths formed between the battery packs (60).

2. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 1 , wherein said cooling material (42) is a phase change material capable of absorbing heat in the region of interest.

3. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 2, comprising a heat sink housing (40) which is made into a monolithic element by being associated with at least one magnetic element (41 ) to provide movement of the cooling material (42) in a magnetic field.

4. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling material (41 ) is moved along the path which is a magnetic region on the channel (12) formed on the housing plate (100) forming the case (C).

5. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 4, wherein said path is a magnetic rail.

6. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 2, wherein said magnetic element (41 ) is a material with magnetic properties.

7. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 1 , comprising multiple temperature sensors (30) to detect the local temperature change in the case (C).

8. A method for thermal management of vehicle batteries according to claim 2, comprising a cooling material (42), which is a phase change material, positioned between two magnetic elements (41 ).

9. The case (C) suitable for use in battery systems for vehicles in which multiple battery packs (60) are used, characterized in that it comprises, o a plurality of battery support surfaces (1 1 ) including a recess structure extending linearly therebetween to enable positioning of said battery packs (60); o a magnetic path (50) positioned in said recesses; at least one heat sink housing (40) comprising a phase change material capable of linearly moving along said magnetic path (50) and switching between intersecting magnetic paths (50); o at least one temperature sensor (30) for locally measuring the temperature inside the case (C); o at least one control unit (20) for determining the movement region according to the data received from the temperature sensor (30) and controlling the movement of said heat sink housing (40) inside the case (C) by the magnetic field formed on the magnetic path (50).

10. The battery case (C) according to claim 9, comprising at least one drive element (70) at each intersection to enable the switch of the heat sink housing (40) between intersecting magnetic paths (50).1 1. The battery case (C) according to claim 10, comprising the drive element (70) which is a servo motor.

12. The battery case (C) according to claim 9, comprising a magnetic element (41 ) on at least one surface and a heat sink housing (40) monolithic with said magnetic element (41 ) comprising a cooling material (42).

13. The battery case (C) according to claim 12, comprising a cooling material (42) positioned between two magnetic elements (41 ).

14. The battery case (C) according to claim 13, comprising a magnetic element (41 ) which is a magnetic plate.

15. The battery case (C) according to claim 13, comprising a magnetic element (41 ) which is a magnetic film.

16. The battery case (C) according to claim 9, comprising multiple position sensors to detect the position of each heat sink housing (40) through the control unit (20).

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