Heat exchange device, heat exchange system, battery and electrical device

Abstract

A heat exchange device (13), a heat exchange system, a battery (10) and an electrical device, which belong to the technical field of batteries. The heat exchange device (13) is applied to the battery (10). The heat exchange device (13) comprises: a heat exchange body provided with a first heat exchange flow channel (1322) and a second heat exchange flow channel (1332); and an expansion valve (134), wherein an inlet end of the expansion valve (134) is connected to an outlet end of the first heat exchange flow channel (1322), and an outlet end of the expansion valve (134) is connected to an inlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel (1332). The second heat exchange flow channel (1332) comprises an upstream flow channel and a downstream flow channel which are connected in sequence, wherein the upstream flow channel is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve (134), the upstream flow channel is configured to perform heat exchange with a battery cell (12), and the downstream flow channel is configured to perform heat exchange with the first heat exchange flow channel (1322).

Description

Heat exchange devices, heat exchange systems, batteries and electrical devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number: 202420072613.5 and application date of January 11, 2024, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a heat exchange device, a heat exchange system, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a cold plate is used in a battery pack to exchange heat for the battery cells. When the heat exchange medium circulating in the cold plate is a heat exchange medium, the heat exchange medium changes from a two-phase state of gas-liquid mixture to a gas phase after flowing into the cold plate. In the two-phase state, the temperature fluctuation is small and the heat exchange effect is stable. However, near the outlet of the cold plate, the heat exchange medium is completely vaporized, and the heat exchange medium heats up quickly, resulting in a large temperature difference, which affects the heat exchange effect.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a heat exchange device, a heat exchange system, a battery and an electrical device to solve the technical problem that the flow channel temperature near the outlet of the cold plate changes rapidly and the temperature difference is large, resulting in poor heat exchange effect.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a heat exchange device, applied to a battery, comprising:

[0008] The heat exchange body is formed with a first heat exchange flow channel and a second heat exchange flow channel;

[0009] an expansion valve, wherein the inlet end of the expansion valve is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel, and the outlet end of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel;

[0010] The second heat exchange channel includes an upstream channel and a downstream channel connected in sequence, the upstream channel is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve, the upstream channel is used to exchange heat with the battery cell, and the downstream channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange channel.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the heat exchange medium in the upstream flow channel is in a two-phase state, and heat is exchanged with the battery cell through the upstream flow channel, which has better temperature uniformity and better heat exchange effect. The heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is in a gas phase state, and the residual cold capacity of the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange flow channel to reduce the temperature in front of the expansion valve, thereby making the temperature of the heat exchange medium after passing through the expansion valve lower, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the upstream flow channel on the battery cell and the overall energy utilization efficiency.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heat exchange body comprises:

[0013] The heat exchange plate has a first surface and a second surface that are oppositely disposed;

[0014] a first flow channel plate, covering the first surface, wherein the first flow channel plate and the first surface define the first heat exchange flow channel;

[0015] A second flow channel plate is covered on the second surface. The second flow channel plate and the second surface define the second heat exchange flow channel. The area on the first surface corresponding to the upstream flow channel is used for heat exchange with the battery cell. The first heat exchange flow channel and the downstream flow channel exchange heat through the heat exchange plate.

[0016] In the above technical solution, by arranging the heat exchange plate, the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, the assembly is simple, the production efficiency is high, the space occupied is small and the heat exchange effect is good.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upstream flow channel and the downstream flow channel are sequentially arranged in the length direction of the heat exchange plate, and the first heat exchange flow channel and the downstream flow channel are arranged on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the upstream flow channel and the downstream flow channel are sequentially arranged in the length direction of the heat exchange plate, so as to facilitate the corresponding arrangement of the downstream flow channel and the first heat exchange flow channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heat exchange plate includes a first heat exchange zone and a second heat exchange zone distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange plate, the first heat exchange channel and the downstream channel are respectively located on two sides of the first heat exchange zone, and the upstream channel is located in the second heat exchange zone, wherein the length direction of the first heat exchange zone extends along the width direction of the heat exchange plate.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the first heat exchange zone is arranged on one side in the length direction of the heat exchange plate, so that the battery cells are arranged in the second heat exchange zone, thereby reducing the influence of the first heat exchange channel on the arrangement of the battery cells.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel is arranged near the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, the end of the upstream channel connected to the downstream channel is arranged near the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, and the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel and the end of the upstream channel connected to the downstream channel are both arranged near the first heat exchange zone;

[0022] The outlet end of the second heat exchange channel is arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, the downstream channel extends along the width direction of the heat exchange plate, and one end of the downstream channel close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate is bent and connected to the upstream channel.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the flow direction layout of the second heat exchange channel is reasonable, which optimizes the heat exchange effect on the battery cell, and the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel are centrally arranged to facilitate the installation of the connector and optimize the internal space layout of the battery.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet ends of the first heat exchange channel are both located on the first channel plate, and the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel are both located on the first surface.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the inlet and outlet ends of the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel are arranged on the same side of the heat exchange plate, so as to facilitate the connection of pipelines.

[0026] In some embodiments, the expansion valve is mounted on the first surface.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the expansion valve is integrated on the heat exchange plate to reduce the distance between the expansion valve and the second heat exchange channel, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of branch channels are connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel, and the branch channels include a first branch channel belonging to the upstream channel and a second branch channel belonging to the downstream channel.

[0029] In the above technical solution, a plurality of branch channels are provided to shorten the channel lengths at the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel and to increase the coverage area of ​​the second heat exchange channel.

[0030] In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent first branch channels is greater than the distance between two adjacent second branch channels.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by setting different intervals between branch channels, the coverage area of ​​the upstream channel is increased and the coverage area of ​​the downstream channel is reduced, thereby optimizing the spatial layout.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first branch channel includes a plurality of first sub-segments and second sub-segments connected in sequence, the first sub-segments extend along the length direction of the heat exchange body, the plurality of first sub-segments are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the second sub-segments extend along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the first first sub-segment is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve, one end of two adjacent first sub-segments is connected through the second sub-segment, and the last first sub-segment is connected to the inlet end of the second branch channel.

[0033] In some embodiments, the number of the first sub-segments is N, the number of the second sub-segments is N-1, N is an even number, and N≥2.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second branch channel includes a main section extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and a connecting section extending along the length direction of the heat exchange body, one end of the connecting section is connected to the first branch channel, the other end of the connecting section is connected to one end of the main section, and the other end of the main section is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange channel includes a plurality of first sub-channels extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange body, the plurality of first sub-channels are connected end to end, and the first sub-channels correspond to the main body section of the second branch channel.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flow areas of the branch channels are the same.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange channel also includes a first convergence channel and a second convergence channel, the ends of multiple branch channels are connected in parallel between the first convergence channel and the second convergence channel, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel is arranged at the first convergence channel, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel is arranged at the second convergence channel.

[0038] In the above technical solution, by providing a converging channel, the connection of multiple branch channels is facilitated, and the channel layout is simplified.

[0039] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel is located between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length of the first confluence channel, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel is located between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length of the second confluence channel.

[0040] In the above technical solution, by limiting the positions of the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel, the flow distribution in the multiple branch channels is made relatively uniform, thereby improving the heat exchange uniformity.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flow area of ​​the first heat exchange channel near the outlet end is greater than the flow area of ​​the first heat exchange channel near the inlet end.

[0042] In the above technical solution, by adjusting the flow area of ​​the first heat exchange channel, the heat exchange medium is slightly expanded before flowing into the expansion valve, thereby improving the subsequent expansion effect when passing through the expansion valve, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0043] In some embodiments, the heat exchange body comprises:

[0044] a first flow channel tube, wherein the first heat exchange flow channel is formed in the first flow channel tube;

[0045] A second flow channel tube, in which the second heat exchange flow channel is formed, the second flow channel tube is arranged on one side of the first flow channel tube in the thickness direction, the portion of the second flow channel tube corresponding to the downstream flow channel exchanges heat with the first flow channel tube, and the portion of the second flow channel tube corresponding to the upstream flow channel is used to exchange heat for the battery cell on the side facing the first flow channel tube.

[0046] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a heat exchange system applied to a battery, the heat exchange system comprising:

[0047] The heat exchange device according to any one of the first aspects;

[0048] a compressor, wherein an inlet end of the compressor is connected to an outlet end of the second heat exchange channel;

[0049] A condenser, wherein the inlet end of the condenser is connected to the outlet end of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchange channel.

[0050] In the above technical solution, the heat exchange medium in the upstream flow channel of the heat exchange device is in a two-phase state, and heat is exchanged with the battery cell through the upstream flow channel, which has better temperature uniformity and better heat exchange effect. The heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is in a gas phase state, and the residual cold capacity of the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange flow channel to reduce the temperature in front of the expansion valve, thereby making the temperature of the heat exchange medium after passing through the expansion valve lower, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the upstream flow channel on the battery cell and the overall energy utilization efficiency, and improving the durability of the compressor and the thermal management effect of the battery.

[0051] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery, comprising:

[0052] Box;

[0053] A plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are installed in the box;

[0054] As described in the second aspect, the heat exchange system is installed in the box and is used to exchange heat with the multiple battery cells.

[0055] In the above technical solution, the operating stability of the battery cells and the battery is improved by using the heat exchange system as described in the second aspect.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, including:

[0057] The battery as described in the third aspect is used to supply power to the electrical device.

[0058] In the above technical solution, the operating stability of the electrical device is improved by using the battery as described in the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0061] FIG2 is an exploded view of the structure of a battery provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0062] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0063] FIG4 is an exploded view of the structure of a heat exchange device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0064] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first heat exchange channel provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0065] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a second heat exchange channel provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0066] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of an expansion valve provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0067] Figures: Vehicle 1, battery 10, motor 20, controller 30; box body 11, first box body 111, second box body 112; battery cell 12; heat exchange device 13, heat exchange plate 131, first surface 1311, second surface 1312, second inlet 1313, second outlet 1314, first flow channel plate 132, first groove 1321, first heat exchange channel 1322, first sub-channel 13221, first inlet 1323, first outlet 1324, second flow channel plate 133, second groove 1331, second heat exchange channel 1332, first branch channel 13321, first sub-segment 13321a, second sub-segment 13321b, second branch channel 13322, main section 13322a, connecting section 13322b, first confluence channel 13323, second confluence channel 13324, expansion valve 134. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0070] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0072] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0073] The term "multiple" in this application refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0074] The battery cells mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. The battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0075] The battery referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in this application may include a battery module or battery pack. A battery generally includes a casing that encloses one or more battery cells or multiple battery modules. The casing protects the battery cells from liquids or other foreign matter during charging and discharging.

[0076] A battery cell includes a casing, an electrode assembly, and an electrolyte. The casing is used to hold the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet to work. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode collector. The positive electrode collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the positive electrode collector coated with the positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode collector not coated with the positive electrode active material layer serves as the positive electrode tab. Taking lithium-ion batteries as an example, the material of the positive electrode collector can be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode sheet consists of a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The negative current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer protrudes from the negative current collector coated with the negative active material layer. The negative current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab. The negative current collector can be made of copper, and the negative active material can be carbon, silicon, or other materials. To ensure that high currents can pass without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together.

[0077] The material of the isolation film may be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly may be a wound structure or a laminated structure, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0078] New energy vehicles have experienced rapid growth in recent years. Within the electric vehicle sector, power batteries, as the power source, play an irreplaceable and important role. A battery consists of a housing and multiple cells housed within it. As a core component in new energy vehicles, batteries have high requirements for both safety and cycle life.

[0079] In general power batteries, multiple battery cells are typically stacked in an arrangement within a battery housing to ensure sufficient power. However, the battery cells generate a significant amount of heat during continuous charging and discharging, which can cause the internal temperature of the battery to rise. The stacked arrangement of multiple battery cells exacerbates this phenomenon, severely impacting the battery's performance and service life, and even potentially posing a significant safety hazard during use, hindering consumer safety. Therefore, in the prior art, a cold plate is typically installed within the battery to exchange heat for the battery cells. When the heat exchange medium circulating within the cold plate is a heat exchange medium, the heat exchange medium changes from a two-phase state of gas-liquid mixture to a gas phase after flowing into the cold plate. In the two-phase state, temperature fluctuations are minimal, resulting in a stable heat exchange effect. However, near the cold plate outlet, the heat exchange medium completely vaporizes, causing the heat exchange medium to heat up rapidly, resulting in a large temperature difference. This results in poor heat exchange for the battery cells near the outlet, impacting the overall heat exchange effect.

[0080] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the technical problem that the flow channel near the outlet of the cold plate changes rapidly and has a large temperature difference, resulting in poor heat exchange effect. This application designs a heat exchange device, which is formed with a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel. The heat exchange device also includes: an expansion valve, the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel is connected to the inlet end of the expansion valve, and the outlet end of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel; the second heat exchange channel includes an upstream channel and a downstream channel connected in sequence from the inlet end to the outlet end, the upstream channel is used to exchange heat with the battery cell, and the downstream channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange channel.

[0081] In a heat exchange device of this structure, the upstream flow channel is closer to the expansion valve, so that the heat exchange medium in the upstream flow channel is in a two-phase state. Heat is exchanged with the battery cell through the upstream flow channel, with better temperature uniformity and better heat exchange effect. The heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is in a gas phase state, and the residual cold capacity of the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange flow channel to reduce the temperature in front of the expansion valve, thereby making the temperature of the heat exchange medium after passing through the expansion valve lower, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the upstream flow channel on the battery cell and the overall energy utilization efficiency.

[0082] The batteries disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power supply system comprising the battery thermal management system disclosed in this application and batteries can be used to form such electrical devices. This helps expand the scope of application of the battery thermal management system and reduces the difficulty of assembling the battery thermal management system.

[0083] The present invention provides an electric device that uses a battery as a power source. The electric device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a battery-powered vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy may include a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The spacecraft may include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc.

[0084] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle 1 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, it is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A motor 20, a controller 30 and a battery 10 can be provided inside the vehicle 1. The controller 30 is used to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 20. For example, a battery 10 can be provided at the bottom, front or rear of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to power the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, for the circuit system of the vehicle 1, for example, for the working power requirements of the vehicle 1 during startup, navigation and operation. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can not only serve as an operating power source for the vehicle 1, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0086] In order to meet different power requirements, the battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 12 , wherein the plurality of battery cells 12 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in hybrid connection, where hybrid connection refers to a mixture of series and parallel connection.

[0087] FIG2 is an exploded view of the structure of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery 10 includes a housing 11 and a plurality of battery cells 12, which are intended to be housed within the housing 11. The housing 11 is configured to provide assembly space for the battery cells 12, and the housing 11 can have a variety of structures. In some embodiments, the housing 11 can include a first housing body 111 and a second housing body 112, which overlap each other and together define an assembly space for accommodating the battery cells 12. The second housing body 112 can be a hollow structure with one end open. The first housing body 111 can be a plate-like structure, with the first housing body 111 overlapping the open side of the second housing body 112, so that the first housing body 111 and the second housing body 112 jointly define an assembly space. Alternatively, the first housing body 111 and the second housing body 112 can each be a hollow structure with one end open, with the open side of the first housing body 111 overlapping the open side of the second housing body 112. Of course, the box body 11 formed by the first box body 111 and the second box body 112 can be in various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0088] In the battery 10, the multiple battery cells 12 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 12. The multiple battery cells 12 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration, and then the entire structure of the multiple battery cells 12 is housed within the housing 11. Alternatively, the battery 10 can be constructed by first connecting multiple battery cells 12 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a single structure housed within the housing 11. The battery 10 may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 12.

[0089] Each battery cell 12 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery, or a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 12 can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a thermal management system, which is applied to a battery 10 . The thermal management system includes a heat exchange device 13 , a compressor, and a condenser.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3-7 , the present application further provides a heat exchange device 13, which is applied to a battery 10. Figure 5 may also be a schematic structural diagram of a first flow channel plate 132 provided in an embodiment of the present application. To facilitate understanding of the first heat exchange flow channel 1322, the first heat exchange flow channel 1322 that can be formed by the first flow channel plate 132 is used for labeling and explanation. Figure 6 may also be a schematic structural diagram of a second flow channel plate 133 provided in an embodiment of the present application. To facilitate understanding of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332, the second heat exchange flow channel 1332 that can be formed by the second flow channel plate 133 is used for labeling and explanation.

[0092] The heat exchange device 13 includes a heat exchange body, which is formed with a first heat exchange channel 1322 and a second heat exchange channel 1332. The heat exchange device 13 also includes an expansion valve 134. The inlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322, and the outlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332. The inlet end of the compressor is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332, the inlet end of the condenser is connected to the outlet end of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322.

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution, the circulation path and state changes of the heat exchange medium between various components are explained starting from the compressor inlet end:

[0094] 1) The gaseous heat exchange medium enters the compressor from the inlet end, is compressed by the compressor and becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium, and flows out from the outlet end of the compressor;

[0095] 2) The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium flows into the condenser from the inlet end of the condenser, and the heat exchange medium is condensed and liquefied by the condenser, so that the heat exchange medium is transformed from a high-temperature and high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid, while the temperature of the heat exchange medium is reduced to a certain extent, and then flows out from the outlet end of the condenser;

[0096] 3) The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid heat exchange medium enters the first heat exchange channel 1322 from the inlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322 and flows out from the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322;

[0097] 4) The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid heat exchange medium enters the expansion valve 134 from its inlet section. When passing through the expansion valve 134, the heat exchange medium rapidly expands, its temperature and pressure decrease, and it transforms into a gas-liquid mixed two-phase state, and flows out from the outlet of the expansion valve 134.

[0098] 5) The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase heat exchange medium enters the second heat exchange channel 1332 from its inlet section, exchanges heat with the battery cells 12 within the second heat exchange channel 1332, absorbs heat and vaporizes during this process, gradually transforming from a gas-liquid mixed two-phase state into a saturated gas state. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium flows out from the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332;

[0099] 6) The low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium circulates back to the inlet of the compressor, completing one cycle.

[0100] In this embodiment, the second heat exchange channel 1332 includes an upstream channel and a downstream channel connected in sequence, wherein the upstream channel is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve 134, the upstream channel is used to exchange heat with the battery cell 12, and the downstream channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange channel 1322. As shown in Figure 6, the second heat exchange channel 1332 is the upstream channel in the area indicated by A in Figure 6, and is the downstream channel in the area indicated by B in Figure 6.

[0101] After the heat exchange medium enters the second heat exchange channel 1332 through the expansion valve 134, it first flows through the upstream channel and then flows through the downstream channel, so that the heat exchange medium in the upstream channel is in a two-phase state of gas-liquid mixture. Through the upstream channel, heat is exchanged with the battery cell 12. The latent heat of the heat exchange medium increases, and the sensible heat remains basically unchanged, so that the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange medium is stable, the temperature is uniform, and the heat exchange effect on the battery cells 12 at various positions is uniform.

[0102] When flowing to the downstream flow channel, the heat exchange medium has been completely transformed into gaseous saturated steam. At this time, if the heat exchange medium continues to absorb heat, the sensible heat will increase rapidly, the temperature will change quickly, and the heat exchange effect at different positions will be poor. Therefore, the downstream flow channel is not used to exchange heat with the battery cell 12, so as to improve the overall temperature uniformity and usage stability.

[0103] It can be understood that although the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel has been completely transformed into a gaseous state, it is still in a low-temperature and low-pressure state.

[0104] In this embodiment, the downstream flow channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange flow channel 1322. By exchanging heat with the first heat exchange flow channel 1322 through the downstream flow channel, on the one hand, when the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is not suitable for exchanging heat with the battery cell 12, the residual cold capacity of the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel can be used to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange flow channel 1322, and the heat exchange medium is cooled before entering the expansion valve 134, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium after passing through the expansion valve 134 is lower, the heat exchange effect of the upstream flow channel is better, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved; on the other hand, the temperature of the high-temperature heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange flow channel 1322 can be used to heat the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel, so that the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel can fully absorb heat and vaporize, and the heat exchange medium can be fully vaporized before returning to the compressor, thereby protecting the compressor and improving the stability and durability of the heat exchange system.

[0105] According to the heat exchange device 13 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange medium in the upstream flow channel is in a two-phase state, and heat is exchanged with the battery cell 12 through the upstream flow channel, so the temperature uniformity is better and the heat exchange effect is better. The heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is in a gas phase state, and the residual cold capacity of the heat exchange medium in the downstream flow channel is used to exchange heat with the first heat exchange flow channel 1322 to reduce the temperature in front of the expansion valve 134, thereby making the temperature of the heat exchange medium after passing through the expansion valve 134 lower, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the upstream flow channel on the battery cell 12 and the overall energy utilization efficiency.

[0106] The heat exchange system provided according to the embodiment of the present application includes, in addition to the technical effects of the above-mentioned heat exchange device 13, the durability of the compressor and the thermal management effect of the battery 10 are improved by using the heat exchange device 13 as described above.

[0107] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 , the heat exchange body may include a heat exchange plate 131 , a first flow channel plate 132 and a second flow channel plate 133 .

[0108] The heat exchange plate 131 may have a first surface 1311 and a second surface 1312 disposed opposite each other in the thickness direction. A first flow channel plate 132 may be disposed overlying the first surface 1311 and, together with the first surface 1311, define a first heat exchange channel 1322. A second flow channel plate 133 may be disposed overlying the second surface 1312 and, together with the second surface 1312, define a second heat exchange channel 1332. The area on the first surface 1311 corresponding to the upstream flow channel is used for heat exchange with the battery cells 12, while the first heat exchange channel 1322 exchanges heat with the downstream flow channel through the heat exchange plate 131. The first and second flow channel plates 132, 133, and heat exchange plate 131 may be brazed together to form a single piece of steel plates, simplifying production and processing, resulting in a relatively thin thickness, minimal space occupation, and excellent heat exchange performance.

[0109] The first flow channel plate 132 may be provided with a first groove 1321 recessed in a direction away from the heat exchange plate 131. The first groove 1321 and the first surface 1311 define a first heat exchange flow channel 1322. The second flow channel plate 133 may be provided with a second groove 1331 recessed in a direction away from the heat exchange plate 131. The second groove 1331 and the second surface 1312 define a second heat exchange flow channel 1332. The heat exchange plate 131 may be provided with a flat surface in the area of ​​the first surface 1311 facing away from the upstream flow channel to facilitate contact and heat exchange with the battery cells 12 and facilitate installation of the battery cells 12.

[0110] The first heat exchange channel 1322 exchanges heat with the downstream channel through the heat exchange plate 131 , so that the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange channel 1322 exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the downstream channel.

[0111] According to the embodiment of the present application, by providing the heat exchange plate 131 , the first flow channel plate 132 and the second flow channel plate 133 , the assembly is simple, the production efficiency is high, the space occupied is small and the heat exchange effect is good.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3-6, the upstream flow channel and the downstream flow channel can be arranged sequentially in the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131, and the first heat exchange flow channel 1322 and the downstream flow channel can be arranged back to back on both sides in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 131.

[0113] By arranging the upstream flow channel and the downstream flow channel in sequence in the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131 , the corresponding installation of the first flow channel plate 132 is facilitated, and the flow channel layout is optimized.

[0114] It can be understood that the back-to-back setting means that the area covered by the first heat exchange channel 1322 on the first surface 1311 corresponds to the area covered by the downstream channel on the second surface 1312, and does not mean that the flow path of the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the flow path of the downstream channel completely correspond to each other. However, the flow path of the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the flow path of the downstream channel are at least partially set to correspond to each other to improve the heat exchange effect between the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the downstream channel.

[0115] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the heat exchange plate 131 may include a first heat exchange zone and a second heat exchange zone distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131, the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the downstream channel may be respectively located on both sides of the first heat exchange zone, and the upstream channel may be located in the second heat exchange zone, wherein the length direction of the first heat exchange zone may extend along the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131.

[0116] In this embodiment, by dividing the heat exchange plate 131 into a first heat exchange area and a second heat exchange area distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131, the area division is clear and the space utilization is high, which facilitates the installation layout when assembling with the battery cell 12.

[0117] The first surface 1311 of the first heat exchange zone of the heat exchange plate 131 and the first flow channel plate 132 form a first heat exchange channel 1322, the second surface 1312 of the first heat exchange zone of the heat exchange plate 131 and the second flow channel plate 133 form a downstream channel, and the second surface 1312 of the second heat exchange zone of the heat exchange plate 131 and the second flow channel plate 133 form an upstream channel.

[0118] The first heat exchange zone allows heat exchange between the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the downstream channel, while the second heat exchange zone allows heat exchange between the upstream channel and the battery cells 12. The length of the first heat exchange zone extends along the width of the heat exchange plate 131, and the length of the heat exchange plate 131 intersects with the width of the heat exchange plate 131, thereby reducing the space occupied by the first heat exchange zone in the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131 and facilitating the arrangement of multiple battery cells 12 in the second heat exchange zone.

[0119] According to the embodiment of the present application, the first heat exchange zone is set on one side of the heat exchange plate 131 in the length direction of the heat exchange plate 131, so as to facilitate the arrangement of the battery cells 12 in the second heat exchange zone and reduce the impact of the first heat exchange channel 1322 on the arrangement of the battery cells 12.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 can be arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131, and the end at which the upstream channel is connected to the downstream channel can be arranged close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131, and the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 and the end at which the upstream channel is connected to the downstream channel are both arranged close to the first heat exchange area; the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 is arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131, the downstream channel extends along the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131, and the end of the downstream channel close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131 is bent and connected to the upstream channel.

[0121] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 and the end where the upstream channel is connected to the downstream channel are respectively arranged on the first side and the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, so that the overall flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the upstream channel is along the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate. For example, the upstream channel can be a bent type setting as shown in Figure 6 to increase the coverage area of ​​the upstream channel in the first heat exchange zone. In other examples, the upstream channel can also be other bending methods, which are not limited here.

[0122] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 and the end connecting the upstream channel and the downstream channel are both arranged on the side of the first heat exchange zone close to the second heat exchange zone to facilitate the connection between the upstream channel and the downstream channel.

[0123] In addition, the downstream flow channel can extend along the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the overall flow direction of the downstream flow channel is linear, reducing the space occupied by the downstream flow channel, wherein one end of the downstream flow channel close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131 is connected to the upstream flow channel in a bend, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332 is arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131, so that the inlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332 and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332 are arranged close to each other, which facilitates the centralized arrangement of pipe joints and optimizes the spatial layout.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 4 , the inlet and outlet ends of the first heat exchange channel 1322 may both be located on the first channel plate 132 , and the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel 1332 may both be located on the first surface 1311 .

[0125] Two through holes may be provided on the surface of the first flow channel plate 132 facing away from the heat exchange plate 131. The two through holes on the first flow channel plate 132 are respectively the first inlet 1323 and the first outlet 1324. The first inlet 1323 forms the inlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322, and the first outlet 1324 forms the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322. Moreover, the first inlet 1323 and the first outlet 1324 are both arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 131.

[0126] Two through holes may also be provided on the heat exchange plate 131, and the through holes can connect the first surface 1311 and the second surface 1312 of the heat exchange plate 131. The two through holes on the heat exchange plate 131 are respectively a second inlet 1313 and a second outlet 1314. The second inlet 1313 can form the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332, and the second outlet 1314 can form the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332. The two through holes on the heat exchange plate 131 are staggered with the first channel plate 132 to facilitate pipeline connection.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present application, by arranging the inlet and outlet ends of the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the second heat exchange channel 1332 on the same side of the heat exchange plate 131, the arrangement of pipeline joints and the connection of pipelines are facilitated.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 , the expansion valve 134 may be installed on the first surface 1311 .

[0129] In this embodiment, the expansion valve 134 is installed on the first surface 1311 of the heat exchange plate 131 so that the expansion valve 134 is integrated on the surface of the heat exchange plate 131, thereby shortening the distance between the outlet end of the expansion valve 134 and the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332. After flowing out of the expansion valve 134, the heat exchange medium directly enters the upstream channel, reducing energy loss and improving the heat exchange effect.

[0130] According to the embodiment of the present application, the expansion valve 134 is integrated on the heat exchange plate 131 to reduce the distance between the expansion valve 134 and the second heat exchange channel 1332 and improve the heat exchange effect.

[0131] In other embodiments, the expansion valve 134 can be installed inside or outside the box body 11, and the inlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322 through a pipeline, and the outlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 through a pipeline, so as to facilitate the installation and arrangement of the heat exchange device 13, and optimize the internal space design of the box body 11, and is conducive to the integrated brazing of the heat exchange plate 131, the first flow channel plate 132 and the second flow channel plate 133.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, multiple branch channels can be connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet ends of the second heat exchange channel 1332, and the branch channels include a first branch channel 13321 belonging to the upstream channel and a second branch channel 13322 belonging to the downstream channel.

[0133] In this embodiment, the second heat exchange channel 1332 is composed of multiple branch channels, which are arranged in parallel. By providing multiple branch channels, the flow distance of the heat exchange medium between the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchange channel 1332 can be shortened, thereby improving the heat exchange effect, while maintaining the same total heat exchange area. The number of branch channels is not limited herein and can be two, three, four, or more, depending on various design parameters. For example, in FIG6 , four branch channels are provided.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG6 , the distance between two adjacent first branch channels 13321 may be greater than the distance between two adjacent second branch channels 13322 .

[0135] In this embodiment, the coverage area of ​​the upstream channel is increased by increasing the distance between two adjacent first branch channels 13321, and the coverage area of ​​the downstream channel is reduced by reducing the distance between two adjacent second branch channels 13322, thereby optimizing the spatial layout and improving the heat exchange efficiency and effect.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6, the first branch channel 13321 may include a plurality of first sub-segments 13321a and second sub-segments 13321b connected in sequence, the first sub-segment 13321a extends along the length direction of the heat exchange body, the plurality of first sub-segments 13321a are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the second sub-segment 13321b extends along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the first first sub-segment 13321a is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve 134, one end of the two adjacent first sub-segments 13321a is connected through the second sub-segment 13321b, and the last first sub-segment 13321a is connected to the inlet end of the second branch channel 13322.

[0137] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the first branch flow channel 13321 is such that the first branch flow channel 13321 is arranged in a circuitous shape, thereby optimizing the flow channel layout, facilitating the connection between the flow channels, and effectively covering the heat exchange area.

[0138] According to some embodiments of the present application, the number of first sub-segments 13321a may be N, and the number of second sub-segments 13321b may be N-1, where N may be an even number and N ≥ 2. By setting N ≥ 2, the first branch channel 13321 is configured to meander at least once, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the first branch channel 13321 and facilitating coverage of the heat exchange area with the battery cell. For example, in Figure 6, the number of first sub-segments 13321a may be four, the number of second sub-segments 13321b may be three, and the first branch channel 13321 meanders three times.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6, the second branch channel 13322 includes a main section 13322a extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and a connecting section 13322b extending along the length direction of the heat exchange body, one end of the connecting section 13322b is connected to the first branch channel 13321, the other end of the connecting section 13322b is connected to one end of the main section 13322a, and the other end of the main section 13322a is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332.

[0140] In this embodiment, multiple main sections 13322a are distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange body. By setting the main section 13322a extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the space occupied by the downstream flow channel is minimized as much as possible, and the connecting section 13322b is set to facilitate connection with the first branch flow channel 13321.

[0141] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first heat exchange channel 1322 includes a plurality of first sub-channels 13221 extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange body. The plurality of first sub-channels 13221 are connected end to end, and the first sub-channels 13221 correspond to the main section 13322a of the second branch channel 13322.

[0142] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange channel 1322 may include multiple sections of first sub-channels 13221 extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange body. The multiple sections of first sub-channels 13221 are connected end to end along the flow direction and are connected in series to form the first heat exchange channel 1322. By setting the multiple sections of first sub-channels 13221 in series, the flow length of the first heat exchange channel 1322 can be extended, the heat exchange effect of the first heat exchange channel 1322 can be improved, and the temperature of the heat exchange medium passing through the first heat exchange channel 1322 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0143] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4-6, the number of first sub-channels 13221 can be the same as the number of branch channels 13321, wherein multiple first sub-channels 13221 can be made to correspond one-to-one with the main sections 13322a of multiple second branch channels 13322, thereby improving the heat exchange effect between the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the downstream channel.

[0144] According to some embodiments of the present application, the flow areas of each branch channel can be the same, and the flow areas of the first branch channel 13321 and the second branch channel 13322 in a single branch channel can be the same, so that the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in each branch channel is relatively uniform, thereby improving the uniformity of heat exchange.

[0145] In this embodiment, the width of the branch channel can be 6mm-10mm, specifically, the width of the branch channel can be 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 7.5mm, 8mm, 8.5mm, 9mm, 9.5mm, 10mm or other values ​​between 6mm and 10mm. The height of the branch channel can be 2mm-4mm, specifically, the height of the branch channel can be 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm or other values ​​between 2mm and 4mm. The wall thickness of the branch channel can be 1mm-2mm, specifically, the wall thickness of the branch channel can be 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2mm or other values ​​between 1mm and 2mm.

[0146] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6, the second heat exchange channel 1332 also includes a first convergence channel 13323 and a second convergence channel 13324, the ends of multiple branch channels are connected in parallel between the first convergence channel 13323 and the second convergence channel 13324, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 is arranged at the first convergence channel 13323, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 is arranged at the second convergence channel 13324.

[0147] By providing first converging channel 13323 and second converging channel 13324, the ends of the various branch channels are interconnected, thereby facilitating centralized distribution of the heat exchange medium within each branch channel. For example, in FIG6 , first converging channel 13323 extends along the width of the heat exchange body, connecting first converging channel 13323 to the first subsegment 13321a of each first branch channel 13321. Second converging channel 13324 extends along the length of the heat exchange body, connecting second converging channel 13324 to the main segment 13322a of each second branch channel 13322.

[0148] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 can be located between 1 / 4-3 / 4 in the length direction of the first confluence channel 13323, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 can be located between 1 / 4-3 / 4 in the length direction of the second confluence channel 13324.

[0149] By locating the inlet of the second heat exchange channel 1332 between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length of the first converging channel 13323, the heat exchange medium can be relatively evenly distributed to the multiple branch channels after entering the first converging channel 13323, thereby improving the uniformity of the heat exchange medium flow rate in each branch channel. By locating the outlet of the second heat exchange channel 1332 between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 of the length of the second converging channel 13324, the heat exchange medium in each branch channel can be easily discharged, and the flow resistance of each branch channel can be reasonably distributed, thereby improving uniformity.

[0150] For example, in Figure 6, the first branch channel 13321 has four first sub-segments 13321a arranged along the width direction of the heat exchange body, the inlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 corresponds to the third first sub-segment 13321a, the main body end 13322a of the second branch channel 13322 has four sub-segments arranged along the length direction of the heat exchange body, the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332 corresponds to the third main body segment 13322a, and the third main body segment 13322a and the third first sub-segment 13321a belong to the same branch channel. According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 5, the flow area near the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322 can be greater than the flow area near the inlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322.

[0151] In this embodiment, by changing the flow area of ​​the first heat exchange channel 1322, the pressure of the heat exchange medium is reduced due to the increase in the flow area during the flow from the inlet end to the outlet end in the first heat exchange channel 1322, so that the heat exchange medium expands slightly to a certain extent before entering the expansion valve 134, thereby improving the expansion effect of the subsequent heat exchange medium when passing through the expansion valve 134, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0152] Among them, the outlet end of the first heat exchange channel 1322 is arranged in the first sub-channel 13221 close to one end of the second heat exchange zone among the multiple first sub-channels 13221. By setting the flow area of ​​the first sub-channel 13221 close to one end of the second heat exchange zone to be larger than that of other first sub-channels 13221, the heat exchange medium expands when flowing through the first sub-channel 13221 close to one end of the second heat exchange zone.

[0153] According to some embodiments of the present application, the heat exchange body may include a first flow channel tube and a second flow channel tube.

[0154] A first heat exchange channel 1322 may be formed in the first flow channel tube, and a second heat exchange channel 1332 may be formed in the second flow channel tube. The second flow channel tube is arranged on one side of the first flow channel tube in the thickness direction. The part of the second flow channel tube corresponding to the downstream flow channel exchanges heat with the first flow channel tube, and the part of the second flow channel tube corresponding to the upstream flow channel is used to exchange heat for the battery cell on the side facing the first flow channel tube.

[0155] In this embodiment, the first flow channel tube and the second flow channel tube can be formed by extruding and bending or splicing aluminum profiles, and the first flow channel tube and the second flow channel tube are assembled to form a heat exchange body by welding or bolting. It has high production efficiency, high structural strength, and is convenient for flexible arrangement.

[0156] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a battery 10, which includes a case 11, multiple battery cells 12 and a thermal management system of any of the above schemes. The multiple battery cells 12 are installed in the case 11, and the thermal management system is installed in the case 11 for exchanging heat with the multiple battery cells 12.

[0157] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first heat exchange channel 1322 and the downstream channel of the heat exchange device 13 can be arranged inside the box body 11 or outside the box body 11, and there is no specific limitation.

[0158] By using any of the above technical solutions in the thermal management system of the battery 10 , the operating stability of the battery cells 12 and the battery 10 is improved.

[0159] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides an electrical device, comprising the battery 10 of any of the above solutions, and the battery 10 is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0160] The electric device may be any of the aforementioned devices or systems using the battery 10. By using the battery 10 of any of the above solutions, the working stability of the electric device is higher.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 3 to 7 , the present application provides a heat exchange device 13 , which includes a heat exchange plate 131 , a first flow channel plate 132 , a second flow channel plate 133 and an expansion valve 134 .

[0162] The heat exchange plate 131 has a first surface 1311 and a second surface 1312 that are opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof.

[0163] The first flow channel plate 132 is covered on the first surface 1311, and the first flow channel plate 132 is provided with a first groove 1321 that is recessed in the direction away from the heat exchange plate 131. The first groove 1321 and the first surface 1311 define a first heat exchange flow channel 1322. A first inlet 1323 and a first outlet 1324 are provided on the surface of the first flow channel plate 132 that is away from the heat exchange plate 131. The first inlet 1323 forms the inlet end of the first heat exchange flow channel 1322, and the first outlet 1324 forms the outlet end of the first heat exchange flow channel 1322.

[0164] The second flow channel plate 133 is covered on the second surface 1312, and the second flow channel plate 133 is provided with a second groove 1331 recessed in the direction away from the heat exchange plate 131. The second groove 1331 and the second surface 1312 define a second heat exchange flow channel 1332. A second inlet 1313 and a second outlet 1314 are provided on the heat exchange plate 131. The second inlet 1313 forms the inlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332, and the second outlet 1314 forms the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel 1332.

[0165] Among them, the second heat exchange channel 1332 includes an upstream channel and a downstream channel connected in sequence from the inlet end to the outlet end of the second heat exchange channel 1332. The area corresponding to the first surface 1311 of the heat exchange plate 131 and the upstream channel is used to exchange heat for the battery cell 12, and the part of the downstream channel is opposite to the first heat exchange channel 1322 in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 131.

[0166] The expansion valve 134 is mounted on the first surface 1311 of the heat exchange plate 131 , and an inlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the first outlet 1324 , and an outlet end of the expansion valve 134 is connected to the second inlet 1313 .

[0167] It should be noted that, unless there is any conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0168] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange device, applied to a battery, wherein, Comprising: A heat exchange body, which is formed with a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path; An expansion valve, the inlet end of the expansion valve is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchange flow path, and the outlet end of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchange flow path; Wherein, the second heat exchange flow path includes an upstream flow path and a downstream flow path connected in sequence, the upstream flow path is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve, the upstream flow path is used for heat exchange with the battery cell, and the downstream flow path is used for heat exchange with the first heat exchange flow path.

2. The heat exchange device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange body includes: A heat exchange plate, having a first surface and a second surface arranged oppositely; A first flow path plate, covering the first surface, and the first flow path plate and the first surface define the first heat exchange flow path; A second flow path plate, covering the second surface, the second flow path plate and the second surface define the second heat exchange flow path, and the area on the first surface corresponding to the upstream flow path is used for heat exchange with the battery cell, and the first heat exchange flow path exchanges heat with the downstream flow path through the heat exchange plate.

3. The heat exchange device according to claim 2, wherein, The upstream flow path and the downstream flow path are arranged in sequence in the length direction of the heat exchange plate, and the first heat exchange flow path and the downstream flow path are arranged back to back on both sides in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate.

4. The heat exchange device according to claim 3, wherein, The heat exchange plate includes a first heat exchange area and a second heat exchange area distributed in the length direction of the heat exchange plate, the first heat exchange flow path and the downstream flow path are respectively located on two sides of the first heat exchange area, and the upstream flow path is located in the second heat exchange area, wherein the length direction of the first heat exchange area extends along the width direction of the heat exchange plate.

5. The heat exchange device according to claim 4, wherein, The inlet end of the second heat exchange flow path is arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, one end where the upstream flow path is connected to the downstream flow path is arranged close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, and one end where the upstream flow path is connected to the downstream flow path and the inlet end of the second heat exchange flow path are both arranged close to the first heat exchange area; The outlet end of the second heat exchange flow path is arranged close to the first side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate, the downstream flow path extends along the width direction of the heat exchange plate, and one end of the downstream flow path close to the second side in the width direction of the heat exchange plate is bent and connected to the upstream flow path.

6. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The inlet end and the outlet end of the first heat exchange flow path are both located on the first flow path plate, and the inlet end and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow path are both located on the first surface.

7. The heat exchange device according to claim 6, wherein, The expansion valve is installed on the first surface.

8. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, A plurality of branch flow paths are connected in parallel between the inlet end and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow path, and the branch flow paths include a first branch flow path belonging to the upstream flow path and a second branch flow path belonging to the downstream flow path.

9. The heat exchange device according to claim 8, wherein, The distance between two adjacent first branch flow paths is greater than the distance between two adjacent second branch flow paths.

10. The heat exchange device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first branch flow channel includes a plurality of first sub-segments and second sub-segments connected in sequence. The first sub-segments extend along the length direction of the heat exchange body, and the plurality of first sub-segments are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat exchange body. The second sub-segments extend along the width direction of the heat exchange body. The first of the first sub-segments is connected to the outlet end of the expansion valve, one end of two adjacent first sub-segments is connected by the second sub-segment, and the last of the first sub-segments is connected to the inlet end of the second branch flow channel.

11. The heat exchange device according to claim 10, wherein, There are N first sub-segments and N - 1 second sub-segments, N is an even number and N ≥ 2.

12. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 8 - 11, wherein, The second branch flow channel includes a main body segment extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and a connection segment extending along the length direction of the heat exchange body. One end of the connection segment is connected to the first branch flow channel, the other end of the connection segment is connected to one end of the main body segment, and the other end of the main body segment is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel.

13. The heat exchange device according to claim 12, wherein, The first heat exchange flow channel includes a plurality of first sub-flow channels extending along the width direction of the heat exchange body and distributed along the length direction of the heat exchange body. The plurality of first sub-flow channels are connected end to end, and the first sub-flow channels correspond to the main body segment of the second branch flow channel.

14. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein, The flow areas of the respective branch flow channels are the same.

15. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein, The second heat exchange flow channel further includes a first confluence channel and a second confluence channel. The ends of the plurality of branch flow channels are connected in parallel between the first confluence channel and the second confluence channel. The inlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel is provided in the first confluence channel, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel is provided in the second confluence channel.

16. The heat exchange device according to claim 15, wherein, The inlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel is between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 in the length direction of the first confluence channel, and the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel is between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 in the length direction of the second confluence channel.

17. The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The flow area of the first heat exchange flow channel near the outlet end is larger than the flow area of the first heat exchange flow channel near the inlet end.

18. The heat exchange device according to claims 1-17, wherein, The heat exchange body includes: A first flow channel pipe, in which the first heat exchange flow channel is formed; A second flow channel pipe, in which the second heat exchange flow channel is formed. The second flow channel pipe is provided on one side of the first flow channel pipe in the thickness direction. The part of the second flow channel pipe corresponding to the downstream flow channel exchanges heat with the first flow channel pipe, and the part of the second flow channel pipe corresponding to the upstream flow channel is used to heat the battery monomer on the side facing the first flow channel pipe.

19. A heat exchange system is applied to a battery, wherein, The heat exchange system includes: The heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1 - 18; A compressor, the inlet end of the compressor is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchange flow channel; A condenser, the inlet end of the condenser is connected to the outlet end of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchange flow channel.

20. A battery, wherein, Includes: A box body; A plurality of battery monomers, and the plurality of battery monomers are installed in the box body; The heat exchange system according to claim 19, the heat exchange system is installed in the box body and used for exchanging heat with the plurality of battery monomers.

21. An electrical device, wherein, Includes: The battery according to claim 20, and the battery is used to supply power to the electrical device.

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