Liquid cooling plate and battery

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid cooling plate and a battery. The liquid cooling plate is used for exchanging heat with a battery cell in the battery. The liquid cooling plate comprises: a flow channel plate provided with a first channel; and a sealing plate that is connected to the flow channel plate and has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface faces the flow channel plate, the first surface covers the first channel to form a flow channel for circulation of a heat exchange medium, and the second surface faces away from the flow channel plate and faces the battery cell. The second surface is provided with second channels, the positions of the second channels are staggered from the position of the first channel, and the second channels are designed as pressure relief spaces or pressure relief channels and configured to correspond to the position of an explosion-proof valve of the battery cell. By means of the technical solution of the present application, the discharge from the explosion-proof valve can be cooled without affecting the effective operation of the liquid cooling plate and the explosion-proof valve, thereby enhancing the safety; moreover, the liquid cooling plate and the explosion-proof valve can be arranged on the same surface of the battery cell, thereby saving space. The internal structure of the battery is compact, which is conducive to meeting the miniaturization development requirements of batteries.

Description

A liquid cooling plate and battery

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421851673.3, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a liquid cooling plate and a battery. Background Technology

[0003] In the context of energy transition, batteries are being used more and more widely, such as in new energy vehicles, electric vehicles, and energy storage. The generation and transmission of current in batteries will generate heat, which can easily lead to overheating and thermal runaway.

[0004] Related technologies reduce heat by using a liquid cooling device to exchange heat with the battery cell, and prevent thermal runaway by installing an explosion-proof valve on the cell casing to reduce internal pressure and heat. To ensure functionality, the explosion-proof valve and liquid cooling device need to be located at different positions on the battery cell to avoid obstructing the pressure relief of the explosion-proof valve and the heat exchange of the liquid cooling device. Invention Overview

[0005] However, such a setup would occupy a lot of space on the surface of the battery cell, which is not conducive to the development of compact and miniaturized battery structures.

[0006] This application provides a liquid cooling plate for heat exchange with a battery cell. The liquid cooling plate includes a flow channel plate and a sealing plate. The flow channel plate has a first groove. The sealing plate is connected to the flow channel plate and has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the flow channel plate and covers the first groove to form a flow channel for the heat exchange medium to circulate. The second surface faces away from the flow channel plate and faces the battery cell. The second surface has a second groove, which is offset from the position of the first groove. The second groove is configured as a pressure relief space or pressure relief channel and is used to correspond to the position of the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell.

[0007] This application also provides a battery, the battery comprising: a battery cell and a liquid cooling plate as described in any of the first aspects, the battery cell having an explosion-proof valve, the second surface of the sealing plate of the liquid cooling plate being attached to the surface of the battery cell, and a second groove on the second surface corresponding to the position of the explosion-proof valve. Beneficial effects

[0008] The liquid cooling plate provided in this application has a first surface facing the flow channel plate and a second surface facing away from the flow channel plate. The first surface is used to seal the flow channel plate, and the second surface is used to directly or indirectly contact the battery cell for heat exchange. By forming a second groove on the second surface that is offset from the flow channel, and the position of the second groove directly corresponding to the explosion-proof valve, the second surface can fit the battery cell at the flow channel for better heat exchange, while the second groove can be used for pressure relief. This achieves space saving without affecting pressure relief and heat exchange, and while ensuring the safety of the battery, it also takes into account the compactness of the battery structure, which is conducive to the development of safer and smaller batteries.

[0009] The battery provided in this application uses the aforementioned liquid cooling plate, which makes the battery structure more compact without affecting heat exchange and pressure relief, while taking into account the development needs of safer and smaller batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the mating state of the liquid cooling plate and the battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a front view schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a liquid cooling plate provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the sealing plate of the liquid cooling plate provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the flow channel plate of the liquid cooling plate provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] 1000-Liquid cooling plate, 2000-Battery cell, 2001-Explosion-proof valve, 1-Flow channel plate, 11-Edge part, 12-Center part, 121-First groove, 1211-Connecting groove, 1212-Diverting groove, 1213-Merging groove, 1214-Heat exchange groove, 122-First protrusion, 123-Positioning groove, 124-Turbulence protrusion, 13-First extension, 131-Water inlet groove, 132-Water outlet groove, 2-Sealing plate, 2a-First surface, 2b-Second surface, 21-Connecting part, 22-Heat exchange part, 221-Second groove, 222-Second protrusion, 23-Second extension, 231-Water inlet interface, 232-Water outlet interface, 3-Insulation layer, 4-Water nozzle, X-First direction, Y-Second direction. Embodiments of the present invention

[0017] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0018] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, where the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, where the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0019] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0020] In related technologies, batteries generally consist of cells and heat exchange devices. During use, batteries, especially the cells, need to be maintained at a suitable temperature. If the temperature is too low, the electrochemical activity in the cell decreases, the ion migration rate decreases, the cell's charge-discharge performance deteriorates, and lithium plating may occur, leading to safety accidents. Conversely, if the cell temperature is too high, it will also affect its lifespan and performance, and may easily cause deflagration or combustion accidents. Heat exchange devices are used to exchange heat with the cells in contact, keeping the cell temperature within a suitable range. Common heat exchange devices include liquid cooling plates, which have channels for the flow of heat exchange medium. The surface of the liquid cooling plate is attached to the surface of the cell, and heat exchange occurs between the liquid cooling plate and the cell. The heat exchange medium in the channels either removes heat from the cell or provides heat to the cell.

[0021] In addition, to mitigate the risk of combustion and explosion caused by thermal runaway and excessive internal pressure, the battery cell casing is generally equipped with an explosion-proof valve. The explosion-proof valve is used to release internal pressure, high-temperature gases, or gas-liquid mixtures from the battery cell when the internal pressure or temperature is too high, thereby mitigating the combustion and explosion caused by thermal runaway.

[0022] To ensure the heat exchange function of the liquid cooling plate and the venting function of the explosion-proof valve, the explosion-proof valve and the liquid cooling device need to be placed at different positions on the surface of the cell to avoid obstructing pressure relief and heat exchange. However, such placement occupies a lot of space on the surface of the cell, which is not conducive to the development of compact and miniaturized battery structures.

[0023] In view of this, this application provides a liquid cooling plate and a battery, which improves the structure without affecting heat exchange and pressure relief, making the internal structure of the battery more compact, ensuring the safety and compactness of the battery, and taking into account the development needs of safer and smaller batteries.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the battery provided in this embodiment includes a cell 2000 and a liquid cooling plate 1000.

[0025] The casing of cell 2000 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 2001.

[0026] The liquid cooling plate 1000 is used to exchange heat with the battery cell 2000 so that the battery cell 2000 can maintain a suitable operating temperature.

[0027] The liquid cooling plate 1000 includes a flow channel plate 1 and a sealing plate 2.

[0028] The flow channel plate 1 is provided with a first groove 121.

[0029] The sealing plate 2 is connected to the flow channel plate 1. The sealing plate 2 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the flow channel plate 1, and the second surface faces away from the flow channel plate 1. The first surface covers the first groove 121 to form a flow channel for the heat exchange medium to circulate. The second surface is used for heat exchange through contact with the surface of the battery cell 2000. It should be noted that the second surface can directly contact the battery cell 2000 to achieve heat exchange, or it can indirectly contact the battery cell 2000 for heat exchange. For example, other functional layers can be provided between the second surface and the battery cell 2000, and the second surface contacts the battery cell 2000 for heat exchange through other functional layers.

[0030] The second surface is provided with a second groove 221, which is offset from the position of the first groove 121, that is, the projection of the first groove 121 on the second surface does not intersect with the second groove 221.

[0031] The area on the second surface corresponding to the first groove 121 is in contact with the surface of the battery cell 2000, achieving a better heat exchange effect.

[0032] The second groove 221 on the second surface is configured as a pressure relief space or pressure relief channel. The second groove 221 corresponds to the explosion-proof valve 2001 of the battery cell 2000. That is, the projection of the explosion-proof valve 2001 on the second surface of the battery cell 2000 falls within the range of the second groove 221, so that the explosion-proof valve 2001 communicates with the second groove 221. When the explosion-proof valve 2001 releases high-temperature gas or high-temperature gas-liquid mixture inside, the second groove 221 serves as a pressure relief space to accommodate the released material, or as a channel for the released material to be discharged to the outside, ensuring the pressure relief function.

[0033] For example, when the surface of the battery cell 2000 covers the second surface and completely covers the second groove 221, the second groove 221 serves as a pressure relief space to accommodate the discharged material; when the surface of the battery cell 2000 covers the second surface but does not completely cover the second groove 221, the second groove 221 is connected to the outside and can serve as a pressure relief space to accommodate the discharged material, or as a pressure relief channel to release the discharged material to the outside.

[0034] In addition, when the discharged material enters or flows through the second groove 221, it can also exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the first groove 121 through the inner wall of the second groove 221 to achieve cooling, thereby avoiding the heat of the discharged material from causing adverse effects on other components or other cells 2000 in the battery.

[0035] Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application embodiment not only enables the liquid cooling plate 1000 to effectively exchange heat and ensure a suitable working temperature, but also enables the explosion-proof valve 2001 to effectively relieve pressure, and the discharged material can also be cooled to a certain extent, which has high safety. Furthermore, the liquid cooling plate 1000 and the explosion-proof valve 2001 can be set on the same surface of the battery cell 2000, which saves space and makes the internal structure of the battery compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization development needs of the battery.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, there are multiple second grooves 221, each extending along a first direction X, and the multiple second grooves 221 are arranged at intervals along a second direction Y, with the first direction X perpendicular to the second direction Y. By providing multiple second grooves 221, the position of the explosion-proof valve 2001 of the battery cell 2000 can be set in different positions, as long as it corresponds to at least one of the multiple second grooves 221. By providing multiple second grooves 221, it is beneficial for the liquid cooling plate 1000 to be compatible with battery cells 2000 of different specifications and models, making the liquid cooling plate 1000 provided in this application highly applicable.

[0037] It should be noted that the "first direction X" and "second direction Y" mentioned in this application refer to directions parallel to the first surface and / or the second surface. In the description of this application, terms such as "parallel" and "perpendicular" do not mean that absolute parallelism or perpendicularity is required, but rather that there can be a slight inclination, as long as it is roughly parallel or perpendicular and the functionality of the structure can be guaranteed.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the sealing plate 2 includes a connecting portion 21 and a heat exchange portion 22. A second groove 221 is disposed in the heat exchange portion 22, and the connecting portion 21 surrounds the heat exchange portion 22. The connecting portion 21 is used for a sealed connection with the flow channel plate 1, for example, by brazing.

[0039] The two ends of the second groove 221 extend to the connecting part 21, thereby ensuring that the sealing plate 2 and the flow channel plate 1 are sealed and connected, and that the area of ​​the second surface corresponding to the first groove 121 is in contact with the cell 2000 for heat exchange, while maximizing the size of the second groove 221, expanding the pressure relief space, improving the capacity and pressure relief capacity of the second groove 221, and the cooling effect on the discharged material.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the flow channel plate 1 includes an edge portion 11 and a center portion 12. The edge portion 11 surrounds the center portion 12, and a first groove 121 is disposed in the center portion 12. The edge portion 11 is used for a sealing connection with the sealing plate 2. For example, the edge portion 11 is sealed to the connecting portion 21 by brazing.

[0041] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the side of the flow channel plate 1 facing the sealing plate 2 is provided with a plurality of first protrusions 122, and the first protrusions 122 are provided with positioning grooves 123; referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first surface of the sealing plate 2 forms a plurality of second protrusions 222, and the second protrusions 222 are embedded in the positioning grooves 123.

[0042] The first protrusion 122 abuts against the second protrusion 222, providing good support and isolation to ensure the functionality of the flow channel. Furthermore, the second protrusion 222 is embedded and cooperates with the positioning groove 123 in the first protrusion 122, which is conducive to the stable installation and accurate positioning of the flow channel plate 1 and the sealing plate 2, improving the structural stability of the liquid cooling plate 1000 and ensuring its sealing and functionality.

[0043] In the sealing plate 2, the positions of multiple second protrusions 222 correspond to those of multiple second grooves 221, that is, the projection of the second protrusions 222 on the second surface completely overlaps with the second grooves 221. By setting it in this way, the thickness of the sealing plate 2 is prevented from being reduced at the second grooves 221, and the second protrusions 222 act as reinforcing ribs, improving the structural strength and rigidity of the sealing plate 2.

[0044] Optionally, the sealing plate 2 is integrally formed by stamping, that is, by stamping, a second protrusion 222 is formed on the first surface and a second groove 221 is formed on the second surface. The processing technology is simple and can also improve the structural rigidity of the sealing plate 2, making the sealing plate 2 less prone to deformation.

[0045] Alternatively, the flow channel plate 1 can also be integrally formed by stamping, that is, by stamping, a first groove 121, a first protrusion 122 and a positioning groove 123 are formed on the side of the flow channel plate 1 facing the sealing plate 2.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 5, the first groove 121 includes a connecting groove 1211, a diversion groove 1212, a confluence groove 1213, and a plurality of heat exchange grooves 1214. The connecting groove 1211, the diversion groove 1212, and the confluence groove 1213 extend along the second direction Y. The plurality of heat exchange grooves 1214 extend along the first direction X and are spaced apart along the second direction Y. One end of the plurality of heat exchange grooves 1214 is connected in parallel through the connecting groove 1211. The other end of a portion of the plurality of heat exchange grooves 1214 is connected to the diversion groove 1212, and the other end of another portion of the plurality of heat exchange grooves 1214 is connected to the confluence groove 1213.

[0047] When the liquid cooling plate 1000 is working, the heat exchange medium flows from the distribution tank 1212 to a part of the multiple heat exchange tanks 1214, then enters another part of the multiple heat exchange tanks 1214 through the connecting tank 1211, and finally enters the confluence tank 1213 and flows out.

[0048] The sealing plate 2 is provided with an inlet port 231 connecting to the diversion channel 1212 and an outlet port 232 connecting to the confluence channel 1213. The inlet port 231 is used to connect to the outlet of the heat exchange medium source, and the outlet port 232 is used to connect to the return port of the heat exchange medium source. The inlet port 231 and the outlet port 232 are pipe interfaces provided on the sealing plate 2; or, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet port 231 and the outlet port 232 are through holes extending from the second surface to the first surface. The liquid cooling plate 1000 also includes two water nozzles 4, which are respectively installed on the inlet port 231 and the outlet port 232, so as to connect with the heat exchange medium source through pipelines.

[0049] In practical use, since the second surface is in contact with the surface of the battery cell 2000, after the liquid cooling plate 1000 and the battery cell 2000 are installed, the water inlet 231 and the water outlet 232 may be blocked by the battery cell 2000, making it inconvenient to connect external pipelines to the water inlet 231 and the water outlet 232. In some embodiments, the edge of the flow channel plate 1 extends partially along the first direction X to form a first extension 13, that is, the edge portion 11 of the flow channel plate 1 protrudes partially to form the first extension 13, and the edge of the sealing plate 2 extends along the first direction X to form a first extension 13. A second extension 23 is formed by a partial protrusion of the connecting portion 21 of the sealing plate 2 in the direction X. The first extension 13 corresponds to and is connected to the second extension 23. The first extension 13 is provided with a water inlet tank 131 and a water outlet tank 132. The water inlet interface 231 and the water outlet interface 232 are located in the second extension 23. The water inlet interface 231 is connected to the diversion tank 1212 through the water inlet tank 131, and the water outlet interface 232 is connected to the confluence tank 1213 through the water outlet tank 132. With this arrangement, the first extension 13 and the second extension 23 extend from the obstructed position of the battery cell 2000, which facilitates installation, maintenance and replacement.

[0050] In some embodiments, the flow channel plate 1 is further provided with turbulence protrusions 124, which are disposed within the heat exchange tank 1214. Multiple turbulence protrusions 124 are provided to agitate the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange tank 1214 and improve heat exchange efficiency. Optionally, the turbulence protrusions 124 may also be disposed in at least one of the flow distribution tank 1212, the connecting tank 1211, and the confluence tank 1213.

[0051] The turbulence protrusion 124 can be a protrusion provided in the first groove 121, or it can be integrally stamped in the first groove 121 during stamping to form the turbulence protrusion 124.

[0052] The height of the turbulence protrusion 124 does not exceed the depth of the first groove 121. In other words, the height of the turbulence protrusion 124 is lower than or equal to the height of the first protrusion 122, so as not to affect the fit between the sealing plate 2 and the flow channel plate 1.

[0053] In some cases, the airtightness of the battery cell 2000 decreases during or after pressure relief of the explosion-proof valve 2001, making it prone to leakage. In some embodiments, the liquid cooling plate 1000 further includes an insulating layer 3, which is disposed on the second surface and at least covers the inner wall of the second groove 221. That is, the insulating layer 3 covers the inner wall of the second groove 221 and can also cover the entire second surface. By providing the insulating layer 3 on the second surface, leakage of the battery cell 2000 is prevented, especially leakage during or after pressure relief of the explosion-proof valve 2001, thus addressing both pressure relief and leakage prevention, greatly improving safety.

[0054] Optionally, the insulating layer 3 is made of thermally conductive insulating silicone, thermally conductive insulating silicone grease, silicon nitride ceramic, etc., to ensure efficient heat exchange between the liquid cooling plate 1000 and the battery cell 2000 under insulating conditions.

[0055] In some embodiments, thermally conductive insulating silicone, thermally conductive insulating grease, silicon nitride ceramic, or other materials are sprayed onto the second surface to form an insulating layer 3.

[0056] In other embodiments, a finished film is made from materials such as thermally conductive insulating silicone, thermally conductive insulating grease, and silicon nitride ceramic and then covered onto the second surface to form an insulating layer 3.

Claims

1. A liquid cold plate (1000) for exchanging heat with an electric cell (2000), wherein, The application relates to a liquid cooling plate (1000) for a battery cell (2000), which comprises: a flow channel plate (1) provided with a first groove (121); a sealing plate (2) connected with the flow channel plate (1) and provided with a first surface and a second surface, the first surface faces the flow channel plate (1), the first surface covers the first groove (121) to form a flow channel for heat exchange medium, and the second surface faces away from the flow channel plate (1) and faces the battery cell (2000); wherein the second surface is provided with a second groove (221), the second groove (221) is staggered with the position of the first groove (121), the second groove (221) is configured as a pressure relief space or a pressure relief channel and is used for corresponding to the position of an explosion-proof valve (2001) of the battery cell (2000).

2. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 1, wherein, The number of the second grooves (221) is multiple, each second groove (221) extends along a first direction (X), and multiple second grooves (221) are arranged at intervals along a second direction (Y), and the first direction (X) is perpendicular to the second direction (Y).

3. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 2, wherein, The sealing plate (2) comprises a connecting part (21) and a heat exchange part (22), the connecting part (21) surrounds the heat exchange part (22), the connecting part (21) is sealingly connected with the flow channel plate (1), the second groove (221) is arranged on the heat exchange part (22), and both ends of the second groove (221) extend to the connecting part (21).

4. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 2 or 3, wherein, One side of the flow channel plate (1) facing the sealing plate (2) is provided with multiple first protrusions (122), and the first protrusions (122) are provided with positioning grooves (123); the first surface forms multiple second protrusions (222), and the second protrusions (222) are embedded in the positioning grooves (123).

5. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 4, wherein, Multiple second protrusions (222) correspond to multiple second grooves (221).

6. The liquid cold plate (1000) of any of claims 2-5, wherein, The liquid cooling plate (1000) further comprises: an insulating layer (3) arranged on the second surface and covering at least the inner wall of the second groove.

7. The liquid cold plate (1000) of any of claims 2-6, wherein, The first groove (121) comprises a connecting groove body (1211), a shunt groove body (1212), a converging groove body (1213) and multiple heat exchange groove bodies (1214), the connecting groove body (1211), the shunt groove body (1212) and the converging groove body (1213) extend along the second direction (Y), the multiple heat exchange groove bodies (1214) extend along the first direction (X) and are arranged at intervals along the second direction (Y); one end of the multiple heat exchange groove bodies (1214) is connected in parallel through the connecting groove body (1211), one end of part of the multiple heat exchange groove bodies (1214) is connected with the shunt groove body (1212), and the other end of another part of the multiple heat exchange groove bodies (1214) is connected with the converging groove body (1213); the sealing plate (2) is provided with a water inlet interface (231) communicating with the shunt groove body (1212) and a water outlet interface (232) communicating with the converging groove body (1213).

8. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 7, wherein, The edge of the flow channel plate (1) partially extends along the first direction (X) to form a first extension (13), and the edge of the sealing plate (2) partially extends along the first direction (X) to form a second extension (23), the first extension (13) corresponds to and is connected with the second extension (23); The first extension (13) is provided with a water inlet groove (131) and a water outlet groove (132), the water inlet interface (231) and the water outlet interface (232) are arranged on the second extension (23), the water inlet interface (231) is communicated with the shunt groove (1212) through the water inlet groove (131), and the water outlet interface (232) is communicated with the confluence groove (1213) through the water outlet groove (132).

9. The liquid cold plate (1000) of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The flow channel plate (1) is further provided with a flow disturbing protrusion (124), and a plurality of flow disturbing protrusions (124) are arranged in the heat exchange groove (1214).

10. A battery, wherein, Comprising: An electric core (2000) having an explosion-proof valve (2001) ； The liquid cooling plate (1000) according to any one of claims 1-9, a second surface of a sealing plate (2) of the liquid cooling plate (1000) is attached to a surface of the electric core (2000), and a second groove (221) on the second surface corresponds to a position of the explosion-proof valve (2001).

Images