Battery cooling control apparatus and cooling control method

Abstract

A battery cooling control apparatus and a battery cooling control method are provided. The battery cooling control apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a cooling network including a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel for a battery pack; a refrigerant circulation unit for individually inducing or blocking refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel; and a control unit for setting a target control mode for the refrigerant circulation unit on the basis of a fire risk index of the battery pack. The control unit controls the refrigerant circulation unit according to the target control mode.

Description

Battery cooling control device and cooling control method

[0001] The present invention relates to battery cooling control technology for preventing the risk of heat transfer in a battery pack and for rapid fire suppression.

[0002] The present application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128994 filed on September 24, 2024, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0026854 filed on February 28, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0109036 filed on August 7, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of said applications are incorporated into the present application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Battery packs for battery systems requiring high capacity and high voltage (e.g., electric vehicles or energy storage systems) may contain several to hundreds of battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0006] A structure in which battery cells are closely packed within a limited space in a battery pack is advantageous for achieving high energy density, but it has the disadvantage that the abnormal condition of a few battery cells can easily have an adverse effect on the remaining battery cells. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell due to overheating or an internal short circuit, so-called 'thermal propagation' can occur, causing thermal runaway to spread sequentially to other adjacent battery cells.

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an apparatus and method for monitoring the fire risk of a battery pack and individually controlling dual refrigerant channels provided to the battery pack.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0009] A battery cooling control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cooling network including a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel for a battery pack, a refrigerant circulation unit that individually induces or blocks refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel, and a control unit that sets a target control mode for the refrigerant circulation unit based on a fire risk indicator of the battery pack. The control unit is configured to control the refrigerant circulation unit according to the target control mode.

[0010] The control unit may be configured to set a control mode as the target control mode, which induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than a first set value.

[0011] The control unit may be configured to set the target control mode to alternately induce refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than a first set value.

[0012] The control unit may be configured to set a control mode that induces both refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel as the target control mode in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a first set value.

[0013] The control unit may be configured to set a control mode as the target control mode, which induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second set value which is greater than a first set value.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to set a control mode as the target control mode, which increases the internal pressure of one of the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel and decreases the internal pressure of the other of the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second set value which is greater than a first set value.

[0015] The control unit may be configured to control the refrigerant circulation unit to increase the refrigerant circulation speed in one refrigerant channel and decrease the refrigerant circulation speed in the other refrigerant channel according to the target control mode.

[0016] The control unit may be configured to control the refrigerant circulation unit to execute the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through both the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant channel according to the target control mode.

[0017] The control unit may be configured to control the refrigerant circulation unit so as to alternately execute the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through the inlet of the refrigerant channel and the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through the outlet of the refrigerant channel, according to the target control mode.

[0018] The first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel may be arranged to face each other on both sides of the battery pack.

[0019] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes the battery cooling control device.

[0020] An electric vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes the battery pack.

[0021] A battery cooling control method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a step of setting a target control mode for a refrigerant circulation unit that individually induces or blocks refrigerant circulation in a first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in a second refrigerant channel included in a cooling network based on a fire risk indicator of a battery pack; and a step of controlling the refrigerant circulation unit according to the target control mode.

[0022] The step of setting the target control mode may set the target control mode to a control mode that induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other, in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than the first set value.

[0023] The step of setting the target control mode may set the target control mode to a control mode that induces both refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a first set value.

[0024] The step of setting the target control mode may set the control mode as the target control mode in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second setting value which is greater than a first setting value, thereby increasing the internal pressure of either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and decreasing the internal pressure of the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel.

[0025] A computer-readable medium according to another aspect of the present invention records a program for executing the battery cooling control method on a computer.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fire risk of the battery pack can be monitored, and the dual refrigerant channels provided for heat exchange with the battery pack can be individually controlled.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when the risk of fire of the battery pack is low, the simultaneous operation of the dual refrigerant channels is limited, thereby avoiding excessive cooling and preventing unnecessary power consumption of the battery pack.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, by allowing the simultaneous operation of dual refrigerant channels in a state where the risk of fire of the battery pack is high, the possibility of the overheating state of the battery pack developing into an actual fire can be suppressed in advance.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when the risk of fire in the battery pack has become very serious or a fire has already occurred, the refrigerant can be made to act directly on the battery pack as a fire extinguishing agent by forming a point of intentional damage through intensive refrigerant circulation via a specific refrigerant channel.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle including a battery cooling control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the sensing unit shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram referenced to schematically illustrate an example of the coupling relationship between a battery pack and a cooling network.

[0035] Figures 4 and 5 are reference drawings used to schematically illustrate an example of the coupling relationship between a cooling network and a cooling circulation unit.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flowchart referenced to schematically explain a cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing referenced to explain the first control mode.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing referenced to explain the second control mode.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing referenced to explain the third control mode.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing referenced to explain the fourth control mode.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a drawing referenced to explain the fifth control mode.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing referenced to explain the sixth control mode.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing referenced to explain the seventh control mode.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a diagram referenced to illustrate an exemplary situation in which refrigerant leaks from a cooling network into a battery pack.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a flowchart referenced to schematically explain a cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0047] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used for the purpose of distinguishing one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0049] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "<unit>" as used in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0050] Additionally, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other components in between.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle including a battery cooling control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the electric vehicle (1) may include a battery pack (10), a relay (20), a vehicle controller (2), a power converter (30), an electric load (40), a battery management system (100), and a battery cooling control device (200). The electric vehicle (1) may further include peripheral devices (50).

[0053] The battery pack (10) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N , N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), includes a first charge / discharge terminal (P1) and a second charge / discharge terminal (P2).

[0054] In this specification, a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N In explaining the contents common to each, the symbol 'BB' or 'BB' for the battery block k It is decided to assign '. k is a natural number less than or equal to N.

[0055] Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) can be connected to each other in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel between the first charge / discharge terminal (P1) and the second charge / discharge terminal (P2).

[0056] A battery block (BB) may include a single battery module or two or more battery modules. If the battery block (BB) includes multiple battery modules, the multiple battery modules may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0057] Each battery module may include an assembly of two or more battery cells. If a battery module includes multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel. In this specification, a battery cell refers to a basic unit of a storage element capable of independent charging and discharging, and is not particularly limited as long as it is rechargeable, such as a lithium-ion cell, for example.

[0058] A relay (20) is installed in a power line connecting a battery pack (10) and charging / discharging terminals (P1, P2). In FIG. 1, the relay (20) is illustrated as being connected between the positive terminal of the battery pack (10) and the charging / discharging terminal (P1), but an additional relay (20) connected between the negative terminal of the battery pack (10) and the charging / discharging terminal (P2) may be further included in the electric vehicle (1). The relay (20) is turned on / off in response to a switching signal from a battery management system (100) or a vehicle controller. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the relay (20) may be a mechanical contactor that is turned on / off by the magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0059] The battery management system (100) includes a sensing unit (110) and a control unit (120). The battery management system (100) may further include a communication unit (130).

[0060] The sensing unit (110) is a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) of the battery pack (10). N ) Generates battery monitoring information representing each state.

[0061] The sensing unit (110) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Each of at least one state parameter can be measured periodically or non-periodically, and battery monitoring information representing each measured state parameter can be provided to the control unit (120).

[0062] Battery Block (BB) k The state parameters of ) are the battery block (BB kIt may represent the temperature of the battery block (BB) (which may be referred to as 'block temperature'), the cell voltage of each battery cell (BC) included in the battery block (BB), or a quadratic parameter (e.g., amount of change, rate of change) that can be derived through the application of a mathematical function therefrom. Of course, in addition to this, the battery block (BB k If it can directly or indirectly indicate the degree of thermal abnormality of ), the type of state parameter is not particularly limited.

[0063] A current sensor (A) is installed in a power line connecting the battery pack (10) and the charging / discharging terminals (P1, P2) to measure the current flowing through the battery pack (10). The current sensor (A) may be included in the sensing unit (110).

[0064] The control unit (120) can be implemented in hardware using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0065] The control unit (120) is operably coupled to at least one of the sensing unit (110) and the communication unit (130). Being operably coupled to the two components means that the two components are connected so that signals can be transmitted and received in either a unidirectional or bidirectional manner.

[0066] The control unit (120) may have a memory device. The memory device may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and PROM (programmable read-only memory). The memory device may store data and programs required for operation by the control unit (120). The memory device may store data representing the result of operation by the control unit (120).

[0067] The control unit (120), based on the status data received from the sensing unit (110), has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N ) It can determine whether each one is abnormal. The control unit (120) can determine whether there is an abnormality in a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N If at least one of ) is diagnosed as abnormal, it is configured to perform at least one safety operation for the battery pack (10).

[0068] The safety operation may include turn-off control of the relay (20). The safety operation may include battery cooling control, which will be described later.

[0069] The power converter (30) may include at least one of a DC-AC inverter and a DC-DC converter. The power converter (30) may convert direct current power (discharge power) supplied from the battery pack (10) into alternating current power and supply it to an electric load (40) during the discharge of the battery pack (10). The electric load (40) may include, for example, a three-phase alternating current motor that generates kinetic energy for driving an electric vehicle (1).

[0070] The control unit (120), based on battery monitoring information, has a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Each state of charge (SOC) can be determined, and the state of health (SOH) can be further determined.

[0071] The SOC of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of the remaining capacity to the maximum capacity (FCC: Full Charge Capacity) of the battery block, and is typically expressed in the range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. The remaining capacity represents the amount of charge currently stored in the battery block (BB).

[0072] The State of Health (SOH) of a battery block (BB) is the ratio of the maximum capacity to the design capacity of the battery block (BB), and is typically expressed in the range of 0 to 100% or 0 to 1. The design capacity represents the maximum amount of charge that can be stored in the battery block (BB) when the battery block (BB) is in a new condition. As the battery block (BB) deteriorates, the maximum capacity gradually decreases from the design capacity. Since the SOC and SOH can each be estimated from one or a combination of two or more of various known methods, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0073] The communication unit (130) includes at least one communication circuit that supports wired or wireless communication between the control unit (120), the vehicle controller (2), the peripheral device (50), and / or the battery cooling control device (200). Wired communication may be, for example, CAN (controller area network) communication, and wireless communication may be, for example, Zeegbee or Bluetooth communication. Of course, as long as wired or wireless communication is supported, the type of communication protocol is not specifically limited to the examples listed above.

[0074] The peripheral device (50) may include vehicle sensor(s) that measure at least one parameter (e.g., vehicle speed, etc.) related to the state of the electric vehicle (1). The peripheral device (50) may include an output device (e.g., display, speaker) that provides information received from the control unit (120) and / or the vehicle controller (2) in a form recognizable by the user. The peripheral device (50) may be driven using direct current power or alternating current power supplied from the power converter (30).

[0075] Although the battery pack (10) and the battery management system (100) are shown as physically independent in FIG. 1, the battery management system (100) may be included as a sub-component of the battery pack (10).

[0076] The battery cooling control device (200) includes a control unit (220) and may further include at least one of a cooling network (210) and a refrigerant circulation unit (230). At least one of the cooling network (210) and the refrigerant circulation unit (230) may be provided as a sub-component of the battery pack (10) instead of being provided as a sub-component of the battery cooling control device (200).

[0077] As a refrigerant, any one or more combinations of known substances that produce a cooling effect, such as water, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and non-conductive liquids, may be used. Preferably, in addition to the cooling effect, any one or more combinations of known substances that are non-flammable and / or non-combustible may be used as a refrigerant.

[0078] The cooling network (210) is formed such that, while the flow of refrigerant occurs through a refrigerant path formed therein, a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It is provided to enable individual heat exchange with ).

[0079] The control unit (220) controls the cooling network (210) according to battery monitoring information provided from the battery management system (100). The control unit (220) may be implemented in hardware using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0080] The control unit (220) may have a memory device. The memory device may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and PROM (programmable read-only memory). The memory device may store data and programs required for operation by the control unit (220). The memory device may store data representing the result of operation by the control unit (220). The control unit (220) may include one or more memory devices and one or more processors, may be referred to as a 'battery controller', etc., and may be manufactured, used, and / or sold as an independent device.

[0081] The control unit (220) of the battery cooling control device (200) can be replaced with the control unit (120) of the battery management system (100), and in this case, the control unit (220) can be omitted from the battery cooling control device (200).

[0082] The electrical energy required to operate the battery cooling control device (200) can be provided from the battery pack. For example, a separate voltage regulator (not shown) coupled to the battery pack can generate a power voltage using the electrical energy of the battery pack (10) and then supply it to the battery cooling control device (200), and each component of the battery cooling control device (200) can be activated by the power voltage.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a drawing referenced to explain an example of the coupling relationship between the battery block and the sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) included in a battery pack (10). N Among ), the battery block (BB k Only ) was depicted.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, the sensing unit (110) is a battery block (BB k The sensing circuit (SB) provided to ) k ...includes ). Accordingly, the sensing unit (110) includes a plurality of sensing circuits (SB1~SB N Those skilled in the art will easily understand that it may include ).

[0085] Sensing circuit (SB) k ) includes a temperature sensor (TS) and may further include a voltage detection circuit (VS).

[0086] The temperature sensor (TS) is the battery block (BB k Attached to the outer surface of ) or battery block (BB k It can be installed at a predetermined point spaced apart from ), and the battery block (BB k The temperature (i.e., block temperature) of the battery block (BB) can be measured. The temperature sensor (TS) can measure the temperature of the battery block (BB). k A temperature signal indicating the temperature of ) can be generated, and the control unit (120) can collect the temperature signal of the temperature sensor (TS).

[0087] The voltage detection circuit (VS) may include at least one voltage sensor. The voltage detection circuit (VS) is a battery block (BB k The module voltage of ) can be measured. The module voltage is, battery block (BB k It is the voltage between the two ends of ). The voltage detection circuit (VS) also includes the battery block (BB k The cell voltage of each battery cell (BC) included in ) can be further measured. The cell voltage is the voltage across the terminals of the battery cell (BC). The voltage detection circuit (VS) is the battery block (BB k A voltage signal is generated representing the module voltage of ) and the cell voltage of each battery cell (BC), and the control unit (120) can collect the voltage signal of the voltage detection circuit (VS).

[0088] Figure 3 is a diagram referenced to schematically illustrate an example of the coupling relationship between a battery pack and a cooling network.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery pack (10) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It includes ) and may further include a pack case (PC).

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pack case (PC) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N It provides an internal space where ) can be accommodated.

[0091] The pack case (PC) includes a bottom frame and a side frame, and may further include a partition frame. The side frame and the partition frame may be positioned perpendicular to the bottom frame along the Y-axis. The side frame may form a wall along the outer perimeter of the bottom frame. The space defined by the bottom frame and the side frame may be divided into a plurality of sub-spaces by at least one partition frame. A plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) in the plurality of sub-spaces N ) can be arranged individually.

[0092] The cooling network (210) is a first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Includes ).

[0093] First refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) can be arranged to face each other at least partially on both sides of the battery pack (10). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack (10) has a first refrigerant channel (CC) with respect to the Z-axis. A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It can be positioned to be interposed between ). That is, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) is physically coupled or in contact with the pack case (PC) and / or battery blocks at the top of the pack case (PC), and the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) can be physically coupled or in contact with the pack case (PC) and / or battery blocks at the bottom of the pack case (PC).

[0094] First refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Each of ) has an entrance (IL) prepared therein A , IL B ) and exit(OL A , OL B It can be a passageway through which refrigerant can flow.

[0095] First refrigerant channel (CC) A ) may have a predetermined pattern passing through the upper part of a plurality of sub-sections formed within the pack case (PC). The second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) may have a predetermined pattern passing through the lower part of a plurality of sub-sections formed within the pack case (PC). In FIG. 3, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Each is exemplified as having a zigzag or wavy shape.

[0096] The pack case (PC) is the first cover (CV A ) and the second cover (CV B It may further include at least one of ). The first cover (CV A ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A It can be placed on the upper part of ), and the second cover (CV ㅠ ) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B It can be placed at the bottom of ). In addition, the first cover (CV A The edge portion of ) can be physically joined to the upper edge of the side frame, and the second cover (CV ㅠ The edge portion of ) can be physically joined to the lower edge of the side frame. That is, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B This can be accommodated inside the pack case (PC) together with the battery blocks, and accordingly, a redundant cooling structure can be formed.

[0097] Figures 4 and 5 are reference drawings used to schematically illustrate an example of the coupling relationship between a cooling network and a cooling circulation unit.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the refrigerant circulation unit (230) comprises a first refrigerant channel (CC A Refrigerant circulation in ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It is provided to individually induce or block refrigerant circulation in ).

[0099] The refrigerant circulation section (230) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A Refrigerant is introduced through the ) and the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It can accommodate refrigerant leaking through ). The second refrigerant channel (CC) B The same applies to ).

[0100] As shown in FIG. 4, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) can be arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other along the Z-axis with respect to the XY plane. The first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B In the space along the Z-axis direction between ), a pack case (PC) and a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB) seated thereon N ) can be placed.

[0101] The refrigerant circulation unit (230) may include a refrigerant tank (231) and a chiller (232). The refrigerant circulation unit (230) includes first to fourth pumps (CP A , CP B , CP C , CP D It may include at least one more of ).

[0102] The refrigerant circulation unit (230) is the first inlet valve (IV A ), second inlet valve (IV B ), first outlet valve (OV A ) and second outlet valve (OV B It may include at least one more of ).

[0103] The refrigerant circulation unit (230) is the first inlet sensor (IS A ), second inlet sensor (IS B ), first outlet sensor (OS A ) and second outlet sensor (OS B It may include at least one more of ).

[0104] The refrigerant tank (231) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL A , OL B The refrigerant leaking from each of the channels can be stored, and the stored refrigerant can be supplied to the chiller (232). That is, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC BThe refrigerant that has absorbed heat from at least one battery block (BB) while flowing through each of them flows into the chiller (232) via the refrigerant tank (231).

[0105] The chiller (232) lowers the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into it and pumps (e.g., CP A and / or CP B It can be supplied as ).

[0106] The control unit (220) is the first to fourth pumps (CP A , CP B , CP C , CP D The direction of refrigerant flow can be controlled by each of them.

[0107] 1st pump (CP) A ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A It can be installed on the ) side. The first pump (CP A ) is, entrance(IL A The direction of refrigerant flow can be changed through the ) . The first pump (CP A During the operation of ), the refrigerant is from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) to the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A It is supplied to ), or conversely, to the inlet (IL A It can be discharged from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) to the refrigerant circulation unit (230). In this case, the first pump (CP A During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It can be discharged from the refrigerant tank (231).

[0108] 2nd pump (CP) B ) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) entrance(IL B It can be installed on the ) side. The second pump (CP B During the operation of ), the refrigerant is from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) to the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) entrance(IL B It is supplied to ), or conversely, to the inlet (ILB It can be discharged from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) to the refrigerant circulation unit (230). In this case, the second pump (CP B During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B It can be discharged from the refrigerant tank (231).

[0109] 3rd pump (CP) C ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It can be installed on the ) side. The third pump (CP C During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It can be supplied via ). In this case, the third pump (CP C During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It flows out to the refrigerant circulation unit (230) through ), or conversely, the outlet (OL) from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) B It can be supplied to ).

[0110] 4th pump (CP) D ) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B It can be installed on the ) side. The 4th pump (CP D During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B It flows out to the refrigerant circulation unit (230) through ), or conversely, the outlet (OL) from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) B It can be supplied to ). In this case, the fourth pump (CP D During the operation of ), the refrigerant is in the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B It can be discharged from the refrigerant tank (231).

[0111] 1st inlet valve (IV) A ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL AIt can be installed on the ) side, and according to a command from the control unit (220), the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) entrance(IL A ) can be opened and closed. The first pump (CP A During the operation of ), the entrance (IL A ) is the first inlet valve (IV A It can be opened by ).

[0112] First outlet valve (OV A ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A It can be installed on the ) side, and according to a command from the control unit (220), the outlet (OL) of the first refrigerant channel A ) can be opened and closed. The third pump (CP C During the operation of ), the exit (OL A ) is the first outlet valve (OV A It can be opened by ).

[0113] 2nd inlet valve (IV) B ) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) entrance(IL B It can be installed on the ) side, and according to a command from the control unit (220), the second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) entrance(IL B ) can be opened and closed. The second pump (CP B During the operation of ), the entrance (IL B ) is the second inlet valve (IV B It can be opened by ).

[0114] 2nd outlet valve (OV B ) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B It can be installed on the ) side, and according to a command from the control unit (220), the second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) exit(OL B ) can be opened and closed. 4th pump (CP D During the operation of ), the exit (OL B ) is the second outlet valve (OV BIt can be opened by ).

[0115] The aforementioned refrigerant tank (231), chiller (232), and first pump (CP A ), first inlet valve (IV A ) and the first outlet valve (OV A Depending on the interaction of at least two of ), the first refrigerant channel (CC A The circulation of the refrigerant in ) can be made or blocked. Likewise, the refrigerant tank (231), chiller (232), and second pump (CP B ), second inlet valve (IV B ) and second outlet valve (OV B Depending on the interaction of at least two of ), the second refrigerant channel (CC B The circulation of refrigerant in ) may occur or be blocked.

[0116] 1st inlet sensor (IS) A ) is, from the refrigerant circulation unit (230), the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A The flow rate, flow velocity, hydraulic pressure, and / or temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the control unit (220) can be measured, and each measured refrigerant parameter can be notified.

[0117] 1st outlet sensor (OS) A ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A The flow rate, flow velocity, hydraulic pressure, and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) can be measured, and each measured refrigerant parameter can be notified to the control unit (220).

[0118] 2nd inlet sensor (IS) B ) is, from the refrigerant circulation unit (230), the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) entrance(IL B The flow rate, flow velocity, hydraulic pressure, and / or temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the control unit (220) can be measured, and the measured refrigerant information can be notified to the control unit (220).

[0119] 2nd outlet sensor (OS) B) is the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) exit(OL B The flow rate, flow velocity, hydraulic pressure, and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) can be measured, and each measured refrigerant parameter can be notified to the control unit (220).

[0120] FIG. 6 is a flowchart referenced to schematically explain a cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method according to FIG. 6 may be repeated periodically or non-periodically.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, in step S610, the control unit (220) determines the fire risk indicator of the battery pack (10).

[0122] The control unit (220) comprises a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Based on the measurement of at least one state parameter among ), the fire risk indicator of the battery pack (10) can be determined.

[0123] For example, a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N The maximum block temperature of ) can be determined as a fire risk indicator. As another example, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N The average temperature of two or more blocks among ) can be determined as a fire risk indicator. As another example, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N The maximum block temperature rise rate of ) can be determined as a fire risk indicator. As another example, multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N The average value of the temperature rise rates of two or more blocks can be determined as a fire risk indicator. Of course, in addition to temperature or temperature rise rates, the value of a parameter that directly or indirectly indicates the fire risk of the battery pack (10) can be determined as a fire risk indicator.

[0124] In step S620, the control unit (220) sets a target control mode for the refrigerant circulation unit (230) based on the fire risk index of the battery pack (10) determined in step S610. In the memory device of the control unit (220), a set of instructions individually associated with a plurality of predetermined control modes may be recorded, and the target control mode may be any one selected from the plurality of control modes.

[0125] In step S630, the control unit (220) controls the refrigerant circulation unit (230) according to the target control mode set in step S620. A set of commands associated with the control mode selected in step S620 may be used to control the refrigerant circulation unit (230).

[0126] In FIGS. 7 to 11, which will be described later, for the sake of understanding, unlike as shown in FIG. 4, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B ) were plotted side by side on the left and right.

[0127] FIG. 7 is a drawing referenced to explain the first control mode.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (220) can set the first control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk indicator being less than the first set value or greater than the second set value.

[0129] The first setting value may be predetermined as a criterion for determining overheating of the battery pack (10). Accordingly, a fire risk index being less than the first setting value may indicate that the temperature state of the battery pack (10) is normal. The second setting value will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0130] The first control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC). A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC BIt may be a control mode that induces refrigerant circulation in one of the ) and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other.

[0131] Refrigerant circulation in a specific refrigerant channel may mean that refrigerant flow occurs in a direction from the inlet to the outlet of the refrigerant channel or from the outlet to the inlet of the refrigerant channel. Blocking of refrigerant circulation in a specific refrigerant channel may mean that there is no refrigerant flow from either the inlet or the outlet of the refrigerant channel to the other.

[0132] An operation that induces refrigerant circulation in a certain refrigerant channel may, for example, involve supplying refrigerant through the inlet of the refrigerant channel and extracting refrigerant through the outlet. More specifically, the function that induces refrigerant circulation in a certain refrigerant channel may include opening the inlet valve and outlet valve of the refrigerant channel and operating a pump.

[0133] The operation of blocking the refrigerant circulation in a certain refrigerant channel may, for example, stop both the supply of refrigerant through the inlet of the refrigerant channel and the extraction of refrigerant through the outlet. More specifically, the function of blocking the refrigerant circulation in a certain refrigerant channel may include closing at least one of the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the refrigerant channel and stopping the operation of the pump.

[0134] When the first control mode is executed, the target value of the cooling parameter (e.g., refrigerant flow rate, velocity, and / or temperature) of any refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is induced may be predetermined. The control unit (220) can control the refrigerant circulation unit (230) in accordance with the target value associated with the first control mode. Alternatively, the control unit (220) can set the target value of the cooling parameter of any refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is induced based on a fire risk index. For example, by applying a predetermined amount of correspondence to the fire risk index, the first refrigerant channel (CC A The target value of the refrigerant circulation speed in ) can be determined.

[0135] In the first control mode, the refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is induced and the refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is blocked may each be predetermined. FIG. 7 shows a first refrigerant channel (CC) disposed on the upper part of the battery pack (10). A Refrigerant circulation is induced for ), and a second refrigerant channel (CC) disposed at the bottom of the battery pack (10) B The refrigerant circulation for ) is exemplified as being blocked.

[0136] FIG. 8 is a drawing referenced to explain the second control mode.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (220) can set the second control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being less than the first set value. The first control mode described above and the second control mode described below may be mutually alternative.

[0138] The second control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC). A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be a control mode that alternately induces refrigerant circulation in ). Specifically, during a first time, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Induction of refrigerant circulation in ) and second refrigerant channel (CC BA first operation that simultaneously performs the blocking of refrigerant circulation in ) and a first refrigerant channel (CC) for a second time period A Blocking of refrigerant circulation in ) and second refrigerant channel (CC B A second control mode may be a set of second operations that induce refrigerant circulation in parallel, and repeat this in cycle units.

[0139] When executing the second control mode, the target value of the cooling parameter of one refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is induced by the first operation and the target value of the cooling parameter of one refrigerant channel in which refrigerant circulation is induced by the second operation may each be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit (220) may set at least one target value related to the second control mode based on a fire risk index. For example, a target value of the refrigerant circulation speed in each of the first operation and the second operation may be determined by applying a predetermined amount of correspondence to the fire risk index.

[0140] The control unit (220) can control the refrigerant circulation unit (230) according to each target value associated with the second control mode.

[0141] The first time and the second time may be the same or different. At least one of the first time and the second time may be predetermined.

[0142] When either the first control mode described with reference to FIG. 7 or the second control mode described with reference to FIG. 8 is set as the target control mode, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Since refrigerant circulation in both is not induced simultaneously, there is an advantage in that power consumption of the battery pack (10) can be reduced.

[0143] FIG. 9 is a drawing referenced to explain the third control mode.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (220) can set the third control mode as the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being greater than or equal to the first set value (and less than the second set value). For example, if the fire risk index rises and reaches the first set value during the execution of the first control mode or the second control mode, the control unit (120) can switch the target control mode from the first control mode or the second control mode to the third control mode.

[0145] A fire risk indicator being greater than the first set value may mean that the battery pack (10) is in an overheated state, that is, that there are signs of thermal runaway above a certain level.

[0146] The third control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC). A Induction of refrigerant circulation in ) and second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be a control mode that induces refrigerant circulation in parallel.

[0147] When the third control mode is executed, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Target value of the cooling parameter of ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B The target values ​​of the cooling parameters of ) may each be predetermined. The control unit (220) can control the refrigerant circulation unit (230) according to each target value associated with the third control mode.

[0148] When the third control mode is set to the target control mode, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Since the refrigerant circulation proceeds simultaneously in both, there is an advantage in that the battery pack (10) can be cooled quickly compared to the first control mode or the second control mode. In addition, the electrical energy stored in the battery pack (10) is quickly consumed by the battery cooling control device (200), and as a result, there is an advantage in that the severity can be mitigated in advance in case the battery pack (10) actually catches fire.

[0149] The 4th to 7th control modes to be described later are the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be intended to increase the internal pressure of at least one of the following.

[0150] FIG. 10 is a drawing referenced to explain the fourth control mode.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (220) can set the fourth control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being greater than or equal to the second set value. The fire risk index being greater than or equal to the second set value may indicate that the signs of thermal runaway of the battery pack (10) have become very severe to the extent that it is difficult to prevent heat transfer using the cooling network, or that heat transfer has already occurred.

[0152] In this situation, the refrigerant acts as a type of fire extinguishing agent and is used for multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N To be delivered to at least one outer surface of ), the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be necessary to take measures to intentionally damage at least one of the ), and this can be achieved through the execution of the fourth control mode.

[0153] The fourth control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC). A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be a control mode that increases the refrigerant circulation speed in at least one of ). A decrease in the refrigerant circulation speed may be a concept that encompasses the blocking of refrigerant circulation. During the execution of the fourth control mode, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B The refrigerant circulation speed in other refrigerant channels may be reduced.

[0154] When executing the fourth control mode, the target value of the cooling parameter of a refrigerant channel in which the refrigerant circulation speed is increased may be predetermined. In the fourth control mode, the target value of the cooling parameter of the refrigerant channel in which the refrigerant circulation speed is increased may be equal to or greater than the target value associated with the first control mode. Additionally, the target value of the cooling parameter of another refrigerant channel in which the refrigerant circulation speed is decreased may also be predetermined. In the fourth control mode, the target value of the cooling parameter of the refrigerant channel in which the refrigerant circulation speed is decreased may be equal to or smaller than the target value associated with the first control mode.

[0155] Alternatively, the control unit (220) may, based on a fire risk indicator, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B A target value regarding the refrigerant circulation speed of at least one of ) can be set. For example, by applying a predetermined positive correspondence to a fire risk indicator, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A A target value regarding the refrigerant circulation speed of ) can be determined. As another example, by applying a predetermined negative correspondence to the fire risk indicator, the second refrigerant channel (CC) A A target value regarding the refrigerant circulation speed of ) can be determined.

[0156] The control unit (220) can control the refrigerant circulation unit (230) according to each target value associated with the fourth control mode.

[0157] FIG. 10 shows the first refrigerant channel (CC). A The refrigerant circulation speed in ) is increased (refer to the relatively large arrow), and the second refrigerant channel (CC B The refrigerant circulation speed in ) is exemplified as being reduced (see relatively small arrow). When the fourth control mode is set to the target control mode, the control unit (220) [is set] to the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A ) and exit(OL AAny one of ) (e.g., IL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A Refrigerant supply to ) and the other one (e.g., OL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A ) can execute a refrigerant outflow from ). Similarly, the control unit (220) can execute a second refrigerant channel (CC B ) entrance(IL B ) and exit(OL B Any one of ) (e.g., IL B The second refrigerant channel (CC) through ) B Refrigerant supply to ) and the other one (e.g., OL B The second refrigerant channel (CC) through ) B Refrigerant leakage from ) can be performed. The first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Since ) shares the refrigerant tank (231), the second refrigerant channel (CC) B The first refrigerant channel (CC) by the amount of the decrease in the refrigerant supply amount for ) A An increase in the refrigerant supply amount for the ) board can be secured.

[0158] Multiple battery blocks (BB1~BB N At least one battery block exhibiting severe signs of thermal runaway among ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It can act as a heat source that causes thermal damage to at least one of ).

[0159] First refrigerant channel (CC) A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Each of the following is a plurality of battery blocks (BB1~BB N Since it is adjacent to or physically in close contact with within a predetermined distance of ), the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Some points of ) may be weakened due to high temperatures.

[0160] During the execution of the fourth control mode, the first refrigerant channel (CC) ADue to the strong internal pressure formed in ), the first refrigerant channel (CC A If at least one point of ) is damaged, the refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant channel (CC) through the damaged point A It can flow down or be sprayed from inside the battery pack (10) toward the battery pack (10).

[0161] FIG. 11 is a drawing referenced to explain the fifth control mode.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (220) can set the fifth control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being greater than or equal to the second set value.

[0163] The fifth control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC). A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B Any one of the refrigerant channels (e.g., CC) A Blocking the leakage of refrigerant from ) to the refrigerant circulation unit (230), and from the refrigerant circulation unit (230) to another refrigerant channel (e.g., CC B It may be a control mode that blocks the supply of refrigerant to ). At this time, the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel where the refrigerant leakage is blocked may continue.

[0164] In FIG. 11, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) entrance(IL A While the refrigerant supply through ) continues, the outlet (OL A While refrigerant leakage through ) was blocked, the second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) entrance(IL B ) and exit(OL B It is exemplified that the refrigerant flow (i.e., refrigerant supply and / or refrigerant leakage) through ) is blocked. In this case, the inlet (IL A ) or exit(OL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A The target value of the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) may be predetermined.

[0165] Accordingly, just like the fourth control mode, the first refrigerant channel (CC) is also present during the execution of the fifth control mode. A The internal pressure of ) gradually rises, and then the first refrigerant channel (CC A If at least one point of ) is damaged, the refrigerant can flow down or be sprayed into the battery pack (10) through the damaged point.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a drawing referenced to explain the sixth control mode.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (220) can set the sixth control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being greater than or equal to the second set value.

[0168] The 6th control mode is the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be a control mode that executes refrigerant supply through the outlet of at least one refrigerant channel among ). In this case, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B The supply of refrigerant through the inlet of at least one of the refrigerant channels can be continued or cut off.

[0169] In FIG. 12, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A ) is the entrance (IL A ) and exit(OL A Refrigerant supply is executed through both, and the second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) is the entrance (IL B ) and exit(OL B It is exemplified that the refrigerant flow through both is blocked. At this time, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A ) and exit(OL A The target value of the refrigerant parameter (e.g., flow rate) of the refrigerant supplied to each may be predetermined.

[0170] Accordingly, during the execution of the 6th control mode, compared to the execution of the 4th and 5th control modes, the 1st refrigerant channel (CC A As the internal pressure of ) rises steeply, the first refrigerant channel (CC A Not only is damage to at least one point of the ) quickly induced, but the refrigerant can also be sprayed more and more strongly toward the battery pack (10) through the damage point.

[0171] FIG. 13 is a drawing referenced to explain the seventh control mode.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (220) can set the seventh control mode to the target control mode in response to the fire risk index being greater than or equal to the second set value.

[0173] The 7th control mode is the 1st refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be a control mode that alternately executes refrigerant supply through the inlet and outlet of at least one refrigerant channel among ). In FIG. 13, the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A Refrigerant supply to ) and outlet (OL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A While the supply of refrigerant to ) is executed alternately, the second refrigerant channel (CC) B ) entrance(IL B ) and exit(OL B The refrigerant flow through both is exemplified as being blocked.

[0174] More specifically, during the execution of the 7th control mode, the inlet (IL) during the 1st time A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Refrigerant supply to ) and outlet (OL) during the second time A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A The refrigerant supply can be performed alternately.

[0175] Entrance (IL) A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A While refrigerant is being supplied to the ) the first outlet valve (OV A Exit (OL) by ) A ) is closed exit(OL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A Refrigerant leakage from ) can be blocked. Outlet (OL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A While refrigerant is being supplied to the ) the first inlet valve (IV A The entrance (IL) by ) A ) is closed, so the entrance (IL A The first refrigerant channel (CC) through ) A Refrigerant leakage from ) can be blocked.

[0176] In at least one of the 6th control mode and the 7th control mode, the inlet (IL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Target value of the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) and the outlet (OL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A At least one of the target values ​​for the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) may be predetermined. Alternatively, the control unit (220) may, based on a fire risk indicator, inlet (IL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Target value of the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) and the outlet (OL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A At least one of the target values ​​for the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) can be set. For example, by applying a predetermined positive correspondence to the fire risk indicator, the inlet (IL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A Target value of the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) and the outlet (OL A Through the first refrigerant channel (CC) A The target value of the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to ) can be determined.

[0177] The aforementioned 4th to 7th control modes may be mutually alternative.

[0178] FIG. 14 is a reference drawing illustrating an exemplary situation in which refrigerant leaks from a cooling network into a battery pack. For better understanding, a side view of the YZ plane is illustrated.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 14, the first refrigerant channel (CC) A The refrigerant leaking through the damaged point of the battery pack (10) falls toward the battery pack (10), and accordingly, a part of the battery pack (10) can be directly covered by the refrigerant. Under these circumstances, the refrigerant not only acts to directly cool the battery pack (10), but also reduces the contact area between the battery pack (10) and the air, thereby suppressing the risk of fire in the battery pack (10) or reducing the scale of a fire that has already occurred in the battery pack (10).

[0180] For reference, the first refrigerant channel (CC) of FIG. 14 A The shaded area in ) is the first refrigerant channel (CC A It indicates the flow rate (or circulation speed, pressure) of the refrigerant flowing through ). As illustrated, relative to the point of failure, the flow rate (or circulation speed, pressure) of the refrigerant drops significantly, which is a natural phenomenon caused by the leakage of refrigerant to the outside at the point of failure. Consequently, the first inlet sensor (IS A The inlet (IL) measured by ) A ) refrigerant parameters on the side and the first outlet sensor (OS A The outlet (OL) measured by ) A There may be large deviations between the refrigerant parameters on the ) side.

[0181] FIG. 15 is a flowchart referenced to schematically explain a cooling control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method according to FIG. 15 is a variation of the method according to FIG. 6 and may be repeated periodically or non-periodically. The method according to FIG. 15 is a first refrigerant channel (CC A ) and the second refrigerant channel (CC B It may be based on refrigerant parameters related to at least one of ). For the sake of understanding, the method of FIG. 15 is based on the first refrigerant channel (CC A I will explain it as being based on refrigerant parameters related to ), but the second refrigerant channel (CC B Those skilled in the art will easily understand that the method of FIG. 15 may be implemented based on refrigerant parameters related to ).

[0182] Referring to FIG. 15, in step S1510, the control unit (220) determines a fire risk indicator of the battery pack (10). Step S1510 may be substantially the same as step S610.

[0183] In step S1520, the control unit (220) is the first inlet sensor (IS A ) and the first outlet sensor (OS A From ), the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) entrance(IL A Refrigerant parameters on the ) side and the first refrigerant channel (CC A ) exit(OL A Collect refrigerant parameters from the ) side.

[0184] In step S1530, the control unit (220) determines whether the difference between the two refrigerant parameters is greater than or equal to a reference value. For example, the inlet (IL A The refrigerant parameters on the ) side are at the outlet (OL A It is determined whether the refrigerant parameter on the ) side is greater than or equal to a reference value. A value of "Yes" in step S1530 is that, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the first refrigerant channel (CC) AIt may indicate a situation strongly suggesting that refrigerant is leaking to the outside of ). If the value of step S1530 is "No", step S1540 may proceed. If the value of step S1530 is "Yes", step S1542 may proceed.

[0185] In step S1540, the control unit (220) sets the target control mode to one of the first to seventh control modes based on the fire risk index of the battery pack (10) determined in step S1510. Step S1540 may be substantially the same as step S620. That is, the above description of step S1540 means that the target control mode may be any one of the aforementioned first to seventh control modes, and does not mean that all of the first to seventh control modes must necessarily be predetermined as candidates for the target control mode. For example, since the first control mode and the second control mode may be mutually alternative, either the first control mode or the second control mode may be excluded from the candidates for the target control mode. For another example, since the fourth to seventh control modes may be mutually alternative, any one, any two, or any three of the fourth to seventh control modes may be excluded from the candidates for the target control mode.

[0186] In step S1542, the control unit (220) sets the target control mode to any one of the fourth to seventh control modes. That is, in step S1542, the first to third control modes may be excluded from the candidates for the target control mode. Furthermore, the above description of step S1542 implies that the target control mode may be any one of the aforementioned fourth to seventh control modes, and does not imply that all of the fourth to seventh control modes must necessarily be predetermined as candidates for the target control mode. That is, any one, any two, or any three of the fourth to seventh control modes may be excluded from the target control mode. For example, only the instruction set for the fourth control mode among the fourth to seventh control modes may be recorded in the memory device of the control unit (220), and in this case, the fourth control mode may naturally be set as the target control mode.

[0187] In step S1550, the control unit (220) controls the refrigerant circulation unit (230) according to the target control mode set in step S1540. Step S1550 may be substantially the same as step S630.

[0188] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer-readable medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the various embodiments described above on a computer.

[0189] A program may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware and software components. A program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0190] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination thereof, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively.

[0191] Software can be implemented as a computer program containing instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)). Computer-readable storage media can be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The storage medium is readable by a computer, stored in memory, and can be executed by a processor.

[0192] Computer-readable media may be provided in the form of non-transitory recording media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0193] In addition, the program may be provided as part of a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between a seller and a buyer as goods.

[0194] A computer program product may include a software program or a computer-readable recording medium on which the software program is stored. For example, a computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program that is distributed electronically through a manufacturer of an electronic device or an electronic market (e.g., a downloadable application). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a recording medium or temporarily created. In this case, the recording medium may be a server of the manufacturer of the electronic device, a server of the electronic market, or a recording medium of a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0195] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to implementation through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0196] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0197] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

Claims

1. A cooling network comprising a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel for a battery pack; A refrigerant circulation unit that individually induces or blocks refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel; and It includes a control unit that sets a target control mode for the refrigerant circulation unit based on the fire risk indicator of the battery pack, and The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that controls the refrigerant circulation unit according to the above target control mode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that sets a control mode as the target control mode, which induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than a first set value.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that sets a control mode for alternately inducing refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel as the target control mode in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than a first set value.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that sets a control mode to the target control mode, which induces both refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a first set value.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that sets a control mode as the target control mode, in response to a fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second setting value which is greater than a first setting value, induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel, and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that sets a control mode as the target control mode, which increases the internal pressure of either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and decreases the internal pressure of the other refrigerant channel among the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second setting value which is greater than a first setting value.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that controls the refrigerant circulation unit to increase the refrigerant circulation speed in one refrigerant channel and decrease the refrigerant circulation speed in another refrigerant channel according to the above target control mode.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that controls the refrigerant circulation unit to execute the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through both the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant channel according to the above target control mode.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A battery cooling control device that controls the refrigerant circulation unit to alternately execute the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through the inlet of the refrigerant channel and the supply of refrigerant to the refrigerant channel through the outlet of the refrigerant channel according to the above target control mode.

10. In Paragraph 1, The first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel are, A battery cooling control device positioned facing each other on both sides of the battery pack.

11. A battery pack comprising a battery cooling control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An electric vehicle including a battery pack according to paragraph 11.

13. A step of setting a target control mode for a refrigerant circulation unit that individually induces or blocks refrigerant circulation in a first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in a second refrigerant channel included in a cooling network based on a fire risk indicator of a battery pack; and A step of controlling the refrigerant circulation unit according to the above target control mode; A battery cooling control method including 14. In Paragraph 13, The step of setting the above target control mode is, A battery cooling control method that sets a control mode to the target control mode, which induces refrigerant circulation in either the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel and blocks refrigerant circulation in the other, in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being less than a first set value.

15. In Paragraph 13, The step of setting the above target control mode is, A battery cooling control method that sets a control mode to the target control mode, which induces both refrigerant circulation in the first refrigerant channel and refrigerant circulation in the second refrigerant channel in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a first set value.

16. In Paragraph 15, The step of setting the above target control mode is, A battery cooling control method that sets a control mode as the target control mode, which increases the internal pressure of one of the first refrigerant channels and the second refrigerant channels and decreases the internal pressure of the other of the first refrigerant channels and the second refrigerant channels in response to the fire risk indicator of the battery pack being greater than or equal to a second set value which is greater than a first set value.

17. A computer-readable medium storing a program for executing a battery cooling control method according to any one of paragraphs 13 through 16 on a computer.

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