Filter assembly, liquid cooling system, battery pack, and energy storage apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a filter assembly, a liquid cooling system, a battery pack, and an energy storage apparatus. The filter assembly comprises a housing and a magnetic member. The housing is used for connecting to a liquid cooling pipe, a filter chamber being provided within the housing, and the filter chamber being in communication with a liquid cooling flow channel. The magnetic member is mounted in the housing and is located within the filter chamber. The magnetic member is used for attracting metal debris in a coolant flowing into the filter chamber. The magnetic member is provided within the housing, so that the metal debris is prevented from flowing in the liquid cooling system, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery pack.

Description

Filter components, liquid cooling system, battery pack and energy storage device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422509747.1, filed on October 16, 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 filter assembly, a liquid cooling system, a battery pack, and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of battery technology, battery liquid cooling systems are crucial for the proper functioning of batteries. In immersion liquid cooling systems, the battery can be completely submerged in a liquid cooling medium, where heat is carried away through heat conduction and convection, thus maintaining the battery within a safe operating temperature range. Invention Overview

[0004] Because the battery pack casing and some internal components may contain metal shavings from the manufacturing process, these shavings circulate throughout the battery pack in an immersion liquid cooling system. On one hand, the overall insulation performance of the immersion battery pack containing metal shavings decreases, thus affecting its safety performance. On the other hand, the long-term circulation of metal shavings in the liquid cooling system can cause blockages, affecting the reliable operation of the energy storage system.

[0005] This application provides a filter assembly for use in a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system including a liquid cooling pipe with a liquid cooling flow channel inside the liquid cooling pipe, the filter assembly including:

[0006] A housing for connecting the liquid cooling pipe, the housing having a filter chamber that communicates with the liquid cooling channel;

[0007] A magnetic component is installed in the housing and located within the filter chamber. The magnetic component is used to adsorb metal debris in the coolant flowing into the filter chamber.

[0008] This application also provides a liquid cooling system, including:

[0009] The filter components as described above;

[0010] Liquid-cooled components;

[0011] At least two liquid cooling pipes are connected to the liquid cooling component, one of which is connected to one side of the housing and the other is connected to the other side of the housing.

[0012] This application provides a battery pack, including:

[0013] Box;

[0014] The liquid cooling system as described above is installed in the enclosure.

[0015] This application also provides an energy storage device, comprising:

[0016] Cabinet;

[0017] The battery cluster is located inside the cabinet.

[0018] As described above, the liquid cooling system is installed in the cabinet, and the liquid cooling pipes are connected to the battery cluster. Beneficial effects

[0019] This application provides a filter assembly for use in a liquid cooling system. The filter assembly includes a housing and a magnetic component. The housing is used to connect to the liquid cooling pipe, and a filter chamber is provided inside the housing, which communicates with the liquid cooling flow channel. The magnetic component is installed in the housing and located inside the filter chamber. The magnetic component is used to adsorb metal debris in the coolant flowing into the filter chamber. By placing the magnetic component inside the housing, the magnetic component can adsorb metal debris in the coolant flowing into the filter chamber and collect it in the filter chamber of the housing, thereby preventing metal debris from flowing with the coolant in the liquid cooling system, thus improving the overall safety of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack and filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown in Figure 2;

[0023] Figure 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B shown in Figure 4;

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part C shown in Figure 6.

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown in Figure 8;

[0029] Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part D shown in Figure 9.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 100. Filter components;

[0032] 10. Shell; 101. Filter chamber; 102. Fixing part; 103. Outer frame; 104. Accommodating space; 105. First part; 106. Second part; 1021. Liquid inlet channel; 1022. Liquid outlet channel; 1023. Liquid flow channel; 1024. Liquid-containing cavity; 11. First side wall; 111. Liquid inlet; 112. Liquid outlet; 12. Second side wall; 14. Inner wall;

[0033] 20. Magnetic components;

[0034] 30. Filter components;

[0035] 200. Liquid cooling system; 201. Liquid cooling pipe; 2011. Liquid cooling flow channel;

[0036] 300. Battery pack; 301. Housing. Embodiments of the present invention

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1-3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack and filter assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown in Figure 2. This application provides a filter assembly 100 applied to a liquid cooling system 200. The filter assembly 100 includes a housing 10 and a magnetic component 20. The housing 10 is used to connect to a liquid cooling pipe 201. A filter chamber 101 is provided inside the housing 10, and the filter chamber 101 communicates with a liquid cooling flow channel 2011. The magnetic component 20 is installed in the housing 10 and located inside the filter chamber 101. The magnetic component 20 is used to adsorb metal debris in the coolant flowing into the filter chamber 101.

[0041] Specifically, due to manufacturing processes, some metal shavings may be present in the battery pack casing and some internal components. In the immersion liquid cooling system, these metal shavings circulate throughout the battery pack 300 with the immersion liquid. On the one hand, the overall insulation performance of the immersion battery pack 300 mixed with metal shavings will decrease, thus affecting the safety performance of the battery pack; on the other hand, the long-term circulation of metal shavings in the liquid cooling system 200 can cause blockage of the liquid cooling system, affecting the reliable operation of the energy storage system. This application addresses this issue by incorporating a magnetic element 20 within the casing 10. This magnetic element 20 can adsorb metal shavings flowing into the coolant in the filter chamber 101 and retain them within the filter chamber 101 of the casing 10, thus better collecting the metal shavings and preventing them from flowing with the coolant in the liquid cooling system 200, thereby improving the overall safety of the battery pack 300.

[0042] Understandably, the magnetic component 20 and the housing 10 can be integrally molded, such as through injection molding; or they can be separately molded, for example, the magnetic component 20 and the housing 10 can be non-removably connected and fixed by welding, bonding, or other methods; alternatively, the magnetic component 20 can be detachably installed on the housing 10 by snap-fit, plug-in, screw-in, or other methods. Compared to a non-removable structure, a detachable magnetic component 20 can increase the convenience of use for the user, allowing the user to replace the magnetic component 20 according to the actual situation.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1, and Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes two first sidewalls 11 disposed opposite to each other. One first sidewall 11 is provided with an inlet 111 for connecting the liquid cooling pipe 201, and the other first sidewall 11 is provided with an outlet 112 for connecting the liquid cooling pipe 201. The magnetic component 20 is installed between the two first sidewalls 11.

[0044] Specifically, the first sidewalls 11 are the two sidewalls along the height direction of the housing 10, which can be the same as the height direction of the battery pack 300. The two first sidewalls 11 are arranged in parallel. One liquid cooling pipe 201 is a water inlet pipe connected to the liquid inlet 111, and the other liquid cooling pipe 201 is a water outlet pipe connected to the liquid outlet 112. The liquid inlet 111 and the liquid outlet 112 are respectively located on both sides of the magnetic component 20, so that the coolant can flow through the magnetic component 20.

[0045] In some examples, the inlet 111 is lower than the outlet 112. Coolant enters the filter chamber 101 from the inlet 111. After the water level rises, it flows out of the filter chamber 101 along the outlet 112. In other examples, the inlet 111 is lower than the outlet 112. Coolant enters the filter chamber 101 from the inlet 111. After the water level drops, it flows out of the filter chamber 101 along the outlet 112. The position of the outlet 112 and the inlet 111 is not limited in this application.

[0046] In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes two second sidewalls 12 disposed opposite to each other, each second sidewall 12 being connected between two first sidewalls 11, and one end of the magnetic element 20 being mounted on one second sidewall 12 and the other end being mounted on the other second sidewall 12.

[0047] Specifically, the second sidewalls 12 are the two sidewalls along the length of the housing 10. The length of the housing 10 can be the same as the length of the battery pack 300. The two second sidewalls 12 are arranged in parallel, and the opposing first sidewalls 11 and the opposing second sidewalls 12 form a cubic shape. A magnetic component 20 is installed between the two second sidewalls 12, and its height is the same as the height of the first sidewall 11. When coolant flows from one first sidewall 11 to the other first sidewall 11, the magnetic component 20 can increase the adsorption area for metal shavings.

[0048] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 100 further includes a filter element 30 disposed on the side of the magnetic element 20 near the liquid inlet 111. It is understood that before the coolant passes through the magnetic element 20, the filter element 30 can filter out larger metal shavings in the coolant, so that the magnetic element 20 has more area to adsorb smaller metal shavings.

[0049] In some examples, one end of the filter element 30 is mounted to a second sidewall 12, and the other end is mounted to another second sidewall 12. The filter element 30 and the magnetic element 20 have the same height, but the width of the filter element 30 is greater than the width of the magnetic element 20, so that the area of ​​the filter element 30 is greater than the area of ​​the magnetic element 20, in order to achieve a better filtration effect before the coolant flows through the magnetic element 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, the housing 10 has a receiving space 104, and the magnetic element 20 is disposed within the receiving space 104. The housing 10 includes an inner wall 14 facing the receiving space 104, and the inner wall 14 has a liquid flow channel 1023 surrounding the magnetic element 20. One end of the liquid flow channel 1023 is connected to the liquid inlet 111, and the other end is connected to the liquid outlet 112. It can be understood that the magnetic element 20 is disposed within the receiving space 104, and when the coolant enters from the liquid inlet 111, it can meander along the surrounding liquid flow channel 1023, so that as much metal debris as possible is collected in the magnetic element 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes an outer frame 103 and a fixing part 102. The outer frame 103 includes two first sidewalls 11, and the fixing part 102 is disposed between the two first sidewalls 11. The first sidewall 11 with a liquid inlet 111 is spaced apart from the fixing part 102 to form a liquid-containing cavity 1024. A receiving space 104 is formed inside the fixing part 102. The fixing part 102 includes a first portion 105 and a second portion 106 located on both sides of the magnetic element 20. The first portion 105 has a liquid inlet channel 1021 connecting the liquid flow channel 1023 and the liquid-containing cavity 1024. The second portion has a liquid outlet channel 1022 connecting the liquid flow channel 1023 and the liquid outlet 112. By providing the liquid-containing cavity 1024, coolant can be accumulated. Regardless of whether the liquid inlet channel is located at a high or low position, the coolant entering from the liquid inlet 111 can enter the liquid inlet channel from the liquid-containing cavity 1024.

[0052] In some embodiments, a first sidewall 11 with an outlet 112 is spaced apart from a fixing portion 102 to form a liquid-containing cavity 1024. The fixing portion 102 includes a first portion 105 and a second portion 106 located on both sides of the magnetic element 20. The first portion 105 has an inlet channel 1021 connecting the liquid flow channel 1023 and the inlet 111. The second portion has an outlet channel 1022 connecting the liquid flow channel 1023 and the liquid-containing cavity 1024. After filtration, the coolant enters the liquid-containing cavity 1024 from the outlet channel 1022 and flows out from the outlet 112.

[0053] In some embodiments, the filter assembly 100 further includes a filter element 30, which is sleeved on the magnetic element 20. The filter element 30 has the same shape as the magnetic element 20 and is located on the outer periphery of the magnetic element 20. Metal shavings are absorbed into the filter element 30 by the magnetic force of the magnetic element 20, and the metal shavings are cleaned by periodically replacing the filter element 30.

[0054] In some examples, the height of the magnetic element 20 is equal to the height of the filter element 30, and the two ends of the filter element 30 are respectively fixed to a second sidewall 12, so that the filter element 30 completely covers the outer periphery of the magnetic element 20 to collect more metal shavings.

[0055] In some examples, filter element 30 is fitted onto filter element and attached to magnetic element 20.

[0056] In some examples, the filter element 30 is fitted onto the filter element and forms a gap between it and the magnetic element 20.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack and filter assembly shown in Figure 1, and Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part C shown in Figure 6.

[0058] In some embodiments, the magnetic element 20 is a magnetic filter screen, which is installed in the filter chamber 101.

[0059] In some examples, the magnetic element 20 includes a magnetic frame, one end of which is mounted to a second sidewall 12 and the other end of which is mounted to another second sidewall 12.

[0060] In some examples, the magnetic element 20 includes a non-magnetic frame with an opening, and a magnetic filter is disposed within the opening.

[0061] This application also provides a liquid cooling system 200, including the filter assembly 100 and the liquid cooling component as described above. The liquid cooling system 200 also includes at least two liquid cooling pipes 201, which are respectively connected to the liquid cooling component. One liquid cooling pipe 201 is connected to one side of the housing 10, and the other liquid cooling pipe 201 is connected to the other side of the housing 10.

[0062] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system 200 includes a plurality of filter components 100 connected in sequence. Setting multiple filter components 100 can further ensure the filtration effect. The number of filter components 100 can be three, four, five, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0063] In some examples, there are three filter components 100, with one liquid cooling pipe 201 connected to the first filter component 100, another liquid cooling pipe 201 connected to the first filter component 100, and passing through the second and third filter components 100.

[0064] In some examples, there are three filter components 100: one liquid cooling pipe 201 passes through the first filter component 100 and is connected to the second filter component 100; another liquid cooling pipe 201 is connected to the second filter component 100 and passes through the third filter component 100.

[0065] In some examples, there are three filter components 100, with one liquid cooling pipe 201 passing through the first filter component 100 and the second filter component 100 and connected to the third filter component 100, and another liquid cooling pipe 201 connected to the third filter component 100.

[0066] The number of filter components 100 and the connection method of liquid cooling pipes 201 can be set according to actual conditions, and this application does not limit them here.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 8-10. Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part D shown in Figure 9. This application also provides a battery pack 300, which includes a housing 301 and a liquid cooling system 200 as described above. The liquid cooling system 200 is installed in the housing 301. The liquid cooling component can be a liquid cooling plate, which includes a substrate. A liquid cooling pipe 201 is partially embedded in the substrate and partially extends outside the substrate. A filter assembly 100 is connected to the portion of the liquid cooling pipe 201 located outside the substrate. The housing 301 of the battery pack 300 also includes a battery module, which includes several battery cells. The liquid cooling plate is disposed below the battery module.

[0068] This application also provides an energy storage device, including a cabinet and a battery cluster, with the battery cluster housed within the cabinet. The energy storage device also includes a liquid cooling system 200 as described above, installed within the cabinet, and with liquid cooling pipes 201 connected to the battery cluster. The liquid cooling component can be a compressor, water chiller, etc. The battery cluster includes multiple battery packs 300 arranged in an array, spaced apart horizontally and vertically. The energy storage device also includes multiple liquid cooling plates, with the battery packs 300 correspondingly connected to the liquid cooling plates. The liquid cooling component delivers coolant to the liquid cooling plates via the liquid cooling pipes 201, allowing heat exchange between the battery packs 300 and the liquid cooling plates to remove the heat generated during operation. This achieves cooling of the battery packs 300. After heat exchange, the coolant flows back to the liquid cooling component through the liquid cooling pipes 201 for further cooling. This process is continuously circulated, allowing the liquid cooling component to continuously output low-temperature coolant, thereby achieving continuous cooling of the battery packs 300.

Claims

1. A filter assembly (100) applied to a liquid cooling system (200), the liquid cooling system (200) including a liquid cooling pipe (201) having a liquid cooling flow channel (2011) therein, the filter assembly (100) comprising: A housing (10) is used to connect the liquid cooling pipe (201). A filter chamber (101) is provided inside the housing (10), and the filter chamber (101) is connected to the liquid cooling channel (2011). A magnetic component (20) is installed in the housing (10) and located in the filter chamber (101). The magnetic component (20) is used to adsorb metal shavings in the coolant flowing into the filter chamber (101).

2. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (10) further includes two first sidewalls (11) arranged opposite to each other. One first sidewall (11) is provided with an inlet (111) for connecting the liquid cooling pipe (201), and the other first sidewall (11) is provided with an outlet (112) for connecting the liquid cooling pipe (201). The magnetic component (20) is installed between the two first sidewalls (11).

3. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The housing (10) further includes two opposing second sidewalls (12), each second sidewall (12) being connected between the two first sidewalls (11), and one end of the magnetic element (20) being mounted on one of the second sidewalls (12) and the other end being mounted on the other second sidewall (12).

4. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The filter assembly (100) further includes a filter element (30) disposed on the side of the magnetic element (20) near the liquid inlet (111).

5. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The housing (10) has a receiving space (104) inside, and the magnetic element (20) is disposed in the receiving space (104). The housing (10) includes an inner wall facing the receiving space (104). The inner wall (14) has a liquid flow channel (1023) surrounding the magnetic element (20). One end of the liquid flow channel (1023) is connected to the liquid inlet (111), and the other end is connected to the liquid outlet (112).

6. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The housing (10) includes an outer frame (103) and a fixing part (102). The outer frame (103) includes two first side walls (11). The fixing part (102) is disposed between the two first side walls (11). The first side wall (11) with a liquid inlet (111) is spaced apart from the fixing part (102) and forms a liquid-containing cavity (1024). The fixing part (102) forms the accommodating space. The fixing part (102) includes a first part (105) and a second part (106) located on both sides of the magnetic component (20). The first part (105) is provided with a liquid inlet channel (1021) connecting the liquid flow channel (1023) and the liquid-containing cavity (1024). The second part (106) is provided with a liquid outlet channel (1022) connecting the liquid flow channel (1023) and the liquid outlet (112).

7. The filter assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The filter assembly (100) further includes a filter element (30), which is sleeved on the magnetic element (20).

8. The filter assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The magnetic component (20) is a magnetic filter screen, which is installed inside the filter chamber (101).

9. A liquid cooling system (200), comprising: The filter assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8; Liquid-cooled components; At least two liquid cooling pipes (201) are connected to the liquid cooling component, one of the liquid cooling pipes (201) is connected to one side of the housing (10), and the other liquid cooling pipe (201) is connected to the other side of the housing (10).

10. The liquid cooling system (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The liquid cooling system (200) includes multiple filter components (100), which are connected in sequence.

11. A battery pack (300), comprising: Box (301); The liquid cooling system (200) as described in claim 9 or 10 is installed in the housing (301).

12. An energy storage device, comprising: Cabinet; The battery cluster is located inside the cabinet. The liquid cooling system (200) as described in claim 9 or 10 is installed in the cabinet and the liquid cooling pipe (201) is connected to the battery cluster.

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