Device for cooling battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cooling a plurality of battery cells (3), the device comprising: - a first cooling plate (1) and a second cooling plate (2) substantially parallel to one another and being configured to enclose a row (R1) of battery cells (3) such that at least the outer face of their inner wall (6, 7) at least partially conforms to the side surface (8) of the battery cells (3) of the row (R1); - the first and second cooling plates (1, 2) each comprising an inlet (13, 14) and an outlet (15, 16); - the first cooling plate (1) and the second cooling plate (2) each having a hollow inner section, the cooling device being characterized in that it comprises a set of elements (17) for disrupting the flow of the coolant which are arranged in the inner section and are configured to oppose the direction of flow of the first stream (F1) and of the second stream (F2) flowing in the first and second directions (D1, D2), respectively.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Battery cell cooling device

[0001] The invention relates to the field of battery cell cooling devices.

[0002] It is known to regulate the temperature of battery cells, particularly cylindrical ones, using flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid strips through which a coolant circulates. These strips wind between rows of cells and have corrugations that conform to the outer surface of the cells. These strips can be made, for example, of extruded aluminum and can be coated with an electrically insulating film. Publications CN210640340U and CN1 1591 1655A illustrate such solutions.

[0003] However, several drawbacks to existing cooling strips can be identified. The contact area between the cooling strip and the cell's external surface typically covers only thirty percent of the cell's perimeter. This results in a significant temperature difference between different areas of the cell, potentially exceeding ten degrees Celsius, which is detrimental to the cell's performance and lifespan. Cooling strips consisting of an extruded profile, which may or may not have horizontal channels and is therefore constant along the entire length of the strip, do not offer satisfactory thermal performance. Because the cooling fluid flow is unidirectional and laminar, a hot film develops on the strip's walls, limiting heat exchange with the cells.All of these drawbacks prevent optimal cooling and therefore the lowest possible average cell temperature, which is also detrimental to the performance and lifespan of the cell.

[0004] Publications CN219979713U and CN212257515U illustrate other examples of known state-of-the-art solutions.

[0005] Publication EP4439792A1 discloses, among other things, a battery cell fixing device that allows for simple assembly and manufacturing, while ensuring efficient cooling to prevent batteries from overheating. In this device, a plurality of battery cells can be supported by the battery cell attachment device which includes a frame base having a plurality of fingers extending upwards from the frame base in a parallel manner, a frame top having a plurality of hollow towers extending upwards from the frame top and covering the fingers of the frame base, a coolant inlet, through which coolant can be admitted into the battery cell attachment element, and a coolant outlet through which the coolant or coolants can be released from the battery cell attachment element.The frame base and frame top together form a plurality of cooling fins configured to guide the coolant(s) through the battery cell mounting element from the coolant inlet to the coolant outlet. In this arrangement, the cooling channels are oriented vertically to allow the coolant to flow in a serpentine, top-down fashion.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of these drawbacks and seeks to offer an alternative solution enabling the improvement of the thermal regulation performance of battery cells.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells comprising at least:

[0008] - a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate substantially parallel to each other and configured to enclose a row of battery cells such that at least the outer face of their inner wall at least partially matches the lateral surface of the battery cells in the row and, where applicable, at least the outer face of their outer wall at least partially matches the lateral surface of the battery cells in the adjacent row,

[0009] - the first and second cooling plates, each having an inlet configured for the admission of at least one cooling fluid into the first and second cooling plates, and an outlet configured to allow the evacuation of at least one cooling fluid from the first and second cooling plates,

[0010] - the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate each having a hollow internal section configured to allow the circulation of at least one cooling fluid respectively in a first direction in the first cooling plate and a second direction in the second cooling plate between their inlet and outlet, the first direction and the second direction extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first and second cooling plates,

[0011] The cooling device is characterized in that it comprises a set of elements for disturbing the flow of the cooling fluid arranged in the internal section and configured to oppose the direction of flow of the first and second flows respectively flowing along the first and second directions.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a schematic of cooling plates of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to a first example of the invention,

[0014] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents a schematic top view of the cooling plates illustrated in Figure 1,

[0015] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents a partial schematic top view of the cooling plates illustrated in Figure 2,

[0016] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents a partial schematic view of the first ends of the cooling plates illustrated in Figure 1,

[0017] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents a partial schematic view of the second ends of the cooling plates illustrated in Figure 1,

[0018] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling plates of a cooling device with a plurality of battery cells according to the invention showing perturbation elements according to a first embodiment,

[0019] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the first embodiment variant,

[0020] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a second embodiment,

[0021] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the second embodiment variant,

[0022] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a third embodiment,

[0023] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the third embodiment variant,

[0024] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a fourth embodiment,

[0025] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the fourth embodiment,

[0026] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a fifth embodiment,

[0027] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the fifth embodiment variant,

[0028] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a sixth embodiment,

[0029] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the sixth embodiment variant,

[0030] [Fig. 18] Figure 18 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the invention, showing perturbation elements according to a seventh embodiment,

[0031] [Fig. 19] Figure 19 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid occupancy in the seventh embodiment variant,

[0032] [Fig. 20] Figure 20 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid flow of a cooling plate according to the prior art,

[0033] [Fig. 21] Figure 21 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid flow of a cooling plate according to the prior art,

[0034] [Fig. 22] Figure 22 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid flow of a cooling plate equipped with perturbation elements according to the first embodiment,

[0035] [Fig. 23] Figure 23 represents a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling fluid flow of a cooling plate equipped with perturbation elements according to the fourth embodiment,

[0036] [Fig. 24] Figure 24 represents a perspective view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to a first example of the invention,

[0037] [Fig. 25] Figure 25 represents a perspective view of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the first example of the invention,

[0038] [Fig. 26] Figure 26 represents a partial view of the first ends of the cooling plates of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the first example illustrated in Figure 25,

[0039] [Fig. 27] Figure 27 represents a partial view of the second ends of the cooling plates of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the first example illustrated in Figure 24,

[0040] [Fig. 28] Figure 28 represents a partial front perspective view of the cooling device according to the first example of the invention illustrated in Figure 24,

[0041] [Fig. 29] Figure 29 represents a cross-sectional view along the H-H plane of the cooling device according to the first example of the invention illustrated in Figure 28,

[0042] [Fig. 30] Figure 30 represents a bottom view of the cooling device according to the first example of the invention illustrated in Figure 24,

[0043] [Fig. 31] Figure 31 represents a front view of the cooling device according to the first example of the invention illustrated in Figure 24,

[0044] [Fig. 32] Figure 32 represents a cross-sectional view along plane AA of the cooling device according to the first example of the invention illustrated in Figure 31,

[0045] [Fig. 33] Figure 33 shows a perspective view of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to a second example of the invention,

[0046] [Fig. 34] Figure 34 represents a perspective view of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the second example of the invention,

[0047] [Fig. 35] Figure 35 shows a top view of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the second example of the invention,

[0048] [Fig. 36] Figure 36 represents a cross-sectional view along plane A-A of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the second example of the invention illustrated in Figure 35,

[0049] [Fig. 37] Figure 37 shows a top view of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the second example of the invention with a cover, and

[0050] [Fig. 38] Figure 38 represents a cross-sectional view along plane A-A of the cooling device for a plurality of battery cells according to the second example of the invention illustrated in Figure 37.

[0051] The invention relates to a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells comprising at least:

[0052] - a first cooling plate 1 and a second cooling plate 2 substantially parallel to each other and configured to enclose a row R1 of battery cells 3 such that at least the outer face 4, 5 of their inner wall 6, 7 at least partially conforms to the lateral surface 8 of the battery cells 3 of row R1 and where appropriate that at least the outer face 9, 10 of their outer wall 11, 12 at least partially conforms to the lateral surface 8 of the battery cells 3 of the neighbouring row R2,

[0053] the first and second cooling plates 1, 2 each having an inlet 13, 14 configured for the admission of at least one cooling fluid into the first and second cooling plates 1, 2, and an outlet 15, 16 configured to allow the discharge of at least one cooling fluid from the first and second cooling plates 1, 2,

[0054] the first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 each having a hollow internal section configured to allow the circulation of at least one cooling fluid at least respectively in a first direction D1 in the first cooling plate 1 and a second direction D2 in the second cooling plate 2 between their inlet 13, 14 and their outlet 15, 16, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2.

[0055] According to the invention, the cooling device is characterized in that it comprises a set of disturbance elements 17 of the flow of the cooling fluid arranged in the internal section and being configured to induce locally a reduction of the internal section and to oppose the direction of flow of the first flow F1 and the second flow F2 respectively flowing along the first and second directions D1, D2.

[0056] Advantageously, the set of perturbation elements 17 of the cooling fluid flow allows the cooling fluid in the first flow F1 and the second flow F2 to be mixed, thereby improving heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the inner walls 6, 7 and the outer walls 11, 12. Indeed, the perturbation elements 17 can, in particular, allow the cooling fluid, which is located at the center of the The hollow internal section of the first / second cooling plate 1, 2 contains the cooling fluid, which is located near the inner walls 6, 7 and the outer walls 11, 12, which are warmer than at the center. The flow is directed towards the cells 3 in the first flow F1 and the second flow F2, thus improving heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the inner walls 6, 7 and the outer walls 11, 12. As a result, the temperature difference between the different zones of cell 3 is minimized. Consequently, the thermal regulation of cell 3 is more homogeneous. The average temperature of the cells 3 also decreases due to the presence of the disturbance elements 17.

[0057] Preferably, the perturbation elements 17 extend longitudinally in a longitudinal extension direction DEL substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions D1, D2.

[0058] Advantageously, the disturbance elements 17 form an obstacle on the flow of the first flow F1 and the second flow F2.

[0059] Preferably, the disturbance elements 17 have a preferably solid cross-section of triangular or rectangular or square or semi-circular or circular or L shape.

[0060] Advantageously, the disturbance elements 17 direct the cooling fluid towards the cells 3. The shape of the disturbance elements 17 can influence the pressure losses, the existence or absence of turbulence.

[0061] Preferably and as illustrated in figures 6 to 11, the perturbation elements 17 are salient from the inner face 18, 19 of the inner wall 6, 7 and / or the inner face 20, 21 of the outer wall 11, 12 of the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2.

[0062] Advantageously, in this configuration the disturbance elements 17 can be part of the inner wall 6, 7 and / or the outer wall 11, 12. In this case, the disturbance elements 17 can be manufactured at the same time as the inner wall 6, 7 and / or the outer wall 11, 12 for example during a molding process or similar.

[0063] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 11, the perturbation elements 17 are ribs 22 protruding from the inner face 18, 19 of the inner wall 6, 7 and / or the inner face 20, 21 of the outer wall 11, 12 of the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2 and extending longitudinally in the extension direction DEL substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions D1, D2.

[0064] Advantageously, the 22 ribs can be easily obtained by molding.

[0065] Preferably, and as illustrated in figures 6 to 19, the perturbation elements 17 are distributed at regular intervals and are separated in pairs by a predetermined spacing distance.

[0066] Advantageously, this arrangement helps to contribute to the homogeneity of the thermal regulation of each cell 3 to be cooled by the cooling device.

[0067] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 19, the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2 has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6, 7 configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the row R1 and configured to form locally in the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2 first internal inter-cell sections whose dimensions are greater than those of the internal section.

[0068] Advantageously, the first inter-cell protrusions 23A serve to maximize the contact area between the inner wall 6, 7 and the lateral surfaces 8 of the cells 3 in row R1. As a result, the average temperature of the cells 3 and the temperature difference between the different zones of the cell 3 are minimized. Furthermore, pressure losses are improved due to the local increase in the internal inter-cell cross-section.

[0069] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 19, the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2 have a plurality of second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 11, 12 configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the neighboring row R2 and configured to form in a localized way in the first cooling plate 1 and / or the second cooling plate 2 second internal inter-cell sections whose dimensions are greater than those of the internal section.

[0070] Advantageously, the second inter-cell protrusions 23B serve to maximize the contact area between the outer wall 11, 12 and the lateral surfaces 8 of the cells 3 in the adjacent row R2. As a result, the average temperature of the cells 3 and the temperature difference between the different zones of cell 3 are minimized. Furthermore, pressure losses are improved due to the local increase in the internal inter-cell cross-section.

[0071] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 19, the perturbation elements 17 are located in the first internal inter-cell sections and / or the second internal inter-cell sections and are configured to redirect at least part of the first flow F1 or the second flow F2 to the first inter-cell protrusions 23A or the second inter-cell protrusions 23B.

[0072] Advantageously, redirecting at least part of the first flow F1 or the second flow F2 towards the first inter-cell protrusions 23A or the second inter-cell protrusions 23B allows the temperature of cell 3 to be regulated towards its lateral surface 8 furthest from the main flow.

[0073] Preferably and as illustrated in figures 6 to 11, the perturbation elements 17 are salient from the inner face 20, 21 of the outer wall 11, 12 and opposite the first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6, 7.

[0074] Advantageously, the disturbance elements 17 protruding from the inner face 20, 21 of the outer wall 11, 12 and opposite the first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6, 7 allow to reduce the heat exchanges around the disturbance elements 17 protruding and to increase them in the first inter-cell protrusions 23A.

[0075] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 11, the perturbation elements 17 are salient from the inner face 18, 19 of the inner wall 6, 7 and in relation to the second inter-cell outgrowths 23B of the outer wall 11, 12.

[0076] Advantageously, the disturbance elements 17 protruding from the inner face 18, 19 of the inner wall 6, 7 and opposite the second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 11, 12 allow the thermal exchanges around the disturbance elements 17 protruding and to increase them in the second inter-cell protrusions 23B.

[0077] Preferably, and as illustrated in figures 24 to 38, the first cooling plate 1 comprises a first strip 24 open longitudinally at the bottom and the second cooling plate 2 comprises a second strip 25 open longitudinally at the bottom and the first strip 24 and the second strip 25 are closed respectively by a first base 26 and a second base 27 or by a common base 28.

[0078] Advantageously, the first cooling plate 1 and the cooling plate 2 with the disturbance elements 17 can be manufactured by molding. The first strip 24 comprises the inner wall 6 and the outer wall 1, and the second strip 25 comprises the inner wall 7 and the outer wall 12.

[0079] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 29 and 36, the perturbation elements 17 are salient projections 29 of the inner face 30 of the first base 26 and / or of the inner face 31 of the second base 27 or of the inner face 32 of the common base 28 and which extend longitudinally in the extension direction DEL substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions D1, D2.

[0080] Advantageously, the disturbance elements 17 are not part of the first band 24, nor of the second band 25, but of the first base 26 and / or second base 27 or the common base 28. In this case, the disturbance elements 17 are not manufactured at the same time as the inner wall 6, 7 and / or the outer wall 11, 12, but during the manufacture of the first base 26 and / or second base 27 or the common base 28 for example by molding or similar of the latter.

[0081] Alternatively, and in an example not shown, the perturbation elements 17 could be neither part of the first band 24, nor of the second band 25, nor of the first base 26 and / or second base 27 or the common base 28, but be part of an additional piece placed in the internal section.

[0082] Preferably, the inlet 13 of the first cooling plate 1 is disposed at a first end 33 of the first cooling plate 1 and the outlet 15 of the first cooling plate 1 is disposed at a second end 34 of the first cooling plate 1, and the outlet 16 of the second cooling plate 2 is disposed at a first end 35 of the second cooling plate 2 and the inlet 14 of the second cooling plate 2 is disposed at a second end 36 of the second cooling plate 2, the first ends 33, 35 being respectively opposite the second ends 34, 36, so that the direction of flow of the first flux F1 in the first cooling plate 1 is opposite to the direction of flow of the second flux F2 in the second cooling plate 2.

[0083] Advantageously, the flow direction of the first flow F1 in the first cooling plate 1 is opposite to the flow direction of the second flow F2 in the second cooling plate 2. As a result, the cooling fluid temperature is not the same in cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2. Consequently, the temperature of the cells 3 on the side of cooling plate 1 and the temperature of the cells 3 on the side of the second cooling plate 2 are different. Therefore, the cells 3 receive equivalent heat exchange regardless of their position relative to the inlets and outlets.

[0084] The cooling device may include a plurality of first cooling plates 1 and second cooling plates 2.

[0085] The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are preferably made of a metallic material, for example aluminium or plastic.

[0086] The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are each preferably hollow with a single internal channel in which the cooling fluid flows and the disturbance elements 17 are located.

[0087] The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 have the function of enclosing a row R1 of one or more cells 3 in order to regulate their temperature.

[0088] Cell 3 is preferably circular in shape, but this example is not limiting.

[0089] The inner walls 6, 7 and the outer walls 11, 12 are preferably parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

[0090] The dimension of the internal section outside the first and second inter-cell internal sections is reduced compared to that of the first and second inter-cell internal sections.

[0091] The inner walls 6, 7 and / or the outer walls 11, 12 preferably have undulations which allow them to follow the circular cylindrical shape of the cells 3.

[0092] The inlets 13, 14 and the outlets 15, 16 are preferably tubular in shape. The inlets 13, 14 and the outlets 15, 16 are preferably projecting and perpendicular to the inner walls 6, 7 and / or the outer walls 11, 12. In another example, the inlet 13 and the outlet 16 are in line with the first ends 33, 35 and the outlet 15 and the inlet 14 are in line with the second ends 34, 36.

[0093] The first inter-cell protrusions 23A and / or second inter-cell protrusions 23B may be triangular in shape, preferably with concave sides, particularly if the cells 3 are circular cylinders to increase the exchange surface area. This example is not limiting, and their shape and size depend primarily on the shape and size of the cells 3.

[0094] The first band 24 and the second band 25, open longitudinally in their lower part, each preferably include a longitudinal opening.

[0095] The first base 26 and the second base 27 are each preferably in the form of a plate which closes at least the longitudinal opening and also partially supports the cells 3. The internal faces 30, 31 form support for the bases of the cells 3.

[0096] The first base 26, the second base 27 and / or the common base 28 may include one or more drainage channels 46 for the cooling fluid so as to be able to collect a possible leak from the first sealing line 47, and direct it to a common channel for collecting and detecting this leak, in order to protect the cells 3 from any contact with the cooling fluid.

[0097] The assembly of the first strip 24 and the second strip 25 with the first base 26 and the second base 27 and / or the common base 28 is preferably done by welding.

[0098] The first base 26 and the second base 27 are adjacent and parallel to each other.

[0099] The first base 26 and the second base 27 are preferably nested together by complementary forms between the first base 26 and the second base 27.

[0100] The common base 28 is preferably in the form of a plate which closes at least the longitudinal openings and also supports the cells 3. The inner face 32 forms a support for the bases of the cells 3.

[0101] A cover 37 parallel to the common base 28 can be provided to cover the first band(s) 24, the second band(s) 25 and the cells 3.

[0102] The coolant or heat transfer fluid is preferably a liquid such as water.

[0103] Figures 1 to 5 schematically illustrate cooling plates 1, 2 of a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells 3 according to a first example of the invention. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are substantially parallel to each other; each has an inner wall 6, 7 and an outer wall 11, 12 to form a hollow internal section allowing the circulation of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 has an inlet 13 for the intake of the cooling fluid into the first cooling plate 1 and an outlet 15 for the discharge of the cooling fluid from it. Similarly, the second cooling plate 2 has an inlet 14 for the intake of the cooling fluid into the second cooling plate 1 and an outlet 16 for the discharge of the cooling fluid from it. The inlet 13 of the first cooling plate 1 is located at the first end 33 of the first cooling plate 1, and the outlet 15 of the first cooling plate 1 is located at the second end 34 of the first cooling plate 1.The outlet 16 of the second cooling plate 2 is located at the first end 35 of the second cooling plate 2, and the inlet 14 of the second cooling plate 2 is located at the second end 36 of the second cooling plate 2. The first ends 33 and 35 are respectively opposite the second ends 34 and 36. In this example, the fluid flows in the first direction D1 in the first cooling plate 1 in the direction of the first flow F1, and in the second direction D2 in the second cooling plate 2 in the direction of the second flow F2, between their inlets 13 and 14 and their outlets 15 and 16. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the first and second cooling plates 1 and 2. The flow direction of the first flow F1 is opposite to the flow direction of the second flow F2.The internal section comprises a set of perturbation elements 17 of the cooling fluid flow which locally induce a reduction in the internal section and oppose the flow direction of the first flow F1 and the second flow F2, respectively, flowing along the first and second directions D1, D2. The perturbation elements 17 extend longitudinally in the longitudinal extension direction DEL, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions D1, D2. A row R1 of battery cells 3 is arranged between the first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2. The outer face 4, 5 of their inner wall 6, 7 partially conforms to the lateral surface 8 of the battery cells 3 in row R1. The cells 3 are circular cylindrical in shape, and the inner walls 6, 7 and / or the walls... external 11, 12 have undulations that follow the circular cylindrical shape of cells 3.

[0104] Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate cooling plates with perturbation elements 17 according to the first embodiment variant and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 1 to 5. They differ, however, in the type of perturbation elements 17. The first cooling plate 1 has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6 penetrating the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of row R1 and a plurality of second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 1 configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the neighboring row (not shown).The second cooling plate 2 has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 7 penetrating the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of row R1 and a plurality of second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 12 configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the neighboring row. The first inter-cell protrusions 23A and the second inter-cell protrusions 23B are triangular in shape with concave sides. In this example, the perturbation elements 17 are in the form of projecting ribs 22 that extend longitudinally in the extension direction DEL. The inner face 18 of the inner wall 6 and the inner face 20 of the outer wall 11 of the first cooling plate 1 include such ribs 22.The perturbation elements 17 that protrude from the inner face 18 of the inner wall 6 are opposite the second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 11. The perturbation elements 17 that protrude from the inner face 20 of the outer wall 11 are opposite the first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6. In addition, the inner face 19 of the inner wall 7 and the inner face 21 of the outer wall 12 of the second cooling plate 2 include such ribs 22. The perturbation elements 17 that protrude from the inner face 19 of the inner wall 7 are opposite the second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 12. The perturbation elements 17 that protrude from the face. The internal ribs 21 of the outer wall 12 are opposite the first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 7. The perturbation elements 17 are configured to redirect at least part of the first flow F1 or the second flow F2 towards the first inter-cell protrusions 23A or the second inter-cell protrusions 23B. The ribs 22 have a solid rectangular cross-section. The height h of the ribs 22 is less than the distance d between the inner wall 6, 7 and the outer wall 11, 12 and is less than half of this distance in the first and second internal inter-cell sections. The length of the ribs 22 is approximately equal to the height of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2. It is observed that the ribs 22 have an impact on the occupancy of the cooling fluid which is more limited in the first and second internal inter-cell sections than if they are absent.

[0105] Figures 8 and 9 schematically illustrate cooling plates with disturbance elements 17 according to the second embodiment and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 6 and 7. However, they differ in the type of ribs 22, which have a solid triangular cross-section.

[0106] Figures 10 and 11 schematically illustrate cooling plates with disturbance elements 17 according to the third embodiment variant and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 6 and 7. However, they differ in the type of ribs 22, which have a solid circular cross-section.

[0107] Figures 12 and 13 schematically illustrate cooling plates with perturbation elements 17 according to the fourth embodiment and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 1 to 5. However, they differ in the type of perturbation elements 17. The first cooling plate 1 has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 6 penetrating the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of row R1 and a plurality of Second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 1 are configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the neighboring row (not shown). The second cooling plate 2 has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions 23A of the inner wall 7 penetrating the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of row R1 and a plurality of second inter-cell protrusions 23B of the outer wall 12 configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells 3 of the neighboring row. In this example, the perturbation elements 17 are projecting 29 from the inner face 30 of the first base 26 and / or the inner face 31 of the second base 27 or the inner face 32 of the common base 28 and which extend longitudinally in the extension direction DEL.The projections 29 are located in the first and second internal inter-cell sections and are configured to redirect at least a portion of the first flow F1 or the second flow F2 to the first inter-cell protrusions 23A or the second inter-cell protrusions 23B. The projections 29 have a solid triangular cross-section with concave sides. The projections 29 are positioned at a distance from the inner wall 6, 7 and the outer wall 11, 12. The length of the projections 29 is approximately equal to the height of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2. It is observed that the projections 29 have an impact on the occupancy of the cooling fluid, which is more limited in the first and second internal inter-cell sections than if they were absent.

[0108] Figures 14 and 15 schematically illustrate cooling plates 1, 2 with disturbance elements 17 according to the fifth embodiment and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 12 and 13. However, they differ in the type of ribs 22, which have a solid rectangular cross-section.

[0109] Figures 16 and 17 schematically illustrate cooling plates 1, 2 with perturbation elements 17 according to the sixth embodiment and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in the figures 12 and 13. However, they are distinguished by the type of ribs 22 which have a solid L-shaped cross-section

[0110] Figures 18 and 19 schematically illustrate cooling plates 1, 2 with disturbance elements 17 according to the seventh embodiment and the occupancy of the cooling fluid. The first cooling plate 1 and the second cooling plate 2 are similar to those in Figures 12 and 13. However, they differ in the type of ribs 22, which have a solid circular cross-section.

[0111] Figure 20 illustrates the flow of the cooling fluid F1, F2 through a cooling plate 1, 2 according to the prior art, with a corrugation. The flow F1, F2 is laminar and undisturbed. The internal cross-section is constant.

[0112] Figure 21 illustrates the flow of the cooling fluid F1, F2 in a cooling plate 1, 2 according to the prior art, with a corrugation and a first inter-cell protrusion 23A. The flow F1, F2 is laminar without disturbances in the internal section, except for the first inter-cell internal section. In the first inter-cell internal section, the flow F1, F2 is laminar except in the immediate vicinity of the first inter-cell protrusion 23A, where it is turbulent.

[0113] Figure 22 illustrates the circulation of the cooling fluid flow F1, F2 in a cooling plate 1, 2 with a corrugation and a first inter-cell protrusion 23A and a perturbation element 17 in the form of a rib 22 according to the first embodiment. The flow F1, F2 is laminar without perturbations in the internal section outside the first internal inter-cell section. In the first internal inter-cell section, the flow F1, F2 is laminar except in the immediate vicinity of the first inter-cell protrusion 23A and the rib 22 where it is turbulent. In the first internal intercell section, the F1, F2 flow is deflected by the presence of the first intercell outgrowth 23A and the rib 22. The perturbation elements 17 redirect at least part of the first F1 flow or the second F2 flow towards the first intercell outgrowths 23A.

[0114] Figure 23 illustrates the circulation of the cooling fluid flow F1, F2 from a cooling plate 1, 2 with a corrugation and a first Inter-cell protrusion 23A and a perturbation element 17 in the form of a projection 29 according to the fourth embodiment. The flow F1, F2 is laminar without perturbations in the internal section outside the first inter-cell internal section. In the first inter-cell internal section, the flow F1, F2 is also laminar. In the first inter-cell internal section, the flow F1, F2 is deflected by the presence of the first inter-cell protrusion 23A and the rib 22. The perturbation elements 17 redirect at least a portion of the first flow F1 or the second flow F2 towards the first inter-cell protrusions 23A.

[0115] Figures 24 to 32 illustrate a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells 3 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the schematic illustrations in Figures 1 to 5 essentially in the implementation of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2. In this embodiment, the cooling device comprises two parallel cooling plates 1, 2, both in the form of strips. The first cooling plate 1 comprises the first strip 24, open longitudinally at its lower end, and the second cooling plate 2 comprises the second strip 25, open longitudinally at its lower end. The first strip 24 and the second strip 25 are closed respectively by the first base 26 and the second base 27, or by a common base 28.The disturbance elements 17 are projecting 29 from the inner face 30 of the first base 26 and the inner face 31 of the second base 27, extending longitudinally in the direction of extension DEL. The length of the projecting 29 is substantially equal to the height of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2. The inlets 13, 14 and the outlets 15, 16 are tubular in shape. The inlets 13, 14 and the outlets 15, 16 are projecting and perpendicular to the inner walls 6, 7 and the outer walls 11, 12. The inlet 14 and the outlet 16 pass through the first cooling plate 1. The inlets 13, 14 and the outlets 15, 16 thus all open onto the outer wall 11 of the first cooling plate 1. The first band 24 and the second band 25, open longitudinally in the lower part, each include a longitudinal opening.The first base 26 and the second base 27 are each in the form of a plate that closes at least. The longitudinal opening also partially supports the cells 3. The first base 26 and the second base 27 may include one or more drainage channels 46 for the cooling fluid so as to collect any possible leakage from the first sealing line 47 and direct it to a common leak collection and detection channel, thus protecting the cells 3 from any contact with the cooling fluid. The first base 26 and the second base 27 are adjacent and parallel to each other and are nested together by complementary shapes between the first base 26 and the second base 27.

[0116] Figures 33 to 38 illustrate a cooling device for a plurality of battery cells 3 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The cooling device comprises four parallel cooling plates 1, 2, all in strip form as in the first embodiment. In the two sets of first strip 24 and second strip 25, these are closed, unlike in the first embodiment, by a common base 28 and can be covered by a cover 37. This device has three rows R1, R2 of battery cells 3, also covered by the cover 37. The disturbance elements 17 are projecting protrusions 29 on the inner face 32 of the common base 28, extending longitudinally in the direction of extension LED. The length of the protrusions 29 is substantially equal to the height of the first and second cooling plates 1, 2.The first ends 33, 35 are connected via their inlet 13 and outlet 16 to the first connection plate 38, and the second ends 34, 36 are connected via their inlet 14 and outlet 15 to the second connection plate 39. The two inlets 13 of the first two cooling plates 1 open into a first common chamber 40 equipped with the main inlet 41 for the cooling fluid, which will flow into the first two cooling plates 1 according to the first flow F1. The two outlets 16 of the two second cooling plates 1 open into a second common chamber 42 equipped with the main outlet for the cooling fluid, which will flow into the two second cooling plates 2 according to the second flow F2.The second connection plate 39 has a similar structure with a main outlet 44 of the cooling fluid according to the first flow F1 and a main inlet 45 of the cooling fluid according to the second flow F2. This configuration allows that. the flow direction of the first flow F1 in the first two cooling plates 1 is opposite to the flow direction of the second flow F2 in the second two cooling plates 2.

[0117] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A cooling device for a plurality of battery cells (3) comprising at least: - a first cooling plate (1) and a second cooling plate (2) substantially parallel to each other and configured to enclose a row (R1) of battery cells (3) such that at least the outer face (4, 5) of their inner wall (6, 7) at least partially matches the lateral surface (8) of the battery cells (3) of the row (R1) and where appropriate that at least the outer face (9, 10) of their outer wall (11, 12) at least partially matches the lateral surface (8) of the battery cells (3) of the neighboring row (R2), - the first and second cooling plates (1, 2) each having an inlet (13, 14) configured for the admission of at least one cooling fluid into the first and second cooling plates (1, 2), and an outlet (15, 16) configured to allow the discharge of at least one cooling fluid from the first and second cooling plates (1, 2), - the first cooling plate (1) and the second cooling plate (2) each having a hollow internal section configured to allow the circulation of at least one cooling fluid at least respectively in a first direction (D1) in the first cooling plate (1) and a second direction (D2) in the second cooling plate (2) between their inlet (13, 14) and their outlet (15, 16), the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (DL) of the first and second cooling plates (1, 2), the cooling device is characterized in that it comprises a set of perturbation elements (17) of the flow of the cooling fluid arranged in the internal section and being configured to oppose the direction of flow of the first flow (F1) and the second flow (F2) respectively flowing along the first and second directions (D1, D2).

2. Cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) extend longitudinally in a longitudinal extension direction (DEL) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2).

3. Cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) have a preferably solid cross-section of triangular or rectangular or square or semi-circular or circular or (L) shape.

4. Cooling device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are salient from the inner face (18, 19) of the inner wall (6, 7) and / or the inner face (20, 21) of the outer wall (11, 12) of the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2).

5. Cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are ribs (22) projecting from the inner face (18, 19) of the inner wall (6, 7) and / or the inner face (20, 21) of the outer wall (11, 12) of the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2) and extending longitudinally in the extension direction (DEL) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2).

6. Cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are distributed at regular intervals and are separated in pairs by a predetermined spacing distance.

7. Cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2) has a plurality of first inter-cell protrusions (23A) of the inner wall (6, 7) configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells (3) of the row (R1) and configured to form in a localized manner in the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2) first internal inter-cell sections whose dimensions are greater than those of the internal section.

8. Cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2) has a plurality of second inter-cell protrusions (23B) of the outer wall (11, 12) configured to penetrate the free space between two adjacent cells (3) of the neighboring row (R2) and configured to form in a localized manner in the first cooling plate (1) and / or the second cooling plate (2) second internal inter-cell sections whose dimensions are greater than those of the internal section.

9. Cooling device according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are located in the first internal inter-cell sections and / or the second internal inter-cell sections and are configured to redirect at least a part of the first flow (F1) or the second flow (F2) to the first inter-cell protrusions (23A) or the second inter-cell protrusions (23B).

10. Cooling device according to claims 4, 7 and 9, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are salient from the inner face (20, 21) of the outer wall (11, 12) and opposite the first inter-cell protrusions (23A) of the inner wall (6, 7). [Claim 1 1] Cooling device according to claims 4, 8 and 9, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are salient from the inner face (18, 19) of the inner wall (6, 7) and opposite the second inter-cell protrusions (23B) of the outer wall (11, 12).

12. Cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first cooling plate (1) comprises a first strip (24) open longitudinally in its lower part and in that the second cooling plate (2) comprises a second strip (25) open longitudinally in its lower part and in that the first strip (24) and the second strip (25) are each closed respectively by a first base (26) and a second base (27) or by a common base (28).

13. Cooling device according to claims 2 and 12, characterized in that the disturbance elements (17) are projections (29) protruding from the inner face (30) of the first base (26) and / or the inner face (31) of the second base (27) or the inner face (32) of the common base (28) and which extend longitudinally in the extension direction (DEL) substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2).

14. Cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the inlet (13) of the first cooling plate (1) is disposed at a first end (33) of the first cooling plate (1) and the outlet (15) of the first cooling plate (1) is disposed at a second end (34) of the first cooling plate (1), and the outlet (16) of the second cooling plate (2) is disposed at a first end (35) of the second cooling plate (2) and the inlet (14) of the second cooling plate (2) is disposed at a second end (36) of the second cooling plate (2), the first ends (33, 35) being respectively opposite the second ends (34, 36),so that the flow direction of the first stream (F1) in the first cooling plate (1) is opposite to the flow direction of the second stream (F2) in the second cooling plate (2). j,

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