Battery pack

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a battery pack, comprising a plurality of modules and a first liquid cooling assembly, wherein the plurality of modules are arranged in the direction of width thereof. In the direction of height of the modules, each module has a terminal post end and a heat dissipation end, which are arranged opposite to each other, and the terminal post end is configured to conduct electricity. Each module comprises a plurality of battery cells, which are arranged in the direction of length of the module. The first liquid cooling assembly is arranged between the modules in the direction of width of the modules.

Description

A battery pack

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on December 25, 2024, with application numbers 202411930374.3 and 202423219462.0, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0003] Lithium-ion battery systems generate a significant amount of heat under high-power conditions, and continuous operation at such high temperatures can severely impact their lifespan. Therefore, developing advanced thermal management technologies is crucial for lithium-ion battery systems to meet the demands of high-power applications and achieve long lifespans. Technical issues

[0004] Currently, mainstream thermal management technologies typically employ indirect or immersion liquid cooling, such as using liquid cooling plates to dissipate heat from the battery. However, the top of the battery module contains terminal posts and aluminum busbars, limiting the contact area between the battery module and the top liquid cooling plate, thus limiting the heat dissipation effect. Furthermore, the top liquid cooling plate design carries the risk of condensation. Immersion technology, on the other hand, is not yet fully mature and faces compatibility issues with the immersion fluid and battery pack. Technical solutions

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery pack comprising multiple modules and a first liquid cooling assembly. The multiple modules are arranged along their width direction, and in the height direction of the modules, each module has a terminal end and a heat dissipation end disposed opposite to each other. The terminal end is configured to be conductive. Each module includes multiple individual cells, which are arranged along the length direction of the module. The first liquid cooling assembly is disposed between the modules along the width direction of the module. Beneficial effects

[0006] The beneficial effects provided by this application are as follows: This application provides a battery pack including multiple modules and a first liquid cooling assembly. The multiple modules are arranged along their width direction, and in the height direction of the modules, each module has a terminal end and a heat dissipation end disposed opposite to each other. The terminal end is configured to be conductive. Each module includes multiple individual cells, which are arranged along the length direction of the module. The first liquid cooling assembly is disposed between the modules along the width direction of the module. Compared with related technologies, the first liquid cooling assembly is mainly configured to dissipate heat from the sides of the battery modules, improving heat dissipation efficiency and reducing the risk of condensation. The first liquid cooling assembly dissipates heat from the battery modules, effectively enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0008] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0009] Figure 3 is a top view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2;

[0011] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of section B in Figure 3;

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first copper sheet and the second copper sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second liquid cooling assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first liquid cooling component provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0015] In the picture:

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals: 10, Module; 20, Second liquid cooling component; 30, First liquid cooling component; 40, Heat sink; 50, First copper sheet; 60, Second copper sheet; 101, Single cell; 201, Second housing; 202, Second baffle; 203, Third flow channel; 204, Fourth flow channel; 301, First housing; 302, First baffle; 303, First flow channel; 304, Second flow channel; 1011, First side; 1012, Second side.

[0017] Implementation methods of this application

[0018] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. This application embodiment provides a battery pack including multiple modules 10 and a first liquid cooling assembly 30. The multiple modules 10 are arranged along their width direction. In the height direction of the module 10, the module 10 has a terminal end and a heat dissipation end that are disposed opposite to each other. The terminal end is configured to be conductive. The module 10 includes multiple single cells 101, which are arranged along the length direction of the module 10. The first liquid cooling assembly 30 is disposed between the modules 10 along the width direction of the module 10.

[0019] To clearly describe the embodiments, in FIG2, X represents the width direction of module 10, Y represents the length direction of module 10, and Z represents the height direction of module 10.

[0020] In practical applications, multiple individual battery cells 101 are arranged sequentially along the length direction to form a module 10, and multiple modules 10 are arranged sequentially along the width direction to form multiple rows of modules 10. A first liquid cooling component 30 is disposed between the multiple rows of modules 10 along the width direction, for example, between each row of modules 10. The first liquid cooling component 30 cools both sides of the module 10 along the width direction, achieving good heat dissipation and temperature uniformity. Furthermore, the sides of the individual battery cells 101 are relatively smooth, without terminals or aluminum busbars, and the placement of the first liquid cooling component 30 on the sides increases the heat conduction area, preventing condensation. Alternatively, the first liquid cooling component 30 can be placed between every two or more rows (more than two rows) of modules 10, saving on the number and cost of the first liquid cooling component 30 and reducing the overall weight of the battery pack. Compared to related technologies, the first liquid cooling component 30 is designed to dissipate heat from the sides of the battery module 10, improving heat dissipation efficiency, reducing the risk of condensation, and enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack.

[0021] Please refer to Figure 2 again. The battery pack also includes a second liquid cooling component. The second liquid cooling component is located on the side of the multiple modules near the heat dissipation end. The heat dissipation end of module 10 does not have terminals or aluminum busbars. By placing the second liquid cooling component 20 on the heat dissipation end, the contact area between module 10 and the second liquid cooling component 20 can be increased, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. The second liquid cooling component 20 is mainly designed to dissipate heat at the end of battery module 10 without terminals, increasing the heat dissipation area. The first liquid cooling component 30 is mainly designed to dissipate heat on the side of battery module 10, improving heat dissipation efficiency. The second liquid cooling component 20 and the first liquid cooling component 30 work together to dissipate heat from battery module 10, enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 2 again. The battery pack also includes a heat spreader 40, and the heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling component 30 are alternately arranged between the modules 10.

[0023] In practical applications, the heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling component 30 are alternately arranged between the modules 10, thus forming a first liquid cooling component 30 between every two columns of modules 10, saving the cost of using the first liquid cooling component 30. Furthermore, the heat spreader 40 is arranged between the modules 10, which can not only balance the temperature between two adjacent columns of modules 10, but also balance the temperature of multiple individual cells 101 in each column of module 10. Through the good thermal conductivity of the heat spreader 40, the heat in the higher temperature area is quickly transferred to the lower temperature area, so that the temperature of each individual cell in the module 10 tends to be consistent, or the temperature between two adjacent columns of modules 10 tends to be consistent.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 2 again. The number of first liquid cooling components 30 between adjacent heat spreaders 40 is at least two.

[0025] In practical applications, the number of columns of module 10 is usually multiple. For example, when the number of columns of module 10 is four, the multiple columns of module 10 are set as the first column, the second column, the third column and the fourth column along the width direction of module 10. The first column and the fourth column are located on the outermost side. The first liquid cooling component 30 is provided on the outer side of the first column and the fourth column. The heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling component 30 are alternately arranged between the modules 10. That is to say, the heat spreader 40 is provided between the first column and the second column, and between the third column and the fourth column. Since the temperature of the module 10 located in the middle part (the part between the second column and the third column) is higher during the use of the battery pack, two or more first liquid cooling components 30 can be set between the second column and the third column to reduce the temperature of the module 10 in the middle part and reduce the temperature difference between multiple parts of the battery pack.

[0026] It should be noted that the first liquid cooling component 30 can be set in a manner not limited to the above method. The specific method is set according to the actual number of columns of the module 10.

[0027] In one embodiment, the thickness of the heat spreader 40 is D1, where 1 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 4 mm. In practical applications, the thickness of the heat spreader 40 has a significant impact on heat conduction efficiency. A thinner heat spreader 40 generally has an advantage in heat conduction speed because the shorter the distance of heat conduction in a solid material, the lower the thermal resistance. However, an excessively thin heat spreader 40 may not provide sufficient heat capacity to buffer heat fluctuations. When a heat source generates a large amount of heat instantaneously, a thin heat spreader 40 may experience a rapid temperature rise due to insufficient heat capacity, failing to effectively absorb and diffuse heat. Furthermore, considering the overall size of the battery pack, the thickness of the heat spreader 40 needs to be strictly set, controlling it between 1 mm and 4 mm. This allows for better uniform heat distribution across the entire plane and saves battery pack design space, reducing the overall volume of the battery pack.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The single cell 101 includes a first side 1011 and a second side 1012. The first side 1011 is disposed in the thickness direction of the single cell 101, and the second side 1012 is disposed in the length direction of the single cell 101. The area of ​​the first side 1011 is larger than that of the second side 1012. The heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling assembly 30 are respectively connected to the oppositely disposed second side 1012.

[0029] To clearly describe the embodiments, in FIG3, X represents the length direction of the single cell 101 and Y represents the thickness direction of the single cell 101.

[0030] In practical applications, the single cell 101 can be a square cell. The square cell has a larger first side 1011 and a smaller second side 1012. By setting the heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling component 30 on the second side 1012, the area of ​​the heat spreader 40 and the first liquid cooling component 30 can be saved, and the design cost can be reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, since the thermal conductivity of a square battery in the thickness direction is much lower than that in the height and width directions, typically the thermal conductivity of a cell in the height and width directions is around 15 W / (Km), while the thermal conductivity in the thickness direction is only around 2 W / (Km). Therefore, by setting the first liquid cooling component 30 and the heat spreader 40 on the second side 1012, the efficiency of heat dissipation of the single cell 101 can be improved.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. The battery pack also includes a first copper sheet 50, which is disposed between the individual cells 101 and contacts the first side 1011.

[0033] Specifically, along the thickness direction of the individual cell 101, a first copper sheet 50 is disposed between two adjacent individual cells 101 and in contact with the first side surface 1011. The first copper sheet 50 has good thermal conductivity, and its placement between the individual cells 101 can achieve a heat conduction effect, balancing the temperature among multiple individual cells 101. Furthermore, copper sheets are relatively inexpensive; placing a copper sheet on the larger first side surface 1011 achieves temperature balancing while saving material costs. Simultaneously, the first copper sheet 50 can be combined with a heat spreader on the second side surface 1012, achieving good heat dissipation performance within a limited cost.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 6 again. The battery pack also includes a second copper sheet 60, which is disposed between the second side 1012 and the first liquid cooling assembly 30. The first liquid cooling assembly 30 contacts the individual battery 101 through the second copper sheet 60.

[0035] In practical applications, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the module 10 and the first liquid cooling component 30, this application also provides a second copper sheet 60. The second copper sheet 60 is disposed between the second side 1012 and the first liquid cooling component 30. By utilizing the good thermal conductivity of the second copper sheet 60 itself, the heat of the module 10 is transferred to the first liquid cooling component 30, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation function of the first liquid cooling component 30.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 6 again. The first copper sheet 50 and the second copper sheet 60 are connected and are integrally formed, forming an L-shaped structure. In practical applications, the first copper sheet 50 and the second copper sheet 60 can be integrally formed, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0037] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first copper sheet 50 is D2, and the thickness of the second copper sheet 60 is D3, where 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ D2 ≤ 3 mm. D2 can be 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, 2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.8 mm, 3.0 mm, etc. D3 can be 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.7 mm, 3.0 mm, etc.

[0038] In practical applications, thicker copper sheets can affect heat transfer efficiency, while thinner copper sheets heat up too quickly, potentially leading to uneven temperature distribution during heat transfer. Considering the overall design dimensions of the battery pack, the optimal dimensions for the first copper sheet 50 and the second copper sheet 60 are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, achieving effective heat transfer while ensuring the overall size and weight of the battery pack remain within a reasonable range.

[0039] Meanwhile, since the second copper sheet 60 is located on the second side 1012, the second copper sheet 60 increases the length of the single cell 101. Because the length of the single cell 101 is longer, the size of the battery pack along this direction is larger. Therefore, the thickness of the second copper sheet 60 can be set to be thinner than that of the first copper sheet 50, which helps to save the size of the battery pack and can improve the heat dissipation efficiency between the first liquid cooling component 30 and the module 10.

[0040] In one embodiment, the two opposite ends of the first copper sheet 50 are in contact with the first liquid cooling component 30 and the heat spreader 40, respectively. Specifically, along the width direction of the module 10, the first liquid cooling component 30 and the heat spreader 40 are respectively connected to both sides of the module 10 located in the middle. When the module 10 at this part is connected to the first copper sheet 50, the two ends of the first copper sheet 50 are also connected to the first liquid cooling component 30 and the heat spreader 40 on both sides of the module 10, respectively. This arrangement allows the first copper sheet 50 to directly transfer the temperature generated by the module 10 to the first liquid cooling component 30 and the heat spreader 40, thereby improving the heat dissipation speed.

[0041] Meanwhile, in the height direction of module 10, the height of the first copper sheet 50 can be the same as the height of the first side surface 1011. The first copper sheet 50 and module 10 exchange heat through the heat-conducting area. Therefore, the larger the contact area between the first copper sheet 50 and the first side surface 1011, the more heat can be transferred per unit time. The large copper sheet provides a larger surface area for contact with module 10, thereby accelerating heat dissipation.

[0042] Furthermore, in the width direction of module 10, the width of the first copper sheet 50 is the same as the width of the first side surface 1011. In addition to increasing the contact area between the first copper sheet 50 and module 10 in the height direction, the area of ​​the first copper sheet 50 can also be increased in the width direction to improve the heat transfer efficiency between the first copper sheet 50 and module 10, achieving a similar effect to the above.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 7. The second liquid cooling assembly 20 includes a second housing 201 and a plurality of second baffles 202. The second housing 201 has a second liquid cooling cavity. The plurality of second baffles 202 are spaced apart and connected to the second housing 201 in the second liquid cooling cavity. The second baffles 202 and the second housing 201 form a third flow channel 203 and a fourth flow channel 204 for the flow of coolant. The third flow channel 203 and the fourth flow channel 204 are alternately arranged and connected end to end.

[0044] In practical applications, multiple second baffles 202 can be sequentially arranged along the width or length of the second housing 201. A third flow channel 203 or a fourth flow channel 204 is formed between two adjacent second baffles 202. The third flow channel 203 and the fourth flow channel 204 are configured to allow coolant to circulate. During the coolant flow, the heat generated by the module 10 is continuously carried away, achieving the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack. The third flow channel 203 and the fourth flow channel 204 are staggered and connected end to end, increasing the heat dissipation area of ​​the second liquid cooling component 20 and the module 10, improving the smoothness and flow speed of the coolant within the second liquid cooling component 20, and accelerating the heat dissipation efficiency of the second liquid cooling component 20.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 8. The first liquid cooling assembly 30 includes a first housing 301 and a plurality of first baffles 302. The first housing 301 has a first liquid cooling cavity. The plurality of first baffles 302 are spaced apart and connected to the first housing 301 in the first liquid cooling cavity. The first baffles 302 and the first housing 301 form a first flow channel 303 and a second flow channel 304 for the flow of coolant. The first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304 are alternately arranged and connected end to end.

[0046] In practical applications, multiple first baffles 302 can be arranged sequentially along the width or length of the first housing 301. A first flow channel 303 or a second flow channel 304 is formed between two adjacent first baffles 302. The first flow channels 303 and the second flow channels 304 are staggered and connected end to end, which increases the heat dissipation area of ​​the first liquid cooling component 30 and the module 10, improves the smoothness and flow speed of the coolant in the first liquid cooling component 30, and accelerates the heat dissipation efficiency of the first liquid cooling component 30.

[0047] It should be noted that multiple first housings 301 can be provided on the second housing 201. In this way, multiple modules 10 can be provided on the same second housing 201, and multiple modules 10 can share a liquid cooling plate, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery pack.

[0048] The first liquid cooling component 30 shall also include an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, which are respectively connected to the first housing 301. The inlet pipe is connected to the first flow channel 303 located at the beginning, and the outlet pipe is connected to the second flow channel 304 located at the end. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the height direction of the module 10.

[0049] In practical applications, the first liquid cooling assembly 30 also includes a liquid driving component connected to the inlet pipe or outlet pipe. The first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304 are staggered and connected end to end. Therefore, along the flow direction of the coolant, the first flow channel 303 at the beginning and the second flow channel 304 at the end respectively form an opening and an end. The inlet pipe is connected to the opening, and the outlet pipe is connected to the end. The liquid driving component drives the coolant to enter the opening from the inlet pipe, and then flows through the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304 in sequence. When the coolant passes through the first housing 301 and the second flow channel 304, it exchanges heat with the module 10, carrying away the heat generated by the module 10 during operation, and finally flows out from the outlet pipe, completing the cooling work. The liquid driving component can be a pump body or similar structure.

[0050] Furthermore, the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304 typically extend along the height direction of the module 10. Since hot air rises and cold air sinks, arranging the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304 along the height direction can create natural convection. Therefore, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe can be arranged opposite each other along the height direction of the module 10. This facilitates the smooth flow of coolant within the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 304. For example, along the height direction, the inlet pipe is located above the outlet pipe. In this way, the coolant flowing in from the inlet pipe will flow along the flow channel under its own weight. Gravity helps the coolant flow, reducing the energy required for pumping. Lower power liquid drive components can be used, saving costs.

[0051] Unlike related technologies, this application provides a battery pack including multiple modules 10 and a first liquid cooling assembly 30. The multiple modules 10 are arranged along their width direction. In the height direction of the modules 10, each module 10 has a terminal end and a heat dissipation end disposed opposite to each other. The terminal end is configured to be conductive. Each module 10 includes multiple individual cells 101, which are arranged along the length direction of the module 10. The first liquid cooling assembly 30 is disposed between the modules 10 along their width direction. Compared to related technologies, the first liquid cooling assembly 30 is mainly configured to dissipate heat from the sides of the battery modules 10, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency, reducing the risk of condensation, and enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the battery pack.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple modules are arranged along their width direction. In the height direction of each module, the module has opposing electrode terminals and heat dissipation terminals. The electrode terminals are configured to be conductive. Each module includes multiple individual battery cells arranged along its length direction. A first liquid cooling component is disposed between the modules along the width direction of the modules.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack also includes a second liquid cooling component, which is disposed on the side of the plurality of modules near the heat dissipation end.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack also includes a heat spreader, and the heat spreader and the first liquid cooling component are alternately arranged between the modules.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The number of the first liquid cooling components between adjacent heat spreaders is at least two.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The thickness of the heat spreader is D1, where 1 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 4 mm.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The single cell includes a first side and a second side. The first side is disposed in the thickness direction of the single cell, and the second side is disposed in the length direction of the single cell. The area of ​​the first side is larger than that of the second side. The heat spreader and the first liquid cooling assembly are respectively connected to the second side disposed opposite to it.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The battery pack also includes a first copper sheet disposed between the individual cells and in contact with the first side.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The battery pack also includes a second copper sheet disposed between the second side and the first liquid cooling assembly, and the first liquid cooling assembly contacts the individual battery cell through the second copper sheet.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The first copper sheet and the second copper sheet are connected, and the first copper sheet and the second copper sheet are integrally formed.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The thickness of the first copper sheet is D2, and the thickness of the second copper sheet is D3, where 0.5 mm ≤ D3 ≤ D2 ≤ 3 mm.

11. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The two opposite ends of the first copper sheet are in contact with the first liquid cooling component and the heat spreader, respectively.

12. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, In the height direction of the module, the height of the first copper sheet is the same as the height of the first side; and / or, in the width direction of the module, the width of the first copper sheet is the same as the width of the first side.

13. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first liquid cooling assembly includes a first housing and a plurality of first baffles. The first housing has a first liquid cooling cavity. The plurality of first baffles are spaced apart and connected to the first housing. The first baffles and the first housing form a first flow channel and a second flow channel for the flow of coolant. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are alternately arranged and connected end to end.

14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein, The second liquid cooling assembly includes a second housing and a plurality of second baffles. The second housing has a second liquid cooling cavity. The plurality of second baffles are spaced apart and connected to the second housing. The second baffles and the second housing form a third flow channel and a fourth flow channel for the flow of coolant. The third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are alternately arranged and connected end to end.

15. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The first liquid cooling component includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, which are respectively connected to the first housing. The inlet pipe is connected to the first flow channel located at the beginning, and the outlet pipe is connected to the second flow channel located at the end. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the height direction of the module.

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