Battery thermal management system, battery pack, and electric apparatus

Abstract

A battery thermal management system, a battery pack, and an electric apparatus. The battery thermal management system comprises a battery module (1), the battery module (1) comprising a frame body (11), and an assembly plate (12) and a liquid cooling plate (13) that are mounted on two opposite sides of the frame body (11), the frame body (11), the assembly plate (12), and the liquid cooling plate (13) together defining an assembly cavity (14), and the assembly cavity (14) being configured for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (17); the liquid cooling plate (13) is provided with a plurality of flow-guiding columns (132) protruding therefrom, and a coolant flow channel (131) is provided within the liquid cooling plate (13), each flow-guiding column (132) being provided with a flow-guiding hole (1321), and the flow-guiding hole (1321) establishing communication between the coolant flow channel (131) and the assembly cavity (14).

Description

A battery thermal management system, a battery pack, and an electrical device.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520167677.8, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on January 23, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery thermal management system, a battery pack, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0003] In the core technology area of ​​new energy vehicles—the power battery system—its performance directly affects the overall performance of electric sports cars. Currently, the conventional solution for power battery systems in electric sports cars mainly involves using a heat sink plate to dissipate heat and maintain the battery's operating temperature range. Technical issues

[0004] However, during charging and discharging, a significant temperature gradient was observed within the battery pack, indicating substantial temperature differences between different regions. This uneven temperature distribution severely impacts the battery's electrochemical performance and lifespan. Furthermore, under high-power demands, such as high-speed driving or rapid acceleration, insufficient heat dissipation becomes apparent, preventing the battery from effectively dissipating heat and thus failing to meet actual usage requirements. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates the aging and degradation of internal battery materials, significantly reducing battery lifespan. Therefore, improvements to current heat dissipation technologies are urgently needed. Technical solutions

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery thermal management system, comprising:

[0006] A battery module includes a frame and an assembly plate and a liquid cooling plate mounted on opposite sides of the frame. An assembly cavity for assembling multiple battery cells is formed between the frame, the assembly plate, and the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate has multiple protruding guide columns and a liquid cooling channel within it. The guide columns have guide holes that connect the liquid cooling channel and the assembly cavity.

[0007] A liquid-cooled circulating pump is connected to a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is configured to connect to a liquid outlet connected to the assembly cavity, and the second conduit is connected to a liquid-cooled flow channel so that the cooling medium immerses the battery cell.

[0008] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, including the aforementioned battery thermal management system.

[0009] Thirdly, this application provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack. Beneficial effects

[0010] The beneficial effects provided by this application are as follows: Through the aforementioned structure, by completely immersing the battery cells in the coolant, the contact area and heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the battery cells are increased. This allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated during charging and discharging, maintaining the battery cells within a suitable operating temperature range, improving battery performance and lifespan, reducing capacity decay and increased internal resistance caused by overheating, and ensuring stable operation of the battery module. Furthermore, it results in a more uniform temperature distribution around the battery cells. Temperature uniformity is crucial for the performance and safety of the battery module, preventing safety hazards such as thermal runaway caused by localized high temperatures. It also helps improve the overall charging and discharging efficiency and consistency of the battery module, reduces performance differences between battery cells, and extends the battery module's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded state of the battery module of the battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 2;

[0014] Figure 4 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 2;

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid cooling plate of the battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly plate of the battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Attached Figures: 1-Battery Module, 11-Frame, 12-Assembly Plate, 121-First Flow Channel, 122-Liquid Through Hole, 13-Liquid Cooling Plate, 131-Liquid Cooling Flow Channel, 132-Guide Column, 1321-Guide Hole, 1322-Arc-shaped Surface, 133-Weak Structure, 134-Pressure Relief Channel, 14-Assembly Cavity, 15-Fixed Bracket, 151-Fixed Hole, 16-CCS Assembly, 17-Battery Cell, 2-Liquid Cooling Circulation Pump, 21-First Conduit, 22-Second Conduit.

[0019] Implementation methods of this application

[0020] The embodiments of this application disclose a battery thermal management system, which increases the heat exchange area of ​​the battery body by immersing all battery cells in coolant, improves battery temperature uniformity, reduces system temperature difference, meets high-power discharge requirements, and extends the service life of the battery system.

[0021] The specific scheme of the battery thermal management system of this application will be described below with reference to Figures 1-7.

[0022] Specifically, this battery thermal management system includes battery module 1.

[0023] The battery module 1 includes a frame 11 and an assembly plate 12 and a liquid cooling plate 13 mounted on opposite sides of the frame 11. An assembly cavity 14 is formed between the frame 11, the assembly plate 12 and the liquid cooling plate 13 to assemble multiple battery cells 17. The liquid cooling plate 13 has multiple guide columns 132 protruding from it and has a liquid cooling channel 131 inside the liquid cooling plate 13. The guide columns 132 have guide holes 1321, which connect the liquid cooling channel 131 and the assembly cavity 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 13 is located below the assembly plate 12.

[0024] This battery thermal management system also includes a liquid-cooled circulating pump 2.

[0025] The liquid-cooled circulating pump 2 is connected to a first conduit 21 and a second conduit 22. The first conduit 21 is configured to connect to the liquid outlet connected to the assembly cavity 14, and the second conduit 22 is connected to the liquid-cooled flow channel 131, so that the cooling medium can immerse the battery cell 17.

[0026] In this application, the following coolant circulation path is formed: The coolant first enters the liquid cooling channel 131 of the liquid cooling plate 13. Since the liquid cooling plate 13 is provided with multiple guide columns 132, and the guide columns 132 have guide holes 1321 communicating with the liquid cooling channel 131, when the coolant flows in the liquid cooling channel 131, it flows out through the guide holes 1321 of the guide columns 132, and then flows into the assembly cavity 14. In the assembly cavity 14, it directly exchanges heat with the battery cell 17, absorbing the heat generated by the battery cell 17. Finally, the coolant flows out from the outlet of the assembly cavity 14, and simultaneously passes through the first conduit 21, the liquid cooling circulation pump 2, and the second conduit 22 to form a complete coolant circulation process. Furthermore, after the coolant flows out through the guide holes 1321 of the multiple guide columns 132, it can be more evenly distributed around the battery cell 17, carrying away the heat generated by the battery cell 17 and ensuring the temperature uniformity of the battery cell 17.

[0027] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled circulation pump 2 can drive the coolant to circulate in the aforementioned coolant path. During the circulation process, the coolant can effectively absorb the heat generated by the battery. Therefore, through liquid-cooled circulation, the heat can be carried away in time, thereby maintaining the battery's operating temperature within a suitable range and preventing the battery from overheating.

[0028] In summary, the above structure, by fully immersing the battery cells 17 in the coolant, increases the contact area and heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the battery cells 17. This allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells 17 during charging and discharging, maintaining the battery cells 17 within a suitable operating temperature range, improving battery performance and lifespan, reducing capacity decay and increased internal resistance caused by overheating, and ensuring stable operation of the battery module 1. Furthermore, it results in a more uniform temperature distribution around the battery cells 17. Temperature uniformity is crucial for the performance and safety of the battery module 1, preventing safety hazards such as thermal runaway caused by localized high temperatures. It also helps improve the overall charging and discharging efficiency and consistency of the battery module 1, reduces performance differences between battery cells 17, and extends the lifespan of the battery module 1.

[0029] Specifically, the assembly plate 12 has a first flow channel 121 and a liquid passage hole 122 that connects the first flow channel 121 and the assembly cavity 14. The first flow channel 121 is connected to the first conduit 21.

[0030] In this application, the following coolant circulation path is formed: The coolant first enters the liquid cooling channel 131 of the liquid cooling plate 13. Since the liquid cooling plate 13 is provided with multiple guide columns 132, and the guide columns 132 have guide holes 1321 communicating with the liquid cooling channel 131, when the coolant flows in the liquid cooling channel 131, it will flow out through the guide holes 1321 of the guide columns 132, and then flow into the assembly cavity 14. In the assembly cavity 14, it directly exchanges heat with the battery cell 17 and absorbs the heat generated by the battery cell 17. Finally, the coolant flows from the assembly cavity 14 into the first channel 121 of the assembly plate 12, and carries the absorbed heat out of the system through the first channel 121. At the same time, it passes through the first conduit 21, the liquid cooling circulation pump 2, and the second conduit 22 to form a complete coolant circulation process. It can be seen that with this configuration, the first flow channel 121 and the liquid passage hole 122 of the assembly plate 12 can serve as liquid outlets communicating with the assembly cavity 14, guiding the cooling medium in the assembly cavity 14 away.

[0031] Specifically, the battery cell 17 can be a cylindrical battery, or a large cylindrical battery, for example, with a diameter generally between 42mm and 60mm.

[0032] Specifically, the liquid cooling plate 13 is provided with multiple weak structures 133 and pressure relief channels 134 corresponding to the weak structures 133, with each weak structure 133 corresponding to a pressure relief port of a battery cell 17. In addition to heat dissipation, the battery thermal management system of this application also utilizes the liquid cooling plate 13 for pressure relief to improve overall safety. For example, when the internal pressure of a battery cell 17 abnormally increases, the corresponding weak structure 133 can quickly rupture, allowing the pressure to be released promptly through the pressure relief channel 134. This effectively prevents serious safety accidents such as bulging, rupture, or even explosion of the battery cell 17 due to excessive pressure, precisely protecting each battery cell 17 and improving the overall safety of the battery system. More importantly, this one-to-one pressure relief design can isolate the faulty battery cell 17 from other normal battery cells 17, preventing the failure of a single battery cell 17 from having an excessive impact on the entire battery pack, improving the fault tolerance of the battery system, and reducing the risk of system-wide failure due to localized faults.

[0033] Specifically, for the weak structure 133, a high-temperature resistant plastic film, such as a polyimide (PI) film, or a rubber film, such as a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) film, can be used. These films can withstand a certain degree of pressure, but when the internal pressure of the battery cell 17 is too high, they can release pressure through their own deformation until they rupture.

[0034] Alternatively, the weak structure 133 can be further reinforced by creating grooves at the location of the pressure relief port of the battery cell 17 corresponding to the liquid cooling plate 13, using methods such as machining or laser etching. For example, cross-shaped grooves can be used, and the depth of the grooves can be designed according to the maximum pressure that the battery cell 17 may experience. Generally, the groove depth can be between 0.1mm and 0.5mm. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 17 reaches a certain level, the material at the groove will fracture first due to stress concentration, thereby achieving pressure relief.

[0035] Specifically, the flow guide column 132 is located beside the battery cell 17, and its side facing the battery cell 17 is an arc-shaped curved surface 1322. Since the battery cell 17 in the actual product is a cylindrical battery, a compatible structure can be formed to avoid interference or impact. More importantly, the flow guide column 132 can also limit the position of the battery cell 17, achieving two goals at once.

[0036] Specifically, the flow guide column 132 has at least three arc-shaped curved surfaces 1322. In actual design considerations, most of the flow guide columns 132 will be arranged on the side of the three cylindrical battery cells 17. If not properly designed, the flow guide columns 132 and the battery cells 17 can easily interfere with each other.

[0037] In this application, the flow guide column 132 is designed with an arc-shaped curved surface 1322, which cleverly avoids contact with the three cylindrical battery cells 17 when arranged beside them. This achieves a reasonable spatial layout, making the entire structure, including the battery cells 17 and the flow guide column 132, more scientifically and orderly in its spatial arrangement. By avoiding interference, the battery cells 17 can normally perform their functions of storing and releasing electrical energy without being adversely affected by the flow guide column 132. At the same time, the flow guide column 132 can also normally perform its original functions, such as guiding fluid, ensuring the normal operation of the entire system.

[0038] Specifically, battery module 1 also includes a CCS assembly 16, which refers to a CCS (Cells Contact System, integrated busbar), also known as a wiring harness board integration component. The CCS assembly 16 is disposed within the assembly cavity 14 of the frame 11 and located between the assembly plate 12 and several battery cells 17. The CCS assembly 16 and the several battery cells 17 are electrically connected. In practical design considerations, the CCS assembly, as a crucial component electrically connected to the battery cells 17, generates heat during operation. If this heat cannot be dissipated in time, it may cause the CCS assembly temperature to become too high. Excessive temperature can affect its electrical performance, such as increasing resistance and reducing conductivity.

[0039] To address this issue, this application utilizes coolant to dissipate heat from the CCS module, thus resolving the potential performance degradation caused by the CCS module's own heat generation. This maintains the CCS module's temperature within a reasonable range, ensuring its normal operation. Furthermore, the heat dissipation of the CCS module is combined with the liquid cooling of the battery, resulting in a more compact and rational structure for the entire battery system and enhancing the integration of the battery thermal management system.

[0040] Specifically, multiple liquid passage holes 122 are provided on the side of the assembly plate 12 facing the liquid cooling plate 13, and these multiple liquid passage holes 122 are connected to the first flow channel 121 within the assembly plate 12. In related technologies, the coolant may only flow out from a single outlet or a few outlets, which can lead to uneven coolant circulation. For example, the coolant flow rate is high and the cooling effect is good in areas near the outlet, while the coolant is difficult to reach areas far from the outlet, resulting in localized overheating and affecting the performance of the entire heat dissipation system.

[0041] To address this, this application provides multiple liquid passage holes 122 that connect to the first flow channel 121, allowing the coolant to circulate evenly from multiple locations. This uniform flow of coolant effectively removes heat, ensuring better coverage of the entire area requiring cooling and preventing localized undercooling. This improves equipment performance and stability, and extends its service life. Furthermore, the multiple liquid passage holes 122 balance the pressure inside the assembly plate 12. When coolant flows out from multiple locations, the pressure difference between different parts inside the liquid cooling plate 13 decreases, allowing the coolant to flow at a more stable and reasonable rate, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0042] Specifically, the assembly cavity 14 in the frame 11 extends through opposite sides of the frame 11 to form two opposing openings. The assembly plate 12 and the liquid cooling plate 13 are respectively sealed at the opposite openings of the frame 11. In this application, the assembly cavity 14 extends through opposite sides of the frame 11 to form an opening structure. When it is necessary to increase the number of battery cells 17 or to maintain or replace existing battery cells 17, this structure provides a convenient operating channel. The battery cells 17 can be inspected, repaired, or replaced one by one through the openings without causing excessive damage to the structure of the entire battery system, which is very convenient and quick.

[0043] Specifically, a fixing bracket 15 is provided within the assembly cavity 14 to fix several battery cells 17. The fixing bracket 15 has several fixing holes 151 extending along its thickness, with each fixing hole 151 designed to assemble one battery cell 17. The design takes into account that if the battery cell 17 moves within the assembly cavity 14, it may damage components such as the battery tabs. This is particularly important in applications with extremely high safety requirements, such as electric vehicles, where damage to the battery tabs could lead to short circuits and other safety hazards.

[0044] To address this, this application provides a fixed bracket 15, and the cooperation between the fixed bracket 15 and the fixing hole 151 allows the battery cell 17 to form a stable integral structure within the assembly cavity 14. When the battery module is subjected to external impact or vibration, the relative positions between the battery cells 17 remain stable. More importantly, since the fixing hole 151 provides a clear assembly position for the battery cell 17, workers can install the battery cell 17 onto the fixed bracket 15 more quickly and accurately, greatly increasing the assembly speed. For example, in an automated production line for battery modules, this fixing structure allows robotic arms to perform battery cell 17 assembly operations more precisely, reducing assembly time and increasing the overall production line capacity.

[0045] Specifically, multiple battery modules 1 are configured, and these multiple battery modules 1 share a first conduit 21 and a second conduit 22 in a single liquid-cooled circulating pump 2. In practical design considerations, if each battery module 1 is equipped with its own liquid-cooled circulation piping and other components, the entire system would become overly complex and costly. Therefore, this application allows multiple battery modules 1 to share a single first conduit 21 and a second conduit 22 in a single liquid-cooled circulating pump 2, simplifying the system's piping layout, reducing the number of components, and lowering system construction costs and subsequent maintenance complexity while ensuring heat dissipation. Furthermore, by sharing the relevant conduits of the liquid-cooled circulating pump 2 while increasing battery capacity, the multiple battery modules 1 make the entire battery thermal management system more compact and highly integrated. From a cost perspective, reducing the redundant configuration of conduits and other components lowers material and installation costs. Moreover, during subsequent maintenance and repair, the relatively simple system allows for more efficient location and handling of potential issues, improving maintenance efficiency and saving maintenance costs.

[0046] Embodiments of this application also disclose a battery pack including the aforementioned battery thermal management system. Therefore, this battery pack possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery thermal management system of any of the above-described technical solutions of this application, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0047] Embodiments of this application also disclose an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack. Therefore, this electrical device possesses all the beneficial effects of the battery packs of any of the above-described technical solutions of this application, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0048] Specifically, in the field of electric vehicles, the electrical devices can be various new energy vehicles such as pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

Claims

1. A battery thermal management system, comprising: The battery module (1) includes a frame (11) and an assembly plate (12) and a liquid cooling plate (13) assembled on opposite sides of the frame (11). An assembly cavity (14) for assembling multiple battery cells (17) is formed between the frame (11), the assembly plate (12) and the liquid cooling plate (13). The liquid cooling plate (13) has multiple guide columns (132) protruding from it and has a liquid cooling channel (131) inside the liquid cooling plate (13). The guide columns (132) have guide holes (1321) that connect the liquid cooling channel (131) and the assembly cavity (14). A liquid-cooled circulating pump (2) is connected to a first conduit (21) and a second conduit (22). The first conduit (21) is configured to connect to an outlet connected to the assembly cavity (14), and the second conduit (22) is connected to a liquid-cooled flow channel (131) so that the cooling medium can immerse the battery cell (17).

2. The battery thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The assembly plate (12) has a first flow channel (121) and a liquid passage hole (122) that connects the first flow channel (121) and the assembly cavity (14). The first flow channel (121) is connected to the first conduit (21).

3. The battery thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The liquid cooling plate (13) is provided with a plurality of weak structures (133) and pressure relief channels (134) corresponding to the weak structures (133), and one weak structure (133) corresponds to the pressure relief port of one battery cell (17).

4. The battery thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The assembly cavity (14) extends through the opposite sides of the frame (11) to form a two-opening structure; The assembly plate (12) and the liquid cooling plate (13) are respectively sealed at the two opposite openings of the frame (11).

5. A battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The flow guide column (132) is located on the side of the battery cell (17) and the side facing the battery cell (17) is an arc-shaped curved surface (1322). At least three arc-shaped surfaces (1322) are formed on the guide column (132).

6. A battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The assembly cavity (14) is provided with a fixing bracket (15) for fixing a number of battery cells (17). The fixing bracket (15) has a number of fixing holes (151) through its own thickness. Each fixing hole (151) is used to assemble one battery cell (17).

7. A battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The battery module (1) further includes a CCS component (16), which is disposed in the assembly cavity (14) of the frame (11) and located between the assembly plate (12) and a number of battery cells (17). The CCS component (16) and the number of battery cells (17) are electrically connected.

8. A battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The battery module (1) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple battery modules (1) share a first conduit (21) and a second conduit (22) in a liquid-cooled circulating pump (2).

9. A battery pack, comprising a battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. An electrical device, comprising the battery pack according to claim 9.

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