Battery cooling plate assembly and thermal management plate assembly

Abstract

This battery cooling plate assembly may comprise an upper plate, a lower plate, a cooling channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The cooling channel may comprise an inlet channel connected to the inlet port, an outlet channel connected to the outlet port, a branch channel disposed downstream of the inlet channel and configured to divide a flow path into a first branch path and a second branch path, a plurality of first branch path channels arranged between the branch channel and the outlet channel, and a plurality of second branch path channels arranged between the branch channel and the outlet channel. The first branch path and the second branch path may meet at the outlet channel.

Description

Battery cooling plate assembly and thermal management plate assembly

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 19 / 048,291, filed on February 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various embodiments of the invention generally relate to a battery cooling plate assembly for a battery unit and a battery system including the same.

[0003] This battery is increasingly being integrated into various mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0004] Batteries can generate significant heat during operation, which can have a negative impact on performance, lifespan, and safety. Overheating can lead to various problems, including reduced battery capacity, shortened lifespan, and various safety issues.

[0005] Therefore, an effective cooling solution is essential to maintain the optimal operating temperature, extend battery life, and ensure safe use. One such cooling solution is a cooling plate designed to dissipate the heat generated during battery operation.

[0006] Cooling plates can prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. In particular, as the demand for energy storage continues to increase in various applications such as electric vehicles and power grid storage systems, the demand for more efficient and reliable cooling plate designs is becoming increasingly important.

[0007] According to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery cooling plate assembly for a battery unit and a battery system including the same are disclosed.

[0008] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cooling plate assembly that improves battery performance by removing heat from a battery unit using cooling water.

[0009] Additional purposes and benefits of the disclosed embodiments may be specified in part in the following detailed description, or may be self-evidently understood from the description, or may be confirmed by practicing the disclosed embodiments.

[0010] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosed embodiments as required by the claims.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling channel comprises: an upper plate; a lower plate; a cooling channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to provide a flow path for cooling water; an inlet port connected to the cooling channel and configured to receive cooling water; and an outlet port connected to the cooling channel and configured to discharge cooling water, wherein the cooling channel comprises: an inlet channel connected to the inlet port; an outlet channel connected to the outlet port; a branch channel disposed downstream of the inlet channel and configured to divide the flow path into a first branch path and a second branch path; and a plurality of first branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel. A battery cooling plate assembly may be provided, comprising (the first branch path channel comprises a plurality of direct-type first branch path channels; and one or more flow path rearrangement type first branch path channels) and a plurality of second branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel (the second branch path channel comprises a plurality of direct-type second branch path channels; and one or more flow path rearrangement type second branch path channels), wherein the first branch path and the second branch path meet at the outlet channel, at least one direct-type first branch path channel is substantially parallel to at least one direct-type second branch path channel, and the length of at least one direct-type second branch path channel is longer than the length of the longest direct-type first branch path channel among the direct-type first branch path channels.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery cooling plate assembly defines, when viewed from above, an upper region, a lower region, and a middle portion between the upper region and the lower region; and a left region, a right region, and an intermediate portion between the left region and the right region, wherein the inlet port and the inlet channel may be disposed in the upper region and the left region, and the outlet port and the outlet channel may be disposed in the lower region and the left region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the direct type first branch path channel includes a first direct type first branch path channel having a first end connected to the branch channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the direct type second branch path channel includes a first direct type second branch path channel having a first end connected to the branch channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the branch channel, the first direct type first branch path channel and the first direct type second branch path channel are arranged in an intermediate area, and the first direct type first branch path channel and the first direct type second branch path channel may be extended along the intermediate area and the lower area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first or more flow path repositioning type first branch path channels include a first flow path repositioning type first branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first direct type first branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the first flow path repositioning type first branch path channel is configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the first branch path at a first predetermined angle, and the one or more flow path repositioning type second branch path channels include a first flow path repositioning type second branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first direct type second branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the first flow path repositioning type second branch path channel is configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the second branch path at a second predetermined angle, and the first flow path repositioning type first branch path channel and the first flow path repositioning type second branch path channel may be disposed in a lower area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first planned angle and the second planned angle may be in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second end of the first direct-type first branch path channel is formed in a tapered shape so that its width gradually narrows toward the first flow path relocation type first branch path channel, and the second end of the first direct-type second branch path channel can be formed in a tapered shape so that its width gradually narrows toward the first flow path relocation type second branch path channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the direct type first branch path channel includes a second direct type first branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first flow path relocation type first branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the direct type second branch path channel includes a second direct type second branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first flow path relocation type second branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the second direct type first branch path channel and the second direct type second branch path channel may be extended along a lower area, an intermediate area, and an upper area.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery cooling plate assembly may have a shape and size to accommodate a first battery unit in an upper region, a second battery unit in a middle region, and a third battery unit in a lower region.

[0019] In one embodiment, the branch channel defines a central axis, and the arrangement of a plurality of first branch path channels and a plurality of second branch path channels may be asymmetric with respect to the central axis of the branch channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, a plurality of support protrusions may be further included that are disposed within the cooling channel and extend between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the plurality of support protrusions may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the cooling channel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inflow channel may not include any supporting protrusions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the branch channel defines a central axis, and the branch channel may include a support protrusion disposed on the central axis of the branch channel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the outlet channel includes a first outlet channel connected to one of the first branch path channels and a second outlet channel connected to one of the second branch path channels, and the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel may have a substantially constant width.

[0025] In one embodiment, the angle formed between the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel may be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 120 degrees.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inlet channel includes a deep uneven portion having a depth greater than the depth of another part of the cooling channel, and the inlet port includes a first end and a second end closer to the cooling channel than the first end, and when viewed from above, the second end of the inlet port may be located on the deep uneven portion of the inlet channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ratio between the diameter of the inlet port and the depth of the deep unevenness may be in the range of about 1.0 : 0.3 to about 1.0 : 0.42.

[0028] In one embodiment, the shortest distance of the second branch path channels according to the second branch path may be greater than the shortest distance of the first branch path channels according to the first branch path.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cooling channel further includes a connecting channel disposed between the inlet channel and the branch channel, and the width of the connecting channel may be narrower than the width of the direct-type first branch path channels.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises: an upper plate; a lower plate; a channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to provide a flow path for a liquid; an inlet port connected to the channel and configured to receive a liquid; and an outlet port connected to the channel and configured to discharge a liquid, wherein the channel comprises: an inlet channel connected to the inlet port; an outlet channel connected to the outlet port; a branch channel disposed downstream of the inlet channel and upstream of the outlet channel and configured to divide the flow path into a first branch path and a second branch path; and a plurality of first branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel. A heat management plate assembly may be provided, comprising (the first branch path channel comprises a plurality of direct-type first branch path channels and one or more flow path rearrangement type first branch path channels) and a plurality of second branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel (the second branch path channels comprise a plurality of direct-type second branch path channels and one or more flow path rearrangement type second branch path channels), wherein the inlet channel comprises a deep uneven portion having a depth greater than the depth of other parts of the channel, and the inlet port comprises a first end and a second end closer to the channel than the first end, and when viewed from above, the second end of the inlet port is positioned on the deep uneven portion of the inlet channel.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of improving battery performance by removing heat from the battery unit using cooling water.

[0032] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0033] The drawings that constitute part of this specification and are integrated illustrate various embodiments and are used to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments together with the description.

[0034] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cooling plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view of the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0035] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 3 are top views of the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a with the top plate omitted.

[0036] FIG. 4a is an enlarged view of the branch channel of the cooling channel in the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0037] FIG. 4b is an enlarged view of the outlet channel of the cooling channel in the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0038] FIG. 4c is an enlarged view of a portion of the cooling channel in the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0039] FIG. 4d is an enlarged view of the inlet channel of the cooling channel in the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0040] FIG. 4e is an enlarged view of a part of the cooling plate assembly (right) and a part of the top plate (left) of FIG. 1a.

[0041] Figure 4f is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cooling plate assembly of Figure 4e along the line 4F-4F.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery system including a battery unit placed on top of the cooling plate assembly of FIG. 1a.

[0043] FIG. 6a is an exemplary velocity map showing the velocity change of a coolant flow passing through a cooling channel of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is an exemplary heat map showing the temperature change of battery units 1, 2, and 3, respectively placed in the upper, middle, and lower parts of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 7a is an exemplary pressure map showing a pressure change near an inlet channel of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a case where a deep irregularity and an inlet extension are provided near the inlet channel. FIG. 7b is an exemplary pressure map showing a pressure change near an inlet channel of a cooling plate assembly according to a comparative example, illustrating a case where a deep irregularity or an inlet extension is not provided near the inlet channel.

[0045] FIG. 8a illustrates an exemplary temperature map showing the temperature change of the cooling water / cooling channels of Comparative Sample 1 and Samples 1, 2, and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIGS. 8b and 8c illustrate exemplary temperature maps showing the temperature change of the top plates of Comparative Sample 1 and Samples 1, 2, and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a cooling plate assembly for a battery unit and a battery system including the same.

[0048] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a cooling plate assembly may be provided that improves battery performance by removing heat from a battery unit using liquid coolant. The flow channel design of the cooling plate assembly may provide a uniform temperature distribution across the entire surface of the plate while having high heat transfer efficiency. For example, the cooling plate assembly may exchange heat using an indirect liquid cooling mechanism (i.e., a method in which coolant flows through the cooling channels to exchange heat). The cooling channel design of the cooling plate assembly according to an example of the present disclosure may minimize temperature differences across the entire plate.

[0049] Additionally, a cooling plate assembly according to an example of the present disclosure may include various features for maintaining pressure drop within an acceptable range, improving the mixing of the cooling water, and simultaneously ensuring structural rigidity. For example, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a deep recess portion may be formed having a deeper depth than other parts of the cooling channel and positioned near an inlet port and an inlet channel to help reduce pressure drop near the inlet port and the inlet channel. Additionally, a cooling plate assembly according to an example of the present disclosure may include supporting protrusions within the cooling channel, thereby improving the structural rigidity of the cooling plate assembly even at high internal operating pressures and improving the mixing of the cooling water, thereby enabling a more stable heat transfer process.

[0050] A cooling plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can also function as a structural support for a battery pack structure, thereby reducing the need for additional structural components and the overall weight of the battery assembly. In this way, the configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can realize an enhanced cooling plate assembly that provides structural support while maintaining a uniform temperature distribution and optimized pressure drop across the battery unit, thereby enabling the achievement of high energy density, which is important in large battery applications (e.g., large trucks).

[0051] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cooling plate assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1b is an exploded perspective view of the cooling plate assembly (100) of FIG. 1a. The cooling plate assembly (100) may be provided, for example, to allow cooling water to circulate within the cooling plate assembly (100) in order to lower or maintain the temperature of one or more battery units adjacent to the cooling plate assembly.

[0052] In some embodiments, each battery unit may have a module design. For example, each battery unit of a battery pack may be a battery module. Each battery module may include a plurality of battery cells. In other embodiments, each battery unit may have a moduleless design. In this case, each battery unit of a battery pack may include one or more battery cells inside the battery pack, for example, without a module package or housing.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the number of battery cells included in each battery unit may range from 2 to 4096. For example, each battery unit may include 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, or 4096 battery cells. In other embodiments, each battery unit may include other suitable numbers of battery cells.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, the cooling plate assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may include an upper plate (110), a lower plate (120), a cooling channel (130), an inlet port (101), and an outlet port (105).

[0055] In one embodiment, the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (120) may be formed from a metal or alloy such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, copper, and / or silver. For example, the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (120) may be formed from an aluminum alloy according to the ANSI / AA (American National Standards Institute / Aluminum Association) numbering system (e.g., AAYXXX, where Y is a number between 1 and 8 and AA means aluminum alloy). In other embodiments, the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (120) may be formed from any other suitable material (e.g., any material having high thermal conductivity). In one embodiment, the thickness of the upper plate (110) may be in the range of about 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. In other embodiments, the upper plate (110) may have any other suitable thickness. Additionally, in one embodiment, the thickness of the bottom plate (120) may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm. In another embodiment, the bottom plate (120) may have other suitable thicknesses.

[0056] A cooling channel (130) may be positioned between an upper plate (110) and a lower plate (120). In some embodiments, the cooling channel (130) may be formed on the lower plate (120). For example, the cooling channel (130) may be carved into the lower plate (120) (e.g., by forming a groove in the lower plate (120)), and the upper plate (110) may serve as the upper housing of the cooling channel (130). The cooling channel (130) may provide a flow path for cooling water. Examples of cooling water may include industrial chemical compounds such as ethylene glycol having a relatively low melting point.

[0057] The inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105) can be connected to the cooling channel (130). The inlet port (101) can be provided to receive coolant, and the outlet port (105) can be provided to discharge coolant. For example, coolant can enter the cooling channel (130) through the inlet port (101) and exit the cooling channel (130) through the outlet port (105).

[0058] FIGS. 2a and 2b are top plan views of a cooling plate assembly (100). In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the top plate (110) is omitted for clarity. Referring to FIGS. 1a, 2a and 2b, in some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may be extended in a first axial direction (e.g., the x-axis). The length (L) of the cooling plate assembly (100) in the first axial direction X0) may be in the range of approximately 675 mm to approximately 700 mm. In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may extend in a second axial direction (e.g., the y-axis). The length (L) of the cooling plate assembly (100) in the second axial direction. Y0) may be in the range of about 700 mm to about 750 mm. In some embodiments, the angle formed between the first axis and the second axis may be in the range of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle formed between the first axis and the second axis may have other appropriate values.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may extend in a third axial direction (e.g., the z-axis). The third axis may be perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. In the third axial direction, the thickness of the cooling plate assembly (100) may be in the range of about 3.0 mm to about 7.0 mm.

[0060] In some embodiments, when viewed from above (e.g., in the third axis direction), the cooling plate assembly (100) may define a virtual rectangle (150). The virtual rectangle (150) may be defined as the smallest rectangle that can encompass the entire cooling plate assembly (100) (excluding the inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105)). In some embodiments, the length (L) of the cooling plate assembly (100) in the first axis direction X0) may mean the length of a virtual rectangle (150) in the first axial direction. Likewise, the length (L) of the cooling plate assembly (100) in the second axial direction. Y0) can mean the length of a virtual rectangle (150) in the second axis direction.

[0061] The virtual rectangle (150) may include an upper region (151), a lower region (155), and a middle region (153, middle portion) between the upper region (151) and the lower region (155). In some embodiments, the length (L) of the upper region (151) in the second axis direction (e.g., y-axis) Y1 ) is length (L Y0It may be about 25% to about 40% of ). In other embodiments, the upper region (151) may have a different suitable length in the second axial direction. In some embodiments, the length (L) of the middle region (153) in the second axial direction (e.g., y-axis) Y2 ) is length (L Y0 It may be about 25% to about 40% of ). In other embodiments, the intermediate region (153) may have a different suitable length in the second axial direction. In some embodiments, the length (L) of the lower region (155) in the second axial direction (e.g., the y-axis) Y3 ) is length (L Y0 It may be about 25% to about 40% of ). In another embodiment, the lower region (155) may have a different suitable length in the second axial direction.

[0062] The virtual rectangle (150) may also include a left region (152), a right region (156), and an intermediate region (154) located between the left region (152) and the right region (156). In some embodiments, the length (L) of the left region (152) in the first axis direction (e.g., x-axis) X1 ) is length (L X0 It may be about 25% to 50% of ). In other embodiments, the left region (152) may have a different suitable length in the first axial direction. In some embodiments, the length (L) of the middle region (154) in the first axial direction (e.g., x-axis) X2 ) is length (L X0 It may be about 20% to 40% of ). In other embodiments, the intermediate region (154) may have a different suitable length in the first axial direction. In some embodiments, the length (L) of the right region (156) in the first axial direction (e.g., x-axis) X3 ) is length (L X0It may be about 25% to 40% of ). In another embodiment, the right region (156) may have a different suitable length in the first axial direction.

[0063] In some embodiments, when viewed from above, the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and / or the lower region (155) may include an empty region (157) that is not occupied by the cooling plate assembly (100). The empty region of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and / or the lower region (155) may be less than 10%, 7%, 5%, or 3% of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and / or the lower region (155), respectively. Likewise, in some embodiments, when viewed from above, the left region (152), the middle region (154), and / or the right region (156) may include an empty region that is not occupied by the cooling plate assembly (100). The empty area of ​​the left area (152), the middle area (154), and / or the right area (156) may be less than 10%, 7%, 5%, or 3% of the left area (152), the middle area (154), and / or the right area (156), respectively.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inlet port (101) and / or the inlet channel (131-1) may be positioned in the upper region (151) and the left region (152). The outlet port (105) and / or the outlet channel (131-2) may be positioned in the lower region (155) and the left region (152). In some embodiments, the inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105) may be positioned in the left corner region. In other embodiments, the inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105) may be positioned in other suitable regions of the cooling plate assembly (100) (e.g., the upper corner region, the right corner region, the lower corner region). In some embodiments, the inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105) may be positioned in the same corner region as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the inlet port (101) and the outlet port (105) may be positioned in different corner regions.

[0065] In some embodiments, the upper plate (110) and / or lower plate (120) may have a generally rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. In this case, the virtual rectangle (150) may have a rectangular shape. The upper plate (110) and / or lower plate (120) may include one or more protrusions (when viewed from above) over the area of ​​the inlet port (101) and / or outlet port (105).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the cooling channel (130) may include an inlet channel (131-1) connected to an inlet port (101) and an outlet channel (131-2) connected to an outlet port (105). In some embodiments, the inlet channel (131-1) may refer to a portion of the cooling channel (130) located within a preset distance from the inlet port (101). The preset distance may be in the range of about 150 mm to about 200 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet channel (131-2) may refer to a portion of the cooling channel (130) located within a preset distance from the outlet port (105). The preset distance may be in the range of about 170 mm to about 220 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, the cooling channel (130) may also further include a branch channel (135) positioned downstream of the inlet channel (131-1) and upstream of the outlet channel (131-2). In some embodiments, the branch channel (135) may be positioned only in the middle region (154). In other embodiments, the branch channel (135) may be positioned in one or more of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). In some embodiments, the branch channel (135) may be positioned only in the upper region (151). In other embodiments, the branch channel (135) may be positioned in one or more of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155).

[0068] The branch channel (135) can divide the Euro into several different branch paths. Referring to FIG. 4a, the branch channel (135) may include a branch inlet channel section (135-1) configured to receive cooling water from an inlet channel (131-1), a plurality of branch outlet channel sections configured to discharge cooling water, and a branch main body channel section (135-2) disposed between the branch inlet channel section (135-1) and the branch outlet channel section.

[0069] In some embodiments, the branch body channel portion (135-2) may be tapered so that its width increases from the branch inlet channel portion (135-1) toward the branch outlet channel portion. In some embodiments, the branch channel (135) is a central axis (135 C ) defines, and the branch channel (135) including the branch inlet channel section (135-1), the branch main body channel section (135-2), and the branch outlet channel section is a central axis (135 C It may be symmetrical with respect to ). The middle region (154) is the central axis (154 C ) can be defined. In some embodiments, the central axis (154) of the intermediate region (154) C ) is the central axis (135) of the branch channel (135) C It can be coaxial with ).

[0070] In some embodiments, the width (W) of the branch inflow channel portion (135-1) SPI ) is the width (W) of each branch outlet channel section. SPOn It may be narrower than ). In another embodiment, the width (W) of the branch inflow channel portion (135-1) SPI ) is the width (W) of at least one branch outlet channel section. SPOn It may be narrower than ), and at least the width of one branch outlet channel section (W SPOn It may be equal to or wider than ). In some embodiments, the width of the branch outlet channel section (W SPOn ) may be identical to each other. In another embodiment, the width (W) of the branch outlet channel portion SPOn ) may differ from each other. Here, the width of the channel may refer to the length of the channel measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid and / or coolant flowing along the channel.

[0071] In some embodiments, the branch outlet channel may include a first branch outlet channel (135-3) and a second branch outlet channel (135-4). The first branch outlet channel (135-3) may be configured to discharge a portion of the coolant along a first branch path. The second branch outlet channel (135-4) may be configured to discharge a portion of the coolant along a second branch path. Although only two branch outlet channels are shown in the drawing, the branch channel (135) may include two or more branch outlet channels (e.g., 3, 4, 5, …).

[0072] In some embodiments, the cooling channel (130) may include a plurality of branch path channels disposed between the branch channel (135) and the exit channel (131-2). The cooling channel (130) may include a plurality of branch path channels between the branch exit channels and the exit channel (131-2). For example, the cooling channel (130) may include a plurality of first branch path channels between the first branch exit channel section (135-3) and the exit channel (131-2), and a plurality of second branch path channels between the second branch exit channel section (135-4) and the exit channel (131-2).

[0073] Each branch path channel may include one or more extended branch path channels and / or one or more euro relocation branch path channels. For example, a first branch path channel may include one or more extended first branch path channels (137-n) and / or one or more euro relocation first branch path channels (141-n). Similarly, a second branch path channel may include one or more extended second branch path channels (138-n) and / or one or more euro relocation second branch path channels (142-n).

[0074] Here, the term extended may mean that one dimension (e.g., length) is substantially larger than another dimension (e.g., width or height) (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4 times or more). One or more extended branch path channels may have a (substantially) straight shape in the longitudinal direction. One or more extended branch path channels may be configured so that coolant flows substantially directly (or in a straight line) along each branch path without rerouting the flow path (e.g., without changing the flow path and / or flow direction). In some embodiments, the branch paths may meet at the outlet channel (131-2). For example, the first branch path and the second branch path may meet at the outlet channel (131-2).

[0075] In some embodiments, at least one of the extended branch path channels of one branch path may be substantially parallel to at least one of the extended branch path channels of another branch path. For example, at least one of the first extended branch path channels (137-n) may be substantially parallel to at least one of the second extended branch path channels (138-n). In some embodiments, all of the extended branch path channels of one branch path may be substantially parallel to all of the extended branch path channels of another branch path. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire first extended branch path channel (137-n) may be substantially parallel to the entire second extended branch path channel (138-n).

[0076] In some embodiments, the length of at least one of the extended branch path channels of one branch path may be longer than the length of the longest extended branch path channel of another branch path. For example, the length of at least one of the second extended branch path channels (138-n) may be longer than the length of the longest first extended branch path channel among the first extended branch path channels (137-n).

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement of a plurality of first branch path channels and the arrangement of a plurality of second branch path channels are the central axis (135) of the branch channel (135) C ) and / or the central axis (154) of the intermediate region (154) C It may be asymmetric with respect to ). In another embodiment, the arrangement of a plurality of first branch path channels and the arrangement of a plurality of second branch path channels are asymmetric with respect to the central axis (135) of the branch channel (135). C ) and / or the central axis (154) of the intermediate region (154) C It can be symmetric with respect to ).

[0078] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the shortest distance of the second branch path channels along the second branch path (e.g., one or more extended second branch path channels (138-n) and one or more relocated second branch path channels (142-n)) along the first branch path may be greater than the shortest distance of the first branch path channels along the first branch path (e.g., one or more extended first branch path channels (137-n) and one or more relocated first branch path channels (141-n)). In other embodiments, the shortest distance of the second branch path channels along the second branch path may be equal to or smaller than the shortest distance of the first branch path channels along the first branch path.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the extended first branch path channels (137-n) for the first branch path may include a first extended first branch path channel (137-1) having a first end connected to the branch channel (135) (e.g., the first branch exit channel section (135-3)) and a second end located opposite the first end. The extended second branch path channels (138-n) for the second branch path may include a first extended second branch path channel (138-1) having a first end connected to the branch channel (135) (e.g., the second branch exit channel section (135-4)) and a second end located opposite the first end. Here, the term end of the target may mean a terminal section having a length of 10%, 7%, 5%, or 3% or less of the total length of the target.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and / or the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) may be placed in one or more of the left area (152), middle area (154), and right area (156). For example, the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) may be placed in the middle area (154) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) may be extended along one or more of the upper area (151), middle area (153), and lower area (155). For example, the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) can be extended along the middle region (153) and lower region (155) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0081] One or more Euro-redirectable first branch path channels (141-n) and one or more Euro-redirectable second branch path channels (142-n) may be configured to redirect the flow of coolant along each branch path at a preset angle. In some embodiments, the preset angle may be in the range of about 60 degrees to about 190 degrees. In other embodiments, the preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more flow path repositionable first branch path channels (141-n) for the first branch path may include a first flow path repositionable first branch path channel (141-1) having a first end connected to a second end of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and a second end located opposite the first end. The first flow path repositionable first branch path channel (141-1) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the first branch path at a first preset angle. In some embodiments, the first preset angle may be in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees. In other embodiments, the first preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1) may be placed in the lower region (155) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1) may be placed in the left region (152) and the middle region (154) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0084] In some embodiments, one or more flow path repositionable second branch path channels (142-n) for the second branch path may include a first flow path repositionable second branch path channel (142-1) having a first end connected to a second end of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) and a second end located opposite the first end. The first flow path repositionable second branch path channel (142-1) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the second branch path at a second preset angle. In some embodiments, the second preset angle may be in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees. In other embodiments, the second preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first relocated second branch path channel (142-1) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, the first relocated second branch path channel (142-1) may be placed in the lower region (155) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the first relocated second branch path channel (142-1) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, the first relocated second branch path channel (142-1) may be placed in the middle region (154) and the right region (156) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0086] In some embodiments, the extended first branch path channels (137-n) may further include a second extended first branch path channel (137-2) having a first end connected to the second end of the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1) and a second end located opposite the first end. The extended second branch path channels (138-n) may further include a second extended second branch path channel (138-2) having a first end connected to the second end of the first relocated second branch path channel (142-1) and a second end located opposite the first end.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second extended first branch path channel (137-2) and / or the second extended second branch path channel (138-2) may be placed in at least one of the left area (152), the middle area (154), and the right area (156). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second extended first branch path channel (137-2) may be placed in the left area (152), and the second extended second branch path channel (138-2) may be placed in the right area (156). In some embodiments, the second extended first branch path channel (137-2) and the second extended second branch path channel (138-2) may be extended along at least one of the upper area (151), the middle area (153), and the lower area (155). For example, the second extended first branch path channel (137-2) and the second extended second branch path channel (138-2) can be extended along the lower region (155), middle region (153), and upper region (151) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0088] In some embodiments, one or more flow path repositionable first branch path channels (141-n) for the first branch path may include a second flow path repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) having a first end connected to a second end of the second extended first branch path channel (137-2) and a second end located opposite the first end. The second flow path repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the first branch path at a third preset angle. In some embodiments, the third preset angle may be in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees. In other embodiments, the third preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, the second Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) may be placed in the upper region (151) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the second Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, the second Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-2) may be placed in the left region (152) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0090] In some embodiments, one or more repositionable second branch path channels (142-n) for the second branch path may include a second repositionable second branch path channel (142-2) having a first end connected to a second end of the second extended second branch path channel (138-2) and a second end located opposite the first end. The second repositionable second branch path channel (142-2) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the second branch path at a fourth preset angle. In some embodiments, the fourth preset angle may be in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees. In other embodiments, the fourth preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second relocated second branch path channel (142-2) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, the second relocated second branch path channel (142-2) may be placed in the upper region (151) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the second relocated second branch path channel (142-2) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, the second relocated second branch path channel (142-2) may be placed in the right region (156) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0092] In some embodiments, the extended first branch path channels (137-n) may further include a third extended first branch path channel (137-3) having a first end connected to the second end of the second Euro relocation type first branch path channel (141-2) and a second end located opposite the first end. The extended second branch path channels (138-n) may further include a third extended second branch path channel (138-3) having a first end connected to the second end of the second Euro relocation type second branch path channel (142-2) and a second end located opposite the first end.

[0093] In some embodiments, the third extended first branch path channel (137-3) and / or the third extended second branch path channel (138-3) may be placed in at least one of the left area (152), the middle area (154), and the right area (156). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the third extended first branch path channel (137-3) may be placed in the left area (152), and the third extended second branch path channel (138-3) may be placed in the right area (156). In some embodiments, the third extended first branch path channel (137-3) and the third extended second branch path channel (138-3) may be extended along at least one of the upper area (151), the middle area (153), and the lower area (155). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the third extended first branch path channel (137-3) and the third extended second branch path channel (138-3) can be extended along the upper region (151), middle region (153), and lower region (155).

[0094] In some embodiments, one or more flow path repositionable second branch path channels (142-n) for the second branch path may include a third flow path repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) having a first end connected to the second end of the third extended second branch path channel (138-3) and a second end located opposite the first end. The third flow path repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the second branch path at a fifth preset angle. In some embodiments, the fifth preset angle may be in the range of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. In other embodiments, the fifth preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0095] In some embodiments, the third Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the third Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) may be placed in the lower region (155). In some embodiments, the third Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the third Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-3) may be placed in the right region (156).

[0096] The extended second branch path channels (138-n) may further include a fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4) having a first end connected to the second end of the third Euro relocated second branch path channel (142-3) and a second end located opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4) may extend along at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4) may extend along the right region (156), the middle region (154), and the left region (152). In some embodiments, the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4) may be positioned in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4) can be placed in the lower region (155).

[0097] In some embodiments, the exit channel (131-2) may include a plurality of exit channels for a plurality of flow paths, each of which may be connected to one of the branch path channels. For example, referring to FIG. 4b, the exit channel (131-2) is a first exit channel (131-2) connected to one of the first branch path channels (e.g., the second end of the third extended first branch path channel (137-3)). P1 ) and a second exit channel (131-2) connected to one of the second branch path channels (e.g., the second end of the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4)). P2 It may include ).

[0098] In one embodiment, the first outlet channel (131-2 P1 ) and / or second exit channel (131-2 P2 ) can have a practically constant width. That is, the first exit channel (131-2 P1) and / or second exit channel (131-2 P2 The width of ) can be substantially uniform over its entire length. In one embodiment, the first outlet channel (131-2 P1 The width of ) is the second exit channel (131-2 P2 It may be substantially the same as the width of ). In another embodiment, the first outlet channel (131-2 P1 The width of ) is the second exit channel (131-2 P2 It may differ from the width of ).

[0099] In one embodiment, the first outlet channel (131-2 P1 ) can be extended in the first direction (191), and the second exit channel (131-2 P2 ) may be extended in a second direction (192). An angle (193) may be formed between the first direction (191) and the second direction (192). In one embodiment, the angle (193) formed between the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel may be in the range of about 45 degrees to about 120 degrees. In one embodiment, the outlet channel (131-2) may be V-shaped. In another embodiment, the outlet channel (131-2) may have any other suitable shape.

[0100] In one embodiment, the outlet channel (131-2) is the first outlet channel (131-2 P1 ) and Exit 2 Channel (131-2 P2 A virtual line (195) where the ) meets can be defined. In one embodiment, the exit port (105) can be placed on the virtual line (195).

[0101] In one embodiment, the cooling channel (130) may further include one or more connection channels disposed between the inlet channel (131-1) and the branch channel (135). The one or more connection channels may include one or more extension connection channels (133-n) and one or more flow path relocation connection channels (134-n).

[0102] In one embodiment, one or more extended connection channels (133-n) may include a first extended connection channel (133-1). The first extended connection channel (133-1) may have a first end connected to an inflow channel (131-1) and a second end located opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the first extended connection channel (133-1) may extend along at least one of a left region (152), a middle region (154), and a right region (156). For example, the first extended connection channel (133-1) may extend along the left region (152) and the middle region (154) as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the first extended connection channel (133-1) may be placed in at least one of an upper region (151), a middle region (153), and a lower region (155). For example, the first extended connection channel (133-1) can be placed in the upper region (151) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0103] In one embodiment, one or more repositionable flow path connection channels (134-n) may include a first repositionable flow path connection channel (134-1). The first repositionable flow path connection channel (134-1) may have a first end connected to a second end of a first extended connection channel (133-1) and a second end connected to a branch inlet channel section (135-1). The first repositionable flow path connection channel (134-1) may be configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the flow path at a sixth preset angle. In one embodiment, the sixth preset angle may be in the range of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees. In another embodiment, the sixth preset angle may have other suitable values.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first relocable-type connection channel (134-1) may be placed in at least one of the left region (152), the middle region (154), and the right region (156). For example, the first relocable-type connection channel (134-1) may be placed in the middle region (154) as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the first relocable-type connection channel (134-1) may be placed in at least one of the upper region (151), the middle region (153), and the lower region (155). For example, the first relocable-type connection channel (134-1) may be placed in the upper region (151) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0105] In some embodiments, the width of one or more connector channels may be narrower than the width of at least one of the extended first branch path channels (137-n). For example, the width of the first extended connector channel (133-1) may be narrower than the width of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1), the second extended first branch path channel (137-2), and / or the third extended first branch path channel (137-3).

[0106] In some embodiments, the width of one or more connector channels may be narrower than the width of at least one of the extended second branch path channels (138-n). For example, the width of the first extended connector channel (133-1) may be narrower than the widths of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1), the second extended second branch path channel (138-2), the third extended second branch path channel (138-3), and / or the fourth extended second branch path channel (138-4).

[0107] In some embodiments, the inlet channel (131-1) may be defined as any part of the cooling channel (130) positioned upstream of the branch channel (135) (e.g., between the first end and the branch channel (135)). In this case, one or more extension connector channels (133-n) and one or more flow path relocation connector channels (134-n) may be part of the inlet channel (131-1).

[0108] In some embodiments, one or more branch channels may be provided between the first branch path channels. In this case, the first branch path may be further divided into multiple branch paths. In some embodiments, one or more branch channels may be provided between the second branch path channels. In this case, the second branch path may be further divided into multiple branch paths. In some embodiments, branch channels may not be provided between the inflow channel (131-1) and the branch channel (135) and / or between the connector channels.

[0109] In some embodiments, the total volume of the cooling channel along the second branch path (e.g., second branch path channels 138-n, 142-n) may be greater than the total volume of the cooling channel along the first branch path (e.g., first branch path channels 137-n, 141-n). In other embodiments, the total volume of the cooling channel along the second branch path may be (substantially) equal to the total volume of the cooling channel along the first branch path. If the distance along the second branch path is longer than the distance along the first branch path, the widths of the channels along the first and second branch paths may be adjusted so that the total volume of the cooling channel along the second branch path is (substantially) equal to the total volume of the cooling channel along the first branch path. For example, if the distance along the second branch path is longer than the distance along the first branch path, the first branch path channel may be designed to have a width greater than the width of the second branch path channel.

[0110] In some embodiments, the cooling channel (130) may include one or more irregularities. A portion of the cooling channel having irregularities may have a narrower width than other portions of the cooling channel.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4c, in some embodiments, the extended first branch path channels (137-n) and / or the extended second branch path channels (138-n) may include one or more protrusions. For example, the second end of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) may include a protrusion (181-1) and have a tapered shape so that the width gradually narrows toward the first flow path repositioning first branch path channel (141-1). Accordingly, a portion of the width (W) of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) without protrusions p1 ) is the narrowest width (W) of the second end of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1). T1 It can be larger than )

[0112] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4c, the uneven portion (181-1) may be formed only on a portion of the second end of the first extended first branch path channels (137-1) closer to the central axis (141-1C) of the first relocated first branch path channel (141-1). In other embodiments, the uneven portion may be formed at another suitable location of the first extended first branch path channels (137-1) (e.g., a portion of the second end of the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) further away from the central axis (141-1C).

[0113] In some embodiments, the first Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-1) may include one or more protrusions. For example, the first end of the first Euro repositionable first branch path channel (141-1) coupled to the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) may include protrusions (for example, the central axis (141-1) C(Some vicinity closer to ). In other embodiments, the uneven portion may be formed at other suitable locations of the first Euro repositioning type first branch path channel (141-1) (e.g., the central axis (141-1 C Some vicinity further away from ).

[0114] In some embodiments, the second end of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) may include an uneven portion (182-1) and may be formed in a tapered shape such that the width gradually narrows toward the first flow path repositioning type second branch path channel (142-1). Accordingly, a portion of the width (W) of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) where the uneven portion is not formed p2 ) is the minimum width (W) of the second end of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1). T2 It can be larger than )

[0115] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4c, the uneven portion (182-1) is the central axis (142-1) of the first Euro repositioning type second branch path channel (142-1). C It may be formed only at the second end of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) which is closer to the center axis (142-1C). In another embodiment, the unevenness may be formed at another suitable location of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) (e.g., a part of the second end of the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) which is further away from the center axis (142-1C).

[0116] In some embodiments, the first Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-1) may include one or more protrusions. For example, the first end of the first Euro repositionable second branch path channel (142-1) coupled to the first extended second branch path channel (138-1) may include protrusions (for example, the central axis (142-1) C(Some vicinity closer to ). In another embodiment, the unevenness is at another suitable location of the first Euro relocated second branch path channel (142-1) (e.g., the core axis (142-1 C It may also form in some vicinity further away from ).

[0117] In some embodiments, other extended first branch path channel (137-n), extended second branch path channel (138-n), flow path relocation first branch path channel (141-n) and / or flow path relocation second branch path channel (142-n) may have one or more protrusions at locations similar to the previously described first extended first branch path channel (137-1), first extended second branch path channel (138-1), first flow path relocation first branch path channel (141-1) and / or first flow path relocation second branch path channel (142-1) (e.g., the second end of the extended first branch path channel (137-n) and / or extended second branch path channel (138-n), and the first end of the flow path relocation first branch path channel (141-n) and / or flow path relocation second branch path channel (142-n), and redundant descriptions are omitted. The uneven surface can be provided to minimize flow stagnation near the corner of the cooling channel (130) where the flow of the cooling water is redistributed.

[0118] In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may include one or more support protrusions (170) within the cooling channel (130). One or more support protrusions (170) may extend between the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (120).

[0119] In some embodiments, the support protrusions (170) may be arranged in a staggered pattern along the cooling channel (130). In other embodiments, the support protrusions (170) may be arranged in any other suitable pattern (e.g., a grid arrangement or a random arrangement).

[0120] In some embodiments, a support protrusion may not be formed in at least one of the inlet channel (131-1) and one or more connector channels (e.g., connector channels (133-n), (134-n)). In some embodiments, a support protrusion may not be formed in any channel located upstream of the branch channel (135). In some embodiments, a support protrusion may not be formed near the inlet port (101), for example, within a preset distance from the inlet port (101). The preset distance may be in the range of about 450 mm to about 650 mm. In some embodiments, a support protrusion may not be formed near the outlet port (105), for example, within a preset distance from the outlet port (105). The preset distance may be in the range of about 150 mm to about 250 mm. In other embodiments, one or more support protrusions may be formed inside or near the inlet port (101) and / or the outlet port (105).

[0121] In some embodiments, the branch channel (135) may include one or more supporting protrusions. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more supporting protrusions included in the branch channel (135) is the central axis (135) of the branch channel (135 C It can be placed on ). For example, referring again to FIG. 4a, the branch body channel portion (135-2) is on the central axis (135) of the branch channel (135). C It may include one or more supporting protrusions on the ) (e.g., the central part of the branch body channel portion (135-2)).

[0122] In some embodiments, one or more support protrusions (170) may be formed of a metal, metal alloy and / or non-metallic material (e.g., ceramic or carbon-based material). For example, one or more support protrusions (170) may be formed of an aluminum alloy. In other embodiments, one or more support protrusions (170) may be formed of other suitable materials (e.g., other thermally conductive materials). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more support protrusions (170) may be circular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more support protrusions (170) may have other suitable shapes (square, rectangular, triangle, etc.).

[0123] In some embodiments, the diameter of one or more support protrusions (170) may range from about 6.0 mm to about 28.0 mm. In other embodiments, one or more support protrusions (170) may have other suitable diameters. For convenience, the term “diameter” is used herein, but one or more support protrusions (170) do not necessarily have to have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the height of one or more support protrusions (170) (e.g., in the third axis direction) may range from about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. In other embodiments, one or more support protrusions (170) may have other suitable heights.

[0124] One or more support protrusions (170) may provide higher structural rigidity to reinforce the entire cooling plate assembly. As a result, the cooling plate assembly (100) can withstand high internal operating pressure. In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) can withstand a predetermined internal pressure in the range of about 175 kPa to about 200 kPa.

[0125] Additionally, one or more support protrusions (170) can increase the surface area for heat transfer from the upper plate (110) or lower plate (120) to the coolant. Furthermore, one or more support protrusions (170) can be positioned to improve the mixing of the coolant and minimize the stagnation of the coolant.

[0126] In some embodiments, the upper plate (110) may be joined to the lower plate (120) through a laser bonding process. In other embodiments, the upper plate (110) may be joined or attached to the lower plate (120) through other suitable bonding / welding / attaching processes. In some embodiments, the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (120) may be joined or attached to each other through one or more support protrusions (170). For example, one end of one or more support protrusions (170) may be joined or attached to the upper plate (110), and the other end of one or more support protrusions (170) may be joined or attached to the lower plate (120).

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 4d through 4f, in some embodiments, the inlet channel (131-1) may include a deep uneven portion (121) having a depth greater than the depth of other parts of the cooling channel. As described above, the cooling channel (130) may be formed on the lower plate (120) (e.g., by forming a groove in the lower plate (120)), and the depth of the cooling channel (130) (excluding the deep uneven portion (121)) may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 5.0 mm. In other embodiments, the cooling channel (130) (excluding the deep uneven portion (121)) may have other suitable depth values. Here, the depth of any part of the cooling channel (130) may be defined, for example, as the distance between the bottom of a specific part of the cooling channel (130) and the upper plate along a third axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0128] In some embodiments, the depth (D) of the deep unevenness (121) w1) may be deeper than other parts of the cooling channel (130) by a first preset distance. The first preset distance may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the depth (D) of the deep unevenness (121) w1 ) may be in the range of about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. In other embodiments, the deep unevenness (121) may have other suitable depth values.

[0129] In some embodiments, the deep uneven portion (121) may include an inclined portion (123). Through the inclined portion (123), the depth of the cooling channel (130) may gradually change (e.g., decrease) from the deep uneven portion (121) to another part of the cooling channel (130). In other embodiments, the deep uneven portion (121) may include a stepped portion. Through the stepped portion, the depth of the cooling channel (130) may abruptly change from the deep uneven portion (121) to another part of the cooling channel (130).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 4e, the top plate (110) may include a hole (111) fluidly connected to the inlet (101). The hole (111) may be positioned between the inlet (101) and the cooling channel (130). In some embodiments, the top plate (110) may additionally include an inlet extender (115). The inlet extender (115) may be a projection surrounding the hole (111) and extending from the hole (111), and may extend, for example, in a third axial direction (e.g., the z-axis).

[0131] The inflow extension (115) is the (shortest) distance (D) between the bottom of the deep uneven portion (121) and the inflow port (101). W2It can help extend the inlet. For example, referring to FIG. 1b, the inlet (101) may include a first end (102) and a second end (103) that is closer to the cooling channel (130) than the first end (102). The inlet (101) (e.g., the second end (103)) may be positioned above the inlet extension (115), or inside or around it. Thus, the inlet extension (115) can be positioned at the (shortest) distance (D) between the bottom of the deep uneven portion (121) and the second end (103) of the inlet (101). W2 It can help extend ).

[0132] In some embodiments, the height (D) of the inflow extension (115) in the third axial direction W3 ) may be in the range of about 3.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. In other embodiments, the inlet extension (115) may have other suitable heights. In some embodiments, the (shortest) distance (D) between the bottom of the deep unevenness (121) and the inlet (101) is W2 ) may be in the range of about 8.0 mm to about 14.0 mm.

[0133] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4d, when viewed from the top (third axial direction), the second end (103) of the inlet (101) may overlap the deep ridge (121). The deep ridge (121) and / or the inlet extension (115) may help reduce the pressure drop of the coolant flow near the inlet (101). In some embodiments, the pressure drop between the inlet (101) and / or the inlet channel (131-1) and the outlet (105) and / or the outlet channel (131-2) may be less than 1.5 kPa, preferably less than 1.4 kPa, less than 1.3 kPa, or less than 1.2 kPa.

[0134] In some embodiments, the diameter of the inlet (101) (e.g., the second end (103)) may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 14 mm. In other embodiments, the inlet (e.g., the second end (103)) may have any other suitable diameter. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inlet (101) and the depth (D) of the deep unevenness (121) w1 The ratio between ) may be in the range of about 1.0 : 0.2 to about 1.0 : 0.6, for example, from about 1.0 : 0.3 to about 1.0 : 0.42. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inlet (101) and the (shortest) distance (D) between the bottom of the deep uneven portion (121) and the inlet (101) W2 The ratio between them may be in the range of about 1.0:0.5 to about 1.0:1.4, for example, from about 1.0:0.8 to about 1.0:1.0. Although the term “diameter” is used in this specification for simplification, the inlet (101) (and outlet (105)) does not necessarily have to have a circular cross-section.

[0135] FIG. 5 illustrates a battery system (e.g., a battery pack assembly) comprising battery units disposed on a cooling plate assembly (100). In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may be shaped and sized to accommodate a plurality of battery units thereon to lower or maintain the temperature of the battery units. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the cooling plate assembly (100) may be shaped and sized to accommodate a first battery unit (210A) in the upper portion (151), a second battery unit (210B) in the middle portion (153), and a third battery unit (210C) in the lower portion (155). Although three battery units are illustrated in FIG. 5, there may be more or fewer than three battery units (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, …) on the cooling plate assembly (100).

[0136] In this arrangement, the configuration of the cooling channel (130) of the cooling plate assembly (100) can enable the refrigerant to flow perpendicularly to the battery unit (210A-210C) (e.g., along the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and the first extended second branch path channel (138-1)), and the initial colder refrigerant can pass through the upper, middle, and lower parts before the temperature of the refrigerant rises significantly due to heat from the battery unit (210A-210C) (e.g., before exceeding a predetermined temperature value).

[0137] This configuration allows the temperature to be maintained more uniformly across the surfaces of the upper plate or across the entire portions of the cooling channels (130) corresponding to the battery units (210A to 210C), thereby providing a more uniform cooling effect for the battery units.

[0138] In some embodiments, the cooling plate assembly (100) may be a thermal management plate assembly configured to lower, raise, or maintain a temperature near the thermal management plate assembly (e.g., the temperature of an adjacent device). The thermal management plate assembly may include an upper plate, a lower plate, a channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to provide a flow path for liquid, an inlet port connected to the channel and configured to receive liquid, and an outlet port connected to the channel and configured to discharge liquid. Examples of liquids used in the thermal management plate assembly include water-based coolants, mineral oil, synthetic fluids, heat transfer fluids, and / or insulating coolants. The configuration / features / characteristics of the thermal management plate assembly (e.g., the structure of the channel, the material of the components, the protrusions, the supporting protrusions, the core protrusions, the inlet extensions, etc.) may be similar or identical to the cooling plate assembly (100) described above, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0139] [Example 1]

[0140] FIG. 6a is an exemplary velocity map showing the velocity change of a coolant flow passing through a cooling channel of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is an exemplary heat map showing the temperature change of battery units 1, 2, and 3 (during battery operation) respectively placed in the upper, middle, and lower portions of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The average temperatures of battery unit 1, battery unit 2, and battery unit 3 are 43.83°C, 43.76°C, and 48.28°C, respectively.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 6a, the uneven surface is formed near the corner of the cooling channel where the flow of the coolant is re-induced, and there is no or minimal flow stagnation in the part of the cooling channel where the uneven surface is formed. In addition, the “V” shape of the outlet channel reduces flow stagnation in the outlet channel where the first branch channel and the second branch channel merge.

[0142] In addition, FIG. 6b shows a generally uniform temperature distribution across battery units 1, 2, and 3. In particular, the average temperatures of battery units 1, 2, and 3 are similar to each other, and the temperature difference between them is small (e.g., about 4.5°C).

[0143] [Example 2]

[0144] FIG. 7a is an exemplary pressure map showing a pressure change near an inlet channel of a cooling plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the case where a deep irregularity (721) and an inlet extension (715) are provided near the inlet channel. FIG. 7b is an exemplary pressure map showing a pressure change near an inlet channel of a cooling plate assembly according to a comparative example, illustrating the case where no deep irregularity or inlet extension is provided near the inlet channel. As illustrated in FIG. 7a and 7b, when a deep irregularity and an inlet extension are provided near the inlet channel, the pressure drop near the inlet port and / or inlet channel is smaller.

[0145] [Example 3]

[0146] FIG. 8a illustrates an exemplary temperature map showing the temperature change of the cooling water / cooling channels of Comparative Sample 1 and Samples 1, 2, and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8b and FIG. 8c illustrate exemplary temperature maps showing the temperature change of the top plate of Comparative Sample 1 and Samples 1, 2, and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although not illustrated, three battery units (e.g., battery units 1, 2, and 3 of FIG. 6b) were placed at the top, middle, and bottom of the Comparative Sample and Samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and the temperature was measured when the battery units were in test operation. Additionally, although not illustrated, deep irregularities are formed in Samples 1, 2, and 3 (e.g., within the inlet channel).

[0147] In Comparison Sample 1, the cooling channel has a series flow path, and the coolant first passes through the upper section where the first battery unit (1) is placed, then through the middle section where the second battery unit (2) is placed, and finally through the lower section where the third battery unit (3) is placed. As shown in FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c, by the time the coolant first reaches the lower section, the temperature of the coolant is already high, and the temperature of the third battery unit (3) placed in the lower section may be much higher than that of the first and second battery units (1, 2).

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, in samples 1, 2, and 3, the cooling channels allow the flow of coolant vertically toward the battery units (1, 2, and 3) (e.g., along the first extended first branch path channel (137-1) and the first extended second branch path channel (138-1)), so that coolant at a lower temperature initially can pass through the upper, middle, and lower sections before the temperature of the coolant rises significantly (e.g., exceeds a preset temperature value) due to the heat generated from battery units 1, 2, and 3. Compared to comparison sample 1, this allows the temperature to be maintained more uniformly across the surface of the upper plate or across the entire cooling channel section corresponding to the battery units, thereby allowing the cooling effect on the battery units to be more uniform. As illustrated in FIG. 8b and FIG. 8c, the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures on the upper plates of samples 1, 2, and 3 (upper plate temperature difference) is lower than that of comparison sample 1.

[0149] Samples 2 and 3 include irregularities formed near the corners of the cooling channels where the flow of the cooling water is redistributed. In Sample 3, the outflow channel has a V-shape. It is noted that the temperature difference of the top plates of Samples 2 and 3, which have these additional characteristics, is significantly lower than the temperature difference of the top plate of Sample 1.

[0150] Although the terms used above are used in conjunction with the detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure, they may be interpreted in the most reasonable broad sense. Indeed, while some terms may be emphasized above, terms intended to be interpreted in a limited manner are explicitly defined in this detailed description. The general and detailed descriptions provided above are merely illustrative and descriptive and do not limit the features required by the claims.

[0151] In this specification, width, length, thickness, depth, height, and similar measurements may mean average values. Additionally, in this specification, “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or variations thereof mean non-exclusive inclusion, and thus, even if a process, method, article, or apparatus includes a list of elements, it may include other elements not explicitly listed in the list or inherent in said process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0152] The terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein are understood to mean numbers within a numerical range, for example, numbers within a range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably numbers within a range of -5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably numbers within a range of -1% to +1%, and most preferably numbers within a range of -0.1% to +0.1%. Furthermore, these numerical ranges should be interpreted as supporting claims for any number or a subset of numbers within such ranges. For example, the description “1 to 10” should be interpreted as supporting ranges such as “1 to 5,” “3 to 6,” “1 to 9,” “2.5 to 4.7,” “2.2 to 9.9,” etc.

[0153] The terms "attachable," "attached," "connectable," and "connected" as used below each include the meaning of being directly or indirectly attachable, being directly or indirectly attached, being directly or indirectly connectable, or being directly or indirectly connected.

[0154] Where the positional relationship between two parts is described using terms such as "on," "above," "below," "under," or "next," one or more parts may be placed between the two parts unless such terms are used in conjunction with the terms "immediately" or "directly." Likewise, terms used herein such as "attachable," "attached," "connectable," "connected," or similar terms may include cases where the parts are directly or indirectly attachable, directly or indirectly attached, directly or indirectly connectable, or directly or indirectly connected.

[0155] Where conventions similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” are used, such configurations are generally intended to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., the phrase “a system comprising at least one of A, B, and C” includes, but is not limited to, a system comprising only A, a system comprising only B, a system comprising only C, a system comprising both A and B, a system comprising both A and C, a system comprising both B and C, and / or a system comprising all of A, B, and C). Disjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the description, claims, or drawings of this specification shall be understood to include the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless otherwise specified in the context. For example, the phrase "A or B" is generally understood to include the possibility of including only "A," only "B," or both "A and B."

[0156] Additionally, in describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended solely to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to limit or imply any substance, order, arrangement, or quantity, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0157] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "example" rather than "ideal." Additionally, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" in this specification are used to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0158] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art through the description in this specification and the practice of the present invention. The present specification and embodiments are to be regarded merely as illustrative, and the true scope and spirit of the present invention shall be defined by the following claims.

[0159] The present invention relates to a battery cooling plate assembly and a thermal management plate assembly, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Top plate; Bottom plate; A cooling channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to provide a flow path for cooling water; An inlet port connected to the above cooling channel and configured to receive cooling water; and It includes an outlet port connected to the above cooling channel and configured to discharge cooling water, and The above cooling channel is, An inflow channel connected to the above-mentioned inlet port; An outlet channel connected to the above outlet port; A branch channel positioned downstream of the above-mentioned inflow channel and configured to divide the flow path into a first branch path and a second branch path; A plurality of first branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel; and (the first branch path channels include a plurality of direct type first branch path channels; and one or more flow path relocation type first branch path channels) A plurality of second branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the exit channel (the second branch path channels include a plurality of direct-type second branch path channels; and one or more flow path relocation-type second branch path channels), and The first branch path and the second branch path meet at the exit channel, At least one direct-type first branch path channel is substantially parallel to at least one direct-type second branch path channel, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the length of at least one direct second branch path channel is longer than the length of the longest direct first branch path channel among the direct first branch path channels.

2. In Claim 1, When viewed from above, the above battery cooling plate assembly, An upper region, a lower region, and a middle portion between the upper region and the lower region; and Defines a left region, a right region, and an intermediate portion between the left region and the right region, and The above inlet port and the above inflow channel are positioned in the above upper region and the above left region, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the outlet port and the outlet channel are disposed in the lower region and the left region.

3. In Claim 2, The above direct type first branch path channel includes a first direct type first branch path channel having a first end connected to the branch channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and The above direct type second branch path channel includes a first direct type second branch path channel having a first end connected to the branch channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and The above branch channel, the above first direct type first branch path channel and the above first direct type second branch path channel are arranged in an intermediate area, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the first direct-type first branch path channel and the first direct-type second branch path channel extend along an intermediate region and a lower region.

4. In Claim 3, The above one or more Euro relocation type first branch path channels include a first Euro relocation type first branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first direct type first branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the first Euro relocation type first branch path channel is configured to relocate the flow of coolant along the first branch path to a first predetermined angle. The above one or more Euro repositioning type second branch path channels include a first Euro repositioning type second branch path channel having a first end connected to a second end of the first direct type second branch path channel and a second end located opposite the first end, and the first Euro repositioning type second branch path channel is configured to reposition the flow of coolant along the second branch path at a second predetermined angle. A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the first Euro relocation type first branch path channel and the first Euro relocation type second branch path channel are disposed in a lower region.

5. In Claim 4, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the first planned angle and the second planned angle are in the range of about 120 degrees to about 190 degrees.

6. In Claim 4, The second end of the first direct-type first branch path channel is formed in a tapered shape so that its width gradually narrows toward the first flow path relocation type first branch path channel, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the second end of the first direct-type second branch path channel is formed in a tapered shape so that its width gradually narrows toward the first Euro repositioning-type second branch path channel.

7. In Claim 4, The above direct type first branch path channel includes a second direct type first branch path channel having a first end connected to the second end of the first Euro relocation type first branch path channel and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end. The above direct type second branch path channel includes a second direct type second branch path channel having a first end connected to the second end of the first Euro relocation type second branch path channel and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end. A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the second direct-type first branch path channel and the second direct-type second branch path channel extend along a lower region, an intermediate region, and an upper region.

8. In Claim 2, The battery cooling plate assembly is characterized by having a shape and size to accommodate a first battery unit in an upper region, a second battery unit in a middle region, and a third battery unit in a lower region.

9. In Claim 1, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the branch channel defines a central axis, and the arrangement of a plurality of first branch path channels and the arrangement of a plurality of second branch path channels are asymmetric with respect to the central axis of the branch channel.

10. In Claim 1, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized by further including a plurality of support protrusions disposed within the cooling channel and extending between the upper plate and the lower plate.

11. In Claim 10, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the plurality of support protrusions are arranged in a staggered pattern along the cooling channel.

12. In Claim 10, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the above-mentioned inlet channel does not include any supporting protrusions.

13. In Claim 10, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the branch channel defines a central axis, and the branch channel includes a support protrusion disposed on the central axis of the branch channel.

14. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned exit channel includes a first exit channel connected to one of the first branch path channels and a second exit channel connected to one of the second branch path channels, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel have substantially a constant width.

15. In Claim 14, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the angle formed between the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel is in the range of about 45 degrees to about 120 degrees.

16. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned inlet channel includes a deep uneven portion having a depth greater than the depth of other parts of the above-mentioned cooling channel, and The above-mentioned inlet port includes a first end and a second end that is closer to the cooling channel than the first end, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that, when viewed from above, the second end of the inlet port is positioned on the deep uneven portion of the inlet channel.

17. In Claim 16, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the ratio between the diameter of the inlet port and the depth of the deep uneven portion is in the range of about 1.0 : 0.3 to about 1.0 : 0.

42.

18. In Claim 1, A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the shortest distance of the second branch path channels according to the second branch path is greater than the shortest distance of the first branch path channels according to the first branch path.

19. In Claim 1, The cooling channel further includes a connection channel disposed between the inlet channel and the branch channel, and A battery cooling plate assembly characterized in that the width of the above-mentioned connection channel is narrower than the width of the above-mentioned direct-type first branch path channels.

20. Top plate; Bottom plate; A channel disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to provide a flow path for liquid; An inlet port connected to the above channel and configured to receive liquid; and It includes an outlet port connected to the above channel and configured to discharge liquid, and The above channel is, An inflow channel connected to the above-mentioned inlet port; An outlet channel connected to the above outlet port; A branch channel positioned downstream of the inlet channel and upstream of the outlet channel, configured to divide the flow path into a first branch path and a second branch path; A plurality of first branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the exit channel; and (the first branch path channels include a plurality of direct type first branch path channels and one or more flow path relocation type first branch path channels) It includes a plurality of second branch path channels disposed between the branch channel and the outlet channel (the second branch path channels include a plurality of direct-type second branch path channels and one or more flow path relocation-type second branch path channels), and The above-mentioned inflow channel includes a deep uneven portion having a depth greater than the depth of other parts of the channel, and The above-mentioned inlet port includes a first end and a second end that is closer to the channel than the first end, and A heat management plate assembly characterized in that, when viewed from above, the second end of the inlet port is positioned on the deep uneven portion of the inlet channel.

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