AU2018232946A1

AU2018232946A1 - Battery pack for submarine

Info

Publication number: AU2018232946A1
Application number: AU2018232946A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cyrille GARANS
Original assignee: Naval Group SA
Current assignee: Naval Group SA
Priority date: 2017-09-29
Filing date: 2018-09-19
Publication date: 2019-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-19
Also published as: AU2018232946B2; FR3071956A1; JP7185464B2; JP2019067763A; PT3462519T; ES2788057T3; EP3462519A1; EP3462519B1

Abstract

Battery pack for submarine The invention relates to a battery pack for a submarine comprising at least one mechanical and electrical assembly (2) of branches (4), each branch (4) comprising at least one module (6) of electrically connected accumulators, wherein each branch (4) has a three-dimensional geometric shape comprising two parallel and opposite trapezoidal faces, and wherein a mechanical and electrical assembly (2) of branches is formed by a fanned stack of branches (4), forming a section with a substantially semicircular profile. Figure 1 16 17 is10 Z 10a 10b2

Description

ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

Invention Title Battery pack for submarine

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:1a

2018232946 19 Sep 2018

The present invention relates to a battery pack for a submarine comprising at least one mechanical and electrical assembly of branches, each branch comprising a module comprising a plurality of accumulators.

The invention falls within the field of supplying energy to underwater vehicles.

Underwater vehicles require an autonomous power source. To that end, traditionally, a submarine is equipped with one or several battery packs, each comprising a plurality of accumulators, installed in a dedicated location of the underwater vehicle.

Indeed, an accumulator is an elementary energy brick used to store energy, and it is known to assemble, mechanically and electrically, a plurality of accumulators in an 10 accumulator module. Such modules, or optionally sets of accumulator modules, also called packs, are each associated with a command and monitoring module to form a branch. A battery pack is formed from a plurality of mechanically and electrically assembled branches.

A command and monitoring module is also called BMM module, for battery 15 management module. A maintenance operator needs to access the command and management modules.

To supply the necessary electrical power to an underwater vehicle, one or several battery packs, each made up of a number P of mechanically and electrically assembled branches is necessary, P generally being comprised between 50 and 300.

The installation of such a battery pack requires installing shimming devices for the branches, between them and relative to the receiving location, for example the hull of the submarine, in order to withstand movements of the roll, pitch, list or trim type, as well as during any impacts.

Furthermore, as explained above, the command and monitoring modules must be accessible.

Known solutions exist for stacking accumulator modules and positioning command and monitoring modules.

In a known manner, the accumulator modules and the command and surveillance modules are integrated into parallelepiped units.

According to a first known solution, the accumulator modules are stacked horizontally, to form substantially parallelepiped assemblies including narrow bays allowing access to the command and monitoring modules. This assembly causes a loss of volume due to the need to form access bays to the command and monitoring modules wide enough for an operator to pass.

According to a second known solution, the accumulator modules are stacked vertically, and the command and monitoring modules are positioned above the

2018232946 19 Sep 2018 accumulator modules, so as to be accessible from above. When the modules are installed in the hull of a submarine, access from above is only possible for the central branches, which requires a specific connection of the command and monitoring modules relative to the accumulator modules positioned on the edges.

Furthermore, in both of these solutions, it is necessary to provide specific shimming devices relative to the hull of a submarine.

The invention aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a battery pack better suited to an underwater vehicle, allowing easier assembly and easier access to the command and monitoring modules.

To that end, the invention proposes a battery pack for a submarine comprising at least one mechanical and electrical assembly of branches, each branch comprising at least one module with electrically connected accumulators. Each branch of this pack has a three-dimensional geometric shape comprising two parallel and opposite trapezoidal faces, and one said assembly of branches is formed by a fanned stack of branches, forming a section with a substantially semicircular profile.

Advantageously, the shape of the branches is adapted to the semicircular shape of an underwater vehicle hull, which makes it possible to optimize the volume filling.

The battery pack according to the invention may also have one or more of the following features, considered independently or according to any technically possible combinations.

Each branch comprises an accumulator module and a control and monitoring module of said accumulator module, and each accumulator module comprises a threedimensional case having a first base and a second base that are rectangular and parallel, connected by two parallel and opposite trapezoidal main faces, and by two opposite rectangular side faces.

Each of the first and second rectangular bases has length and width dimensions, the length of the first base being greater than the length of the second base, and the width of the first base being substantially equal to the width of the second base.

Each control and monitoring module comprises a case with a shape similar to the 30 shape of the case of the accumulator module, each branch comprising a control and monitoring module positioned in the extension of the second rectangular base of the accumulator module.

Each accumulator module comprises a number N of accumulators of the lithiumion type.

Each assembly comprises a predetermined number of branches with identical dimensions.

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The battery pack comprises a plurality of mechanical and electrical assemblies of branches, a first and second adjacent assembly being positioned such that one of the trapezoidal faces of each branch of the first assembly is in contact with one of the trapezoidal faces of the corresponding branch of the second assembly.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to an underwater vehicle comprising a housing suitable for containing a battery pack comprising a battery pack as briefly described above.

In one embodiment, this vehicle is such that the housing comprises a removable wall allowing access to a semicircular central zone for accessing the control and 10 command modules of each branch of each assembly of the battery pack.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises side zones for positioning assembly elements.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description 15 thereof provided below, for information and non-limitingly, in reference to the appended figures, in which:

- figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a battery pack including an assembly of branches according to one embodiment of the invention;

- figure 2 is a sectional view of an assembly of branches according to figure 1, 20 installed in a receiving site;

- figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of an accumulator module and an associated command and monitoring module forming a branch;

- figure 4 is a schematic perspective illustration of an example branch including an accumulator module and a command and monitoring module;

- figure 5 schematically illustrates the stack of accumulator modules to form an assembly according to one embodiment.

A battery pack comprising at least one assembly of branches, each branch comprising an accumulator module and an associated command and monitoring module, will be described below in one embodiment, in reference to figures 1 to 5.

Such a battery pack is suitable for installation in a floor housing having a concave profile, with a semicircular or elliptical shape, for example the hull of a submarine.

Figure 1 illustrates a mechanical and electrical assembly 2 of branches 4, also called section, each branch 4 comprising an accumulator module 6 and a command and monitoring module 8. The command and monitoring modules 8 will be called BMM modules hereinafter.

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The mechanical and electrical connections are not illustrated in figures.

One or several assemblies 2 form a battery pack installed on a floor 14 with a substantially circular shape, as illustrated in figure 2.

Each accumulator module 6 and each BMM module 8 is integrated into a case with 5 a three-dimensional geometric shape suitable for forming a fan shaped stack (or fanned stack).

As illustrated schematically in figure 3, each accumulator module 6 includes a plurality of accumulators 18, assembled mechanically and electrically in the most appropriate manner relative to the geometric shape of the accumulator module that will be 10 described in more detail hereinafter.

For example, an accumulator module includes a number N of accumulators.

Preferably, accumulators of the lithium-ion type are used, which contribute a significant gain in mass density of energy relative to lead accumulators.

In one embodiment, N=186, and each accumulator for example stores 150 Wh, 15 which allows a total storage of 27.9 kWh. As illustrated in figure 4, the case of an accumulator module 6 includes six faces, a first rectangular face 20 called first base, with length B and width b, and a second face 22 parallel to the first rectangular face 20, also rectangular, called second base, with dimensions length L and width I. The length L of the second face 22 is smaller than the length B.

Preferably, the width I of the second face 22 is equal to the width b of the first face.

The case also includes a third face 24 and a fourth face 26, called main faces, in the shape of a regular trapezoid, with respective bases having dimensions B and L, with base angle Θ and height H. The base angle Θ is smaller than 90°.

Lastly, the case includes a fifth face 28 and a sixth face 30, called side faces, with 25 a rectangular shape.

Thus, each accumulator module has a three-dimensional shape suitable for fanshaped stacking by the side faces, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

Each BMM module 8 has a similar shape, suitable for being positioned in the extension of the second base 22. Thus, the first base of each BMM module 8 has a rectangular shape with the same dimensions as the second base 22. Each BMM module also includes two trapezoidal main faces, with the same base angle Θ as the main faces 24 and 26, and two side faces.

Preferably, all of the branches 4 have the same dimensions, which makes them easier to manufacture and favors the proposed fan-forming assembly.

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Advantageously, owing to the choice of these forms, the branches 4 are assembled by stacking of the side faces and form a substantially semicircular base assembly, well suited to the shape of a submarine hull.

Advantageously, the side faces of the branches have the same dimensions and 5 the assembly does not require an additional shimming device between two branches.

As illustrated in figure 2, the battery pack is positioned in a housing 10 and protected by a ceiling 16 comprising one or several access hatches.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view along a plane (X, Y) of a battery pack arranged in the housing 10 on the floor of a hull 14.

Lateral spaces 12 between the battery pack and the side walls 10a, 10b of the housing 10 make it possible to position assembly elements (not shown), for example fluid connecting pipes of the modules 6.

All of the BMM modules 8 are accessible via a semicircular access zone 15 with height C.

The height C is chosen to allow a sufficient passage for a maintenance operator, preferably greater than 650 mm, and for example equal to 680 mm.

Furthermore, a clearance and handling zone 17, allowing a maintenance operator to access each of the accumulator modules 6, is arranged below the wall 16. For example, the clearance and handling zone 17 has a height D below the wall 16 preferably greater than 150 mm, and for example equal to 170 mm.

Preferably, the access wall 16 is partially or completely removable, to allow access to the access zone 15 to the BMM modules and to the clearance and handling zone 17.

Advantageously, a single centralized access zone 15 makes it possible to access all of the BMM modules 8.

Advantageously, the shape chosen for the modules and their assembly makes it possible to minimize the space necessary for the access zone 15 to the BMM modules.

Furthermore, owing to the shape of the branches, it is not necessary to provide a shimming system in the directions X and Y of the plane shown in figure 2.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a battery pack 40 comprising a plurality of 30 assemblies 2 of branches 4, during assembly.

Each assembly of branches is formed by first positioning a central module 6a, the first base 20a of which is positioned on the floor 14, and the assembly is next formed by stacking, on either side, on each side face 28a and 30a of the module 6a, another accumulator module.

Adequate mechanical and electrical connecting devices between accumulator modules, not shown in the figures, are provided to that end.

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The same type of assembly is applied for the BMM modules 8.

An inter-BMM electrical connection must be provided (no mechanical connections between the BMMs).

In one embodiment, illustrated in figure 5, a battery pack is built by successive 5 assemblies of accumulator modules, then connection and assembly of the BMM modules.

Alternatively, the battery pack 40 is assembled by uniting branches 2 that are already assembled, each branch comprising an accumulator module 6 and a BMM module 8.

Any shimming devices are added, either over the course of the assembly of the 10 branches, or after producing the battery pack 40, in order to guarantee the positioning of the battery pack on the site 10, and its stability relative to the movements of the carrier submarine in motion or the impacts experienced by the latter.

The shimming devices are not shown, but it is understood that it is possible to produce them in various ways within the reach of one skilled in the art.

Advantageously, the battery pack according to the embodiments described above is optimized for use in an underwater vehicle, or more generally, any housing having a concave, semicircular or elliptical floor.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1.- A battery pack for a submarine comprising at least one mechanical and electrical assembly of branches, each branch comprising at least one module of 5 electrically connected accumulators, wherein each branch has a three-dimensional geometric shape comprising two parallel and opposite trapezoidal faces, and wherein one said assembly of branches is formed by a fanned stack of branches, forming a section with a substantially semicircular profile.

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2.- The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each branch comprises an accumulator module and a control and monitoring module of said accumulator module, and each accumulator module comprises a three-dimensional case having a first base and a second base that are rectangular and parallel, connected by two parallel and opposite trapezoidal main faces, and by two opposite rectangular side faces.
3. - The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second rectangular bases has length and width dimensions, the length of the first base being greater than the length of the second base, and the width of the first base being substantially equal to the width of the second base.
4. - The battery pack according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein each control and monitoring module comprises a case with a shape analogous to the shape of the case of the accumulator module, each branch comprising a control and monitoring module positioned in the extension of the second rectangular base of the accumulator module.
5. - The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each accumulator module comprises a number N of accumulators of the lithium-ion type.
6. - The battery pack according to any one claims 1 to 5, wherein each assembly 30 comprises a predetermined number of branches with identical dimensions.
7. - The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a plurality of mechanical and electrical assemblies of branches, a first and second adjacent assembly being positioned such that one of the trapezoidal faces of each branch of the first

35 assembly is in contact with one of the trapezoidal faces of the corresponding branch of the second assembly.

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8.- An underwater vehicle comprising a housing suitable for containing a battery pack comprising a battery pack according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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9.- The underwater vehicle according to claim 8, wherein said housing comprises a removable wall allowing access to a semicircular central zone for accessing the control and command modules of each branch of each assembly of the battery pack.
10.- The underwater vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said housing comprises

10 side zones for positioning assembly elements.