DE102009035466A1 - Method for forming e.g. lithium-ion single cells, in battery that is utilized in e.g. hybrid drive vehicle, involves electrically serially and/or parallelly connecting single cells in cell assembly, and cooling cells by cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves enabling preset charging and discharging processes for activating electro-chemical processes in single cells (1.1). The single cells are electrically serially and/or parallelly connected in a cell assembly (4). The cell assembly is electrically connected with a charging/discharging unit. The single cells are cooled by a cooling device (7) that is arranged at the cell assembly. The cooling device is connected with a cooling system by a cooling circuit. An independent claim is also included for a forming device comprising a charging/discharging unit.

Description

The The invention relates to a method of forming single cells a battery according to the features of the preamble of the claim 1 and a forming device according to the features of the preamble of claim 11.

From the prior art, as in the EP 0 964 470 A1 described a battery power supply known. A battery assembly includes a plurality of battery modules serially connected electrically to each other, in which a plurality of single cells are serially connected electrically. By means of air cooling by means of a fan, a correct temperature of the battery modules can be maintained. A control unit controls the fan depending on determined sensor data from sensors for determining voltage, current and temperature and outputs the determined. Sensor data and data on the state of charge off. A charging / discharging unit includes, among other things, a relay which interrupts the charge / discharge operation in the event of a fault, overvoltage protection and a current sensor. As a result, a correct function of the battery power supply can be ensured without overcharging or excessive discharge.

In the EP 1 109 237 B1 a modular configuration is described. An electrochemical cell module comprises a cell assembly having a plurality of electrochemical cells connected by a plurality of electrical connectors, and at least one cell support panel for holding the cells at a predetermined distance. The cell support panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface has a plurality of cavities therein for receiving the electrochemical cells. The second surface has a plurality of recesses therein for receiving the plurality of electrical connection parts.

The Retaining board has a plurality of holes therein for guiding a fluid flow to a within each cell maintain uniform temperature distribution.

From the EP 1 116 286 B1 is a device for forming a plurality of combined into a group accumulators, in particular accumulators for motor vehicles, known, which are positioned on a support member and the poles are arranged on an upper housing wall. The device comprises a planar component designed as a plate, frame, grid or strip, on which a plurality of pole contacts corresponding to the poles of the accumulators are arranged, which are positioned in rows and columns on the component in the manner of a matrix. The pole contacts are connected to the component attached to the electrical line elements with a central electrical supply connection of the device in connection. For forming the accumulators, the device with the pole contacts on the poles of the group of accumulators for producing a conductive connection between pole contacts and poles can be placed or placed. The component consists of a frame with arranged thereon cross struts and / or longitudinal struts. The spacing of the rows and / or columns has such values that the pole contacts can be contacted with the poles of accumulator groups of different sizes, optionally with a modified grouping of the accumulators.

In the EP 1 746 679 A1 a battery charging device for charging at least two loadable battery arrangements is described. The charging device includes a first surface for electrically connecting to at least two chargeable battery assemblies, a first output on the first surface disposed opposite to at least a portion of a venting system of a battery assembly, and a second output on the first surface opposite at least a portion of a venting system another battery arrangement is arranged. Furthermore, the loading device comprises a mechanism for the simultaneous passage of a fluid through the venting systems of the at least two battery assemblies.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an improved method for forming single cells of a battery and a forming device to specify the procedure.

The The object is achieved by a method for forming single cells of a battery having the features of claim 1. With regard to the forming device the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 11.

preferred Embodiments and developments of the invention are in the dependent Claims specified.

One Method for forming single cells of a battery, in particular Lithium-ion single cells, comprises at least one predetermined charging process and a predetermined discharge to activate electrochemical Processes in the individual cells.

According to the invention Single cells, which in a cell network electrically serial and / or parallel connected, formed together.

By the solution according to the invention is in comparison to the prior art, a significant time and cost reduction achievable because the individual cells no longer individually formed and thus individually electrically connected to a charging device and for discharge have to be cooled individually by heat loss.

Conveniently, the cell assembly is electrically connected to a charging / discharging unit. Thereby the individual cells of the cell network can be formed together.

Preferably the individual cells are cooled, more preferably by means of at least one arranged on the cell assembly cooling device. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling device is over a cooling circuit connected to a cooling system and flows through a cooling medium. At loading and discharging the single cells creates lost heat, which must be dissipated to overheat and to avoid damage to the individual cells. Because batteries, which comprise at least one cell combination of such individual cells, also during use, for example in a vehicle To be cooled is already one of these Cooling arranged, for example, a cooling plate, which when used in the vehicle, for example, to a cooling system connected in the vehicle and flows through a cooling medium becomes. This cooling device is also for the process usable by having a cooling circuit with a cooling system is connected and thereby of a cooling medium is flowed through. This way is during the process ensures optimal cooling of the individual cells, since the while charging and discharging generated heat loss effectively removed from the individual cells becomes. This causes overheating and damage the individual cells preventable.

Of the Charging and / or the unloading process are in an advantageous Way monitored by means of a battery management system and / or regulated. Preferably, by means of the battery management system and / or a device for charge compensation, a cell voltage monitoring and / or a balance of a state of charge of the individual cells is executed. In this way, the individual cells are optimally formable, as a even charging and discharging of single cells is possible. This is a maximum after forming Performance and lifetime of single cells ensured. In particular, damage is caused by the battery management system the single cells, for example, due to an overload or preventable to heavy discharge. Because batteries, which at least Include a cell assembly of single cells, even during an insert, for example in a vehicle, in particular in A hybrid vehicle is charged and discharged, a cell voltage monitoring and a charge balance device required to load and unloading operations and damage the single cells, for example, by overcharging or too to avoid heavy discharge. Is for this purpose a battery management system on the battery is arranged, so this is also in the process of forming the single cells usable.

Conveniently, the charging process and / or the unloading process at one uneven charge and / or discharge of the Single cells interrupted and by means of the charge balance device a compensation of the state of charge of the individual cells is performed. For example, if the charge is too uneven the single cells, which by means of cell voltage monitoring is ascertainable, the danger is very large that some Overloaded single cells during a continuous charging process and thereby be damaged. Therefore, if such uneven charge or even uneven Discharge is detected, the charging or discharging initially interrupted and a balance of the state of charge the individual cells performed, for example, as long as until all individual cells reach a largely identical charge level to have. Thereafter, the charging or unloading process is continued.

In An advantageous embodiment is at a short circuit in at least one individual cell, the charging process and / or the discharging process interrupted, preferably by triggering a fuse, which is, for example, connected in series with the individual cells. As a result, consequential damage to the other single cells and resulting high costs preventable. If, for example in batteries, which at least one cell composite of single cells include and for use, for example in a vehicle, in particular are provided in a hybrid vehicle, already such a fuse is present, this is usable during the process.

A forming device for carrying out the method according to the invention comprises a loading / unloading unit. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the forming device comprises a cooling system and / or a battery management system. Batteries, which comprise at least one cell combination of individual cells, a cooling device and, for example, a battery management system and are intended for use in a vehicle, in particular in a hybrid vehicle, can be connected to this shaping device and formed by means of the forming device and the method bar. As a result, a time and cost can be significantly reduced, since existing facilities of the battery can be used by connecting to the forming device and a plurality in a cell combination electrically connected in series and / or parallel individual cells can be formed simultaneously. A single formation of each individual cell, as in the prior art, thus eliminates.

The Method and the forming device are particularly preferred in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle with hybrid drive or can be used in a fuel cell vehicle. The one in such Vehicle used batteries, which at least one cell composite of single cells are attached to a cooling system of the vehicle and connected to a charging / discharging unit. In a hybrid vehicle For example, the procedure will be after completion of the vehicle or after replacing the batteries when done an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is in use. Up to one Completion of the procedure, for example, the vehicle exclusively operated with the internal combustion engine or for example an electric motor only used to unload the single cells during the process. A full operational capability of the hybrid drive is therefore only available after the conclusion of the procedure. However, this procedure is completed, for example, after only about 48 hours of operation is and during this time a use of the vehicle by means of of the internal combustion engine is ensured, this is temporary Restriction of usability negligible. For However, a production of the batteries, this means a considerable Reduction of time, production and related costs Costs.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

there demonstrate:

1 an exploded view of an embodiment of a battery,

2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a battery, and

3 a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery.

each other corresponding parts are in all figures with the same reference numerals Mistake.

A method of forming single cells 1.1 to 1.n a battery 2 and a forming device 3 for carrying out the method are, for example, batteries 2 with round cells as single cells 1.1 to 1.n as in the 1 and 2 shown, and batteries 2 with flat cells as single cells 1.1 to 1.n , as in 3 shown, usable. In the single cells 1.1 to 1.n are, not shown in the figures, arranged an electrochemically active film stack and an electrolyte.

1 shows an exploded view of the battery 2 with round cells as single cells 1.1 to 1.n and 2 a perspective view of such a battery 2 , The battery 2 includes a cell composite 4 from a plurality of cell connectors 5 electrically serially interconnected single cells 1.1 to 1.n , The cell connectors 5 are on cell poles 6 different polarity of adjacent single cells 1.1 to 1.n placed. On the cell network 4 is to a cooling of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n pole side of a cooling medium can be flowed through by a cooling medium 7 arranged, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a cooling plate.

Between the single cells 1.1 to 1.n and the cooling device 7 is in the embodiment shown here, a heat-conducting and electrically insulating molding 8th arranged, which the single cells 1.1 to 1.n thermally to the cooling device 7 couples and disconnects them electrically from the cooling device 7 isolated. The molded body 8th includes formations 9 whose outer contours with contours of recesses 10 in the cooling device 7 to carry out the cell poles 6 correspond and their inner contours with the cell poles 6 of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n correspond so that the cell poles 6 of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n opposite the cooling device 7 electrically isolated can be passed through this. By placing the cell connectors 5 on the by the cooling device 7 passed through cell poles 6 are the single cells 1.1 to 1.n electrically connected to each other in series and, for example, to the cooling device 7 attached.

housing walls 11 of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n are at least partially thickened, a transport of heat loss of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n to the cooling device 7 to optimize. The heat loss of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n , which arises during charging and discharging, is on the housing walls 11 and about cell lids 12 of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n on the cooling device 7 transferable and by means of the cooling medium from the battery 2 transportable, whereby an effective cooling of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n is reached. Pole side are on the single cells 1.1 to 1.n a battery management system 13 and one with the single cells 1.1 to 1.n electrically connected fuse 14 arranged in which 3 are shown in more detail.

3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the battery 2 , The Single cells 1.1 to 1.n are formed in this embodiment as flat cells. The battery shown here 2 includes single cells 1.1 to 1.n , which in parallel succession on the cooling device designed as a cooling plate 7 arranged and pressed together, being between the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n and the cooling device 7 a not shown here electrically insulating heat conducting foil is arranged. Since side parts of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n the cell poles 6 represent, are the single cells 1.1 to 1.n electrically connected to each other by this pressing together.

Laterally on the cell network 4 are pole plates 15 arranged. At the top of the cell network 4 is the battery management system 13 arranged, which a cell voltage monitoring and a device for charge equalization of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n includes. At a top of the battery management system 13 is the one with the single cells 1.1 to 1.n electrically connected fuse 14 arranged. The single cells 1.1 to 1.n , the pole plates 15 , the cooling device 7 and the battery management system 13 are by means of tension bands 16 pressed together so that both a good electrical contact of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n with the pole plates 15 and the battery management system 13 as well as a good thermal coupling of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n to the cooling device 7 is reached.

In the 3 illustrated battery 2 is over the pole plates 15 that with cell poles 6 different polarity of a first single cell 1.1 and a last single cell 1.n of the electrically connected series cell network 4 contacted with a charging / discharging unit 17 a forming device 3 electrically connected. The cooling device 7 is via a coolant connection 18 and a cooling circuit 19 with a cooling system 20 the forming device 3 connected and flows through a cooling medium, as in charging and discharging the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n Loss of heat arises, which is dissipate, overheating and damage to the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n to avoid.

Also in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment of the battery 2 is about cell poles 6 different polarity of the first single cell 1.1 and the last single cell 1.n of the electrically connected series cell network 4 with the charging / discharging unit, not shown here 17 electrically connectable. Also the cooling device 7 the battery shown here 2 is above the coolant connection 18 and the cooling circuit, not shown here 19 with the cooling system, not shown here 20 the forming device, not shown 3 connectable and flowed through by cooling medium.

As the method for the formation of single cells 1.1 to 1.n the battery 2 and the forming device 3 for performing the method in an analogous manner in both in the 1 to 3 illustrated embodiments of the battery 2 and is also applicable to other embodiments not shown here, the method for forming individual cells 1.1 to 1.n the battery 2 and the forming device 3 for carrying out the method in the following with reference to the illustration in 3 explained in more detail.

The illustrated forming device 3 for carrying out the method comprises the with the cell composite 4 electrically connected charging / discharging unit 17 and that with the cooling device 7 connected cooling system 20 , By using already on the battery 2 existing facilities such as the cooling device 7 and the battery management system 13 and the simultaneous formation of all single cells 1.1 to 1.n in the cell network 4 is a time and cost significantly reduced. A single formation of each single cell 1.1 to 1.n As in the prior art, thus eliminating.

In a further, not shown embodiment, the battery management system 13 at least partially in the forming device 3 integrated, so with this forming device 3 also single cells 1.1 to 1.n the battery 2 together in the cell network 4 can be formed, in which the battery 2 not via a battery management system 13 or just a simplified battery management system 13 has, for example, only via sensors for state of charge monitoring or cell voltage monitoring of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n which then with the forming device 3 must be connected.

The method of forming the single cells 1.1 to 1.n the battery 2 which are in particular lithium-ion single cells, comprises at least one predetermined charging process and a predetermined discharging process for activating electrochemical processes in the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n , The electrochemically active film stack of the single cell 1.1 to 1.n must be activated by predetermined loading and unloading operations, so that the single cell 1.1 to 1.n can provide maximum performance and maximum charging of the single cell 1.1 to 1.n is possible. These are the single cells 1.1 to 1.n for example, once loaded in a controlled manner, then discharged again in a controlled manner and, in order to be used and used immediately, again at least partially charged. The method allows a common simultaneous formation of all single cells 1.1 to 1.n in the cell network 4 , whereby considerable time and cost savings can be realized.

The charging and discharging processes are carried out by means of the battery management system 13 , which the cell voltage monitoring and the device for charge equalization of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n includes, monitors and regulates. As a result, the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n optimally formable, since a uniform loading and unloading of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n allows, so that after forming a maximum performance and longevity of single cells 1.1 to 1.n is ensured. In particular, the battery management system 13 damage to the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n , for example due to overcharging or excessive discharge prevented.

If the charge or discharge of the single cells is too uneven 1.1 to 1.n the charging process or the discharge process are interrupted and by means of the device for charge equalization, a compensation of a state of charge of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n carried out. For example, too uneven charge of the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n , which is detectable by means of cell voltage monitoring, the risk is very large that some single cells 1.1 to 1.n overloaded during a continued charging process and thereby damaged. Therefore, when such an uneven charge or uneven discharge is detected, the charging operation or the discharging operation is first interrupted and the state of charge of the single cells is compensated 1.1 to 1.n carried out, for example, until all individual cells 1.1 to 1.n have achieved a largely identical charge level. Thereafter, the charging or unloading process is continued.

By the one with the single cells 1.1 to 1.n serially connected fuse 14 becomes, for example, a short circuit in one of the single cells 1.1 to 1.n the charging process or the discharging process interrupted.

The method and the forming device 3 For example, in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle with hybrid drive or in a fuel cell vehicle can be used, in which the illustrated batteries 2 be used. The batteries 2 are in the vehicle on a cooling system 20 of the vehicle and on an in-vehicle charging / discharging unit 17 connected. For example, in a hybrid vehicle, the procedure will be after completion of the vehicle or after replacement of the batteries 2 performed when an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is in use. Until completion of the method, the vehicle is operated, for example, exclusively with the internal combustion engine or, for example, an electric motor is used only for discharging the individual cells 1.1 to 1.n during the procedure. A full operational capability of the hybrid drive is thus available only after completion of the process. However, since this method is completed, for example, after only about 48 hours of operation and during this time a use of the vehicle is ensured by means of the internal combustion engine, this temporary limitation of the operational capability is negligible. For a production of batteries 2 However, this means a significant reduction in time, manufacturing and associated costs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1 to 1.n

Single cells

2

battery

3

forming device

4

cell assembly

5

cell connectors

6

cell poles

7

cooling device

8th

moldings

9

formations

10

recesses

11

housing walls

12

cell cover

13

Battery Management System

14

fuse

15

pole plates

16

straps

17

Charging / discharging unit

18

Coolant connection

19

Cooling circuit

20

cooling system

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0964470 A1 [0002]
• - EP 1109237 B1 [0003]
• - EP 1116286 B1 [0005]
• - EP 1746679 A1 [0006]

Claims (14)

Method for forming single cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) of a battery ( 2 ), in particular lithium-ion single cells, wherein the method at least one predetermined charging process and a predetermined discharging process for activating electrochemical processes in the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ), characterized in that the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) in a cell network ( 4 ) are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel and are formed together. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cell composite ( 4 ) is electrically connected to a charging / discharging unit (17). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) are cooled. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) by means of at least one cell ( 4 ) arranged cooling device ( 7 ) are cooled. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the cooling device ( 7 ) via a cooling circuit ( 19 ) with a cooling system ( 20 ) is connected and flows through a cooling medium. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging process and / or the discharging process by means of a battery management system ( 13 ) are monitored and / or regulated. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that by means of the battery management system ( 13 ) and / or a device for charge equalization, a cell voltage monitoring and / or a compensation of a state of charge of the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ). A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the charging process and / or the discharge process in the event of an uneven charge and / or discharge of the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) and by means of the device for charge equalization balancing the state of charge of the individual cells ( 1.1 to 1.n ) is carried out. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the event of a short circuit in at least one individual cell ( 1.1 to 1.n ) the charging process and / or the discharging process is interrupted. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the charging process and / or the discharging process by triggering a fuse ( 14 ) is interrupted. Forming device ( 3 ) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a loading / unloading unit ( 17 ). Forming device ( 3 ) according to claim 11, comprising a cooling system ( 20 ) and / or a battery management system ( 13 ). Use of a method according to one of the claims 1 to 10 in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle with hybrid drive or in a fuel cell vehicle. Use of a forming device ( 3 ) according to claim 11 or 12 in a vehicle, in particular in a vehicle with hybrid drive or in a fuel cell vehicle.

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