DE2657183A1 - Heavy duty battery cooling system - has tubes passing through individual cells for circulation of coolant - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooling system suitable for secondary batteries is incorporated within the cell structure. First and second chambers (1, 2) are interconnected by a series of tubes (5) through which the cooling medium is circulated. The cooling medium flows into the first chamber (1) through an input tube (3) and leaves the second chamber via an output tube (4), the mouth of which projects into the chamber to create an air space above the cooling medium. This air space may be connected to a corresponding air space in the first chamber by a pressure equalising tube (6). The cooling system is sealed, but preferably is provided with a pressure relief vent (7). The two chambers (1, 2) may project through the cell wall and have provision for observing the coolant.

Description

Temperature control device for accumulators

The invention relates to a temperature control device for accumulators, especially for steel and lead batteries.

Temperature control devices are known which are located in the interior of the cell housing of accumulators are arranged. They usually consist of a multiple winding pipe through which the temperature control medium is passed. That won, the pipe comes in a rectangular framework or in a round support body with brackets held. Brackets of this type are used to absorb the stretching forces. High operating pressures the heat transfer liquid can stretch the pipe and loosen the Lead cover ducts of the inflow and outflow and thus cause leaks. The temperature control tube is immersed in the electrolyte. It is therefore usually Applicable only to accumulators whose electrolyte level is in a certain Height above the surface of the plate block. Accumulators with largely fixed or low free electrolyte, such as low-maintenance or gas- and liquid-tight steel and lead accumulators, can therefore by means of such devices are not tempered.

The object of the invention is, in addition to pure electrolyte temperature control also the proportion of electrolyte vapor and gas-air quantities in the gas space of the actuator to temper.

The temperature control of the gas-air quantities in larger gas and liquid-tight iL # kumulatoi ~ cn erip # Ulicht a safe prevention of the risk of explosion, since then in no case the reaction temperature for the formation of oxyhydrogen from hydrogen and oxygen is achieved.

In addition, it should be possible to control the operation of the temperature control device to be changed largely during operation. For example, it becomes an accumulator operated alternately at low and high temperatures, so should be by simple Change not only of the temperature of the temperature control medium, but also of the exposure zones same with the temperature control device described above can be customized. For example, the electrolyte should act in the event of external cold and given; if the electrolyte vapor in the cell housing is also heated, but not the gas compartment. On the other hand, should be operated in a high outside temperature Accumulator both the liquid electrolyte and the electrolyte vapor as well as the Gas-air mixtures in the gas space are cooled to the under these operating conditions to be able to achieve the highest degree of efficiency of the accumulator without the risk of explosion.

It should therefore be a temperature control device for all steel and lead batteries be created in open and closed construction, which is an effective Temperature control of all within the cell housing in the liquid and gaseous state of aggregation existing electrolyte and gas mixtures guaranteed and an adaptation to operationally changing thermal operating conditions that have an external effect on the accumulator made possible by simple operating measures.

The object is achieved in that the temperature control device one arranged between at least two chambers and located in the cell housing Piping system that the chambers up to the temperature control medium supply pipe, the pipe openings of the pipeline system and the temperature control medium drain pipe are closed on all sides, and that at least the drainpipe in the chamber protrudes. Between the mouth of the drain pipe and the lid of the chamber is thus there is always a gap.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 shows a temperature control device according to the invention in a perspective view. Figure 2 shows the cross section through an accumulator with such a Tem periervorrichtung.

FIG. 3 shows the construction of the lamellar pipeline system to the temperature control device shown in Figures 1 and 1. Figure 4 represents the arrangement of a temperature control device in a gas- and liquid-tight prismatic Accumulator cell. FIG. 5 shows the temperature control device shown in FIG again in perspective.

The temperature control device according to the invention consists of the chambers 1 and 2, between which the pipeline system consisting of the pipes 5 is arranged is. An adjustment mechanism for changing the temperature control from cooling on heating or vice versa consists of the adjustable inflow pipe 3 from which adjustable drain pipe 4, and optionally from valve 7 and pressure equalization pipe 6, which is optionally equipped with a shut-off device.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the temperature control medium flows via an inlet pipe 3 in chamber 1. From chamber 1 it flows through the pipes 5 into chamber 2. Chamber 1 becomes Filled with the temperature control medium until chamber 2 is up to the inlet opening of the drain pipe 4 is filled. In this filling state, arises both in the inflow chamber as well as in the outflow chamber one of the same size in terms of volume and internal pressure Pressure cushion, since both chambers 1 and 2 are structurally the same size and by means of the pressure equalization pipeline 6 are connected. Since pipeline 6 is above the mouth of the discharge pipe 4, it is filled with air. That via the pressure equalization pipeline 6th ksamunizierende air cushions determined by being with the help of the adjustment mechanism adjustable variable volume the area of action of the temperature control device and ensures, due to its expansion efforts, an equalization of the Discharge pressure of the ter # i # erating agent from the accumulator cell.

With many accumulators of the open type as in the stationary one and are used in traction operation, the free electrolyte level is considerable above the upper edge of the plate block 10, which is only partially shown in FIG. 2, which consists of positive and negative electrodes with separators in between. In the resting state there is above this purely liquid electrolyte layer 11, which is irregularly pervaded by gas bubbles, one also pervaded by gas bubbles Electrolyte mist layer. This electrolyte mist layer is at excessive temperature, e.g. with a relatively strong discharge or with rapid charging to an electrolyte vapor layer converted. A gas and gas bubble layer is located above this layer. in the Operation and especially with turbulence in traction operation are different Layers cannot be separated from each other. You walk under the influence of temperature and the external movement into one another. In the operational Heat development in the accumulator results in co # vection currents in the electrolyte, Steam and gas layers. With the help of the temperature control device, according to the respective Requirements either all shifts cooled or, for example, individual shifts Layers are heated. The changeable volume of the air cushion enables the area of influence of the temperature control in relation to the layer height Deliebig vary.

If the air cushion is very small, the temperature control device in The cold temperature control medium flowed through its entire height. It will all Layers cooled, namely the liquid electrolyte layer 11, the overlying dan # shaped electrolyte layer as well as the gas and gas bubble layer.

Furthermore, the cell housing 8 closed by cover 9 is shown in FIG its upper area through direct contact of the outer chamber walls with the inner side walls of the cell housing is cooled.

With a large air cushion, only the lower part of the temperature control device is used the now warm temperature control medium flows through it, i.e. chambers 1 and 2 are open only slightly filled compared to the cooling setting described above.

The warm flows only through the lower pipes 5 of the pipeline system Bath fluid. Thus, only the purely liquid electrolyte layer 11 and at most a part of the overlying vapor-like electrolyte layer is heated. The gas and gas bubble layer in the uppermost part of the housing is heated avoided so that the reaction temperature necessary for the formation of oxyhydrogen is, will certainly not be achieved. By heating the electrolyte vapor layer, which is permeated by large and small gas bubbles become the large gas bubbles destroyed. Small gas bubbles combine to form large gas bubbles, which as a result burst from the warming. An early destruction of the gas bubbles saves maintenance work, such as frequent refilling of distilled water, frequent cleaning of the surface of the cell cover 9, especially in the vicinity of the cell valve.

Another advantageous effect of the air cushion results the even pressure on the temperature control medium inside chamber 1. The air cushion is enclosed on all sides in the chambers and can be placed on the walls of the Kanmor and ari the temperature control medium, # which is introduced under pressure through the inlet pipe 2, exert additional pressure. The internal pressure of the air cushion is initially the same the flow pressure of the temperature control medium. The inflow pressure is in the outer, closed Temperature control medium circuit relatively constant when using rotary pumps; when using compressors and in open circuits, however, # significant Pressure fluctuations. These also affect the air cushion. While the air is compressible, can liquid cosmetics practically as considered incompressible. Because the inside thickness of the air cushion is the same everywhere must be on the entire liquid level of the temperature control medium in the chamber the same at all points of contact between the air cushion and the liquid level Pressure prevail. Another advantage results from the operation heat generated by the accumulator.

This also acts on the air cushion and increases its internal pressure. The slight expansion pressure of the air cushion that is constantly present thereby advantageously increases the inflow pressure of the temperature control medium and compensates for flow losses.

The chambers 1 and 2 can be made of steel or plastic-coated Made of steel or plastic. The material thickness is essentially based according to the operating pressure of the temperature control medium. The strength and elongation values should at least correspond to those of the cell housing. Generally affect minor differences are not disadvantageous. Limited stretches can even be a cause the chamber walls to nestle better against the inner walls of the cell housing 8, which results in a particularly good heat transfer between the two. The shaft the inlet pipe 5, the outlet pipe 4 and the valve 7 is advantageous provided with an external thread, so that the chambers are simply placed with sealing washers screwed to the cell cover 9 or to the housing edges in airtight and liquid-tight manner can be.

Easy assembly, easy cleaning and reusability the temperature control device during cell repairs are guaranteed.

The size of chambers 1 and 2 depends on the accommodation option in the cell housing 8, the inflow and the outflow chamber can be of different sizes be. The shape depends on the shape of the cell housing and the surface of the Plate block 10. In the case of large round cells, a chamber wall can be curved, while the cross-section of the chamber in the so-called prismatic cell housings is rectangular is. The chamber bottom can have bulges and thus the shape of the surface customary plate blocks. The pipeline system also achieves this Deep-lying liquid lead electrolyte layers that are not found in other temperature control systems can be detected. The chambers 1 and 2 can be arranged so that they are partly below the cell cover 9, partly above it, for example when a large Air cushion is desired and, as a result, the chamber must be large. Such a one The embodiment of the chambers can be seen from FIG. For the same reason Instead of one chamber each for the inflow and for the outflow, several can also be used Chambers are provided, which mainly serve as air-cushion containers Chambers can be arranged on the cell cover 9. Transparent chamber side walls or chamber lids have the advantage that the flow and level of the temperature control medium as well as the air cushion kept under observation and in a light way of sight can be adjusted. If the chamber lid is removable, the chamber can be inside with the pipe penetrations cleaned and the pipes can easily blow through will.

The outer side walls of the chambers 1 and 2 effect the exchange of heat to a part. the inner walls of the cell housing 8 and the cell cover 9 and to a lesser extent also to the layers above the plate block 10; the However, the main heat exchange takes place via the Robr pipe system with its Tubes 5. The cross section of the tubes 5 can be arbitrary. Preferably oval, elongated rectangular or lamellar tubes are used, with their longitudinal axis according to the invention is to be arranged vertically and parallel in the gas space of the accumulator. Narrow lamellar tubes, as shown schematically in Figure 3, offer a large, inexpensive surface for good heat exchange. Advantageously are the lamellar tubes 5 by parallel web walls 12 at equal intervals connected, creating square or rectangular cells that are not only are favorable for heat exchange, but at the same time provide good protection against sloshing and encourage the bursting of gas bubbles on the parallel walls. One further increase the heat exchange can be achieved by that the lamellar tubes are angled in such a way that hexagonal cells form result. The inflow pressure of the temperature control medium must then, however, because of the increased Flow losses are increased. The lamellar tubes are in several Layers may be arranged offset from one another. The material and the wall thickness the tubes correspond to the structure of chambers 1 and 2. In general, they are straight Pipes used in the pipeline system and only if, for example, an acid level indicator is installed the tubes are bent according to the shape of these bodies. Of course The tubes 5 can also, as FIGS. 4 and 5 show, from the plate block 10 to the bottom of the cell. The tubes 5 have in this embodiment, in which they encompass the plate block, at the same time the function of a spacer to improve gas consumption in the cell.

The temperature control medium] can be, for example, in the open or closed Mineralized and demineralized water fed into the circuit as well as lightly flowing water Oils and mixtures of oil and water can be used. Mineral oils and synthetic ones Oils are equally suitable; Freshly prepared emulsions should have a pH value of approx. 8, since at a value of pH / 7 there will be signs of corrosion in the long run occur especially when used in metallic temperature control devices. can. The color emulsifying mixtures have the advantage that their flow is good in the transparent ones Chambers 1 and 2 or through a transparent chamber lid can be observed and clearly shows the size of the air cushion for better visual control.

According to the invention, one or more of the temperature control means can also be added Indicators are attached. Indicator protection is useful for indicating the appearance of leaks on the temperature control device. One adds dark blue litmus to the temperature control water for example in the ratio of 1: 50000 and there is a reddish color change, this indicates that there is damage to the temperature control device and for example acidic electrolyte has penetrated. For steel accumulators a reddish-colored temperature control medium can be used, the color of which changes at penetrating potassium hydroxide solution is blue, # in a ratio of 1: 20000. Leave the solutions can easily be made from the commercially available 1 show litmus tincture. Further Indicator additives to the temperature control medium in steel accumulators are in addition to the indophenol solutions nor alcoholic phenolphthalein solutions. All additives can be in their composition be chosen so that the color change also indicates the pH value of the skin permeating agent represents and it enables the temperature control in good time against aggressive To protect bath fluids.

The pressure of the inflowing temperature control medium depends solely on the strength of the material and the seam connections between the chambers and the Pipe connection systems and should be between 0.3 and 3.2 atu. With the appropriate The temperature control device can also provide wall thickness and tensile strength, for example to a water pipe with a pressure of 4 atmospheres and at even higher effective pressures be connected.

To control the temperature control device or the air cushion can a valve control, the inflow and outflow pipe control and a combined valve, Inflow, outflow pipe STEU can be used. A very simple control mechanism results from valve control. The inflow pipe 3, which remains unchanged Drain pipe 4 and the pressure equalization pipe 6. As a variable operating part one or more valves 7 can be present. By opening the valve 7 can the air cushion can be continuously reduced and finally disappear completely, if a maximum cooling of the entire cell interior when flowing in cold Temperature control medium is desired. The valve 7 can be any self-closing Be ball or cone valve. Should the air cushion for the heating of the partial Cell interior can be restored with incoming warm temperature control medium, so air is given to the valve 7. The air dispersed themselves via the pressure equalization line to both chambers.

A small, portable air compressor or air compressor is sufficient for filling Hand pump. The air cushion can be infinitely variable up to the structurally fixed Maximum size to be inflated; any excess air given in will flow ineffectively through the drain pipe 4. This valve control method can also be used during the Operation of the battery or during the rest period can be carried out at will.

A valve is generally sufficient for valve control, which is expediently is placed on the inflow chamber 1. But there can also be two valves on the Inflow chamber are arranged, one of which is a valve with a pipe socket, which is something Mirzer than the drain pipe 4 should be provided. In the pipe socket remains with Always evacuate some residual air, which favors the formation of the air cushion and prevents the initially blown air from entering the Temperieriaittelstrom in the form of bubbles arrives and is discharged through the drain pipe 4. The other valve that doesn't Has a pipe socket, is used solely for total ventilation. Be on the tributary and at least one valve each is arranged on the discharge chamber, so the pressure equalization pipeline 6 do not apply. With this temperature control device, the temperature control medium is filled in such a way that opening the valves on the inflow and outflow chambers. Presents in both chambers is equal to the liquid. # iege3 according to the law of communicating tubes high a. The chambers can be of different sizes, as can the air cushions in same. Then the valves are closed again and the control can to be carried out as usual. It then knows the liquid and vaporous electrolyte layers as well as the gas bubble layer and also the two outer walls of the cell housing 8, on which the chamber side walls rest, the same or different temperatures will. For example, the cell side that is outside in the battery bank arranged and exposed to intense sunlight, for example, is more cooled by setting the external air cushion small or disappearing completely leaves. With a larger air cushion on the inflow side, the influence pressure becomes of Tempering agent in the direction of flow is tanned.

The same effect can be achieved in accordance with FIGS. 4 and 5 Use of a shut-off device 13 in the pressure equalization pipeline 6 closes if the shut-off device 13 is used, the temperature control device can be controlled with the aid of the valves 7 the height and the side can be controlled according to and according to the pressure conditions. If the shut-off device 13 is opened, the pressure equalization pipe 6 is switched on again, i.e., the correct temperature is automatically set when the temperature control medium is fed in Air cushion size without opening the valves 7. Instead of several valves The arrangement of a single valve, which acts as a central valve, is also sufficient the shut-off device 13 is installed. The latter must then have an adjusting element with the following four functions in the pressure equalization pipeline 6: 1. Separating the inflow chamber 1 from the drainage chamber 2; 2. Connecting the inflow chamber 1 to the outflow chamber 2; 3. Separating the inflow chamber 1 and at the same time connecting the outflow chamber 2 with the central valve; 4. Separating the discharge chamber 2 and at the same time connecting the Inflow chamber 1 with the central valve.

The mode of operation of the control through the central valve with the four-function shut-off device is the same as for the control with several valves and a two-function shut-off element.

Another control option is the inflow pipe and / or outflow pipe control. It is a control that by adjusting the height of the supply pipe 3 and / or the Drain pipe 4 takes place. In the case of straight pipes, for example, the adjustment takes place in the simplest way in glands from the cell cover 9 by moving the Tube. In the case of bent pipes, these are removed from the wall and / or the side walls of the cell housing 8 adjusted by turning the tubular shafts. This control has the advantage that any air cushion size set The size of the air cushion can always be reduced during operation will. Bandage enlargement of a small air cushion is in most cases more convenient and safer during a break in operation by removing the temperature control fluid supply line from the inflow pipe 3 to make. The temperature control medium is set by means of a hand pump sucked off, then again the temperature control medium supply line on the supply pipe 3 lifted up.

The inflowing temperature control medium automatically builds the air cushion back on.

Another control according to the invention that can be used universally can, results from the fact that the valves, as they are in the valve control are common to couple with the height adjustment of the inflow and outflow pipes. With this combination control, any air cushion of any size can be set and during operation any enlargement or reduction in any order effortlessly by actuating the valves and conveniently thanks to the height adjustability can be achieved.

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Claims (8)

Patent claims che 1 temperature control device for accumulators, in particular for steel and lead batteries, characterized in that they consist of a between at least two chambers (1, 2) arranged in the cell housing (8) located pipeline system (5) consists that the chambers (1,2) up to the Temperiermittelzuflußrohr (3), the Pipe openings in the pipeline system and the temperature control medium discharge pipe (4) on all sides are closed, and that at least the drain pipe (loose) protrudes into the chamber (2). 2. temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chambers (1,2) protrude beyond the cell housing (8) and that the outside of the cell housing located part of the chamber transparent and / or provided with a removable lid is. 3. Temperature control device according to claims and 2, characterized in that that the pipeline system consists of lamellar tubes (5), which are in multiple Levels are arranged above and next to each other. 4. temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the lamellar pipes (5) by webs (12) with one another in a checkerboard manner are connected. 5. temperature control device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the chambers (1 and 2) are connected by a pressure equalization pipe (6), which is provided with a shut-off element (13) and / or a valve. 6. temperature control device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the chambers (1 and 2) with from outside of the cell housing operable valves (7) are provided. 7. temperature control device according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the drain pipe (4) and the flow pipe to (3) are adjustable in height. 8. temperature control device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the liquid temperature control contains an indicator additive.