EP4511902A1 - Battery module for a motor vehicle - Google Patents
Battery module for a motor vehicleInfo
- Publication number
- EP4511902A1 EP4511902A1 EP23721371.5A EP23721371A EP4511902A1 EP 4511902 A1 EP4511902 A1 EP 4511902A1 EP 23721371 A EP23721371 A EP 23721371A EP 4511902 A1 EP4511902 A1 EP 4511902A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- module
- housing
- electrical energy
- fluid
- battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/249—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
- H01M10/482—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
- H01M10/617—Types of temperature control for achieving uniformity or desired distribution of temperature
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
- H01M10/625—Vehicles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
- H01M10/6567—Liquids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
- H01M10/6569—Fluids undergoing a liquid-gas phase change or transition, e.g. evaporation or condensation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
- H01M2010/4271—Battery management systems including electronic circuits, e.g. control of current or voltage to keep battery in healthy state, cell balancing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the invention relates to the field of batteries and, more precisely, to battery modules for a motor vehicle.
- a major drawback lies in the risk of thermal runaway of electrical energy storage cells, particularly for lithium-ion batteries. Concretely, if the temperature increases too much, a chain reaction inside the electrical energy accumulation cell ends up vaporizing the electrolyte which leads to internal overpressure of the electrical energy accumulation cell. In the most severe cases, several or even all of the electrical energy storage cells are subject to thermal runaway which can lead to a fire in the battery and, incidentally, in the organs surrounding the battery, i.e. say in particular all or part of the motor vehicle in which the battery is mounted.
- the invention aims in particular to propose a battery module capable of detecting as early as possible the risk of thermal runaway of the electrical energy storage cells contained in the battery module.
- the subject of the invention is a battery module for a motor vehicle comprising a housing enclosing electrical energy storage cells, characterized in that the battery module comprises a device for monitoring a characteristic of a fluid contained in the housing of the module in order to diagnose a deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells enclosed in the housing of the module), in that the monitoring device comprises at least one detection element mounted on the housing of the module and intended to determine the presence of a pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells different from the fluid contained in the housing of the module and in that the detection element comprises an electrical conductivity sensor in order to measure a variation in electrical conductivity in the fluid contained in the housing of the module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells.
- the battery is formed of several modules electrically connected in parallel or in series, which has several advantages. First of all, it is simpler to thermally regulate several battery modules than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy storage cells. It is also simpler to install several battery modules in the motor vehicle than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy storage cells. Finally, it is simpler to be able to change a module containing faulty electrical energy storage cells rather than changing the entire battery for only a small portion of faulty electrical energy storage cells. We thus understand that the diagnosis of the monitoring device will make it possible to quickly check any faulty electrical energy accumulation cells by already knowing the battery module to be checked.
- each module can, according to the invention, detect the deterioration of at least one of its electrical energy accumulation cells in order to manage the stopping of the thermal runaway of the battery.
- the obvious solution to resolve a thermal runaway problem would be to monitor the temperature of the electrical energy storage cells. However, this is not the solution followed by the invention because, effectively, the increase in temperature takes place very shortly before the fire.
- an exhaust valve is generally provided, often formed by a frangible part intended to break from a predetermined internal pressure, to allow the excess pressure to communicate outside the electrical energy accumulation cell. Once the exhaust valve is open, the electrical energy storage cell is no longer functional.
- the invention therefore takes advantage of this observation to not monitor the temperature of each electrical energy storage cell, but to monitor at least one characteristic other than the temperature of the fluid present in the battery module, such as electrical conductivity. and, optionally further, the composition, pressure or transparency to determine whether a pollution fluid such as a gas has escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells of the module in order to diagnose at possible thermal runaway sooner.
- the monitoring device is compatible with a wide variety of types of thermal regulation systems.
- the detection element can be mounted both inside and outside the housing of each module depending on the location or type of the battery.
- several identical detection elements may be present on the same module in order to improve the diagnosis.
- An electrical conductivity sensor is preferred because it is more reliable in detecting its characteristic in the fluid compared to other characteristics. Thus, it is less sensitive to other fluid characteristics (e.g. color, transparency, etc.) that could interfere/modify the characteristic measurements. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor provides fewer false measurements than other types of sensor in the context of the invention.
- the monitoring device will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
- an electrical conductivity sensor in the particular case where the fluid is air, can also detect an increase in the level of humidity in the air which could lead to a short circuit (breakdown of the air) which generally precedes thermal runaway.
- an electrical conductivity sensor not only diagnoses thermal runaway, but can also prevent it. No other type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, can do this.
- the invention may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.
- the detection element may further comprise a concentration sensor in order to measure the concentration of pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells in the fluid contained in the module housing.
- the detection element may further comprise a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric.
- a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric.
- the detection element may further comprise an optical sensor in order to measure a variation in light transmission in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric.
- an optical sensor in order to measure a variation in light transmission in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric.
- the monitoring device may comprise at least one guide element mounted on the housing of the module and intended to deflect the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells towards the detection element in order to make more reliable detection and limit the number of detection elements.
- the guide element can form a part of the upper cover of the housing of each module to impose a passage of the pollution fluid in front of each detection element. The guide element can thus form a collector forcing all the pollution fluids to pass in front of each detection element.
- the fluid contained in the module housing may be air in the gas phase or a dielectric heat transfer fluid in the liquid phase intended to thermally regulate at least part of the electrical energy storage cells included in the battery module.
- the invention also relates to a thermal regulation system of a battery module for a motor vehicle as presented above, characterized in that the regulation system comprises a control unit electrically connected to the device for monitoring the fluid contained in the module housing in order to selectively control the operation of the thermal regulation system as a function of the diagnosed deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells enclosed in the module housing.
- the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises a thermal regulation system as presented above.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an example of a vehicle in which a thermal regulation system of a battery module according to the invention is mounted;
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of battery modules according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- orientations are the orientations of the figures.
- the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “above”, “below”, “forward” and “backward” are generally understood to be in relation to the meaning of representation of the figures.
- the invention applies to any type of battery thermal regulation system 1 3, in particular those intended to equip a motor vehicle 4 of the tourism type, SUV ("Sport Utility Vehicles"), two wheels (in particular motorcycles), airplanes, industrial vehicles chosen from vans, "heavy goods vehicles” - i.e. metro, bus, road transport vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers), off-road vehicles such as agricultural or civil engineering vehicles -, or other transport or handling vehicles.
- SUV Sport Utility Vehicles
- two wheels in particular motorcycles
- airplanes industrial vehicles chosen from vans, "heavy goods vehicles” - i.e. metro, bus, road transport vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers), off-road vehicles such as agricultural or civil engineering vehicles -, or other transport or handling vehicles.
- the automobile vehicle 4 can be of the electric type, that is to say with at least one electric motor powered by at least one battery, of the hybrid type, that is to say with at least one internal combustion engine powered by at least one fuel (petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, natural gas for vehicles, bio-fuel such as ethanol obtained from plant material, etc.) and assisted by at least one electric motor powered by at least one at least one battery and/or the on-board network of the automobile vehicle 4, of the fuel cell type, that is to say at least one electric motor powered by at least one battery and/or by a fuel cell powered by dihydrogen (such as that coming from a pressure tank) and dioxygen (such as that coming from ambient air), or even of the rechargeable hybrid type, that is to say with at least one internal combustion engine powered by at least one fuel (petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, natural gas for vehicles, biofuel such as ethanol obtained from plant material, etc.) and at least one electric motor powered by the on-board network of the automobile vehicle 4 and/or at least one recharge
- thermo regulation system 1 we mean all types of systems 1 making it possible to manage the flow, the temperature and the pressure of a heat transfer fluid intended, by movement of said heat transfer fluid around a part of the cells 9 of accumulation of electrical energy of a battery 3 (exchange by immersion in a dielectric heat transfer fluid, exchange by pulsed air, exchange by air - exchanger), to be thermally exchanged with all or part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in order to to control its temperature, that is to say typically heating and/or cooling, following predetermined control, all or part of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 present in at least one battery module 7 3.
- heat transfer fluid is meant a fluid of the thermal regulation system 1 making it possible to exchange by contact the cold and/or the heat of at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy of a battery 3 Typically, the heat transfer fluid can circulate around all or part of the electrical energy storage cells 9 by at least partial filling of a battery module 7 3.
- dielectric heat transfer fluid is meant a fluid intended to remain in liquid form in the battery module 7 of the thermal regulation system 1 in order to exchange by contact the cold and/or the heat of at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy of a battery 3.
- the dielectric heat transfer fluid is monophasic, that is to say it will not change phase (will remain liquid) in the temperature range considered in normal operation such as, for example, between -40°C and 60°C.
- the heat transfer fluid is dielectric, that is to say it preferably has an electrical resistivity ⁇ at least equal to 1 ⁇ 10 9 ohm meters (1 G ⁇ m) at a temperature of 300 kelvins (300 K) or, conversely, an electrical conductivity ⁇ at most equal to 1 ⁇ 10 - 9 siemens per meter (1 nS ⁇ m - 1 ) at a temperature of 300 kelvins (300 K), so as not to disrupt the electrical connections between in particular the cells 9 present in the same module 7 of battery 3.
- This type of dielectric heat transfer fluid can be similar to those used for electrical transformers. It will therefore not be further described in this description because it is known in itself.
- the dielectric heat transfer fluid can for example be a product of the Novec® 7500 type sold by the company 3M®, of the F18 or F20 type sold by the Total® company or of the DF7 or DFK type sold by the MiVolt® company.
- characteristic of a fluid we mean a physicochemical characteristic of the fluid and not the mass or volume of the fluid.
- electrical energy accumulation cell 9 we mean all types of electrochemical accumulators capable of storing electrical energy and, in a reversible manner, of restoring the stored electrical energy.
- battery module 7 is meant a box 8 bringing together at least two electrical energy storage cells 9 electrically connected in series or in parallel.
- a circulation of heat transfer fluid is provided in at least one module 7 of battery 3 in order to thermally regulate at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy received in the battery module 7 3.
- battery 3 we mean all of the modules 7 electrically connected in series or in parallel and, incidentally, all of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 included in the modules 7.
- powertrain 2 we mean the assembly comprising the engine(s) intended to directly or indirectly drive the wheels of the automobile vehicle 4 as well as the accessories of each engine such as, for example, the alternator, cooling system, gearbox or lubrication system.
- a system 1 for thermal regulation of a battery 3 is mounted in a motor vehicle 4.
- an electrical connection element 5 is provided on the body of the automobile vehicle 4 to allow the battery 3 to be recharged.
- the thermal regulation system 1 and/or the battery 3 can be fluidly and/or electrically connected to the powertrain 2.
- all the characteristics and technical effects of the thermal regulation system 1 make it possible to guarantee optimal operation of the exchanges of electrical energy between the battery 3 and the components of the vehicle 4 automobile such as, for example, while the motor vehicle is driving or during recharging with electrical energy while the motor vehicle is parked.
- the thermal regulation system 1 can be, advantageously according to the invention, of several types.
- the heat transfer fluid contained in the housing 8 of the module 7 can be air in the gas phase or a dielectric heat transfer fluid in the liquid phase intended to thermally regulate at least part of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 included in the module 7 of battery 3.
- the modules 7 of battery 3 also allow the electrical connection of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy to the rest of the automobile vehicle 4 in order to guarantee its supply of electrical energy. These electrical connections are made by waterproof connectors.
- the battery modules 7 3 each comprise a housing 8 formed of a lower hollow base 8b (receiving the electrical energy accumulation cells 9) closed by an upper cover 8a in a sealed manner in order to offer protection to the cells 9 for accumulation of electrical energy against mechanical incidents (crash, mechanical shock, etc.) as well as protection in the event of fire (limits the progression of flames external to each battery module 7 3 so that the latter do not do not reach the electrical energy accumulation cells 9).
- the regulation system 1 comprises a control unit 11 electrically connected to a device 19 for monitoring the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the battery module 7 3 in order to selectively control the operation of the thermal regulation system 1 in function of the diagnosed deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 enclosed in the housing 8.
- the regulation system 1 can be of the immersion type of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9, that is to say that each battery module 7 3 comprises a housing 8 enclosing cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in dielectric heat transfer fluid.
- the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 of each battery module 7 3 are totally immersed in dielectric heat transfer fluid forming part of a fluid network 6.
- several battery modules 7 3 are fluidly connected to the rest of the fluid network 6 by fluid connections to a common input ramp 10 and to a common output ramp 12.
- three battery modules 7 3 are placed in parallel in the fluid network 6 in order to allow a fair and homogeneous supply of dielectric heat transfer fluid for each of the battery modules 7 3, thus guaranteeing homogeneous thermal regulation of the storage cells 9 'electric energy.
- This parallel arrangement also allows the reduction of pressure losses in the fluidic network 6.
- the fluidic connection section between the common input ramp 10 and its module 7 of associated battery 3 is of different size depending on its distance relative to its connection to the fluid network 6 in order to obtain an equivalent flow of dielectric heat transfer fluid between the modules 7 of battery 3.
- the regulation system 1 can be of the heat exchanger type 18 with the heat transfer fluid included around the electrical energy accumulation cells 9, that is to say that each battery module 7 3 comprises a housing 8 enclosing electrical energy storage cells 9 and a heat exchanger 18.
- the electrical energy storage cells 9 of each battery module 7 3 are therefore heated or cooled by the heat exchanger 18 forming part of a fluid network 6 of the thermal regulation system 1 via the heat transfer fluid present in the housing 8.
- several modules 7 of battery 3 are fluidly connected to the rest of the fluid network 6 by hydraulic connections to a common entry ramp 10 and to a common exit ramp 12.
- modules 7 of battery 3 are placed in parallel in the fluid network 6 in order to allow a fair and homogeneous supply of heat transfer fluid for each of the heat exchangers 18 of the battery modules 7 3, thus guaranteeing homogeneous thermal regulation of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 .
- This parallel arrangement also allows the reduction of pressure losses in the fluid network 6 between the inlet 10' and the outlet 12' of the heat exchanger 18 in the housing 8.
- the thermal regulation system 1 makes it possible to maintain the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 at their optimal temperature in order to guarantee optimized (maintaining the best energy efficiency) and robust (charging and discharging) operation. optimal for a longer lifespan) of the battery 3 whatever the external conditions in which the automobile vehicle 4 operates, that is to say even if it is very cold or very hot.
- the immersion example of the first embodiment is more effective for heat exchanges because the specific exchange surface is greater and the evacuation outside each battery module 7 3 by circulation of the dielectric heat transfer fluid is fast which allows great efficiency and responsiveness of regulation capable of satisfying both the charging (at the fast charging terminal) and the discharging (electrical consumption of the automobile vehicle 4 at high load) of high electrical power of the battery.
- the heat exchange is very efficient because it takes place directly by convection of the heat transfer fluid on the envelope of each electrical energy accumulation cell 9.
- regulation by immersion is also safer against the propagation of possible fire from the battery 3 in the automobile vehicle 4.
- each battery module 7 3 comprises a device 19 for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the module 7 different from the temperature in order to diagnose the deterioration of at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy locked in the housing 8.
- the battery 3 is formed of several modules 7 electrically connected in parallel or in series, which presents several advantages.
- First of all it is simpler to thermally regulate several battery modules 7 3 than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy accumulation cells 9. It is also simpler to install several battery modules 7 in the automobile vehicle 4 than a single volume comprising the same number of cells 9 for storing electrical energy.
- the diagnosis of the monitoring device 19 will make it possible to quickly verify possible faulty electrical energy accumulation cells 9 by already knowing the battery module 7 3 to be checked.
- each battery module 7 can, according to the invention, detect the deterioration of at least one of its electrical energy accumulation cells 9 in order to manage the stopping of the battery as soon as possible. thermal runaway of the battery 3.
- the obvious solution to resolve a thermal runaway problem would be to monitor the temperature of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9. However, this is not the solution followed by the invention.
- an exhaust valve 21 is generally provided. , often formed by a frangible part intended to break from a predetermined internal pressure, to allow the excess pressure to communicate outside the cell 9 for accumulating electrical energy. Once the exhaust valve 21 is open, the electrical energy storage cell 9 is therefore no longer functional.
- the invention therefore takes advantage of this observation not to monitor the temperature of each electrical energy accumulation cell 9, but to monitor at least one characteristic other than the temperature of the fluid present in the battery module 7 3 such that the electrical conductivity and, optionally in addition, the composition, the pressure or the transparency to determine whether a fluid such as a gas has escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 of the module 7 of battery 3 in order to diagnose a possible thermal runaway as early as possible.
- a temperature sensor on each electrical energy accumulation cell 9 and the single temperature measurement in the housing 8 does not make it possible to detect a thermal runaway with certainty and early enough.
- an anomaly is detected after the destruction of at least one of the electrical energy storage cells 9.
- the thermal runaway is located immediately among the modules 7 of the battery 3 and sufficiently early to prevent it from propagating to the other electrical energy accumulation cells 9 of the module 7 of battery 3 and/or to the other battery modules 7 3.
- the monitoring device 19 is compatible with a wide variety of types of thermal regulation systems 1 as explained above.
- the monitoring device 19 comprises at least one detection element 13 mounted on the housing 8 of the module 7 and intended to determine the presence of a pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 for accumulating different electrical energy of the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the battery module 7.
- the detection element 13 can be mounted both inside and outside the housing 8 depending on the location or type of the battery 3.
- several detection elements 13 identical may be present on the same module 7 in order to improve the diagnosis of the control unit 11.
- the detection element 13 comprises at least one electrical conductivity sensor in order to measure a variation in conductivity in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy.
- the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
- the electrical conductivity sensor may be an electrode sensor.
- An electrical conductivity sensor is preferred because it is more reliable in detecting its characteristic in the fluid compared to other characteristics. Thus, it is less sensitive to other fluid characteristics (e.g. color, transparency, etc.) that could interfere/modify the characteristic measurements. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor provides fewer false measurements than other types of sensor in the context of the invention.
- an electrical conductivity sensor can also detect an increase in the level of humidity in the air which can lead to a short circuit (air breakdown) which generally precedes thermal runaway.
- an electrical conductivity sensor not only diagnoses thermal runaway, but can also prevent it. No other type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, can do this.
- the detection element 13 may further comprise a concentration sensor in order to measure the concentration of pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in the fluid contained in the housing 8.
- a concentration sensor in order to measure the concentration of pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in the fluid contained in the housing 8.
- the detection element 13 may further comprise a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy.
- a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy.
- the detection element 13 may further comprise an optical sensor in order to measure a variation in light transmission in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy.
- the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
- this last type of sensor allows other additional detections.
- the monitoring device 19 will be able to detect smoke by the decrease in brightness or, on the contrary, flames by the increase in brightness.
- the monitoring device 19 will be able to detect gas bubbles escaping from cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy by the variation in brightness.
- the monitoring device 19 may comprise at least one guide element 17 mounted on the housing 8 and intended to deflect the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 towards the detection element 13 in order to make detection more reliable and limit the number of detection elements 13. It is understood that the guide element 17 can form a part of the upper cover 8a of the housing 8 to impose a passage of the pollution fluid in front of each detection element 13. The guide element 17 can thus form a collector forcing all the pollution fluids to pass in front of each detection element 13.
- the guide element 17 can thus include a deflector 16 above a part of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 in order to force any pollution fluid generated by one of the cells 9 from accumulation of electrical energy to pass into the detection zone 14 of the detection element 13 before escaping towards the outlet 15.
- the guide element 17 can also only force any pollution fluid generated by one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 to escape towards the outlet 15 in order to pass into a zone 14 for detection of the detection element 13 positioned outside the housing 8 of the module 7, preferably near the outlet 15.
- a temperature detection element T02 can be used for, for example, thermally weighting a sensor such as a pressure sensor and/or an electrical conductivity sensor.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
L’invention concerne le domaine des batteries et, plus précisément, de modules de batterie pour un véhicule automobile.The invention relates to the field of batteries and, more precisely, to battery modules for a motor vehicle.
Les véhicules automobiles ont de plus en plus besoin de capacité de stockage en énergie électrique notamment à cause des normes antipollution imposées par les législations locales. Si l’utilisation d’une batterie permet effectivement de substituer par un moteur électrique tout ou partie un moteur thermique et la pollution afférente à sa combustion, elle ne permet pas de le remplacer selon les mêmes conditions d’utilisation.Motor vehicles increasingly need electrical energy storage capacity, particularly because of the anti-pollution standards imposed by local legislation. If the use of a battery effectively makes it possible to replace all or part of a thermal engine and the pollution associated with its combustion with an electric motor, it does not allow it to be replaced under the same conditions of use.
Un inconvénient majeur réside dans le risque d’emballement thermique des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique notamment pour les batteries du type lithium-ion. Concrètement, si la température augmente trop, une réaction en chaîne à l’intérieur de la cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique finit par vaporiser l’électrolyte ce qui conduit à une surpression interne de la cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Dans les cas les plus sévères, plusieurs voire toutes les cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique sont soumises à un emballement thermique ce qui peut entraîner un incendie de la batterie et, incidemment, des organes entourant la batterie, c'est-à-dire notamment tout ou partie du véhicule automobile dans lequel est montée la batterie.A major drawback lies in the risk of thermal runaway of electrical energy storage cells, particularly for lithium-ion batteries. Concretely, if the temperature increases too much, a chain reaction inside the electrical energy accumulation cell ends up vaporizing the electrolyte which leads to internal overpressure of the electrical energy accumulation cell. In the most severe cases, several or even all of the electrical energy storage cells are subject to thermal runaway which can lead to a fire in the battery and, incidentally, in the organs surrounding the battery, i.e. say in particular all or part of the motor vehicle in which the battery is mounted.
Cet inconvénient a déjà été soulevé dans les documents WO 2021/001108, EP 3 910 349, DE 10 2020 109269, FR 3 112 028, US 2012/003515, EP 3 166 175 et l’article « A survey of methods for monitoring and detecting thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries », journal of power sources, édition Elsevier, vol. 436, 20 juillet 2019, ISSN : 0378-7753.This drawback has already been raised in documents WO 2021/001108, EP 3 910 349, DE 10 2020 109269, FR 3 112 028, US 2012/003515, EP 3 166 175 and the article “A survey of methods for monitoring and detecting thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries”, journal of power sources, Elsevier edition, vol. 436, July 20, 2019, ISSN: 0378-7753.
De manière aggravante, plus le courant consommé de la batterie est élevé, plus la puissance déchargée par la batterie est importante (l’effet Joule augmentant selon le carré du courant de décharge) et plus l’utilisateur est incité à utiliser une borne de charge rapide (l’effet Joule augmentant selon le carré du courant de charge) ce qui rend encore plus fréquent le risque d’emballement thermique.Aggravatingly, the higher the current consumed from the battery, the greater the power discharged by the battery (the Joule effect increasing according to the square of the discharge current) and the more the user is encouraged to use a charging terminal fast (the Joule effect increasing according to the square of the charging current) which makes the risk of thermal runaway even more frequent.
Il ressort donc que la régulation thermique de la batterie devient donc un enjeu majeur pour les véhicules automobiles destinés à respecter les normes de pollution toujours plus drastiques.It therefore appears that the thermal regulation of the battery is therefore becoming a major issue for motor vehicles intended to comply with ever more drastic pollution standards.
L'invention a notamment pour but de proposer un module de batterie capable de détecter au plus tôt le risque d’emballement thermique des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique contenues dans le module de batterie.The invention aims in particular to propose a battery module capable of detecting as early as possible the risk of thermal runaway of the electrical energy storage cells contained in the battery module.
À cet effet, l’invention a pour objet un module de batterie pour véhicule automobile comportant un boîtier enfermant des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique, caractérisé en ce que le module de batterie comporte un dispositif de surveillance d’une caractéristique d’un fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module afin de diagnostiquer une détérioration d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique enfermées dans le boîtier du module), en ce que le dispositif de surveillance comporte au moins un élément de détection monté sur le boîtier du module et destiné à déterminer la présence d’un fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique différent du fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module et en ce que l’élément de détection comporte un capteur de conductivité électrique afin de mesurer une variation de conductivité électrique dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique.To this end, the subject of the invention is a battery module for a motor vehicle comprising a housing enclosing electrical energy storage cells, characterized in that the battery module comprises a device for monitoring a characteristic of a fluid contained in the housing of the module in order to diagnose a deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells enclosed in the housing of the module), in that the monitoring device comprises at least one detection element mounted on the housing of the module and intended to determine the presence of a pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells different from the fluid contained in the housing of the module and in that the detection element comprises an electrical conductivity sensor in order to measure a variation in electrical conductivity in the fluid contained in the housing of the module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells.
Selon l'invention, il est prévu que la batterie soit formée de plusieurs modules connectés électriquement en parallèle ou en série ce qui présente plusieurs avantages. Il est tout d’abord plus simple de réguler thermiquement plusieurs modules de batterie qu’un unique volume comportant le même nombre de cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Il est également plus simple d’implanter dans le véhicule automobile plusieurs modules de batterie qu’un unique volume comportant le même nombre de cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Enfin, il est plus simple de pouvoir changer un module comportant des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes plutôt que de changer la batterie entière pour seulement une faible partie de cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes. On comprend ainsi que le diagnostic du dispositif de surveillance permettra de rapidement faire vérifier d’éventuelles cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes en connaissant déjà le module de batterie à vérifier.According to the invention, it is planned that the battery is formed of several modules electrically connected in parallel or in series, which has several advantages. First of all, it is simpler to thermally regulate several battery modules than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy storage cells. It is also simpler to install several battery modules in the motor vehicle than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy storage cells. Finally, it is simpler to be able to change a module containing faulty electrical energy storage cells rather than changing the entire battery for only a small portion of faulty electrical energy storage cells. We thus understand that the diagnosis of the monitoring device will make it possible to quickly check any faulty electrical energy accumulation cells by already knowing the battery module to be checked.
En outre, de manière avantageuse, chaque module peut, selon l'invention, détecter la détérioration d’au moins une de ses cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique afin de gérer au plus tôt l’arrêt de l’emballement thermique de la batterie. La solution évidente pour résoudre un problème d’emballement thermique serait de surveiller la température des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Toutefois, ce n’est pas la solution suivie par l’invention car, de manière effective, l’augmentation de température a lieu très peu de temps avant l’incendie.Furthermore, advantageously, each module can, according to the invention, detect the deterioration of at least one of its electrical energy accumulation cells in order to manage the stopping of the thermal runaway of the battery. The obvious solution to resolve a thermal runaway problem would be to monitor the temperature of the electrical energy storage cells. However, this is not the solution followed by the invention because, effectively, the increase in temperature takes place very shortly before the fire.
Ainsi, il a été constaté que pour éviter les déformations de chaque cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique et donc la détérioration des organes entourant la cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique, il est généralement prévu une soupape d’échappement, formée souvent par une partie frangible destinée à se briser à partir d’une pression interne prédéterminée, pour laisser communiquer la surpression à l’extérieur de la cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Une fois la soupape d’échappement ouverte, la cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique n’est donc plus fonctionnelle.Thus, it was found that to avoid deformation of each electrical energy accumulation cell and therefore the deterioration of the organs surrounding the electrical energy accumulation cell, an exhaust valve is generally provided, often formed by a frangible part intended to break from a predetermined internal pressure, to allow the excess pressure to communicate outside the electrical energy accumulation cell. Once the exhaust valve is open, the electrical energy storage cell is no longer functional.
L’invention tire donc partie de cette observation pour, non pas suivre la température de chaque cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique, mais surveiller au moins une autre caractéristique que la température du fluide présent dans le module de batterie telle que la conductivité électrique et, éventuellement en outre, la composition, la pression ou la transparence pour déterminer si un fluide de pollution tel qu’un gaz s’est échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique du module afin de diagnostiquer au plus tôt un possible emballement thermique.The invention therefore takes advantage of this observation to not monitor the temperature of each electrical energy storage cell, but to monitor at least one characteristic other than the temperature of the fluid present in the battery module, such as electrical conductivity. and, optionally further, the composition, pressure or transparency to determine whether a pollution fluid such as a gas has escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells of the module in order to diagnose at possible thermal runaway sooner.
En effet, il est coûteux et complexe de monter un capteur de température sur chaque cellule d’accumulation d’énergie électrique et la prise de température unique dans le boîtier ne permet pas de détecter à coup sûr et suffisamment tôt un emballement thermique d’une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. De manière différente selon l'invention, il est détecté une anomalie après la destruction d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Ainsi, l’emballement thermique est localisé immédiatement parmi les modules de la batterie et suffisamment tôt (notamment plus tôt que par une surveillance de température) pour éviter qu’il ne se propage aux autres cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique du module de batterie et/ou aux autres modules de batterie. Enfin, avantageusement selon l'invention, le dispositif de surveillance est compatible à une grande variété de types de systèmes de régulation thermique.Indeed, it is expensive and complex to mount a temperature sensor on each electrical energy storage cell and the single temperature measurement in the housing does not make it possible to detect with certainty and early enough a thermal runaway of a electrical energy storage cells. In a different manner according to the invention, an anomaly is detected after the destruction of at least one of the electrical energy storage cells. Thus, the thermal runaway is located immediately among the battery modules and sufficiently early (in particular earlier than by temperature monitoring) to prevent it from propagating to the other electrical energy storage cells of the battery module. battery and/or other battery modules. Finally, advantageously according to the invention, the monitoring device is compatible with a wide variety of types of thermal regulation systems.
Avantageusement selon l'invention, l’élément de détection peut aussi bien être monté à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur du boîtier de chaque module suivant l’implantation ou le type de la batterie. Bien entendu, plusieurs éléments de détection identiques (même caractéristique détectée du fluide présent dans le module de batterie) et/ou différents (plusieurs caractéristiques différentes détectées du fluide présent dans le module de batterie) peuvent être présents sur un même module afin d’améliorer le diagnostic.Advantageously according to the invention, the detection element can be mounted both inside and outside the housing of each module depending on the location or type of the battery. Of course, several identical detection elements (same detected characteristic of the fluid present in the battery module) and/or different (several different detected characteristics of the fluid present in the battery module) may be present on the same module in order to improve the diagnosis.
Un capteur de conductivité électrique est préféré car il est plus fiable pour détecter sa caractéristique dans le fluide par rapport à d’autres caractéristiques. Ainsi, il est moins sensible aux autres caractéristiques du fluide (par exemple la couleur, la transparence, etc.) qui pourraient interférer/modifier les mesures de la caractéristique. En d’autres termes, un capteur de conductivité électrique fournit moins de fausses mesures que d’autres types de capteur dans le contexte de l’invention.An electrical conductivity sensor is preferred because it is more reliable in detecting its characteristic in the fluid compared to other characteristics. Thus, it is less sensitive to other fluid characteristics (e.g. color, transparency, etc.) that could interfere/modify the characteristic measurements. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor provides fewer false measurements than other types of sensor in the context of the invention.
Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de la conductivité (ou inversement la résistivité) du fluide dans le module est en dehors de seuils prédéterminés (tel que la conductivité moyenne des autres modules de batterie, un écart par rapport à une conductivité normale à une température donnée ou un écart par rapport à une conductivité prédéterminée), le dispositif de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique.Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in the conductivity (or conversely the resistivity) of the fluid in the module is outside predetermined thresholds (such as the average conductivity of the other battery modules, a deviation from a conductivity normal at a given temperature or a deviation from a predetermined conductivity), the monitoring device will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
Avantageusement selon l'invention, dans le cas particulier où le fluide est de l’air, un capteur de conductivité électrique peut également détecter une augmentation du niveau d’humidité dans l’air pouvant mener à un court-circuit (claquage de l’air) qui précède généralement un emballement thermique. En d’autres termes, un capteur de conductivité électrique non seulement diagnostique l’emballement thermique, mais peut aussi l’empêcher. Aucun autre type de capteur tel qu’un capteur de température ou un capteur de pression, ne peut le faire.Advantageously according to the invention, in the particular case where the fluid is air, an electrical conductivity sensor can also detect an increase in the level of humidity in the air which could lead to a short circuit (breakdown of the air) which generally precedes thermal runaway. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor not only diagnoses thermal runaway, but can also prevent it. No other type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, can do this.
L’invention peut également comporter l’une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques optionnelles suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison.The invention may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.
L’élément de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur de concentration afin de mesurer la concentration en fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module. On comprend donc que dès qu’une infime proportion de fluide de pollution est présente, le dispositif de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique.The detection element may further comprise a concentration sensor in order to measure the concentration of pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells in the fluid contained in the module housing. We therefore understand that as soon as a tiny proportion of pollution fluid is present, the monitoring device will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
L’élément de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur de pression afin de mesurer une variation de pression dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier de chaque module générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de la pression du fluide dans le module est au-dessus d’un seuil prédéterminé (tel que la pression moyenne des autres modules de batterie, un écart par rapport à une pression normale à une température donnée ou un écart par rapport à une pression prédéterminée), le dispositif de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique.The detection element may further comprise a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric. Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in the pressure of the fluid in the module is above a predetermined threshold (such as the average pressure of the other battery modules, a deviation from a normal pressure at a given temperature or a deviation from a predetermined pressure), the monitoring device will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
L’élément de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur optique afin de mesurer une variation de transmission lumineuse dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier de chaque module générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de luminosité du fluide dans le module est en dehors de seuils prédéterminés (tel que la luminosité moyenne des autres modules de batterie ou un écart par rapport à une luminosité prédéterminée), le dispositif de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique. On remarque que ce dernier type de capteur autorise d’autres détections supplémentaires. Ainsi, si un début d’incendie est présent dans le module, le dispositif de surveillance pourra détecter des fumées par la baisse de luminosité ou, au contraire, des flammes par l’augmentation de luminosité. En outre, en cas de fluide liquide dans le module, le dispositif de surveillance pourra détecter des bulles du gaz échappées de cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique par la variation de luminosité.The detection element may further comprise an optical sensor in order to measure a variation in light transmission in the fluid contained in the housing of each module generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the energy accumulation cells electric. Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in brightness of the fluid in the module is outside predetermined thresholds (such as the average brightness of the other battery modules or a deviation from a predetermined brightness), the monitoring device will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway. We note that this last type of sensor allows other additional detections. Thus, if a fire begins in the module, the monitoring device will be able to detect smoke by the decrease in brightness or, on the contrary, flames by the increase in brightness. In addition, in the case of liquid fluid in the module, the monitoring device will be able to detect gas bubbles escaping from electrical energy accumulation cells by the variation in brightness.
Le dispositif de surveillance peut comporter au moins un élément de guidage monté sur le boîtier du module et destiné à dévier le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique vers l’élément de détection afin de rendre plus fiable la détection et limiter le nombre d’élément de détection. On comprend que l’élément de guidage peut former une partie du couvercle supérieur du boîtier de chaque module pour imposer un passage du fluide de pollution devant chaque élément de détection. L’élément de guidage peut ainsi former un collecteur obligeant tous les fluides de pollution à passer devant chaque élément de détection.The monitoring device may comprise at least one guide element mounted on the housing of the module and intended to deflect the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells towards the detection element in order to make more reliable detection and limit the number of detection elements. It is understood that the guide element can form a part of the upper cover of the housing of each module to impose a passage of the pollution fluid in front of each detection element. The guide element can thus form a collector forcing all the pollution fluids to pass in front of each detection element.
Le fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module peut être de l’air sous phase gazeuse ou un fluide caloporteur diélectrique en phase liquide destiné à réguler thermiquement au moins une partie des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique comprises dans le module de batterie.The fluid contained in the module housing may be air in the gas phase or a dielectric heat transfer fluid in the liquid phase intended to thermally regulate at least part of the electrical energy storage cells included in the battery module.
L’invention a également pour objet un système de régulation thermique d’un module de batterie pour véhicule automobile tel que présenté plus haut, caractérisé en ce que le système de régulation comporte une unité de contrôle reliée électriquement au dispositif de surveillance du fluide contenu dans le boîtier du module afin de sélectivement piloter le fonctionnement du système de régulation thermique en fonction de la détérioration diagnostiquée d’au moins une des cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique enfermées dans le boîtier du module.The invention also relates to a thermal regulation system of a battery module for a motor vehicle as presented above, characterized in that the regulation system comprises a control unit electrically connected to the device for monitoring the fluid contained in the module housing in order to selectively control the operation of the thermal regulation system as a function of the diagnosed deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells enclosed in the module housing.
Enfin, l’invention a pour objet un véhicule automobile caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend un système de régulation thermique tel que présenté plus haut.Finally, the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle characterized in that it comprises a thermal regulation system as presented above.
D’autres particularités et avantages de l’invention ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Dans tout ce qui suit, les orientations sont les orientations des figures. En particulier, les termes « supérieur », « inférieur », « gauche », « droit », « au-dessus », « en-dessous », « vers l’avant » et « vers l’arrière » s’entendent généralement par rapport au sens de représentation des figures. In everything that follows, the orientations are the orientations of the figures. In particular, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "above", "below", "forward" and "backward" are generally understood to be in relation to the meaning of representation of the figures.
L'invention s'applique à tout type de système 1 de régulation thermique de batterie 3, notamment ceux destinés à équiper un véhicule 4 automobile de type tourisme, SUV (« Sport Utility Vehicles »), deux roues (notamment motos), avions, véhicules industriels choisis parmi camionnettes, « Poids - lourds » - c'est-à-dire métro, bus, engins de transport routier (camions, tracteurs, remorques), véhicules hors-la-route tels qu'engins agricoles ou de génie civil -, ou autres véhicules de transport ou de manutention.The invention applies to any type of battery thermal regulation system 1 3, in particular those intended to equip a motor vehicle 4 of the tourism type, SUV ("Sport Utility Vehicles"), two wheels (in particular motorcycles), airplanes, industrial vehicles chosen from vans, "heavy goods vehicles" - i.e. metro, bus, road transport vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers), off-road vehicles such as agricultural or civil engineering vehicles -, or other transport or handling vehicles.
Le véhicule 4 automobile peut être du type électrique, c'est-à-dire à au moins un moteur électrique alimenté par au moins une batterie, du type hybride, c'est-à-dire à au moins un moteur à explosion alimenté par au moins un carburant (essence, gaz de pétrole liquéfié, diesel, gaz naturel pour véhicule, bio-carburant comme par exemple de l’éthanol obtenu à base de matière végétale, etc.) et assisté par au moins un moteur électrique alimenté par au moins une batterie et/ou le réseau de bord du véhicule 4 automobile, du type pile à combustible, c'est-à-dire à au moins un moteur électrique alimenté par au moins une batterie et/ou par une pile à combustible alimentée par du dihydrogène (tel que celui provenant d’un réservoir sous pression) et du dioxygène (tel que celui provenant de l’air ambiant), ou encore du type hybride rechargeable, c'est-à-dire à au moins un moteur à explosion alimenté par au moins un carburant (essence, gaz de pétrole liquéfié, diesel, gaz naturel pour véhicule, bio-carburant comme par exemple de l’éthanol obtenu à base de matière végétale, etc.) et au moins un moteur électrique alimenté par le réseau de bord du véhicule 4 automobile et/ou au moins une batterie rechargeable par connexion avec un réseau électrique externe au véhicule 4 automobile. Bien entendu, l’invention ne se limite aux exemples ci-dessus de véhicules 4 automobiles mais s’applique à tout type de véhicule 4 automobile comportant au moins une batterie sans sortir du cadre de l’invention.The automobile vehicle 4 can be of the electric type, that is to say with at least one electric motor powered by at least one battery, of the hybrid type, that is to say with at least one internal combustion engine powered by at least one fuel (petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, natural gas for vehicles, bio-fuel such as ethanol obtained from plant material, etc.) and assisted by at least one electric motor powered by at least one at least one battery and/or the on-board network of the automobile vehicle 4, of the fuel cell type, that is to say at least one electric motor powered by at least one battery and/or by a fuel cell powered by dihydrogen (such as that coming from a pressure tank) and dioxygen (such as that coming from ambient air), or even of the rechargeable hybrid type, that is to say with at least one internal combustion engine powered by at least one fuel (petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel, natural gas for vehicles, biofuel such as ethanol obtained from plant material, etc.) and at least one electric motor powered by the on-board network of the automobile vehicle 4 and/or at least one rechargeable battery by connection with an electrical network external to the automobile vehicle 4. Of course, the invention is not limited to the above examples of automobile vehicles but applies to any type of automobile vehicle comprising at least one battery without departing from the scope of the invention.
Par « système 1 de régulation thermique », on entend tous les types de systèmes 1 permettant de gérer le flux, la température et la pression d’un fluide caloporteur destiné, par déplacement dudit fluide caloporteur autour d’une partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique d’une batterie 3 (échange par immersion dans un fluide caloporteur diélectrique, échange par air pulsé, échange par air - échangeur), à échanger thermiquement avec tout ou partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique afin de contrôler sa température, c'est-à-dire typiquement réchauffer et/ou refroidir, suivant un pilotage prédéterminé, tout ou partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique présentes dans au moins un module 7 de batterie 3.By “thermal regulation system 1”, we mean all types of systems 1 making it possible to manage the flow, the temperature and the pressure of a heat transfer fluid intended, by movement of said heat transfer fluid around a part of the cells 9 of accumulation of electrical energy of a battery 3 (exchange by immersion in a dielectric heat transfer fluid, exchange by pulsed air, exchange by air - exchanger), to be thermally exchanged with all or part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in order to to control its temperature, that is to say typically heating and/or cooling, following predetermined control, all or part of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 present in at least one battery module 7 3.
Par « fluide caloporteur », on entend un fluide du système 1 de régulation thermique permettant d’échanger par contact le froid et/ou la chaleur d’au moins une partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique d’une batterie 3. Typiquement, le fluide caloporteur peut circuler autour de tout ou partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique par remplissage au moins partiel d’un module 7 de batterie 3.By “heat transfer fluid” is meant a fluid of the thermal regulation system 1 making it possible to exchange by contact the cold and/or the heat of at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy of a battery 3 Typically, the heat transfer fluid can circulate around all or part of the electrical energy storage cells 9 by at least partial filling of a battery module 7 3.
Par « fluide caloporteur diélectrique », on entend un fluide destiné à rester sous forme liquide dans le module 7 de batterie 3 du système 1 de régulation thermique afin d’échanger par contact le froid et/ou la chaleur d’au moins une partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique d’une batterie 3. Typiquement, le fluide caloporteur diélectrique est monophasique, c'est-à-dire qu’il ne changera pas de phase (restera liquide) dans la plage de températures considérée en fonctionnement normal comme, par exemple, entre -40°C et 60°C. Selon l’invention, le fluide caloporteur est diélectrique, c'est-à-dire présente préférentiellement une résistivité électrique ρ au moins égale à 1∙109 ohms mètres (1 GΩ∙m) à une température de 300 kelvins (300 K) ou, inversement, une conductivité électrique σ au plus égale à 1∙10 - 9 siemens par mètre (1 nS∙m - 1) à une température de 300 kelvins (300 K), afin de ne pas perturber les connexions électriques entre notamment les cellules 9 présentes dans un même module 7 de batterie 3. Ce type de fluide caloporteur diélectrique peut être semblable à ceux utilisés pour les transformateurs électriques. Il ne sera donc pas davantage décrit dans la présente description car connu en soi. À titre d'exemple nullement limitatif, le fluide caloporteur diélectrique peut par exemple être un produit du type Novec® 7500 vendu par la société 3M®, du type F18 ou F20 vendus par la société Total® ou du type DF7 ou DFK vendus par la société MiVolt®.By “dielectric heat transfer fluid” is meant a fluid intended to remain in liquid form in the battery module 7 of the thermal regulation system 1 in order to exchange by contact the cold and/or the heat of at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy of a battery 3. Typically, the dielectric heat transfer fluid is monophasic, that is to say it will not change phase (will remain liquid) in the temperature range considered in normal operation such as, for example, between -40°C and 60°C. According to the invention, the heat transfer fluid is dielectric, that is to say it preferably has an electrical resistivity ρ at least equal to 1∙10 9 ohm meters (1 GΩ∙m) at a temperature of 300 kelvins (300 K) or, conversely, an electrical conductivity σ at most equal to 1∙10 - 9 siemens per meter (1 nS∙m - 1 ) at a temperature of 300 kelvins (300 K), so as not to disrupt the electrical connections between in particular the cells 9 present in the same module 7 of battery 3. This type of dielectric heat transfer fluid can be similar to those used for electrical transformers. It will therefore not be further described in this description because it is known in itself. By way of non-limiting example, the dielectric heat transfer fluid can for example be a product of the Novec® 7500 type sold by the company 3M®, of the F18 or F20 type sold by the Total® company or of the DF7 or DFK type sold by the MiVolt® company.
Par « caractéristique d’un fluide », on entend une caractéristique physico-chimique du fluide et non la masse ou le volume du fluide.By “characteristic of a fluid”, we mean a physicochemical characteristic of the fluid and not the mass or volume of the fluid.
Par « cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique », on entend tous les types d’accumulateurs électrochimiques capables de stocker de l’énergie électrique et, de manière réversible, de restituer l’énergie électrique stockée.By “electrical energy accumulation cell 9”, we mean all types of electrochemical accumulators capable of storing electrical energy and, in a reversible manner, of restoring the stored electrical energy.
Par « module 7 de batterie 3 », on entend un boîtier 8 regroupant au moins deux cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique connectées électriquement en série ou en parallèle. Dans le cadre de l’invention, il est prévu une circulation de fluide caloporteur dans au moins un module 7 de batterie 3 afin de réguler thermiquement au moins une partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique reçue dans le module 7 de batterie 3.By “battery module 7” is meant a box 8 bringing together at least two electrical energy storage cells 9 electrically connected in series or in parallel. In the context of the invention, a circulation of heat transfer fluid is provided in at least one module 7 of battery 3 in order to thermally regulate at least part of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy received in the battery module 7 3.
Par « batterie 3 », on entend l’ensemble des modules 7 connectés électriquement en série ou en parallèle et, incidemment, l’ensemble des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique comprises dans les modules 7.By “battery 3”, we mean all of the modules 7 electrically connected in series or in parallel and, incidentally, all of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 included in the modules 7.
Par « groupe motopropulseur 2 », on entend l’ensemble comportant le (ou les) moteur(s) destiné(s) à entraîner directement ou indirectement des roues du véhicule 4 automobile ainsi que les accessoires de chaque moteur tels que, par exemple, l’alternateur, le système de refroidissement, la boîte de vitesses ou le système de lubrification.By “powertrain 2”, we mean the assembly comprising the engine(s) intended to directly or indirectly drive the wheels of the automobile vehicle 4 as well as the accessories of each engine such as, for example, the alternator, cooling system, gearbox or lubrication system.
Dans l’exemple illustré à la
Le système 1 de régulation thermique peut être, avantageusement selon l'invention, de plusieurs types. Le fluide caloporteur contenu dans le boîtier 8 du module 7 peut être de l’air sous phase gazeuse ou un fluide caloporteur diélectrique en phase liquide destiné à réguler thermiquement au moins une partie des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique comprises dans le module 7 de batterie 3. Les modules 7 de batterie 3 permettent également la connexion électrique des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique au reste du véhicule 4 automobile afin de garantir son approvisionnement en énergie électrique. Ces connexions électriques sont faites par des connecteurs étanches. Les modules 7 de batterie 3 comportent chacun un boîtier 8 formé d’une base 8b en creux inférieure (recevant les cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique) fermée par un couvercle 8a supérieur de manière étanche afin d’offrir une protection des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique contre les incidents mécaniques (crash, chocs mécaniques, etc.) ainsi qu’une protection en cas d’incendie (limite la progression des flammes extérieures à chaque module 7 de batterie 3 pour que ces dernières n’atteignent pas les cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique).The thermal regulation system 1 can be, advantageously according to the invention, of several types. The heat transfer fluid contained in the housing 8 of the module 7 can be air in the gas phase or a dielectric heat transfer fluid in the liquid phase intended to thermally regulate at least part of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 included in the module 7 of battery 3. The modules 7 of battery 3 also allow the electrical connection of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy to the rest of the automobile vehicle 4 in order to guarantee its supply of electrical energy. These electrical connections are made by waterproof connectors. The battery modules 7 3 each comprise a housing 8 formed of a lower hollow base 8b (receiving the electrical energy accumulation cells 9) closed by an upper cover 8a in a sealed manner in order to offer protection to the cells 9 for accumulation of electrical energy against mechanical incidents (crash, mechanical shock, etc.) as well as protection in the event of fire (limits the progression of flames external to each battery module 7 3 so that the latter do not do not reach the electrical energy accumulation cells 9).
Selon l'invention, le système 1 de régulation comporte une unité 11 de contrôle reliée électriquement à un dispositif 19 de surveillance du fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 du module 7 de batterie 3 afin de sélectivement piloter le fonctionnement du système 1 de régulation thermique en fonction de la détérioration diagnostiquée d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique enfermées dans le boîtier 8. According to the invention, the regulation system 1 comprises a control unit 11 electrically connected to a device 19 for monitoring the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the battery module 7 3 in order to selectively control the operation of the thermal regulation system 1 in function of the diagnosed deterioration of at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 enclosed in the housing 8.
Dans l’exemple illustré à la
Dans l’exemple illustré à la
On comprend donc que le système 1 de régulation thermique selon l'invention permet de maintenir les cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique à leur température optimale afin de garantir un fonctionnement optimisé (maintien au meilleur rendement énergétique) et robuste (charge et décharge optimales pour une durée de vie plus longue) de la batterie 3 quelles que soient les conditions extérieures dans lesquelles évolue le véhicule 4 automobile, c'est-à-dire même s’il fait très froid ou très chaud.We therefore understand that the thermal regulation system 1 according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 at their optimal temperature in order to guarantee optimized (maintaining the best energy efficiency) and robust (charging and discharging) operation. optimal for a longer lifespan) of the battery 3 whatever the external conditions in which the automobile vehicle 4 operates, that is to say even if it is very cold or very hot.
Il est également envisageable dans une solution plus simple qu’aucun échangeur thermique 18 ne soit utilisé et que le fluide caloporteur, qui peut être de l’air à pression ambiante, soit aspiré dans le boîtier 8 puis refoulé en dehors du boîtier 8 par un ventilateur (troisième mode de réalisation non représenté). On comprend que dans ce dernier cas, le potentiel de réchauffement et de refroidissement du système 1 de régulation thermique est beaucoup plus limité que les deux premiers cas.It is also possible in a simpler solution that no heat exchanger 18 is used and that the heat transfer fluid, which can be air at ambient pressure, is sucked into the housing 8 then pumped out of the housing 8 by a fan (third embodiment not shown). We understand that in the latter case, the heating and cooling potential of the thermal regulation system 1 is much more limited than the first two cases.
Typiquement, l’exemple par l’immersion du premier mode de réalisation est plus efficace pour les échanges thermiques car la surface spécifique d’échange est plus grande et l’évacuation en dehors de chaque module 7 de batterie 3 par circulation du fluide caloporteur diélectrique est rapide ce qui permet des grandes efficacité et réactivité de régulation propres à satisfaire aussi bien la charge (en borne de charge rapide) que la décharge (consommation électrique du véhicule 4 automobile à forte charge) de grande puissance électrique de la batterie. En outre, l’échange thermique est très efficace car il se fait directement par convection du fluide caloporteur sur l’enveloppe de chaque cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. De manière connexe, la régulation par immersion est également plus sûre contre la propagation du feu éventuel de la batterie 3 dans le véhicule 4 automobile.Typically, the immersion example of the first embodiment is more effective for heat exchanges because the specific exchange surface is greater and the evacuation outside each battery module 7 3 by circulation of the dielectric heat transfer fluid is fast which allows great efficiency and responsiveness of regulation capable of satisfying both the charging (at the fast charging terminal) and the discharging (electrical consumption of the automobile vehicle 4 at high load) of high electrical power of the battery. In addition, the heat exchange is very efficient because it takes place directly by convection of the heat transfer fluid on the envelope of each electrical energy accumulation cell 9. Relatedly, regulation by immersion is also safer against the propagation of possible fire from the battery 3 in the automobile vehicle 4.
Avantageusement selon l'invention, chaque module 7 de batterie 3 comporte un dispositif 19 de surveillance d’une caractéristique du fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 du module 7 différente de la température afin de diagnostiquer la détérioration d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique enfermées dans le boîtier 8.Advantageously according to the invention, each battery module 7 3 comprises a device 19 for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the module 7 different from the temperature in order to diagnose the deterioration of at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy locked in the housing 8.
Selon l'invention, il est prévu que la batterie 3 soit formée de plusieurs modules 7 connectés électriquement en parallèle ou en série ce qui présente plusieurs avantages. Il est tout d’abord plus simple de réguler thermiquement plusieurs modules 7 de batterie 3 qu’un unique volume comportant le même nombre de cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Il est également plus simple d’implanter dans le véhicule 4 automobile plusieurs modules 7 de batterie 3 qu’un unique volume comportant le même nombre de cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Enfin, il est plus simple de pouvoir changer un module 7 de batterie 3 comportant des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes plutôt que de changer la batterie 3 entière pour seulement une faible partie de cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes. On comprend ainsi que le diagnostic du dispositif 19 de surveillance permettra de rapidement faire vérifier d’éventuelles cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique défaillantes en connaissant déjà le module 7 de batterie 3 à vérifier.According to the invention, it is planned that the battery 3 is formed of several modules 7 electrically connected in parallel or in series, which presents several advantages. First of all, it is simpler to thermally regulate several battery modules 7 3 than a single volume comprising the same number of electrical energy accumulation cells 9. It is also simpler to install several battery modules 7 in the automobile vehicle 4 than a single volume comprising the same number of cells 9 for storing electrical energy. Finally, it is simpler to be able to change a battery module 7 3 comprising faulty electrical energy accumulation cells 9 rather than changing the entire battery 3 for only a small portion of electrical energy accumulation cells 9 failing. We thus understand that the diagnosis of the monitoring device 19 will make it possible to quickly verify possible faulty electrical energy accumulation cells 9 by already knowing the battery module 7 3 to be checked.
En outre, de manière avantageuse, chaque module 7 de batterie 3 peut, selon l'invention, détecter la détérioration d’au moins une de ses cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique afin de gérer au plus tôt l’arrêt de l’emballement thermique de la batterie 3. La solution évidente pour résoudre un problème d’emballement thermique serait de surveiller la température des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Toutefois, ce n’est pas la solution suivie par l’invention.Furthermore, advantageously, each battery module 7 can, according to the invention, detect the deterioration of at least one of its electrical energy accumulation cells 9 in order to manage the stopping of the battery as soon as possible. thermal runaway of the battery 3. The obvious solution to resolve a thermal runaway problem would be to monitor the temperature of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9. However, this is not the solution followed by the invention.
Ainsi, il a été constaté que pour éviter les déformations de chaque cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique et donc la détérioration des organes entourant chaque cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique, il est généralement prévu une soupape d’échappement 21, formée souvent par une partie frangible destinée à se briser à partir d’une pression interne prédéterminée, pour laisser communiquer la surpression à l’extérieur de la cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Une fois la soupape d’échappement 21 ouverte, la cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique n’est donc plus fonctionnelle.Thus, it was found that to avoid deformation of each electrical energy accumulation cell 9 and therefore the deterioration of the organs surrounding each electrical energy accumulation cell 9, an exhaust valve 21 is generally provided. , often formed by a frangible part intended to break from a predetermined internal pressure, to allow the excess pressure to communicate outside the cell 9 for accumulating electrical energy. Once the exhaust valve 21 is open, the electrical energy storage cell 9 is therefore no longer functional.
L’invention tire donc partie de cette observation pour, non pas suivre la température de chaque cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique, mais surveiller au moins une autre caractéristique que la température du fluide présent dans le module 7 de batterie 3 telle que la conductivité électrique et, éventuellement en outre, la composition, la pression ou la transparence pour déterminer si un fluide tel qu’un gaz s’est échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique du module 7 de batterie 3 afin de diagnostiquer au plus tôt un possible emballement thermique. En effet, il est coûteux et complexe de monter un capteur de température sur chaque cellule 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique et la prise de température unique dans le boîtier 8 ne permet pas de détecter à coup sûr et suffisamment tôt un emballement thermique d’une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. De manière différente selon l'invention, il est détecté une anomalie après la destruction d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Ainsi, l’emballement thermique est localisé immédiatement parmi les modules 7 de la batterie 3 et suffisamment tôt pour éviter qu’il ne se propage aux autres cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique du module 7 de batterie 3 et/ou aux autres modules 7 de batterie 3. Enfin, avantageusement selon l'invention, le dispositif 19 de surveillance est compatible à une grande variété de types de systèmes 1 de régulation thermique comme expliqué ci-dessus.The invention therefore takes advantage of this observation not to monitor the temperature of each electrical energy accumulation cell 9, but to monitor at least one characteristic other than the temperature of the fluid present in the battery module 7 3 such that the electrical conductivity and, optionally in addition, the composition, the pressure or the transparency to determine whether a fluid such as a gas has escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 of the module 7 of battery 3 in order to diagnose a possible thermal runaway as early as possible. Indeed, it is expensive and complex to mount a temperature sensor on each electrical energy accumulation cell 9 and the single temperature measurement in the housing 8 does not make it possible to detect a thermal runaway with certainty and early enough. one of the cells 9 for storing electrical energy. In a different manner according to the invention, an anomaly is detected after the destruction of at least one of the electrical energy storage cells 9. Thus, the thermal runaway is located immediately among the modules 7 of the battery 3 and sufficiently early to prevent it from propagating to the other electrical energy accumulation cells 9 of the module 7 of battery 3 and/or to the other battery modules 7 3. Finally, advantageously according to the invention, the monitoring device 19 is compatible with a wide variety of types of thermal regulation systems 1 as explained above.
Le dispositif 19 de surveillance comporte au moins un élément 13 de détection monté sur le boîtier 8 du module 7 et destiné à déterminer la présence d’un fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique différent du fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 du module 7 de batterie. Avantageusement selon l'invention, l’élément 13 de détection peut aussi bien être monté à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur du boîtier 8 suivant l’implantation ou le type de la batterie 3. Bien entendu, plusieurs éléments 13 de détection identiques (même caractéristique détectée du fluide présent dans le module 7 de batterie 3) et/ou différents (plusieurs caractéristiques différentes détectées du fluide présent dans le module 7 de batterie 3) peuvent être présents sur un même module 7 afin d’améliorer le diagnostic de l’unité 11 de contrôle.The monitoring device 19 comprises at least one detection element 13 mounted on the housing 8 of the module 7 and intended to determine the presence of a pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 for accumulating different electrical energy of the fluid contained in the housing 8 of the battery module 7. Advantageously according to the invention, the detection element 13 can be mounted both inside and outside the housing 8 depending on the location or type of the battery 3. Of course, several detection elements 13 identical (same detected characteristic of the fluid present in the battery module 7 3) and/or different (several different characteristics detected of the fluid present in the battery module 7 3) may be present on the same module 7 in order to improve the diagnosis of the control unit 11.
Selon l’invention, l’élément 13 de détection comporte au moins un capteur de conductivité électrique afin de mesurer une variation de conductivité dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de la conductivité (ou inversement la résistivité) du fluide dans le module 7 de batterie 3 est en dehors de seuils prédéterminés (tel que la conductivité moyenne des autres modules 7 de batterie 3, un écart par rapport à une conductivité normale à une température donnée ou un écart par rapport à une conductivité prédéterminée), le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique. À titre d'exemple nullement limitatif, le capteur de conductivité électrique peut être un capteur à électrodes.According to the invention, the detection element 13 comprises at least one electrical conductivity sensor in order to measure a variation in conductivity in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy. Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in the conductivity (or conversely the resistivity) of the fluid in the battery module 7 3 is outside predetermined thresholds (such as the average conductivity of the other battery modules 7 3, a deviation from normal conductivity at a given temperature or a deviation from a predetermined conductivity), the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway. By way of non-limiting example, the electrical conductivity sensor may be an electrode sensor.
Un capteur de conductivité électrique est préféré car il est plus fiable pour détecter sa caractéristique dans le fluide par rapport à d’autres caractéristiques. Ainsi, il est moins sensible aux autres caractéristiques du fluide (par exemple la couleur, la transparence, etc.) qui pourraient interférer/modifier les mesures de la caractéristique. En d’autres termes, un capteur de conductivité électrique fournit moins de fausses mesures que d’autres types de capteur dans le contexte de l’invention.An electrical conductivity sensor is preferred because it is more reliable in detecting its characteristic in the fluid compared to other characteristics. Thus, it is less sensitive to other fluid characteristics (e.g. color, transparency, etc.) that could interfere/modify the characteristic measurements. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor provides fewer false measurements than other types of sensor in the context of the invention.
En outre, dans le cas particulier où le fluide est de l’air, un capteur de conductivité électrique peut également détecter une augmentation du niveau d’humidité dans l’air pouvant mener à un court-circuit (claquage de l’air) qui précède généralement un emballement thermique. En d’autres termes, un capteur de conductivité électrique non seulement diagnostique l’emballement thermique, mais peut aussi l’empêcher. Aucun autre type de capteur tel qu’un capteur de température ou un capteur de pression, ne peut le faire.Furthermore, in the particular case where the fluid is air, an electrical conductivity sensor can also detect an increase in the level of humidity in the air which can lead to a short circuit (air breakdown) which generally precedes thermal runaway. In other words, an electrical conductivity sensor not only diagnoses thermal runaway, but can also prevent it. No other type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, can do this.
Selon une première variante, l’élément 13 de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur de concentration afin de mesurer la concentration en fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8. On comprend donc que dès qu’une infime proportion est présente, le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique.According to a first variant, the detection element 13 may further comprise a concentration sensor in order to measure the concentration of pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy in the fluid contained in the housing 8. We therefore understand that as soon as a tiny proportion is present, the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
Selon une deuxième variante, l’élément 13 de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur de pression afin de mesurer une variation de pression dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de la pression du fluide dans le module 7 de batterie 3 est au-dessus d’un seuil prédéterminé (tel que la pression moyenne des autres modules 7 de batterie 3, un écart par rapport à une pression normale à une température donnée ou un écart par rapport à une pression prédéterminée telle que la pression ambiante en dehors du boîtier 8), le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique.According to a second variant, the detection element 13 may further comprise a pressure sensor in order to measure a pressure variation in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy. Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in the pressure of the fluid in the module 7 of battery 3 is above a predetermined threshold (such as the average pressure of the other modules 7 of battery 3, a deviation from at a normal pressure at a given temperature or a deviation from a predetermined pressure such as the ambient pressure outside the housing 8), the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway.
Selon une troisième variante, l’élément 13 de détection peut comporter en outre un capteur optique afin de mesurer une variation de transmission lumineuse dans le fluide contenu dans le boîtier 8 générée par le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique. Avantageusement selon l'invention, dès qu’une variation de luminosité du fluide dans le module 7 de batterie 3 est en dehors de seuils prédéterminés (tel que la luminosité moyenne des autres modules 7 de batterie 3 ou un écart par rapport à une luminosité prédéterminée), le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra diagnostiquer un possible emballement thermique. On remarque que ce dernier type de capteur autorise d’autres détections supplémentaires. Ainsi, si un début d’incendie est présent dans le module 7 de batterie, le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra détecter des fumées par la baisse de luminosité ou, au contraire, des flammes par l’augmentation de luminosité. En outre, en cas de fluide caloporteur diélectrique en phase liquide dans le module 7 de batterie 3, le dispositif 19 de surveillance pourra détecter des bulles du gaz échappées de cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique par la variation de luminosité.According to a third variant, the detection element 13 may further comprise an optical sensor in order to measure a variation in light transmission in the fluid contained in the housing 8 generated by the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the cells 9 d accumulation of electrical energy. Advantageously according to the invention, as soon as a variation in brightness of the fluid in the module 7 of battery 3 is outside predetermined thresholds (such as the average brightness of the other modules 7 of battery 3 or a deviation from a predetermined brightness ), the monitoring device 19 will be able to diagnose a possible thermal runaway. We note that this last type of sensor allows other additional detections. Thus, if a fire begins in the battery module 7, the monitoring device 19 will be able to detect smoke by the decrease in brightness or, on the contrary, flames by the increase in brightness. In addition, in the case of dielectric heat transfer fluid in the liquid phase in the module 7 of battery 3, the monitoring device 19 will be able to detect gas bubbles escaping from cells 9 for accumulating electrical energy by the variation in brightness.
Avantageusement selon l'invention, le dispositif 19 de surveillance peut comporter au moins un élément 17 de guidage monté sur le boîtier 8 et destiné à dévier le fluide de pollution échappé d’au moins une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique vers l’élément 13 de détection afin de rendre plus fiable la détection et limiter le nombre d’élément 13 de détection. On comprend que l’élément 17 de guidage peut former une partie du couvercle 8a supérieur du boîtier 8 pour imposer un passage du fluide de pollution devant chaque élément 13 de détection. L’élément 17 de guidage peut ainsi former un collecteur obligeant tous les fluides de pollution à passer devant chaque élément 13 de détection.Advantageously according to the invention, the monitoring device 19 may comprise at least one guide element 17 mounted on the housing 8 and intended to deflect the pollution fluid escaped from at least one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 towards the detection element 13 in order to make detection more reliable and limit the number of detection elements 13. It is understood that the guide element 17 can form a part of the upper cover 8a of the housing 8 to impose a passage of the pollution fluid in front of each detection element 13. The guide element 17 can thus form a collector forcing all the pollution fluids to pass in front of each detection element 13.
Dans l’exemple illustré à la
Bien entendu, l’élément 17 de guidage peut également uniquement d’obliger tout fluide de pollution générées par une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique à s’échapper vers la sortie 15 afin de passer dans une zone 14 de détection de l’élément 13 de détection positionnée en dehors du boîtier 8 du module 7, préférentiellement à proximité de la sortie 15.Of course, the guide element 17 can also only force any pollution fluid generated by one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 to escape towards the outlet 15 in order to pass into a zone 14 for detection of the detection element 13 positioned outside the housing 8 of the module 7, preferably near the outlet 15.
L'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation et variantes présentés et d'autres modes de réalisation et variantes apparaîtront clairement à l'homme du métier. Ainsi, les modes de réalisation et variantes sont combinables entre eux sans sortir du cadre de l’invention. À titre nullement limitatif, il est possible qu’un autre type d’élément 13 de détection soit utilisé pour permettre la détection d’un fluide de pollution d’une des cellules 9 d’accumulation d’énergie électrique sans sortir du cadre de l’invention. Par ailleurs, un élément T02 de détection de température peut être utilisé pour, par exemple, pondérer thermiquement un capteur tel qu’un capteur de pression et/ou un capteur de conductivité électrique.The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants presented and other embodiments and variants will be clear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the embodiments and variants can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of in no way limiting, it is possible that another type of detection element 13 is used to allow the detection of a pollution fluid of one of the electrical energy accumulation cells 9 without departing from the scope of the 'invention. Furthermore, a temperature detection element T02 can be used for, for example, thermally weighting a sensor such as a pressure sensor and/or an electrical conductivity sensor.
Liste de référencesReference list
1 - système de régulation thermique1 - thermal regulation system
2 - groupe motopropulseur2 - powertrain
3 - batterie3 - battery
4 - véhicule automobile4 - motor vehicle
5 - élément de connexion électrique5 - electrical connection element
6 - réseau fluidique6 - fluidic network
7 - module de batterie7 - battery module
8 - boîtier du module de batterie8 - battery module housing
8a - couvercle supérieur du boîtier8a - upper housing cover
8b - base en creux inférieure du boîtier8b - lower recessed base of the case
9 - cellules d’accumulation d’énergie électrique9 - electrical energy storage cells
10 - rampe commune d’entrée10 - common entrance ramp
10’ - entrée10’ - entrance
11 - unité de contrôle11 - control unit
12 - rampe commune de sortie12 - common exit ramp
12’ - sortie12’ – exit
13 - élément de détection13 - detection element
14 - zone de détection14 - detection zone
15 - sortie de fluide de pollution15 - pollution fluid outlet
16 - déflecteur16 - deflector
17 - élément de guidage17 - guide element
18 - échangeur thermique18 - heat exchanger
19 - dispositif de surveillance19 - monitoring device
21 - soupape d’échappement21 - exhaust valve
T02 - élément de détection de la température du moduleT02 - module temperature detection element
Claims (11)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2203768A FR3134920B1 (en) | 2022-04-22 | 2022-04-22 | Battery module for automotive vehicle |
| PCT/EP2023/060401 WO2023203184A1 (en) | 2022-04-22 | 2023-04-21 | Battery module for a motor vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4511902A1 true EP4511902A1 (en) | 2025-02-26 |
Family
ID=82100515
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23721371.5A Pending EP4511902A1 (en) | 2022-04-22 | 2023-04-21 | Battery module for a motor vehicle |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US12407053B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP4511902A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP7780670B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR102795856B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN118975012A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3245748A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR3134920B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023203184A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102008043789A1 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2010-05-20 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | battery module |
| US20110262793A1 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2011-10-27 | International Battery, Inc. | Maintenance-free thermal management battery pack system |
| US8415041B2 (en) * | 2010-06-30 | 2013-04-09 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Vehicle battery temperature control system fluidly coupled to an air-conditioning refrigeration system |
| DE102011016527A1 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2012-10-11 | Daimler Ag | Apparatus and method for leak detection of an electrochemical energy storage device |
| CN202550023U (en) | 2012-01-16 | 2012-11-21 | 微宏动力系统(湖州)有限公司 | Safety battery pack |
| CN103208598B (en) * | 2012-01-16 | 2016-06-29 | 微宏动力系统(湖州)有限公司 | Set of cells and method for detecting leakage thereof |
| DE102012205929A1 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2013-10-17 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Safety sensor system for an electrochemical storage system |
| US9553465B2 (en) * | 2014-04-21 | 2017-01-24 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Battery management based on internal optical sensing |
| DE102015002078B3 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-07-28 | Audi Ag | Battery cell for a battery of a motor vehicle, battery and motor vehicle |
| EP3166175B1 (en) * | 2015-11-04 | 2018-04-18 | Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives | Electric battery having a system for the homogenisation of the internal temperature |
| US10877011B2 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2020-12-29 | Nexceris, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring for a gas analyte |
| WO2021001108A1 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2021-01-07 | Iee International Electronics & Engineering S.A. | Thermal runaway detection of automotive traction batteries employing force-sensing resistor (fsr) pressure sensor |
| JP7264082B2 (en) * | 2020-02-14 | 2023-04-25 | 株式会社デンソー | BATTERY PACK AND POWER SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME |
| KR102892949B1 (en) * | 2020-03-17 | 2025-11-27 | 주식회사 엘지에너지솔루션 | Apparatus and method for battery abnormal condition prediction, and battery management system providing the same method |
| DE102020109269A1 (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2021-10-07 | Elringklinger Ag | Monitoring device |
| FR3112028A1 (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2021-12-31 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Thermal regulation device. |
| US11588192B2 (en) * | 2020-09-15 | 2023-02-21 | Amphenol Thermometrics, Inc. | Thermal runaway detection system for batteries within enclosures |
-
2022
- 2022-04-22 FR FR2203768A patent/FR3134920B1/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-04-21 KR KR1020247038683A patent/KR102795856B1/en active Active
- 2023-04-21 CN CN202380032040.1A patent/CN118975012A/en active Pending
- 2023-04-21 EP EP23721371.5A patent/EP4511902A1/en active Pending
- 2023-04-21 US US18/857,648 patent/US12407053B2/en active Active
- 2023-04-21 CA CA3245748A patent/CA3245748A1/en active Pending
- 2023-04-21 JP JP2024562129A patent/JP7780670B2/en active Active
- 2023-04-21 WO PCT/EP2023/060401 patent/WO2023203184A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2023203184A1 (en) | 2023-10-26 |
| FR3134920A1 (en) | 2023-10-27 |
| KR20240169726A (en) | 2024-12-03 |
| KR102795856B1 (en) | 2025-04-14 |
| JP2025517071A (en) | 2025-06-03 |
| CN118975012A (en) | 2024-11-15 |
| US12407053B2 (en) | 2025-09-02 |
| FR3134920B1 (en) | 2025-03-21 |
| JP7780670B2 (en) | 2025-12-04 |
| CA3245748A1 (en) | 2023-10-26 |
| US20250125469A1 (en) | 2025-04-17 |
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