FR3097375A1 - Battery thermal management box - Google Patents

Abstract

Assembly comprising: - groups of cells (7) of an electric battery (5), - a box (6) containing said cells and comprising several walls (11) containing a volume in which at least one flow of heat transfer fluid is present, which is, like the walls (11), in thermal exchange with the cells, said walls: - comprising at least a first and a second wall interconnected by a communication allowing the flow of fluid to circulate from one to the other, and - being located around and / or between two groups of cells (7). The fluid flow communication between the first and second walls comprises a connection block (31) containing at least one volume communicating with said volumes of the walls, so that the connection block and the first and second walls have between them: - mechanical connections blocking them together, and - connections which are sealed vis-à-vis the flow of heat transfer fluid. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 8

Description

BATTERY THERMAL MANAGEMENT box

Technical field of the invention

The technical field of the invention is that of the thermal management of the electrochemical cells of an electric battery intended to deliver electric energy, particularly on a vehicle in particular hybrid or "all-electric" in which at least one electric motor is present, therefore coupled or not to at least one heat engine.

Large electric batteries, for example on ships requiring thermal management of their operation, are also concerned.

The term “vehicle” is to be understood in the broad sense.

State of the prior art

It would have already been proposed a set including:
- several (electrochemical) cells or groups of (electrochemical) cells of an electric battery, for electric generation, and
- a casing containing said cells, the casing having several hollow walls and each containing at least one volume where, in a nominal state of operation of the cells, according to a first range of temperatures, and/or in an abnormal state of operation outside of said first range of temperatures of at least one said cell, there may be present at least one flow of fluid, which is then, like the walls, in heat exchange with said cells.

In this text:
- cell means electrochemical cell and more generally electric cell (which generates electricity),
- volume means interior space of the hollow wall concerned, where can therefore be present at least one said flow of fluid.

The aforementioned fluid flow will usefully be a heat carrier. The meaning to be given to “coolant” is specified later in the description. In a nutshell, the following fluid flows F2, F3, may be heat carriers in that they will then transport (provide cells and an MCP material - with phase change - respectively) or evacuate (cells and MCP , respectively) heat, and the flow of fluid F1 may also be so in that it will then evacuate (from the cells) heat.

The nominal state of a cell is the state in which it is in its nominal range (known as the first range) of operating temperatures, for example between 20°C and less than 35°C for Li-Ion cells. It is supplied by the manufacturer.

The abnormal state of a cell is the state in which it is outside its nominal temperature range.

In overheating, we can consider that the state of a cell is abnormal from the threshold for example of 35°C for a Li-Ion cell.

At low temperature, one could however admit an intermediate state and that the abnormal state of a cell begins only below 10°C: it must then be reheated.

However, problems in the thermal management of the cells remain, and among them:
- insufficient thermal efficiency,
- new requirements in terms of size, in particular height, in a cramped environment, and/or in terms of mechanical protection of the thermal management means adjacent to the electric battery,
- the costs of current solutions,
- manufacture of boxes,
- maintenance related to the design of said boxes.

For example, it is currently typically difficult to deal with the hot spots present on the top of the cells due to the electrical connection terminals. Changing a cell is tricky. The thermal management of the cells is imperfect. Problems of temperature homogeneity within the cells also exist.

Presentation of the invention

The invention aims to improve the situation posed above by taking into account at least some of the problems mentioned. It is an improvement in the thermal management and/or the size of the battery area on a vehicle, the mechanical resistance and/or the manufacture of the boxes and/or the maintenance that is expected.

To this end, a set is proposed comprising:
- several cells or groups of cells of an electric battery,
- a box containing said cells, the box having several walls assembled together and each containing at least one volume where, in a nominal operating state of the cells, according to a first range of temperatures, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside of said first range of temperatures of at least one said cell, there may be present at least one flow of fluid (F1, F2), which is then, like the walls, in heat exchange with said cells, said walls:
-- comprising at least a first and a second wall interconnected by a fluid flow communication allowing said at least one fluid flow to circulate from one to the other, and
-- being located:
--- around said cells or groups of cells, and/or
--- between two cells or two groups of cells, then partitioning the box,
each wall having a perimeter which extends along a thin edge of said wall and which peripherally delimits a surface (S) with, as other characteristics:
- that said at least one volume of each hollow wall extends over at least the essential part of the surface (S) of said wall, and,
- so that said at least one fluid flow can circulate from one of the first and second walls to the other, the fluid flow communication between the first and second walls comprises a connection block containing at least one volume communicating with the volumes of the first and second walls, so that the connection block and the first and second walls present between them mechanical and sealed connections which fix them together and which are sealed vis-à-vis said at least one flow of fluid.

Thus, we will associate the possible circulation of at least one fluid flow (favorable to the thermal management of the cells) and a modular design favorable to the manufacture of the boxes and to maintenance. On a vehicle driven by an electric motor to which the battery will be connected, this will also be beneficial in terms of the safety of this vehicle.

The term "on the essential at least" has the meaning of more than 50%. More than 75% would still be better for thermal efficiency.

The mechanical connections and the sealed connections could be dissociated, or common, for example by welding, whether the walls are made of plastic or metallic material, the metallic solution being certainly the most efficient thermally (higher coefficient λ).

The aforementioned hollow walls (11 below) will be made of polymer (plastic) or metal, or even composite material, but a priori without PCM. As a polymer material, interest has been shown for an elastomer. As a composite, mention may in particular be made of a composite with an organic matrix (CMO) or a metal matrix (CMM).

Under these conditions, it will also be possible to more easily achieve thermal management which is not only peripheral, but which adapts to the number of cells.

Also, to promote a compromise between fluid flow circulation and manufacturing, it is proposed that said hollow walls extend both around the cells (considered all together) or groups of cells (considered all together), to define a closed outer contour of the casing, only between two groups of cells, to partition the casing.

Again, to promote such a compromise between fluid flow circulation and manufacturing, it is also proposed that at least the first and second walls each have, along said perimeter, and therefore along their thin edge:
- a first open lateral side communicating with said at least one volume so that said flow of fluid can enter therein,
- a second open lateral side communicating with said at least one volume so that said fluid flow can exit therefrom,
- a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side, both closed vis-à-vis said at least one volume, to guide said flow of fluid between the first and second open lateral sides.

Same objective and same result if, as also proposed, on at least each of the first and second walls:
- said at least one volume comprises a first volume and a second volume extending parallel to each other, each along said surface (S) of the wall, and
- are present, along said closed perimeter and therefore the thin edge of said wall:
-- a first lateral side:
--- open to communicate with the first volume so that said fluid flow (F2 below) can enter it,
--- closed vis-à-vis the second volume,
-- a second lateral side:
--- open to communicate with the first volume so that said fluid flow (F2) can exit therefrom,
--- closed vis-à-vis the second volume,
-- a third lateral side:
--- open to communicate with the second volume so that another flow of fluid flow (F1 below, from the same fluid flow or from a different fluid flow), which may be present in said second volume at the less in the abnormal working state, can get out of it,
--- closed vis-à-vis the first volume,
-- a fourth lateral side:
--- closed with respect to the first volume, and
--- either, closed with respect to the second volume, if said other fluid flow (F1) is statically present in said second volume, or open to communicate with the second volume so that said other fluid flow (F1) can enter it.

With the solution of the invention and the design concept with hollow walls, it will therefore even be possible for thermal management and safety with respect to the cells to be ensured by two flows of fluids present at the appropriate times in said first and second volumes.

In this regard, it is also proposed, in said hollow walls:
- that the first volume can communicate with a supply of said (flow) fluid flow which will circulate therein in the nominal operating state of the cells,
- that, in the abnormal operating state of at least one cell, the second volume contains a flow of vaporizable fluid (F1), which may therefore be identical to or different from said flow of fluid (F2) to circulate in the first volume , And,
- that the first volume is closer to an adjacent cell than the second volume.

Thus, the flow of vaporizable fluid (F1) will intervene in safety, after the flow of fluid (F2) has acted.

To promote good diffusion of fluid flow in the hollow walls, while still ensuring simple manufacture, it is also proposed that each hollow wall include interior protrusions:
- extending into said at least one volume and
- Forming a network suitable for said fluid flow to circulate in said at least volume between the inlet and the outlet.

With protrusions defined by elongated ribs, parallel to each other, of the plate and which will define elongated channels between them, the two concerns above can be favored, more than with bosses in half-spheres as in FR 3 060 863 (see references WAF1, WAF2 in this document).

In view of the foregoing, the invention naturally also concerns a vehicle:
- having a horizontal frame suitable for resting on a ground defined as horizontal, and
- containing an assembly as above, with all or part of its characteristics mentioned above and in which:
- all said cells individually have lateral sides and electrical connection terminals,
- among the lateral sides, each cell has at least two opposite lateral sides which define the largest surfaces of each cell parallel to which the cells are arranged, within a said group, adjacently, and
- the housing has, among the first, second, third and fourth sides, a lower side provided with a bottom wall on which said cells rest.

Another solution, which the invention allows: a vehicle, different from the previous one in that:
- among the first, second, third and fourth sides, each (hollow) wall will have an upper side, and,
- in at least some of said walls, said at least said volume will communicate with an evacuation:
- located at the top, or on an upper side, of the wall, and
- Through which at least part of said at least one fluid flow can pass in gaseous, liquid or vapor form.

Such an “upright” positioning could save space and make it easier to recover said flow of fluid to be recovered.

In addition to such a vehicle, and the aforementioned assembly with all or part of its characteristics mentioned above, the invention also relates to an assembly adapted to such an assembly and therefore intended for the thermal management of an electric battery, this assembly comprising , to meet the objectives defined above:
- a first and a second wall,
-- containing at least one volume where at least one fluid flow (F2) may be present, and
-- adapted to be able to be placed in heat exchange with cells of the electric battery,
each wall having a perimeter which extends along a thin edge of said wall and which peripherally delimits a said surface (S), said at least one volume of each wall extending over most of this surface (S ),
- and a connection block for connecting the first and second walls together, so that said at least one fluid flow (F2) can circulate between them, the connection block being adapted to be able to be placed at an angle of a cell of the electric battery, and the connection block and the first and second walls having between them mechanical and sealed connections which fix them together and which are sealed vis-à-vis said at least one flow of fluid.

As additional characteristics concerning this assembly, the following are relevant and may be useful:
- the aforementioned assembly or assembly can favorably be such that the first and second walls and the connection block which connects them by means of said connections are engaged one in the other by means of shoulders defining stops; this will promote tight mechanical connections;
- the aforementioned assembly or assembly may advantageously be such that it comprises an assembly skeleton comprising:
-- the upright modular connection blocks, between which extend, on the upper side, connecting bars, to hold them together, and,
- lower side, a bottom wall on which said cells will then rest and with which the connection blocks will be secured,
the connecting bars and the bottom wall being prominent with respect to the cells, respectively upper side and lower side, so:
-- that, on the upper side, the first free spaces are, between the connecting bars, reserved for the electrical connections of the cells, and
-- that, on the lower side, second free spaces are, in voids in the bottom wall, reserved for the fluidic connections of said volumes and/or for blocks comprising a thermal insulator and/or a phase change material.

To obtain the aforementioned hollow walls, yet another aspect of the invention also provides the following:
- a plate suitable for producing one of the hollow walls of the aforementioned assembly or one of those of said assembly, the plate having for this purpose first and second opposite faces, at least one of the first and second faces having flanges to define between them, said at least one volume; and or
- A plate having a first and a second opposite faces, at least one of the first and second faces having protuberances directed towards the other face and forming a network within which said at least one volume will then extend.

Thus, it will be possible to have a flanged plate which may also have protrusions further improving the diffusion of fluid flow in the wall and the mechanical structuring of the latter.
- the plate may also be such that:
-- the flanges comprise a first pair of flanges and a second pair of flanges, with:
--- on the first face, the first pair of flanges in which the flanges will extend, parallel to each other, respectively along the first and second sides of the plate, and
--- on the second face, the second pair of flanges in which the flanges will extend, parallel to each other, respectively along third and fourth sides of the plate.

An assembly of such plates is also proposed, each as above with all or part of the characteristics mentioned, this assembly comprising at least a first, second and third said plates, adjacent two by two and arranged face to face, two said plates adjacent bearing one against the other, by the respective flanges and/or by the respective protrusions.

Always to tend towards the aforementioned objectives, is also concerned by the invention a set comprising:
- such an assembly of plates, in which:
-- the assembled plates will extend in a plane,
-- the first and second plates will define between them a first said volume limited laterally by the edges of the facing faces,
-- the second and third plates will define between them a second said volume limited laterally by the edges of the facing faces,
-- the first volume and the second volume will extend parallel to each other, in said plane and will not communicate with each other, a seal existing between the plates,
- an outlet of the first volume located in a thin edge of the assembly, on a first side without a rim, allowing said flow of fluid ( F2 ) to exit from said first volume, and
- an inlet and an outlet of the second volume each located in said thin edge, respectively on a second side and a third side devoid of rim, allowing a dynamic presence of said other flow of fluid ( F1 ), by circulation of the latter in the second volume.

Is even still concerned by the invention, and always to tend towards the aforementioned objectives, a method for thermally managing an electric battery (capable of being electrically connected to an electric motor and) comprising (as already stated) several cells or groups of cells contained in a box, the box comprising several sides and one or more (hollow) walls per side, each wall:
- having a contour extending peripherally along a thin edge which goes around the wall,
- extending in a plane perpendicular to said thin edge and along which the wall has a surface (S) delimited by the contour of the wall, and
- containing at least one volume which occupies most of the surface (S) of said wall and which is present, in a nominal operating state of the cells, according to a first range of temperatures, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside said first temperature range, at least one fluid flow (F1, F2), the walls being located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells.

Following this process:
- the volumes of the walls located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or walls located between two groups of cells will be made to communicate, so that said at least one flow of fluid (F2) can circulate successively from one volume to another, and
- at least in the nominal operating state of said cells, the box is supplied with said at least one flow of fluid that will be circulated:
-- between two groups of cells, successively from a said wall to an adjacent wall, and/or
-- Around said groups of cells, or cells, successively from at least certain volumes to others.

Another possibility, perhaps even more efficient thermally (due to the “parallel” circulation mentioned below): a method for thermally managing an electric battery comprising several cells or groups of cells contained in a casing, the casing comprising several sides and one or more walls per side, each wall:
- extending in a plane perpendicular to a thin edge and along which the wall has a surface (S) delimited by the outline of the wall, and
- containing at least one volume which occupies most of the surface (S) of said wall and which is present, in a nominal operating state of the cells, according to a first range of temperatures, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside said first temperature range, at least one flow of fluid (F1, F2), the walls being located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells, in which method, over at least a series of walls:
- the volumes are isolated from each other:
-- walls located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or
-- walls located between two groups of cells,
- and, at least in the nominal operating state of said cells, each of these volumes is individually supplied with said at least one flow of fluid, so that said at least one flow of fluid (F2) can circulate in parallel in said walls, without circulating successively from one volume to another.

With reference to one or the other of these two ways of doing things, it is also proposed that, in at least some of the walls, said at least one volume being able to be split into a first volume and a second volume extending parallel to each other, in said plane (S) of the wall:
- at least in the nominal operating state of said cells (7), the first volume is supplied with fluid flow (F2) which will then circulate a flow,
- in a said abnormal operating state of at least one said cell, the presence in the second volume of another vaporizable fluid flow is ensured, said fluid flows (F1, F2) being derived from identical fluid flows or different, and
- the first volume is placed closer to an adjacent cell than the second volume.

Another suggestion:
- a first and a second said flow of fluid(s) (F1, F2, and this as said at least one fluid flow), such that:
-- that the second flow of fluid (F1) brought into the second volume is capable, at ambient pressure, of being in a gaseous phase, at a vaporization temperature, and
-- that, present, in said second volume, while said abnormal state of operation of at least one cell with which it is in heat exchange is reached, by temperature rise, said second fluid flow ( F1 ) itself reaches even its vaporization temperature,
- in addition, at said vaporization temperature, said second stream of vaporized fluid escapes through an opening (33) made in said walls (11) and communicating with the second volume, and,
- it is through the first volume, which communicates with the first volume of other walls, without communicating on the other hand with the second volume, that the first flow of fluid ( F2 ) is circulated from wall to wall around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells, at least in the nominal operating state of said cells.

Such double security, via a flow of fluid which will vaporize, will be a guarantee of security.

Regarding said “fluid flows” F2 and F1, they may consist of the same fluid flow, or of two different fluid flows.

We could also then qualify these fluid flows as “thermal fluid flows” since they are therefore respectively adapted:
- for the first :
-- to provide calories to the cells, to heat them if they are at a temperature below a so-called "first temperature range" corresponding to the nominal (operating) state of these cells,
- to evacuate calories from the cells, to cool them if they are at a temperature higher than this "first range of temperatures", and that they are then in a state of overheating or "abnormal state" (of operation) following thermal runaway;
- for the second, to evacuate calories from the cells, to cool them if they approach (for example within 10/15°C) their threshold for switching from their nominal state to their so-called "abnormal state" (from overheated).

Brief description of figures

represents a vehicle; such as an automobile, provided with a housing according to the invention;

represents an example of a casing for electric battery cells, in accordance with the invention;

represents a wall (hereinafter sometimes called first wall or second wall, such as 11-11b1 or 11-11b2) of the casing;

represents an exploded view which makes it possible to show how a functionalized wall can be produced in accordance with the invention, as marked 11 or 11-11c below; different cut-outs detail enlarged areas;

represents an assembly according to the invention for thermal management of an electric battery, the assembly comprising at least a first and a second wall (in the example two pairs) joined by a connection block.

represents the case of [Fig. 2], three sections A, B, C detail possible enlarged areas;

represents a wall of the case (known as the first wall) and a connection block (marked 31) to be engaged one inside the other;

shows an exploded view of an example of a box according to the invention, with cells and with an assembly skeleton (59);

shows an assembled state of the view of [Fig. 8], without cell and in perspective from above;

shows an assembled state of the view of [Fig. 8], without cell and in perspective from below;

represents the assembled state of the view of [Fig. 9], with cells and additional elements to be placed above and below for their thermal and/or mechanical protection,

represents, in relation to [Fig. 2], part of the circulation path of the fluid flow F2, in the event of recycling, with associated means which may be provided,

represents an alternative with cells with lateral connection terminals requiring that the functionalized hollow walls (11) of the invention be less high so as not to interfere with the connection terminals which will therefore overhang them, on certain sides of the case,

represents an alternative circulation of flows F1 and F2, with a 90° tilting of the double wall with respect to the position of figure 3,

represents a box according to the invention, with hollow walls as in FIG. 4, assembled, the flows of fluid F1 circulating “in parallel” are shown, in certain places (so as not to overload the figure); And

represents the same housing as FIG. 15; the fluid flows F1 (always crossed at 90° with respect to the flow F2) are shown, at certain places.

Detailed description of the invention

In connection with the figures mentioned, the following refers only to non-limiting examples, not all possible scenarios can be illustrated and described accordingly.

In Figure 1, is shown a vehicle 1; an automobile in the example, which comprises for its movement (to drive) at least one electric motor 3 powered by an electric battery 5 with which it is therefore electrically connected.

The vehicle 1 can thus be electric or hybrid.

The vehicle 1 has a horizontal frame 10 adapted to rest on a ground 77 defined as horizontal. The cells are supported on the frame 10 which extends under them.

In FIG. 2, in the vehicle 1, the cells 7 of the battery 5 which can generate an electric discharge are contained in at least one interior space 9 peripherally delimited by the walls (or faces) 11 of the casing 6.

The box 6 is placed in the external environment 13 which surrounds it and which is also that of the vehicle 1.

Each cell 7 has:
- a connection face 7a where electrical connection terminals 15 are located to deliver the electricity generated,
- 7b-7e side faces which form an angle with the connection face and are adjacent to it, and
- A face 7f opposite the face 7a and which is typically the lower face.

The cells are electrically connected together, by cables not shown.

In some figures, INF and SUP indicate what is partly, area or face lower, respectively upper.

The angle (figure 2) can be a right angle α: frequent case of parallelepipedic cells.

A priori, the connection faces 7a of all the cells will be identically oriented in the interior space 9.

Among the side faces, each cell 7 has at least two opposite side faces 7b,7e which define the largest surfaces of each cell.

The walls of the cells 7 are therefore, in the example chosen, rectangular parallelepipeds.

At least some of the walls 11 are functionalized, as already explained and as further detailed below.

In this respect, these functionalized walls 11 define a closed outer contour C1 of the casing, extending around the cells 7, considered all together (like FIG. 13), or around the groups of cells considered all together (like FIG. 2).

It is also possible, to further improve control and thermal safety, for the functionalized walls 11 to extend between two groups of (several) cells, to partition the box 6, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (see for example wall 11-11c1 and 11-11c2 figure 6).

Functionalized, each of these walls, such as for example the wall 11-11c, figures 3-4 (we could also have referenced it 11-11a or other):
- is in heat exchange with some of the cells 7 and/or with the external environment 13, and
- contains at least one volume 17 in which, at one time, a fluid flow (F1 or F2, Figure 3) may be present, in heat exchange with some of the cells 7 and/or said external environment 13.

The expression “at a time” indicates that the aforementioned fluid flow is present in volume 17:
- in the nominal operating state of the cells (while they generate an electric discharge), therefore following their so-called first range of temperatures below the overheating threshold,
and/or in an abnormal operating state of at least one cell with which the flow of fluid is in heat exchange, adjacently, the temperature of this cell then being beyond said threshold: it overheats.

Functionalized in accordance with the invention, each said wall is further such:
- that said at least one volume 17, and therefore the corresponding wall (such as 11-11c), has an inlet 23a and an outlet 23b of fluid flow,
- that, in a fluid-tight manner, the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the fluid flow communicate with, respectively, a supply 25a of the flow of fluid defined here as a heat carrier and an outlet 25b of the said flow of fluid, so that a flow of fluid can circulate in said at least one volume 17.

According to the invention:
- each wall 11 (marked 11-11a in Figure 7 and 11-11c in Figure 3)) has a perimeter P which extends along a thin edge 111 of said wall and which peripherally delimits a surface S - This surface S is therefore the overall surface of the wall, in the plane (marked 171 in FIG. 3) in which it extends if it is globally flat, and
- said at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2 according to the figures and the solutions) of each wall 11 extends over at least most of the surface S of said wall.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and whether there is a volume 17 or several such volumes parallel to each other in the plane 171 of the wall 11, the or each internal volume 17 extends over almost the entire surface S in the plane 171, being just limited peripherally, along the thin edge 111:
- by the flanges mentioned below, on the parts (sides) of the thin edge where they exist, and
- by the very contour of the wall, when there is no edge.
Besides :
- by the wall which surrounds it (the structural material 110 of this wall 11-11c, in the example; FIG. 3) and by said leaktight communications, the volume considered is physically isolated from the cells 7, so that the flow of fluid present therein (flow of fluid F2 in the example of FIG. 3) and the interior space 9 of the casing do not communicate, and
- This same wall extends laterally, parallel to at least one of the side faces 7b-7e of at least one said cell 7.

The flow of fluid F2 may in particular advantageously be a liquid flow, more thermally efficient than a gaseous flow, such as a flow of glycol water.

The risk of leakage having been prevented and larger heat exchange surfaces being available, it will be possible to provide that the supply 25a of heat transfer fluid flow is a liquid supply, so that this liquid F2 reaches, via the inlet 23a , to said at least one volume 17, then passes from wall 11 to wall 11 (in successive volumes 17).

The exploded view of Figure 4 shows how a so-called functionalized wall can be made in accordance with the invention, such as therefore 11-11c.

Each of these walls can thus comprise at least one plate 170a having first and second opposite faces 170aa, 170ab of which at least one has projections 26 and edges 27a1, 27a2 and/or 27b1, 27b2 respectively defining between the protrusions and between the edges (27a1, 27a2 or 27b1, 27b2), said at least one volume 17.

If the protrusions are optional, the edges make it possible to close the volumes 17, on the periphery of the wall 11, where they must be to direct the flow of fluid(s) F1 and/or F2.

Each plate 170a is generally flat, and rectangular in the example.

In the example, the protrusions 26 are formed by rectilinear ribs or undulations 26-26a parallel to each other (see local enlargement in Figure 4) which extend obliquely. Alternatively, on the face concerned, the protrusions 26 could be formed by granulation or punctual stampings 26-26b, resting from one plate to another by their respective vertices (see another local enlargement in figure 4).

In each case, the tops of the protrusions 26 are applied against each other and the volume 17 is defined by the spaces between the rectilinear ribs or the respective stampings of the two plates, outside their crossing or bearing zones.

Two identical plates, such as 170a, 170b, one turned relative to the other by 180° around a median horizontal axis X contained in the plane 171 of these plates, and therefore of the wall 11 (11-11c figures 3,4) concerned, applied one against the other will define between them a said volume 17 (marked 17-17a1 or 17-17a2, figure 4). Thus arranged, these two plates 170a, 170b are such that their respective edges 27a1, 27a2, located at the upper horizontal and lower horizontal edges respectively, on either side of the protrusions 26, are horizontal (parallel to the axis X), face each other and are supported two by two (see enlargement at the top of figure 4).

In this way, the flow of fluid F2 will be channeled horizontally and be able to circulate from said volume 17-17a1 or 17-17a2 of a wall to the same volume of the wall which is adjacent to the previous one, along the axis X.

Between two such successive first and second walls, such as 11-11b1, 11-11b2 or 11-11c1, 11-11c2 figure 5 or 6, a hollow connection block 31 containing at least one volume 310 communicating with the aforementioned volumes of these walls (such as 11-11c or 11-11a ), respectively, will allow the flow of fluid F2 to circulate laterally, horizontally, in the interior space 9 or on the periphery of the housing, successively from walls 11 to walls 11, as illustrated by the arrows F2 in FIG. 6 (where the circulation arrow is only an example).

In Figure 6 cutaways, two different areas have been enlarged:
- In the first zone surrounded by dotted lines and corresponding to enlargement A, an intermediate wall 11 at the heart of the housing 6 is detailed; Since it is located between two (groups of) cells 7, the wall presents (preferably), internally, the two volumes 17-17a1 and 17-17a2 (for the circulation of the flow of fluid F2), and, preferably, the two other safety volumes, with openings 33 (through which the flux of fusible fluid F1 can escape), and
- In the second zone surrounded by dotted lines and corresponding to the enlargement B or C, another wall 11 is detailed, this time peripheral to the housing 6; Since it is located around the (groups of) cells 7, the wall has (preferably), internally:
- either a volume 17-17a1 (for the circulation of the flow of fluid F2) and an opening 33 (through which the flow of fusible fluid F1 can escape); solution B;
- or, alternatively, a single volume 17-17a1 (for the circulation of the flow of fluid F2), without opening 33 (therefore without volume such as 17-17b1 receiver of the flow of fusible fluid F1); solution C. (the markers with dotted arrows indicate the hidden aspect of what is marked).

Note that solutions B or C could also be provided, in a degraded solution, in the intermediate walls at the heart of housing 6, instead of solution A.

Also note in Figure 6 that the arrows (in thick bold) of circulation of the flow of fluid F2 are therefore only by way of example. Other paths, from walls 11 to walls 11, are possible.

The interior circulation volume(s) 310 in the connection blocks 31 may be different from that of FIG. 6, depending on where the connection block is placed and the number of volumes of the successive walls. 11 to communicate two by two.

Thus, volumes 310 can be aligned (case where, for example, only the walls 11-11b1, 11-11b2 figure 5 need to communicate), T-shaped (block 31-31a figure 6), L-shaped (block 31-31b), in X (block 31-31c; see figure 7), in particular.

As already mentioned, another thermal management volume (marked 17-17b1 or 17-17b2, FIG. 4), with a flow of fluid F1 present in it at least in an abnormal situation of overheating of at least one of the cells 7, can therefore be provided in each wall 11.

To this end :
- on the back of the plate 170b (face 170bb figure 4), in addition to the protrusions 26, extend two edges 27b1, 27b2, along the vertical edges of the plate,
- And a third plate 170c (FIG. 4) is provided, identical to plate 170b, but turned one by 180° around said median horizontal axis X contained in the plane 171 of these plates, and therefore of the wall 11 (11-11c figure 4) concerned.

Thus arranged, these two plates 170b, 170c are such that their respective side edges 27b1, 27b2, located respectively on the vertical left and vertical right edges, on either side of the protrusions 26, are vertical (perpendicular to the axis X) , face each other and are supported two by two (see enlargement to the right of Figure 4).

In this way, the flow of fluid F1 will be channeled vertically and be able to escape through the opening (slot) 33 in the upper horizontal part of the volume concerned, such as that 17-17b1 in Figure 4; see also figure 3.

In the lower horizontal part of the same volume 17, the same opening (or slot) 33 may exist. Thus, through channels 34 open in at least one bottom plate (or wall) 35 extending under the edges of the walls 11 (but also preferably under the entire bottom of the box 6 and under the cells 7), the flow of fluid F1 will be able to circulate between the volume 17-17b1 and/or 17-17b2 of a wall and the same volume of the wall which is adjacent to the previous one, along the X axis, so as to then create a situation of communicating vessels , making it possible to balance the levels in the volumes, in particular if the flow of fluid F1 is a liquid.

In this regard, it may be a fluorinated liquid or water, for example glycol water for an automotive application.

To optimize the safety/thermal management compromise, this flow of fluid F1 will also be usefully able, at ambient pressure and at 20°C, to change phase.

In FIG. 4, the wall 11-11c is formed by a pair of double-volumes, respectively 17-17a1, 17-17b1 and 17-17a2, 17-17b2, these two double-volumes being separated by a plate of intermediate heat insulator 29.

The term “thermal insulation” implies a conductivity λ of less than 0.1 W/mk, and preferably at least 3 times lower. Indeed, the wall 11-11c, like that 11-11b, is one of those which extends between two cells 7, therefore in the interior part of the case, in the space 9 that these walls compartmentalize.

Like a cross, such compartmentalization further increases the mechanical strength of the casing 6 and the thermal management of the cells.

On either side of the thermal insulation plate 29, each volume 17 (17-17a1 or 17-17b1 for example) is in heat exchange with at least the cell 7 which is adjacent to it.

Thus, the plate 170a (its outer face 170aa) stands against one of these cells. If a film of air 30 exists between them, in particular because of the growths 26, no flow of fluid circulates there.

The thermal insulation plate 29 forms a screen, so as to prevent overheating of one cell 7 from spreading to another. The aforementioned double volume pair acts on both sides.

On the outer periphery of the box 6, on the other hand, one can be satisfied with a single wall (such as 11-11a, 11-11d) (a series of such successive walls), with or without a thermal insulation plate 29 at its ( their) own outer periphery.

Thus, with, for each functionalized wall 11, a first and a second volume (17-17a1 and 17-17a2 or 17-17b1 and 17-17b2), or even a pair of such first and second volumes (as illustrated in FIG. 3), we will have first and second volumes:
- who will not communicate with each other,
- which will be adapted so that there are present therein, at the same time or at different times, respectively said at least one flow of heat transfer fluid (such as F2) and another flow of fluid (such as F1), the first flow of fluid being present dynamically, the other flow of fluid possibly being present statically or dynamically.

Without opening 33 in the bottom of the wall, a said second volume 17-17b1, or 17-17b1 and 17-17b2, will be present statically, otherwise it will be dynamically, because in circulation (the communicating vessel implying circulation).

In each case, all the volumes where the flows of fluids F1, F2 are mutually parallel and adjacent (therefore present on the same face of the housing) can be integrated into the same so-called functionalized wall.

Note also that, wherever it is, when the flow of fluid F1 is coupled with the flow of fluid F2, the volume (17-17b1 or 17-17b2) of the flow of fluid F1 will be arranged laterally, adjacent to the volume of the fluid flow F2, but laterally outside of it. Thus, we will find:
- a cell 7, then,
- the (so-called first) volume (17-17a1 or 17-17a2) of the flow of fluid F2, then
- the (said second) volume (17-17b1 or 17-17b2) of the flow of fluid F1, to be vaporized in the event of overheating of the aforementioned cell 7.

Even further away from said cell, one could find either an insulator 29, or the volume 17-17c (known as the third volume, if the other two volumes exist) of the flow of fluid F3 provided a priori for recharging PCM, in outer periphery of the case (see below).

In this way, if (at least) one electrical cell, such as 7-7a in Figure 4, adjacent to a "functionalized" wall, such as 11-11a, operates by generating an electrical discharge:
- it will naturally heat up in what has been called its nominal operating state according to a first range of temperatures below a threshold, for example between 25 and 35° C. for Li-ion cells;
- but it risks at some point reaching an abnormal state of operation by overheating beyond said threshold.

Ditto for cell 7-7b adjacent to volume 17-17a2 located opposite this wall 11-11c which is therefore in the example a dividing wall between two groups of cells 7.

At least when this abnormal state is reached, and preferably from the nominal state, fluid flow F1 will be present in said second volumes (17-17b1; 17-17b2).

Furthermore, preferably during this nominal operating state, the temperature of these cells such as 7-7a 7-7b will be able to be thermally managed by heat exchange between them and of the flow of fluid F2 circulating in the (said first) volume (17 -17a1 or 17-17a2) closest to the cell concerned.

The insulating layer 29 acts as a heat shield between the two groups of cells to which the cells 7-7a and 7-7b respectively belong.

The heat exchange between the flow of fluid F2 and the nearest cell will make it possible to limit the risk of overheating, all the more with a flow of liquid fluid and that one is on the side face of the cells (7b-7e ), therefore on the largest trading areas.

If there is nevertheless overheating, the heat of the cell will heat the flow of fluid F1 present in said second closest volume (17-17b1 or 17-17b2).

This can lead to a phase change of this fluid flow which, if it reaches its vaporization temperature and therefore vaporizes (at ambient pressure and temperature), can then be evacuated in the gaseous phase through the opening 33 in part upper horizontal of the volume concerned (arrows F1 figure 3).

It will also be noted that unlike the periphery of the casing 6 which is at the interface between the external environment 13 and the cells 7, the entire part of the interior space 9 of the casing which extends between two groups of cells 7 will also favorably be exclusively reserved for the heat exchange between:
- the (each) aforementioned functionalized wall (such as the walls 11-11b, 11-11c) forming at least one said partition, and
- at least the cells 7 which are adjacent to it, so that no phase change material will then be arranged, either in these walls (see FIG. 4 where no MCP is provided) or between them and the adjacent cell 7 considered.

This will optimize the compromise between mechanical strength/size/weight/thermal management.

On the other hand, it is possible for the same purpose and within the same group of cells 7, to place between two successive (adjacent) cells 7 a layer or plate of PCM 41c, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-8. Each MCP 41c will smooth the thermal shocks of the cells adjacent to it.

As already noted, the flow of heat transfer fluid F2 is dynamic. We can thus take advantage of it coming out of the walls 11, and therefore (from the interior space 9) of the box 6, via the outlets 23b, so that its evacuation 25b communicates via a recycling circuit 39 which allows to recycle to supply 25a at least part of the flow of heat transfer fluid; see figure 2.

One or more variable-flow three-way valves 41 can make it possible to recycle all or part of the flow of fluid F2 leaving the box 6.

To promote energy performance, it is useful to find on the recycling circuit 39 a means 43 of forced circulation (pump if the flow of fluid F2 is a liquid) and an exchanger 45 (between the flow of fluid F2 and another flow of fluid F4), to a priori cool the flow of fluid F2 and recycle it at 25a colder than it left the case.

Whether or not there is recycling of the flow of fluid F2, a control unit 49 can be connected with at least one temperature sensor 51 sensing the temperature of (at least one) cell(s) 7; figure 2.

For a forced supply of fluid flow F2 in the absence of recycling (or replacing the means 43), a circulation means 53, connected with the control unit 49, will ensure the forced circulation of said fluid flow, in the housing 6 (its walls 11).

The control unit 49 can also be connected with the three-way valve(s) 41 for control; figure 12.

Returning to a founding principle of one aspect of the invention, in relation to the set already mentioned and identified 100 figures 2,7,11, it can therefore be seen in these figures the presence of such a set comprising:
- several cells 7 or groups of cells 7 of an electric battery 5, for the production of electricity,
- the box 6 containing said cells, the box therefore comprising several walls 1 (11a...11f) each containing at least one volume (such as 17-17a1 or 17-17b1) where the cells are present, in a nominal operating state, according to a first temperature range, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside said first temperature range, at least one flow of heat transfer fluid (F1 and/or F2), which is, like the walls 11, in exchange thermal with said cells 7.

These walls:
- comprise at least a first and a second wall, such as 11-11b1, 11-11b2 in FIG. 5, interconnected by a fluid flow communication allowing said at least one heat transfer fluid flow to circulate from one to the other, and
- are located;
-- around said cells 7 or groups of cells, and/or
-- between two cells or two groups of cells 7, then partitioning the box 6.

For said at least one flow of heat transfer fluid (F1 and/or F2) to be able to circulate from one of the first and second walls, such as 11-11b1, 11-11b2, to the other, the fluid flow communication between the first and second walls comprises the modular connection block 31 containing at least one volume 310 communicating with the volumes minus one volume (such as 17-17a1 and 17-17b1) of said first and second walls, so that the connection block and the first and second walls have between them mechanical connections fixing them together, and which are sealed vis-à-vis said at least one flow of heat transfer fluid.

In the solution of Figure 5, these mechanical and sealed connections, such as 51a, 51b, are welds between metal parts, in connection with the possible use, as a flow of dynamic heat transfer fluid F2 (circulating in said first volumes) a dielectric liquid, such as a fluorinated liquid/silicone oil consisting of polymerized siloxane combined with organic chains.

In the version of Figure 7, provision is made for the first and second walls (only the first wall 11-11a is shown) and the modular connection block 31 which connects them via said links (marked 51a, 51b and 53,55; see Figures 5,7) are engaged one inside the other (see dotted lines), via shoulders 53 defining connecting abutments 55, in combination with the raised side edges, such as 310a , access openings to the corresponding volumes 310. In this example, the thinner shouldered lateral ends 57a, 57b are engaged in the volumes 310 and thus define mechanical connections. Welds at the abutments 55 can ensure sealed connections, preferably at joints.

Figure 7, the connection block 31 has been shown exploded, so that we can see the hollow interior. In reality, the upper and lower plates, here in a cross, are integrated into the block.

To further promote the modular design, the box 6 will laterally present a closed outer contour, as shown for example in FIGS. 9-10.

And the walls 11, including the first and second walls:
- will form modules,
- And extend both around said cells 7 or groups of cells, to define the closed outer contour of the housing, and between two groups of cells, to partition the housing, as illustrated for example.

As illustrated in particular in Figures 3-4, to promote a compromise between fluid flow circulation (F1 and/or F2) and manufacture, each wall, such as that 11-11c, will present favorably:
- a first open lateral side 110a1 communicating with said at least one volume (17-17a1 and/or 17-17a2 in the example) so that the flow of heat transfer fluid (F2 in the example) can enter therein,
- a second open lateral side 110a2 communicating with said same volume so that the (same) heat transfer fluid flow can exit therefrom,
- an upper side 110b1 and an opposite lower side 110b2, both closed vis-à-vis said at least one volume (17-17a1 or 17-17a2 reserved for the flow of heat transfer fluid F2 in the example), to channel said flow of fluid in this (these) volume(s), between the aforementioned first and second open lateral sides, and,
- Interior protrusions, such as 26-26a, 26-26b extending in this (these) same volume(s).

The protrusions are adapted so that the flow of heat transfer fluid (F2 in the example) entering can circulate as far as the second open lateral side 110a2.

Although it is possible, in the same wall 11, to have a single volume (or a pair of such an internal volume) so that a flow of fluid F2 is present there at a time, with no adjacent volume provided figure 3 so that a flow of fluid F1 is present there at a time, or vice versa, it may be advantageous, on various lateral zones of the housing, to provide two such internal volumes side by side, or even provide two pairs, as shown in figure 4.

Anyway, in Figure 4, we can clearly see that the presence, for the flow of fluid F1, of a volume 17-17b1 or 17-17b2 (in fact in the example a pair of such volumes 17-17b1 , and 17-17b2) communicating with an evacuation (opening 33):
- located at the top, or on an upper side 110b2, of the wall, and
- Through which vapors of said flow of heat transfer fluid F1 can escape.

Thus, security by “fuse” will be favored.

In fact, in the example of figure 3, an opportunity is offered to integrate in the wall (some of the walls 11) several thermal management capacities of the cells 7.

Thus, there are at least said first volume and second volume mentioned above: 17-17a1, 17-17b1 and/or 17-17a2, 17-17b2.

And, on at least each of the walls 11 in question, there are:
- a first lateral side 110a1:
-- open to communicate with the first volume (17a1 and/or 17-17a2) so that the flow of heat transfer fluid F2 can enter it,
-- closed along the second volume (17b1 and/or 17-17b2),
- a second lateral side 110a2 opposite the first lateral side:
-- open to communicate with said first volume (17a1 and/or 17-17a2) so that the same flow of heat transfer fluid can exit therefrom,
-- closed along the second volume (17b1 and/or 17-17b2),
- an upper side 110b2:
-- open to communicate with the second volume (17b1 and/or 17-17b2) so that another heat transfer fluid flow, here F1, present in said second volume at least in the abnormal operating state (to ensure said function fuse) can come out,
-- closed along the first volume (17a1 and/or 17-17a2),
- a lower side 110b1 opposite the upper side 110b2:
-- closed along the first volume (17a1 and/or 17-17a2), and
-- or, closed along the second volume (17b1 and/or 17-17b2), if said other flow of heat transfer fluid is present statically in this second volume (as in the example figures 3-4 where the flow of fluid F1 is present all the time, therefore from the abnormal state of operation),
-- is open to communicate with the second volume, so that this same (called other) flow of heat transfer fluid F1 can enter it.

The interior protuberances, such as 26-26a, 26-26b extending into the first and second volumes and are therefore adapted so that the flow of heat transfer fluid concerned, F1 or F2, can circulate in the first volume(s). between the openings of the first and second lateral sides, respectively can circulate in the (s) second (s) volume (s), towards the opening (33) of said upper side 110b2.

It will thus be possible to produce modular walls with two integrated thermal management volumes although without fluid flow communication between them (F1 and F2 do not mix), thus forming a double thermal management security.

The above also makes it possible to tend with an optimization of the efficiency of the thermal management sought for the cells 7.

To further promote it, it is proposed:
- that the cells 7 of the electric battery 5 are arranged in an operational operating state, with its electrical connection terminals 15 located on the upper side (or even lower side),
- that the first and second walls, such as 11-11b1, 11-11b2 or 11-11c1, 11-11c2, figure 6, and the corresponding connection block 31 stand laterally with respect to said cells, and
- that, in the first and second walls and in the connection block, said respective volumes (volume 17a1 and/or 17-17a2 in each wall) are:
-- open on the lateral sides 110a, 110a2 defining slices (faces or narrower lateral sides) for the walls, as seen for example in Figure 3, and
-- closed at least lower side 110b1.

In the same spirit, and again for ease of manufacture of boxes and/or maintenance, it is also proposed:
- that all the cells 7 therefore individually have upper 7a and lower 7f sides respectively, lateral sides 7b-7e and electrical connection terminals 15 on the upper side,
- that, among the lateral sides, each cell has at least two opposite lateral sides 7b, 7e which define the largest surfaces of each cell 7, parallel to which the cells are arranged, within a said group, adjacently , and parallel to which said first and second walls extend, as is the case for the wall 11-11c in FIG. 2. and
- that the casing 6 has, on the lower side, a bottom wall 35 on which the said cells 7 rest and with which the connection blocks 31 are secured.

To further perfect the occupation of space and compactness, in association with the thermal management of the cells 7, at the heart of the box 6, it is also proposed:
- that the first and second walls (see reference 11-11c in Figure 2, for one) and the connection block 31 which connects them are located between two groups of cells, to partition the housing, and
- that the connection block is located in a corner of a cell of the electric battery (see for example reference 31-31a or 31-31b figure 2).

Also for the thermal management of the cells, at the heart of the box 6, it is also proposed:
- that said assembly 100 comprises (at least) two pairs of first and second walls,
- that said at least one volume 310 of the connection block 31 forms a cross in the connection block,
- that the first and second walls are arranged (see Figure 7, where only the first wall 11-11a is shown), in pairs, so as to form a cross around said connection block 31, and
- that between pairs, said respective volumes of the walls communicate together, so that the flow of fluid F2 concerned can circulate in the cross: the volume 17-17a1 (respectively 17-17a2) in each wall will circulate towards its counterpart 17-17a1 (respectively 17-17a2) of the following wall.

The two pairs of first and second walls and the connection block which connects them can form a one-piece unit: once welded, two said walls 11 linked by a said connection block 31 can form such a one-piece unit.

In association with the peripheral thermal management of the casing 6, and therefore of the cells 7, it is moreover proposed that several first and second walls 11 and connection blocks 31 which connect them together be provided, between first adjacent walls and between second adjacent walls , so as to surround said groups of cells, or cells, on several lateral sides, as illustrated for example in FIG. 2 with the pins 11-11a, 11-11d, 11-11e, 11-11f.

To also combine modularity, compactness and fluid flow distribution in the housing 6, it is also proposed that the (each) connection block 31 has at least two mouths, such as 311a, 311b figure 7:
- on which open the first or second open lateral side 110a1, 110a2 of said first and second walls, respectively, and
- each communicating with said at least one volume 310 of the connection block, for an inlet or an outlet of said at least one flow of heat transfer fluid, such as F2.

In the same spirit, it is also proposed that, for both peripheral and core thermal management of the box 6, said at least one volume 310 of the connection block forms a non-zero angle in the connection block. Thus, in FIG. 7, the illustrated volume 310 is cross-shaped. It may in particular also be T-shaped, L-shaped. A rectilinear I-shaped shape is also provided. :

It is also offered:
- that the first and second walls 11 are arranged so as to form a non-zero angle between them, and:
- That the first and second walls and the connecting block 31 which connects them form a one-piece unit.

The one-piece unit may result from welding between the first and second walls 11 and the connection block 31 (see explanation above, in particular in the case of plastic parts heat-welded together, with interposition of glued strips of joints , if necessary to ensure said tightness to the flow of fluid).

To again promote compactness, manufacturing and maintenance, or even thermal management and/or mechanical strength, it is also necessary to provide (at least) one assembly skeleton 59, as illustrated in FIGS. 3.8-11 .

The assembly skeleton 59 will preferably comprise:
- erected modular connection blocks 31, between which will then extend, upper side SUP, connecting bars 61, to hold the blocks 31 together, and,
- lower side INF, a said bottom wall 35 (see Figure 11) on which said cells 7 will then rest and with which the connecting blocks 31 will then be secured, for example by interlocking or gluing.

The connecting bars 61 and the bottom wall 35 will then be prominent with respect to the cells 7, respectively upper side SUP and lower side INF; see respectively the heights (vertically speaking) H1 and H2 figures 11 and 10.

So :
- upper side, the first free spaces 63 (see figures 9,11) will be, between the connecting bars 61, reserved (at least) for the electrical connections 15 of the cells (in particular for the cables for passing the electric current), and
- lower side, second free spaces 65 (Figure 8 or 11) will be, in voids 67 of the bottom wall, reserved for the fluidic connections 68 (Figure 10) of said volumes and/or for blocks 69 comprising a thermal insulator and /or a phase change material (PCM); see figure 11.

Figures 9.10 also show that, the box 6 being a rectangular parallelepiped, it can be favorably provided:
- that the inlet of the flow of fluid F2 takes place at a first longitudinal end 6a of the housing, through at least one mouth 311a of at least one connection block 31 (with section) in T or X (cross),
- that, on the other hand, at the second longitudinal end 6b, the flow of fluid F2 is redirected towards the first longitudinal end 6a, via the connection blocks 31 (with section) in T (central block 31-31a) or in L (side blocks)
- Then the output of the same flow of fluid F2 takes place at said first longitudinal end 6a, through at least one mouth 311a of at least one other of the blocks 31 present.

To combine thermal performance, practicality and mechanical protection, the bottom wall 35 can even favorably include, from top (SUP) to bottom (INF):
- in the voids 67, the fluid connections 68 of said volumes and/or to the blocks 69,
- then a possible plate 73 comprising a thermal insulator,
- then a mechanical protection plate 75 against stone chipping exposed to projections from the ground 77 on which the vehicle 1 in question is located (see FIG. 1).

In the cover wall 79, the upper side of the box 6 can be closed, above the connection terminals 15 - and above the first free spaces 63 if they exist -, by a plate comprising a thermal insulator.

If we return to the plates as illustrated for example in FIG. 4 and which are therefore suitable for producing one of the walls 11 of the housing of the aforementioned assembly 100, it will also be noted that, on an assembly of said plates comprising at least a first, a second and a third of these plates, adjacent two by two and arranged face to face (such as 170a, 170b, 170c respectively in FIG. 4), two said adjacent plates will preferably bear one against the the other, by the respective edges 27a1, 27a2; 27b1, 27b2 and by the respective projections 26-26a and/or 26-26b.

Also note, again in connection with all or part of the aforementioned issues, the reality of constituting a possible set comprising:
- the assembly of such said plates (such as respectively 170a, 170b, 170c likely to be associated in pairs, as in Figure 4), in which:
-- the first 170a and second 170b plates will therefore define between them a first said volume 17-17a1 limited laterally by the edges 27a1, 27a2 of the facing faces,
-- the second 170b and third 170c plates will define between them a second said volume 17-17b1 limited laterally by the edges 27b1, 27b2 of the facing faces,
-- the first volume and the second volume will then not communicate with each other, a seal existing between the plates, typically by welds),
- an outlet from the first volume, allowing a flow of heat transfer fluid to exit from said first volume, and
- a forced supply 71 of heat transfer fluid flow F1 (see the example in Figure 6), communicating with an inlet and an outlet (see slots 33 on the INF and SUP side in Figure 3) of the second volume (17-17b1 or 17- 17b2), allowing a dynamic presence of such another flow of heat transfer fluid F1, by circulation of the latter in the second volume.

Also concerning the plates used to make the walls 11 (see again Figures 3.4), the following will also be noted, in connection with:
- mass production, with a view to modularity and compactness, and
- optimized performance, in terms of heat transfer.

On these points, it is thus indeed proposed that one of these plates (such as the pre-referenced plate 170b) be such:
- that the protuberances 26 (if they exist) are formed on the first and second opposite faces, such as 170ba and 170bb respectively (figure 4), and
- that the flanges comprise a first pair of flanges 27b1,27b2 and a second pair of flanges 27a1,27a2, with:
-- on the first face 170bb, the first pair of flanges 27b1, 27b2 in which the flanges extend, parallel to each other, respectively along first and second opposite sides, 110a1, 110a2, of the plate , on either side of the protrusions 26 formed on said first face, and
-- on the second opposite face 170ba, the second pair of flanges 27a1, 27a2 in which the flanges extend, parallel to each other, respectively along third and fourth opposite sides 110b1, 110b2 of the plate, on either side of the protrusions 26 formed on said second face.

Thus, with or without protuberances 26, we find in this solution, considering for example at least the two joined plates forming the assembly A in FIG. 4, along the perimeter P and therefore the thin edge 110 (aforesaid):
- a first open lateral side communicating with the internal volume 17-17a1 so that the flow of fluid can enter therein,
- a second open lateral side (here opposite) communicating with the same internal volume 17-17a1 so that said fluid flow can exit therefrom,
- a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side (here the respectively upper and lower sides), both closed (here by the edges 27a2 and 27b2) vis-à-vis the same volume 17-17a1, to guide said flow of fluid between the first and second open lateral sides.

If there are at least three flanged plates to make a first and a second volume, such as those 17-17a1 and 17-17b1 in Figure 4, these two volumes will extend parallel to each other, each following said surface (S) of the wall 11 then produced by their assembly

If we now come back to the possible process associated with all or part of the preceding structural elements:
- the internal volumes 17-17a1 (or 17-17a2) of the different walls 11 located around said groups of cells, or cells, 7 and/or walls 11 located between two groups of cells can be made to communicate with each other, so that said at least one flow of heat transfer fluid F2 can circulate successively between said volumes, and
- the box 6 can be supplied with said other flow of heat transfer fluid F1 which will then be circulated successively:
-- between two groups of cells 7, from a said wall 11 to an adjacent wall 11, and/or
-- from at least some volumes such as 17-17a1, to others from another wall 11, around said groups of cells, or cells.

To further promote this thermal management of the battery 5, it is also proposed, in at least some of the walls 11, said at least one volume being split into a first volume, such as 17-17a1, and a second volume, such as 17 -17b1:
- a) that one brings, in the abnormal state of operation of the cells, or previously, from the nominal state of operation of said cells, flows F1 and F2 of flow of fluid (s), in such a way:
-- that the flow F1 brought into the second volume is capable, at ambient pressure, of being in a gaseous phase, at a vaporization temperature, and
-- that, present, in said second volume, while said abnormal state of operation of at least one cell 7 with which it is in heat exchange is reached, by temperature rise, said flow of heat transfer fluid F1 itself reaches its vaporization temperature,
- b) at said vaporization temperature, said vaporized flow F1 escapes through an opening 33 in the second volume,
- c) and that by the first volume, such as 17-17a1, the other fluxF2 is circulated around said groups of cells, or cells, 7 and/or between two groups of such cells.

Flows F1 and F2 can come from the same fluid flow (such as water) or from different fluid flows (water and glycol water for example).

For all purposes, it is recalled that said first volume, such as 17-17a1, of a wall 11 therefore communicates with at least certain said volumes, such as 17-17a1 or 17-17a2, other walls 11, without communicating by against with no second volume, such as 17-17b1 or 17-17b2.

In the solution of FIG. 13, the prismatic cells 7 of the battery 5 have lateral connection terminals 15, here marked 15a (anode) and 15b (cathode).

These connection terminals 15 are neither on the upper face 7a, nor on the opposite lower face, but here on two opposite side faces 7c, 7d.

This requires that the functionalized side walls 11 of the invention be lower (vertically) than the cells 7: H3<H4 figure 13.

By not extending to the level of these lateral connection terminals 15, the walls 11 and the connection blocks 31 will not interfere with the connection terminals 15 which will therefore overhang them, on the two longest opposite sides. of the housing 6 in the example shown.

In the previous solutions (see in particular figures 3,4,7 and the arrows F1,F2 figure 6):
- the flow of fluid F2 circulates in series from panel 11 to adjacent panel 11, via the connection blocks 31, while
- the flow of fluid F1 circulates (or is evacuated) in parallel (each panel 11 has its/its evacuations).

A solution tilted by 90° around a central axis A perpendicular to the plane P (figure 14) of the panel(s) 11 which can follow one another in a coplanar fashion, as shown schematically in figure 5 or 6, is however possible.

In this case, as illustrated in figures 14, 15 and 16:
- the flow of fluid F1 will circulate in series and will be evacuated from panel 11 to adjacent panel 11 (arrows F1 figure 16), via the connection blocks 31, while
- the flow of fluid F2 will circulate in parallel (each panel 11 has its/its evacuations; arrow F2 in FIG. 15).

The flow of fluid F2 will be able to circulate from bottom to top or the reverse (the arrows would then be downwards in figure 15). Similarly, it is possible to have a series path of the fluid flow F1 other than that of the example in figure 16.

Be that as it may, we expect even better thermal management of cells 7 thanks to maintenance of the flow(s) of fluids (F1, F2) at a lower temperature for a longer period.

Note that in all cases:
- the first volume communicates with a fluid flow supply F2 which circulates therein in the nominal operating state of the cells,
- in the abnormal operating state of at least one cell, the second volume contains the flow of vaporizable fluid F1, which is therefore identical to or different from the flow of fluid to circulate in the first volume (where the flow F1 circulates), And,
- The first volume(s) is (are) for flow F2 closer to an adjacent cell 7 than the second volume(s) for flow F1.

Claims (15)

Set including:
- several cells or groups of cells (7) of an electric battery (5),
- a box (6) containing said cells, the box having several walls (11) assembled together and each containing at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2) where, in a nominal state of operation of the cells, according to a first range of temperatures, and/or in an abnormal state of operation outside of said first range of temperatures of at least one said cell, there may be present at least one flow of fluid (F1 , F2), which is then, like the walls (11), in heat exchange with said cells, said walls:
-- comprising at least a first and a second wall (11; 11-11b1, 11-11b2) interconnected by a fluid communication allowing said at least one flow of fluid to circulate from one to the other, and
-- being located;
--- around said cells (7) or groups of cells (7), and/or
--- between two cells or two groups of cells (7), then partitioning the box,
each wall (11) having a perimeter which extends along a thin edge of said wall and which peripherally delimits a surface (S) with, as other
features:
- that said at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2) of each wall (11) extends over at least the essential part of the surface (S) of said wall, and ,
- so that said at least one flow of fluid can circulate from one of the first and second walls (11; 11-11b1, 11-11b2) to the other, the fluid communication between the first and second walls comprises a block of connection (31) containing at least one volume (310) communicating with the volumes (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2) of the first and second walls, so that the connection block and the first and second walls present between them mechanical and sealed connections (51a, 51b, 53, 55) which fix them together and which are sealed with respect to said at least one flow of fluid. Assembly according to Claim 1, in which the said walls (11;11-11b1,11-11b) extend both around the cells, considered all together, or groups of cells (7), considered all together, to define an external contour closed housing, between two groups of cells, to partition the housing (6). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least the first and second walls each have, along the said perimeter and therefore their thin edge:
- a first open lateral side (110a1) communicating with said at least one volume so that said flow of fluid can enter therein,
- a second open lateral side (110a2) communicating with said at least one volume 17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2) so that said fluid flow can exit therefrom,
- a third lateral side (110b2) and a fourth lateral side, both closed vis-à-vis said at least one volume, to guide said flow of fluid between the first and second open lateral sides. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which, on at least each of the first and second walls (11;11-11b1,11-11b2):
- said at least one volume comprises a first volume and a second volume extending parallel to each other, each along said surface (S) of the wall, and
- are present, along said closed perimeter and therefore the thin edge of said wall:
-- a first lateral side (110a1):
--- opened to communicate with the first volume (17-17a1, 17-17a2) so that said fluid flow (F2) can enter it,
--- closed vis-à-vis the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2),
-- a second lateral side (110a2):
--- opened to communicate with the first volume (17-17a1, 17-17a2) so that said flow of fluid (F2) can exit therefrom,
--- closed vis-à-vis the second volume (17-17b1,17-17b2),
-- a third lateral side (110b2):
--- opened to communicate with the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2) so that another flow of fluid (F1), which may be present in said second volume at least in the abnormal operating state, can to go out,
--- closed vis-à-vis the first volume (17-17a1, 17-17a2),
-- a fourth lateral side (110b1):
--- closed vis-à-vis the first volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2), and
--- either, closed vis-à-vis the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2), if said other fluid flow (F1) is statically present in said second volume, or open to communicate with the second volume in order that said other flow of fluid (F1) can enter it. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein in said walls (11;11-11b1,11-11b2):
- the first volume communicates with a supply of said fluid flow which circulates therein in the nominal operating state of the cells,
- in the abnormal operating state of at least one cell, the second volume contains a flow of vaporizable fluid, which is identical to or different from said flow of fluid to circulate in the first volume, and,
- The first volume is closer to an adjacent cell (7) than the second volume. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each wall (11) comprises internal protuberances (26-26a, 26-26b) extending into the said at least one volume and forming a network adapted so that the said flow of fluid can circulate in said at least volume between the inlet and the outlet. Vehicle :
- having a horizontal frame suitable for resting on a ground defined as horizontal, and
- containing an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:
- all said cells individually have lateral sides and electrical connection terminals (15),
- among the lateral sides, each cell has at least two opposite lateral sides (7b, 7e) which define the largest surfaces of each cell (7) parallel to which the cells are arranged, within a said group, in such a way adjacent, and
- the casing (6) has, among the first, second, third and fourth sides, a lower side provided with a bottom wall (35) on which said cells rest. Vehicle :
- having a horizontal frame suitable for resting on a ground defined as horizontal, and
- containing an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein:
- among the first, second, third and fourth sides, each wall (11) has an upper side (110b2), and,
- in at least some of the walls (11), said at least said volume (17; 17-17b1, 17-17b2) communicates with an evacuation (33):
- located at the top, or on an upper side (110b2), of the wall, and
- Through which at least part of said at least one fluid flow (F1) can pass in gaseous, liquid or vapor form. Assembly for the thermal management of an electric battery (3), the assembly being adapted to the assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, the assembly comprising:
- a first and a second wall (11; 11-11b1, 11-11b2),
-- containing at least one volume (17-17a1, 17-17a2) where at least one fluid flow (F2) may be present, and
-- adapted to be able to be placed in heat exchange with cells of the electric battery (5),
each wall (11) having a perimeter which extends along a thin edge (111) of said wall and which peripherally delimits a surface (S), said at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17- 17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2) of each wall (11) extending over most of the surface (S) of said wall,
- and a connection block (31) for connecting the first and second walls together, so that said at least one fluid flow (F2) can circulate between them, the connection block (31) being adapted to be placed in a corner of a cell (7) of the electric battery (5), and the connection block (31) and the first and second walls having between them mechanical and sealed connections (51a, 51b, 53, 55) which secure them together and which are sealed against said at least one fluid flow. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the first and second walls and the connection block (31) which connects them via the intermediary of the said links (51a, 51b; 53, 55) are engaged one in the other via shoulders defining abutments. An assembly according to any of claims 3 or 5, which comprises an assembly skeleton (59) comprising:
- the upright modular connection blocks (31), between which extend, on the upper side, connecting bars (61), to hold them together, and,
- lower side, a bottom wall (35) on which said cells rest and with which the connection blocks (31) are secured,
the connecting bars (61) and the bottom wall (35) being prominent with respect to the cells, respectively upper side and lower side, so that:
- upper side, first free spaces (63) are, between the connecting bars (61), reserved for the electrical connections of the cells, and
- lower side, second free spaces (65) are, in voids (67) of the bottom wall (35), reserved for the fluidic connections (68) of said volumes and/or for blocks (69) comprising a thermal insulator (29) and/or a phase change material. Method for thermally managing an electric battery (5) comprising several cells or groups of cells (7) contained in a casing, the casing (6) comprising several sides and one or more walls (11) per side, each wall (11):
- having a contour extending peripherally along a thin edge which goes around the wall,
- extending in a plane perpendicular to said thin edge and along which the wall has a surface (S) delimited by the contour of the wall, and
- containing at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2; 17-17c) which occupies most of the surface (S) of said wall and where is present, in a nominal operating state of the cells, according to a first temperature range, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside said first temperature range, at least one flow of fluid (F1, F2), the walls being located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells, in which method:
- communicating the volumes of the walls (11) located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or of the walls (11) located between two groups of cells, so that said at least one fluid flow (F2) can circulate successively from one volume to another, and
- at least in the nominal operating state of said cells (7), the housing (6) is supplied with said at least one flow of fluid which is circulated:
-- between two groups of cells (7), successively from a said wall to an adjacent wall, and/or
-- Around said groups of cells, or cells, successively from at least certain volumes to others. Method for thermally managing an electric battery (5) comprising several cells or groups of cells (7) contained in a casing, the casing (6) comprising several sides and one or more walls (11) per side, each wall (11):
- extending in a plane perpendicular to a thin edge and along which the wall has a surface (S) delimited by the outline of the wall, and
- containing at least one volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2; 17-17c) which occupies most of the surface (S) of said wall and where is present, in a nominal operating state of the cells, according to a first temperature range, and/or in an abnormal operating state outside said first temperature range, at least one flow of fluid (F1, F2), the walls being located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells, in which method, on at least one series of walls:
- the volumes are isolated from each other:
-- walls (11) located around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or
-- walls (11) located between two groups of cells,
- and, at least in the nominal operating state of said cells (7), each of these volumes is individually supplied with said at least one fluid flow, so that said at least one fluid flow ( F2 ) can circulate in parallel in said walls, without circulating successively from one volume to another. Method according to claim 12 or 13 wherein, in at least some of the walls, said at least one volume being split into a first volume and a second volume (17; 17-17a1, 17-17a2; 17-17b1, 17-17b2 ) extending parallel to each other, in said plane (S) of the wall:
- at least in the nominal operating state of said cells (7), the first volume (17-17a1, 17-17a) is supplied with fluid flow (F2) of which a flow is circulated,
- in a said abnormal state of operation of at least one said cell (7), the presence in the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2) of another fluid flow, which can be vaporized, is ensured, said fluid flows (F1, F2) coming from identical or different fluid flows, and
- The first volume is placed closer to an adjacent cell (7) than the second volume. A method according to claim 14, wherein:
- a first and a second flow of fluid(s) (F1, F2) are provided, in the abnormal operating state of at least one cell, or previously, from the nominal operating state of said cells (7) , as said at least one fluid flow (F1,F2), such that:
-- that the second flow of fluid (F1) brought into the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2) is capable, at ambient pressure, of being in a gaseous phase, at a vaporization temperature, and
-- that, present, in said second volume, while said abnormal state of operation of at least one cell with which it is in heat exchange is reached, by temperature rise, said second fluid flow ( F1 ) itself reaches even its vaporization temperature,
- at said vaporization temperature, said second stream of vaporized fluid escapes through an opening (33) formed in said walls (11) and communicating with the second volume, and,
- it is by the first volume (17-17a1, 17-17a2), which communicates with the first volume of other walls (11), without communicating on the other hand with the second volume (17-17b1, 17-17b2), that the first flow of fluid ( F2 ) is circulated from wall (11) to wall (11) around said groups of cells, or cells, and/or between two groups of cells, at least in the nominal state operation of said cells (7).