FR3135568A1 - Battery and associated cooling process - Google Patents

Abstract

Battery and associated cooling method The invention relates to a battery (10) comprising an electrochemical module comprising: - a housing (12), - a first electrochemical assembly comprising a first electrochemical element (79) and at least one separator device (76, 78) located facing one side of the first electrochemical element (79), the separator device (76) defining at least one groove (96), the groove (96) delimiting with the housing (12) or with a first separator plate at least a cooling channel (102), for each cooling channel (102), an upstream wall (20) and a downstream wall (22) of the housing (12) defining an inlet opening (110) and an outlet opening (112) opening into the cooling channel (102), the battery (10) further comprising a cooling fluid supply system (16) capable of circulating a cooling fluid in the cooling channel (102). Figure for abstract: Figure 7

Description

Battery and associated cooling process

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a battery.

For example, the battery is intended to be embedded in a vehicle, for example in a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship. Alternatively, the battery is intended to be implemented in an energy storage system for harsh environments.

The battery comprises at least one electrochemical element, for example a lithium-ion accumulator. Generally, to deliver sufficient power, this type of battery comprises at least one electrochemical module comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements electrically connected to each other.

In operation or when charging, each of the electrochemical elements dissipates a significant amount of heat. If heat is not removed effectively, excessive temperature inside the battery can lead to its thermal runaway or long-term loss of performance. When the battery includes a significant quantity of electrochemical elements, temperature differences between the different electrochemical elements can affect the performance of the battery in charging and discharging.

To overcome this problem, US 2006/0216582 A1 describes a battery comprising a cooling system in which the heat emitted by the battery is dissipated by conduction via dissipation members fixed on the exterior walls of the battery and fans which move the air located between the dissipation organs.

However, such a system is not entirely satisfactory because it does not allow each electrochemical element to be cooled efficiently and uniformly.

An aim of the invention is to provide a battery which is particularly effective in cooling the electrochemical element(s) of the battery, while being particularly suitable for difficult and dusty environments.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a battery comprising at least one electrochemical module, each electrochemical module comprising:

- a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between an upstream wall and a downstream wall, the housing defining an interior volume,

- at least a first electrochemical assembly received in the interior volume, the first electrochemical assembly comprising a first electrochemical element and at least one separator device located facing one side of the first electrochemical element along a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the separator device defining at least one groove,

the groove delimiting with the housing or with a first separator plate received in the interior volume at least one cooling channel extending between an upstream end and a downstream end from the upstream wall towards the downstream wall,

for each cooling channel, the upstream wall defining a cooling fluid supply opening opening into the upstream end of the cooling channel, the downstream wall defining a cooling fluid discharge opening opening into the downstream end of the cooling channel,

the battery further comprising a cooling fluid supply system fluidly connected to the cooling fluid supply opening of each of the cooling channels, the cooling fluid supply system being capable of circulating a fluid cooling in the cooling channel from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

Thus, each of the cooling channels makes it possible to effectively cool the electrochemical element(s) since the cooling fluid circulates over the entire length of each electrochemical element. Each cooling channel is isolated from the rest of the interior volume of the battery. This prevents the accumulation of dust or particles inside the interior volume of the battery and particularly at the electrical contacts.

The battery according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

- the separator device delimits a plurality of grooves;

- the or each groove is through;

- the or each groove extends along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis;

- the or each groove extends on the separator device between an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end and the downstream end being located away from the upstream wall and the downstream wall;

- the separator device is made of elastic material;

- the first electrochemical assembly comprises a first separator device and a second separator device arranged on either side of the first electrochemical cell along the transverse axis, each of the first and second separator devices defining at least one groove;

- the housing comprises a side wall connecting the upstream wall to the downstream wall, the groove of the second separator device and the side wall delimiting between them a cooling channel, the side wall internally delimiting a supply conduit located between the opening of the inlet and the cooling channel and an evacuation conduit located between the cooling channel and the evacuation opening;

- the battery comprises at least a first separator plate delimiting with the housing a first interior space and a second interior space on either side of the first separator plate along the transverse axis;

- the groove of the first separator device and the first separator plate define between them a cooling channel, the first separator plate internally delimiting a supply conduit located between the supply opening and the cooling channel, and a supply conduit evacuation located between the cooling channel and the evacuation opening;

- the first electrochemical assembly is received in the first interior space, the battery further comprising at least one second electrochemical assembly received in the second interior space, the second electrochemical assembly comprising a second electrochemical cell and at least one separator device defining at least one groove, the first electrochemical cell being electrically connected to the second electrochemical cell; And

- the cooling fluid is air, the cooling fluid supply system comprising a cover mounted on the upstream wall and at least one fan mounted on the cover, the cover delimiting with the upstream wall a chamber in fluid communication with each inlet opening, the fan being adapted to supply the chamber with cooling fluid.

The invention also relates to a method of cooling a battery as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

- supply of a battery as described above,

- activation of the cooling fluid supply system,

- circulation of a cooling fluid in the or each cooling channel from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

- there is a perspective view of a battery according to one embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 2 to 4 are perspective views of the battery housing of the ,

- Figures 5 and 6 are respectively perspective views of electrochemical assemblies and a single electrochemical assembly of the battery of the , And

- Figures 7 and 8 are two sectional views of the battery of the made at two different heights according to the elevation axis.

On the , there is shown a battery 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The battery 10 comprises a single electrochemical module 11. It is understood that the battery 10 may comprise a plurality of electrochemical modules 11 electrically connected to each other.

Each electrochemical module 11 comprises a housing 12, at least a first electrochemical assembly 14 received inside the housing 12, and a cooling fluid supply system 16.

In this example, the cooling fluid is a gas, notably air. The battery 10 is cooled with a gas flow constituting the cooling fluid.

The housing 12 extends along a longitudinal axis L between an upstream wall 20 ( ) and a downstream wall 22 ( ). The housing 12 extends along a transverse axis T substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between a left side wall 24 and a right side wall 26. The left 24 and right side walls 26 connect the upstream wall 20 to the downstream wall 22 The housing 12 further extends along an elevation axis Z substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T between a lower wall 28 and an upper wall 30. The lower wall 28 and the upper wall 30 each connect the upstream wall 20, the downstream wall 22, the left side wall 24 and the right side wall 26 between them.

In the remainder of the description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the direction of circulation of the cooling fluid in the battery 10. Thus, the cooling fluid enters the interior of the housing 12 through the wall upstream 20 and spring from the housing 12 by the downstream wall 22. The terms “left” and “right” relate to the longitudinal axis L, itself oriented in the upstream-downstream direction. The terms “upper” and “lower” relate to the Z elevation axis.

The housing 12 internally delimits an interior volume 32. In particular, the interior volume 32 is delimited by the upstream wall 20, the downstream wall 22, the upper wall 30, the lower wall 28, the left side wall 24 and the right side wall 26.

For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the upstream wall 20 and the downstream wall 22 extend respectively in an upstream plane P1 and a downstream plane P2, substantially parallel to each other. In the same way, the left side walls 24 and right 26 extend respectively in a left plane P3 and a right plane P4, substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the upstream planes P1 and downstream P2.

Preferably, the battery 10 comprises an upper cover 34 defining the upper wall 30, and two terminals 36, respectively of a first polarity and a second polarity, opposite to the first polarity, fixed on the upper cover 34. Alternatively , the terminals 36 are located on the left side wall 24 or the right side wall 26.

Preferably, the battery 10 comprises at least a first separator plate 38a received in the interior volume 32, delimiting the interior volume 32 into at least a first interior space 40 and a second interior space 42.

Preferably, as illustrated in the , the battery 10 comprises a plurality of separator plates 38a, ..., 38d received inside the interior volume 32, delimiting a plurality of interior spaces 46 inside the interior volume 32. The interior spaces 46 are adjacent to each other relative to the others along the transverse axis T. Each separator plate 38a, ..., 38d extends between the upstream wall 20 and the downstream wall 22, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the upstream plane P1 and the downstream plane P2. Each separator plate 38a, ..., 38d extends along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L between an upstream end 48 fixed on the upstream wall 20 or resting against the upstream wall 20, and a downstream end 50 fixed on the downstream wall 22 or resting against the downstream wall 22. Each separator plate 38a, ..., 38d is preferably also fixed on the lower wall 28 or resting against the lower wall 28. Each separator plate 38a, ..., 38d is entirely received in the interior volume 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 10 comprises four separator plates 38a, ..., 38d, namely, in addition to the first separator plate 38a, a second separator plate 38b, a third separator 38c and a fourth separator plate 38d, delimiting inside the interior volume 32, with the left side wall 24 and the right side wall 26, five interior spaces 46, namely, in addition to the first interior space 40 and the second interior space 42, a third interior space 58, a fourth interior space 60 and a fifth interior space 62.

The first electrochemical assembly 14 is received in the first interior space 40. Preferably, the battery 10 comprises at least one second electrochemical assembly 64 received in the second interior space 42.

Preferably, the battery 10 comprises a plurality of electrochemical assemblies 66 arranged adjacent to each other along the transverse axis T. In the example illustrated, the battery 10 comprises five electrochemical assemblies 66 each received in a space interior 46, namely, in addition to the first electrochemical assembly 14 and the second electrochemical assembly 64, a third electrochemical assembly 68 received in the third interior space 58, a fourth electrochemical assembly 70 received in the fourth interior space 60 and a fifth electrochemical assembly 72 received in the fifth interior space 62.

Each electrochemical assembly 66 comprises an electrochemical element 74 and at least one first separator device 76. In particular, the first electrochemical assembly 14 comprises a first electrochemical element 79, and the second electrochemical assembly 64 comprises a second electrochemical element 77. Advantageously, each assembly electrochemical 74 further comprises a second separator device 78.

Each electrochemical element 74 extends along an axis C substantially between an upper end 80 located facing the upper wall 30 of the housing 12 and a lower end 82 located facing the lower wall 28 of the housing 12. Each electrochemical element 74 extends further along an axis D substantially perpendicular to the axis C between an upstream surface 84 extending facing the upstream wall 20 and a downstream surface 86 extending facing the upstream wall 22. Each electrochemical element 74 extends in further along an axis E substantially perpendicular to the axes C and D between a left surface 88 extending on the side of the left side wall 24 and a right surface 90 extending on the side of the right side wall 26. When the electrochemical element 74 is received in the interior volume, the axis C is substantially parallel to the elevation axis Z, the axis D is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L and the axis E is substantially parallel to the transverse axis T.

The electrochemical element 74 is intended to store and/or produce electrical power at terminals 92 of the electrochemical element which are here located on the upper end 80. The structure of such an electrochemical element 74 is known from state of the art and is not described in detail here.

In the example illustrated, each electrochemical element 74 is a prismatic accumulator, for example lithium-ion. Alternatively, each electrochemical element 74 is a pocket or pouch (“pouch” in English) comprising a flexible envelope.

The battery 10 comprises in particular connection members 94 electrically connecting in series the terminals 92 of the electrochemical elements 74 of the electrochemical assemblies 66.

The first separator device 76 and the second separator device 78 are located on either side of each electrochemical element 74 along the transverse axis T. In particular, the first separator device 76 is located against the left surface 88 of the element electrochemical 74 and the second separator device 78 is located against the right surface 90 of the electrochemical element 74. Preferably, the first separator device 76 is fixed on the electrochemical element 74, and in particular against the left surface 88 of the electrochemical element 74. For example, the first separator device 76 is stuck against the left surface 88 of the electrochemical element 74. Preferably, the second separator device 78 is fixed on the electrochemical element 74, and in particular against the right surface 90 of the electrochemical element 74. For example, the second separator device 78 is stuck against the straight surface 90 of the electrochemical element 74. Alternatively, the first separator device 76 and the second separator device 78 are held against the electrochemical element 74, for example, for the first electrochemical assembly 14, respectively between the first electrochemical element 79 and the first separator plate 38a, and between the first separator plate 38a and the right side wall 26 of the housing 12, and for example for the second electrochemical assembly 64, respectively between the second separator plate 38b and the second electrochemical element 77, and between the second electrochemical element 77 and the first separator plate 38a.

The first separator device 76 and the second separator device 78 preferably extend respectively over at least 50% of the left surface 88 and the right surface 90. The first separator device 76 and the second separator device 78 are each formed by a plate having a thickness taken along axis E of between 1 mm and 5 mm.

Each of the separator devices 76, 78 delimits at least one groove 96. Preferably, each of the separator devices 76, 78 delimits a plurality of grooves 96. In the example illustrated, each of the separator devices 76, 78 delimits four grooves 96. It It is understood that the number of grooves 96 varies depending on the embodiments and is for example between one and fifteen.

Preferably, each of the grooves 96 is through, that is to say that the groove 96 extends on either side of the separator device 76, 78 along the transverse axis T. Preferably, each of the grooves 96 extends over the separator device 76, 78 between an upstream end 98 oriented towards the upstream wall 20 of the housing 12 and a downstream end 100 oriented towards the downstream wall 22 of the housing 12. Each of the upstream ends 98 and downstream 100 are located at the distance respectively from the upstream wall 20 and the downstream wall 22. In other words, each of the grooves 96 extends internally on the separator device 76, 78 without opening onto a free edge of the separator device 76, 78.

Preferably, each of the grooves 96 extends over at least 50%, advantageously at least 80% of the length of the electrochemical element 74 taken along the longitudinal axis L. In the example illustrated, each of the grooves 96 of a separator device 76, 78 extends mainly in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

Each groove 96 delimits with the housing 12 or with a separator plate 38a, ..., 38d received in the interior volume 32 at least one cooling channel 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first separator device 76 of the first electrochemical assembly 14 delimits with the first separator plate 38a and the first electrochemical element 79 a first plurality of cooling channels 102, in particular four cooling channels 102. The second device separator 78 of the first electrochemical assembly 14 delimits with the first electrochemical element 79 and the right side wall 26 of the housing 12 a second plurality of cooling channels 102, in particular four cooling channels 102.

In the same way, the first separator device 76 of the second electrochemical assembly 64 delimits with the first electrochemical element 77 and the second separator plate 38b a first plurality of cooling channels 102. The second separator device 78 of the second electrochemical assembly 64 delimits with the first electrochemical element 77 and the first separator plate 38 has a second plurality of cooling channels 102.

Preferably, for each electrochemical assembly 66, in projection in a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L, the cooling channels 102 of the first plurality and the cooling channels 102 of the second plurality are intertwined with each other according to the elevation axis Z. In other words, the cooling channels 102 of the first plurality are arranged alternating with the cooling channels 102 of the second plurality along the elevation axis Z. This makes it possible to have cooling of the improved and homogeneous electrochemical element 74.

Alternatively, the cooling channels 102 of the first plurality and the cooling channels 102 of the second plurality are located opposite each other along the transverse axis T or partially overlap in the longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

Each cooling channel 102 extends between an upstream end 104 on the side of the upstream wall 20 of the housing 22 and a downstream end 106 on the side of the downstream wall 22 of the housing 12. Preferably, each cooling channel 102 has a section , taken in a transverse plane, substantially constant between the upstream end 104 and the downstream end 106.

Each cooling channel 102 of the first plurality or the second plurality delimits a preferably sealed space 108, that is to say that the cooling channel 102 is not in fluid communication with the interior volume 32 of the housing 12. This prevents any clogging of the interior volume 32 of the housing 12 by particles transported by the cooling fluid.

Advantageously, to further improve the sealing of the space 108, each separator device 76, 78 is made of an elastic material, for example an elastomer. By “elastic” we mean that if traction or compression, less than a predetermined threshold, is exerted on the separator device 76, 76, it deforms. When the tensile stress is removed, the separator device 76, 78 does not remain in its stretched state, but returns to its initial undeformed state. Beyond the predetermined threshold, the separator device 76, 78 tears. For example, the Shore A hardness of the material is between 50 and 90, with the hardness measured according to ASTM D 2240-15(2021).

For each cooling channel 102, the upstream wall 20 delimits a cooling fluid supply opening 110 in fluid communication with the upstream end 104 of the cooling channel 102. For each cooling channel 102, the downstream wall 22 delimits a evacuation opening 112 of cooling fluid in fluid communication with the downstream end 106 of the cooling channel 102. The evacuation opening 112 is for example of rectangular, oblong or elliptical shape. For example, the width of the evacuation opening is equal to 2 mm to the nearest millimeter. Preferably, the section of the inlet opening 110 and the section of the discharge opening 112 are substantially identical. Alternatively, the evacuation opening 112 has a section greater than that of the cooling channel 102. This makes it possible to reduce pressure losses.

In particular, in the example illustrated (Figures 7 and 8), for each cooling channel 102 of the second plurality of the first electrochemical assembly 14, that is to say the cooling channels 102 extending facing the wall right side 26 of the housing 12, the right side wall 26 internally delimits a supply conduit 114 between the supply opening 110 defined in the upstream wall 20 and the corresponding cooling channel 102. The inlet conduit 114 opens inside the cooling channel 102. In the same way, the right side wall 26 internally delimits an evacuation conduit 116 between the evacuation opening 112 and the corresponding cooling channel 102 . The evacuation conduit 116 opens inside the cooling channel 102.

For each cooling channel 102 of the first plurality of the first electrochemical assembly 14, that is to say the cooling channels 102 extending facing the first separator plate 38a, the first separator plate 38a internally delimits a conduit of feed 114 between a feed opening 110 defined in the upstream wall 20 and the corresponding cooling channel 102. The supply conduit 114 opens inside the cooling channel 102. In the same way, the first separator plate 38a internally delimits an evacuation conduit 116 between the evacuation opening 112 and the corresponding cooling channel 102 . The evacuation conduit 116 opens inside the cooling channel 102.

Each of the inlet conduits 114 and the discharge conduits 116 extends along a conduit axis AC forming an acute angle with the longitudinal axis L, for example between 5° and 25°. Each of the inlet conduits 114 and the discharge conduits 116 is delimited in the thickness of the right side wall 26 or of the first separator plate 38a taken along the transverse axis T.

Thus, the cooling fluid enters each of the cooling channels 102 through the inlet opening 110, circulates in the inlet conduit 114 then in the sealed space 108 along the electrochemical element 74 then emerges from the battery 10 by taking the evacuation conduit 116 to exit through the evacuation opening 112.

The cooling fluid supply system 16 is fluidly connected to each of the cooling fluid supply openings 110 of each of the cooling channels 102. The cooling fluid supply system 16 is capable of circulating the fluid cooling in each of the cooling channels 102 from the inlet opening 110 towards the outlet opening 112.

In the example illustrated, the cooling fluid supply system 16 comprises a cover 118 mounted on the upstream wall 20 of the housing 12 and a fan 120 mounted on the cover 118. The cover 118 delimits with the upstream wall 20 a chamber 122 in fluid communication with each inlet opening 110. The fan 120 is adapted to supply the chamber 122 with cooling fluid, in particular with air which is around the battery 10. The supply system 16 in cooling fluid therefore allows forced circulation of the cooling fluid inside each of the cooling channels 102.

The cooling of the battery 10 by the cooling fluid will now be described.

When charging or discharging the battery 10, and/or during a waiting phase, it may be necessary to cool the electrochemical element(s) 74.

The cooling fluid supply system 16 is then activated to create a flow of cooling fluid which is introduced into each of the cooling channels 102 through each inlet opening 110. The cooling fluid then enters the cooling channel 102 corresponding via the supply conduit 114. It then circulates in the cooling channel 102 along the electrochemical element 74. This ensures very efficient heat exchange and appropriate cooling of the electrochemical element 74. The cooling fluid is then guided to the evacuation conduit 116 and exits through the evacuation opening 112 out of the cooling channel 102.

The flow rates of cooling fluid entering the cooling channels 102 through each inlet opening 110 are substantially identical, ensuring homogeneous cooling of the electrochemical element(s) 74. By "substantially identical" is meant that the maximum variation in flow rate in each cooling channel 102 relative to the arithmetic average of the flow rates in each cooling channel 102 is less than 10%, in particular less than 5%.

A second embodiment will now be described in terms of differences compared to the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the battery 10 comprises a single first electrochemical assembly 14. In this embodiment, the battery 10 does not include a separator plate 38a, ..., 38d. The first electrochemical assembly 14 is placed inside the interior volume 32 of the housing 12. The first electrochemical assembly 14 comprises a first separator device 76 and a second separator device 78 arranged on either side of the first electrochemical element 79 according to the transverse axis T. The first separator device 76 delimits with the housing 12, and in particular with the left side wall 24 at least one cooling channel 102, preferably a plurality of cooling channels 102. The second separator device 76 delimits with the housing 12, and in particular with the left side wall 26, at least one cooling channel 102, preferably a plurality of cooling channels 102.

Thus, the battery according to the invention is particularly advantageous because each of the cooling channels makes it possible to effectively cool the electrochemical element(s) since the cooling fluid circulates over the entire length of each electrochemical element. Each cooling channel is isolated from the rest of the interior volume of the battery. This prevents the accumulation of dust or particles inside the interior volume of the battery and particularly at the electrical contacts.

Claims (13)

Battery (10) comprising at least one electrochemical module (11), each electrochemical module (11) comprising:
- a housing (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) between an upstream wall (20) and a downstream wall (22), the housing (12) delimiting an interior volume (32),
- at least a first electrochemical assembly (14) received in the interior volume (32), the first electrochemical assembly (14) comprising a first electrochemical element (79) and at least one separator device (76, 78) located facing one side of the first electrochemical element (79) along a transverse axis (T) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), the separator device (76) defining at least one groove (96),
the groove (96) delimiting with the housing (12) or with a first separator plate (38a) received in the interior volume (32) at least one cooling channel (102) extending between an upstream end (104) and a downstream end (106) from the upstream wall (20) towards the downstream wall (22),
for each cooling channel (102), the upstream wall (20) defining a cooling fluid supply opening (110) opening into the upstream end (104) of the cooling channel (102), the downstream wall (22 ) defining a cooling fluid evacuation opening (112) opening into the downstream end (106) of the cooling channel (102),
the battery (10) further comprising a cooling fluid supply system (16) fluidly connected to the cooling fluid supply opening (110) of each of the cooling channels (102), the system cooling fluid supply (16) being capable of circulating a cooling fluid in the cooling channel (102) from the inlet opening (110) towards the discharge opening (112). Battery (10) according to claim 1, in which the separator device (76, 78) defines a plurality of grooves (96). Battery (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the or each groove (96) is through. Battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the or each groove (96) extends along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L). Battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the or each groove (96) extends on the separator device (76, 78) between an upstream end (98) and a downstream end (100) , the upstream end (98) and the downstream end (100) being located away from the upstream wall (20) and the downstream wall (22). Battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the separator device (76, 78) is made of elastic material. Battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first electrochemical assembly (14) comprises a first separator device (76) and a second separator device (78) arranged on either side of the first element electrochemical (79) along the transverse axis (T), each of the first and second separator devices (76, 78) defining at least one groove (96). Battery (10) according to claim 7, in which the housing (12) comprises a side wall (24, 26) connecting the upstream wall (20) to the downstream wall (22), the groove (96) of the second separator device ( 78) and the side wall (24, 26) delimiting between them a cooling channel (102), the side wall (24, 26) internally delimiting a supply conduit (114) located between the supply opening (110 ) and the cooling channel (102) and an exhaust duct (116) located between the cooling channel (102) and the exhaust opening (112). Battery (10) according to claim 7 or 8, in which the battery (10) comprises at least a first separator plate (38a) delimiting with the housing a first interior space (40) and a second interior space (42) on both sides other side of the first separator plate (38a) along the transverse axis (T). Battery (10) according to claim 9, in which the groove (96) of the first separator device (76) and the first separator plate (38a) define between them a cooling channel (102), the first separator plate (38a) delimiting internally a supply conduit (114) located between the supply opening (110) and the cooling channel (102), and an exhaust conduit (116) located between the cooling channel (102) and the evacuation opening (112). Battery (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first electrochemical assembly (14) is received in the first interior space (40), the battery (10) further comprising at least a second electrochemical assembly (64) received in the second interior space (42), the second electrochemical assembly (64) comprising a second electrochemical element (77) and at least one separator device (76, 78) defining at least one groove (96), the first electrochemical element (79) being electrically connected to the second electrochemical element (77). Battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the cooling fluid is air, the cooling fluid supply system (16) comprising a cover (118) mounted on the upstream wall (20) and at least one fan (120) mounted on the cover (118), the cover (118) delimiting with the upstream wall (20) a chamber (122) in fluid communication with each inlet opening (110), the fan (120) being adapted to supply the chamber (122) with cooling fluid. Method of cooling a battery (10), the method comprising the following steps:
- supply of a battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
- activation of the cooling fluid supply system (16),
- circulation of a cooling fluid in the or each cooling channel (102) from the inlet opening (110) towards the outlet opening (112).