JP2010033799A - Energy storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently carry out temperature adjustment of energy storage modules in each storage unit, in a structure with a plurality of energy storage units. <P>SOLUTION: In the energy storage device (1) having a first and a second energy storage units (2, 3) arrayed in parallel, each energy storage unit includes energy storage modules (21, 31) consisting of a plurality of energy storage elements (50), supply ducts (22, 32) supplying the energy storage modules with heat exchange media for exchanging heat with the energy storage elements, and exhaust ducts (23, 33) exhausting the heat exchange media which finished heat exchange with the energy storage elements. The exhaust ducts in the first and the second energy storage units are arranged in adjacency to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device capable of efficiently adjusting the temperature of a plurality of power storage units.

  It is known that the secondary battery generates heat due to charging / discharging, and the output characteristics of the secondary battery deteriorate when the temperature of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined value. Therefore, cooling air is supplied to the secondary battery to suppress the temperature rise of the secondary battery (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In the power supply device described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which a battery case containing an assembled battery and an electronic component are stacked, cooling air is caused to flow through a blower duct positioned between the assembled battery and the electronic component. Thus, the assembled battery and the electronic component are cooled.
JP 2007-234371 A (FIGS. 1 and 6) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-233064 (FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2007-295701 A

  In Patent Document 1, only the arrangement relationship between one assembled battery and an electronic component is described. That is, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any structure for efficiently adjusting the temperature of each power storage unit when a plurality of power storage units are used. Further, in the case where a heating element corresponding to the electronic component described in Patent Document 1 is arranged together with a plurality of power storage units, the positional relationship between the plurality of power storage units and the heat generating elements is not disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The objective of this invention is providing the electrical storage apparatus which can adjust the temperature in a some electrical storage unit efficiently.

  The first invention of the present application is a power storage device in which the first and second power storage units are arranged side by side, and each power storage unit performs heat exchange between a power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements and a power storage element. A supply duct for supplying the heat exchange medium to the power storage module, and a discharge duct for discharging the heat exchange medium heat-exchanged between the power storage elements. And the discharge duct in the 1st and 2nd electrical storage unit is arrange | positioned adjacently.

  Here, a heating element capable of generating heat by energization can be disposed between the discharge ducts in the first and second power storage units. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat generated from the heating element from reaching the supply duct in each power storage unit. In particular, when a cooling heat exchange medium is supplied using the supply duct, it is possible to suppress the heat exchange medium from being warmed by heat from the heating element. Thereby, the electrical storage module in each electrical storage unit can be efficiently cooled using the heat exchange medium for cooling.

  In addition, as a heat generating body, there exists an electronic device used for control regarding charging / discharging of the 1st and 2nd electrical storage unit, for example. In addition, the power storage modules in the first and second power storage units can be electrically connected in parallel.

  On the other hand, the third power storage unit can be arranged adjacent to the second power storage unit on the side opposite to the first power storage unit with respect to the second power storage unit. Here, the third power storage unit includes a power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements, a supply duct that supplies a heat exchange medium that performs heat exchange with the power storage elements to the power storage module, and heat between the power storage elements. And a discharge duct for discharging the exchanged heat exchange medium. Then, the supply duct in the third power storage unit can be disposed adjacent to the supply duct in the second power storage unit.

  Thus, by arranging the supply ducts in the second and third power storage units next to each other, when the power storage unit is cooled using the heat exchange medium, the heat exchange medium passing through each supply duct is warmed. Can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to prevent the heat of the discharge duct from being transmitted to the supply duct as in the case where the supply duct and the discharge duct are arranged adjacent to each other.

  In the third power storage unit, the exhaust duct can be positioned on the side of the exhaust pipe that discharges the combustion gas generated in the internal combustion engine of the vehicle with respect to the power storage module. Thereby, the heat of an exhaust pipe can be discharged | emitted via an exhaust duct, and it can suppress that the heat of an exhaust pipe is transmitted to an electrical storage module. Note that the power storage module in the third power storage unit can be electrically connected in parallel to the power storage modules in the first and second power storage units.

  The power storage device according to the second invention of the present application includes first and second power storage units, and a heating element that is disposed between the first and second power storage units and can generate heat when energized. Each power storage unit includes a power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements, a supply duct that supplies a heat exchange medium that performs heat exchange with the power storage elements, and a heat exchange that is heat-exchanged between the power storage elements. A discharge duct for discharging the medium. And the supply duct in the 1st and 2nd electrical storage unit is arrange | positioned in the position which pinches | interposes a heat generating body.

  Here, as the heat exchange medium, a gas used for heating the power storage module can be used. Moreover, as a heat generating body, there exists an electronic device used for control regarding charging / discharging of the 1st and 2nd electrical storage unit, for example.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the structure provided with the several electrical storage unit, the temperature control of the electrical storage module in each electrical storage unit can be performed efficiently.

  In the first invention of the present application, since the discharge ducts in the first and second power storage units are arranged adjacent to each other, the heat of the discharge duct is the same as when the supply duct and the discharge duct are arranged adjacent to each other. Can be prevented from being transmitted to the supply duct. Here, when the power storage module is cooled using the heat exchange medium, the heat exchange medium passing through each supply duct can be prevented from being warmed, and each power storage module can be efficiently cooled.

  In the second invention of the present application, since the supply ducts in the first and second power storage units are arranged so as to sandwich the heat generating element, the heat generated by the heat generating element is given to the power storage module via each supply duct. be able to. Here, when the power storage module is heated using the heat exchange medium, the heat of the heating element can also be used, so that the power storage module can be efficiently heated.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A battery pack (power storage device) that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the battery pack of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the battery pack of this embodiment. 1 and 2, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are axes orthogonal to each other, and the Z axis is an axis corresponding to the direction of gravity. The same applies to other drawings.

  The battery pack 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). Specifically, the battery pack 1 is fixed to a vehicle floor panel or frame. Such vehicles include hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. In addition to the battery pack 1, the hybrid vehicle is a vehicle provided with other power sources such as an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell that output energy used for traveling of the vehicle. The electric vehicle is a vehicle that travels using only the output of the battery pack 1. The battery pack 1 according to the present embodiment outputs energy used for running the vehicle by discharging, or charges kinetic energy generated during braking of the vehicle as regenerative power. It is also possible to perform charging by receiving power supply from the outside of the vehicle.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the battery pack 1 includes a first battery unit (first power storage unit) 2, a second battery unit (second power storage unit) 3, and first and second battery units. And a device (heating element) 4 disposed between 2 and 3. Here, the 1st and 2nd battery units 2 and 3 and the apparatus 4 are covered with the pack case 11 (refer FIG. 2).

  The first battery unit 2 includes a battery module 21, and an intake duct (supply duct) 22 and an exhaust duct (discharge duct) 23 disposed on both sides of the battery module 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the intake duct 22 is used to supply air existing outside the battery pack 1 to the battery module 21. Specifically, the air present in the vehicle interior can be supplied to the battery module 21 via the intake duct 22. Here, by driving the fan, the air existing in the passenger compartment can be taken into the intake duct 22. The interior of the vehicle means a space in which a passenger gets in or a space for storing luggage (so-called luggage room).

  1 and 2 show only the intake duct 22 disposed in the battery pack 1, and in fact, other intake ducts (non-containers) that constitute an air intake path with respect to the intake duct 22. Are connected. Specifically, an opening formed at one end of another air intake duct faces the vehicle interior, and air that is present in the vehicle interior can be taken in. Here, a fan for taking in air can be provided in another intake duct. In the present embodiment, air is supplied to the inside of the battery pack 1, but a gas other than air can also be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the air intake duct 22 has a plurality of openings 22a on the surface facing the battery module 21, and the air taken into the air intake duct 22 is supplied to the battery module via the openings 22a. Turn to 21. Here, the number of openings 22a can be set as appropriate. That is, it is only necessary that the air taken into the intake duct 22 can move to the battery module 21 through the opening 22a. In addition, the arrow shown with the dotted line of FIG. 2 has shown the direction through which air flows.

  The battery module 21 has a plurality of single cells 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of unit cells 50 are arranged side by side in the X direction, and a row of unit cells 50 arranged side by side in the X direction is arranged side by side in the Y direction. The battery module 21 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the intake duct 22, the exhaust duct 23, and the pack case 11 of the battery pack 1. A specific configuration of the battery module 21 will be described later.

  The air from the opening 22 a of the intake duct 22 toward the battery module 21 passes between adjacent unit cells 50 in the battery module 21 and moves toward the exhaust duct 23. At this time, the temperature of the unit cell 50 can be adjusted by heat exchange between the air supplied from the intake duct 22 and the unit cell 50.

  The exhaust duct 23 is used for discharging the air supplied to the battery module 21 to the outside of the battery pack 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust duct 23 has a plurality of openings 23a on the surface facing the battery module 21, and takes in air from the battery module 21 through each opening 23a. Yes. Here, the number of openings 23a can be set as appropriate. That is, it is only necessary that the air from the battery module 21 can move into the exhaust duct 23 through the opening 23a.

  1 and 2 show only the exhaust duct 23 arranged in the battery pack 1, and actually, another exhaust duct (not shown) constituting an air exhaust path with respect to the exhaust duct 23. Is connected. Specifically, an opening formed at one end of another exhaust duct faces the outside of the vehicle so that air from the battery module 21 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle.

  In the present embodiment, the fan is provided in the intake passage where the air existing outside the battery pack 1 is taken in. However, the fan may be provided in the exhaust passage for discharging the air to the outside of the battery pack 1. Even in this case, air can be taken into the battery pack 1 by driving the fan.

  The second battery unit 3 has the same configuration as the first battery unit 2, and includes a battery module 31, an intake duct (supply duct) 32 and an exhaust duct (discharge duct) disposed on both sides of the battery module 31. 33).

  The intake duct 32 has a plurality of openings 32 a on the surface facing the battery module 31. Then, the air taken into the intake duct 32 passes through each opening 32a and reaches the battery module 31.

  The battery module 31 includes a plurality of single cells 50 as with the battery module 21. Air from the intake duct 32 passes between the adjacent single cells 50 in the battery module 31 and travels toward the exhaust duct 33. At this time, the air supplied from the intake duct 32 exchanges heat with the unit cells 50.

  The exhaust duct 33 has a plurality of openings 33 a on the surface facing the battery module 31. The air from the battery module 31 passes through each opening 33 a and is taken into the exhaust duct 33.

  Here, as another intake duct connected to the intake ducts 22 and 32, one intake duct or two intake ducts corresponding to the intake ducts 22 and 32 can be used. When one intake duct is used, the intake duct may be connected to the intake ducts 22 and 32 in a branched state. Similarly, as another exhaust duct connected to the exhaust ducts 23 and 33, one exhaust duct can be used, or two exhaust ducts corresponding to the respective exhaust ducts 23 and 33 can be used. When one exhaust duct is used, the exhaust duct may be connected to the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in a branched state.

  A predetermined space is provided between the first and second battery units 2 and 3, and the device 4 is disposed in this space. Examples of the device 4 include a system relay electrically connected to each battery module 21, 31, a DC / DC converter for boosting the output of each battery module 21, 31, and a current value in each battery module 21, 31. And a sensor for detecting the voltage value, and cables (total plus cable and total minus cable) for taking out the outputs of the battery modules 21 and 31 to the outside. In addition, the apparatus 4 is not restricted to what was mentioned above, What is necessary is just to be arrange | positioned inside the battery pack 1 and to generate heat | fever by electricity supply.

  Here, the exhaust duct 23 is located on the side where the device 4 is arranged in the first battery unit 2. Further, an exhaust duct 33 is located on the side where the device 4 is disposed in the second battery unit 3. That is, the device 4 is sandwiched between the exhaust ducts 23 and 33.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the air intake port and the air discharge port are provided on the two surfaces of the first battery unit 2 facing each other in the X direction. It is not limited to. Specifically, an air intake port and a discharge port can be provided on one surface of the first battery unit 2. In this case, the moving direction of air in the intake duct 22 and the moving direction of air in the exhaust duct 23 are opposite to each other. In the configuration of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the air movement direction in the intake duct 22 and the air movement direction in the exhaust duct 23 are the same direction (downward direction in FIG. 2). ing.

  The second battery unit 3 can also be provided with an air inlet and outlet for one surface. In this case, the air moving direction in the intake duct 32 and the air moving direction in the exhaust duct 33 are opposite to each other. In the configuration of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the air movement direction in the intake duct 32 and the air movement direction in the exhaust duct 33 are the same direction (downward direction in FIG. 2). ing.

  Next, a part of the configuration of the battery module 21 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the battery module 21. The battery module 21 of the present embodiment has a plurality of configurations shown in FIG. Specifically, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is arranged in the Y direction, and all the single cells 50 included in the battery module 21 are electrically connected in series. In addition, the battery module 21 can also be comprised only with the structure shown in FIG. Further, the battery module 31 has the same configuration as the battery module 21.

  The battery module 21 includes an assembled battery 51 in which a plurality of single cells 50 are arranged in the X direction. As the unit cell 50, a secondary battery (so-called power storage element) such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery is used. Note that an electric double layer capacitor as a power storage element may be used instead of the secondary battery. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a so-called rectangular unit cell 50 is used, but a unit cell having another shape such as a cylindrical shape can also be used. That is, it is only necessary to supply and discharge air to and from the unit cell 50 using the intake duct 22 and the exhaust duct 23 described above, and the shape of the unit cell 50 can be set as appropriate.

  A spacer 52 for guiding air from the intake duct 22 is disposed on the surface of the unit cells 50 between the unit cells 50 adjacent in the X direction. The spacer 52 forms a passage for allowing air to pass between the cells 50 adjacent in the X direction. The spacer 52 can be formed of a resin such as polypropylene.

  When air is supplied to the battery module 21, the air flows into the space formed by the spacer 52 between the adjacent single cells 50. The air guided between the adjacent unit cells 50 exchanges heat with each unit cell 50.

  Here, the unit cell 50 generates heat by charging / discharging, but by bringing the unit cell 50 into contact with air, heat exchange is performed between the unit cell 50 and the air, and the heat of the unit cell 50 is transmitted to the air. . The heated air moves to the outside of the passage formed by the spacer 52 and is taken into the exhaust duct 23. Here, by taking the heat of the unit cell 50 using air, the unit cell 50 can be cooled, and the temperature rise of the unit cell 50 can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the unit cell 50 is excessively cooled, the unit cell 50 can be warmed by supplying heating air to the battery module 21 via the intake duct 22. That is, the heating air supplied to the battery module 21 can give heat to the unit cell 50 by exchanging heat with the unit cell 50. The air that has given heat to the unit cell 50 moves to the outside of the passage formed by the spacer 52 and is taken into the exhaust duct 23.

  It is known that the cell 50 can obtain desired output characteristics within a predetermined temperature range. That is, when the temperature of the single cell 50 is lower than the lower limit value of the predetermined temperature range or higher than the upper limit value of the predetermined temperature range, the output characteristics of the single cell 50 are deteriorated. Therefore, if the cell 50 is cooled by supplying air to the cell 50 as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the output of the cell 50 due to a temperature rise. Moreover, if air is supplied to the cell 50 and the cell 50 is warmed, the output fall of the cell 50 accompanying a temperature fall can be suppressed.

  A positive electrode terminal 50 a and a negative electrode terminal 50 b are provided on the top of each unit cell 50. These terminals 50 a and 50 b are connected to a power generation element housed inside the unit cell 50. Here, the power generation element is an element that can be charged and discharged, and includes, for example, a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and a known configuration can be applied as appropriate.

Here, as a positive electrode plate, what formed the positive electrode layer containing an active material on the surface of the current collecting plate formed with metals (an alloy is included), such as aluminum, can be used. As the negative electrode plate, a plate in which a negative electrode layer containing an active material is formed on the surface of a current collector plate formed of a metal (including an alloy) such as aluminum can be used. More specifically, in a nickel metal hydride battery, nickel oxide is used as the active material for the positive electrode layer, and MmNi _(5-xyz) Al _x Mn _y Co _z (Mm: A hydrogen storage alloy such as (Misch metal) can be used. In the lithium ion battery, a lithium-transition metal composite oxide can be used as the active material for the positive electrode layer, and carbon can be used as the active material for the negative electrode layer. Note that the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer can contain a conductive agent in addition to the active material.

  The positive terminal 50a in each unit cell 50 is electrically and mechanically connected to the negative terminal 50b in another unit cell 50 via a bus bar (not shown). Moreover, the negative electrode terminal 50b in each unit cell 50 is electrically and mechanically connected to the positive electrode terminal 50a in the other unit cell 50 via a bus bar (not shown). Thus, the terminals 50a and 50b of each unit cell 50 are electrically connected, whereby the plurality of unit cells 50 constituting the battery module 21 are electrically connected in series. In addition, the cell 50 electrically connected in parallel may be included.

  A pair of end plates 53 for sandwiching the plurality of single cells 50 constituting the assembled battery 51 are disposed at both ends in the X direction of the assembled battery 51. The end plate 53 has a predetermined thickness (length in the X direction) in order to ensure strength, and an opening 53a is formed in order to reduce the weight.

  Further, a hole 53b is formed in the end plate 53, and by inserting a fastening member (not shown) such as a bolt into the hole 53b, the end plate 53 (battery module 21) is attached to the battery pack. It can be fixed to one pack case. Of the plurality of unit cells 50 constituting the assembled battery 51, some of the unit cells 50 are also formed with holes for attaching fastening members such as bolts.

  In addition, a pair of restraining bands are fixed to the pair of end plates 53 from the vertical direction (Z direction). Specifically, the pair of restraint bands includes an upper restraint band 54a and a lower restraint band 54b extending in the arrangement direction (X direction) of the cells 50. Then, two upper restraint bands 54 a and two lower restraint bands 54 b are fixed to the assembled battery 51 and the end plate 53.

  Both end portions 54 a 1 of the upper restraining band 54 a are bent and are disposed along the surface of the end plate 53. In addition, both end portions 54 b 1 of the lower restraint band 54 b are bent and arranged along the surface of the end plate 53. The end portion 54a1 in the upper restraint band 54a and the end portion 54b1 in the lower restraint band 54b are connected by a rivet (not shown). Thereby, the assembled battery 51 and the end plate 53 are restrained by the upper restraint band 54a and the lower restraint band 54b. In addition, a force acting in a direction in which the plurality of single cells 50 are brought closer to each other is generated via the end plate 53.

  In addition, the structure which restrains the assembled battery 51 is not restricted to the structure mentioned above. In other words, any structure may be used as long as a force is applied to the pair of end plates 53 disposed at both ends of the assembled battery 51 so that the unit cells 50 are brought closer to each other. On the other hand, when the cylindrical unit cell 50 is used, any structure may be used as long as the adjacent unit cells 50 can be supported with a predetermined interval. Specifically, it can be set as the structure which supports the both ends of each cell 50 with a support plate.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 are arranged at positions where the device 4 is sandwiched. Here, when the intake ducts 22 and 32 are arranged at positions where the device 4 is sandwiched, the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32 may be heated by receiving heat from the device 4. That is, since the device 4 includes a heating element, the intake ducts 22 and 32 arranged adjacent to the device 4 may be warmed by receiving heat from the device 4.

  The air in the intake ducts 22 and 32 is supplied to the battery modules 21 and 31, but when the air in the intake ducts 22 and 32 is warmed by the device 4, the air is discharged from the battery modules 21 and 31. Warm air will be supplied. Here, when the battery modules 21 and 31 are to be cooled by the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32, the cooling efficiency of the battery modules 21 and 31 is lowered by the warmed air.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 are disposed at positions where the device 4 is sandwiched, and the intake ducts 22 and 32 are disposed at positions away from the device 4. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32 from being warmed by the heat of the device 4. And when cooling the battery modules 21 and 31 using the air taken in by the intake ducts 22 and 32, it can suppress that the cooling efficiency of the battery modules 21 and 31 falls.

  That is, in the present embodiment, air with excellent cooling performance, in other words, air that does not have heat can be supplied to the battery modules 21 and 31, so that the cooling efficiency of the battery modules 21 and 31 decreases. Can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, the heat generated in the device 4 is transferred to the air taken into the exhaust ducts 23 and 33, but the air in the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 is discharged outside the battery pack 1. Heat from the device 4 can also be discharged together. Thereby, it can suppress that the heat | fever of the apparatus 4 is transmitted to the battery modules 21 and 31. FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the device 4 is disposed between the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in the battery units 2 and 3, but the device 4 may not be disposed. That is, the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in the battery units 2 and 3 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

  Here, when the intake duct 22 in the battery unit 2 and the exhaust duct 33 in the battery unit 3 are arranged adjacent to each other, the air in the intake duct 22 is warmed by receiving heat from the exhaust duct 33. It may end up. That is, since the air in the exhaust duct 33 is in a state of having heat by heat exchange with the battery module 31, this heat may be transmitted to the intake duct 22.

  Therefore, by arranging the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in the battery units 2 and 3 adjacent to each other, it is possible to suppress the cooling efficiency in the battery modules 21 and 31 from being lowered.

  Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. In this modification, intake ducts 22 and 32 are arranged on both sides of the device 4.

  In the present embodiment, the battery modules 21 and 31 are mainly cooled using the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32. Here, when the battery modules 21 and 31 are mainly warmed using the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32, it is preferable to adopt a configuration opposite to that of the present embodiment. Specifically, the positions of the intake ducts 22 and 32 and the positions of the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 can be reversed with respect to the configuration of the present embodiment. In the present modification, since the intake ducts 22 and 32 are arranged adjacent to the device 4, the air taken into the intake ducts 22 and 32 is warmed by receiving heat from the generated device 4.

  The warmed air passes through the openings 22 a and 32 a of the intake ducts 22 and 32 and reaches the battery modules 21 and 31. Thus, the battery modules 21 and 31 are warmed by receiving heat from the warmed air. Here, in an environment where the battery modules 21 and 31 are excessively cooled, it is better to warm the battery modules 21 and 31. The battery modules 21 and 31 generate heat due to charging and discharging. In an environment where the temperature of the battery modules 21 and 31 is not easily increased by this heat generation, the battery modules 21 and 31 should be further warmed. That is, in an environment where the temperature of the unit cell 50 tends to be lower than the lower limit value of the predetermined temperature range described above, it is better to warm the unit cell 50 positively.

  Therefore, in the present modification, by heating the battery modules 21 and 31 using the heat generated in the device 4, the output characteristics of the battery modules 21 and 31 are prevented from being deteriorated due to the temperature drop. Can do. Air exchanged with the battery modules 21 and 31 is taken into the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 through the openings 23a and 33a and discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1.

  Next, a battery pack that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle including the battery pack of the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is used about the member which has the same function as the member demonstrated in Example 1. FIG.

  A seat 101 for an occupant to sit is disposed inside the vehicle 100. FIG. 4 shows a rear seat 101 disposed behind the vehicle interior. A luggage room (trunk room) 102 is provided behind the vehicle with respect to the rear seat 101. Here, the space in which the rear seat 101 is disposed and the luggage room 102 may be connected to each other or may be partitioned by a specific member.

  Floor panel 103 is fixed to a pair of side members 104 extending in the front-rear direction (X direction) of vehicle 100. A cross member (not shown) extending in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the vehicle 100 is connected to the pair of side members 104. Here, the side member 104 and the cross member serve as a frame constituting the skeleton of the vehicle 100. Further, the floor panel 103 is formed with a recess 103a, and three battery units 2, 3, 6 are arranged in the recess 103a. The recess 103a may be provided as a space for accommodating a spare tire. In the present embodiment, the three battery units 2, 3, and 6 are disposed in the recess 103a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the mounting positions of the battery units 2, 3, and 6 can be set as appropriate.

  The battery units 2 and 3 have the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment. That is, the device 4 is disposed between the battery units 2 and 3, and the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in the battery units 2 and 3 are disposed at positions where the device 4 is sandwiched. Here, the device 4 in the first embodiment includes components used for controlling the battery units 2 and 3, but the device 4 in the present embodiment is only a component used for controlling the battery units 2 and 3. It also includes parts used for controlling the battery unit 6 described later.

  The battery unit (third power storage unit) 6 has the same configuration as the battery units 2 and 3 described in the first embodiment, and includes a battery module 61 including a plurality of single cells 50 and both sides of the battery module 61. An intake duct (supply duct) 62 and an exhaust duct (discharge duct) 63 are arranged. The battery pack according to the present embodiment includes the device 4 and the battery units 2, 3, and 6.

  The intake duct 62 in the battery unit 6 is disposed adjacent to the intake duct 32 in the battery unit 3. Further, the exhaust duct 63 in the battery unit 6 is disposed so as to be located on the side of the exhaust pipe 105 mounted on the vehicle 100 with respect to the battery module 61.

  The exhaust pipe 105 is provided for discharging combustion gas discharged from an internal combustion engine (not shown) of the vehicle 100 to the outside of the vehicle 100. And the exhaust pipe 105 is arrange | positioned in the position adjacent to the recessed part 103a of the floor panel 103. FIG. Here, the exhaust pipe 105 can be provided with a muffler or an exhaust gas purification device.

  The battery modules 21, 31, 61 in the battery units 2, 3, 6 can be electrically connected in series or can be electrically connected in parallel. When the battery modules 21, 31, 61 are electrically connected in series, an output obtained by summing the outputs (voltage values) of the battery modules 21, 31, 61 can be obtained. Further, when the battery modules 21, 31, 61 are electrically connected in parallel, the outputs of the battery modules 21, 31, 61 can be used independently.

  The exhaust pipe 105 is often at a high temperature because the combustion gas from the internal combustion engine passes therethrough. Here, if the intake duct 62 is arranged on the exhaust pipe 105 side with respect to the battery module 61, the air taken into the intake duct 62 may be warmed by the influence of heat from the exhaust pipe 105. . In this case, heated air is supplied to the battery module 61. Here, when it is going to cool the battery module 61 using the air taken in into the intake duct 62, the cooling efficiency of the battery module 61 will fall with the warmed air.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the intake duct 62 is disposed on the battery module 61 on the side opposite to the exhaust pipe 105 side, in other words, on the battery unit 3 side. That is, the intake duct 62 is disposed at a position away from the exhaust pipe 105. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air taken into the intake duct 62 from being warmed by the heat of the exhaust pipe 105, and it is possible to suppress the heated air from reaching the battery module 61.

  Further, since the intake duct 62 of the battery unit 6 is disposed adjacent to the intake duct 32 of the battery unit 3, it does not receive heat from the intake duct 32. In other words, the intake duct 32 does not receive heat from the intake duct 62. As described above, in this embodiment, the battery modules 31 and 61 can be supplied with air having excellent cooling performance, in other words, air having no heat. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the battery modules 31 and 61 is improved. It can suppress that it falls.

  Further, the exhaust duct 63 of the battery unit 6 exhausts air after heat exchange with the battery module 61. At this time, heat from the exhaust pipe 105 is also contained in the exhaust duct 63. Exhaust through the air. Thereby, the heat of the exhaust pipe 105 can be prevented from reaching the battery module 61.

  As described above, in the battery pack of the present embodiment, air having excellent cooling performance can be supplied to the three battery modules 21, 31, 61, and each battery module 21, 31, 61 is efficiently cooled. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the case where three battery units 2, 3, and 6 are used has been described. However, the present invention can be applied even when four or more battery units are used. That is, in a configuration in which a plurality of battery units are arranged in parallel, the intake ducts in two battery units arranged next to each other may be arranged next to each other. In other words, the exhaust ducts in the two battery units arranged next to each other may be arranged next to each other. And when the apparatus 4 which generate | occur | produces heat by electricity supply is located between battery units, what is necessary is just to position the apparatus 4 between the exhaust ducts arrange | positioned adjacently.

  Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. In this modification, an intake duct 62 is disposed on the exhaust pipe 105 side with respect to the battery module 61.

  In the present embodiment, the battery module 61 is mainly cooled using the air taken into the intake duct 62. Here, in the case where the battery module 61 is mainly heated using the air taken into the intake duct 62, it is preferable to adopt a configuration opposite to that of the present embodiment. Specifically, the position of the intake duct 62 and the position of the exhaust duct 63 can be reversed. In this case, as in the modification of the first embodiment, the positional relationship between the intake ducts 22 and 32 and the exhaust ducts 23 and 33 in the battery units 2 and 3 is reversed from the positional relationship described in the first embodiment. Can do.

  In the present modification, the intake duct 62 is disposed adjacent to the exhaust pipe 105, so that the air taken into the intake duct 62 is warmed by receiving heat from the exhaust pipe 105. Then, the warmed air reaches the battery module 61, and the battery module 61 is warmed by receiving heat from the warmed air.

  Here, in an environment where the battery module 61 is excessively cooled, it is better to warm the battery module 61. The battery module 61 generates heat by charging / discharging. In an environment where the temperature of the battery module 61 is not easily increased by this heat generation, the battery module 61 should be further warmed. That is, in an environment where the temperature of the battery module 61 tends to be lower than the lower limit value of the predetermined temperature range described in the first embodiment, it is better to warm the battery module 61 positively.

  Therefore, by heating the battery module 61 using the heat generated in the exhaust pipe 105 as described above, it is possible to suppress the output characteristics of the battery module 61 from being deteriorated due to the temperature drop. The air exchanged with the battery module 61 is taken into the exhaust duct 63 and discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the battery pack which is Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a top view showing an internal structure of a battery pack that is Embodiment 1. FIG. In Example 1, it is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a part of battery module. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the vehicle provided with the battery pack which is Example 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Battery pack 2, 3, 6: Battery unit 21, 31, 61: Battery module 22, 32, 62: Intake duct 23, 33, 63: Exhaust duct 4: Equipment 50: Single battery 51: Battery 52: Spacer 53: End plate 54a: Upper restraint band 54b: Lower restraint band 100: Vehicle 101: Rear seat 102: Luggage room 103: Floor panel 104: Side member 105: Exhaust pipe

Claims (11)

A power storage device in which the first and second power storage units are arranged side by side,
Each power storage unit is
A power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements;
A supply duct for supplying a heat exchange medium for heat exchange with the electricity storage element to the electricity storage module;
A discharge duct for discharging the heat exchange medium heat exchanged with the power storage element,
The power storage device, wherein the discharge ducts in the first and second power storage units are arranged adjacent to each other.   The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein a heating element capable of generating heat by energization is disposed between the discharge ducts in the first and second power storage units.   The power storage device according to claim 2, wherein the heating element includes an electronic device used for control related to charging and discharging of the first and second power storage units.   The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the power storage modules in the first and second power storage units are electrically connected in parallel. A third power storage unit disposed adjacent to the second power storage unit on the side opposite to the first power storage unit;
The third power storage unit is:
A power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements;
A supply duct that supplies the power storage module with a heat exchange medium that performs heat exchange with the power storage element;
A discharge duct for discharging the heat exchange medium heat exchanged with the power storage element,
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supply duct in the third power storage unit is disposed adjacent to the supply duct in the second power storage unit. . The power storage device is mounted on a vehicle,
6. The third power storage unit, wherein the exhaust duct is located on an exhaust pipe side for exhausting combustion gas generated in an internal combustion engine of the vehicle with respect to the power storage module. The power storage device described in 1.   The power storage module in the third power storage unit is electrically connected in parallel to the power storage modules in the first and second power storage units. Power storage device.   The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchange medium is a gas used for cooling the power storage module. A first and second power storage unit;
A heating element disposed between the first and second power storage units and capable of generating heat when energized,
Each power storage unit is
A power storage module having a plurality of power storage elements;
A supply duct that supplies the power storage module with a heat exchange medium that performs heat exchange with the power storage element;
A discharge duct for discharging the heat exchange medium heat exchanged with the power storage element,
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the supply ducts in the first and second power storage units are arranged at positions sandwiching the heating element.   The power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the heat exchange medium is a gas used for heating the power storage module. 11. The power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the heating element includes an electronic device used for control related to charging and discharging of the first and second power storage units.

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