JP2011183862A - Temperature controller of battery for vehicle running - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature controller of battery for vehicle running with a structure having high followability to layout changes. <P>SOLUTION: The temperature controller of battery controls the temperature of an on-vehicle battery composed of a plurality of modules 10, 10 with a heat exchange unit. The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange part that performs heat-exchanging with the modules 10, 10 using a medium charged into a pipe 3. The module 10 is constructed by assembling one or more heat pipes 11 onto a unit cell so as to be heat-exchangeable, and the heat pipe 11 includes an external heat exchange part 12 on at least one side. In addition, the external heat exchange part 12 of the heat pipe 11 is a temperature control apparatus of a battery for vehicle running structured to be detachable to the heat exchange part of the heat exchange unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery temperature adjusting device equipped in an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

Electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “EV”) and hybrid electric vehicles (Hybrid)
A battery for traveling, which is mounted on an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “HEV”), is generally accompanied by a cooling device because a large current flows during rapid charging and the battery itself generates heat.

  By the way, the battery for driving | running | working exists in the tendency for the charge amount per unit time to increase by the request | requirement of extending | stretching driving distance, or the request | requirement of shortening of charging time. Therefore, the amount of heat generated from the battery at the time of charging is increased, the charging efficiency is lowered, and the life of the battery is shortened. Therefore, the cooling device is required to ensure and improve the cooling performance.

  As this type of battery cooling device, water-cooled and air-cooled devices are known. From the viewpoint of obtaining a large amount of heat exchange per unit time with the battery, interest in the water-cooled temperature control system is increasing. (Refer to Patent Document 1 described later as a water-cooled type).

  In addition, lithium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, sodium sulfur batteries, and the like have been developed as batteries for running, but these batteries are different from conventional batteries for internal combustion engines, such as 100V specifications and 350V specifications. Need to generate high voltage. Therefore, a high voltage is realized by electrically connecting each battery called a module in series.

In this type of battery cooling device, one using a heat pipe is known (see Patent Documents 2 to 5). In such a battery cooling device using a heat pipe, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, in particular, a flat heat pipe is disposed between flat cells (unit cells), and the exterior also serves as a heat sink. A heat pipe is brought into contact with the case to dissipate heat, thereby efficiently removing heat generated in the cell.

JP 7-105988 A JP 2009-140714 A JP 60-107274 A JP 2004-227986 A JP 2007-257843 A

  By the way, the battery is arranged in various postures and various places according to the layout of the vehicle on which the battery is mounted. Further, the cells constituting the battery have a characteristic of repeatedly expanding or contracting during charging and discharging and gradually expanding as they deteriorate. Furthermore, there is also a request to replace only a specific cell that has failed among a large number of prepared cells. As described above, a temperature adjustment device for a vehicle running battery is required to have a high degree of design freedom and easy maintenance.

  However, in the conventional battery temperature adjusting device, when the arrangement of the cells is changed, it is necessary to change the structure of the cooling system or the cooling unit, and there is a disadvantage that the followability to the layout change is low.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a temperature adjustment device for EV and HEV batteries, which can adjust the temperature of the cell even when there is expansion / contraction during charging / discharging, which is a feature of the cell, and has a structure with high follow-up to the layout change. Provided is a temperature control device for a vehicle running battery.

  The invention described in the first claim of the present application is a battery temperature adjusting device that adjusts the temperature of an in-vehicle battery composed of a plurality of modules 10 and 10 by a heat exchange unit, with the reference numerals used in the embodiments. The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange unit that fills the pipe 3 with a medium and exchanges heat with the modules 10 and 10 using the medium. The module 10 heats one or more heat pipes 11 to a single cell. The heat pipe 11 includes an external heat exchange unit 12 on at least one side, and the external heat exchange unit 12 of the heat pipe 11 is connected to a heat exchange unit of the heat exchange unit. It is the temperature adjustment apparatus of the battery for vehicle travel of the structure provided so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  The invention described in claim 2 of the present application is the temperature control device for a vehicle traveling battery according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the pipe 3 of the heat exchange unit 1 includes a flexible portion 4 having flexibility. is there.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since each module is configured by assembling a heat pipe to a single cell so that heat exchange is possible, the temperature of each battery can be adjusted individually. Moreover, since heat exchange of each module is performed via a heat exchange unit, it becomes possible to remarkably improve heat exchange efficiency compared with the heat exchange of the heat pipe by the conventional air cooling.

  And since the external heat exchange part of a heat pipe is provided so that attachment or detachment is possible with respect to the heat exchange part of a heat exchange unit, a module can be arranged so that it may suit a vehicle layout, and this changes a vehicle layout. Can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the piping of the heat exchange unit includes a flexible portion having flexibility, each module can be arranged with a higher degree of freedom in accordance with the vehicle layout. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on illustrated embodiments. First, a battery temperature control system in which the present invention is implemented will be described with reference to FIG. In the overall configuration diagram of the battery temperature control system shown in FIG. 1, the battery heat control system includes a first heat exchange unit 1 and a second heat exchange unit 20. The first heat exchange unit 1 is filled with a liquid heat medium in the pipe 3 and exchanges heat with the modules 10 and 10 using this heat medium (hereinafter referred to as “first heat exchange part 2”). Is provided. Reference numeral 5 denotes a pump that circulates the heat medium in the pipe 3.

  The second heat exchanging unit 20 includes a heat exchanging unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as a second heat exchanging unit 21) that radiates or cools the heat medium heat exchanged by the first heat exchanging unit 2. The heat medium is, for example, water or antifreeze, but is not particularly limited thereto.

  In this battery temperature control system, the battery is rapidly charged by a battery charging stand (not shown). In other words, the quick charging of the battery that is performed in a short time is performed when the vehicle is stopped, and the temperature of the battery rapidly rises. However, in the case of battery charging by regenerative power generation when the vehicle is running, so-called slow charging is performed. With this, even if the temperature of the battery rises, the temperature rise is not so much as to cause a malfunction of the battery.

  When the battery is charged, particularly during rapid charging, the pump 5 is operated to circulate the heat medium in the pipe 3, whereby heat exchange with the modules 10, 10 is performed by the heat medium in the first heat exchange unit 2. Made. In this example, the modules 10 and 10 are cooled by the heat medium in the heat exchange unit 2.

  The second heat exchange unit 20 includes the second heat exchange unit 21 as described above, and includes a compressor 22 that compresses the refrigerant, and a condenser 23 that cools the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 22. And a decompressor 24a that decompresses and expands the refrigerant cooled by the condenser 23, and an evaporator 25 that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed by the decompressor 24a. The compressor 22 is driven by a motor (not shown). In addition, as the refrigerant used in the second heat exchange unit, chlorofluorocarbon, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, or the like is appropriately used.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 26 denotes a switching valve. By switching the switching valve 26, temperature control can be performed in the second heat exchange unit 21. Therefore, the temperature adjustment of the modules 10 and 10 can also be performed in the first heat exchanging unit 2 by this temperature adjustment, so that the battery temperature can be appropriately kept constant to increase the charge / discharge efficiency of the battery.

  For example, if the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 and passing through the condenser 23 is caused to flow to the second heat exchange unit 21 by the switching valve 26, the refrigerant is decompressed by the decompressor 24 b upstream of the second heat exchange unit 21. Then, it evaporates in the second heat exchanging section, and the heat exchanging unit 1 can be cooled and returned to the compressor 22. Further, by appropriately changing the discharge amount of the refrigerant from the compressor 22 and the setting conditions of the decompressor 24b upstream of the second heat exchange unit 21, the first heat exchange unit 1 in the second heat exchange unit 21 is changed. The amount of cooling can be controlled.

  Moreover, you may distribute the refrigerant | coolant discharged from the compressor 22 via the condenser 23 to both the 2nd heat exchange part 21 and the evaporator 25 with the switching valve 26 as needed.

  In the vehicle travel battery temperature adjustment device according to the present invention, the module 10 is configured by, for example, assembling one or a plurality of heat pipes 11 in a flat or square unit cell so that heat exchange is possible. In the specific example shown in FIG. 2, one module 10 has one heat pipe 11 assembled to a flat unit cell so that heat exchange is possible. For this assembly, as long as heat exchange between the flat unit cell and the heat pipe is possible, an appropriate fixing means such as adhesion, welding, latching and engagement may be used.

  The heat pipe 11 is provided with a known structure in which a capillary structure is provided inside the pipe and a volatile liquid (working fluid) is enclosed in the pipe. The vapor moves to the low temperature part and condenses, and the condensed working fluid repeats a cycle that returns to the high temperature part through the capillary tube, thereby enabling highly efficient heat conduction.

  In the case of this example, the heat pipe 11 includes an external heat exchange unit 12 on at least one side, and the external heat exchange unit 12 of the heat pipe 11 includes the heat exchange unit 1 as shown in FIG. It is the temperature adjustment apparatus of the battery for vehicle travel of the structure provided so that attachment or detachment is possible with respect to the 1st heat exchange part. The external heat exchange unit 12 is a heat exchange unit for heat dissipation when the heat pipe 11 used is to cool the module 10, and a heat exchange unit for heat absorption when the module 10 is to warm the module 10. As installed.

  FIG. 3 shows a detachable structure of the external heat exchange unit 12 with respect to the first heat exchange unit 2, and FIG. 3 (1) shows the external heat exchange unit so as to conform to the outer shape of the cylindrical heat exchange unit 2. 12 is formed in a circular arc shape and is brought into contact with the heat exchanging portion 2. In this case, the plurality of modules 10 and 10 are placed in parallel on a fixed stand (not shown) with each external heat exchange unit 12 positioned upward, and the external heat exchange unit 12 is obliquely upward from below. The first heat exchange unit 2 is in contact with the first heat exchange unit 2.

  Thus, when the external heat exchange part 12 of the module 10 is provided so as to be detachable from the first heat exchange part 2, it is easy even if a malfunction occurs in any one of the plurality of modules 10, 10. Further, since the module 10 can be easily removed and a new module 10 can be attached, it contributes to improvement in workability.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3 (2), the clip 6 is further applied to the external heat exchanging portion 12 and the heat exchanging portion 2 in addition to the previous example so that the abutment between the two is firm. Note that an appropriate clip can be used as the clip 6. In this example, the external heat exchanging unit 12 and the heat exchanging unit 2 are pressed against each other.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3 (3), the external heat exchanging portion 12 is formed in a semicircular hook shape, and this is fitted to the first heat exchanging portion 2. In the case of this example, the heat pipe 11 can be detachably provided to the first heat exchanging unit 2 simply by fitting the hook-shaped external heat exchanging unit 12 to the first heat exchanging unit 2. The use of the fixed stand is optional.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3 (4), the hook-shaped external heat exchanging portion 12 shown in FIG. 3 (3) is twisted by 90 ° at the lower portion thereof. In this way, by twisting the hook-shaped external heat exchanging section 12 and changing the phase as appropriate, the modules 10 and 10 can be made more free according to the first heat exchanging section 2 and thus according to the vehicle layout. It becomes possible to arrange at a higher degree.

  In the present invention, the structure that can increase the degree of freedom of the arrangement described above can be realized even if the first heat exchange unit 2 is devised as shown in FIG. That is, by providing the flexible part 4 with flexibility in the pipe 3 of the heat exchange unit 1, the position of the first heat exchange part 2 can be changed as appropriate. In this example, the 1st heat exchange part 2 is divided into two, and the flexible part 4 is provided among these.

  The first heat exchanging part 2 constitutes (also serves as) a part of the pipe 3, and the pipe 3 also has a part having a high thermal conductivity if necessary. It can be used as the first heat exchange unit 2. Furthermore, the flexible part 4 can be used as the flexible part 4 by providing the pipe 3 and / or the first heat exchange part 2 in a deformable manner in addition to a specific member.

  In addition to the above examples, the battery temperature adjusting device according to the present invention can be modified as appropriate in accordance with the object of the present invention. As described above, the present invention can be used not only for cooling the battery but also for heating the battery.

  That is, there is a demand to improve the discharge capacity by raising the battery to an appropriate temperature when traveling immediately after charging in use in an extremely cold region. As described above, although heat is generated from the battery during charging, there is a case where it is desired to heat the battery in the extremely cold region because the heat generated from the battery is insufficient. In such a case, in the second heat exchange unit of this example, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor is caused to flow into the second heat exchange unit, the temperature of the first heat exchange unit is increased, and the condenser is passed through the expansion valve. Can also be used as an evaporator.

  FIG. 5 shows the first heat exchange unit 2 arranged in parallel. FIG. 5 (1) shows, for example, a cooling heat medium in the upper first heat exchange unit 2 and a lower first heat. A heat pipe for heating is passed through the exchange unit 2, and two heat pipes 11 are attached to one module 10, and the heat pipe is detachably provided in the upper first heat exchange unit 2. 11 is used for the heat dissipation part for heat dissipation, and the external heat exchange part 12 of the heat pipe 11 detachably provided in the first heat exchange part 2 below is for heat absorption. The heat exchange part is used.

  In the case of FIG. 5 (2), the cooling heat medium is passed through the upper first heat exchanging section 2, and the heating heat medium is passed through the lower first heat exchanging section 2 as shown in FIG. As in the case of (1), in this example, one heat pipe 11 is attached to one module 10, the upper external heat exchanging section 12 is a heat exchanging section for heat dissipation, and the lower one is The external heat exchanging unit 12 uses a heat exchanging unit for absorbing heat. Thus, the example shown in FIG. 5 can cool and warm the battery.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, one second heat exchange unit 20 is used, and the upper first heat exchange unit 2 and the lower first heat exchange unit 2 are not shown in the pipe 3. When the modules 10 and 10 are cooled by providing a switching valve, the heat medium is allowed to flow through the upper first heat exchanging unit 2 and when heated, the second heat exchanging unit 20 is heated. And switching the switching valve so that the heat medium flows through the first heat exchange section 2 below. Thereby, cooling and temperature control can be appropriately performed. In addition, you may use the two 2nd heat exchange units 20 so that it may each fit in the upper 1st heat exchange part 2 and the lower 1st heat exchange part 2. FIG.

  Furthermore, in the battery temperature adjustment apparatus according to the present invention, as in the previous example, the external heat exchange unit 12 of the heat pipe 11 is detachably attached to the heat exchange unit 2 of the first heat exchange unit 1. In addition to the configuration, the external heat exchange unit 12 of the heat pipe 11 may be detachably provided to the heat exchange unit 21 of the second heat exchange unit 20. Thus, by directly contacting the refrigeration cycle and the heat pipe without going through the first heat exchange unit, the number of components of the temperature control system can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. is there.

  In addition to the above examples, the temperature adjustment device for a vehicle running battery according to the present invention can be modified as appropriate in accordance with the object of the present invention. In the above-described example, a plurality of modules are arranged in the vertical direction, and the heat exchange unit is arranged on the upper part. However, a plurality of modules may be stacked (stacked), and the heat exchange unit may be arranged opposite to the side surface. It can be done.

  The present invention is suitable for a temperature control device for a battery for EVs and HEVs, and can also be used for consumer use in addition to these.

It is a whole block diagram which shows the temperature control apparatus of the battery in which this invention is used. It is a figure which shows a module, (1) is a module single-piece | unit, (2) is a conceptual block diagram which shows a some module and a 1st heat exchange part. It is a figure which shows the attachment or detachment structure of the external heat exchange part with respect to a 1st heat exchange part. It is the block diagram which divided the 1st heat exchange part and provided the flexible part between these. It is a figure showing what arranged the 1st heat exchange part in parallel.

1 1st heat exchange unit 2 heat exchange part (1st heat exchange part)
3 piping 4 flexible section 5 pump 6 clip 10 module 11 heat pipe 12 external heat exchange section 20 second heat exchange unit 21 second heat exchange section 22 compressor 23 condenser 24a decompressor 24b decompressor 25 evaporator 26 switching valve

Claims (2)

In a battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of an in-vehicle battery consisting of multiple modules with a heat exchange unit,
The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange unit that fills a medium in a pipe and exchanges heat with the module using the medium.
The module is configured by assembling one or a plurality of heat pipes to a unit cell so that heat exchange is possible,
The heat pipe includes an external heat exchange part on at least one side,
Furthermore, the external heat exchange part of the said heat pipe is provided so that attachment or detachment with respect to the heat exchange part of the said heat exchange unit is provided, The temperature adjustment apparatus of the battery for vehicle travel characterized by the above-mentioned. The temperature adjustment device for a vehicle travel battery according to claim 1, wherein the pipe of the heat exchange unit includes a flexible portion having flexibility.

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