JPWO2021130518A5 - - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a battery pack including at least one battery cell having a longitudinal axis and configured for operation within a predetermined temperature range, a core in thermal communication with the at least one battery cell, the core at least partially covering the at least one battery cell and comprising a porous material, the core configured, when wetted, to control a flow of fluid along the core in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and to maintain the at least one battery pack at a temperature within the predetermined temperature range.

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a battery system including a pressure vessel and at least one battery pack in the pressure vessel, the at least one battery pack including at least one battery cell having a longitudinal axis and configured for operation within a predetermined temperature range, a core in thermal communication with the at least one battery cell, the core at least partially covering the at least one battery cell and including a porous material, the core configured to control a flow of fluid along the core in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis when wetted to maintain the at least one battery pack at a temperature within the predetermined temperature range.

Optionally, the battery system is one in which the wicking pad comprises a porous material.

Claims (20)

1. A battery system comprising:
a pressure vessel sealed by a lid ;
at least one battery pack within the pressure vessel, the at least one battery pack including a longitudinal axis and configured for operation within a predetermined temperature range;
a core at least partially encasing the at least one battery pack and in thermal communication with the at least one battery pack ;
a battery management subsystem in thermal communication with the wicking pad;
wherein the core comprises a porous material and, when wetted, is configured to control fluid flow along the core in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, to maintain the at least one battery pack within a predetermined temperature range, and to reduce temperature differences within the at least one battery pack. The battery system of claim 1 , wherein the core pad comprises a porous material. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the core is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, cotton, and viscose. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the at least one battery pack includes lithium ion battery cells. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the at least one battery pack includes a battery cell that is cylindrical or prismatic. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature range is 35 degrees Celsius or less. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the lid surface is configured for cooling by forced air convection. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to function as a heat sink. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a conduit for transporting a coolant therethrough. The battery system of claim 9 , wherein the conduit is configured to communicate with a source of heat exchange fluid. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes at least one pressure relief valve. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes an electrical feedthrough. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the surface of the pressure vessel includes an electrical feedthrough. The battery system of claim 1, further comprising a heat transfer fluid in the pressure vessel that extends to a predetermined height so as to partially immerse the core. The battery system of claim 14 , wherein the heat transfer fluid is in a liquid phase and has a predetermined boiling temperature and a predetermined heat of vaporization. 16. The battery system of claim 15 , wherein the predetermined heat of vaporization is greater than or equal to 100 joules per gram of the heat transfer fluid. 16. The battery system of claim 15 , wherein the predetermined boiling point temperature is approximately equal to a maximum value of the predetermined temperature range. The battery system of claim 14 , wherein the volume of the heat transfer fluid is about 5% to about 30% of the internal volume of the pressure vessel. 1. A method for evaporative cooling of a battery system, comprising:
providing a battery management subsystem in thermal communication with a pressure vessel, at least one battery pack within said pressure vessel, a wick, and a wick pad ;
placing the wick in thermal communication with the at least one battery pack and the wick pad in thermal communication with the battery management subsystem;
providing a heat transfer fluid in a liquid phase having a predetermined boiling point temperature and a predetermined heat of vaporization;
filling the pressure vessel with a heat transfer fluid to a predetermined height, thereby partially immersing the core in the heat transfer fluid;
and dissipating heat from a surface of the at least one battery pack by evaporation of the heat transfer fluid. A battery pack comprising:
at least one battery cell including a vertical axis and configured to operate within a predetermined temperature range;
a core in thermal communication with the at least one battery cell, the core at least partially covering the at least one battery cell;
the core, when wet, controls a flow of fluid along the core in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to maintain the at least one battery cell at a temperature within the predetermined temperature range;
The battery pack is configured to be disposed within a pressure vessel with a battery management subsystem in thermal communication with the wick pad.