SE546904C2

SE546904C2 - An electric battery arrangement

Info

Publication number: SE546904C2
Application number: SE2150536A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Adam Andersson; Exposito Alvaro Sanchez; Carl Göranson; Karolina Länta
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2021-04-28
Filing date: 2021-04-28
Publication date: 2025-03-04
Also published as: SE2150536A1

Abstract

An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) comprising a plurality of electric battery cells (102) and one or more elements (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) for thermal insulation of electric battery cells (102) of the plurality of electric battery cells (102). The element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) is located between two electric battery cells (102) of the plurality of electric battery cells (102). The element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) comprises a member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) forming a plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c). A vehicle (500) comprising one or more such electric battery arrangements (100, 200a, 200b, 200c).

Description

Aspects of the present invention relate to electric battery arrangement comprising a plurality of electric battery cells.

Background

An electric battery cell can be seen as a container chemically storing energy. The electric battery cells may come in various forms and shapes. The electric battery cells may be connected in series and in parallel, into an electric battery arrangement, which may be called an electric battery pack, in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. A conventional electric battery pack may be the complete enclosure or unit that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. In general, a conventional electric battery pack includes or contains electric battery cells, a control or management system, which may be called a battery management system (BMS) and may for example be implemented partly as software, and often also a cooling and/or heating system. Conventionally, the electric battery arrangement or electric battery pack may be arranged in modules to attained serviceable units.

Summary

The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional solutions for thermal insulation of electric battery cells. For example, the inventors of the present invention have found that conventional solutions for thermal insulation of electric battery cells are not sufficiently efficient.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an electric battery arrangement comprising

a plurality of electric battery cells, and

one or more elements for thermal insulation of electric battery cells of the plurality of electric battery cells,

wherein the element is located between two electric battery cells of the plurality of electric battery cells, and

wherein the element comprises a member forming a plurality of pockets.

An advantage of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. The plurality of pockets provides an efficient thermal insulation. It is to be understood that a plurality of electric battery cells comprises two or more electric battery cells. It is to be understood that a plurality of pockets comprises two or more pockets. For some embodiments, the electric battery cell of the plurality of electric battery cells, or the plurality of electric battery cells, may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle. For some embodiments, the electric battery arrangement may form or comprise one or more electric battery modules or one or more electric battery packs. For some embodiments, the electric battery arrangement, the electric battery module and/or the electric battery pack may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle. An advantage of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect is that a non-expensive thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided, which is uncomplicated to produce.

There is at least a partial vacuum in each pocket of the plurality of pockets. An advantage of this is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the element is sandwiched between two electric battery cells of the plurality of electric battery cells. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the position of the element is efficiently maintained between the two electric battery cells.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member is made of a material comprising or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the element comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the member is located between the first and second layers.

An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the plurality of pockets may be efficiently closed by the first and second layers. For some embodiments, only one layer is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the first and second layers are attached to the member, for example by way of an adhesive, such as glue. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the first and second layers close the pockets of the plurality of pockets such that the first and second layers and the member enclose each pocket of the plurality of pockets. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the pockets of the plurality of pockets are efficiently closed by the first and second layers. For some embodiments, only one layer is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member is sandwiched between the first and second layers. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the first and second layers are made of a fire-retardant material. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the first and second layers are made of an incompressible material. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the thermal insulating properties of the element are maintained in an efficient manner.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member is made of an incompressible material. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the thermal insulating properties of the element are maintained in an efficient manner.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member is made of a heat resistant material. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member forms a plurality of pockets separated by walls of the member. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, each pocket of the plurality of pockets shares walls with two or more other pockets of the plurality of pockets. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, the member has the shape of a honeycomb. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect, each pocket of the plurality of pockets has a hexagonal shape. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved and efficient thermal insulation of electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electric battery arrangement, an improved electric battery module and/or an improved electric battery pack is/are provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle comprising one or more electric battery arrangements according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.

Advantages of the vehicle according to the second aspect and its embodiments correspond to the above or below-mentioned advantages of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. The tractor vehicle, and/or the truck, may, or may be configured to, haul, or pull, a trailer. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. Thus, a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, and a battery electric vehicle, BEV, are versions, or examples, of an electric vehicle, EV. The EV may comprise one or more electric motors or electrical machines. The vehicle may comprise a combustion engine. For some embodiments, the vehicle may include only a combustion engine for the propulsion of the vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise a powertrain. The powertrain may be configured in accordance with any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. The powertrain of the vehicle may comprise one or more of the group of: a combustion engine; one or more electric battery cells; an electric battery arrangement; and an electric battery pack.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the electric battery arrangement and the vehicle, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the electric battery arrangement and the vehicle according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 1B is a schematic side view illustrating the electric battery arrangement of figure 1 B in an assembled state;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the member of the element of the electric battery arrangement of figures 1A and 1B;

Figure 3A-3C are schematic front views of versions of the member of the element of embodiments of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating further aspects of an embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating further aspects of an embodiment of the electric battery arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, an embodiment of the electric battery arrangement 100 according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. In figure 1Athe electric battery arrangement 100 is illustrated in an exploded view, and in figure 1B the electric battery arrangement 100 is illustrated in an assembled state. The electric battery arrangement 100 includes a plurality of electric battery cells 102. The electric battery arrangement 100 includes one or more elements 104 for thermal insulation of electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102. The element 104 is located, or positioned, between two electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102. The element 104 includes a member 106. The member 106 forms, or comprises, or defines, a plurality of pockets 108. The pocket 108 may be referred to as a cavity, a hollow, or a cell. It is to be understood that a plurality of pockets 108 comprises two or more pockets 108, for example, more than ten pockets 108, or more than twenty pockets 108, or more than thirty pockets 108. Other numbers of pockets 108 are possible. It is to be understood that a plurality of electric battery cells 102 comprises two or more electric battery cells 102. In figures 1A and 1B, two electric battery cells 102 are illustrated, but it is to be understood that embodiments may include more than two electric battery cells 102. In figures 1A and 1B, one element 104 is illustrated, but it is to be understood that embodiments may include more than one element 104.

With reference to figure 6, for some embodiments, the electric battery cell 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102, or the plurality of electric battery cells 102, may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle 500. Flowever, the plurality of electric battery cells 102 may also be used for, or applied to, other apparatuses. The electric battery cell 102 may be, or comprise, a high voltage battery cell, or may be configured for a high voltage, for example a high voltage in accordance with one or more of the voltage levels mentioned below in connection with figure 6. However, for some embodiments, the electric battery cell 102 may be, or comprise a low voltage battery cell 102, or may be configured for a low voltage, for example a low voltage below one or more of the high voltages mentioned below in connection with figure 6.

With reference to figures 4 and 5, for some embodiments, the electric battery arrangement 100 may form or comprise one or more electric battery modules 300 or one or more electric battery packs 400. For some embodiments, the electric battery arrangement 100, the electric battery module 300 and/or the electric battery pack 400 may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle 500 (see figure 6). However, the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 may also be used for, or applied to, other apparatuses.

With reference to figure 1B, for some embodiments, the element 104 may be sandwiched between two electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102. When the element 104 is sandwiched between two electric battery cells 102, there is a physical contact between the element 104 and both of the two electric battery cells 102. It may be described that the element 104 and the two electric battery cells 102 form a sandwich structure or configuration. It may be defined that the member 106 is sandwiched between two electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the member 106 is made of a material comprising or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite. The polymer may comprise or consist of polyamide, and/or a thermoplastic, or any other polymer. The polymer may reinforcement by fibres, for example synthetic fibres, and/or be provided with reinforcing fibres. For example, the material may comprise synthetic fibres, mineral fibres, or glass fibres. For example, the material may comprise aramid or aramid fibres. However, other materials for the member 106 are possible.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the element 104 may include a first layer 110 and a second layer 112. When the element 104 has the first and second layers 110, 112, the member 106 is located, or situated, between the first and second layers 110, 112. With reference to figure 1B, the thickness ch of the member 106 may exceed the thickness d2,d3 of one 110, 112 of the first and second layers 110, 112. The thickness ch of the member 106 may exceed the thickness d2, d3 of each one 110, 112 of the first and second layers 110, 112. The thickness di of the member 106 may exceed the thickness d2 of the first layer 110 and the thickness d3 of the second layer 112, i.e. the thickness d2, d3 of both the first and second layers 110, 112. For some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 112 are attached to the member 106, for example by way of an adhesive, such as glue. However, the first and second layers 110, 112 may be attached to the member 106 in other ways, for example by way of one or more positive locking attachments, or one or more friction attachments etc. For some embodiments, the positions of the first and second layers 110, 112 in relation the member 106 are maintained by the two electric battery cells 102, for example without any means of attachment between the first and second layers 110, 112 and the member 106. With reference to figure 1B, the member 106 may be described to have a first surface 111 and a second surface 113. The first surface 111 of the member 106 may abut or may be attached to the first layer 110. The second surface 113 of the member 106 may abut or may be attached to the second layer 112.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 112 may close the pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 such that the first and second layers 110, 112 and the member 106 enclose each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, each one 110, 112 of the first and second layers 110, 112 may be described to form a cover, or lid, covering the pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the member 106 is sandwiched between the first and second layers 110, 112. When the member 106 is sandwiched between the first and second layers 110, 112, there is a physical contact between the member 106 and both of the first and second layers 110, With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 112 may be made of a fire-retardant material. Each one 110, 112 of the first and second layers 110, 112 may comprise a paper material, for example a fireretardant paper material, for example including synthetic or ceramic fibres. However, other materials for the first and second layers 110, 112 are possible. For example, the fire-retardant material of the first and second layers 110, 112 may be configured to withstand a temperature of up to 600 or 700 degrees Celsius. For example, the fireretardant material of the first and second layers 110, 112 may be configured to withstand a temperature of up to 1500 degrees Celsius.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 112 may be made of an incompressible material. For some embodiments, the member 106 may be made of an incompressible material. For example, the material of the first and second layers 110, 112 may withstand a force of up to 40 kN without deformation. For example, the material of the first and second layers 110, 112 may be a high-Young material. For example, the material of the member 106, for example the polymer material of the member 106, may withstand a force of up to 40 kN without deformation. For example, the material of the member 106 may be a high-Young material.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, the member 106 may be made of a heat resistant material. For some embodiments, the member 106 may be made of a fire-retardant material. For example, the fire-retardant material of the member 10 may be configured to withstand a temperature of up to 600 or 700 degrees Celsius. The member 106 may be made of a thermally insulating material. The first and second layers 110, 112 may be made of a thermally insulating material.

With reference to figure 2, for some embodiments, it may be defined that the member 106 comprises walls 114, and that the member 106 forms, or comprises, a plurality of pockets 108 separated by walls 114 of the member 106. Each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 may share walls 114 with two or more other pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 may share walls 114 with three or more other pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 may share walls 114 with four or more other pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 may share walls 114 with five or more other pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. For some embodiments, each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 may share walls 114 with six or more other pockets 108 of the plurality of pockets 108. With reference to figure 2, the member 106 may have the shape of a honeycomb. For some embodiments, it may be defined that each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 has a hexagonal shape. It may be defined that the walls 114 of the member 106, which define a pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108, form a hexagonal shape. However, for other embodiments, the member 106 and/or the pockets 108 may form other shapes or patterns.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108 is filled with a gas or a gas mixture 116. For example, the gas mixture 116 may comprise or consist of air 116. Flowever, other gases or gas mixtures are possible. For some embodiments, there is at least a partial vacuum in each pocket 108 of the plurality of pockets 108.

With reference to figures 1A and 1B, although the illustrated embodiment includes first and second layers 110, 112, it is to be understood that for some embodiments, the first and second layers 110, 112 may be excluded. For some embodiments, only one layer 110, 112 may be included.

With reference to figures 3A to 3C, alternative versions of the member 206a, 206b, 206c of the element 204a, 204b, 204c of embodiments of the electric battery arrangement 200a, 200b, 200c according to the first aspect are schematically illustrated. Several features of the members 206a, 206b, 206c illustrated in figures 3A to 3C may correspond to features of the member 106 disclosed above in connection with figures 1A, 1B and 2 and are thus not repeated here.

With reference to figure 3A, instead of pockets 108 having a hexagonal shape, each pocket 208a of the plurality of pockets 208a of the member 206a has a circular, or oval, shape. It may be defined that the walls 214a of the member 206a, which define a pocket 208a of the plurality of pockets 208a, form, or define, a circular or oval shape.

With reference to figure 3B, instead of pockets 108 having a hexagonal shape, each pocket 208b of the plurality of pockets 208b of the member 206b has a rectangular shape. It may be defined that the walls 214b of the member 206b, which define a pocket 208b of the plurality of pockets 208b, form a rectangular shape. Thus, the member 206b may be described to form a grid shape, or mesh shape.

With reference to figure 3C, instead of pockets 108 having a hexagonal shape, each pocket 208c of the plurality of pockets 208c of the member 206c has a triangular shape. It may be defined that the walls 214c of the member 206c, which define a pocket 208c of the plurality of pockets 208c, form a triangular shape. However, it is to be understood many other shapes of the pockets of the plurality of pockets are possible. It is to be understood that the size of the pockets and the number of pockets may vary for different embodiments. For some embodiments, the member may have pockets in different sizes. For some embodiments, the member may have pockets with different shapes. It is to be understood that the pockets may form various kinds of patters or shapes.

With reference to figures 1A, 1B and 2, for some embodiments, each electric battery cell 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102 may comprise a stack of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. Each electric battery cell 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102 may comprise a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is electrically connected to the first electrode, and wherein the second terminal is electrically connected to the second electrode. Each electric battery cell 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102 may comprise additional electrical or mechanic components.

With reference to figure 4, an embodiment of an electric battery arrangement 300 according to the first aspect of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the form of a schematic circuit diagram, wherein the electric battery arrangement 300 includes a plurality of electric battery cells 102, i.e. two or more electric battery cells.

The illustrated electric battery arrangement 300 may be carried by, or included in, a vehicle 500 and/or included in a powertrain 504 of the vehicle 500 (see figure 6).

With reference to figure 4, each electric battery cell 102 can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeable electric battery cell 102. The electric battery cells 102 may be electrically connected in series and/or in parallel, into the electric battery arrangement 300, which also may be referred to as, or form, or be included in, an electric battery pack 400 (see figure 5), in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. In the shown example, the electric battery cells 102 are electrically connected in series with one another. In shown example, the electric battery cells 102 are part of a main power line 303. However, in other examples, the main power line 303 may be excluded and the electric battery cells 102 may be electrically interconnected in other ways. The electric battery arrangement 300 may form the complete enclosure that delivers electric power to an apparatus or equipment, for example an electric vehicle, EV.

With reference to figure 4, the electric battery arrangement 300 may include a cell controller 302 which may be electrically connected in parallel with each electric battery cell 102 by way of a plurality of electrical lines 304, for example electrical wires. The cell controller 302 may be called a cell module controller (CMC). The electric battery cell 102 may include a cell fuse 306, for example, for short-circuit and/over voltage protection. However, for some embodiments, the cell fuse 306 may be excluded.

With reference to figure 4, the electric battery arrangement 300 may have two terminals 308, 310 for connecting the electric battery arrangement 300 to an electrical system, for example to one or more electrical loads, for example via a vehicle electrical system 510 (see figure 6) and/or via electrical conductors. The two terminals 308, 310 may be referred to as electrical contacts. One 308, 310 of the two terminals 308, 310 may be a negative terminal having a negative pole, while the other one 308, 310 of the two terminals 308, 310 may be a positive terminal having a positive pole. With reference to figure 6, the electric battery arrangement 300 may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle 500 (see figure 6).

With reference to figure 4, the electric battery arrangement 300 includes one or more elements 104 for thermal insulation of electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102, wherein the element 104 is located between two electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102. The element 104 may correspond to any one of the versions of the element 104, 204a, 204b, 204c disclosed above in connection with figures 1 A, 1 B, 2 and 3A to 3C.

One or more electric battery arrangements 300 may be included in, or form, an electric battery pack 400 schematically illustrated in figure 5, for example suitable for a vehicle 500 (see figure 6). It may be defined that the electric battery pack 400 is configured for the propulsion of a vehicle 500 (see figure 6). The electric battery arrangement 300 may represent an electric battery module 300. With reference to figure 5, the electric battery pack 400 may comprise two or more electric battery arrangements 300 which may be electrically connected in series and have to common outputs 402, 404 (positive and negative) for electric power, or current, transfer. The electric battery pack 400 may have two terminals 414, 416 (DC positive and DC negative) for electric power, or current, transfer, to be connected to one or more electrical loads, for example via a vehicle electrical system 510 (see figure 6) and/or via electrical conductors. The abovementioned two common outputs 402, 404 may be connected to the two terminals 414, 416 of the electric battery pack 400.

With reference to figure 5, the electric battery pack 400 may comprise one or more internal contactors 406 switchable between an open position, or a non-conducting state, and a closed position, or a conducting state. The electric battery pack 400 may include a battery management system 408, BMS. The battery management system 408, BMS, may be described as a control system for controlling the electric battery pack 400. The one or more internal contactors 406 of the electric battery pack 400 may be controlled by the battery management system 408. The battery management system 408 may be connected to and communicate with the above-mentioned cell module controller, CMC, 302 of the electric battery arrangement 300 illustrated in figure 4.

With reference to figure 5, the electric battery pack 400 may include a pre-charge contactor 410 switchable between an open position, or a non-conducting state, and a closed position, or a conducting state. In general, when the battery management system 408 is activated or active, a pre-charging of an electrical system (such as a vehicle electrical system) to which the electric battery pack 400 is connected may be performed before all the internal contactors 406 are closed, for example with the aid of the pre-charge contactor 410. Pre-charging of a high voltage direct current system is known to the person skilled in the art and is thus not discussed in further detail.

With reference to figure 5, the electric battery pack 400 may comprises an electric battery pack fuse 412, which, for example, may be a melt fuse, or a pyrotechnic fuse (or pyro fuse), for protection. It is to be understood that the electric battery pack 400 may include additional electrical components or equipment, such as sensors, but these are left out for illustrative purposes.

With reference to figure 5, the electric electric battery pack 400 includes one or more elements 104 for thermal insulation of electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102, wherein the element 104 is located between two electric battery cells 102 of the plurality of electric battery cells 102, more specifically between two electric battery modules 300. For this embodiment, it may be defined that the element 104 is located between two electric battery cells 102 of two different electric battery modules 300. The element 104 may correspond to any one of the versions of the element 104, 204a, 204b, 204c disclosed above in connection with figures 1A, 1B, 2 and 3A to 3C.

With reference to figure 6, an embodiment of the vehicle 500 according to the second aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 500 includes one or more electric battery arrangements 100, 300, 400 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below.

With reference to figure 6, the vehicle 500 is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 500 may, for example, be a bus, a truck, a heavy truck or a car. Other types of vehicles are also possible. The vehicle 500 may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. The EV may comprise one or more electric machines 501. The electric machine 501 may act as an electric motor and/or an electric generator.

With reference to figure 6, the vehicle 500 may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle 500 having wheels 502. Only the wheels 502 on the left-hand side of the vehicle 500 are visible in figure 6. It is to be understood that the vehicle 500 may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in figure 6. The vehicle 500 may comprise a powertrain 504, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle 500 may be configured to hold or carry the one or more electric battery arrangements 100, 300, 400 including two or more electric battery cells 102. The one or more electric battery arrangements 100, 300, 400 may comprise, or be part of, one or more electric battery modules 300 and/or one or more electric battery packs 400 including two or more electric battery cells 102. The electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 may, for example, be attachable to a chassis 506 of the vehicle 500. It is to be understood that the vehicle 500 may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/or mechanical components, one or more electric machines 501, a combustion engine 508 and other devices required for a vehicle 500, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference to figure 6, it may be defined that the powertrain 504 and/or the one or more electric machines 501 is/are configured to propel, or drive, the vehicle 500. It may be defined that the powertrain 504 includes the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400. The one or more electric machines 501 may be located at locations different from what is illustrated in figure 6, for example in connection with the combustion engine 508, for example acting as an electric generator.

With reference to figure 6, the vehicle 500 may include a vehicle electrical system 510. It may be defined that the vehicle electrical system 510 is configured for direct current. It may be defined that vehicle electrical system 510 is a vehicle high voltage system 510. It may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system 510 is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, or above 450 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system 316 may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V and/or for a voltage above 1500 V. The electric power, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the vehicle electrical system 510 may be transferred at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltage levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 510 may be configured to transfer the electric power, or the electric current, at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltage levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 510 may be configured to transfer direct current.

With reference to Figure 6, the vehicle electrical system 510 may be electrically connected, or connectable, to the one or more electric battery arrangements 100, 300, 400. It may be defined that the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 is configured for high voltage, for example for one or more of the high voltage levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 510 may be configured to electrically connect the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 to the powertrain 504 of the vehicle 500. The vehicle electrical system 510 may be configured to electrically connect the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 to the one or more electric machines 501 of the vehicle 500. It may be defined that the vehicle electrical system 510 is configured to transfer the electric power, or the electric current, for example between the one or more electric machines 501 (and/or the powertrain 504) and the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the electric battery arrangement 100, 300, 400 may be applied to configurations, structures, or apparatuses different from a vehicle 500.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the independent claim.

Claims

1. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) comprising a plurality of electric battery cells (102), and

one or more elements (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) for thermal insulation of electric battery cells (102) of the plurality of electric battery cells (102),

wherein the element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) is located between two electric battery cells (102) of the plurality of electric battery cells (102), and

wherein the element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) comprises a member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) forming a plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c), characterized in that there is at least a partial vacuum in each pocket (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) of the plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c).

2. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to claim 1, wherein the element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) is sandwiched between two electric battery cells (102) of the plurality of electric battery cells (102).

3. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) is made of a material comprising or consisting of a polymer or a polymer composite.

4. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the element (104, 204a, 204b, 204c) comprises a first layer (110) and a second layer (112), and

wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) is located between the first and second layers (110, 112).

5. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to claim 4, wherein the first and second layers (110, 112) are attached to the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c).

6. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second layers (110, 112) close the pockets (108, 208a, 208b, layers (110, 112) and the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) enclose each pocket (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) of the plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c).

7. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) is sandwiched between the first and second layers (110, 112).

8. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, wherein the first and second layers (110, 112) are made of a fireretardant material.

9. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 4 to 8, wherein the first and second layers (110, 112) are made of an incompressible material.

10. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) is made of an incompressible material.

11. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) is made of a heat resistant material.

12. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c) forms a plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) separated by walls (114, 214a, 214b, 214c) of the member (106, 206a, 206b, 206c).

13. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to claim 12. wherein each pocket (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) of the plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) shares walls (114, 214a, 214b, 214c) with two or more other pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c) of the plurality of pockets (108, 208a, 208b, 208c).

14. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the member (106) has the shape of a honeycomb.

15. An electric battery arrangement (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein each pocket (108) of the plurality of pockets (108) has a hexagonal shape.

16. A vehicle (500) comprising one or more electric battery arrangements (100, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 16.