WO2019121566A1

WO2019121566A1 - Cooling module for a cell stack, and cell stack

Info

Publication number: WO2019121566A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/085312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Torsten STIFEL; Björn BETZ; Martina BULAT; Stefan Dwenger; Matthias BIEGERL; Melanie KEMNITZ; Christian WÖRSDÖRFER; Holger Keller
Original assignee: Elringklinger Ag
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2018-12-17
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: DE102017223474A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of battery devices and facilitates, in particular, the simplified production and/or optimised operation of same, by optimising a cooling module, a cell stack, the entire battery device and/or a method for cooling cells.

Description

COOLING MODULE FOR A CELL STACK AND CELL STACK

The present invention relates inter alia to the field of battery devices, which in particular have cells stacked along a stacking direction. Depending on a required capacity and performance of the battery device, cooling of the cells is inevitable. For this purpose, in particular cooling modules are used.

The object of the present invention is to refine existing battery devices and components thereof in the sense of a simplified production and an optimized mode of operation.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

For example, it may be provided that a cooling module for a cell stack, in particular an accumulator cell stack, comprises a cooling element for receiving and passing a cooling medium.

The cooling element is used in particular for cooling one or more cells of the cell stack, but can also be used to heat one or more cells of the cell stack, for example, to quickly bring the cell stack in an initial phase to an optimal operating temperature or to freeze the cells in very cold Avoid ambient temperatures.

The cooling element preferably comprises two plate-shaped, flexible layers forming an outer shell of the cooling element.

The plate-shaped, flexible layers of the cooling element, for example, are aligned substantially parallel to one another and extend in particular each substantially along a plane which is aligned transversely, in particular perpendicular, to a stacking direction.

The layers are preferably fluid-tightly connected to each other in a peripheral edge region and surround an interior of the cooling element.

The peripheral edge region is preferably in a direction perpendicular to

Stacking direction extending plane and / or is substantially rectangular.

In particular, it can be provided that the cooling element is formed substantially rectangular and / or cuboid.

The cooling element is preferably a flexible cooling bag.

In particular in a central central region of the cooling element, that is to say spaced from the peripheral edge region, the cooling element is preferably variable in thickness, that is to say that a distance between the two layers may vary from one another.

For example, it can be provided that the two layers of a cooling element, which form an outer shell of the cooling element, are welded tight in the peripheral edge region and / or are joined together and / or sealed by molding with plastic.

The layers are preferably directly connected to one another in the edge region. In particular, the layers are preferably directly adjacent to each other.

It may be advantageous if the layers are materially interconnected. In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that a plate-shaped flexible layer of the cooling element or both plate-shaped flexible layers of the cooling element comprise a metallic sheet or are formed therefrom.

For example, it can be provided that a material thickness of the layers is at most approximately 0.5 mm, for example at most approximately 0.3 mm, in particular approximately 0.25 mm.

The material thickness results in particular as the sum of a carrier material, for example a metallic sheet, and an optional

Coating.

An inner side and / or an outer side of each layer may, for example, be provided with a coating. Such a coating is, in particular, an insulation layer for electrical insulation and / or a layer which increases adhesion to a cell.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a plate-shaped flexible layer of the cooling element or both plate-shaped flexible layers of the cooling element are formed from or comprise a plastic material, in particular an organic sheet.

It may be advantageous if the cooling element comprises one or more spacers in a heat transfer region of the cooling element to avoid a two-dimensional contact of the two layers.

A heat transfer area is in particular a central area of the cooling element which is arranged at a distance from the edge area.

The one or more spacers preferably have a maximum extent along a thickness direction and / or along a stacking direction which is at most about 60%, more preferably at most about 40%, for example at most about 25%, corresponds to a thickness of the cooling element in the heat transfer region, in particular when the cooling element is in a state in which the outer shell forming layers of the cooling element in the heat transfer region are flat and substantially parallel to each other.

In this state of the cooling element, the layers, in particular in the heat transfer region, are preferably neither concave nor convex.

It may be favorable if the one or more spacers are shaped as one or more projections in one or both layers of the cooling element.

In particular, this can be achieved by a selective investment of a layer on the other system to affect a flow cross section between the two layers as little as possible.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that one or more spacers by structuring, in particular a

Embossing, formed in one of the two layers.

The two layers, which form the outer shell of the cooling element, are preferably at least approximately mirror-symmetrical with respect to a center plane of the cooling element, along which the two layers rest against one another in the edge region.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the two layers are formed identically with one another and are arranged only in different rotational orientations in order ultimately to be connected to one another.

It may be favorable if the layers each have a connection for supplying cooling medium and / or a connection for discharging cooling medium

include. In particular, a nozzle may be provided, which is part of a feed channel for supplying cooling medium to the interior of the cooling element. Alternatively or additionally, a nozzle may be provided, which is part of a discharge channel for discharging cooling medium from the cooling element.

One or more nozzles, in particular all nozzles are preferably formed as introduced into the respective position passage opening.

Each of these passage openings is preferably surrounded by a collar-shaped projection formed out of the position.

Each layer together with the nozzle arranged in it or thereon is thus in particular in one piece, for example in a single production step, with the connecting pieces.

In particular, a punching process, embossing process and / or deep-drawing process for shaping a layer together with the neck can be provided.

The collar-shaped protrusions of the connecting pieces are also referred to below as "collars" in a simplified manner.

The collar of each nozzle preferably protrudes away from the interior of the cooling element.

In particular, the collar comprises a cylindrical portion, preferably a circular cylindrical portion.

A rotation axis, with respect to which the collar is preferably rotationally symmetrical, is preferably arranged perpendicular to two main extension directions of the layers, perpendicular to a center plane of the cooling element and / or parallel to a stacking direction. The feed opening and the discharge opening are preferably arranged on mutually opposite positions of the peripheral edge region of the cooling element.

In particular, the feed opening and the discharge opening are arranged diagonally opposite each other.

Preferably, the layers in an edge region, in which the layers are connected to one another, have recesses, indentations and / or through-openings for the form-fitting fixing of a carrier element.

In the region of the recesses, indentations and / or injection openings, the layers are preferably connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner. In particular, an interior of the cooling element is preferably not accessible through the recesses, indentations and / or through-openings.

In one embodiment it can be provided that the interior comprises a distribution channel extending from a supply opening and / or a collection channel extending to a discharge opening, wherein between the supply opening and the discharge opening, in particular between the distribution channel and the collecting channel, a heat transfer region of the cooling module is formed.

The distribution channel and the collection channel are preferably arranged parallel to each other.

In particular, the distribution channel and the collection channel are arranged and / or formed on opposite sides of a heat transfer region of the cooling module. The distribution channel and / or the collection channel may in particular be lateral stops for the cell in the case of an (undesired) movement thereof relative to the cooling element.

It can be advantageous if a cell connection or both cell connections of at least one cell are routed via a distribution channel. The one or both cell connections are then in particular by means of

Distributor channels coolable.

It can be provided that the distribution channel is designed to be tapered along the flow direction of the cooling medium. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the collecting channel is designed widening along the flow direction of the cooling medium.

A heat transfer region of the cooling element preferably has a spatially and / or temporally average thickness (extension along the thickness direction and / or stacking direction) of at most approximately 20 mm, for example at most approximately 15 mm, in particular at most approximately 10 mm, in a thickness direction , on.

The cooling module is particularly suitable for use in a cell stack and is there preferably the tempering of cells, in particular accumulator cells.

The cell stack is therefore in particular an accumulator cell stack.

The present invention therefore also relates to a cell stack, which comprises in particular:

a plurality of cells, in particular accumulator cells;

a plurality of cooling modules, in particular cooling modules according to the invention, for

Cooling the cells. The cells and the cooling modules are preferably stacked along a stacking direction, in particular alternately.

In particular, an alternating stacking means that along the stacking direction one, two or more than two cells, then one, two or more than two cooling modules, then again one, two or more than two cells, then one, two or more two additional cooling modules, etc.

follow one another. For example, the following arrangements may be provided:

ABABABABA etc. or

ABBABBABABBA etc. or

BAABAABAABAABAAB etc.,

where "A" denotes a cooling module and "B" a cell.

In particular, a direct contact between the at least one cell, the subsequent at least one cooling module, then again at least one cell, then the at least one further cooling module, etc. is provided.

The cells of the cell stack are in particular so-called pouch cells and / or prismatic cells.

In the context of this description and the appended claims, a pouch cell is understood in particular to mean a cell which comprises an outer shell made of a metal, in particular a metallic material,

for example, from a metallic foil.

The material of the outer shell, in particular a metallic foil, is preferably welded in an edge region.

A pouch cell is preferably bag-shaped. It may be favorable if a pouch cell in a plan view, in particular parallel to a stacking direction, is substantially rectangular.

Preferably, a pouch cell has a thickness parallel to a stacking direction which is at most about 30%, preferably at most about 20%, of a width of the pouch cell perpendicular to a stacking direction.

A prismatic cell preferably comprises an electrode stack which in each case comprises a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes.

Plate-shaped electrodes of a prismatic cell extend

preferably each along a plane.

Pouch cells and / or prismatic cells are in particular cells according to DIN 91252.

It may be favorable if the cooling elements are connected to one another in a fluid-efficient manner by means of connecting elements.

The connecting elements are preferably plug-in elements.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the connection elements each have two connection sections arranged and / or formed at opposite ends of the respective connection element.

Each connection section is preferably fixed to a respective cooling element.

Each connection section is preferably designed to be substantially complementary to a connection piece arranged and / or formed on the respective cooling element. Preferably, each connection portion is fixed or fixable by insertion into the nozzle on the respective cooling element.

It may be favorable if the connecting elements form positioning elements, by means of which the cooling elements can be positioned along the stacking direction and / or in one or two directions perpendicular to the stacking direction.

The connecting elements further preferably form support elements for supporting the cooling elements toward each other along the stacking direction.

For this purpose, the connecting elements in particular have one or more supporting rings, which are designed, for example, as positioning projections projecting radially outwards.

A connecting element preferably comprises a main body, which is in particular a plastic injection-molded component.

In particular, the main body is substantially rotationally symmetrical and comprises one, two or more than two annular grooves for receiving one or more sealing elements, in particular sealing rings, for example O-rings.

Two cooling elements connected to one another by means of a connecting element abut, in particular, against contact surfaces of the support ring of the connecting element facing away from one another and are thereby positioned relative to one another along the stacking direction. In particular, in this way a predetermined distance between the two cooling elements can be ensured at least in the area of the connecting piece.

In addition, a connecting piece of a cooling element is preferably positioned by means of a connecting element relative to the neck of the further cooling element so that the two connecting pieces and the connecting element a have common axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation in particular runs parallel to the stacking direction.

It can be provided that the cooling elements together with the connecting elements form at least one feed channel for supplying cooling medium to the cooling elements and / or at least one discharge channel for discharging cooling medium from the cooling elements.

Both the at least one feed channel and the at least one discharge channel are preferably of substantially linear design and / or aligned at least approximately parallel to the stacking direction.

The at least one feed channel and / or the at least one discharge channel are preferably guided past the cells arranged between the cooling elements.

In particular, the cells are preferably dimensioned such that they can be substantially completely covered by the heat transfer region of the cooling elements.

The present invention further relates to a cooling module, which comprises a cooling element for receiving and passing a cooling medium. Preferably, the cooling module comprises a carrier element on which the cooling element is fixed, wherein the carrier element is or comprises a plastic injection-molded element, in particular, which is fixed to the same by injection molding on the cooling element.

The cooling element is thus in particular an insert, which is encapsulated with plastic during manufacture of the support element.

The carrier element is preferably a frame element, which surrounds the cooling element in an annular manner at its edge region. "Ring-shaped" refers in particular to a closed mold. Preferably, a rectangular cross section of the frame element and / or the cooling element taken substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction is provided.

It can be advantageous if the carrier element comprises one or more, for example, four, corner elements, which are in particular molded directly onto the cooling element.

The corner elements are preferably intrinsically inflexible and preferably have a reinforcing structure.

In particular, the corner elements are fixed to the cooling element without the possibility of a relative movement relative to the cooling element.

One or more corner elements preferably comprise a reinforcing structure such that the one or more corner elements withstand a compressive force acting along the stacking direction.

It can be provided that one or more corner elements are provided with inserts and / or inlays.

In particular, a sleeve designed as an insert or inlay can be provided which serves to receive a tensioning element, in particular a tensioning rod of a tensioning device.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the support element comprises one or more stack areas, by means of which a plurality of identical carrier elements along a stacking direction are stackable.

The one or more stack areas are in particular integrated into the one or more corner elements. It may be favorable if a stack of carrier elements can be produced by means of a plurality of carrier elements of a plurality of cooling modules.

In particular, a stack of carrier elements and / or a cell stack can be produced by using a plurality of identical cooling modules, a plurality of structurally identical carrier elements, a plurality of identically constructed cells, etc.

The one or more stack areas preferably each comprise at least one reinforcing area and / or at least one tensioning section for clamping a plurality of carrier elements by means of a tensioning device.

In particular, the one or more stack areas comprises a feed-through opening for passing through a tension rod.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the carrier element, in particular one or more corner elements, comprises a positioning aid for the correct positioning of the carrier elements when stacking them.

A positioning aid may, for example, be a projection, a mandrel and / or a groove, wherein a top or front side of the carrier element with respect to the stacking direction is at least partially complementary to a lower or rear side of the carrier element with respect to the stacking direction. Several identical support elements can thus be easily stacked on each other and thereby easily positioned relative to each other.

The carrier element preferably comprises one or more, for example four, side parts, which each comprise one or more anchoring sections for anchoring the carrier element to the cooling element. It may be favorable if in each case mutually opposite side parts are aligned at least approximately parallel to each other.

Preferably, in each case two side parts by means of a corner element

interconnected, in particular at an angle of approximately 90 °.

Two side parts interconnected by means of a corner element are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to one another.

It may be favorable if four corner elements and four side parts form an annularly closed frame element, which is substantially rectangular in a cross section taken perpendicular to a stacking direction.

The one or more anchoring sections preferably each include the following:

one or more Anspritzelemente which are molded directly onto the cooling element; and

one or more web elements for connecting the Anspritzelemente with a wall portion of a side part of the support element.

The web element preferably projects away from the respective Anspritzelement substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction and / or substantially perpendicular to an edge region of the cooling element, in which the respective Anspritzelement is fixed.

The wall section of the side part is preferably arranged at a distance from the edge region of the cooling element and connected to the cooling element only by means of the web element.

It can be provided that the carrier element comprises one or more side parts, which in each case comprise one or more compensation regions, which along a circumferential direction of the carrier element, along which the carrier element surrounds the cooling element, are formed elastically yielding.

The one or more compensation areas serve in particular to compensate for a different thermal expansion of the cooling element on the one hand and of the support element on the other hand, in particular in order to avoid stresses between the support element and the cooling element as far as possible.

The compensation areas are elastically effective in particular in a plane running perpendicular to the stacking direction. In this way, in particular the different thermal expansions in the main extension directions of the cooling element can be compensated.

The compensation areas are formed, in particular, by a wave structure in a wall section of the side part, since the wave structure can result in a simple length variability of the wall section.

The material of the carrier element is preferably selected such that the wave-shaped wall section is elastically deformable and thereby extendable or shortenable.

It can be provided that the carrier element comprises one or more side parts, which each comprise a plurality of anchoring sections and a plurality of compensation zones.

The anchoring sections and the compensation areas are preferably arranged alternately along a circumferential direction of the carrier element, along which the carrier element surrounds the cooling element.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the support element connecting four corner elements and four each two corner elements together Sides comprises, wherein the corner elements and the side parts together form a surrounding the cooling element frame member.

The carrier element preferably forms a wall section of a housing of a cell stack and / or a battery device.

In particular, it can be provided that the wall section at least partially has a wave structure, wherein a plurality of compensation regions are formed by the wave structure for compensating material-related different thermal expansions.

The wall section preferably extends continuously from one corner element to another corner element and preferably over an entire height of the carrier element.

The above-described cooling module is particularly suitable for use in a cell stack, in particular accumulator stack, the cell stack comprising a plurality of cells and a plurality of cooling modules, in particular cooling modules according to the invention, for cooling the cells.

It may be favorable if a stack height of the carrier element corresponds at least approximately to a sum of a thickness of at least one cooling element in a heat transfer region on the one hand and a thickness of at least one cell on the other hand.

A stack height of the carrier element is in particular a distance between a center plane of a first carrier element aligned perpendicular to a stacking direction on the one hand and a center plane aligned perpendicular to the stacking direction of a further carrier element stacked on the first carrier element.

A thickness of the cooling element and / or the cell is in particular an average thickness in a normal state of the cooling element and / or the Cell, when the adjacent surfaces of the cooling element and the cell are substantially planar and parallel to each other.

A cell is preferably substantially rectangular in cross section taken perpendicular to the stacking direction.

In the stacked state, the carrier elements of the cooling modules preferably form a side wall, at least approximately uninterrupted in a stacking direction as well as in a circumferential direction, of a housing enclosing the cells and the cooling elements.

It may be advantageous if each carrier element in each case comprises one or more feed-through openings, through which cell connections of the cells can be guided outward or outward from the housing.

It can also be advantageous if the cell stack comprises a stack of carrier elements, which is provided at both ends with one end plate in each case, the two end plates forming or comprising clamping plates between which the carrier elements are clamped.

In particular, one or more tension rods, in particular two or four tension rods, may be provided for clamping the stack of support elements between the two end plates.

A tension rod is in particular a threaded rod, which engage around the stack of carrier elements along the stacking direction by means of one or more associated screw nuts and thereby clamp.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a cell stack comprises a plurality of cells and a plurality of cooling modules, in particular cooling modules according to the invention, for cooling the cells, wherein in each case

at least one cell between each at least two cooling elements of two cooling modules is determined by clamping. The cooling elements thus preferably form a clamping device for fixing the respective at least one cell.

It can be advantageous if the cells are fixed in a stacking direction exclusively by clamping by means of the cooling elements.

The cooling elements and the cells are preferably arranged alternately along a stacking direction of the cell stack and lie in particular directly against one another.

It may be advantageous if the cooling elements are flexible. The shape of the cooling elements preferably adapts to the shape of the respectively adjacent at least one cell.

In particular, the cooling elements are at least partially substantially complementary to the shape of the respective adjacent cells formed and / or arranged.

It may be favorable if the cell stack comprises, as a supporting structure, a plurality of carrier elements stacked along a stacking direction.

The cooling elements are preferably fixed directly to the support elements.

In particular, the carrier elements are frame elements which encircle the cooling elements along a circumferential direction of the cooling elements, in particular with respect to a plane running perpendicular to the stacking direction

surround.

The carrier elements, in particular the frame elements, are preferably substantially rectangular, in particular in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the stacking direction. The carrier elements are preferably connected in a form-fitting manner to the cooling elements, in particular by injection molding onto the cooling elements in a plastic injection molding process.

It may be advantageous if the carrier elements together form a housing of the cell stack, which surrounds the cells and the cooling elements at least four sides.

In particular, the housing surrounds the cell stack with respect to the stacking direction in the radial direction. In the axial direction, the housing is preferably completed by means of two end plates to form a closed housing.

The cell stack preferably comprises cell connections for the electrical contacting of the cells, which are guided to the outside between in each case two carrier elements.

The term "outwards" is to be understood in particular as meaning a guide such that the cell connections are led out of an interior of the cell stack formed by the carrier elements.

It can be advantageous if the cell stack comprises a clamping device, by means of which only the carrier elements are braced along the stacking direction.

The cells are then preferably still held in position at most still perpendicular to the stacking direction, that one or more stop elements, which prevent unwanted displacement in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, are provided.

In particular, one or more stop elements are formed by the carrier element. The carrier elements together with the cooling elements preferably form receptacles for the cells, in which the cells are merely inserted, apart from the clamping effect between the cooling elements.

It may be favorable if the cell stack comprises a fluid pressure device, by means of which a pressure is applied or can be applied to a cooling medium guided through the cooling elements, so that the cells along one stacking direction of the cell stack are unilaterally or bilaterally at least in sections at the respective abut adjacent cooling element.

It may be advantageous if the fluid pressure device at the same time a

Pumping device for driving the guided through the cooling elements cooling medium is.

In particular, in this case an additional pressure reducer may be provided, by means of which, in combination with the fluid pressure device, a control and / or regulation of the pressure and the amount of the cooling medium passed through the cooling elements is possible.

Alternatively, it may be provided that the fluid pressure device is a device different from a pump device for driving the cooling medium guided through the cooling elements.

It may be advantageous if the fluid pressure device comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, by means of which in particular an inlet pressure of the cooling medium supplied to the cooling elements and / or an outlet pressure of the cooling medium discharged from the cooling elements can be determined.

The cooling module according to the invention and / or the cell stack according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a battery device.

The present invention therefore also relates to a battery device which comprises one or more cell stacks, in particular one or more cell stacks according to the invention. appropriate cell stacks comprises. The cells of the battery device are in particular accumulator cells.

It may be favorable if the cell device comprises a fluid pressure device by means of which a pressure on a cooling medium guided through the cooling elements can be adapted to an operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the cells.

In particular, a control and / or regulation of the cooling medium pressure can be provided.

As a result, the cells can preferably be reliably clamped between the cooling elements. At the same time, it is preferably possible to achieve an optimum adaptation of the shape of the cooling elements to the cells in order to ultimately enable an optimized heat transfer.

In particular, it can be provided that the cooling elements without filling with cooling medium and / or without a pressure applied by means of a fluid pressure device to the cooling medium pressure are so unstable and / or yielding that no jamming recording of the cells is possible. Rather, the clamping effect preferably results only by filling the cooling elements with cooling medium and / or by applying a pressure by means of

Fluid pressure device.

A battery device optionally comprising one or more features of the above-described battery device may further include:

A particular cell stack according to the invention, which comprises a plurality of cells designed as accumulator cells, and a plurality of cooling modules, in particular cooling modules according to the invention, for cooling the cells, wherein the cooling modules each have at least one flexible cooling element, which rests against the cell. The battery device preferably further comprises a measuring device for determining a total amount of a cooling medium arranged in at least one of the cooling elements of the cooling modules.

In particular, it can be provided that an interior volume within the at least one cooling element can be determined by means of the measuring device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a total mass of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element can be determined by means of the measuring device.

An interior volume can be determined in particular by using a compensation container, for example if a total amount of the total cooling medium present is known.

In particular, the measuring device preferably comprises a compensation tank for receiving cooling medium. By means of the measuring device is preferably from a level of the surge tank on the total amount of the arranged in the at least one cooling element cooling medium closable.

In particular, for determining the total mass of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element, in particular a balance or other weight measuring device can be provided. For example, by a decoupling of the cell stack from a surge tank for receiving cooling medium can be closed by means of a weight sensor on the total mass of the arranged in the at least one cooling element cooling medium.

By means of the measuring device, one or more correction factors can be taken into account, in particular a correction due to the temperature expansion and / or due to a varying pressure. It may be favorable if the battery device comprises a fluid pressure direction by means of which a pressure within the at least one cooling element is adjustable, in particular controllable or controllable to a predetermined pressure.

The measuring device is preferably designed and set up such that from the determined total quantity of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element, it is possible to lock to a compression state or expansion state of at least one cell applied to the at least one cooling element.

The measuring device is preferably designed and set up such that from the determined total quantity of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element to a state of at least one cell cooled by the at least one cooling element can be closed.

It can be advantageous if by means of the measuring device it is possible to close the charge state and / or the operating state and / or the aging state of the at least one cell.

The cells and the cooling elements together preferably have a substantially length-invariable extension along a stacking direction of the cell stack.

The cooling elements are thus preferably compressed when the cell expands and vice versa.

The present invention further relates to a method for cooling, for example, cells designed as accumulator cells. The method preferably includes the following:

Supplying a cooling medium to at least one cooling element of a cooling module; Transferring heat from at least one cell to the cooling element or from the cooling element to the at least one cell;

Determining a total amount of a cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element.

The method according to the invention preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the described cooling modules, cell stacks and / or battery device.

Furthermore, the described cooling modules, cell stacks and battery devices are preferably suitable for carrying out the described method.

It can be provided that a total volume of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element is determined. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a total mass of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element is determined.

The determined total amount is preferably used to determine an operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the at least one cell. A further operation, in particular a further use, of the at least one cell is preferably controlled and / or regulated depending on the determined operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the at least one cell.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, for a plurality of cooling elements of a plurality of cooling modules, the respective quantity of cooling medium arranged therein is determined separately, in particular in order to separately determine an operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state for each cell.

Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the diagrammatic representation of an embodiment: In the drawings show:

1 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a cell stack of a battery device, the cell stack comprising a plurality of carrier elements stacked on top of one another for receiving cooling elements of the cooling modules and a plurality of cells arranged between the cooling elements;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a plurality of carrier elements separated from one another, together with the cooling elements arranged thereon; FIG.

3 shows a schematic perspective view of a carrier element, a layer of a cooling element to be arranged on the carrier element, a cell and a layer of a further cooling element;

4 is a schematic plan view of a cooling module of the cell stack, looking along a stacking direction of the cell stack;

5 shows a schematic section through the cell stack along the

Line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

6 shows a schematic section through the cell stack along the

Line 6-6 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the area VII in Fig. 6;

8 shows a schematic section through the cell stack along the

Line 8-8 in Fig. 4; and 9 shows a schematic section through the cell stack along the

Line 9-9 in FIG. 4.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

An embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of a battery device designated as a whole by 100 serves, in particular, for the storage of electrical energy and is used, for example, as an energy store

electric vehicles used.

The battery device 100 comprises a cell stack 102, which comprises a plurality of cells 106 stacked along a stacking direction 104.

The cells 106 are in particular so-called pouch cells 108 and / or prismatic cells.

Between each two cells 106, a cooling element 110 of a cooling module 112 of the cell stack 102 is arranged in each case.

Thus, in particular, a plurality of cooling modules 112 with cooling elements 110 on the one hand and cells 106 on the other hand are alternately stacked on top of one another along the stacking direction 104.

The cooling elements 110 and the cells 106 preferably lie against each other over a large area in order to allow optimized heat transfer.

By "abutting one another over a large area" is meant in the context of this description and the appended claims in particular that the

Cooling elements 110 and the cells 106 on a contiguous part of a surface of the cooling elements 110 and the cells 106 from at least about 2 cm to 2 cm, in particular from at least about 2 cm to 3 cm, preferably from at least about 2 cm to 4 cm, to each other issue. For example, the cooling elements 110 and the cells 106 abut one another at a contiguous portion of a surface of the cooling elements 110 and cells 106 of at least about 4 cm 2, more preferably at least about 6 cm 2, preferably at least about 10 cm 2.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 and 7, each cooling element 110 comprises two layers 114, which together form an outer shell 116 of the cooling element 110.

The layers 114 are in particular formed from or comprise a metallic material. In particular, the layers 114 are formed as sheet metal layers.

In this case, the layers 114 are in particular brought into a shape such that a circumferential, preferably substantially rectangular, edge region 118 results, in which the two layers 114 rest against one another. Furthermore, as a result of the selected shape of the layers 114, an interior 120 of the cooling element 110 formed between the two layers 114 and surrounded by the edge region 118 results.

The layers 114 are preferably connected to one another in the edge region 118 in a fluid-tight manner, in particular tightly welded.

Furthermore, a plurality of through-openings 122 are preferably arranged and / or formed in the edge region 118, by means of which the cooling element 110 can be fixed to a carrier element to be described in more detail.

The layers 114 each have one or more, for example two, passage openings 124, through which the interior 120 of the cooling element 110 is accessible. The passage openings 124 are surrounded in particular by a collar 126 formed from the respective layer 114, which forms a connecting piece 128 for receiving a connecting element 130.

A connecting element 130 serves, in particular, to connect two cooling elements 110 which follow one another along the stacking direction 104.

For this purpose, the connection element 130 comprises in particular two connection sections 132, one of which can be inserted in each case into a connection piece 128 of the respective cooling element 110.

The connecting element 130 is thus in particular a plug-in element 134 for insertion into the nozzles 128 of the cooling elements 110.

With respect to the stacking direction 104 substantially centrally, for example, one or more radial positioning projections 136 of the connecting element 130 are formed and / or arranged.

The radial positioning projections 136 in particular form stops for positioning the two cooling elements 110 relative to one another along the stacking direction 104.

The connecting element 130 is thus at the same time a positioning element 138 for positioning the cooling elements 110 relative to one another with respect to the stacking direction 104 and / or relative to two directions extending perpendicular thereto.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 7, the layers 114 of each cooling element 110 are designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a center plane 140 at least in sections, preferably substantially completely.

The sockets 128 for the arrangement of the connecting elements 130 are thus arranged linearly successively along the stacking direction 104, whereby ultimately in combination with the connecting elements 130, a fluid channel 142, for example a feed channel 144 and / or a discharge channel 145, is formed.

Via the fluid channel 142, a cooling medium can be supplied to the interior spaces 120 of the cooling elements 110 or removed from the same.

One or more sealing elements 146 are preferably used for sealing in the contact area between the connecting elements 130 and the nozzle 128. In particular, designed as O-rings sealing elements 146 are provided.

A base body 148 of each connecting element 130 preferably has annular grooves for receiving the sealing elements 146.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 9, the cell stack 102 comprises a plurality of carrier elements 150 for receiving and fixing the cooling elements 110.

In particular, each cooling module 112 comprises in each case a carrier element 150 and a cooling element 110 arranged thereon.

The carrier elements 150 in particular form frame elements 152, which surround the respective cooling element 110 in a frame-like manner along a circumferential direction 154 and are fixed to the respective cooling element 110 by injection molding in a plastic injection molding process.

The carrier elements 150 are therefore in particular plastic injection-molded components.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, each carrier element 150 comprises several, for example four, corner elements 156, wherein in each case two corner elements 156 are connected to each other by means of a respective side part 158. Opposite side parts 158 are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other.

By means of a corner element 156 interconnected side parts 158 are preferably arranged at an angle of approximately 90 ° to each other.

The corner elements 156 are in particular molded directly onto the edge region 118 of the cooling element 110 and are fixed relative to the cooling element 110 immovably thereto.

The side parts 158 preferably comprise wall sections 160 of a wall 162 of a housing 164 to be described later.

The wall portions 160 connect the two side members 158 along the circumferential direction 154 delimiting corner elements 156 with each other.

The wall sections 160 of each side part 158 are preferably wave-shaped. As a result, compensating regions 166 in particular for compensating for temperature-induced expansion changes are formed.

The compensation areas 166 thus enable, in particular, a deformation of the wall section 160 of each side part 158, as a result of which the spacings of the corner elements 156 can change from one another. The different coefficients of expansion of the carrier element 150 formed of plastic on the one hand and the cooling element 110 formed of metal, for example, on the other hand, can hereby be compensated by preference.

The side parts 158 preferably comprise anchoring sections 168, by means of which the side parts 158 are fixed to the edge region 118 of the respective cooling element 110. In this case, the anchoring sections 168 each include an injection element 170 which engages directly on the edge region 118 of the cooling element 110 and, for example, extends through an injection opening 122 in the edge region 118.

The injection-molded element 170 is thus in particular positively fixed to the cooling element 110.

In each case, a web element 172 preferably connects an injection element 170 to the wall 162, in particular to the wall section 160 of the respective side part 158.

The wall 162 is thus preferably arranged at a distance from the edge region 118 of the cooling elements 110 in the region of the side parts 158.

The corner elements 156 preferably comprise a stacking region 174, on which a plurality of identically designed carrier elements 150 are stackable on one another and, in particular, lie directly against one another.

Each stacking area 174 comprises, for example, a reinforcement area 176, by means of which the respective corner element 156 is stabilized along the stacking direction 104.

The corner elements 156 further include a clamping section 178, which is arranged in particular in the region of the stack area 174.

In particular, the clamping section 178 serves to pass a tensioning element 180 through the respective corner element 156 in order ultimately to provide a tensioning device 182, by means of which the carrier elements 150 can be clamped along the stacking direction 104. For this purpose, the tensioning device 182 preferably further comprises one or more tension plates 184, which are formed in particular by two end plates 186 at both ends of the cell stack 102 and allow a uniform introduction of force into the carrier elements 150.

The tensioning elements 180 of the tensioning device 182 are, for example, tensioning rods 188 or threaded rods 190, which close off in particular by means of one or more nuts 192 and thus enable a clamping of the support elements 150 along the stacking direction 104.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3, 5 and 8, the cells 106 are preferably inserted only between in each case two cooling elements 110, for example clamped in place.

An additional lateral attachment in one or more directions perpendicular to the stacking direction 104 is preferably not provided for the cells 106.

The cooling elements 110 comprise, in particular, a central heat transfer area 194 surrounded by the edge area 118, in which the cooling elements 110 rest against the cells 106.

In particular, the cells 106 are clamped between the heat transfer areas 194 of two cooling elements 110 and thus positioned along the stacking direction 104.

A thickness D _{z of} the cell 106 and a thickness D _{K of} a cooling element 110 and a stack height H of the carrier element 150 are preferably chosen such that the two thicknesses D _z and D _K together substantially correspond to the stack height H.

As a result, the carrier elements 150 can be placed directly on one another and stacked thereby, while at the same time the cells 106 are tightly connected. are positioned, in particular clamped, between the cooling elements 110.

Cell connections 196 of the cells 106 are led out of the cell stack 102 to the outside, in particular by means of recesses or passage openings provided in the support elements 150 provided for this purpose.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the cooling elements 110 include, for example, a distribution channel 198 for uniformly distributing supplied cooling medium to the heat transfer region 194.

Optionally, also indicated in Fig. 4 collection channel 200 for

Merging be provided from the heat transfer region 194 dissipating the cooling medium.

During operation of the battery device 100, variations in the extent of the cells 106 may occur, which in particular depend on the respective operating state, the state of charge and / or the aging state of the cells 106.

The expansion fluctuations result in particular in varying thicknesses D _{z of} the cells 106.

To compensate for these expansion fluctuations, the cooling elements 110 are preferably designed to be flexible, so that when the cells 106 expand, the cooling elements 110 can preferably be compressed. In this way, a reliable system and thus a reliable heat transfer even with varying extents of the cells 106 can be ensured.

In addition, this advantageously results in a reliable clamping action for positioning the cells 106 between the cooling elements 110. However, optimal cooling can only be ensured if the cooling elements 110 can always be flowed through with cooling medium.

For this purpose, the cooling elements 110 are preferably provided with spacers 202.

The spacers 202 are embodied, for example, as projections or other bulges or indentations in the layers 114 of the cooling elements 110 and, in the case of excessive compression of the respective cooling element 110, come into abutment against the respectively opposite layer 114. A flat contact of the two layers 114 to each other can thereby be avoided. Thus, an interruption of the cooling medium flow can be effectively avoided.

As can be seen, in particular, from the schematic representation in FIG. 6, the cell stack 102 further preferably comprises a pump device 204, by means of which a cooling medium flow through the cooling elements 110 can be driven.

Furthermore, a fluid pressure device 206 is preferably provided, by means of which a pressure within the cooling elements 110 can be controlled and / or regulated.

In particular, a reliable installation of the cooling elements 110 on the cells 106 can be ensured thereby, without exerting too much pressure on the cells 106.

Furthermore, a state of the cells 106 can preferably be determined by means of a measuring device 208.

For example, a compensation container 210 of the measuring device 208 can be used to provide a quantity of gas currently disposed within the cooling elements 110 Cooling medium can be determined. From this amount can be on the current

Volume of the inner spaces 120 of the cooling elements 110 and thus to the expansion of the cooling elements 110 and the cells 106 are closed.

The expansion of the cells 106, in turn, can be used to determine a current state of the cell 106, in particular in combination with other parameters, such as the temperature and / or an internal cell pressure.

The above-described features of the battery device 100, the cell stack 102, and / or the cooling module 112 may preferably allow for optimized cooling of the cells 106 and / or simplified construction and / or efficient and reliable operation of the entire device.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are the following:

First cooling module (112) for a cell stack (102), in particular one

Accumulator cell stack, wherein the cooling module (112) comprises a cooling element (110) for receiving and passing a cooling medium, wherein the cooling element (110) comprises two an outer shell (116) of the cooling element (110) forming, plate-shaped, flexible layers (114) , which are fluid-tightly connected to each other at a circumferential edge region (118) and which surround an interior space (120) of the cooling element (110).

Second cooling module (112) according to embodiment 1, characterized in that a plate-shaped flexible layer (114) of the cooling element (110) or both plate-shaped flexible layers (114) of the cooling element (110) comprise or are formed from a metallic sheet.

3. cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling element (110) in one Heat transfer region (194) of the cooling element (110) comprises one or more spacers (202) to avoid a flat contact of the two layers (114) to each other. Cooling module (112) according to embodiment 3, characterized in that the one or more spacers (202) have a maximum extent along a thickness direction and / or stacking direction (104) which is at most about 60%, in particular at most about 40%, for example at most approximately 25%, a thickness (D _K ) of the cooling element (110) in the heat transfer region (194) corresponds when the cooling element (110) is in a state in which the outer shell (116) forming layers (114) of the Kühlele - (110) in the heat transfer area (194) are flat and substantially parallel to each other. Cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 3 or 4, characterized in that the one or more spacers (202) are formed as one or more projections in one or both layers (114) of the cooling element (110). Cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the two layers (114) with respect to a center plane (140) of the cooling element (110), along which the two layers (114) in the edge region (118) abut each other, are formed at least approximately mirror-symmetrical to each other. Cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that the layers (114) each comprise a nozzle (128) for supplying cooling medium and / or a nozzle (128) for discharging cooling medium. Cooling module (112) according to embodiment 7, characterized in that each nozzle (128) as one in the respective position (114) introduced passage opening (124) is formed, wherein the

Passage opening (124) with one of the position (114)

formed out shaped collar-shaped projection. Cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that the layers (114) in an edge region (118), in which the layers (114) are interconnected, recesses, indentations and / or injection openings (122) for

form-fitting fixing a support member (150). Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 9, characterized in that the inner space (120) extends from a

Supply channel (198) and / or extending to a discharge opening extending collecting channel (200), wherein between the feed opening and the discharge opening, in particular between the distribution channel (198) and the collecting channel (200), a heat transfer area (194) the cooling module (112) is formed. Cell stacks (102), in particular accumulator cell stacks, the cell stacks (102) comprising:

a plurality of cells (106), in particular accumulator cells;

a plurality of cooling modules (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, for cooling the cells (106),

wherein the cells (106) and the cooling modules (112) are preferably stacked alternately along a stacking direction (104). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 11, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) by means of connecting elements (130) fluidly connected to each other, wherein the

Connecting elements (130) in particular plug-in elements (134) and / or wherein the connecting elements (130) each have two opposite ends of the respective Connecting element (130) arranged and / or trained

Have connecting portions (132), wherein each connecting portion (132) is fixed to a respective cooling element (110). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 12, characterized in that each connection section (132) substantially complementary to a nozzle (128) arranged on the respective cooling element (110) and by insertion into the nozzle (128) on the respective cooling element (110 ) is fixed or determinable. Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 12 or 13, characterized in that the connecting elements (130) form positioning elements (138), by means of which the cooling elements (110) along the stacking direction (104) and / or in one or two perpendicular can be positioned to the stacking direction (104) extending directions. Cell stack (102) according to one of embodiments 12 to 14, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) together with the connecting elements (130) at least one particular linear feed channel (144) for supplying cooling medium to the

Cooling elements (110) and / or at least one particular linear discharge channel (145) for discharging cooling medium from the

Form cooling elements (110). Cooling module (112) for a cell stack (102), in particular cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 10 or cell stack (102) according to one of embodiments 11 to 15, wherein the cooling module (112) a cooling element (110) for receiving and Passage of a cooling medium, wherein the cooling module (112) preferably comprises a support member (150) on which the cooling element (110) is set, the support member (150) is in particular a plastic injection molding element or comprises, which by injection the cooling element (110) is fixed to the same. Cooling module (112) according to embodiment 16, characterized in that the carrier element (150) comprises one or more corner elements (156), which are in particular directly molded onto the cooling element (110). Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 or 17, characterized in that the carrier element (150) comprises one or more stacking areas (174) by means of which a plurality of identical carrier elements (150) along a stacking direction (104) are stackable. Cooling module (112) according to one of embodiments 16 to 18, characterized in that the one or more stacking areas (174) each have at least one reinforcing area (176) and / or at least one clamping section (178) for clamping a plurality of carrier elements (150) by means of a Clamping device (182) include. Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 to 19, characterized in that the carrier element (150) comprises one or more side parts (158), each one or more

Anchoring portions (168) for anchoring the carrier element (150) on the cooling element (110). The cooling module (112) of embodiment 20, characterized in that the one or more anchoring sections (168) each comprise:

one or more Anspritzelemente (170) which are molded directly onto the cooling element (110); and

one or more web elements (172) for connecting the injection elements (170) to a wall section (160) of a side part (158) of the carrier element (150). Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 to 21, characterized in that the carrier element (150) comprises one or more side parts (158), each having one or more

Compensating areas (166), which along a

Circumferential direction (154) of the carrier element (150), along which the carrier element (150) surrounds the cooling element (110) are formed elastically yielding. Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 to 22, characterized in that the carrier element (150) comprises one or more side parts (158), which each have a plurality

Anchoring portions (168) and a plurality of compensating portions (166), wherein the anchoring portions (168) and the compensation portions (166) along a circumferential direction (154) of the support member (150) along which the support member (150) surrounds the cooling member (110) are arranged alternately. Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 to 23, characterized in that the carrier element (150) four corner elements (156) and four each two corner elements (156) interconnecting side parts (158), wherein the corner elements (156) and the

Side parts (158) together form a surrounding the cooling element (110) frame member (152). Cooling module (112) according to one of the embodiments 16 to 24, characterized in that the carrier element (150) has a

Wall portion (160) of a housing (164) of a cell stack (102) and / or a battery device (100) forms. Cooling module (112) according to embodiment 25, characterized in that the wall section (160) at least partially a

Has wave structure, wherein by the wave structure more Compensation areas (166) are formed to compensate for material-related different thermal expansions. Cell stacks (102), in particular accumulator cell stacks, the cell stacks (102) comprising:

a plurality of cells (106), in particular accumulator cells;

a plurality of cooling modules (112) according to any of embodiments 16 to 26 for cooling the cells (106). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 27, characterized in that a stack height (H) of the carrier element (150) at least approximately a sum of a thickness (D _K ) of at least one cooling element (110) in a heat transfer region (194) on the one hand and a thickness ( D _z ) at least one cell (106)

on the other hand corresponds. Cell stack (102) according to any one of embodiments 27 or 28, characterized in that the support elements (150) of the cooling modules (112) in the stacked state at least approximately in a stacking direction (104) and in a circumferential direction (154) side wall of a the cells (106) and the cooling elements (110) enveloping housing (164) form. Cell stack (102) according to one of embodiments 27 to 29, characterized in that the cell stack (102) comprises a stack

Carrier elements (150) which is provided at both ends with an end plate (186), wherein the two end plates (186) form or comprise clamping plates (184), between which the

Carrier elements (150) are clamped. A cell stack (102), in particular according to one of the embodiments 11 to 15 or 27 to 30, wherein the cell stack (102) comprises:

several cells (106); a plurality of cooling modules (112), in particular cooling modules (112) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 10 or 16 to 26, for cooling the cells (106),

wherein in each case at least one cell (106) between each at least two cooling elements (110) of two cooling modules (112) is fixed by clamping. Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 31, characterized in that the cells (106) in a stacking direction (104) are fixed exclusively by clamping by means of the cooling elements (110). Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 31 or 32, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) and the cells (106) along a stacking direction (104) of the cell stack (102) are arranged alternately and abut directly against each other. Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 31 to 33, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) are flexible and that their shape adapts to the shape of the respectively adjacent one or two cells (106). Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 31 to 34, characterized in that the cell stack (102) as a supporting structure comprises a plurality of carrier elements (150) stacked along a stacking direction (104). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 35, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) are fixed directly to the carrier elements (150). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 36, characterized in that the carrier elements (150) are positively connected to the cooling elements (110), in particular by injection molding on the Cooling elements (110) are produced in a plastic injection molding process. Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 35 to 37, characterized in that the carrier elements (150) together

Form housing (164) of the cell stack (102), which surrounds the cells (106) and the cooling elements (110) at least four sides. Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 35 to 38, characterized in that the cell stack (102) cell terminals (196) for electrically contacting the cells (106), wherein the

Cell connections (196) are guided between each two support elements (150) to the outside. Cell stack (102) according to one of embodiments 35 to 39, characterized in that the cell stack (102) comprises a tensioning device (182), by means of which only the carrier elements (150) along the stacking direction (104) are braced. Cell stack (102) according to one of embodiments 31 to 40, characterized in that the cell stack (102) comprises a fluid pressure device (206) by means of which a pressure can be applied to a cooling medium guided through the cooling elements (110) so that the cells ( 106) along a stacking direction (104) of the cell stack (102) on one or both sides in each case at least in sections at the respective

abut adjacent cooling element (110). Cell stack (102) according to embodiment 41, characterized in that the fluid pressure device (206) is at the same time a pump device (204) for driving the cooling medium guided through the cooling elements (110). Cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 41 or 42, characterized in that the fluid pressure device (206) comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, by means of which in particular an inlet pressure of the cooling elements (110) supplied cooling medium and / or an outlet pressure of the Cooling elements (110) discharged Küh I medium can be determined. A battery device (100) comprising one or more cell stacks (102) according to any of embodiments 31 to 43, wherein the cells (106) are accumulator cells. Battery device (100) according to embodiment 44, characterized

characterized in that the one or more cell stacks (102) comprise a fluid pressure device (206) by means of which a pressure on a cooling medium passed through the cooling elements (110) is applied to a fluid pressure device (206)

Operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the cells (106) is customizable. Battery device (100), in particular according to one of

Embodiments 44 or 45, comprising a cell stack (102), in particular a cell stack (102) according to one of the embodiments 11 to 15 or 27 to 43, wherein the cell stack (102) comprises: a plurality of cells (106) formed as accumulator cells;

a plurality of cooling modules (112), in particular cooling modules (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 10 or 16 to 26, for cooling the cells (106), wherein the cooling modules (112) each have at least one flexible cooling element (110) which is connected to at least one of the cells (106) abuts,

wherein the battery device (100) comprises a measuring device (208) for determining a total amount of a cooling medium arranged in at least one of the cooling elements (110) of the cooling modules (112). Battery device (100) according to embodiment 46, characterized

characterized in that by means of the measuring device (208) a

Interior volume within the at least one cooling element (110) can be determined. Battery device (100) according to one of embodiments 46 or 47, characterized in that by means of the measuring device (208) a total mass of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110) can be determined. Battery device (100) according to one of embodiments 46 to 48, characterized in that the measuring device (208) has a

Compensating container (210) for receiving cooling medium, wherein by means of the measuring device (208) from a level of the surge tank (210) on the total amount of in the at least one cooling element (110) arranged cooling medium is closable. Battery device (100) according to one of the embodiments 46 to 49, characterized in that the battery device (100) has a

Fluid pressure device (206), by means of which a pressure within the at least one cooling element (110) adjustable, in particular to a predetermined pressure controllable or controllable, is. Battery device (100) according to one of embodiments 46 to 50, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is designed and arranged such that from the determined total amount of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110) to a compression state or expanded state of at least one on the at least one cooling element (110) adjacent cell (106) is closable. Battery device (100) according to one of embodiments 46 to 51, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is designed and arranged such that from the determined total amount of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110) to a state of at least one of at least one

Cooling element (110) cooled cell (106) is closable. Battery device (100) according to embodiment 52, characterized

characterized in that by means of the measuring device (208) on a state of charge and / or operating state and / or aging state of the at least one cell (106) is closable. Battery device (100) according to one of embodiments 46 to 53, characterized in that the cells (106) and the cooling elements (110) together have a substantially longitudinally variable extension along a stacking direction (104) of the cell stack (102). A method of cooling cells (106) formed as battery cells, for example, comprising:

Supplying a cooling medium to at least one cooling element (110) of a cooling module (112);

Transferring heat from at least one cell (106) to the cooling element (110) or from the cooling element (110) to the at least one cell (106);

Determining a total amount of a cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110). Method according to embodiment 55, characterized in that a total volume of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110) is determined. Method according to one of the embodiments 55 or 56, characterized in that a total mass of the cooling medium arranged in the at least one cooling element (110) is determined. Method according to one of embodiments 55 to 57, characterized in that the total amount determined is used to determine an operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the at least one cell (106). Method according to embodiment 58, characterized in that a further operation, in particular a further use, of the at least one cell (106) depends on the determined one

Operating state and / or state of charge and / or aging state of the at least one cell (106) is controlled and / or regulated. Method according to one of the embodiments 58 or 59, characterized in that for a plurality of cooling elements (110) of a plurality of cooling modules (112) the respectively arranged therein amount of

Cooling medium is determined separately, in particular in order to determine separately for each cell (106) an operating condition and / or state of charge and / or aging state.

Claims

First cooling module (112) for a cell stack (102), in particular one

Second cooling module (112) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plate-shaped flexible layer (114) of the cooling element (110) or both plate-shaped flexible layers (114) of the cooling element (110) comprise or are formed from a metallic sheet.

3. cooling module (112) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling element (110) in a heat transfer area (194) of the cooling element (110) one or more spacers (202) to avoid planar contact of the two layers (114) together.

4. cooling module (112) according to claim 3, characterized in that the one or more spacers (202) has a maximum

Have extension along a thickness direction and / or stacking direction (104) which corresponds to at most about 60%, in particular at most about 40%, for example at most about 25%, a thickness (D _K ) of the cooling element (110) in the heat transfer area (194) when the cooling element (110) is in a state in which the layers (114) of the cooling element (110) forming the outer shell (116) are flat in the heat transfer area (194) and are substantially parallel to each other.

5. cooling module (112) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the one or more spacers (202) as one or more projections in one or both layers (114) of the cooling element (110) formed are.

6. cooling module (112) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two layers (114) with respect to a center plane (140) of the cooling element (110), along which the two layers (114) in the edge region (118) abut each other, at least approximately mirror-symmetrical to each other.

7. Cooling module (112) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the layers (114) each comprise a nozzle (128) for supplying cooling medium and / or a nozzle (128) for discharging cooling medium ,

8. cooling module (112) according to claim 7, characterized in that each connecting piece (128) as a in the respective layer (114) introduced passage opening (124) is formed, wherein the passage opening (124) with one of the position ( 114) formed collar-shaped projection is surrounded.

9. cooling module (112) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the layers (114) in an edge region (118), in which the layers (114) are interconnected, recesses, indentations and / or injection openings (122) for the positive fixing of a support member (150).

10. cooling module (112) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inner space (120) extending away from a feed opening distribution channel (198) and / or extending to a discharge opening collecting channel (200) includes, where between the feed opening and the discharge opening, in particular between the distribution channel (198) and the collecting channel (200), a heat transfer region (194) of the cooling module (112) is formed.

11. cell stacks (102), in particular accumulator cell stacks, the cell stacks (102) comprising:

a plurality of cells (106), in particular accumulator cells;

A plurality of cooling modules (112) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, for cooling the cells (106),

wherein the cells (106) and the cooling modules (112) are preferably stacked alternately along a stacking direction (104).

12. cell stacks (102) according to claim 11, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) by means of connecting elements (130) are fluidically interconnected, wherein the connecting elements (130) in particular plug-in elements (134) and / or wherein the connection Each of the connecting elements (132) has two connecting sections (132) arranged and / or formed at opposite ends of the respective connecting element (130), each connecting section (132) being fixed to a respective cooling element (110).

13. cell stack (102) according to claim 12, characterized in that each connecting portion (132) substantially complementary to one on the respective cooling element (110) arranged connecting piece (128) forms and by inserting into the socket (128) on the respective cooling element (110) is fixed or fixable.

14. Cell stack (102) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized

in that the connecting elements (130) form positioning elements (138) by means of which the cooling elements (110) can be positioned along the stacking direction (104) and / or in one or two directions perpendicular to the stacking direction (104).

15. cell stack (102) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the cooling elements (110) together with the connecting elements (130) at least one particular linear feed channel (144) for supplying cooling medium to the cooling elements ( 110) and / or at least one in particular linear discharge channel (145) for discharging cooling medium from the cooling elements (110).