WO2020022087A1

WO2020022087A1 - Battery temperature adjustment device

Info

Publication number: WO2020022087A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/027549
Authority: WO
Inventors: 知隆杉下; 基正飯塚; 鈴木　聡; 横山　直樹; 康介白鳥
Original assignee: 株式会社デンソー
Priority date: 2018-07-23
Filing date: 2019-07-11
Publication date: 2020-01-30
Also published as: JP2020017361A

Abstract

A battery temperature adjustment device (1) is applied with at least one battery module (M), in which a plurality of chargeable/dischargeable battery cells (C) have been electrically connected in series via conductive members (BB). The battery temperature adjustment device comprises a temperature adjustment member (15, 31) that adjusts the temperature of the battery module. The battery module is configured such that, among the plurality of battery cells, the temperature of a high electric potential cell having a high electric potential is higher than that of a low electric potential cell having a low electric potential, when heat is being generated during charging or discharging. The temperature adjustment member has a plurality of heat transfer sites (HT, 32, 33) set to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and is configured such that, among the plurality of heat transfer sites, the temperature of the heat transfer site corresponding to the high electric potential cell is lower than the temperature of the heat transfer site corresponding to the low electric potential cell.

Description

Battery temperature controller

Cross-reference to related application

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-138006 filed on Jul. 23, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a battery temperature control device applied to at least one battery module in which a plurality of chargeable / dischargeable battery cells are electrically connected in series.

Conventionally, as a cooling structure of a battery module, a cooling structure in which a coolant flow path is set inside a housing for housing the battery module is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that a coolant bypass for introducing a coolant is provided in the middle of a coolant channel in order to suppress a temperature difference between a coolant inlet side and a coolant outlet side of a housing.

JP 2004-31716 A

By the way, the present inventors investigated the temperature distribution in the battery module in order to perform appropriate temperature management of the battery module. As a result, it has been newly found that the battery module tends to have a temperature variation between the battery cells during charging and discharging. Specifically, according to a study by the present inventors, it has been found that the temperature of a battery cell having a higher potential is likely to be higher in a battery module during charging or discharging than in a battery cell having a lower potential. Such a temperature variation between the battery cells is not preferable because it causes a decrease in output and a decrease in capacity.

However, in the above-described related art, no consideration is given to the temperature variation between the battery cells during charging and discharging. For this reason, it is difficult to suppress temperature variations between battery cells during charging and discharging.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery temperature control device capable of suppressing temperature variation between battery cells constituting a battery module during charging and discharging.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
A battery temperature controller applied to at least one battery module in which a plurality of chargeable / dischargeable battery cells are electrically connected in series via a conductive member,
Equipped with a temperature control member for adjusting the temperature of the battery module,
The battery module has a configuration in which, during charging or discharging, a high-potential cell having a higher potential than a low-potential cell among the plurality of battery cells has a higher temperature during heat generation than a low-potential cell. Yes,
The temperature control member has a plurality of heat transfer portions set corresponding to the plurality of battery cells, and among the plurality of heat transfer portions, the temperature of the heat transfer portion corresponding to the high potential cell is lower than the low potential cell. Is configured to be lower than the temperature of the heat transfer portion corresponding to

According to this, the heat transfer portions having different temperatures correspond to the high-potential cells and the low-potential cells in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the battery cells at the time of charging or discharging. Can be suppressed. That is, a high-potential cell having a high temperature at the time of heat generation corresponds to a heat transfer portion having a low temperature, and a low-potential cell having a low temperature at the time of heat generation corresponds to a heat transfer portion having a high temperature. Temperature variation with the potential cell can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a decrease in output and a decrease in capacity due to temperature variations between the battery cells.

Note that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to the respective components and the like indicate an example of the correspondence between the components and the like and the specific components and the like described in the embodiments described later.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system including a battery module according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the connection aspect of each battery cell in a battery module. It is a typical perspective view of a battery cell. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining temperature characteristics of a battery cell included in a battery module. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a temperature change of a refrigerant that cools a battery module. It is a schematic diagram showing a battery module according to a second embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules according to a third embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules according to a fourth embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules according to a fifth embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a schematic structure figure of a battery temperature control device concerning a 6th embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts as those described in the preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted. Further, in the embodiment, when only a part of the component is described, the component described in the preceding embodiment can be applied to the other part of the component. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as the combination is not particularly hindered, even if not particularly specified.

(1st Embodiment)
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the battery temperature control device 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a device that adjusts the temperature of a battery module M mounted on a vehicle.

車両 As a vehicle on which the battery temperature control device 1 is mounted, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like that can be driven by a motor generator MG that uses at least one battery module M as a power source are exemplified.

電池 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module M is a series connection body in which a plurality of chargeable / dischargeable battery cells C are electrically connected in series. In the battery module M, twelve battery cells C are electrically connected in series. Specifically, the battery module M has an arrangement in which two stacked bodies in which six battery cells C are stacked are arranged in two rows so as to be adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, in order to distinguish each of the plurality of battery cells C, a number from 1 to 12 may be assigned to the battery cells C in ascending order of potential. For example, in the battery module M, “1” may be assigned to the battery cell C having the lowest potential, and “12” may be assigned to the battery cell C having the highest potential.

電池 Each of the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12 is formed of a chargeable / dischargeable secondary battery. Specifically, the battery cells C1 to C12 are constituted by lithium ion batteries. The plurality of battery cells C1 to C12 constituting the battery module M are electrically connected to each other.

In the adjacent battery cells C among the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12, the positive terminal 21 of the low potential battery cell C is electrically connected to the negative terminal 22 of the high potential battery cell C via the bus bar BB. . The plurality of battery cells C1 to C12 of the present embodiment are electrically connected in series via a bus bar BB. Details of the battery cell C will be described later.

The battery module M is connected to the motor generator MG via the voltage conversion device 3. Motor generator MG is configured to be able to transmit power to driving wheels (not shown). Motor generator MG serves as a driving power source for the vehicle, and has a power generation function by regenerative drive control. In the present embodiment, the motor generator MG forms a target device to which the battery module M supplies power.

The voltage converter 3 includes a boost converter 3a that boosts the output voltage of the battery module M up to a predetermined voltage as an upper limit, an inverter 3b that performs DC-AC power conversion, and the like. In the present embodiment, the voltage conversion device 3 configures a power conversion device that supplies necessary power to a target device to which power is to be supplied.

The inverter 3b includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements, and performs DC-AC power conversion by switching control of the semiconductor switching elements. Inverter 3b converts AC power generated by power generation at the time of power generation by motor generator MG into DC power. Then, the DC power converted by the inverter 3b is charged in the battery module M. Further, inverter 3b converts DC power from battery module M into AC power when the vehicle is driven by motor generator MG. Then, the AC power converted by inverter 3b is supplied to motor generator MG.

The vehicle is equipped with a charger 6 for charging the battery module M with the commercial power supply 4. The charger 6 is configured to be connectable to the commercial power supply 4 via a charging cable (not shown). Thereby, the battery module M can be charged by the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply 4 via the charger 6.

Here, the details of the battery cell C will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the battery cell C. In FIG. 3, the internal configuration of the battery cell C is illustrated by a dotted line to explain the internal configuration of the battery cell C.

(3) As shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell C is configured to include a case portion 20 forming an outer shell, a positive electrode terminal 21, and a negative electrode terminal 22. In the present embodiment, the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 constitute a pair of electrode terminals that protrude outside the case 20.

The case portion 20 is an exterior body in which at least a portion exposed to the outside is made of a material having an insulating property. An electrolytic solution (not shown) is injected into the case portion 20, and a stacked electrode body 23, a positive electrode current collector 24, and a negative electrode current collector 25 are housed as power generation elements.

The laminated electrode body 23 has a plurality of separators 231, a plurality of positive plates 232, and a plurality of negative plates 233. The laminated electrode body 23 is configured as a laminated body in which positive electrodes 232 and negative electrodes 233 are alternately laminated while being insulated by the separator 231. The positive electrode plate 232 is made of, for example, a material containing lithium. The negative electrode plate 233 is made of, for example, a carbon material.

(4) The plurality of positive electrode plates 232 have respective side ends electrically connected to the positive electrode current collector 24. The positive electrode current collector 24 is electrically connected to a portion of the positive electrode terminal 21 located inside the case 20.

(4) Each of the plurality of negative electrode plates 233 has a side end electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector 25. The negative electrode current collector 25 is electrically connected to a portion of the negative electrode terminal 22 located inside the case 20.

Here, the positive electrode current collector 24 is made of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative electrode current collector 25. Specifically, the positive electrode current collector 24 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having excellent electrolytic solution resistance and oxidation resistance. Further, the negative electrode current collector 25 is made of copper or a copper alloy having excellent electrolytic solution resistance and oxidation resistance.

形成 The formation potential of the alloy of lithium and aluminum is outside the range of the operating potential of the positive electrode current collector 24. For this reason, if the positive electrode current collector 24 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, an alloy of lithium and aluminum is unlikely to be formed on the positive electrode current collector 24. The formation potential of the alloy of lithium and copper is outside the range of the operating potential of the negative electrode current collector 25. For this reason, if the negative electrode current collector 25 is made of copper or a copper alloy, an alloy of lithium and copper is unlikely to be formed on the negative electrode current collector 25.

Here, it is conceivable to use aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the negative electrode current collector 25, similarly to the positive electrode current collector 24. However, since the operating potential of the negative electrode current collector 25 includes the formation potential of the alloy of lithium and aluminum, there is a possibility that an alloy of lithium and aluminum may be formed when the battery cell C is charged or discharged. The formation of an alloy of lithium and aluminum is not preferable because lithium is consumed, which leads to a rapid decrease in capacity.

(4) The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 are made of a rod-shaped conductive material, a part of which is positioned inside the case part 20, and the remaining part protrudes outward. The positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 protrude outward from the same end surface of the case portion 20 at a predetermined interval.

(4) The portion of the positive electrode terminal 21 located inside the case portion 20 is electrically connected to the positive electrode current collector 24. Further, a portion of the positive electrode terminal 21 located outside the case portion 20 is connected to the bus bar BB.

On the other hand, the portion of the negative electrode terminal 22 located inside the case portion 20 is electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector 25. Further, the portion of the negative electrode terminal 22 located outside the case portion 20 is connected to the bus bar BB.

電池 The battery module M configured as described above may generate an excessively high temperature due to self-heating during charging or discharging. If the temperature of the battery module M becomes excessively high, the deterioration of the battery cell C is promoted. Therefore, a temperature control means for adjusting the temperature to a predetermined temperature or lower is required.

Therefore, the vehicle is provided with a battery temperature controller 1 for adjusting the temperature of the battery module M. The battery temperature controller 1 is configured to cool the battery module M with a refrigerant having a lower temperature than the battery module M. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery temperature control device 1 is configured to include a vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 including a compressor 11, a radiator 12, an expansion valve 13, and an evaporator 14. .

The compressor 11 compresses and discharges the refrigerant. As the compressor 11, for example, an electric compressor in which a compression mechanism is driven by an electric motor that uses a battery module M or an auxiliary battery (not shown) as a power source can be employed.

The radiator 12 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 with the outside air and radiates heat. Although not shown, the radiator 12 is provided with an outdoor fan for introducing outside air.

The expansion valve 13 is a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the radiator 12 to a predetermined pressure. As the expansion valve 13, for example, a temperature-type expansion valve that adjusts the throttle opening degree so that the degree of superheat on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 14 is maintained at a predetermined value can be adopted.

The evaporator 14 is a heat exchanger that evaporates the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depressurized by the expansion valve 13 with the battery module M. That is, the evaporator 14 is a cooling heat exchanger that cools the battery module M by supplying a coolant having a lower temperature than the battery module M to the heat medium passage 150. The battery module M is cooled by an endothermic effect when the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator 14.

よう As shown in FIG. 4, the evaporator 14 includes a refrigerant tube 15 that forms a heat medium flow path 150 through which a refrigerant as a heat medium flows. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant tube 15 constitutes a temperature control member for adjusting the temperature of the battery module M, and a flow path forming section for forming the heat medium flow path 150.

The refrigerant tube 15 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 16 for introducing a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depressurized by the expansion valve 13 to the upstream side of the refrigerant flow. Further, the refrigerant tube 15 is provided with a refrigerant outlet 17 for leading the refrigerant having passed through the refrigerant tube 15 to the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 11 with respect to the refrigerant flow downstream side.

(4) The refrigerant tube 15 is disposed at a position close to the bottom surface of the battery module M so as to thermally contact each of the plurality of battery cells C constituting the battery module M. Specifically, the refrigerant tube 15 is disposed so as to abut on a portion of the plurality of battery cells C opposite to the portion on which the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 are provided. It is desirable that the evaporator 14 has a configuration in which the refrigerant tube 15 and the plurality of battery cells C are indirectly in contact with each other via an insulator.

The refrigerant tube 15 has a plurality of heat transfer portions HT1 to HT12 set corresponding to the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12. That is, the refrigerant tube 15 has a plurality of heat transfer portions HT1 to HT12 that are in thermal contact with the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12 to exchange heat. For example, the heat transfer part HT1 is a part of the refrigerant tube 15 that is in thermal contact with the battery cell C1 having the lowest potential in the battery module M. The heat transfer section HT12 is a section of the refrigerant tube 15 that is in thermal contact with the battery cell C1 having the highest potential in the battery module M.

Here, the present inventors investigated the temperature distribution in the battery module M in order to appropriately manage the temperature of the battery module M. As a result, in the battery module M, it has been newly found that temperature variation easily occurs between the battery cells C during charging and discharging. Specifically, it was found that in the battery module M, the temperature of the battery cell C having a higher potential tends to be higher during charging or discharging than the battery cell C having a lower potential.

FIG. 5 shows measurement results obtained by measuring temperature changes of the battery cells C2, C4, and C9 from when charging of the battery module M is started until a predetermined time elapses. In FIG. 5, the temperature change of the battery cell C9 having a high potential is indicated by a solid line, and the temperature change of the battery cell C2 having a low potential is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Further, in FIG. 5, a change in temperature of the battery cell C4 having an intermediate potential between the battery cell C9 and the battery cell C2 is indicated by a chain line.

(5) As shown in FIG. 5, comparing the temperature changes of the battery cell C9 and the battery cell C4, the temperature of the battery cell C9 having a higher potential is higher than that of the battery cell C4 having a lower potential. Also, comparing the temperature changes of the battery cell C4 and the battery cell C2, the temperature of the battery cell C4 having a higher potential is higher than that of the battery cell C2 having a lower potential. Such a temperature change occurs not only when the battery module M is charged but also when the battery module M is discharged. Further, the above-mentioned temperature change becomes remarkable when the battery module M is rapidly charged or when the battery module M has a high discharge load.

The following is a description of the present inventors' views regarding factors that cause the temperature variation in the battery module M including the battery cell C described above. The following views have been found through intensive studies by the present inventors.

In the battery cell C of the present embodiment, the positive electrode current collector 24 is made of a material (eg, aluminum or the like) having a higher electric resistance value than the material (eg, copper or the like) forming the negative electrode current collector 25. ing. When the positive electrode current collector 24 of the battery cell C is made of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative electrode current collector 25, the positive electrode current collector 24 has a higher positive electrode current during charging or discharging than the calorific value on the negative electrode side of the battery cell C. The calorific value on the side increases.

Further, in the battery module M, since the battery cells C are electrically connected in series by the bus bar BB, the battery cell C in which the heat on the positive electrode side of the battery cell C having a low potential becomes a high potential via the bus bar BB. It moves to the negative electrode side of C. Thereby, the temperature on the negative electrode side of the battery cell C, which becomes a high potential, rises. When the temperature on the negative electrode side of the battery cell C on the high potential side rises, the temperature on the positive electrode side of the battery cell C on the high potential side rises in conjunction therewith. It is considered that due to such heat transfer, in the battery module M, during charging or discharging, the temperature of the battery cell having a higher potential is higher than that of the battery cell having a lower potential.

(4) In the battery module M, if the temperature of each battery cell C varies, the degree of progress of the deterioration of each battery cell C is biased, and the output characteristics of the entire battery module M deteriorate. This is because the battery module M includes a series connection of the battery cells C, and the output characteristics of the entire battery module M according to the battery characteristics of the battery cell C that has deteriorated the most among the battery cells C. Because it is decided. For this reason, in order for the battery module M to exhibit desired performance for a long period of time, it is important to equalize the temperature to reduce the temperature variation of each battery cell C.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by taking into account the temperature characteristics of the battery cell C at the time of charging and discharging, the high-potential cell having a high temperature at the time of heat generation is associated with the heat transfer portion HT having a low temperature, and the temperature at the time of heat generation is reduced. A high-temperature heat transfer portion HT is made to correspond to a low low-potential cell. In the present embodiment, a battery cell C having a higher potential among a pair of battery cells C connected via a bus bar BB is a high potential cell, and a battery cell C having a lower potential is a low potential cell. .

Here, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube 15 changes due to heat exchange with the battery cell C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube 15 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the refrigerant flow due to the heat received from the battery cells C when the battery module M is cooled.

In consideration of this, the refrigerant tube 15 of the present embodiment allows the refrigerant to flow from the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the high potential cell to the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the low potential cell. The heat medium flow path 150 is set in the. Specifically, in the refrigerant tube 15, the refrigerant flows from the heat transfer portion HT12 corresponding to the battery cell C12 having the highest potential in the battery module M to the heat transfer portion HT1 corresponding to the battery cell C1 having the lowest potential. The heat medium passage 150 is set as described above. According to this, the refrigerant tube 15 is configured such that the temperature of the heat transfer portion HT corresponding to the high-potential cell among the plurality of heat transfer portions HT is lower than the temperature of the heat transfer portion HT corresponding to the low-potential cell. It will be.

Next, the operation of the battery temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the battery temperature controller 1, when the temperature of the battery module M becomes higher than a predetermined temperature during charging or discharging, the compressor 11 and the outdoor fan are driven by a control device (not shown).

Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is radiated to the outside air by the radiator 12, and then reduced to a predetermined pressure by the expansion valve 13. Then, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 13 flows into the refrigerant tube 15 of the evaporator 14.

(4) The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 15 flows from the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the high potential cell to the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the low potential cell. At this time, each battery cell C is cooled to an appropriate temperature by an endothermic reaction accompanying the evaporation of the refrigerant.

(4) When the temperature of the battery module M reaches an appropriate temperature range by cooling the battery module M, the operation of the compressor 11 and the outdoor fan is stopped by the control device (not shown). Thereby, excessive cooling of the battery module M is suppressed.

In the battery temperature control device 1 described above, a heat transfer portion HT having a different temperature in the refrigerant tube 15 is associated with each battery cell C in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the battery cell C during charging or discharging. . That is, in the battery temperature controller 1, the high-potential cells having a high temperature at the time of heat generation correspond to the heat transfer portions HT having a low temperature, and the low-potential cells having a low temperature at heat generation correspond to the heat transfer portions HT having a high temperature. ing. According to this, the temperature variation between the battery cells C at the time of charging and discharging, that is, the temperature variation between the high potential cell and the low potential cell can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in output and a decrease in capacity due to temperature variation between the battery cells C.

Specifically, the evaporator 14, which is a temperature control member, heats the refrigerant tube 15 so that the refrigerant flows from a part thermally contacting the high-potential cell to a part thermally contacting the low-potential cell. A medium flow path 150 is set.

In this way, if the heat medium flow path 150 through which the refrigerant flows is set in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the battery cell C during charging or discharging, the temperature of the plurality of heat transfer portions HT can be individually adjusted. Equipment is unnecessary. For this reason, the temperature variation between the battery cells C can be suppressed by a simple method.

(Modification of First Embodiment)
In the above-described first embodiment, as the arrangement mode of the battery modules M, a stacked body in which six battery cells C are stacked is arranged in two rows, but the arrangement mode of the battery modules M is not limited to this. . The arrangement mode of the battery modules M can be appropriately changed according to the size of the space in which the battery modules M are arranged. For example, the battery module M has an arrangement in which a stacked body in which four battery cells C are stacked is arranged in three rows, or an arrangement in which a stacked body in which two battery cells C are stacked is arranged in six rows. You may. This is the same in the following embodiments.

In the above-described first embodiment, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 is exemplified as the battery temperature control device 1, but the battery temperature control device 1 is not limited to this. The battery temperature controller 1 may be configured with a cooling circuit other than the refrigeration cycle 10 as long as the battery module M can be cooled by a refrigerant having a lower temperature than the battery module M. Further, the battery temperature control device 1 may be configured by a cold heat generating device (for example, a Peltier module) provided for each battery cell C. These are the same in the following embodiments.

In the first embodiment described above, the refrigerant tube 15 is arranged at a position close to the bottom surface of the battery module M, but the arrangement of the refrigerant tube 15 is not limited to this. The refrigerant tube 15 may be arranged, for example, at a position close to the side surface of the battery module M. This is the same in the following embodiments.

Here, in the battery cell C, the amount of heat generated on the positive electrode side is larger than that on the negative electrode side during charging or discharging. For this reason, it is desirable that the heat medium flow path 150 is set in the refrigerant tube 15 so that the refrigerant flows from the positive electrode side to the negative electrode side of the battery cell C. That is, in the temperature control member, the temperature of the heat transfer portion HT in thermal contact with a higher potential portion in the battery cell C is lower than the temperature of the heat transfer portion HT in thermal contact with a lower potential portion. It is desirable to be constituted as follows. This is the same in the following embodiments.

(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the battery modules M is different from that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same portions as the first embodiment may be omitted.

電池 As shown in FIG. 7, the battery module M has an arrangement in which 12 battery cells C are stacked in a line. That is, the battery module M is configured by a stacked body in which 12 battery cells C are stacked in a line.

In the battery temperature controller 1, the refrigerant inlet 16 of the refrigerant tube 15 of the evaporator 14 is provided near the battery cell C12 having the highest potential in the battery module M, and the refrigerant outlet 17 is provided in the battery module M. It is provided close to the battery cell C1 having the lowest potential among M.

Thereby, in the refrigerant tube 15, the heat medium flow path 150 is set so that the refrigerant flows from the heat transfer portion HT thermally in contact with the high potential cell to the heat transfer portion HT in thermal contact with the low potential cell. Is done. Specifically, in the refrigerant tube 15, the refrigerant flows from the heat transfer portion HT12 corresponding to the battery cell C12 having the highest potential in the battery module M to the heat transfer portion HT1 corresponding to the battery cell C1 having the lowest potential. The heat medium passage 150 is set as described above.

Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. The battery temperature controller 1 of the present embodiment associates a low-temperature heat transfer section HT with a high-potential cell having a high temperature at the time of heat generation, and associates a high-temperature heat transfer section HT with a low-potential cell at a low temperature during heat generation. I correspond. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress temperature variations between the high potential cell and the low potential cell.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a battery pack P having a plurality of battery modules M1 to M8 is mounted on a vehicle. In the present embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same portions as the first embodiment may be omitted.

車両 As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle is equipped with a battery pack P having a plurality of battery modules M1 to M8 as a power source for the motor generator MG and the like. The battery pack P includes eight battery modules M1 to M8. The battery modules M1 to M8 have the same arrangement as in the first embodiment.

(4) The battery pack P has battery modules M5 to M8 having a relatively high potential and battery modules M1 to M4 having a relatively low potential arranged in two rows. Each of the battery modules M1 to M8 constituting the battery pack P is electrically connected in series via a connection member CM including an electric wiring and a connector.

(4) The connection member CM electrically connects the battery modules M1 to M8. The connecting member CM has a larger conductive path cross-sectional area than the bus bar BB connecting the adjacent battery cells C in order to suppress electric resistance. On the other hand, the connecting member CM has a larger heat capacity than the bus bar BB because the cross-sectional area of the conductive path is larger than that of the bus bar BB. The heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of an object by one degree.

As shown in FIG. 10, the evaporator 14 includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 15 provided corresponding to the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8, a distribution pipe portion 18 for distributing the refrigerant to each refrigerant tube 15, and each refrigerant tube. It is configured to include a collecting pipe portion 19 for collecting the refrigerant from No. 15.

冷媒 Each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 15 is disposed so as to be in thermal contact with the corresponding battery module M. In the present embodiment, a refrigerant tube 15 is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant tube 15 constitutes a temperature control member for adjusting the temperature of the battery module M, and a flow path forming section for forming the heat medium flow path 150.

Specifically, each of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 15 has an upstream pipe 151, a downstream pipe 152, and a connection pipe 153 that connects the upstream pipe 151 and the downstream pipe 152. .

The upstream pipe 151 is a part of the refrigerant tube 15 located on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow. The upstream tube 151 is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the battery cells C7 to C12 having a relatively high potential in the battery module M. Although not shown, the upstream tube portion 151 is provided with heat transfer portions HT7 to HT12 that are in thermal contact with the battery cells C7 to C12. And the upstream side pipe | tube part 151 is comprised so that a refrigerant | coolant may flow toward the heat transfer part HT7 corresponding to the battery cell C7 with low electric potential from the heat transfer part HT12 corresponding to battery cell C12 with high electric potential.

The downstream pipe 152 is a part of the refrigerant tube 15 located on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow. The downstream tube section 152 is disposed so as to be in thermal contact with the battery cells C1 to C6 having a relatively low potential in the battery module M. Although not shown, the downstream tube portion 152 is provided with heat transfer portions HT1 to HT6 that are in thermal contact with the battery cells C1 to C6. And the downstream side pipe part 152 is comprised so that a refrigerant | coolant may flow from the heat transfer part HT6 corresponding to the battery cell C6 with a high electric potential to the heat transfer part HT1 corresponding to the battery cell C1 with a low electric potential.

Next, the distribution pipe section 18 distributes the refrigerant to the upstream pipe sections 151 provided corresponding to the respective battery modules M1 to M8. The refrigerant inlet 16 is connected to the refrigerant flow upstream of the distribution pipe 18.

{Circle around (4)} The collecting pipe section 19 collects the refrigerant from the downstream pipe section 152 provided corresponding to each of the battery modules M1 to M8. The refrigerant outlet 17 is connected to the refrigerant flow downstream of the collecting pipe 19.

低温 When the battery pack P is cooled, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 13 flows into the evaporator 14 configured as described above. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 14 is distributed to each refrigerant tube 15 by the distribution pipe section 18. Then, the refrigerant distributed to each of the refrigerant tubes 15 flows from the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the high potential cell to the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the low potential cell. At this time, each battery cell C is cooled to an appropriate temperature by an endothermic reaction accompanying the evaporation of the refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through each refrigerant tube 15 is collected in the collecting pipe part 19, and then is led out from the refrigerant outlet part 17 to the refrigerant outlet side of the compressor 11.

In addition, in the battery temperature control device 1, since the refrigerant tube 15 which is a temperature control member is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8, the temperature variation between the battery cells C in each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8. Can be suppressed.

Here, since the battery modules M1 to M8 are electrically connected in series, there is a concern that a temperature distribution similar to that of the battery cell C may occur. That is, with respect to the battery modules M1 to M8, there is a concern that the calorific value of the battery module M having a higher potential is larger than that of the battery module M having a lower potential.

However, since the battery modules M1 to M8 are connected via the connecting member CM having a larger heat capacity than the bus bar BB, heat transfer between the battery modules M1 to M8 is less likely to occur than between the battery cells C. . That is, the temperature variation due to the level of the electric potential is less likely to occur between the battery cells C between the battery modules M1 to M8.

(Modification of Third Embodiment)
In the above-described third embodiment, a battery pack P in which eight battery modules M are electrically connected in series has been illustrated, but the number of battery packs P is not limited to this. The number of battery modules M constituting the battery pack P can be appropriately changed according to the output required for the battery pack P. Further, in the third embodiment, a battery pack P in which the battery modules M5 to M8 and the battery modules M1 to M4 are arranged in two rows is illustrated, but the arrangement of the battery pack P is not limited to this. Not limited. The arrangement mode of the battery pack P can be appropriately changed according to the size of the space in which the battery pack P is arranged. These are the same in the following embodiments.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the arrangement of a plurality of battery cells C constituting a battery module M is different from that of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, parts different from the third embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same parts as in the first embodiment may be omitted.

電池 As shown in FIG. 11, each of the battery modules M1 to M8 has an arrangement mode in which 12 battery cells C are stacked in a line. That is, each of the battery modules M1 to M8 is configured by a stacked body in which 12 battery cells C are stacked in a line.

(4) The battery pack P has battery modules M5 to M8 having a relatively high potential and battery modules M1 to M4 having a relatively low potential arranged in two rows. Specifically, the battery modules M5 to M8 are arranged such that the negative terminal 22 having the lowest potential in the battery module M8 and the positive terminal 21 having the highest potential in the battery module M5 are located at the corners of the battery pack P. ing. Further, the battery modules M1 to M4 are arranged such that the positive terminal 21 having the highest potential in the battery module M1 and the negative terminal 22 having the lowest potential in the battery module M4 are located at the corners of the battery pack P.

よう As shown in FIG. 12, the evaporator 14 has a configuration in which one refrigerant tube 15 is allocated to two adjacent battery modules M1 to M8. Specifically, the refrigerant tube 15 is disposed such that the upstream tube portion 151 is in thermal contact with the battery module M having a high potential among the two battery modules M adjacent to each other, and the battery module having a low potential is provided. M is arranged so that the downstream side pipe portion 152 is in thermal contact with M.

しない Although not shown, the upstream tube section 151 is provided with heat transfer portions HT1 to HT12 that are in thermal contact with the battery cells C1 to C12 of the battery module M having a high potential. And the upstream side pipe | tube part 151 is comprised so that a refrigerant | coolant may flow from the heat transfer part HT12 corresponding to the battery cell C1 with low electric potential to the heat transfer part HT1 corresponding to battery cell C1 with low electric potential.

(4) The downstream tube portion 152 is provided with heat transfer portions HT1 to HT12 that are in thermal contact with the battery cells C1 to C12 of the battery module M having a low potential. And the downstream side pipe | tube part 152 is comprised so that a refrigerant | coolant may flow toward the heat transfer part HT1 corresponding to the battery cell C1 with low electric potential from the heat transfer part HT12 corresponding to battery cell C12 with high electric potential.

低温 When the battery pack P is cooled, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 13 flows into the evaporator 14 configured as described above. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 14 is distributed to the upstream pipes 151 of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 15 by the distribution pipe 18. Then, the refrigerant distributed to each upstream side pipe portion 151 is transferred from the heat transfer portion HT thermally contacting the high potential cell of the battery module M having a high potential to the heat transfer portion HT thermally contacting the low potential cell. The refrigerant flows toward. At this time, each battery cell C of the battery module M, which has a high potential due to an endothermic reaction accompanying the evaporation of the refrigerant, is cooled until it reaches an appropriate temperature.

{Circle around (1)} The refrigerant that has passed through each upstream pipe 151 is distributed to each downstream pipe 152 via the connection pipe 153. Then, the refrigerant distributed to each of the downstream pipe portions 152 is transferred from the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the high potential cell of the battery module M having a low potential to the heat transfer portion HT that is in thermal contact with the low potential cell. The refrigerant flows toward. At this time, each battery cell C of the battery module M, which has a low potential due to an endothermic reaction accompanying the evaporation of the refrigerant, is cooled until it reaches an appropriate temperature. Then, the refrigerant that has passed through each downstream pipe portion 152 is collected in the collecting pipe portion 19, and then is drawn out from the refrigerant outlet portion 17 to the refrigerant outlet side of the compressor 11.

Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment. In the battery temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment, although the refrigerant tubes 15 are shared by the adjacent battery modules M1 to M8, the refrigerant tubes 15 correspond to the low potential cells from the heat transfer portion HT corresponding to the high potential cells. The refrigerant flows toward the heat transfer portion HT. For this reason, it is possible to suppress temperature variations among the battery cells C in the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the battery modules M1 to M8 constituting the battery pack P is different from that of the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, portions different from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same portions as the fourth embodiment may be omitted.

(13) As shown in FIG. 13, the battery pack P has battery modules M5 to M8 having a relatively high potential and battery modules M1 to M4 having a relatively low potential arranged in two rows. Specifically, the battery modules M5 to M8 are arranged such that the lowest potential positive terminal 21 of the battery module M8 and the lowest potential positive terminal 21 of the battery module M5 are located at the corners of the battery pack P. ing. Further, the battery modules M1 to M4 are arranged so that the positive terminal 21 having the lowest potential in the battery module M1 and the positive terminal 21 having the lowest potential in the battery module M4 are located at the corners of the battery pack P.

蒸発 As shown in FIG. 14, the evaporator 14 has a configuration in which one refrigerant tube 15 is allocated to two adjacent battery modules M1 to M8. Specifically, the refrigerant tube 15 is disposed such that the upstream tube portion 151 is in thermal contact with the battery module M having a high potential among the two battery modules M adjacent to each other, and the battery module M having a low potential is provided. And the downstream side pipe portion 152 is disposed so as to be in thermal contact therewith.

Other configurations are the same as in the fourth embodiment. In the battery temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant tube 15 causes the refrigerant to flow from the heat transfer portion HT corresponding to the high potential cell to the heat transfer portion HT corresponding to the low potential cell. It has a flowing configuration. For this reason, it is possible to suppress temperature variations among the battery cells C in the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first and third embodiments in that the battery temperature controller 1 is configured to be able to warm up each battery module M of the battery pack P. In the present embodiment, portions different from the first and third embodiments will be mainly described, and description of portions similar to those in the first and third embodiments may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the battery pack P is formed of a series connection body in which eight battery modules M1 to M8 are electrically connected in series by a connection member CM, as in the third embodiment. The battery modules M1 to M8 have the same arrangement as in the first embodiment.

The battery temperature controller 1 is configured to warm up each of the battery modules M1 to M8 by the heating device 30. The battery temperature controller 1 includes a heating device 30 that generates heat when energized, and a heater drive circuit 40 that controls the amount of current supplied to the heating device 30.

The heating device 30 includes a plurality of electric heaters 31 provided corresponding to the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8, respectively. That is, the electric heater 31 is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8. The electric heater 31 is configured by a variable-type heater in which the amount of heat generated changes according to the amount of electricity. In the present embodiment, the electric heater 31 constitutes a temperature adjusting member for adjusting the temperature of the battery module M.

The electric heater 31 includes a first heater section 32 provided corresponding to the battery cells C7 to C12 having a relatively high potential among the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12 constituting the battery module M, and a battery having a relatively low potential. It has a second heater section 33 provided corresponding to the cells C1 to C6. In this embodiment, among the plurality of battery cells C1 to C12, the battery cells C7 to C12 having a relatively high potential are high potential cells, and the battery cells C1 to C6 having a relatively low potential are low potential cells.

The first heater section 32 is disposed at a position close to the bottom of the battery cells C7 to C12 so as to be in thermal contact with the battery cells C7 to C12. Specifically, the first heater section 32 is disposed so as to abut on a part of the battery cells C7 to C12 opposite to the part where the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 are provided. It is desirable that the first heater section 32 be configured such that the first heater section 32 and the battery cells C7 to C12 are indirectly in contact with each other via an insulator.

On the other hand, the second heater section 33 is disposed at a position close to the bottom of the battery cells C1 to C6 so as to be in thermal contact with the battery cells C1 to C6. Specifically, the second heater section 33 is arranged so as to abut on a part of the battery cells C1 to C6 opposite to a part where the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 are provided. It is desirable that the second heater section 33 be configured so that the second heater section 33 and the battery cells C1 to C6 are indirectly in contact with each other via an insulator.

In the present embodiment, the first heater section 32 constitutes a heat transfer section provided corresponding to the battery cells C7 to C12 which are high potential cells, and the second heater section 33 constitutes the battery cells C1 to C1 which are low potential cells. A heat transfer portion provided corresponding to C6 is formed.

The heater drive circuit 40 is configured to be able to individually control the amount of current to the first heater unit 32 and the amount of current to the second heater unit 33. Specifically, the heater drive circuit 40 has a first drive unit 41 that controls the amount of current supplied to the first heater unit 32 and a second drive unit 42 that controls the amount of current supplied to the second heater unit 33. I have.

Here, in the battery module M, the high potential cell generates a larger amount of heat during charging and discharging than the low potential cell. For this reason, at the time of charging or discharging, temperature variations between the high-potential cell and the low-potential cell occur.

Therefore, the battery temperature controller 1 is configured such that when the battery module M is warmed up, the temperature of the first heater section 32 corresponding to the high-potential cell is lower than that of the second heater section 33 corresponding to the low-potential cell. The heater drive circuit 40 is configured to control the amount of current supplied to each of the

heater units

32 and 33. According to this, in the battery temperature controller 1, the first heater unit 32 having a low temperature is set corresponding to a high-potential cell having a high temperature at the time of heat generation. This means that the two heater units 33 are set correspondingly.

Next, the operation of the battery temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the battery temperature controller 1, when the temperature of the battery module M is lower than a predetermined temperature during charging or discharging, power is supplied to the heating device 30 by the heater driving circuit 40.

At this time, the heater driving circuit 40 controls the

heater units

32 and 33 so that the temperature of the first heater unit 32 corresponding to the high-potential cell is lower than that of the second heater unit 33 corresponding to the low-potential cell. The power supply amount is controlled. Specifically, the heater drive circuit 40 reduces the amount of current supplied to the first heater unit 32 to less than the amount of current supplied to the second heater unit 33. As a result, the temperature of each of the battery cells C1 to C12 is increased by the

heater sections

32 and 33 until the temperature of the battery cells C1 to C12 becomes an appropriate temperature.

(4) In the battery temperature controller 1, when the temperature of the battery module M reaches an appropriate temperature range due to the warm-up of the battery module M, the power supply to the heating device 30 is stopped by the heater drive circuit 40. Thereby, excessive heating of the battery module M is suppressed.

In the battery temperature controller 1 described above, the first heater unit 32 having a low temperature corresponds to a high-potential cell having a high temperature at the time of heat generation, and the second heater unit 33 having a high temperature corresponds to a low-potential cell having a low temperature at the time of heat generation. Is made to correspond. According to this, the temperature variation between the battery cells C, that is, the temperature variation between the high potential cell and the low potential cell can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a decrease in output and a decrease in capacity due to temperature variation between the battery cells C.

In addition, since the battery temperature control device 1 is provided with the electric heater 31 as a temperature control member for each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8, the temperature variation between the battery cells C in each of the plurality of battery modules M1 to M8. Can be suppressed.

(Modification of the sixth embodiment)
In the above-described sixth embodiment, the electric heater 31 includes the first heater unit 32 provided corresponding to the battery cells C7 to C12 and the second heater unit 33 provided corresponding to the battery cells C1 to C6. Although the configuration is illustrated, the electric heater 31 is not limited to this. If the electric heater 31 has a configuration in which the amount of electricity to the heater unit corresponding to the high-potential cell is smaller than that of the heater unit corresponding to the low-potential cell, for example, the electric heater 31 corresponds to each of the battery cells C1 to C12. It may be composed of a plurality of heaters provided.

In the above-described sixth embodiment, an example in which the battery module M is warmed up by the electric heater 31 has been described, but the battery temperature controller 1 is not limited to this. The battery temperature controller 1 may be configured to warm up the battery module M by a high-temperature tube through which a heat medium having a higher temperature than the battery module M flows. In this case, in the high-temperature tube, the heat medium flow path may be set so that the temperature of the portion that thermally contacts the high-potential cell is lower than the temperature of the portion that thermally contacts the low-potential cell.

In the above-described sixth embodiment, an example is described in which the battery modules M1 to M8 are warmed up by the heating device 30, but the battery temperature controller 1 is not limited to this. The battery temperature controller 1 may be configured to not only warm up the battery modules M1 to M8, but also to cool the battery modules M1 to M8.

(Other embodiments)
The representative embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be variously modified as follows, for example.

In the above-described embodiment, as the battery cell C, an example in which the positive electrode current collector 24 is formed of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative electrode current collector 25 is described. Not limited. If the battery cell C has a configuration in which the temperature at the time of heat generation is higher on the positive electrode side than on the negative electrode side during charging or discharging, the positive electrode current collector 24 and the negative electrode current collector 25 have substantially the same electric power. It may be made of a material having a resistance value. For example, as the battery cell C, a battery in which the positive terminal 21 is formed of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative terminal 22 can be adopted.

In the above-described embodiment, the battery cell C is configured by a lithium battery, but the battery cell C is not limited to this. The battery cell C may be constituted by a battery other than the lithium battery as long as the temperature at the time of heat generation is higher on the positive electrode side than on the negative electrode side.

In the above embodiment, a battery module M in which twelve battery cells C are electrically connected in series has been exemplified, but the number of battery cells C is not limited to this. The number of the battery cells C constituting the battery module M can be appropriately changed according to the output required for the battery module M.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery temperature control device 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a device that adjusts the temperature of at least one battery module M mounted on a vehicle. It is not limited to this. The battery temperature controller 1 is also applicable to, for example, a device that adjusts the temperature of a battery module M installed in a house or a factory.

In the above-described embodiment, it goes without saying that the elements making up the embodiment are not necessarily essential, unless otherwise clearly indicated as being essential or in principle considered to be clearly essential.

In the above-described embodiment, when a numerical value such as the number, numerical value, amount, range or the like of the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiment is referred to, it is particularly limited to a specific number when it is explicitly stated that it is essential and in principle. It is not limited to that particular number, except in such cases.

In the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of the components, the shape, positional relationship, and the like, unless otherwise specified and in principle limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. It is not limited to the above.

(Summary)
According to the first aspect shown in part or all of the above-described embodiments, the battery temperature control device includes a temperature control member that controls the temperature of the battery module. The battery module has a configuration in which, during charging or discharging, a high-potential cell having a higher potential than a low-potential cell among the plurality of battery cells has a higher temperature during heat generation than a low-potential cell. I have. The temperature control member has a plurality of heat transfer portions set corresponding to the plurality of battery cells, and among the plurality of heat transfer portions, the temperature of the heat transfer portion corresponding to the high-potential cell is set to the low-potential cell. It is configured to be lower than the temperature of the corresponding heat transfer part.

According to the second aspect, the temperature control member of the battery temperature control device includes a flow path forming portion that forms a heat medium flow path through which the heat medium flows, and the plurality of heat transfer portions are formed by a plurality of heat transfer portions in the flow path forming portion. It consists of a part that comes into thermal contact with the battery cell. In the flow path forming section, the heat medium flow path is set such that the temperature of the part thermally contacting the high potential cell is lower than the temperature of the part thermally contacting the low potential cell.

温度 The temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path changes due to heat exchange with the battery cells. For example, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the heat medium flow due to the heat received from the battery cells when the battery module is cooled. Further, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the heat medium flow due to heat radiation to the battery cells when the battery module is warmed up.

For this reason, if the heat medium flow path through which the heat medium flows is set in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the battery cell at the time of charging or discharging, a device for individually adjusting the temperature of a plurality of heat transfer portions is provided. Since it becomes unnecessary, the temperature variation between the battery cells can be suppressed by a simple method.

Here, the term "thermally contact" means not only a state in which the members are in direct contact with each other, but also a case in which another element such as an air layer is interposed between the members. And a state in which heat is indirectly transferred between members via the interface.

According to the third aspect, the temperature control member of the battery temperature control device cools the battery module by supplying a coolant having a lower temperature than the battery module to the heat medium flow path. In the flow path forming portion, the heat medium flow path is set so that the refrigerant flows from a part thermally contacting the high potential cell to a part thermally contacting the low potential cell.

温度 The temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heat medium flow path increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the refrigerant flow due to the heat received from the battery cells. For this reason, if the heat medium flow path is set so that the refrigerant flows from a part thermally contacting the high potential cell to a part thermally contacting the low potential cell, the high potential cell can be cooled with a low-temperature refrigerant. Cooling allows the low potential cell to be cooled with a hot coolant.

As described above, if the heat medium flow path through which the refrigerant flows is set in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the battery cell at the time of charging or discharging, a device for individually adjusting the temperature of the plurality of heat transfer portions is provided. Since it becomes unnecessary, the temperature variation between the battery cells can be suppressed by a simple method.

According to the fourth aspect, the battery temperature control device is applied to a device in which a plurality of battery modules are electrically connected in series via a connecting member having a larger heat capacity than the conductive member. The temperature control member is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules. According to this, since the temperature control member is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules, it is possible to suppress the temperature variation between the battery cells in each of the plurality of battery modules.

According to a fifth aspect, a battery temperature control device includes a battery cell, a stacked electrode body in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are alternately stacked via a separator, a positive electrode current collector connected to the positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode plate. And a negative electrode current collector connected to the case is accommodated inside the case portion together with the electrolytic solution. The positive electrode current collector is made of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative electrode current collector.

In the battery module having the battery cells configured as described above, the high-potential cells are more likely to have a higher temperature at the time of heat generation than the low-potential cells. is there.

According to a sixth aspect, in the battery temperature control device, the battery cell includes a lithium ion battery in which the positive electrode current collector is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the negative electrode current collector is formed of copper or a copper alloy. ing.

In a battery module having a battery cell composed of a lithium-ion battery, a high-potential cell is more likely to have a higher temperature at the time of heat generation than a low-potential cell, and thus is suitable as a temperature adjustment target of the battery temperature controller of the present disclosure. It is.

Claims

A battery temperature controller applied to at least one battery module (M) in which a plurality of chargeable / dischargeable battery cells (C) are electrically connected in series via a conductive member (BB),
A temperature adjusting member (15, 31) for adjusting the temperature of the battery module;
The battery module has a configuration in which, during charging or discharging, a high-potential cell having a higher potential than the low-potential cell among the plurality of battery cells has a higher temperature during heat generation than a low-potential cell. It has become
The temperature control member has a plurality of heat transfer portions (HT, 32, 33) set corresponding to the plurality of battery cells, and corresponds to the high-potential cell among the plurality of heat transfer portions. A battery temperature controller configured such that a temperature of the heat transfer portion is lower than a temperature of the heat transfer portion corresponding to the low potential cell.
The temperature control member includes a flow path forming portion (15) that forms a heat medium flow path (150) through which a heat medium flows, and a plurality of the heat transfer portions (HT) are formed by a plurality of the heat transfer portions (HT) in the flow path forming portion. It is composed of a part that comes into thermal contact with the battery cell,
The flow path forming portion is configured such that the heat medium flow path is set so that the temperature of a portion thermally contacting the high potential cell is lower than the temperature of a portion thermally contacting the low potential cell. The battery temperature control device according to claim 1.
The temperature control member cools the battery module by supplying a coolant having a lower temperature than the battery module to the heat medium flow path,
The flow path forming part is configured such that the heat medium flow path is set so that a refrigerant flows from a part thermally contacting the high potential cell to a part thermally contacting the low potential cell. 3. The battery temperature controller according to 2.
A plurality of the battery modules (M1 to M8) are electrically connected in series via a connection member (CM) having a larger heat capacity than the conductive member;
4. The battery temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control member is provided for each of the plurality of battery modules. 5.
The battery cell includes a stacked electrode body (23) in which a positive electrode plate (232) and a negative electrode plate (233) are alternately stacked via a separator (231), a positive electrode current collector (24) connected to the positive electrode plate, And a negative electrode current collector (25) connected to the negative electrode plate is accommodated inside the case portion (20) together with the electrolytic solution,
The battery temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the positive electrode current collector is made of a material having a higher electric resistance value than the negative electrode current collector.
The battery temperature controller according to claim 5, wherein the battery cell is a lithium ion battery in which the positive electrode current collector is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the negative electrode current collector is made of copper or a copper alloy.