WO2023204504A1

WO2023204504A1 - Battery module comprising three-dimensional pulsating heat pipe

Info

Publication number: WO2023204504A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/004780
Authority: WO
Inventors: 전용석; 정종민
Original assignee: 한국해양대학교 산학협력단
Priority date: 2022-04-20
Filing date: 2023-04-10
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: KR20230149506A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising a three-dimensional pulsating heat pipe. Such battery module comprising a three-dimensional pulsating heat pipe comprises pulsating heat pipes which are each disposed in respective spaces between a plurality of battery cells and which each comprise a plurality of heat pipes connected so as to communicate with each other. Thus a dry-out phenomenon resulting from the evaporation of a working fluid may be prevented.

Description

Battery module including 3D vibrating heat pipe

The present invention relates to a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, and more specifically, to a battery module including a plurality of heat conduction pipes disposed in the space between a plurality of battery cells and connected to communicate with each other, thereby preventing the evaporation of the working fluid. It relates to a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that can prevent dry-out phenomenon.

Battery packs for eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles require a large capacity of batteries to be loaded in a limited space, and this structure causes the temperature of the battery to rise and temperature differences between battery cells to occur.

The optimal temperature for use of batteries installed in eco-friendly cars is between about 20 degrees and below 45 degrees, and the appropriate temperature deviation is within about 5 degrees. If the battery does not maintain an appropriate operating temperature, battery efficiency may decrease at low temperatures due to increased internal resistance, and at high temperatures, the rate of battery aging may increase and safety accidents may occur due to thermal runaway. Additionally, if the battery does not maintain an appropriate temperature difference, a voltage difference between battery cells may occur, causing a difference in the discharge rate of the battery, which may deteriorate the overall performance of the battery pack.

Therefore, a device is used to control the temperature of the battery so that the battery maintains an appropriate temperature for use and has an appropriate temperature deviation. For example, a battery temperature control device using a heat pipe is sometimes used.

Among heat pipes, some have a wick structure inside. To form the wick structure, a complex manufacturing process is required, and heat pipes with a wick structure have the problem of increasing the volume.

To solve this problem, a vibrating heat pipe is used. The vibrating heat pipe is configured to self-oscillate while the working fluid in the form of a liquid slug alternating between liquid and gas phases circulates through the flow path of a closed loop, and the circular flow and self-oscillating process It is configured to transfer the heat from the evaporation area to the condensation area.

Compared to heat pipes with a wick structure, vibrating heat pipes have the advantage of having a simpler structure, higher reliability, and being manufactured in a smaller volume. However, in cases where the amount of heat flowing into the vibrating heat pipe is large, all of the working fluid contained within is used. There is a problem of evaporation causing a dry-out phenomenon in which the vibrating heat pipe does not operate.

In addition, when the conventional vibrating heat pipe is disposed between a plurality of battery cells, there is a problem in that a large temperature difference occurs between the plurality of battery cells.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery module that includes a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that can ensure that a plurality of battery cells have an appropriate temperature deviation and does not cause dry-out even when a large amount of heat is introduced. there is.

One object of the present invention is to provide a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that can reduce the temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that can maintain the temperature of the battery cell at an appropriate temperature even if a large amount of heat flows into the vibrating heat pipe.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells arranged at a predetermined distance apart to face each other and a working fluid therein. is charged and includes a vibrating heat pipe disposed in a plurality of spaces formed between the plurality of battery cells to exchange heat with each of the battery cells, the vibrating heat pipe having a plurality of heat pipes between the upper and lower portions of the space. It is formed to reciprocate in turns and includes a plurality of heat conduction pipes disposed in each of the spaces. The plurality of heat conduction pipes may be connected to communicate with each other.

In addition, the vibrating heat pipe includes a plurality of first connection pipes that connect the plurality of heat conduction pipes to each other at the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells so that the plurality of heat conduction pipes communicate with each other. It may include a plurality of second connection pipes connecting the plurality of heat conduction pipes to each other at the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells so that they communicate with each other.

Additionally, each first connection pipe may be connected to each heat conduction pipe, and each second connection pipe may be connected to each heat conduction pipe.

In addition, a plurality of plurality of plates are formed in a plate shape and are respectively disposed between the battery cells and the heat conduction pipe facing each other so that one side is in contact with the heat conduction pipe to exchange heat and the other side is in contact with the battery cell to exchange heat. It may include two heat conduction plates.

In addition, a cooling part is disposed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells and cools the working fluid by exchanging heat with the vibrating heat pipe, and is disposed on the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells, the vibrating heat pipe It may include a heating unit that heats the working fluid by exchanging heat with it.

In addition, the cooling unit includes a cooling module arranged to contact the first connection pipe and the heat conduction pipe, and a liquid refrigerant flowing therein, and is installed to penetrate the cooling module and connect the first connection pipe and the heat conduction pipe. It may include a plurality of liquid flow pipes that exchange heat.

Additionally, the cooling unit may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins installed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells to be adjacent to the first connection pipe and the heat conduction pipe.

Specific details of other embodiments for solving the problem are included in the description and drawings of the invention.

According to the means for solving the problem of the present invention described above, the battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to the present invention is disposed in the space between a plurality of battery cells and includes a plurality of heat conduction pipes connected to communicate with each other. Since it includes a vibrating heat pipe, heat is effectively transferred between the plurality of battery cells through the vibrating heat pipe, providing the effect of reducing the temperature difference between the plurality of battery cells.

In addition, since the vibrating heat pipe includes a first connector and a second connector connected to each heat conduction pipe, a dry-out phenomenon does not occur even if a large amount of heat flows into the vibrating heat pipe, so the battery It provides the effect of maintaining the temperature of the cell at an appropriate temperature.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe including a cooling unit and a heating unit.

Figure 3 is a front view showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe installed with a cooling unit using a refrigerant.

Figure 4 is a front view showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe installed with a cooling unit using heat dissipation fins.

Figure 5 is a front view showing a vibrating heat pipe in which heat is transferred in an upward and downward direction by vibrating and circulating a working fluid.

Figure 6 is a side view showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe in which a plurality of heat conduction pipes are connected to each other so that the working fluid can move between the plurality of heat conduction pipes.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present application may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present application in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are assigned to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only the case where it is “directly connected,” but also the case where it is “electrically connected” with another element in between. do.

Throughout the specification of the present application, when a member is said to be located “on” another member, this includes not only the case where the member is in contact with the other member, but also the case where another member exists between the two members.

Throughout the specification of the present application, when a part is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. As used throughout the specification, the terms “about,” “substantially,” and the like are used to mean at or close to a numerical value when manufacturing and material tolerances inherent in the stated meaning are given, and are used to convey the understanding of the present application. Precise or absolute figures are used to assist in preventing unscrupulous infringers from taking unfair advantage of stated disclosures. As used throughout the specification, the terms “step of” or “step of” do not mean “step for.”

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe including a cooling unit and a heating unit. This is a front view.

When described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe includes a battery cell 10, a vibrating heat pipe 20, a cooling unit 30, and a heating unit 40.

First, the battery cell 10 will be described.

The battery cell 10 is an electrode assembly and can be configured to enable repeated charging and discharging through electrochemical reactions between components, including positive and negative electrode current collectors, separators, active materials, and electrolyte. For example, the battery cell 10 may be a lithium ion battery cell used in eco-friendly vehicles.

A plurality of battery cells 10 may be arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart. As the plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, a plurality of spaces can be formed between the plurality of battery cells.

Next, the vibrating heat pipe 20 will be described.

The vibrating heat pipe 20 is filled with a working fluid inside and is disposed in a plurality of spaces formed between a plurality of battery cells 10 to exchange heat with each battery cell 10.

Additionally, the vibrating heat pipe 20 may be made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity, and the interior of the vibrating heat pipe 20 may be filled with a working fluid and then vacuum treated to maintain a vacuum state. At this time, the working fluid filled inside the vibrating heat pipe 20 may be ordinary distilled water or a conventional refrigerant.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the vibrating heat pipe 20 includes a heat conduction pipe 22, a first connection pipe 24, and a second connection pipe 26.

The heat conduction pipe 22 is formed to travel back and forth between the upper and lower parts of the space between the plurality of battery cells 10 multiple times, and a plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 may be provided to be disposed in each space between the battery cells 10. .

When the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 is heated by transferring heat, it can move to the upper part of the heat conduction pipe 22 in the form of a slug in which liquid and gas states coexist, and when cooled by transferring heat, it conducts heat in the form of a slug. It can be moved to the lower part of the pipe (22).

As the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 flows and vibrates, heat can be transferred between the high temperature section and the low temperature section.

A plurality of first connection pipes 24 may be provided, and a plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 may be connected to each other at the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10 so that the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 communicate with each other. .

At this time, each first connection pipe 24 may be configured to be connected to each heat conduction pipe 22.

A plurality of second connection pipes 26 may be provided, and a plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 may be connected to each other at the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10 so that the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 communicate with each other. .

At this time, each second connection pipe 26 may be configured to be connected to each heat conduction pipe 22.

In this way, the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 are connected to each other by the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26, so that the dry-out phenomenon due to evaporation of the working fluid is not only prevented. , the temperature difference between battery cells can be reduced.

Specifically, when the vibrating heat pipe 20 is not provided with the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26, when a lot of heat flows into the heat conduction pipe 22, the inside of the heat conduction pipe 22 All of the working fluid evaporates and can move to the top.

In this way, when all the working fluid inside the heat conduction pipe 22 evaporates and moves to the upper part, no working fluid remains in the lower part of the heat conduction pipe 22, so it is impossible to move additional heat flowing into the heat conduction pipe 22. .

However, when the vibrating heat pipe 20 is provided with the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26, even if the working fluid inside the heat conduction pipe 22 evaporates and moves upward, the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 (22) Since the working fluid can circulate through the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26, all the working fluid inside any one heat conduction pipe 22 evaporates, leaving no working fluid at the bottom. There will be no cases where this does not happen.

In addition, since the working fluid circulates through the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 through the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26 and transfers heat, it is directly or indirectly connected to each heat conduction pipe 22. The temperature difference between each battery cell 10 in contact can be reduced.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module 1 including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe may additionally include a heat conduction plate.

The heat conduction plate may perform a function of enabling heat exchange between the battery cell 10 and the vibrating heat pipe 20 to occur more efficiently.

For example, a plurality of heat conduction plates are each formed in a plate shape, and one side is in contact with the heat conduction pipe 22 to exchange heat, and the other side is in contact with the battery cell 10 to exchange heat, so that they are opposed to each other. It can be disposed between the battery cell 10 and the heat conduction pipe 22, respectively.

Next, the cooling unit 30 will be described.

The cooling unit 30 can perform the function of cooling the working fluid by exchanging heat with the vibrating heat pipe 20, and as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10. It can be. Additionally, the cooling unit 30 may be configured to cool the vibrating heat pipe 20 in various ways.

For example, if described with reference to FIG. 3, the cooling unit 30 may be configured to cool the vibrating heat pipe 20 using a refrigerant.

Specifically, the cooling unit 30 may include a cooling module 32-1 and a liquid flow pipe 32-2.

The cooling module 32-1 may be arranged to contact the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction pipe 22.

The liquid flow pipe (32-2) carries a liquid refrigerant inside and is installed to penetrate the cooling module (32-1) to exchange heat with the first connection pipe (24) and the heat conduction pipe (22). . A plurality of such liquid flow pipes (32-2) may be installed to penetrate the cooling module (32-1).

As the cooling unit 30 is configured in this way, the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction pipe 22 pass through the cooling module 32-1 in contact with the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction pipe 22. Heat can be exchanged with the liquid flow pipe 32-2, and the working fluid contained therein can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing inside the liquid flow pipe 32-2.

As another example, when described with reference to FIG. 4, the cooling unit 30 may be configured to cool the vibrating heat pipe 20 using air.

Specifically, the cooling unit 30 may include heat dissipation fins 34.

The heat dissipation fin 34 may be installed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10 so as to be adjacent to the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction pipe 22. A plurality of such heat dissipation fins 34 may be installed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10.

By constructing the cooling unit 30 in this way, the heat dissipation fin 34 can transfer the heat received from the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction tube 22 to the air in contact with the heat dissipation fin 34, and the heat dissipation fin ( As 34) is cooled by transferring heat to the air, the working fluid contained within the first connection pipe 24 and the heat conduction pipe 22 can be cooled.

Next, the heating unit 40 will be described.

The heating unit 40 can perform the function of heating the working fluid by exchanging heat with the vibrating heat pipe 20, and as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed on the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells 10. It can be.

This heating unit 40 may be configured to heat the second connection pipe 26 and the heat conduction pipe 22 of the vibrating heat pipe 20 in various ways. For example, the heating unit 40 It may be composed of a conventional heating wire or the like to heat the second connection pipe 26 and the heat conduction pipe 22.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the battery module 1 including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the operation of the battery module 1 including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that increases the temperature of the battery cell 10 will be described.

Figure 5 is a front view showing a vibrating heat pipe in which the working fluid vibrates and circulates to transfer heat in the up and down directions, and Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional structure in which a plurality of heat conduction pipes are connected to each other so that the working fluid can move between the plurality of heat conduction pipes. This is a side view showing a battery module including a vibrating heat pipe.

Referring to FIG. 5 , when the temperature of the battery cell 10 is below the appropriate set temperature, the vibrating heat pipe 20 in the evaporation area EA is heated using the heating unit 40.

The working fluid contained inside the vibrating heat pipe 20 of the evaporation area (EA) is heated by the heating unit 40 and vibrates and circulates in the up and down direction (A) to heat the battery cell 10, and the condensation area ( Heat (Q) is transferred to CA).

And, the heat (Q) transferred to the condensation area (CA) is released to the outside by the cooling unit (30) that cools the vibrating heat pipe (20) located in the condensation area (CA).

Meanwhile, when the heating unit 40 introduces a predetermined amount of heat (Q) or more into the vibrating heat pipe 20 located in the evaporation area EA, all of the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 may evaporate. There are concerns.

However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 evaporates, the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 adjacent to the heat conduction pipe 22 evaporates. Since it vibrates and circulates in the forward and backward direction (B) through the connection pipe 26 and flows into the heat conduction pipe 22, the phenomenon of all the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 being evaporated can be prevented. there is.

At this time, the working fluid is supplied by vibrating and circulating in the forward and backward direction (B) through the first connection pipe 24 into the heat conduction pipe 22 that supplies the working fluid to the predetermined heat conduction pipe 22. The phenomenon of insufficient working fluid inside one heat conduction pipe 22 can be prevented.

In addition, the working fluid contained within the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 transfers heat while freely flowing inside the plurality of heat conduction pipes 22 through the first connection pipe 24 and the second connection pipe 26. The temperature difference between the battery cells 10 can be reduced.

Next, the operation of the battery module 1 including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe that lowers the temperature of the battery cell 10 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5 , when the temperature of the battery cell 10 is above the appropriate set temperature, the vibrating heat pipe 20 in the condensation area CA is cooled using the cooling unit 30.

The working fluid contained inside the vibrating heat pipe 20 in the condensation area (CA) is cooled by the cooling unit 30 and cools the battery cell 10 while vibrating and circulating in the vertical direction (A).

And, the working fluid that cooled the battery cell 10 is heated by the battery cell 10 and vibrates and circulates in the up and down direction (A) to transfer heat (Q) back to the condensation area (CA). The heat (Q) transferred to (CA) is cooled again by the cooling unit (30).

Meanwhile, when more than a predetermined amount of heat Q flows into the vibrating heat pipe 20 by the battery cell 10, there is a risk that all the working fluid contained within the heat conduction pipe 22 may evaporate.

As such, the battery module including the three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe according to the present invention includes a vibrating heat pipe including a plurality of heat conduction pipes disposed in the space between a plurality of battery cells and connected to communicate with each other, so the vibrating heat pipe Through this, heat is effectively transferred between a plurality of battery cells, providing the effect of reducing the temperature difference between the plurality of battery cells.

The description of the present invention described above is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, each component described as unitary may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A plurality of battery cells arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance apart; and

It includes a vibrating heat pipe filled with a working fluid therein and disposed in a plurality of spaces formed between the plurality of battery cells to exchange heat with each of the battery cells,

The vibrating heat pipe is,

It is formed to travel back and forth between the upper and lower parts of the space multiple times, and includes a plurality of heat conduction pipes disposed in each space.

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, wherein the plurality of heat conduction pipes are connected to communicate with each other.
According to paragraph 1,

The vibrating heat pipe is,

a plurality of first connection pipes connecting the plurality of heat conduction pipes to each other at the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells so that the plurality of heat conduction pipes communicate with each other; and

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, including a plurality of second connection pipes connecting the plurality of heat conduction pipes to each other at the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells so that the plurality of heat conduction pipes communicate with each other.
According to paragraph 2,

Each of the first connection pipes is connected to each of the heat conduction pipes,

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, wherein each second connector is connected to each heat conduction pipe.
According to paragraph 3,

A plurality of heat conductors are formed in a plate shape and are respectively disposed between the battery cells and the heat conduction pipe facing each other so that one side is in contact with the heat conduction pipe to exchange heat and the other side is in contact with the battery cell to exchange heat. A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, including a plate.
According to paragraph 4,

a cooling unit disposed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells and cooling the working fluid by exchanging heat with the vibrating heat pipe; and

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, which is disposed on the lower outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells and includes a heating unit that heats the working fluid by exchanging heat with the vibrating heat pipe.
According to clause 5,

The cooling unit,

a cooling module disposed to contact the first connection pipe and the heat conduction pipe; and

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe through which a liquid refrigerant flows, and which includes a plurality of liquid flow pipes installed to penetrate the cooling module and exchange heat with the first connection pipe and the heat conduction pipe. .
According to clause 5,

The cooling unit,

A battery module including a three-dimensional vibrating heat pipe, including a plurality of heat dissipation fins installed on the upper outer periphery of the plurality of battery cells so as to be adjacent to the first connector and the heat conduction pipe.