WO2021119164A1 - Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries - Google Patents

Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021119164A1
WO2021119164A1 PCT/US2020/064070 US2020064070W WO2021119164A1 WO 2021119164 A1 WO2021119164 A1 WO 2021119164A1 US 2020064070 W US2020064070 W US 2020064070W WO 2021119164 A1 WO2021119164 A1 WO 2021119164A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
thermal management
management system
metal case
cell pack
cells
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2020/064070
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Henry Paczkowski
Peter J. Burke
Daniel Sha
Eugene RUDOLPH
Alan Squillante
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bren Tronics Inc
Original Assignee
Bren Tronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bren Tronics Inc filed Critical Bren Tronics Inc
Priority to IL294998A priority Critical patent/IL294998A/en
Priority to AU2020402864A priority patent/AU2020402864B2/en
Priority to CA3169067A priority patent/CA3169067A1/en
Priority to US17/756,942 priority patent/US12603346B2/en
Priority to JP2022552237A priority patent/JP2023513850A/en
Priority to EP20900614.7A priority patent/EP4073873A4/en
Priority to CN202080094774.9A priority patent/CN115053383A/en
Publication of WO2021119164A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021119164A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B60L58/10—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries
    • B60L58/24—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries
    • B60L58/26—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by cooling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/653—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by electrically insulating or thermally conductive materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B60L50/60—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
    • B60L50/64—Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
    • H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/222—Inorganic material
    • H01M50/224—Metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/227—Organic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/231—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks having a layered structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/233—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
    • H01M50/24—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • H01M50/273—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings characterised by the material
    • H01M50/276—Inorganic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/342—Non-re-sealable arrangements
    • H01M50/3425—Non-re-sealable arrangements in the form of rupturable membranes or weakened parts, e.g. pierced with the aid of a sharp member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/375—Vent means sensitive to or responsive to temperature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/54—Drive Train control parameters related to batteries
    • B60L2240/545—Temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/64—Heating or cooling; Temperature control characterised by the shape of the cells
    • H01M10/643—Cylindrical cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/6595—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells by chemical reactions other than electrochemical reactions of the cells, e.g. catalytic heaters or burners
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
    • H01M2200/10—Temperature sensitive devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/383—Flame arresting or ignition-preventing means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/40—Separators; Membranes; Diaphragms; Spacing elements inside cells
    • H01M50/471—Spacing elements inside cells other than separators, membranes or diaphragms; Manufacturing processes thereof
    • H01M50/48—Spacing elements inside cells other than separators, membranes or diaphragms; Manufacturing processes thereof characterised by the material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/572—Means for preventing undesired use or discharge
    • H01M50/584—Means for preventing undesired use or discharge for preventing incorrect connections inside or outside the batteries
    • H01M50/588—Means for preventing undesired use or discharge for preventing incorrect connections inside or outside the batteries outside the batteries, e.g. incorrect connections of terminals or busbars
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a thermal management system for rechargeable batteries.
  • High capacity secondary batteries are formed by packing multiple rechargeable cells into a housing.
  • the packing configuration can occupy a large volume, inadequately protect the cells from impact shock or lead to overheating.
  • rechargeable batteries must be able to provide continuous charge/discharge cycles at high current levels and at elevated ambient temperatures.
  • the power dissipation in the cells due to continuous high current cycling can cause the cell-pack temperature to exceed the protection circuit over-temperature threshold, turning off the battery and removing power from the load.
  • Conventional battery designs require significant limits on the charge/discharge current levels to prevent over-temperature shutdown at elevated ambient temperatures.
  • the problem of overheating with potential damage to the battery is particularly severe when utilizing Lithium-Ion cells.
  • a known solution is to reduce the cell current by paralleling additional cells to share the current, which increases the overall battery volume, weight and cost.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017/0214103 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0375076 include alumina trihydrate in a blend of other minerals that is combined with a ceramic matrix or a polymeric binding material, respectively, to form the support member.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0221914 also forms a solid battery housing made from intumescent flame retardant polymer, a blowing agent and optionally a fire retardant such as alumina trihydrate.
  • the above-noted approaches have a major drawback in that the battery configuration revolves around the custom solid support member of solid battery housing. These methods of thermal management cannot be used with existing or legacy battery designs.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0155348 proposes to form a battery casing from a flame-retardant thermoplastic including a homopolymer, a copolymer and ammonium polyphosphate and optionally including a filler such as aluminum trihydrate.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0244578 discloses heat conductive materials and methods for producing same. An aluminum starting material is combined with boric acid, phosphoric acid or other similar materials and then fired to produce a film that is applied to a metallic surface of an electronic device. One of the aluminum starting materials may be aluminum hydroxide.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0189740 combines alumina, alumina hydrate, ammonium chloride and a halogen which is then heat treated and disintegrated to form a particulate filler that is incorporated into a rubber, plastic or glass to increase thermal conductivity.
  • U.S. Patent 8,389,153 combines a lithium-containing active member, aluminum powder and a polymer binder to form the positive electrode of the battery.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019/0051906 uses alumina powder of a specified bulk density as a coating layer on an electrode or separation membrane of a secondary battery.
  • fillers are incorporated into the thermoplastic of the battery case to improve conductivity and provide flame-resistance.
  • the apparatus according to the invention is particularly suited for use with Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) cells.
  • a strip heater is intertwined between the cells in the separation formed by said honeycomb configuration to warm the cells if the ambient temperature is below the specified operating temperature of the cells.
  • a thermal management system for a rechargeable battery is provided by a metal case having an exterior surface and an interior surface lined with an electrically insulating material.
  • a cell pack made from individual battery cells arranged within end frames is disposed in the metal case.
  • a thermally conductive granular filler occupies the interstices between the individual cells and between the cell pack and the electrically insulating material lining. The thermally conductive filler decreases the thermal impedance from the cell pack to the exterior surface of the metal case to reduce cell pack temperature and increase battery life.
  • the metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are galvanized for rust prevention.
  • the metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are provided with a highly-crosslinked non-porous coating that protects the metal from biological, radioactive and chemical contamination and withstands chemical cleaning and decontamination without corroding.
  • the highly-crosslinked non-porous coating comprises one of urethane, polyurethane, aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, epoxy polyamide, epoxy polyamide enamel and combinations thereof.
  • the cover is sealed to said five-sided box to provide a waterproof metal case that protects the cell pack from moisture intrusion.
  • the metal case includes a pressure relief vent.
  • the pressure relief vent comprises an aperture through the metal case and a film adhered over the aperture.
  • the electrically insulating material lining the interior surface of the metal case comprises a thermoplastic film adhered to said interior surface.
  • the thermoplastic film is one of polyester, nylon and polycarbonate, preferably polyester. In a practical embodiment, the thermoplastic film is between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm thick, preferably 0.5mm thick.
  • the metal case includes metal panels lined with the electrically insulating material that divide the internal space into compartments.
  • the system includes multiple cell packs, each including dozens of cells, wherein each compartment contains one cell pack.
  • Two cell packs are arranged adjacent to each other within the case with one lower end frame of the first cell pack facing one upper end frame of the second cell pack, with the thermally conductive granular filler disposed between the facing end frames.
  • the thermally conductive granular filler comprises alumina trihydrate having a particle size between 2-200 microns which decomposes at 220 degrees C to release 35% of its weight as water vapor, wherein excessive water vapor pressure will breach the film adhered over the aperture to open the pressure relief vent.
  • the system may include electrically insulated sleeves which contain the cell packs.
  • the end frames are bonded to the battery cells with epoxy and a silicon-based filler is disposed between the end frames and the metal case to stabilize the cell packs.
  • the thermal management systems allows the battery to be cycled in excess of +70 amps charge and -70 amps discharge whereby the thermally conductive filler decreases thermal impedance from the cell pack to the outside surface of the metal case so that the over temperature protection circuit is not tripped.
  • FIG. 1 A is an internal view of the battery showing the cells within end frames disposed within pockets inside the housing.
  • FIG. IB is an enlarged, top plan view of a section of an end frame.
  • FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the end frame section taken along the line 1C-1C from FIG. IB.
  • FIGs. 2 A, 2B and 2C are exploded views of the cell packs.
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the bus bars and cell packs.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bus bars without the cell packs.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the case, insulation and granular filler of the thermal management system.
  • the invention relates to the assembly of cell packs into a housing with integrated control electronics to form a rechargeable battery.
  • the battery for example, a Lithium- Ion (Li-Ion) Battery, may be useful for vehicle and other high capacity applications.
  • Li-Ion Lithium- Ion
  • “secondary” batteries have the same meaning as “rechargeable” batteries
  • the arrangement of cells is critical to facilitate the assembly process.
  • the series and parallel arrangements of cells are often inefficient to connect in an economical and functional arrangement.
  • the assembly is shown in FIG. 1A as an apparatus 10 for electronically controlling and mechanically coupling cells together within a battery housing 60.
  • the 18650 cells are arranged into six cell packs. Two cell packs 24 are shown, in a first row, where two additional rows may by added behind the two cell packs shown. The cell packs are then tied in parallel with substantial bus bars.
  • the construction of the cell packs uses two symmetrical honeycomb shaped parts to hold each end of the cylindrical cells (49cells for 24v and 48 cells for 12v).
  • the cells 12 and honeycombs, illustrated as end frames 30 get press-fitted and held together by friction fit.
  • the end frame has alignment feature that gradually spread & align all cells at the same time as press-fit process takes place.
  • the honeycomb part holds the cells in relation to each other so as to provide a gap between cells of sufficient size to improve safety by slowing heat conduction from a failed cell and adjacent cells.
  • the gap is also sufficient to allow a strip heater 90 to be snaked between cells providing direct heat to each cell.
  • Individual battery or electrical cells 12 are arranged within end frames 20 in rows 20b, as shown in FIGs. 1 A, IB and 1C. In each row the cells are places with alternating positive ends 12p and negative ends 12n facing one direction. Connecting tabs 30 are soldered to adjacent cells, connecting a positive end 12p to a negative end 12n, thereby forming a series connection for the cells within the cell pack 24.
  • FIG. IB shows an enlarged view of one corner of an internal side 20g of end frame 20. The cells have a diameter 12a, with cups 20a being configured slightly larger. A plurality of cups 20a are arranged in rows 20b, that are offset by one-half the cup diameter to create a honeycomb configuration of cells.
  • Each cup 20a includes an annular ring 20c that is a vertical wall in the view of FIG. IB.
  • the annular ring height 20d is shown in FIGs. 1C and 2A.
  • the lower part of annular ring 20c terminates in a bottom 20e having an aperture 20f formed therein.
  • posts 20m which extend up, off the page, with tapered top ends to guide the cells into the cups during the press fitting operation.
  • the posts do not have regular triangular cross-sections, rather the posts have three concave sides 20p that conform to the arc of the cups (and slightly larger that the circumference of the cells).
  • the posts are formed between four adjacent cups as double triangles.
  • FIG. IB also shows slots 20r at the periphery of end frame 20, in the region where a row 20b is staggered downward.
  • Tabs 30 connect the cells.
  • the tabs are designed with an offset to provide compliance to reduce stress on the weld joints that provide cell to cell connections.
  • the tabs are shaped to self fixture and align themselves to the cells for improved assembly.
  • the tabs that interconnect cells are configured to provide a series connection between cells while providing parallel connection between groups of cells. After welding, these tabs provide additional mechanical grid-locking support between the honeycomb and cells, further preventing these cells from coming loose from friction fit.
  • the cell packs are protected by thermal fuses 40.
  • the thermal time constant of the fuses has been increased by the addition of a potting compound 40a around the fuses and onto the cells. This eliminates fuse operation due to thermal rise of the cells that is expected during normal periods of high amperage operation. The fuse will still operate to protect the battery during unexpected high current operation.
  • FIG. 2 A shows a row of cells with the negative cell contact 12n facing up in one row, and the positive cell contact 12p facing up in the adjacent row.
  • the cells are captured between two end frames 20.
  • FIGs. 1C and 2B show connecting tabs 30 extending from one aperture 20f to the next to connect cells. Connecting tab 30 sits within a shallow channel 20k formed in the external side 20h of each end frame 20.
  • a central negative bus bar 70 is connected to the negative terminal 24n of the cell packs and the output terminal 72 through a monitoring device. Being centrally located allows the length of this bus to be short to minimize the resistance and voltage drop.
  • a ring bus 80 connects the positive terminal 24p of the cell packs to the output terminal through a switch 64.
  • the cell pack arrangement that provides for a short negative bus necessitates a long current path in the positive bus.
  • To balance resistance from the cell packs to the switch the bus is arranged in a ring to provide self balancing multiple current paths to the switch.
  • the bus bars are made primarily from aluminum and electrically couple all of the cell pack terminals of one polarity together.
  • the bus bar has sufficient cross-sectional area to conduct at least 70 - 80 amps, preferably 90 amps across its length, with the corresponding heat being dissipated through contact to the cover.
  • the bus bars, control electronics, and other circuitry are contained in and supported by a plastic tray 62 (FIG. 1 A).
  • the tray provides mechanical support and physical separation between components.
  • the positive bus bar ring 80 is designed as a continuous rigid rib structure that fits into the tray perimeter and gives it additional structural support. This allows the tray to take random loads of all 6 packs acting on its otherwise very large surface area during vibration and drop with minimal deflection.
  • FIG. IB shows slots 20r located in the edges of end frames 20.
  • FIG. 2C shows the isolation mounts 52 with tabs 52a having a height 52b slightly smaller than the height 20s of the slot 20r.
  • the foot 52c of the upper isolation mount 52 extends out to contact the bottom of tray cover 62, and laterally to contact the internal side of five-sided pocket 50.
  • the tray provides the top surface of the pockets to restrain the upper side of the cell pack shock and vibration isolators.
  • the output terminals 72, 82 are flat pads with internal threads. They can be converted to standard posts 74, 84. Anti rotation keying is provided in the posts which are held onto the flat pads through a screw though the center of the posts. The positive and negative posts are keyed differently to prevent installation of the wrong post onto the flat pads.
  • the batteries exterior casing, or outer housing was formed from plastic.
  • a thermoplastic material for thermoset polymer could be molded to provide a unitary sealed housing of relatively high strength.
  • a plastic housing provided a reasonable balance between strength and weight while enclosing the battery cells in a nonconductive sheath. In other words the plastic has a low electrical conductivity.
  • the plastics used as housing materials have a relatively low thermal conductivity. For example, nylon has a thermal conductivity of 0.25 W/(mK), polypropylene has a thermal conductivity of between 0.1 and 0.22 W/(mK), while polycarbonate and PVC have a thermal conductivity of 0.19 W/(mK).
  • the plastic housing was replaced with a iron/carbon steel alloy having a thermal conductivity at least 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than plastic.
  • various steel alloys have thermal conductivities ranging between 10 to 60 W/(mK).
  • a high temperature steel alloy was form into a battery housing with a combination of right angle folds and welding of additional plates at the comers. All surfaces were then treated to provide rust prevention and environmental protection with Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) or galvanization.
  • CARC is a highly-crosslinked non-porous coating that protects the metal from biological, radioactive and chemical contamination and withstands chemical cleaning and decontamination without corroding.
  • CARC is applied as one or more layers of highly-crosslinked resins such as urethane, polyurethane, aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, epoxy polyamide, epoxy polyamide enamel and combinations thereof.
  • the film maybe selected from materials such as polyester, nylon and polycarbonate.
  • a suitable film would be about 0.2mm - 2.0 mm, more particularly, 0.25 - 1 mm thick.
  • a suitable film would posses a dielectric strength between about 250 - 350 kV/mm (or between about 6,250 - 8,750 V/mil).
  • polyester film about 0.5 mm thick, sold under the tradename Mylar was adhered to the interior of the case. The film is adhered to the interior surface of the case using a suitable adhesive, for example, 300 LSE manufactured by 3M.
  • thermally conductive filler material is introduced within the battery case to surround the internal components.
  • the thermally conductive filler is a free flowing material that occupies the interstices between the individual cells and occupies the space between the cell pack and the thermoplastic film lining.
  • the thermally conductor filler is capable of conforming to any open spaces that are present in the batteries interior.
  • the thermally conductive filler is chemically inert and possesses arc resistance.
  • the thermally conductive filler has a fine granular consistency, for example, granules having a median particle size between 2.0 and 200 microns.
  • a suitable filler will possess a thermal conductivity between about 10 - 35 W/m # °K (or about 70 - 240 BTU*in/ft 2 *hr*°F) In addition, a suitable filler will possess a dielectric strength between about 10 and 20 kV/mm (or about 250 - 500 V/mil).
  • alumina trihydrate having a median particle size of 60-100 microns, preferably 80 microns was introduced into the free space within the battery.
  • the battery was vibrated to allow the granules to settle into any of the smaller spaces and then topped off with additional granules until the desired level of packing was achieved.
  • 48 or 49 cylindrical cells are arranged within two end frames in a honeycomb configuration to form each cell pack.
  • One, two or more pairs of cell packs may be provided based on the load power requirements.
  • the thermally conductive filler then occupies the gaps in between the honeycombed configured cells.
  • Alumina Trihydrate endothermically decomposes at 220 degrees C (430 degrees F) to release 35% of its weight as water vapor; wherein excessive water vapor pressure will breach the pressure relief vent.
  • a high temperature steel cover also lined with thermoplastic film is secured to the top open end of the casing to form a water tight housing.
  • Emergency high pressure venting is provided. The vents allow the housing to remain watertight during 50,000 foot elevation pressure changes. In the case of a runaway cell or other malfunction that produces excessive pressure, the vent covering would rupture allowing the internal space to depressurize.
  • the cell packs Prior to the introduction of the thermally conductive filler in to the case, the cell packs may be place within five-sided open boxes or insulating sleeves. Certain portions of the cell pack may be stabilized with a silicone-based filler. For example the bottom of the cell pack, or corners or edges of the cell pack, may include the silicone-based filler.
  • the Silicone-based filler provides a cushion between the cell pack and the metal case which is less forgiving than the previous polypropylene case.
  • a suitable epoxy for use in electronic equipment may also be introduced in certain areas of the cell pack to encase these cell connectors and electronics.
  • the silicone-based filler and epoxy can occupy certain volumes of space where it is desirous to exclude the thermally conductive filler granules.
  • the proposed solution utilizes a thermally conductive filler to reduce the cell pack temperature by decreasing the thermal impedance from the given cell pack volume to the outside surface of the metal battery housing. While previous plastic battery housings were made from low conductive material, the metal battery housing according to the invention has high conductivity and functions like a radiator to dissipate heat transmitted from the cells through the thermally conductive filler to the exterior.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a thermal management system 270.
  • the steel casing 260 forms the exterior housing of the battery.
  • CARC or galvanization 260a is applied to both interior and exterior surfaces of steel casing 260.
  • CARC would be intimately bonded to the surface of the casing, however a small gap is included in the drawing for the sake of clarity.
  • An insulating film 262 is adhered to interior surface of the casing with adhesive 262a.
  • a cell pack 224 is shown with its negative terminal 224n and end frame 220. Individual electrical battery cells are arranged within the end frame 220. Groups of cells are protected by thermal fuses 240.
  • a sleeve may be provided around cell pack 224, although not illustrated for the sake of clarity.
  • metal panels lined with electrically insulating material divide the internal space into compartments.
  • a thermally conductive filler 264 is disposed within the case to fill the free space between cell pack 224 and insulating liner 262. Additional thermally conductive filler 264 occupies all of the interstices between the individual cells of cell pack 224 as indicated by the filling arrow 264a.
  • a vent 280 is formed as an aperture through the metal case 260. One or both sides of the aperture may be covered with a film 262, 280b attached to the case with adhesive 262a, 280a.
  • the combination of label material and adhesive strength will keep the vent holes closed during altitude changes up to 50,000 feet, when the atmospheric pressure varies between about 30 inHg and 3 inHg and back to 30 inHg.
  • the combination of label material and adhesive strength will open the vent holes if the internal pressure approaches the design limits of the housing.
  • the combination of label material and adhesive strength will keep the vent holes closed under 10X pressure changes, and will open the vent holes under 15X pressure changes.
  • a pressure sensor may be provided to monitor internal pressure and coupled to software that will open circuit breakers to disconnect the bus bars under 15X pressure changes.
  • the size of the film covering the aperture is dimensioned to withstand the elevation pressure change, yet rupture upon the build-up of excess pressure within the case due to a runaway cell or other malfunction.
  • high temperature means a steel alloy that can withstands temperatures up to about 500 degrees C (930 degrees F).
  • Such steels contain base materials of nickel, iron or cobalt and combinations thereof.
  • Nickel type materials will contain primarily nickel with lesser amounts of iron and cobalt, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy.
  • Cobalt type materials will contain primarily cobalt with lesser amounts of nickel and iron, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy.
  • Iron type materials will contain primarily iron with lesser amounts of nickel and cobalt, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy. Typically, chromium is added in an amount between 1-30%. Molybdenum is optionally added in amounts up to 28%. Other materials are optionally added in trace amounts up to 15%, namely, tungsten, manganese, silicon, niobium, aluminum, titanium, carbon, boron, zirconium and copper and combinations thereof. [0048]
  • the primary advantage of the proposed approach is the ability to continuously charge and discharge the battery at significantly higher rates at elevated ambient temperatures. Additionally the reduced cell temperature provides an increase in battery cycle life.
  • the thermal management system can be applied to any battery having a cell pack contained in a battery housing in order to improve high-rate high-temperature performance.
  • the thermal management system has been applied to a 6T battery.
  • the internal space of the battery was air cooled and housed in a polypropylene case.
  • Maximum cycling performance was rated at +60 amps charging and -60 amps discharging at an ambient temperature of 38°C.
  • the battery can be continuously cycled at more than 70 or 80 amps, more particularly +90 amps charging and -90 amps discharging at an ambient temperature of 50°C, providing a significant improvement in performance capability.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)

Abstract

A thermal management system (270) for rechargeable secondary batteries having an electrically insulating material (262) lining the interior of a metal case (260). One or more cell packs (24) made of individual cells (12) arranged within end frames (220) is disposed in the metal case (260). A thermally conductive granular filler (264) occupies the interstices (264A) between the individual cells (12) and the space between the cell pack and the electrically insulating material liner (262). The thermally conductive filler (264) decreases the thermal impedance from the cell pack (24) to the exterior surface of the metal case (260) to reduce cell pack temperature and increase battery life

Description

THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[001] The invention relates to a thermal management system for rechargeable batteries.
2 The Prior Art
[002] High capacity secondary batteries are formed by packing multiple rechargeable cells into a housing. The packing configuration can occupy a large volume, inadequately protect the cells from impact shock or lead to overheating. For many applications, rechargeable batteries must be able to provide continuous charge/discharge cycles at high current levels and at elevated ambient temperatures. The power dissipation in the cells due to continuous high current cycling can cause the cell-pack temperature to exceed the protection circuit over-temperature threshold, turning off the battery and removing power from the load. Conventional battery designs require significant limits on the charge/discharge current levels to prevent over-temperature shutdown at elevated ambient temperatures. The problem of overheating with potential damage to the battery is particularly severe when utilizing Lithium-Ion cells. A known solution is to reduce the cell current by paralleling additional cells to share the current, which increases the overall battery volume, weight and cost.
[003] Another approach provides a solid support member with cavities shaped to receive individual battery cells. The support member may include an endothermic material as one of its components. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017/0214103 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0375076 include alumina trihydrate in a blend of other minerals that is combined with a ceramic matrix or a polymeric binding material, respectively, to form the support member. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0221914 also forms a solid battery housing made from intumescent flame retardant polymer, a blowing agent and optionally a fire retardant such as alumina trihydrate. The above-noted approaches have a major drawback in that the battery configuration revolves around the custom solid support member of solid battery housing. These methods of thermal management cannot be used with existing or legacy battery designs.
[004] Another option set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0155348 proposes to form a battery casing from a flame-retardant thermoplastic including a homopolymer, a copolymer and ammonium polyphosphate and optionally including a filler such as aluminum trihydrate. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0244578 discloses heat conductive materials and methods for producing same. An aluminum starting material is combined with boric acid, phosphoric acid or other similar materials and then fired to produce a film that is applied to a metallic surface of an electronic device. One of the aluminum starting materials may be aluminum hydroxide.
[005] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0189740 combines alumina, alumina hydrate, ammonium chloride and a halogen which is then heat treated and disintegrated to form a particulate filler that is incorporated into a rubber, plastic or glass to increase thermal conductivity. U.S. Patent 8,389,153 combines a lithium-containing active member, aluminum powder and a polymer binder to form the positive electrode of the battery. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019/0051906 uses alumina powder of a specified bulk density as a coating layer on an electrode or separation membrane of a secondary battery.
[006] Present approaches place thermally conductive materials in custom configurations within thermoplastic battery cases.
[007] In other instances, fillers are incorporated into the thermoplastic of the battery case to improve conductivity and provide flame-resistance.
SUMMARY OF THU INVENTION
[008] It is one object of the present invention to provide rechargeable batteries containing lithium-ion (Li-Ion) chemistry within a sealed housing that can be adequately cooled. [009] It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal management system for secondary batteries.
[0010] It is a further object to provide a free flowing thermally conductive filler that can be incorporated into existing and legacy battery designs.
[0011] It is another object to provide a metal battery case to increase the dissipation of battery cell heat to the exterior of the battery case.
[0012] It is a further object to electrically isolate the battery cells and thermally conductive filler from the metal case while maintaining a low thermal impedance.
[0013] While various cells may be used, the apparatus according to the invention is particularly suited for use with Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) cells. A strip heater is intertwined between the cells in the separation formed by said honeycomb configuration to warm the cells if the ambient temperature is below the specified operating temperature of the cells.
[0014] In a further embodiment, a thermal management system for a rechargeable battery is provided by a metal case having an exterior surface and an interior surface lined with an electrically insulating material. A cell pack made from individual battery cells arranged within end frames is disposed in the metal case. A thermally conductive granular filler occupies the interstices between the individual cells and between the cell pack and the electrically insulating material lining. The thermally conductive filler decreases the thermal impedance from the cell pack to the exterior surface of the metal case to reduce cell pack temperature and increase battery life.
[0015] The metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are galvanized for rust prevention. The metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are provided with a highly-crosslinked non-porous coating that protects the metal from biological, radioactive and chemical contamination and withstands chemical cleaning and decontamination without corroding. The highly-crosslinked non-porous coating comprises one of urethane, polyurethane, aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, epoxy polyamide, epoxy polyamide enamel and combinations thereof.
[0016] The cover is sealed to said five-sided box to provide a waterproof metal case that protects the cell pack from moisture intrusion. The metal case includes a pressure relief vent. The pressure relief vent comprises an aperture through the metal case and a film adhered over the aperture. The electrically insulating material lining the interior surface of the metal case comprises a thermoplastic film adhered to said interior surface. The thermoplastic film is one of polyester, nylon and polycarbonate, preferably polyester. In a practical embodiment, the thermoplastic film is between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm thick, preferably 0.5mm thick.
[0017] The metal case includes metal panels lined with the electrically insulating material that divide the internal space into compartments. The system includes multiple cell packs, each including dozens of cells, wherein each compartment contains one cell pack. Two cell packs are arranged adjacent to each other within the case with one lower end frame of the first cell pack facing one upper end frame of the second cell pack, with the thermally conductive granular filler disposed between the facing end frames. The thermally conductive granular filler comprises alumina trihydrate having a particle size between 2-200 microns which decomposes at 220 degrees C to release 35% of its weight as water vapor, wherein excessive water vapor pressure will breach the film adhered over the aperture to open the pressure relief vent.
[0018] The system may include electrically insulated sleeves which contain the cell packs. The end frames are bonded to the battery cells with epoxy and a silicon-based filler is disposed between the end frames and the metal case to stabilize the cell packs. The thermal management systems allows the battery to be cycled in excess of +70 amps charge and -70 amps discharge whereby the thermally conductive filler decreases thermal impedance from the cell pack to the outside surface of the metal case so that the over temperature protection circuit is not tripped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:
[0020] FIG. 1 A is an internal view of the battery showing the cells within end frames disposed within pockets inside the housing.
[0021] FIG. IB is an enlarged, top plan view of a section of an end frame.
[0022] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the end frame section taken along the line 1C-1C from FIG. IB.
[0023] FIGs. 2 A, 2B and 2C are exploded views of the cell packs.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the bus bars and cell packs.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bus bars without the cell packs.
[0026] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the case, insulation and granular filler of the thermal management system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The invention relates to the assembly of cell packs into a housing with integrated control electronics to form a rechargeable battery. The battery, for example, a Lithium- Ion (Li-Ion) Battery, may be useful for vehicle and other high capacity applications. In this application “secondary” batteries have the same meaning as “rechargeable” batteries
[0028] The arrangement of cells is critical to facilitate the assembly process. The series and parallel arrangements of cells are often inefficient to connect in an economical and functional arrangement. The assembly is shown in FIG. 1A as an apparatus 10 for electronically controlling and mechanically coupling cells together within a battery housing 60. [0029] The 18650 cells are arranged into six cell packs. Two cell packs 24 are shown, in a first row, where two additional rows may by added behind the two cell packs shown. The cell packs are then tied in parallel with substantial bus bars. The construction of the cell packs uses two symmetrical honeycomb shaped parts to hold each end of the cylindrical cells (49cells for 24v and 48 cells for 12v). The cells 12 and honeycombs, illustrated as end frames 30 get press-fitted and held together by friction fit. The end frame has alignment feature that gradually spread & align all cells at the same time as press-fit process takes place. The honeycomb part holds the cells in relation to each other so as to provide a gap between cells of sufficient size to improve safety by slowing heat conduction from a failed cell and adjacent cells. The gap is also sufficient to allow a strip heater 90 to be snaked between cells providing direct heat to each cell.
[0030] Individual battery or electrical cells 12 are arranged within end frames 20 in rows 20b, as shown in FIGs. 1 A, IB and 1C. In each row the cells are places with alternating positive ends 12p and negative ends 12n facing one direction. Connecting tabs 30 are soldered to adjacent cells, connecting a positive end 12p to a negative end 12n, thereby forming a series connection for the cells within the cell pack 24. FIG. IB shows an enlarged view of one corner of an internal side 20g of end frame 20. The cells have a diameter 12a, with cups 20a being configured slightly larger. A plurality of cups 20a are arranged in rows 20b, that are offset by one-half the cup diameter to create a honeycomb configuration of cells. Each cup 20a includes an annular ring 20c that is a vertical wall in the view of FIG. IB. The annular ring height 20d is shown in FIGs. 1C and 2A. The lower part of annular ring 20c terminates in a bottom 20e having an aperture 20f formed therein. In between adjacent groups of three cups, there are posts 20m, which extend up, off the page, with tapered top ends to guide the cells into the cups during the press fitting operation. The posts do not have regular triangular cross-sections, rather the posts have three concave sides 20p that conform to the arc of the cups (and slightly larger that the circumference of the cells). At selected locations, the posts are formed between four adjacent cups as double triangles. These double triangular cross section posts 20t may by located in the corners, or in rows through the middle of an end frame to provide additional strength and stiffness to the end frame. FIG. IB also shows slots 20r at the periphery of end frame 20, in the region where a row 20b is staggered downward. [0031] Tabs 30 connect the cells. The tabs are designed with an offset to provide compliance to reduce stress on the weld joints that provide cell to cell connections. The tabs are shaped to self fixture and align themselves to the cells for improved assembly. The tabs that interconnect cells are configured to provide a series connection between cells while providing parallel connection between groups of cells. After welding, these tabs provide additional mechanical grid-locking support between the honeycomb and cells, further preventing these cells from coming loose from friction fit.
[0032] The cell packs are protected by thermal fuses 40. The thermal time constant of the fuses has been increased by the addition of a potting compound 40a around the fuses and onto the cells. This eliminates fuse operation due to thermal rise of the cells that is expected during normal periods of high amperage operation. The fuse will still operate to protect the battery during unexpected high current operation.
[0033] FIG. 2 A shows a row of cells with the negative cell contact 12n facing up in one row, and the positive cell contact 12p facing up in the adjacent row. The cells are captured between two end frames 20. FIGs. 1C and 2B show connecting tabs 30 extending from one aperture 20f to the next to connect cells. Connecting tab 30 sits within a shallow channel 20k formed in the external side 20h of each end frame 20.
[0034] As can be seen in FIGs. 2B, 2C, 3 and 4A a central negative bus bar 70 is connected to the negative terminal 24n of the cell packs and the output terminal 72 through a monitoring device. Being centrally located allows the length of this bus to be short to minimize the resistance and voltage drop. A ring bus 80 connects the positive terminal 24p of the cell packs to the output terminal through a switch 64. The cell pack arrangement that provides for a short negative bus necessitates a long current path in the positive bus. To balance resistance from the cell packs to the switch the bus is arranged in a ring to provide self balancing multiple current paths to the switch. The bus bars are made primarily from aluminum and electrically couple all of the cell pack terminals of one polarity together. The bus bar has sufficient cross-sectional area to conduct at least 70 - 80 amps, preferably 90 amps across its length, with the corresponding heat being dissipated through contact to the cover. [0035] The bus bars, control electronics, and other circuitry are contained in and supported by a plastic tray 62 (FIG. 1 A). The tray provides mechanical support and physical separation between components. The positive bus bar ring 80 is designed as a continuous rigid rib structure that fits into the tray perimeter and gives it additional structural support. This allows the tray to take random loads of all 6 packs acting on its otherwise very large surface area during vibration and drop with minimal deflection. The ring then passes this load to the very edge of the cover which is its stiffest section, as the perimeter of the cover 62 is shear bonded to the case, or battery housing 60. The cell packs are allowed to move on isolation mounts 52 to absorb shock and vibration to prevent damage to the cell packs. The cell packs are contained in separate five sided pockets 50 in the battery housing with the isolation mounts touching each side. FIG. IB shows slots 20r located in the edges of end frames 20. FIG. 2C shows the isolation mounts 52 with tabs 52a having a height 52b slightly smaller than the height 20s of the slot 20r. Once installed, the foot of the lower isolation mount 52 extends out and laterally to contact the internal bottom and sides of the five-sided pocket 50 (FIG. 1 A). The foot 52c of the upper isolation mount 52 extends out to contact the bottom of tray cover 62, and laterally to contact the internal side of five-sided pocket 50. The tray provides the top surface of the pockets to restrain the upper side of the cell pack shock and vibration isolators.
[0036] The output terminals 72, 82 are flat pads with internal threads. They can be converted to standard posts 74, 84. Anti rotation keying is provided in the posts which are held onto the flat pads through a screw though the center of the posts. The positive and negative posts are keyed differently to prevent installation of the wrong post onto the flat pads.
[0037] Previously the batteries exterior casing, or outer housing, was formed from plastic. A thermoplastic material for thermoset polymer could be molded to provide a unitary sealed housing of relatively high strength. For portable batteries for field deployable batteries, a plastic housing provided a reasonable balance between strength and weight while enclosing the battery cells in a nonconductive sheath. In other words the plastic has a low electrical conductivity. [0038] One drawback is that the plastics used as housing materials have a relatively low thermal conductivity. For example, nylon has a thermal conductivity of 0.25 W/(mK), polypropylene has a thermal conductivity of between 0.1 and 0.22 W/(mK), while polycarbonate and PVC have a thermal conductivity of 0.19 W/(mK). In the thermal management system according to the invention, the plastic housing was replaced with a iron/carbon steel alloy having a thermal conductivity at least 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than plastic. For example various steel alloys have thermal conductivities ranging between 10 to 60 W/(mK). In a practical embodiment a high temperature steel alloy was form into a battery housing with a combination of right angle folds and welding of additional plates at the comers. All surfaces were then treated to provide rust prevention and environmental protection with Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) or galvanization. CARC is a highly-crosslinked non-porous coating that protects the metal from biological, radioactive and chemical contamination and withstands chemical cleaning and decontamination without corroding. CARC is applied as one or more layers of highly-crosslinked resins such as urethane, polyurethane, aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, epoxy polyamide, epoxy polyamide enamel and combinations thereof.
[0039] Steel is an unlikely choice for a battery casing since it presents serious threats in the form of electrocution, short circuiting, damage to battery cells and electronics, and fire and explosion hazards. To address these concerns the entire interior of the metal case and lid are lined with an electrically insulating file, for example, a thermoplastic film.
The film maybe selected from materials such as polyester, nylon and polycarbonate. A suitable film would be about 0.2mm - 2.0 mm, more particularly, 0.25 - 1 mm thick. A suitable film would posses a dielectric strength between about 250 - 350 kV/mm (or between about 6,250 - 8,750 V/mil). In a practical embodiment polyester film about 0.5 mm thick, sold under the tradename Mylar, was adhered to the interior of the case. The film is adhered to the interior surface of the case using a suitable adhesive, for example, 300 LSE manufactured by 3M.
[0040] During assembly of the battery, a thermally conductive filler material is introduced within the battery case to surround the internal components. In previous battery constructions, free space surrounded the internal components. This design allows for air cooling by natural convection currents. The thermally conductive filler is a free flowing material that occupies the interstices between the individual cells and occupies the space between the cell pack and the thermoplastic film lining. The thermally conductor filler is capable of conforming to any open spaces that are present in the batteries interior. The thermally conductive filler is chemically inert and possesses arc resistance. The thermally conductive filler has a fine granular consistency, for example, granules having a median particle size between 2.0 and 200 microns. A suitable filler will possess a thermal conductivity between about 10 - 35 W/m#°K (or about 70 - 240 BTU*in/ft2*hr*°F) In addition, a suitable filler will possess a dielectric strength between about 10 and 20 kV/mm (or about 250 - 500 V/mil).
[0041] In a practical embodiment alumina trihydrate (AkCri^FFO) having a median particle size of 60-100 microns, preferably 80 microns was introduced into the free space within the battery. The battery was vibrated to allow the granules to settle into any of the smaller spaces and then topped off with additional granules until the desired level of packing was achieved. As described above 48 or 49 cylindrical cells are arranged within two end frames in a honeycomb configuration to form each cell pack. One, two or more pairs of cell packs may be provided based on the load power requirements. The thermally conductive filler then occupies the gaps in between the honeycombed configured cells. Alumina Trihydrate endothermically decomposes at 220 degrees C (430 degrees F) to release 35% of its weight as water vapor; wherein excessive water vapor pressure will breach the pressure relief vent.
[0042] A high temperature steel cover also lined with thermoplastic film is secured to the top open end of the casing to form a water tight housing. Emergency high pressure venting is provided. The vents allow the housing to remain watertight during 50,000 foot elevation pressure changes. In the case of a runaway cell or other malfunction that produces excessive pressure, the vent covering would rupture allowing the internal space to depressurize.
[0043] Prior to the introduction of the thermally conductive filler in to the case, the cell packs may be place within five-sided open boxes or insulating sleeves. Certain portions of the cell pack may be stabilized with a silicone-based filler. For example the bottom of the cell pack, or corners or edges of the cell pack, may include the silicone-based filler. The Silicone-based filler provides a cushion between the cell pack and the metal case which is less forgiving than the previous polypropylene case. A suitable epoxy for use in electronic equipment may also be introduced in certain areas of the cell pack to encase these cell connectors and electronics. In addition the silicone-based filler and epoxy can occupy certain volumes of space where it is desirous to exclude the thermally conductive filler granules.
[0044] The proposed solution utilizes a thermally conductive filler to reduce the cell pack temperature by decreasing the thermal impedance from the given cell pack volume to the outside surface of the metal battery housing. While previous plastic battery housings were made from low conductive material, the metal battery housing according to the invention has high conductivity and functions like a radiator to dissipate heat transmitted from the cells through the thermally conductive filler to the exterior.
[0045] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a thermal management system 270. The steel casing 260 forms the exterior housing of the battery. CARC or galvanization 260a is applied to both interior and exterior surfaces of steel casing 260. CARC would be intimately bonded to the surface of the casing, however a small gap is included in the drawing for the sake of clarity. An insulating film 262 is adhered to interior surface of the casing with adhesive 262a. A cell pack 224 is shown with its negative terminal 224n and end frame 220. Individual electrical battery cells are arranged within the end frame 220. Groups of cells are protected by thermal fuses 240.
A sleeve may be provided around cell pack 224, although not illustrated for the sake of clarity. Alternatively, metal panels lined with electrically insulating material divide the internal space into compartments. A thermally conductive filler 264 is disposed within the case to fill the free space between cell pack 224 and insulating liner 262. Additional thermally conductive filler 264 occupies all of the interstices between the individual cells of cell pack 224 as indicated by the filling arrow 264a. [0046] A vent 280 is formed as an aperture through the metal case 260. One or both sides of the aperture may be covered with a film 262, 280b attached to the case with adhesive 262a, 280a. Accordingly, the combination of label material and adhesive strength will keep the vent holes closed during altitude changes up to 50,000 feet, when the atmospheric pressure varies between about 30 inHg and 3 inHg and back to 30 inHg. In addition, the combination of label material and adhesive strength will open the vent holes if the internal pressure approaches the design limits of the housing. The combination of label material and adhesive strength will keep the vent holes closed under 10X pressure changes, and will open the vent holes under 15X pressure changes. A pressure sensor may be provided to monitor internal pressure and coupled to software that will open circuit breakers to disconnect the bus bars under 15X pressure changes.
The size of the film covering the aperture is dimensioned to withstand the elevation pressure change, yet rupture upon the build-up of excess pressure within the case due to a runaway cell or other malfunction.
[0047] The case is made from high temperature steel of a sufficient thickness to remain intact while damaged cells burn out and ignite neighboring cells in a domino effect and simultaneously prevent the cells or other internal battery components from ejecting as secondary projectiles. In this application, high temperature means a steel alloy that can withstands temperatures up to about 500 degrees C (930 degrees F). Such steels contain base materials of nickel, iron or cobalt and combinations thereof. Nickel type materials will contain primarily nickel with lesser amounts of iron and cobalt, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy. Cobalt type materials will contain primarily cobalt with lesser amounts of nickel and iron, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy. Iron type materials will contain primarily iron with lesser amounts of nickel and cobalt, with the base materials collectively making up more than 50% of the alloy. Typically, chromium is added in an amount between 1-30%. Molybdenum is optionally added in amounts up to 28%. Other materials are optionally added in trace amounts up to 15%, namely, tungsten, manganese, silicon, niobium, aluminum, titanium, carbon, boron, zirconium and copper and combinations thereof. [0048] The primary advantage of the proposed approach is the ability to continuously charge and discharge the battery at significantly higher rates at elevated ambient temperatures. Additionally the reduced cell temperature provides an increase in battery cycle life. The thermal management system can be applied to any battery having a cell pack contained in a battery housing in order to improve high-rate high-temperature performance. As a specific example, the thermal management system has been applied to a 6T battery. Previously the internal space of the battery was air cooled and housed in a polypropylene case. Maximum cycling performance was rated at +60 amps charging and -60 amps discharging at an ambient temperature of 38°C. Utilizing the thermal filler and metal case according to the thermal management system of the invention, the battery can be continuously cycled at more than 70 or 80 amps, more particularly +90 amps charging and -90 amps discharging at an ambient temperature of 50°C, providing a significant improvement in performance capability.
[0049] Having described preferred embodiments (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting) for materials, configurations and assembly, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The secondary batteries can contain different quantities of cell packs and individual cells. Various materials and coatings may be combined in alternate configurations to achieve the same purpose. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for rechargeable battery comprising: a metal case having an exterior surface and an interior surface lined with an electrically insulating material; a cell pack made from individual battery cells arranged within end frames and disposed in said metal case; and a thermally conductive granular filler occupying the interstices between said individual cells and between the cell pack and the electrically insulating material lining, wherein said thermally conductive filler decreases the thermal impedance from the cell pack to the exterior surface of the metal case to reduce cell pack temperature and increase battery life.
2. A thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein said metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are galvanized for rust prevention.
3. A thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein said metal case includes a five-sided box and a cover made from one of iron/carbon steel and high temperature steel, wherein all surfaces of the case are provided with a highly-crosslinked non-porous coating that protects the metal from biological, radioactive and chemical contamination and withstands chemical cleaning and decontamination without corroding.
4. A thermal management system according to claims 1 and 3, wherein said highly- crosslinked non-porous coating comprises one of urethane, polyurethane, aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, epoxy polyamide, epoxy polyamide enamel and combinations thereof.
5. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said cover is sealed to said five-sided box to provide a waterproof metal case that protects the cell pack from moisture intrusion, wherein the metal case includes a pressure relief vent.
6. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pressure relief vent comprises an aperture through the metal case and a film adhered over the aperture.
7. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said electrically insulating material lining said interior surface of said metal case comprises a thermoplastic film adhered to said interior surface.
8. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said thermoplastic film is one of polyester, nylon and polycarbonate, preferably polyester.
9. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said thermoplastic film is between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm thick, preferably 0.5mm thick.
10. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said metal case includes metal panels lined with the electrically insulating material that divide the internal space into compartments, wherein said system includes multiple cell packs, each including dozens of cells, wherein each compartment contains one cell pack.
11. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two cell packs are arranged adjacent to each other within the case with one lower end frame of the first cell pack facing one upper end frame of the second cell pack, wherein the thermally conductive granular filler is disposed between the facing end frames.
12. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said thermally conductive granular filler comprises alumina trihydrate having a particle size between 2-200 microns which decomposes at 220 degrees C to release 35% of its weight as water vapor, wherein excessive water vapor pressure will breach the film adhered over the aperture to open the pressure relief vent.
13. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said system includes electrically insulated sleeves which contain the cell packs.
14. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said end frames are bonded to the battery cells with epoxy and wherein a silicon-based filler is disposed between the end frames and the metal case to stabilize the cell packs.
15. A thermal management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal management systems allows the battery to be cycled in excess of +70 amps charge and -70 amps discharge whereby the thermally conductive filler decreases thermal impedance from the cell pack to the outside surface of the metal case so that the over temperature protection circuit is not tripped.
PCT/US2020/064070 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries Ceased WO2021119164A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL294998A IL294998A (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
AU2020402864A AU2020402864B2 (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
CA3169067A CA3169067A1 (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
US17/756,942 US12603346B2 (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
JP2022552237A JP2023513850A (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
EP20900614.7A EP4073873A4 (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
CN202080094774.9A CN115053383A (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962946513P 2019-12-11 2019-12-11
US62/946,513 2019-12-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021119164A1 true WO2021119164A1 (en) 2021-06-17

Family

ID=76329071

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2020/064070 Ceased WO2021119164A1 (en) 2019-12-11 2020-12-09 Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US12603346B2 (en)
EP (1) EP4073873A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2023513850A (en)
CN (1) CN115053383A (en)
CA (1) CA3169067A1 (en)
IL (1) IL294998A (en)
WO (1) WO2021119164A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024028890A1 (en) * 2022-08-01 2024-02-08 Tvs Motor Company Limited A battery module
WO2024195779A1 (en) * 2023-03-23 2024-09-26 三桜工業株式会社 Cell holder, battery module, and battery pack
EP4583289A4 (en) * 2022-08-31 2026-02-25 Panasonic Energy Co Ltd BATTERY PACK

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1029162B1 (en) * 2021-03-04 2022-10-03 Bebat Vzw Drum for the transport and/or storage of batteries and the use of such drum
US20240097237A1 (en) * 2022-09-21 2024-03-21 Viridi Parente, Inc. Battery pack system and method for mitigating and responding to thermal runaway
US20240291063A1 (en) * 2023-02-24 2024-08-29 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Thermally resilient battery pack
DE102024110844A1 (en) * 2024-04-18 2025-10-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Energy storage with a separator protection

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100273034A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Tesla Motors, Inc. Battery pack enclosure with controlled thermal runaway release system
CN201800516U (en) * 2010-07-28 2011-04-20 比亚迪股份有限公司 Mounting structure of vehicle battery
US20140272509A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Water resistant battery box
US20140370354A1 (en) * 2013-06-13 2014-12-18 Chervon (Hk) Limited Battery pack having heat dissipating system

Family Cites Families (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4418127A (en) * 1981-11-23 1983-11-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Battery cell module
DE9002249U1 (en) * 1990-02-26 1990-05-03 Varta Batterie Ag, 3000 Hannover Accumulator battery
DE4013269A1 (en) 1990-04-26 1991-10-31 Abb Patent Gmbh HIGH TEMPERATURE STORAGE BATTERY
JPH08117879A (en) 1994-08-29 1996-05-14 Toyota Motor Corp Press working method
WO1997045884A2 (en) 1996-05-28 1997-12-04 Gitto/Global Corporation Flame-retardant battery casing
JP2001223034A (en) * 2000-02-08 2001-08-17 Kubota Corp Battery insulation structure
US7563535B2 (en) 2002-02-06 2009-07-21 Sony Corporation Battery pack with insulating film sheath material and method of producing the same
JP3736529B2 (en) * 2002-02-06 2006-01-18 ソニー株式会社 Battery pack
US20110240064A1 (en) * 2002-09-09 2011-10-06 Reactive Surfaces, Ltd. Polymeric Coatings Incorporating Bioactive Enzymes for Cleaning a Surface
KR20060020672A (en) 2003-06-12 2006-03-06 쇼와 덴코 가부시키가이샤 Method for producing alumina particles and composition containing alumina particles
US8816645B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2014-08-26 Aerovironment, Inc. Integrated battery unit with cooling and protection expedients for electric vehicles
DE102007010748A1 (en) 2007-02-27 2008-08-28 Daimler Ag battery case
CN101809780B (en) 2008-06-09 2013-07-24 松下电器产业株式会社 Battery
CN102224076B (en) 2008-09-23 2014-08-27 飞行环境公司 Remote device control and power supply
EP2299535A4 (en) * 2008-11-21 2012-10-03 Panasonic Corp BATTERY PACK
US8296036B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2012-10-23 Aerovironment, Inc. Aircraft power management
JP5740103B2 (en) * 2009-10-19 2015-06-24 日東電工株式会社 Thermally conductive member and assembled battery device using the same
JP5663962B2 (en) * 2010-05-31 2015-02-04 ソニー株式会社 Battery unit
US8932739B2 (en) * 2010-08-04 2015-01-13 Tesla Motors, Inc. Battery pack configuration to reduce hazards associated with internal short circuits
US20120225331A1 (en) * 2011-03-02 2012-09-06 Lithionics, Llc Battery pack protection system
US20180375076A1 (en) 2012-10-11 2018-12-27 Cadenza Innovation, Inc. Lithium Ion Battery
US10052508B2 (en) * 2013-09-09 2018-08-21 The Boeing Company Containers for fire containment
US20150140411A1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2015-05-21 The Bergquist Company Battery Cell Coatings
US9853267B2 (en) 2014-02-03 2017-12-26 Ursatech Ltd. Intumescent battery housing
MX2016015059A (en) 2014-05-21 2017-06-29 Thermal Ceram Inc PASSIVE INSULATION MATERIALS.
JP6121074B1 (en) 2015-09-16 2017-04-26 大日精化工業株式会社 Alumina-based thermally conductive oxide and method for producing the same
JP6356937B1 (en) 2016-09-09 2018-07-11 住友化学株式会社 Alumina powder, alumina slurry, alumina-containing coating layer, laminated separation membrane, and secondary battery
JP2018049697A (en) * 2016-09-20 2018-03-29 株式会社豊田自動織機 Battery pack
WO2018062172A1 (en) 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 積水化学工業株式会社 Thermally conductive, thermally expandable resin composition, thermally conductive, thermally expandable molded body, battery module, and battery pack
KR102318181B1 (en) * 2017-02-08 2021-10-27 엘켐 실리콘즈 유에스에이 코포레이션 Secondary battery pack with improved thermal management
WO2018173860A1 (en) * 2017-03-22 2018-09-27 積水ポリマテック株式会社 Battery module and battery pack
KR102204303B1 (en) * 2017-10-27 2021-01-15 주식회사 엘지화학 Battery module having fixing structure intergrated with cooling material for battery cells and Battery pack including the same
WO2019131018A1 (en) * 2017-12-26 2019-07-04 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Heat dissipating structure and battery provided with the same
JP7085396B2 (en) * 2018-04-18 2022-06-16 ヤンマーパワーテクノロジー株式会社 Battery pack and propulsion device
WO2020219992A1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-10-29 Aerovironment Battery pack design with protection from thermal runaway
WO2020219993A1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-10-29 Aerovironment, Inc Battery pack with heater/voltage equalizer and method for high altitude long endurance aircraft
WO2020219760A1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-10-29 Aerovironment, Inc. Thermal control systems and methods for high altitude long endurance aircraft

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100273034A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Tesla Motors, Inc. Battery pack enclosure with controlled thermal runaway release system
CN201800516U (en) * 2010-07-28 2011-04-20 比亚迪股份有限公司 Mounting structure of vehicle battery
US20140272509A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Water resistant battery box
US20140370354A1 (en) * 2013-06-13 2014-12-18 Chervon (Hk) Limited Battery pack having heat dissipating system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP4073873A4 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024028890A1 (en) * 2022-08-01 2024-02-08 Tvs Motor Company Limited A battery module
EP4583289A4 (en) * 2022-08-31 2026-02-25 Panasonic Energy Co Ltd BATTERY PACK
WO2024195779A1 (en) * 2023-03-23 2024-09-26 三桜工業株式会社 Cell holder, battery module, and battery pack

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4073873A1 (en) 2022-10-19
IL294998A (en) 2022-09-01
EP4073873A4 (en) 2024-07-03
AU2020402864A1 (en) 2022-07-28
US12603346B2 (en) 2026-04-14
CA3169067A1 (en) 2021-06-17
JP2023513850A (en) 2023-04-03
US20230010716A1 (en) 2023-01-12
CN115053383A (en) 2022-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US12603346B2 (en) Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
US12362421B2 (en) Ballistic resistant case for rechargeable batteries
US20240380036A1 (en) Thermal runaway mitigation system for high capacity energy cell
JP7045597B2 (en) Cylindrical battery cell assembly with improved space utilization and safety, and battery module including it
US11081743B2 (en) Battery module with heat dissipating encapsulant material and methods therefor
CN111033878B (en) Battery modules and battery packs
US11799147B2 (en) Battery Module
US6099986A (en) In-situ short circuit protection system and method for high-energy electrochemical cells
CN113764799A (en) Single cells, battery modules and battery packs
US20160380247A1 (en) Battery Packs Having Single Stacks of Battery Cells
JP2022542077A (en) Battery modules, battery racks containing the same, and power storage devices
KR20220036170A (en) Battery module
JP4730705B2 (en) Battery pack
AU2020402864B2 (en) Thermal management system for rechargeable batteries
KR20230105540A (en) Fuel cell apparatus
US20250379329A1 (en) Systems and devices for protecting batteries
KR102881159B1 (en) Battery pack
WO2025027621A1 (en) Battery pack cooling system
WO2024246937A1 (en) A battery pack assembly
FI20225954A1 (en) Battery module and battery pack

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20900614

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020900614

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20220711

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020402864

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20201209

Kind code of ref document: A

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 3169067

Country of ref document: CA

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2022552237

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A