WO2025037332A1 - Système de gestion thermique destiné à une ou plusieurs unités de stockage d'énergie - Google Patents

Système de gestion thermique destiné à une ou plusieurs unités de stockage d'énergie Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025037332A1
WO2025037332A1 PCT/IN2024/051474 IN2024051474W WO2025037332A1 WO 2025037332 A1 WO2025037332 A1 WO 2025037332A1 IN 2024051474 W IN2024051474 W IN 2024051474W WO 2025037332 A1 WO2025037332 A1 WO 2025037332A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy storage
units
storage units
thermal management
regulating fluid
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.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IN2024/051474
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English (en)
Inventor
Sudhir Kumar Kushwaha
Santosh Gavhane
Kambi Reddy Poreddy
Manish Garg
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TVS Motor Co Ltd
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TVS Motor Co Ltd
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Publication of WO2025037332A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025037332A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
    • H01M10/6567—Liquids
    • H01M10/6568—Liquids characterised by flow circuits, e.g. loops, located externally to the cells or cell casings
    • 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
    • H01M10/6556—Solid parts with flow channel passages or pipes for heat exchange
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates in general to an energy storage unit. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to a thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units.
  • EVs Electric vehicles
  • hybrid vehicles as well as some internal combustion engine -based vehicles require safety mechanisms directed at reducing the propagation of fires due to thermal runaway and additionally control the operational temperature of the energy storage devices.
  • a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as BMS) which senses abnormal rises in temperatures inside the energy storage system.
  • BMS battery management system
  • the role the BMS plays is a passive role pertaining to mere monitoring and alerting, the BMS fails to take upon an active mechanism in diagnosing or coping with the abnormality occurring in the energy storage system.
  • the energy storage units are air cooled by way of natural or forced circulation of air. However, these mechanisms too have failed to regulate the temperature of the energy storage systems to the desired safe operative level.
  • the present invention provides a thermal management system for one or more energy storge units, the thermal management system comprising: the one or more energy storage units, an external casing configured to enclose the one or more energy storage units and a heat regulating fluid being circulated inside the external casing.
  • each energy storage unit of the one or more energy storage units comprises: a plurality of cells, a plurality of cell holders, the plurality of cell holders configured to position the plurality of cells in each energy storage unit and one or more interconnectors, the one or more interconnectors being disposed on a surface of the plurality of cells and configured to electrically connect the plurality of cells.
  • the thermal management system is operable in at least two configurations: a first configuration when the heat regulating fluid being circulated through one or more surfaces of each cell of the plurality of cells for thermal regulation of the one or more energy storage units, and a second configuration when the heat regulating fluid being circulated through a feeder circuit of the external casing for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the feeder circuit is integrated with one or more internal surfaces of the external casing.
  • the present invention additionally provides an external casing for thermal management in one or more energy storage units wherein the external casing comprises: a plurality of external surfaces where one or more external surfaces of the plurality of external surfaces is integrated with a plurality of heat radiating units, and a plurality of internal surfaces adjoining the plurality of external surfaces.
  • a feeder circuit is integrated with one or more internal surfaces of the plurality of internal surfaces, wherein the feeder circuit is configured to circulate a heat regulating fluid, and wherein the feeder circuit comprises one or more channels oriented in a pre-defined pattern. The pre-defined pattern of orientation of the one or more channels is associated with the disposition of the plurality of heat radiating units to thermally regulate the heat regulating fluid in circulation.
  • FIG. 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of one or more distributor units of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5(a) illustrates a sectional front view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7(a) and 7(b) illustrates a bottom view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • references to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
  • the present invention is illustrated with one or more energy storage units.
  • the present invention is not limited to an energy storage unit and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be extended to other forms of energy storage devices and battery packs used with various types of vehicles such as vehicles having internal combustion engines, electric vehicle and hybrid vehicles, and other forms of electrical and electronic equipment requiring an energy storage unit.
  • the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical energy to an external electrical load.
  • thermal management systems for energy storage units are of crucial importance for optimal performance of a vehicle, an appliance, device, or application in which the energy storage unit is used.
  • the thermal management system should be equipped with a configuration which not only removes heat from the energy storage unit but also should homogenise temperature distribution across the energy storage unit.
  • the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with the present disclosure is operable in at least two configurations.
  • the heat regulating fluid is circulated through one or more surfaces of each cell of the plurality of cells constituting the energy storage units.
  • the one or more surfaces of each cell refers to the surface area of the cells as well as tapping surfaces where the interconnector is connected to the cell. Conventionally, tapping surfaces between the interconnector and the cell serve as thermal hotspots.
  • the heat regulating fluid is a dielectric fluid.
  • one or more distributor units are employed to at least one of sprinkle, spray, spurt or pour the heat regulating fluid onto the one or more surfaces of each cell of the plurality of cells to achieve a more homogenous temperature distribution of the one or more energy storage units is achieved.
  • the heat regulating fluid after circulation through one or more surfaces of each cell of the plurality of cells is collected in a region of the external casing of the one or more energy storage units.
  • the temperature of the heat regulating fluid after circulation through the plurality of cells is relatively high and requires to be cooled below a threshold to further optimise its consumption in thermal regulation of the one or more energy storage units.
  • the collected heat regulation fluid is transmitted through a feeder circuit comprising of one or more channels.
  • the passage of the heat regulating fluid through the feeder circuit integrated in the external casing results in reduced temperature of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the material of the external casing has a high thermal conductivity, thereby facilitating more efficient thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the present subject matter in accordance with the disclosed configuration of the thermal management system operable in the first and second configuration provides a unified thermal regulation system for the one or more energy storage units and the heat regulating fluid.
  • the employment of one or more distributor units for immersive cooling of the plurality of cells with a dielectric fluid achieves faster cooling rates in comparison to passive cooling without any degradation or damage being caused to the electronic components such as the plurality of cells, the interconnector, the cell holders and other electronics.
  • an efficient thermal management system is provided for the one or more energy storage units.
  • the efficiency of thermal management of the one or more energy storage units is highly dependent on the thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid circulating through the plurality of cells of the one or more energy storage units.
  • the one or more channels of the feeder circuit are oriented in a predefined pattern on one or more internal surfaces of the external casing.
  • the external casing of the one or more energy storage units comprises of a plurality of external surfaces and a plurality of internal surfaces.
  • One or more external surfaces of the plurality of external surfaces of the external casing is provided with a plurality of heat radiating units.
  • the plurality of heat radiating units are typically subjected to ambient cool air or even forced cooling, where the plurality of heat radiating units aid in dissipation of heat to the external environment.
  • the heat regulating fluid is passed through a feeder circuit comprising one or more channels.
  • the feeder circuit is integrated on one or more internal surface of the plurality of internal surfaces of the external casing.
  • the one or more channels of the feeder circuit are oriented in a pre-defined pattern, where the pre-defined pattern is associated with the disposition of the plurality of heat radiating units.
  • the one or more channels of the feeder circuit are disposed in a fashion to cover maximum surface area of the internal surface on which it is disposed, the maximum surfaces area provides larger area of heat dissipation.
  • the one or more channels are thermally regulated by mechanism of conduction.
  • the one or more channels are disposed on one or more internal surfaces adjoining the one or more external surfaces integrated with the plurality of heat radiating units.
  • the disclosed configuration permits more efficient thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid where the ambient air or forced cooling acting on the plurality of heat radiating units aides in cooling the heat regulating fluid as well as a result of combined effects of conduction, convection and radiation.
  • the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units is configured to have its first configuration of thermal regulation of the one or more energy storage units and the second configuration of thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid to be operable simultaneously. Whilst ensuring efficient cooling of heated components with homogenous temperature distribution, to ensure the optimal working of sensitive electronics it is essential to have minimal latency in the thermal management system. Additionally, as the path for circulation of the heat regulating fluid through the plurality of cells and the feeder circuit is limited to the external casing of the one or more energy storage units, the time taken for the heat regulating fluid to re-enter the first configuration for thermal regulation of the one or more energy storage units is relatively smaller.
  • the present subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure addresses this exact drawback of conventional practices by configuring the external casing itself to be integrated with a feeder circuit to facilitate thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the disclosed configuration reduces latency of the system in thermal regulation, reduces additional component and material cost and addresses space constraints involved in conventional practices.
  • Thermal runaway refers to an accelerated release of heat inside a cell of the battery pack due to uncontrolled exothermic reactions.
  • the cells can no longer dissipate the heat as quickly as the heat is generated in the cell, ultimately leading to a loss of thermal stability of the cell.
  • the heat generated in the malfunctioning cell during thermal runaway can propagate to neighboring cells, which would then trigger thermal runaway in the adjacent cells leading to catastrophic failure in the entire battery pack.
  • there is an abnormally high temperature gradient in the malfunctioning cell which may lead to generation of smoke and then sparking of a fire.
  • the feeder circuit is connected to a fire hydrant line whereby a heat suppressant configured to extinguish a fire in cases of dire thermal runaway is circulated through the feeder circuit and is sprayed, sprinkled, poured or squirted onto the plurality of cells of the energy storage unit, thus extinguishing fire and preventing the fire from propagating outside the external casing of the one or more energy storage units.
  • a heat suppressant configured to extinguish a fire in cases of dire thermal runaway is circulated through the feeder circuit and is sprayed, sprinkled, poured or squirted onto the plurality of cells of the energy storage unit, thus extinguishing fire and preventing the fire from propagating outside the external casing of the one or more energy storage units.
  • the disclosed configuration of connection of the feeder circuit or one or more distributor units with a hydrant line is triggered upon receipt of temperature gradients by a battery management system of the one or more energy storage units.
  • a plurality of thermistors is employed which constantly detect temperature of the cells of the battery pack connected to a control unit.
  • a coping mechanism is deployed to prevent the propagation of fire in the battery pack.
  • a first evident drawback of the traditional thermal system is the latency involved in the system, wherein only upon the temperature of the energy storage unit exceeding a pre-defined threshold is the cooling or regulatory mechanism deployed.
  • a second listed drawback is on the economic front where complex electronics are employed entailing high maintenance, serviceability and implementation costs.
  • the present subject matter negates the requirement of complex electronics, thus providing an economic cost-effective thermal management in the energy storage unit with reduced latency of deployment.
  • the present subject matter relates to a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units.
  • the thermal management system facilitates thermal regulation of the plurality of cells of the energy storage unit by circulating a heat regulating fluid through one or more surfaces of each cell of the plurality of cells to transfer the heat from the cells. Additionally, the thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid is undertaken by passing the heat regulating fluid after circulation through the plurality of cells through a feeder circuit.
  • the feeder circuit comprises one or more channels integrated with one or more internal surfaces of the external casing while one or more external surfaces of the external casing is provided with a plurality of heat radiating units.
  • the one or more channels are disposed in a pre-defined pattern associated with the disposition of the plurality of heat radiating units to facilitate efficient thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid by conjunctive usage of mechanisms of conduction, convection and radiation.
  • the present disclosure provides a unified approach to thermal management for one or more energy storage units.
  • Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • 100 denotes a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units.
  • 102 denotes one or more energy storage units
  • 104 denotes a plurality of cells
  • 106 denotes a feeder circuit
  • 108 denotes a pumping unit
  • 110 denotes one or more distributor units
  • 112 denotes one or more connecting channel.
  • Figure 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an internal configuration of the thermal management system comprising of one or more energy storage units (102), a heat regulating fluid and a feeder circuit (106) for depiction of the flow path of the heat regulating fluid in the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a plurality of cells (104), a plurality of cell holders (not shown) and one or more interconnectors (not shown).
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) in the disclosed configuration is enclosed by an external casing.
  • a heat regulating fluid is configured to circulate inside the external casing comprising the one or more energy storage units (102) through one or more distributor units (110).
  • the pumping unit (108), the feeder circuit (106), the one or more connecting channel (112) and the one or more distributor units (110) are fluidically connected to define the flow path of the heat regulating fluid inside the external casing comprising the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the feeder circuit (106), the one or more connecting channel (112) and the one or more distributor units (110) are structurally connected to define the flow path of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the pumping unit (108) facilitates the transport of the heat regulating fluid through the feeding circuit and thereby the one or more connecting channel (112) and the one or more distributor units (110).
  • the pumping unit (108) is disposed in a vicinity of the feeder circuit (106).
  • the term “energy storage unit” (102) used in the present disclosure shall be construed to include one or a combination of electrical and electronic devices configured to store, supply and extract electrical energy.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) may include a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of battery modules or other forms of electrical energy storage equipment.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) is configured to be a source of electrical energy which is supplied to an electrical load for its functioning. Further, the one or more energy storage units (102) may be rechargeable or non- rechargeable. In the rechargeable configuration of the one or more energy storage units (102) the energy storage unit (102) is configured to extract electrical energy from a charging station or charging port which is supplying the electricity.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) has a charged and a discharged state which is represented by a state of charge (SoC) parameters of the one or more energy storage units.
  • SoC state of charge
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) additionally have an associated State of Health (SoH) parameter which represents the battery performance and its corollary battery degradation statistics.
  • SoH State of Health
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) includes, but is not limited to, at least one of lithium ion, nickel-cadmium, zinc carbon, alkaline, nickel metal hydride, sealed lead-acid, zinc-air, zinc-anode based, zinc-alkaline, manganese dioxide based, silver- zinc based and lead acid energy storage units (102).
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) consists of a plurality of cells which are electrically connected in parallel, series or a combined configuration of parallel and series, based on the requisite power output, voltage output and current output to be supplied by the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • one or more energy storage units (102) may be employed in a broad spectrum of industrial applications and equipment and are also serve as a critical component in vehicles such as internal combustion engine-based vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicle’s development and functioning.
  • the plurality of cells (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) refer to electrochemical cells and may be in the form of cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, coin cells, button cells or pouch cells.
  • a plurality of cell holders are provided in the one or more energy storage units (102) to securely dispose and position the plurality of cells (104) in the required configuration of series, parallel or combined electrical connection.
  • the plurality of cell holders ensure the positioning of the plurality of cells (104) and the cell spacing.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises one or more interconnectors (not shown) which are configured to establish an electrical connection between the plurality of cells (104) in the required configuration of electrical connections.
  • the one or more interconnectors are disposed on a surface of the plurality of cells (104) and configured to electrically connect the plurality of cells (104).
  • the surface of disposition of the one or more interconnectors are referred to as tapping surfaces, which often serve as thermal hotspots owing to the heat generated due to massive rate of data transmission through the one or more interconnectors.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a battery management system (not shown) and other suitable circuitry interfaces, and/or code that is configured to work in cooperation with the plurality of cells (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • One or more interconnectors may be employed in securing the connection between the plurality of cells (104) and the battery management system.
  • the thermal management system (100) comprises a feeder circuit (106), wherein the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels configured to circulate the heat regulating fluid.
  • the pumping unit (108) is disposed in a vicinity of the feeder circuit (106) and is configured to transfer the heat regulating fluid from one end of the feeder circuit (106) to another.
  • the pumping unit (108) employs mechanical rotatory action to transfer the heat regulating fluid.
  • the pumping unit (108) may be a submerged type disposed inside the external casing or an external type disposed external to the external casing, based on applicable space constraints of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the pumping unit (108) is at least one of a positive-displacement pump, an impulse pump, velocity pump, gravity pump, steam pump and valveless pumps.
  • the pumping unit (108) may be a positive displacement, a centrifugal or an axial flow pump. In anticipation of the designed flow rate requirements of the heat regulating fluid more than one pumping units (108) may be employed in the disclosed configuration of the thermal management system (100).
  • the one or more distributor units (110) is connected at one end to the one or more connecting channel (112) to supply the heat regulating fluid.
  • the one or more distributor units (110) is configured to supply the heat regulating fluid to the plurality of cells (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102) for thermal regulation of the plurality of cells (104).
  • Figure 1 (a) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units, wherein the one or more connecting channel (112) connecting the feeder circuit (106) to the one or more distribution units (110) interfaces with a side surface of at least one distributor unit of the one or more distributor units (110).
  • Figure 1(b) illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units, wherein the one or more connecting channel (112) connecting the feeder circuit (106) to the one or more distribution units (110) interfaces with a bottom surface of at least one distributor unit of the one or more distributor units (HO).
  • the orientation of the one or more connecting channel (112) pertaining to interfacing with a surface of the one or more distribution units (110) is designed with reference to energy losses in the one or more connecting channel (112) due to transportation of fluids.
  • a crucial element of energy losses in fluid transportation of the heat regulating fluid is due to friction.
  • Anticipated reasons of loss of flow energy of the heat regulating fluid in the one or more connecting channel (112) may be due to sudden pipe enlargement, sudden contraction, bends and pipe fittings.
  • the design of the one or more connecting channel (112) and its envisioned connection to the one or more distributing units (110) is dependent on the desired flow energy of the heat regulating fluid and the available space for connection.
  • multiple one or more connecting channels (112) may extend from the feeder circuit (106) and connect onto one or more surfaces of the one or more distributor units (110) to increase the supply and flow rate of the heat regulating fluid circulating through the plurality of cells and the feeder circuit.
  • the cross-sectional area of the one or more connecting channel (112) may be varied based on the volume of heat regulating fluid being in circulation inside the external casing (202) of the one or more energy storage units (102) and the size and associated surface area of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • An increment in the cross-sectional area of the one or more connecting channel (112) facilitates a greater supply of the heat regulating fluid into the one or more distribution units for circulation through the plurality of cells (104) of the one or more energy storage units (102), reduced thermal management system latency and efficient cooling of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • 202 denotes an external casing
  • 204a denotes a first region of the thermal management system (100)
  • 204b denotes a second region of the thermal management system (100)
  • 206a and 206b denotes one or more channels of the feeder circuit (106)
  • 208 denotes a collection unit
  • 210o denotes a plurality of external surfaces
  • 210i denotes a plurality of internal surfaces.
  • the external casing (202) comprises a plurality of external surfaces (210o) and a plurality of internal surfaces (2 lOi). In the region wise distribution of the thermal management system (100), the thermal management system (100) comprises a first region (204a) and a second region (204b) disposed internal to the external casing (202).
  • the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b).
  • the external casing (202) is configured to securely enclose the one or more energy storage units (102), the heat regulating fluid, the feeder circuit (106), the one or more connecting channels (112), the pumping unit (108) and the one or more distribution units (110).
  • the external casing (202) protects the components disposed internally from external environmental factors to ensure safe operation of the one or more energy storge units (102).
  • the external casing (202) comprises a plurality of internal surfaces (2 lOi) facing the internal components of the external casing (202) such as the one or more energy storage units (102), the heat regulating fluid, the feeder circuit (106), the one or more connecting channels (112), the pumping unit (108) and the one or more distribution units (110).
  • the external casing (202) additionally comprises a plurality of external surfaces (210o) adjoining the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) which face the external environment.
  • the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) and the adjoining plurality of external surfaces (210o) has a pre-defined thickness of the external casing (202) material separating them.
  • the pre-defined thickness of the external casing (202) is dependent on the requisite mechanical strength, material strength, size, dimensions and other ancillary specifications of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the external casing (202) comprises a first region (204a) and a second region (204b).
  • the first region (204a) refers to a region inside the external casing (202) comprising the one or more distributor units (110) which are configured to supply the heat regulating fluid for circulation through at least one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104).
  • the first region (204a) represents the region of supply of the heat regulating fluid onto the one or more surfaces of each cell.
  • the first region (204a) is a top portion of the one or more energy storage units (102) enclosed by the external casing (202), to allow gravity to supply or provide the heat regulating fluid onto the surfaces of the plurality of cells (104).
  • the second region (204b) of the external casing (202) refers to a region inside the external casing (202) comprising a collection unit (208).
  • the collection unit (208) is configured to collect the heat regulating fluid upon percolation from the plurality of cells (104).
  • the second region (204b) represents a collection region of the heat regulating fluid after circulation through the one or more surfaces of each cell, and is a corollary of the first region (204a).
  • the second region (204b) is a bottom region of the one or more energy storage units (102) enclosed by the external casing (202) comprising of the collection unit (208), where the heat regulating fluid gets collected upon percolation through the plurality of cells (104).
  • the collection unit (208) may include a collection tray or collection pit, or any structural member configured to receive the heat regulating fluid after circulation through the plurality of cells (104).
  • the feeder circuit (106) is connected to the first region (204a) at one end and the second region (204b) at another end, wherein the one or more channels of the feeder circuit (106) circulate the heat regulating fluid from the second region (204b) to the first region (204a).
  • the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b) operative between the first region (204a) and the second region (204b).
  • the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is connected to the one or more distributor units (110) through one or more connecting channels (112).
  • the pumping unit (108) is disposed in the second region (204b) and is configured to pump the heat regulating fluid form the second region (204b) to the first region (204a) through the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106).
  • the feeder circuit (106) is integrated with one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing (202).
  • the integration of the feeder circuit (106) with the one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing (202) is by provisions of at least one of tubes, channels, hoses, pipes or other structural embodiments facilitating transfer of fluids being structurally attached to the walls of the one or more internal surfaces (2 lOi).
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of one or more distributor units of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • 302 denotes a plurality of openings
  • 304 denotes a central distribution unit
  • 306 denotes one or more distribution channels
  • 308 denotes one or more connecting provisions.
  • the one or more distributor units (110) comprises a central distribution unit (304) and one or more distribution channels (306) being structurally connected together.
  • the central distribution unit (304) comprises one or more connecting provisions (308), while the one or more distribution channels (306) comprises a plurality of openings (302).
  • the central distribution unit (304) is configured to serve as the main unit receiving the supply of heat regulating fluid after circulation through the feeder circuit (106).
  • the central distribution unit (304) comprises the one or more connecting provisions (308) configured to connect with the one or more connecting channels (112) of the feeder circuit (106).
  • the heat regulating fluid Upon receipt of the heat regulating fluid by the central distribution unit (304), the heat regulating fluid is supplied onto the connected one or more distribution channels (306).
  • the one or more distribution channels (306) are disposed along one or more axes of the one or more energy storage units (102) enclosed in the external casing (202) to facilitate coverage of maximum surface area of each cell of the plurality of cells (104).
  • the one or more distribution channels (306) are disposed along at least one of a length, a breadth and a pre-defined angle of the one or more energy storage units (102) when viewed from a top view.
  • the disposition of the one or more distribution channels (306) should additionally ensure even distribution of the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104).
  • the plurality of openings (302) serve as the main unit configured to actually supply the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104) while, the one or more distribution channels and the central distribution unit enable transmission of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the plurality of openings (302) of the one or more distributor units (110) is configured to at least one of: sprinkle, spray or pour the heat regulating fluid on the one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104).
  • an atomizer configuration is integrated between the one or more distribution channels (306) and the openings (302) so as to spray the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104) to achieve even distribution of the heat regulating fluid.
  • an auxiliary pumping unit is operatively connected to the one or more distribution units (110) to maintain a pressure at which the heat regulating fluid is supplied onto the plurality of cells (104) through the plurality of openings (302) of the one or more distribution units (110).
  • the heat regulating fluid enters the one or more distribution units (110) through one or more connecting channels (308) onto the central distribution unit (304). From the central distribution unit (304), the heat regulating fluid is transmitted onto the one or more distributor channels (306) from where the plurality of openings (302) supplies the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104).
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • 402 denotes a plurality of heat radiating units.
  • heat radiating units used in accordance with the present disclosure refers to any extended surface which is configured to increase the rate of heat transfer to the external environment by way of conduction, convection and/or radiation.
  • the plurality of heat radiating units (402) are integrated with one or more external surfaces of the plurality of external surfaces (210o) of the external casing (202).
  • the one or more external surfaces (210o) integrated with the plurality of heat radiating units (402) adjoins one or more internal surfaces (2 lOi) of the external casing integrated with the feeder circuit (106).
  • the thermal management system (100) is operable in at least two configurations.
  • the heat regulating fluid is circulated through one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104) for thermal regulation of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the one or more distributor units (110) comprising of one or more distribution channels (306) are configured to supply the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104) through a plurality of openings (302) of the one or more distribution channels (306).
  • the heat regulating fluid exiting through the plurality of openings (302) fall on one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104).
  • the heat regulating fluid owing to its dielectric, cooling and thermal conductivity properties absorbs the heat from the one or more surfaces of each cell (104) thereby regulating the temperature of the plurality of cells (104).
  • the heat regulating fluid after circulation through the plurality of cells (104) percolates onto a collection unit (208) disposed inside the external casing (202).
  • a first region (204a) of the external casing (202) refers to a region where the one or more distribution units (110) are provided, while the second region (204b) refers to a region where the collection unit (208) is disposed.
  • the heat regulating fluid flows from the first region (204a) to the second region (204b).
  • the heat regulating fluid is circulated through the feeder circuit (106) of the external casing (202) for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid is undertaken.
  • the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the second region is high due to the absorbed heat from the plurality of cells (104).
  • the second configuration passes the heat regulating fluid through the feeder circuit (106).
  • the second region (204b) additionally disposes a pumping unit (108), which helps pump the heat regulating fluid through the feeder circuit (106).
  • the feeder circuit (106) is connected to the second region (204b) at one end and to the first region (204a) at another end.
  • the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b).
  • the heat regulating fluid through the one or more channels of the feeder circuit (106) is circulated to the first region where one or more connecting channels (112) connect the feeder circuit (106) onto the one or more distribution unit (110).
  • the feeder circuit (106) is integrated with one or more internal surfaces (2 lOi) of the external casing (202) where the one or more internal surfaces (2 lOi) adjoins one or more external surfaces (210o) of the external casing (202) integrated with a plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • the disclosed configuration of the feeder circuit (106) with the plurality of heat radiating units (402) ensure release of heat from the heat regulating fluid through the plurality of heat radiating units (402) which are acted upon by external ambient air for cooling.
  • the heat regulating fluid thus gets cooled by way of conduction, convection and radiation in accordance with the disclosed configuration.
  • the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the second region (204b) is greater than the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the first region (204a) of the external casing (202).
  • the thermal management system (100) is applicable during charging and discharging cycles of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) is subjected to external forced cooling by provision of cooling fans which act on the plurality of heat radiating units (402) and consequently thermally regulate the heat regulating fluid flowing within the external casing (102).
  • ambient air and other natural cooling techniques act on the plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • the first configuration and the second configuration is operable simultaneously.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) when applied in a vehicle layout are subjected to a charging cycle and a discharging cycle.
  • the one or more energy storage units (102) get heated above during the discharging cycle and cannot be connected to the charging station for charging unless the temperature of the one or more energy storage units (102) are below a threshold.
  • the operator need not wait for the one or more energy storage units (102) to have its temperature below a threshold, as owing to the operation of the thermal management system (100) at reduced latency, the energy storage unit temperature is always below the applicable threshold.
  • figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) is disposed between the one or more external surfaces (210o) and the adjoining one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing (202).
  • the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is machined through the material of the external casing (202) which reduces the distance between the plurality of heat radiating units (402) and the one or more channels (206a, 206b) for more effective thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5(a) illustrates a sectional front view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 and Figure 5(a) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the thermal management system (100) comprising of the feeder circuit being in-built in the external casing (202) wherein the feeder circuit (106) is disposed between the one or more internal surfaces (210i) and the adjoining surface of the one or more external surfaces (210o) of the external casing (202).
  • the disposition of the feeder circuit (106) inside the material of the external casing (202) reduces interference of the internal components with the heat regulating fluid and additionally improves the efficiency of thermal regulation.
  • the improved thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid is by way of the heat regulating fluid being cooled at one side by conduction, convection and radiation through the adjoining external surface (210o) comprising the plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • the other side of the heat regulating fluid facing the plurality of cells (104) loses heat by conduction owing to high thermal conductivity of the external casing (202) material.
  • in-built feeder circuit (106) is achieved through provision of depression like channels representing the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being casted into the external casing (202) during casting process of the entire external casing (202).
  • the external casing (202) is composed of a material being at least one of plastic, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc and stainless steel.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the present invention discloses an external casing (202) for the one or more energy storage units (102) configured to facilitate thermal management.
  • the external casing (202) is configured to enclose one or more energy storage units (102), where the external casing (202) comprises: a plurality of external surfaces (210o) and a plurality of internal surfaces (210i) adjoining the plurality of external surfaces (210).
  • One or more external surfaces of the plurality of external surfaces (210o) is integrated with a plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • a feeder circuit (106), the feeder circuit (106) configured to circulate a heat regulating fluid, is integrated with one or more internal surfaces of the plurality of internal surfaces (2 lOi).
  • the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b) oriented in a pre-defined pattern, wherein the pre-defined pattern of orientation of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is associated with the disposition of the plurality of heat radiating units (402) on the one or more external surfaces (210o) to thermally regulate the heat regulating fluid in circulation.
  • the pre-defined pattern comprises at least one of: the one or more channels (206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being oriented along a longitudinal direction (XX’) (shown in Figure 2) of the one or more energy storage units (102); the one or more channels (206a) of the feeder circuit (106) being oriented along a lateral direction (YY’) (shown in Figure 2) of the one or more energy storage units (102); and a combination of the one or more (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being oriented along the longitudinal direction (XX’) and the lateral direction (YY’) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the one or more channels (206a, 206b) in the pre-defined pattern is provided with at least one of one or more bends and pre-defined angles of orientation along at least one of the longitudinal direction (XX’) and the lateral direction (YY’) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • the pre-defined pattern may be a zig-zag pattern of disposition where the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being in at least one of the longitudinal directions (XX’) and lateral direction (YY’), and are disposed at pre-defined angles to achieve the zig-zag pattern.
  • the pre-defined pattern of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being the same as the pattern of disposition of the plurality of heat radiating units (402) in the one or more external surfaces (210o) for achieving faster heat removal as the plurality of heat radiating units (402) and the heat regulating fluid in the one or more channels (206a, 206b) would be at the closest possible distance for thermal regulation by conduction.
  • the pre-defined pattern comprises of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being disposed perpendicular to the direction of the plurality of heat radiating units (402), yielding a slow yet more homogenous distribution of temperature in the heat regulating fluid due to smaller temperature gradient being developed in the heat regulating fluid.
  • the predefined pattern of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being at a pre-defined orientation with reference to the plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is disposed at an angle of 45 degrees to the plurality of heat radiating units (402).
  • the plurality of heat radiating units (402) is provided with extended surface areas to dissipate heat, and wherein the plurality of heat radiating units (402) is subjected to at least one of natural cooling and forced cooling.
  • the one or more channels (206a, 206b) carrying the heat regulating fluid having a higher temperature interfaces with a material of the external casing (202) separating the plurality of heat radiating units (402) and the heat regulating fluid.
  • the heat of the heat regulating fluid is transmitted onto the material of the casing which is further transmitted onto the plurality of heat radiating units (402) by way of thermal conduction.
  • the plurality of heat radiating units (402) are also at a higher temperature owing to the heat from the heat regulating fluid. Natural cooling by way of ambient external environment or forced cooling through external fans acting on the plurality of heat radiating units (402) cool the plurality of heat radiating units by way of convection and radiation and consequently the heat regulating fluid is cooled, as heat always flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature.
  • the plurality of heat radiating units (402) with extended surface areas achieve expedited release of heat from the external casing (202) and consequently the heat regulating fluid.
  • the external casing (202) is composed of a material having high thermal conductivity above a pre-defined conductivity threshold of 34.5 W/mK to achieve higher rates of thermal conduction for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
  • the pre-defined pattern of disposition of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) are configured to ensure higher interfacing of the surface area of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) with the surface area of the plurality of heat radiating units (402) through the material of the external casing (202). For instance, provision of more bends or a zig-zag pattern would yield a larger surface area for heat transfer.
  • FIG. 6 a magnified view of a portion in figure 6 illustrates the connection between the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) with the one or more connecting channels (112) to the distribution unit (HO).
  • Figure 7(a) and Figure 7(b) illustrate a bottom view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7(a) represents a first volume of heat regulating fluid being circulated through the thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storage units (102).
  • Figure 7 (b) represents an embodiment of the present disclosure where the heat regulating fluid occupies an entire bottom area of the collection unit (208) representing a second volume of heat regulating fluid being circulated.
  • the volume of the heat regulating fluid is such that it occupied the available volume inside the external casing (202) and is circulated by the pumping unit (108).
  • no minimum volume of heat regulating fluid is required for optimum operation of the pumping units (108).
  • a minimum level of heat regulating fluid being available in the second region (204b) comprising of the collection unit (208) is to be made available to minimise any operational dysfunction occurring at the pumping unit (108) owing to difference in pressure between a suction side of the pumping unit (108) and an outlet side of the pumping unit (108).
  • the disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units.
  • the claimed invention in an aspect provides enhanced operational environmental safety by ascribing properties such as heat dissipation and prevention of heat propagation between adjacent cells of the battery pack in accordance with the disclosure of the present subject matter.
  • the present subject matter provides a unified mechanism for thermal regulation of the plurality of cells of the one or more energy storage units along with the heat regulating fluid.
  • the disclosed configuration facilitates efficient, homogenous thermal management in the one or more energy storage units at reduced system latency, reduced material and components cost.
  • an in-built system for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid promotes the usage of the one or more energy storage units in layouts having space constraints.
  • the vehicle performance, vehicle torque delivery, vehicle safety and vehicle speed is improved due to improved life cycle and state of health of the one or more energy storage units as the thermal management system is operative during the one or more energy storage unit’s charging as well as discharging cycle.
  • the one or more energy storage units in accordance with the present disclosure prevents the propagation of heat between adjacent cells of the one or more energy storage units, thereby promoting a safer operational environment.
  • the occurrence of thermal runaway in batteries is a potential hazard that all manufacturers are researching on addressing.
  • Conventional energy storage units are typically not equipped with inherent mechanisms to counter thermal runaway.
  • the present subject matter discloses one or more energy storage units equipped with an in-built thermal management system aimed at effective thermal management in the energy storage units at reduced system latency.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un système de gestion thermique (100) destiné à une ou plusieurs unités de stockage d'énergie (102). Le système de gestion thermique (100) comprend une ou plusieurs unités de stockage d'énergie (102), un fluide de régulation de chaleur circulant à travers lesdites unités de stockage d'énergie (102) et un boîtier externe (202) renfermant lesdites unités de stockage d'énergie (102). Le système de gestion thermique (100) fonctionne dans une première configuration permettant de réguler thermiquement la pluralité de cellules (104) desdites unités de stockage d'énergie (102) par la circulation du fluide de régulation de chaleur et une seconde configuration permettant de réguler thermiquement le fluide de régulation de chaleur en la faisant passer à travers un circuit d'alimentation (106). La présente invention concerne en outre un boîtier externe (202) comprenant un circuit d'alimentation (106) intégré sur une ou plusieurs surfaces (210i) du boîtier externe (202) afin de réguler thermiquement le fluide de régulation de chaleur.
PCT/IN2024/051474 2023-08-16 2024-08-09 Système de gestion thermique destiné à une ou plusieurs unités de stockage d'énergie Pending WO2025037332A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN202341054783 2023-08-16
IN202341054783 2023-08-16

Publications (1)

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WO2025037332A1 true WO2025037332A1 (fr) 2025-02-20

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3124317A1 (fr) * 2021-06-17 2022-12-23 Valeo Systemes Thermiques « Dispositif de régulation thermique d’au moins un composant électrique »
EP4117089A1 (fr) * 2021-05-14 2023-01-11 Whitemark Technology GmbH Module de batterie et système de batterie avec boîtier d'échangeur de chaleur

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4117089A1 (fr) * 2021-05-14 2023-01-11 Whitemark Technology GmbH Module de batterie et système de batterie avec boîtier d'échangeur de chaleur
FR3124317A1 (fr) * 2021-06-17 2022-12-23 Valeo Systemes Thermiques « Dispositif de régulation thermique d’au moins un composant électrique »

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