DESC:COOLING CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY PACK
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221074281 filed on 21/12/2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to battery pack cooling. The present disclosure specifically relates to a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a battery pack with a cooling plate arrangement.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there has been a rapid development in battery packs because of their use as clean energy storage solution for various uses ranging from domestic use to transportation use. The battery pack comprises a set of any number of identical batteries or individual battery cells. The battery cells are assembled as cell arrays and multiple cell arrays are combined to form the battery packs.
Each battery pack comprises a plurality of cells and cell holders for securing the plurality of cells. These battery cells are electrically connected to form cell arrays and multiple cell arrays can be stacked together to form the battery pack, being used as a single unit for meeting high voltage and current requirements. However, the battery pack generates a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. If heat generated during the charging and discharging process is not effectively eliminated, heat accumulation may occur inside the battery, which results in accelerated deterioration of the battery cells. Moreover, in some conditions such heat accumulation may even lead to hotspots causing thermal runaway which would permanently damage the battery pack. Furthermore, the thermal runaway may lead to fire and/or explosion causing safety risks.
Generally, to eliminate the heat and prevent resultant damages, a cooling jacket is placed on the outer surfaces such as the casing of the battery pack. However, such a cooling structure can only extract heat from the outer portions of the battery pack, leaving the inner portions of the battery pack at a higher temperature. Thus, a temperature gradient is formed between the inner and outer portion of the battery pack which leads to poor cell performance and higher degradation rate. To reduce the temperature gradient and extract heat from the inner portions of the battery pack, a submerged cooling technique is used wherein all the battery cells of the battery pack are submerged in a coolant. The battery pack with coolant-submerged battery cells have a lower temperature gradient between the outer and inner portions of the battery pack. However, the use of such a cooling technique leads to an increase in the weight of the battery pack. Furthermore, the size and cost of the battery pack is also increased significantly. Moreover, such cooling techniques add unnecessary bulk to the already bulky battery pack. Furthermore, the added weight and size affects the performance of the battery pack in mobile application such as electric vehicles.
Moreover, the above-described cooling techniques are not feasible for implementation in the swappable battery packs, as the battery pack is often required to be removed from the electric vehicle. The existing air-cooling mechanisms are inefficient to meet the higher cooling requirement of the swappable battery packs. The existing air-cooling arrangements have a slower rate of transfer of heat leading to inefficient cooling of the battery packs. Furthermore, the existing liquid cooling-based system for swappable batteries only allows cooling on the outer surface of the battery packs leading to higher temperatures inside the battery packs. The existing cooling techniques for the swappable battery packs lack efficient removal of the heat from the inner portions of the battery packs.
Thus, there exists a need for an efficient cooling mechanism capable of quickly dissipating heat generated during the charging and discharging operation of the swappable battery pack and overcomes one or more problems associated as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack comprising a cooling plate arrangement for efficient cooling of battery cells.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement comprises a plurality of heat collecting members and at least one master cooling member. The plurality of heat collecting members are configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells of the battery. The at least one master cooling member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members are connected to the first surface of the at least one master cooling member. The plurality of heat collecting members comprise a phase change material configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells to the at least one master cooling member.
The present disclosure provides a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement can beneficially be implemented in swappable battery packs as well as fixed battery packs in the electric vehicles. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement as disclosed in the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of compactness of size. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of efficiently extracting heat from inside the battery pack leading to efficient cooling of the battery pack and preventing any hotspots inside the battery pack. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of being lightweight. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement of the present disclosure adds less weight and bulk to the battery pack compared to conventional cooling mechanisms. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing better heat dissipation leading to improved battery pack health and longer operational life. Moreover, the cooling plate arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of a faster rate of heat transfer from the plurality of battery cells to the external environment outside the battery pack leading to fast and efficient thermal management inside the battery pack.
In accordance with second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack, comprising a plurality of battery cells, a battery pack casing, and a cooling plate arrangement. The cooling plate arrangement comprises a plurality of heat collecting members and at least one master cooling member. The plurality of heat collecting members are configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells of the battery. The at least one master cooling member comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members are connected to the first surface of the at least one master cooling member. The plurality of heat collecting members comprise a phase change material configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells to the at least one master cooling member.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Figure 1a illustrates a sectional perspective view of a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 1b illustrates a sectional perspective view of a cooling plate arrangement with a plurality of fins, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cooling plate arrangement with a plurality of battery cells, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a cooling plate arrangement with the plurality of fins and the plurality of battery cells, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a cooling plate arrangement for a battery pack and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, or system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are shown by way of illustration-specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “battery pack”, “battery”, and “power pack” are used interchangeably and refer to multiple individual battery cell arrays connected to provide a higher combined voltage or capacity than what a single battery cell array can offer. The battery pack is designed to store electrical energy and supply it as needed to various devices or systems. Battery packs, as referred herein may be used for various purposes such as power electric vehicles and other energy storage applications. Furthermore, the battery pack may be a swappable battery pack or a fixed battery pack (non-user-removable). Furthermore, the battery pack may include additional circuitry, such as a battery management system (BMS), to ensure the safe and efficient charging and discharging of the battery cells. The battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cell arrays which in turn comprises a plurality of battery cells.
As used herein, the term “battery cell array” refers to an assembled unit of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells that are connected physically and electrically to form a larger energy storage system. Each cell within the battery cell array is typically a discrete unit capable of storing electrical energy. The battery cell array can be arranged in series or parallel configuration depending on the desired voltage and capacity requirements. It is understood that connecting the battery cell array in series increases the overall voltage of the battery pack while connecting them in parallel increases the capacity. The electrical connections in the battery cell array are formed by connecting the terminals of the battery cells with bus bars. Furthermore, in addition to the individual cells, a battery pack may also include circuitry for balancing the charge levels of the cells, managing the charging and discharging processes, and providing safety features such as overcharge and over-discharge protection. The battery cell array, along with the associated electronics and packaging, forms the core component of a battery pack, enabling the efficient and reliable storage and delivery of electrical energy.
As used herein, the terms “cooling plate arrangement”, “cooling plate” and “thermal cooling plate” are used interchangeably and refer to a structure that is used to dissipate heat generated during the operation of the battery cells in the cell array. It would be understood that the cooling plate arrangement is designed to maintain optimal temperature levels within the cell array, preventing excessive heat build-up that can affect the performance, lifespan, and safety of the battery cells. The cooling plate arrangement may include a metal heat spreader, cooling plate, finned cooling plate, and so forth.
As used herein, the terms “battery cell”, “cells” and “battery-cell” are used interchangeably and refer to a basic energy storage unit that stores electrical energy. The battery cells may be comprised of different chemistry including lithium-ion cells, solid-state cells, zinc-carbon and alkaline cells, nickel metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and so forth. Furthermore, the battery cells may include various types (based on the shape) of cells including cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, coin cells, or any customized shape cells.
As used herein, the terms “cell holder” and “holder” are used interchangeably and refer to a component of the battery pack used to securely hold and position individual battery cells within the battery pack. The primary purpose of a cell holder is to provide mechanical support and protection for the battery cells. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the battery pack, preventing cells from shifting or coming into contact with each other, which could cause damage or safety hazards. It would be appreciated that the cell holders are crucial in ensuring the proper assembly, alignment, and electrical connectivity of battery cells within the cell array and the battery pack. They contribute to the overall reliability, safety, and performance of the battery pack by preventing cell damage, maintaining consistent contact, and facilitating efficient power transfer.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of heat collecting members” and “heat collecting members” are used interchangeably and refer to members of the cooling plate arrangement that are arranged inside the battery pack to collect heat from the plurality of battery cells. The plurality of heat collecting members may be made up of at least one of: a metal, an alloy, a composite, or a combination thereof, which is suitable for thermal conduction. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members may be hollow. Moreover, the plurality of heat collecting members may be electrically insulating.
As used herein, the terms “at least one master cooling member” and “master cooling member” are used interchangeably and refer to members of the cooling plate arrangement that are arranged such that some portion of the master cooling member is located outside the battery pack to release the collected heat outside the battery pack in the external environment. The master cooling member may be made up of at least one of: a metal, an alloy, a composite, or a combination thereof, which is suitable for thermal conduction. Furthermore, the at least one master cooling member may be hollow. Moreover, the master cooling member may be electrically insulating.
As used herein, the term “first surface” refers to a surface of at least one master cooling member configured to be facing inside the battery pack.
As used herein, the term “second surface” refers to a surface of at least one master cooling member configured to be facing outside the battery pack.
As used herein, the terms “plurality of fins” and “fins” are used interchangeably and refer to protrusions or extensions attached to the second surface of at least one master cooling member to increase its heat transfer area. The plurality of fins may be arranged vertically or horizontally in a perpendicular direction with respect to the second surface of the at least one master cooling member. The plurality of fins may be made up of at least one of: a metal, an alloy, a composite, or a combination thereof, which is suitable for thermal conduction. Moreover, the plurality of fins may be electrically insulating.
As used herein, the term “phase change material” refers to a material capable of absorbing and releasing thermal energy during the change of its state either from solid to liquid and vice-versa or liquid to gas and vice-versa.
As used herein, the term “busbar” refers to a conductive metal strip or plate used to facilitate the distribution of electrical power or signals within the cell arrays of the battery pack. The bus bar serves as a common electrical connection point for multiple battery cells.
Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a sectional perspective view of a describes a cooling plate arrangement 100 for a battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement 100 comprises a plurality of heat collecting members 102 and at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 are configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery. The at least one master cooling member 106 comprises a first surface 106a and a second surface 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 comprise a phase change material 108 configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the at least one master cooling member 106.
The cooling plate arrangement 100 may be beneficially implemented in swappable battery packs as well as fixed battery packs in the electric vehicles. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of compactness of size. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of efficiently extracting heat from inside the battery pack leading to efficient cooling of the battery pack and preventing any hotspots inside the battery pack. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of being lightweight. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement 100 adds less weight and bulk to the battery pack compared to conventional cooling mechanisms. Furthermore, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of providing better heat dissipation leading to improved battery pack health and longer operational life. Furthermore, beneficially the cooling plate arrangement 100 is in physical contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack for efficient heat transfer from the plurality of battery cells 104 to external environment outside the battery pack. Moreover, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of a faster rate of heat transfer from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the external environment outside the battery pack leading to fast and efficient thermal management inside the battery pack. Beneficially, the cooling plate arrangement 100 is compatible with implementing in swappable battery packs as well as fixed battery packs.
It is to be understood that the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are located inside the battery pack and are in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack to collect (absorb) heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 leading to thermal regulation inside the battery pack. The removal of heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack prevents the formation of hotspots and thermal runaways.
In an embodiment, the phase change material 108 absorbs the heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 via the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and changes phase to transfer the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member 106. It is to be understood that the phase change material 108 would be absorbing heat from the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and due to the absorption of heat, a phase of the phase change material would change leading to the transfer of the phase change material 108 to the at least one master cooling member 106. The phase change material 108 would come in contact with the second surface 106b of the at least one master cooling member 106 leading to the transfer of the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member 106 and the return of the phase change material 108 into its original phase leading to transfer of the phase change material 108 to the plurality of heat collecting members 102. The above-described process keeps repeating leading to a faster rate of transfer of heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to external environment outside the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 is exposed to an environment outside the battery pack. Beneficially, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 facilitates the heat exchange from inside the battery pack to the external environment. It is to be understood that the heat collected (absorbed) from inside the battery pack by the plurality of heat collecting members 102, is transferred to the master cooling member 106 via the phase change material 108 and the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 releases the transferred heat to the external environment outside the battery pack leading to efficient cooling inside the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the at least one master cooling member 106 comprises a plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b to increase a second surface area of the at least one master cooling member 106. Beneficially, the plurality of fins 110 present on the second surface 106b of the at least one master cooling member 106 increases the rate of transfer of the heat from the at least one master cooling member 106 to the external environment outside the battery pack by increasing the effective surface area of heat transfer. Beneficially, the plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b facilitates faster cooling of the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. Beneficially, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are arranged inside the battery pack such that each of the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack is in physical contact with at least one of the heat collecting members 102. Moreover, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106 to enable the maximum rate of heat transfer from the plurality of heat collecting members 102 to the at least one master cooling member 106.
In an embodiment, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are hollow to accommodate the phase change material 108 within. Beneficially, the phase change material 108 enables the faster rate of transfer of heat from the plurality of heat collecting members 102 to the at least one master cooling member 106.
In an embodiment, the at least one master cooling member 106 is hollow to accommodate the phase change material 108 within. Beneficially, the phase change material 108 enables the faster rate of transfer of heat from the at least one master cooling member 106 to the external environment outside the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the phase change material 108 is at least one of: an organic material, a salt hydrate, and a nanoparticle-based phase change material. Beneficially, the phase change material 108 may be selected according to the suitability of the same in the application. In an embodiment, the phase change material 108 is a solid-liquid phase change material. Alternatively, the phase change material 108 is a liquid-gas phase change material.
Figure 1b, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a sectional perspective view of the cooling plate arrangement 100 for the battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement 100 comprises the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 are configured in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery. The at least one master cooling member 106 comprises the first surface 106a and the second surface 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 comprise the phase change material 108 configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the phase change material 108 absorbs the heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 via the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and changes phase to transfer the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 is exposed to the environment outside the battery pack. Furthermore, the at least one master cooling member 106 comprises the plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b to increase the second surface area of the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are hollow to accommodate the phase change material 108 within. Furthermore, the at least one master cooling member 106 is hollow to accommodate the phase change material 108 within. Furthermore, the phase change material 108 is at least one of: the organic material, the salt hydrate, and the nanoparticle-based phase change material.
Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the cooling plate arrangement 100 for the battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement 100 comprises the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 are configured in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery. The at least one master cooling member 106 comprises the first surface 106a and the second surface 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 comprise the phase change material 108 configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the phase change material 108 absorbs the heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 via the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and changes phase to transfer the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 is exposed to the environment outside the battery pack. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106.
Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the cooling plate arrangement 100 for the battery pack. The cooling plate arrangement 100 comprises the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 are configured in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery. The at least one master cooling member 106 comprises the first surface 106a and the second surface 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 comprise the phase change material 108 configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the phase change material 108 absorbs the heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 via the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and changes phase to transfer the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 is exposed to the environment outside the battery pack. Furthermore, the at least one master cooling member 106 comprises the plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b to increase the second surface area of the at least one master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106.
In accordance with second aspect of the invention, there is described battery pack, comprising a plurality of battery cells 104, a battery pack casing, and a cooling plate arrangement 100. The cooling plate arrangement 100 comprises a plurality of heat collecting members 102 and at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 are configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery. The at least one master cooling member 106 comprises a first surface 106a and a second surface 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to the first surface 106a of the at least one master cooling member 106. The plurality of heat collecting members 102 comprise a phase change material 108 configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 to the at least one master cooling member 106.
In an embodiment, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 is configured outside the battery pack casing to expose the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 to an environment outside the battery pack. Beneficially, the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 facilitates the heat exchange from inside the battery pack to the external environment. It is to be understood that the heat collected (absorbed) from inside the battery pack by the plurality of heat collecting members 102, is transferred to the master cooling member 106 via the phase change material 108 and the second surface 106b of the master cooling member 106 releases the transferred heat to the external environment outside the battery pack leading to efficient cooling inside the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the at least one master cooling member 106 comprises a plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b to increase a second surface 106b area of the at least one master cooling member 106. Beneficially, the plurality of fins 110 present on the second surface 106b of the at least one master cooling member 106 increases the rate of transfer of the heat from the at least one master cooling member 106 to the external environment outside the battery pack by increasing the effective surface area of heat transfer. Beneficially, the plurality of fins 110 on the second surface 106b facilitates faster cooling of the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the battery pack comprises a plurality of busbars. Beneficially, the plurality of the busbars electrically connects the plurality of battery cells 104 in the battery pack.
In an embodiment, the battery pack comprises at least one cell holder.to securely hold the plurality of battery cells 104 in their respective position inside the battery pack.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combinations of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, and “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A cooling plate arrangement (100) for a battery pack, wherein the cooling plate arrangement (100) comprises:
- a plurality of heat collecting members (102) configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells (104) of the battery; and
- at least one master cooling member (106) comprising a first surface (106a) and a second surface (106b), wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are connected to the first surface (106a) of the at least one master cooling member (106),
wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) comprise a phase change material (108) configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells (104) to the at least one master cooling member (106).
2. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phase change material (108) absorbs the heat from the plurality of battery cells (104) via the plurality of heat collecting members (102) and changes phase to transfer the absorbed heat to the at least one master cooling member (106).
3. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second surface (106b) of the master cooling member (106) is exposed to an environment outside the battery pack.
4. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one master cooling member (106) comprises a plurality of fins (110) on the second surface (106b) to increase a second surface area of the at least one master cooling member (106).
5. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first surface (106a) of the at least one master cooling member (106).
6. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are hollow to accommodate the phase change material (108) within.
7. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one master cooling member (106) is hollow to accommodate the phase change material (108) within.
8. The cooling plate arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phase change material (108) is at least one of: an organic material, a salt hydrate, and a nanoparticle-based phase change material.
9. A battery pack, comprising:
- a plurality of battery cells (104);
- a battery pack casing; and
- a cooling plate arrangement (100), comprising:
- a plurality of heat collecting members (102) configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells (104) of the battery; and
- at least one master cooling member (106) comprising a first surface (106a) and a second surface (106b), wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are connected to the first surface (106a) of the at least one master cooling member (106),
wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) comprise a phase change material (108) configured to transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells (104) to the at least one master cooling member (106).
10. The battery pack as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second surface (106b) of the master cooling member (106) is configured outside the battery pack casing to expose the second surface (106b) of the master cooling member (106) to an environment outside the battery pack.
11. The battery pack as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one master cooling member (106) comprises a plurality of fins (110) on the second surface (106b) to increase a second surface (106b) area of the at least one master cooling member (106).

Dated 19 December 2023 Kumar Tushar Srivastava
IN/PA- 3973
Agent for the Applicant