DESC:ACTIVE COOLING CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY PACK
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221074284 filed on 21/12/2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to swappable battery pack cooling. The present disclosure specifically relates to an active cooling arrangement for a swappable battery pack. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a swappable battery pack with an active cooling 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. Moreover, it is difficult to provide active cooling for the swappable battery packs as the coolant flow path between the battery and the coolant supply unit breaks during the swapping of the battery pack. Furthermore, frequent disengagement of the battery pack may also increase the chances of coolant leakage and damage to the components at the connection point where the coolant flow path of the battery pack is engaged with the coolant flow path coming from the coolant supply unit.
Thus, there exists a need for an active 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 an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an active cooling swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. The active cooling arrangement comprises a plurality of heat collecting members configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells of the battery pack, a master cooling member comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members are connected to each of the section of the master cooling member, a cooling channel member enclosed within the master cooling member and the plurality of heat collecting members forming a coolant flow path inside the battery pack, and a cooling circuit plug configured to connect the coolant flow path of the battery pack with a coolant supply.
The present disclosure provides an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. The active cooling arrangement can beneficially be implemented in swappable battery packs. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement as disclosed in the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of compactness of size. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of efficiently extracting heat from inside the swappable battery pack leading to efficient cooling of the swappable battery pack and preventing any hotspots inside the swappable battery pack. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of being lightweight. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure adds less weight and bulk to the swappable battery pack compared to conventional cooling mechanisms. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing better heat dissipation leading to improved swappable battery pack health and longer operational life. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of fast and efficient thermal management inside the battery pack. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing coolant leakages inside swappable battery pack compartments of the electric vehicle or a swapping station. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to valves connecting the swappable battery pack with the coolant supply unit.
In accordance with second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an active cooling swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. The battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells, a battery casing, and an active cooling arrangement. The active cooling arrangement comprises a plurality of heat collecting members configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells of the battery pack, a master cooling member comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members are connected to each of the section of the master cooling member, a cooling channel member enclosed within the master cooling member and the plurality of heat collecting members forming a coolant flow path inside the battery pack, and a cooling circuit plug configured to connect the coolant flow path of the battery pack with a coolant supply.
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 1 illustrates an exploded view of an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a cooling circuit plug of an active cooling arrangement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack with a battery casing, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an active cooling arrangement of a swappable battery pack with a flat second section, 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 “swappable battery pack”, “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 is a swappable battery pack that is user-removable for charging at a battery swapping station. 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”, and “plurality of battery cells” are used interchangeably and refer 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 “active cooling arrangement”, “active 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 swappable battery pack. It would be understood that the active cooling arrangement is designed to maintain optimal temperature levels within the battery pack, preventing excessive heat build-up that can affect the performance, lifespan, and safety of the battery cells.
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 active cooling arrangement that are arranged 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 solid. Moreover, the plurality of heat collecting members may be electrically insulating.
As used herein, the term “master cooling member” refers to member of the active cooling arrangement that are arranged to receive a coolant and form the coolant flow path within. 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. Moreover, the master cooling member may be electrically insulating.
As used herein, the term “first section” refers to a section of the master cooling member configured on which the plurality of heat collecting members are integrated.
As used herein, the term “second section” refers to another complementary section of the master cooling member configured on which the plurality of heat collecting members are integrated. The first section and the second section are joined together facing each other such that the plurality of heat collecting members are facing in a mutually opposite direction.
As used herein, the term “cooling channel member” refers to a maze-like structure forming at least one cooling channel in the active cooling arrangement. The cooling channel member defines the coolant flow path inside the active cooling arrangement.
As used herein, the term “coolant flow path” refers to a defined pathway for the flow of coolant. The flow of coolant is used to dissipate the heat from the plurality of battery cells and ensure optimum operation thereof.
As used herein, the term “cooling circuit plug” refers to a mechanical component of the active cooling arrangement that acts as an interface between the swappable battery pack and the coolant supply to connect the active cooling arrangement of the swappable battery pack with the coolant supply to enable the flow of coolant between the active cooling arrangement and the coolant supply. It is to be understood that the cooling circuit plug present on the swappable battery pack is received by a complementary cooling socket present in the electric vehicle or the battery swapping station to connect the active cooling arrangement and the coolant supply for enabling the flow of coolant inside the swappable battery pack.
As used herein, the term “first channel boundary” refers to elements forming a defined path in the plurality of heat collecting members for the flow of coolant within the plurality of heat collecting members.
As used herein, the term “second channel boundary” refers to elements forming a defined path in the master cooling member for the flow of coolant in the master cooling member.
As used herein, the term “coolant inlet” refers to an opening in the cooling channel member for entry of the coolant in the master cooling member for absorbing heat from the swappable battery pack.
As used herein, the term “coolant outlet” refers to an opening in the cooling channel member for the exit of the coolant from the master cooling member after absorbing heat from the swappable battery pack.
As used herein, the term “plug shell” refers to a protruding outer circumferential covering of the cooling circuit plug that isolates components of the cooling circuit plug from the rest of the space inside the battery pack compartment of the electric vehicle and/or the battery pack compartment of the swapping station.
As used herein, the term “inlet valve” refers to a specialized controlled valve that connects the inlet of the active cooling arrangement with the coolant supply and controls the entry of the coolant inside the active cooling arrangement of the swappable battery pack.
As used herein, the term “outlet valve” refers to a specialized controlled valve that connects the outlet of the active cooling arrangement with the coolant supply and controls the exit of the coolant from the active cooling arrangement of the swappable battery pack.
As used herein, the term “guiding pin” refers to at least one projecting element configured to ensure alignment of the cooling circuit plug with the cooling socket of the battery compartment. The guiding pin prevents possible damage to the valves of the cooling circuit plug which may occur due to non-alignment of the cooling circuit plug with the cooling socket of the battery compartment.
As used herein, the term “battery casing” refers to an outer enclosure of the battery pack that holds and protects the components of the battery pack.
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 1, in accordance with an embodiment, describes an exploded view of an active cooling arrangement 100 of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. The active cooling arrangement 100 comprises a plurality of heat collecting members 102 configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack, a master cooling member 106 comprising a first section 106a and a second section 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to each of the section 106a, 106b of the master cooling member 106, a cooling channel member 108 enclosed within the master cooling member 106 and the plurality of heat collecting members 102 forming a coolant flow path 110 inside the battery pack, and a cooling circuit plug 112 configured to connect the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack with a coolant supply.
The present disclosure provides an active cooling arrangement 100 of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of compactness of size. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of efficiently extracting heat from inside the swappable battery pack leading to efficient cooling of the swappable battery pack and preventing any hotspots inside the swappable battery pack. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of being lightweight. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement 100 adds less weight and bulk to the swappable battery pack compared to conventional cooling mechanisms. Furthermore, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of providing better heat dissipation leading to improved swappable battery pack health and longer operational life. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of fast and efficient thermal management inside the swappable battery pack. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of preventing coolant leakages inside swappable battery pack compartments of the electric vehicle or a swapping station. Moreover, the active cooling arrangement 100 is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to valves connecting the swappable battery pack with the coolant supply.
It is to be understood that the plurality of heat collecting members 102 and the master cooling member 106 are located inside the swappable battery pack and the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the swappable battery pack to collect (absorb) heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 leading to thermal regulation inside the swappable battery pack. The removal of heat from the plurality of battery cells 104 of the swappable battery pack prevents the formation of hotspots and thermal runaways.
In an embodiment, wherein the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106 are joined together facing towards each other to form the master cooling member 106. It is to be understood that the plurality of heat collecting members 102 connected to the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106 would be projecting in a mutually opposite direction. Beneficially, the first section 106a and the second section 106b forming the master cooling member 106 enables easier manufacturing of the master cooling member 106. In an optional embodiment, the plurality of heat collecting members 102, the master cooling member 106, and the cooling channel member 108 are integrated together as a single unit. It is to be understood that the single unit the plurality of heat collecting members 102, the master cooling member 106, and the cooling channel member 108 are manufactured by casting.
In an embodiment, the cooling channel member 108 comprises at least one first channel boundary 108a to define the coolant flow path 110 inside the plurality of heat collecting members 102. Beneficially, the at least one first channel boundary 108a defines the coolant flow path 110 inside the plurality of heat collecting members 102 to efficiently absorb heat from the plurality of the battery cells 104. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are solid and transfer heat to the master cooling member by conduction.
In an embodiment, the cooling channel member 108 comprises at least one second channel boundary 108b to define the coolant flow path 110 inside the master cooling member 106. Beneficially, the at least one second channel boundary 108b defines the coolant flow path 110 inside the master cooling member 106 to efficiently transfer the heat absorbed from the plurality of the battery cells 104 to the coolant supply.
In an embodiment, the cooling channel member 108 comprises a coolant inlet 124 and a coolant outlet 126 connected to the cooling circuit plug 112. Beneficially, the coolant enters the coolant flow path 110 through the coolant inlet 124 to absorb the heat and exits from the coolant flow path 110 through the coolant outlet 126 after absorbing the heat.
In an embodiment, the cooling circuit plug 112 comprises at least one of: a plug shell 114, at least one inlet valve 116, at least one outlet valve 118, and at least one guiding pin 120. Beneficially, the cooling circuit plug 112 is received in a cooling socket of the battery pack compartment to enable the formation of an active cooling circuit between the swappable battery pack and the coolant supply.
In an embodiment, the plug shell 114 is configured to create a concealed space for the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118, and the at least one guiding pin 120. Beneficially, the plug shell 114 prevents any leakage of the coolant inside the battery pack compartment and reduces the chances of any possible damage to the electrical connection of the swappable battery pack with the battery pack compartment. It is to be understood that the plug shell 114 physically isolates the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118 from the rest of the space inside the battery pack compartment.
In an embodiment, the at least one inlet valve 116 is connected to the coolant inlet 124 to facilitate entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Beneficially, the at least one inlet valve 116 controls the entry of the coolant inside the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack to enable the flow of coolant only when it is required i.e. in case of charging or discharging of the battery pack. It is to be understood that the coolant does not enter the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack when the battery pack is sitting inside the battery pack compartment of the battery swapping station after being fully charged.
In an embodiment, the at least one outlet valve 118 is connected to the coolant outlet 126 to facilitate the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Beneficially, the at least one outlet valve 118 controls the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack to enable the flow of coolant only when it is required i.e. in case of charging or discharging of the battery pack. It is to be understood that the at least one outlet valve 118 would remain closed when the battery pack is sitting inside the battery pack compartment of the battery swapping station after being fully charged.
In an embodiment, the at least one inlet valve 116 is controlled by a microcontroller to control the entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Beneficially, the microcontroller is communicably coupled with the at least one inlet valve 116 to electronically control the at least one inlet valve 116.
In an embodiment, the at least one outlet valve 118 is controlled by the microcontroller to control the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Beneficially, the microcontroller is communicably coupled with the at least one outlet valve 118 to electronically control the at least one outlet valve 118.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller keeps the inlet valve 116 closed while keeping the outlet valve 118 open for a predefined time period, when a user command is received for swapping the battery pack. Beneficially, the microcontroller keeps the outlet valve 118 open for the predefined time period after the inlet valve is 118 closed to ensure that the coolant inside the battery pack drains out (empties out) from the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack. Beneficially, such draining of the coolant from the battery pack reduces changes of coolant leakage and keeps the battery pack light to enable easier swapping of the battery pack by the user.
In an embodiment, the cooling circuit plug 112 is configured to protrude out from a battery casing 122. Beneficially, the cooling circuit plug 112 is connected to the cooling socket present in the battery pack compartment to form the active cooling circuit between the battery pack and the coolant supply.
In an embodiment, the active cooling arrangement 100 comprises a sealant lining on at least one engaging portions of the plurality of heat collecting members 102, and the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106 to prevent leakage of the coolant inside the swappable battery pack.
In an embodiment, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106. Beneficially, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are arranged inside the swappable 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.
Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the active cooling arrangement 100 of the swappable battery pack. The active cooling arrangement 100 comprises the plurality of heat collecting members 102 configured in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack, the master cooling member 106 comprising the first section 106a and the second section 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to each of the section 106a, 106b of the master cooling member 106, the cooling channel member 108 enclosed within the master cooling member 106 and the plurality of heat collecting members 102 forming the coolant flow path 110 inside the battery pack, and the cooling circuit plug 112 configured to connect the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack with the coolant supply. Furthermore, the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106 are joined together facing towards each other to form the master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the cooling channel member 108 comprises the at least one first channel boundary 108a to define the coolant flow path 110 inside the plurality of heat collecting members 102. Furthermore, the cooling channel member 108 comprises the at least one second channel boundary 108b to define the coolant flow path 110 inside the master cooling member 106. Furthermore, the cooling channel member 108 comprises the coolant inlet 124 and the coolant outlet 126 connected to the cooling circuit plug 112. Furthermore, the cooling circuit plug 112 comprises at least one of: the plug shell 114, the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118, and the at least one guiding pin 120. Furthermore, the plug shell 114 is configured to create the concealed space for the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118, and the at least one guiding pin 120. Furthermore, the at least one inlet valve 116 is connected to the coolant inlet 124 to facilitate entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one outlet valve 118 is connected to the coolant outlet 126 to facilitate the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one inlet valve 116 is controlled by the microcontroller to control the entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one outlet valve 118 is controlled by the microcontroller to control the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the microcontroller keeps the inlet valve 116 closed while keeping the outlet valve 118 open for the predefined time period, when the user command is received for swapping the battery pack. Furthermore, the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected substantially perpendicularly to the first section 106a and the second section 106b of the master cooling member 106.
Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the cooling circuit plug 112 configured to connect the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack with the coolant supply. Furthermore, the cooling circuit plug 112 comprises at least one of: the plug shell 114, the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118, and the at least one guiding pin 120. Furthermore, the plug shell 114 is configured to create the concealed space for the at least one inlet valve 116, the at least one outlet valve 118, and the at least one guiding pin 120. Furthermore, the at least one inlet valve 116 is connected to the coolant inlet 124 to facilitate entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one outlet valve 118 is connected to the coolant outlet 126 to facilitate the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one inlet valve 116 is controlled by the microcontroller to control the entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the at least one outlet valve 118 is controlled by the microcontroller to control the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path 110. Furthermore, the microcontroller keeps the inlet valve 116 closed while keeping the outlet valve 118 open for the predefined time period, when the user command is received for swapping the battery pack. Furthermore, the cooling circuit plug 112 is configured to protrude out from the battery casing 122.
Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the active cooling arrangement 100 of the swappable battery pack with the battery casing 122. The cooling circuit plug 112 is configured to protrude out from a battery casing 122.
Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment, describes a perspective view of the active cooling arrangement 100 of the swappable battery pack. The active cooling arrangement 100 comprises a plurality of heat collecting members 102 configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack, a master cooling member 106 comprising a first section 106a and a second section 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to each of the section 106a, 106b of the master cooling member 106, a cooling channel member 108 enclosed within the master cooling member 106 and the plurality of heat collecting members 102 forming a coolant flow path 110 inside the battery pack, and a cooling circuit plug 112 configured to connect the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack with a coolant supply. The second section 106b is a flat panel connected with the first section 106a to form the master cooling member 106.
In accordance with second aspect of the invention, there is described an active cooling swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle. The battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells 104, a battery casing 122, and an active cooling arrangement 100. The active cooling arrangement 100 comprises a plurality of heat collecting members 102 configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells 104 of the battery pack, a master cooling member 106 comprising a first section 106a and a second section 106b, wherein the plurality of heat collecting members 102 are connected to each of the section 106a, 106b of the master cooling member 106, a cooling channel member 108 enclosed within the master cooling member 106 and the plurality of heat collecting members 102 forming a coolant flow path 110 inside the battery pack, and a cooling circuit plug 112 configured to connect the coolant flow path 110 of the battery pack with a coolant supply.
In an embodiment, the swappable battery pack comprises a plurality of busbars. Beneficially, the plurality of the busbars electrically connects the plurality of battery cells 104 in the swappable battery pack.
In an embodiment, the swappable battery pack comprises a battery casing 122. Beneficially, the battery casing 122 encloses and protects components of the swappable battery pack.
In an embodiment, the swappable battery pack comprises at least one cell holder to securely hold the plurality of battery cells 104 in their respective position inside the swappable 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
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An active cooling arrangement (100) of a swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle, the active cooling arrangement (100) comprises:
- a plurality of heat collecting members (102) configured in surface contact with a plurality of battery cells (104) of the battery pack;
- a master cooling member (106) comprising a first section (106a) and a second section (106b), wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are connected to each of the section (106a, 106b) of the master cooling member (106);
- a cooling channel member (108) enclosed within the master cooling member (106) and the plurality of heat collecting members (102) forming a coolant flow path (110) inside the battery pack; and
- a cooling circuit plug (112) configured to connect the coolant flow path (110) of the battery pack with a coolant supply.
2. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section (106a) and the second section (106b) of the master cooling member (106) are joined together facing towards each other to form the master cooling member (106).
3. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling channel member (108) comprises at least one first channel boundary (108a) to define the coolant flow path (110) inside the plurality of heat collecting members (102).
4. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling channel member (108) comprises at least one second channel boundary (108b) to define the coolant flow path (110) inside the master cooling member (106).
5. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling channel member (108) comprises a coolant inlet (124) and a coolant outlet (126) connected to the cooling circuit plug (112).
6. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling circuit plug (112) comprises at least one of: a plug shell (114), at least one inlet valve (116), at least one outlet valve (118), and at least one guiding pin (120).
7. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plug shell (114) is configured to create a concealed space for the at least one inlet valve (116), the at least one outlet valve (118) and the at least one guiding pin (120).
8. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one inlet valve (116) is connected to the coolant inlet (124) to facilitate entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path (110).
9. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one outlet valve (118) is connected to the coolant outlet (126) to facilitate exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path (110).
10. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one inlet valve (116) is controlled by a microcontroller to control the entry of the coolant in the coolant flow path (110).
11. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one outlet valve (118) is controlled by the microcontroller to control the exit of the coolant from the coolant flow path (110).
12. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein the microcontroller keeps the inlet valve (116) closed while keeping the outlet valve (118) open for a predefined time period, when a user command is received for swapping the battery pack.
13. The active cooling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling circuit plug (112) is configured to protrude out from a battery casing (122).
14. An active cooling swappable battery pack for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery pack comprises:
- a plurality of battery cells (104);
- a battery casing (122); and
- an active cooling arrangement (100), comprising:
- a plurality of heat collecting members (102) configured in surface contact with the plurality of battery cells (104) of the battery pack;
- a master cooling member (106) comprising a first section (106a) and a second section (106b), wherein the plurality of heat collecting members (102) are connected to each of the section (106a, 106b) of the master cooling member (106);
- a cooling channel member (108) enclosed within the master cooling member (106) and the plurality of heat collecting members (102) forming a coolant flow path (110) inside the battery pack; and
- a cooling circuit plug (112) configured to connect the coolant flow path (110) of the battery pack with a coolant supply.