Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] 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. 5
BACKGROUND
[0002] The imperative pressure built on electrical energy storage devices in the 21st century has a corollarial linkage with critical concerns of safety. Heat or temperature rises are concomitantly associated with operation of electrical equipment as well as electrical energy storage devices. In the event, the heat 10 generated during operation of electrical equipment and energy storage devices exceeds a safe operational threshold, the same is of immense concern to the operators, the environment and to the equipment itself.
[0003] In light of frequently witnessed fire incidents and overheating concerns in electrical energy storage units, there is a dire need for the development of 15 improved cooling and regulatory mechanisms. Energy storage devices serve as critical components in the present mobility infrastructure. Electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as EVs), 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 20 operational temperature of the energy storage devices.
[0004] In view of potential loss of life and property owing to thermal runaway and aggravated temperatures persistent in energy storage units there are well-established regulatory norms pertaining to thermal regulation and coping mechanisms intended to improve the operational environment of the energy 25 storage units.
[0005] In conventional energy storage systems deployed in equipment and vehicles, a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as BMS) is provided which senses abnormal rises in temperatures inside the energy storage system. However, the role the BMS plays is a passive role pertaining to mere 30
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. [0006] Additionally, in some other traditional practices, 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
5 systems to the desired safe operative level.
[0007] Thus, there is a requirement of active thermal regulation in energy storage units which additionally addresses space constraints, material constraints and promotes a safer operational environment of the energy storage units during the phenomenon of charging as well as discharging. 10
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 15
[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, 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. 20
[00010] Additionally, 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 25 of cells.
[00011] Additionally, according to embodiments illustrated herein, 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 30
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. [00012] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention 5 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 10 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 15 the heat regulating fluid in circulation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00013] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present 20 invention, and therein.
[00014] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a thermal management system. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and 25 components.
[00015] 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.
[00016]
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.
[00017] 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 5 accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00018] 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.
[00019] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the thermal management system for the 10 one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00020] 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. 15
[00021] 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.
[00022] 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 20 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00023] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 25
[00024] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to
the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation 5 choices in the following embodiments described and shown. [00025] 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 10 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.
[00026] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many 15 different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00027] The present subject matter is further described with reference to 20 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific 25 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00028] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to any kind of electrical equipment or vehicle within the spirit and scope of this 30 subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the
present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. [00029] The present invention is illustrated with one or more energy storage units. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to an energy storage unit and certain features, aspects and advantages 5 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. In an embodiment, the energy storage unit is configured to supply electrical 10 energy to an external electrical load.
[00030] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units having a unified configuration for thermal regulation of not only the one or more energy storage units but also the heat regulating fluid which is being circulated inside the one or 15 more energy storage units.
[00031] The provision of 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 20 removes heat from the energy storage unit but also should homogenise temperature distribution across the energy storage unit.
[00032] To this end, 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. In the first configuration, the heat regulating fluid is circulated 25 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. In an embodiment, the heat regulating fluid is a 30 dielectric fluid. In the first configuration, 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. [00033] In a second configuration of the thermal management system, the heat 5 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 10 more energy storage units. To this end, 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 15 more efficient thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid.
[00034] Thereby, 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. 20
[00035] Further, 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. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure 25 an efficient thermal management system is provided for the one or more energy storage units.
[00036] It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide efficient removal of heat from the heat regulating fluid.
[00037] The efficiency of thermal management of the one or more energy storage 30 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. To this end, the one or more channels of the feeder circuit are oriented in a pre-defined 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 5 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. For thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid, the heat regulating fluid is passed 10 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. For instance, the one or more 15 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. Owing to the high thermal conductivity of the material of the external casing, the one or more channels are thermally regulated by mechanism of conduction. Additionally, the one or more channels 20 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 25 effects of conduction, convection and radiation. [00038] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a system for thermal management of one or more energy storage units with reduced latency.
[00039] To this end, the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units is configured to have its first configuration of thermal regulation of 30 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 5 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. [00040] In conventional practices concerning thermal management of energy 10 storage units, the heat regulating fluid transmitted through the cells of the energy storage unit are passed through a heat exchanger such as a radiator. The drawbacks of having an additional component for regulating the temperature of the fluid leads to larger space occupancy of the entire system and a longer time entailed in re-circulation of the heat regulating fluid to the energy storage unit. 15
[00041] 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 20 material cost and addresses space constraints involved in conventional practices.
[00042] It is an object of the present subject matter to prevent propagation of heat between adjacent cells of the one or more energy storage units in the event of thermal runaway.
[00043] Thermal runaway refers to an accelerated release of heat inside a cell of 25 the battery pack due to uncontrolled exothermic reactions. In scenarios of 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 30 runaway in the adjacent cells leading to catastrophic failure in the entire battery
pack.
In the initial stages of thermal runaway there is an abnormally high temperature gradient in the malfunctioning cell which may lead to generation of smoke and then sparking of a fire. [00044] In view of the disclosed configuration of the one or more distributor units circulating the heat regulating fluid to one or more surfaces of each cell of the 5 plurality of cells and the reduced latency of the system, in the event of thermal runaway the heat generated in the malfunctioning cell is transferred onto the heat regulating fluid. Further, owing to reduced latency of circulation of the heat regulating fluid through the malfunctioning cell, heat is consistently and continuously being removed thereby addressing thermal regulation of the 10 malfunctioning cell and creating a cooling layer between adjacent cells to prevent propagation of fire.
[00045] In applications of energy storage units in vehicles, there is a space constraint involved with disposition of the energy storage unit in conjunction with a heat exchanger for the heat regulating fluid. The present subject matter 15 addresses this exact limitation of energy storage units by providing the feeder circuit serving as a heat exchanger being in-built in the external casing of the energy storage units. The disclosed configuration thereby leads to reduction in material cost of the energy storage unit, reduced number of associated components, and reduced operational cost as the same heat regulating fluid is 20 being recirculated.
[00046] In an embodiment, 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 25 fire and preventing the fire from propagating outside the external casing of the one or more energy storage units. In an aspect, 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. 30
[00047] In some known traditional systems concerning thermal management in 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. In the event, the temperature in the cells of the battery pack exceeding a threshold temperature, a coping mechanism is deployed to prevent the propagation of fire in 5 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 10 implementation costs.
[00048] 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.
[00049] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments 15 and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00050] 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 20 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.
[00051] In an aspect, the feeder circuit comprises one or more channels integrated 25 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 30 mechanisms of conduction, convection and radiation. Thereby the present
disclosure provides a unified approach to thermal management for one or more energy storage units. [00052] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be 5 devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00053] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of energy 10 storage devices. However, for the purpose od explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a battery pack.
[00054] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a thermal management system for one or more energy storage units in accordance with 15 some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00055] 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.
[00056] For the sake of brevity Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) shall be explained in 20 conjunction.
[00057] With reference to Figure 1(a) and 1(b), 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 and 25 112 denotes one or more connecting channel.
[00058] 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). [00059] 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
5 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).
[00060] The pumping unit (108), the feeder circuit (106), the one or more connecting channel (112) and the one or more distributor units (110) are 10 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 15 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).
[00061] In an aspect, the term “energy storage unit” (102) used in the present disclosure shall be construed to include one or a combination of electrical and 20 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. 25 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. Consequently, the one or more energy storage units (102) has a charged and a 30
discharged state which is represented by a state of charge (SoC) parameters of the one or more energy storage units. 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. The one or more energy storage units (102) includes, but is not limited to, at least one of
5 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). [00062] 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
10 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 15 vehicle’s development and functioning.
[00063] 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.
[00064] In an aspect, a plurality of cell holders (not shown) are provided in the 20 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.
[00065] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises one or 25 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 30
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.
[00066] In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises a battery management system (not shown) and other suitable circuitry interfaces,
5 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.
[00067] In an aspect, the thermal management system (100) comprises a feeder 10 circuit (106), wherein the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels configured to circulate the heat regulating fluid.
[00068] In an aspect, 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 15 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, 20 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). 25
[00069] 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). 30
[00070] In an embodiment, 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).
5
[00071] In another embodiment, 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 10 (110).
[00072] 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 15 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 20 the desired flow energy of the heat regulating fluid and the available space for connection.
[00073] In an embodiment, 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 25 regulating fluid circulating through the plurality of cells and the feeder circuit.
[00074] Additionally, 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 30
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).
5 [00075] 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.
[00076] With reference to Figure 2, 202 denotes an external casing, 204a denotes a first region of the thermal management system (100), 204b denotes a second 10 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 and 210i denotes a plurality of internal surfaces.
[00077] The external casing (202) comprises a plurality of external surfaces 15 (210o) and a plurality of internal surfaces (210i). 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). 20
[00078] 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 25 of the one or more energy storge units (102).
[00079] The external casing (202) comprises a plurality of internal surfaces (210i) 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
5 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). [00080] In an aspect, the external casing (202) comprises a first region (204a) and
10 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 15 more surfaces of each cell. In an embodiment, 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).
[00081] The second region (204b) of the external casing (202) refers to a region 20 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). In an aspect, 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). In an 25 embodiment, 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).
[00082] In an aspect, 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).
[00083] In an aspect, 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 5 more channels of the feeder circuit (106) circulate the heat regulating fluid from the second region (204b) to the first region (204a).
[00084] The feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b) operative between the first region (204a) and the second region (204b). In the first region (204a), the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is connected to the one or 10 more distributor units (110) through one or more connecting channels (112).
[00085] In an aspect, 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). 15
[00086] In an aspect, 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).
[00087] In an embodiment, the integration of the feeder circuit (106) with the one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) of the 20 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 (210i).
[00088] 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 25 accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00089] With reference to Figure 3, 302 denotes a plurality of openings, 304 denotes a central distribution unit, 306 denotes one or more distribution channels and 308 denotes one or more connecting provisions.
[00090] In an aspect, 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).
5
[00091] 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). 10
[00092] 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 15 area of each cell of the plurality of cells (104).
[00093] In an embodiment, 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 20 ensure even distribution of the heat regulating fluid onto the plurality of cells (104).
[00094] 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 25 transmission of the heat regulating fluid.
[00095] 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).
[00096]
In an embodiment, 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.
[00097] In an embodiment, an auxiliary pumping unit is operatively connected to 5 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).
[00098] In operation, the heat regulating fluid enters the one or more distribution units (110) through one or more connecting channels (308) onto the central 10 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).
[00099] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the thermal management system for the 15 one or more energy storage units showing one or more components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[000100] With reference to Figure 4, 402 denotes a plurality of heat radiating units.
[000101] The term “heat radiating units” used in accordance with the present 20 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). 25
[000102] In an aspect the one or more external surfaces (210o) integrated with the plurality of heat radiating units (402) adjoins one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing integrated with the feeder circuit (106).
[000103] In operation, the thermal management system (100) is operable in at least two configurations. In a first configuration, 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
5 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 10 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 15 distribution units (110) are provided, while the second region (204b) refers to a region where the collection unit (208) is disposed. In the first configuration of the thermal management system (100), the heat regulating fluid flows from the first region (204a) to the second region (204b).
[000104] In a second configuration, the heat regulating fluid is circulated through 20 the feeder circuit (106) of the external casing (202) for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid. In the second configuration, the thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid is undertaken. At the end of the first configuration, the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the second region is high due to the absorbed heat from the plurality of cells (104). To regulate the temperature of the 25 heat regulating fluid to maintain the efficacy of the thermal management system (100), 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 30 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). [000105] In an aspect, the feeder circuit (106) is integrated with one or more
5 internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing (202) where the one or more internal surfaces (210i) 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 10 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.
[000106] In an aspect, at the end of the process entailed in the second configuration, the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the second region 15 (204b) is greater than the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the first region (204a) of the external casing (202).
[000107] In an aspect, the thermal management system (100) is applicable during charging and discharging cycles of the one or more energy storage units (102). During charging cycle, the one or more energy storage units (102) is subjected to 20 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). During the discharging cycles, ambient air and other natural cooling techniques act on the plurality of heat radiating units (402). 25
[000108] For the purposes of unified operation and reduced system latency of the thermal management system (100), the first configuration and the second configuration is operable simultaneously.
[000109] The one or more energy storage units (102) when applied in a vehicle layout are subjected to a charging cycle and a discharging cycle. In conventional vehicle layouts, 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
5 below a threshold. Owing to the thermal management system (100) as per the present disclosure, 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. 10
[000110] Further, 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 15 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.
[000111] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal management system for the one or more energy storage units showing one or more components 20 in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[000112] 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.
[000113] For the sake of brevity Figure 5 and Figure 5(a) shall be explained in 25 conjunction.
[000114] Figure 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.
5 [000115] 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
10 conductivity of the external casing (202) material.
[000116] The configuration of 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). 15
[000117] In an embodiment, the external casing (202) is composed of a material being at least one of plastic, aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc and stainless steel.
[000118] 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. 20
[000119] In an aspect, the present invention discloses an external casing (202) for the one or more energy storage units (102) configured to facilitate thermal management.
[000120] In an aspect, the external casing (202) is configured to enclose one or more energy storage units (102), where the external casing (202) comprises: a 25 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 (210i).
[000121]
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 5 plurality of heat radiating units (402) on the one or more external surfaces (210o) to thermally regulate the heat regulating fluid in circulation.
[000122] In an aspect, 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 10 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 15 (102).
[000123] In an aspect, 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). 20
[000124] In an embodiment, 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.
[000125] In an embodiment, the pre-defined pattern of the one or more channels 25 (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. [000126] In another embodiment, 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
5 distribution of temperature in the heat regulating fluid due to smaller temperature gradient being developed in the heat regulating fluid.
[000127] In an embodiment, 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). For instance, the one or more channels (206a, 206b) is 10 disposed at an angle of 45 degrees to the plurality of heat radiating units (402).
[000128] In operation, 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 15 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. At this point, the plurality of heat radiating units (402) are 20 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 25 higher temperature to a lower temperature.
[000129] 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.
[000130]
Further, 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.
[000131] The pre-defined pattern of disposition of the one or more channels 5 (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. 10
[000132] Further, 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 (110).
[000133] Figure 7(a) and Figure 7(b) illustrate a bottom view of the thermal 15 management system for the one or more energy storage units in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.
[000134] With reference to Figure 7(a) and 7(b) a varying level of heat regulating fluid in the thermal management system (100) is shown. Figure 7(a) represents a first volume of heat regulating fluid being circulated through the thermal 20 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. In another embodiment, the volume of the heat regulating fluid is such that it occupied the available 25 volume inside the external casing (202) and is circulated by the pumping unit (108).
[000135] In an aspect, with reference to submergible pumps, no minimum volume of heat regulating fluid is required for optimum operation of the pumping
units (108). In some cases, 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). 5 [000136]
The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but 10 not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[000137] 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 15 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.
[000138] Additionally, the present subject matter provides a unified mechanism for thermal regulation of the plurality of cells of the one or more energy storage 20 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. Further, 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. 25
[000139] In relation to a vehicle employing the one or more energy storage units in accordance with the present disclosure, 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 30 charging as well as discharging cycle.
[000140] In an aspect, 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.
[000141] In an aspect, the occurrence of thermal runaway in batteries is a 5 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 10 reduced system latency.
[000142] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention, 15
[000143] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, 20 the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[000144] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration 25 and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[000145] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further 30
appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. [000146] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various 5 changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the 10 present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We claim,
1. A thermal management system (100) for one or more energy storge units (102), the thermal management system (100) comprising:
the one or more energy storage units (102), wherein each energy storage unit (102) of the one or more energy storage units (102) comprises: 5
a plurality of cells (104),
a plurality of cell holders, the plurality of cell holders configured to position the plurality of cells (104) in each energy storage unit (102),
one or more interconnectors, the one or more 10 interconnectors being disposed on a surface of the plurality of cells (104) and configured to electrically connect the plurality of cells (104);
an external casing (202), the external casing (202) configured to enclose the one or more energy storage units (102); and 15
a heat regulating fluid, the heat regulating fluid being circulated inside the external casing (202) and through the one or more energy storage units (102),
wherein the thermal management system (100) being operable in at least two configurations, 20
a first configuration when the heat regulating fluid being 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), and
a second configuration when the heat regulating 25 fluid being circulated through a feeder circuit (106) of the external casing (202) for thermal regulation of the heat regulating fluid,
wherein the feeder circuit (106) being integrated with one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the external casing (202).
2. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge 5 units (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration being operable simultaneously.
3. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal management system 10 (100) comprises:
a first region (204a), the first region (204a) comprising one or more distributor units (110) configured to supply the heat regulating fluid for circulation through at least the one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104) in the first configuration; and 15
a second region (204b), the second region (204b) comprising a collection unit (208) configured to collect the circulated heat regulating fluid upon percolation from the plurality of cells (104) in the first configuration.
20
4. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the second region (204b) being greater than the temperature of the heat regulating fluid in the first region (204a).
25
5. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more distributor units (110) comprises a plurality of openings (302) being configured to at least one of: sprinkle, spray, spurt or pour the heat regulating fluid on the one or more surfaces of each cell (104) of the plurality of cells (104) in the first 30 configuration.
6. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the feeder circuit (106) being connected to the first region (204a) at one end and the second region (204b) at another end; 5
wherein the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels which circulate the heat regulating fluid from the second region (204b) to the first region (204a) in the second configuration of the thermal management system (100); and
wherein a connecting channel (112) of the one or more channels 10 (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being connected to the one or more distributor units (110).
7. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the thermal management system 15 (100) comprises a pumping unit (108), wherein the pumping unit (108) being configured to pump the heat regulating fluid from the second region (204b) to the first region (204a) through the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106).
20
8. The thermal management system (100) for the one or more energy storge units (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat regulating fluid being a dielectric fluid.
9. An external casing (202) for thermal management in one or more energy 25 storage units (102), wherein the external casing (202) being configured to enclose the one or more energy storage units (102), wherein the external casing (202) comprises:
a plurality of external surfaces (210o), one or more external surfaces of the plurality of external surfaces (210o) being integrated with a 30 plurality of heat radiating units (402); and
a plurality of internal surfaces (210i), the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) adjoining the plurality of external surfaces (210),
wherein a feeder circuit (106) being integrated with one or more internal surfaces of the plurality of internal surfaces (210i),
wherein the feeder circuit (106) being configured to 5 circulate a heat regulating fluid,
wherein the feeder circuit (106) comprises one or more channels (206a, 206b) oriented in a pre-defined pattern, and
wherein the pre-defined pattern of orientation of the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being associated with the disposition 10 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.
10. The external casing (202) for thermal management in the one or more 15 energy storage units (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the feeder circuit (106) being integrated with the one or more internal surfaces (210i) of the plurality of internal surfaces (210i) by at least one of:
the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being attached to the one or more internal surfaces (210i); and 20
the one or more channels (206a, 206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being oriented in the pre-defined pattern through a passage in a material of the external casing (202), wherein the one or more channels (206a, 206b) being disposed between the one or more internal surfaces (210i) and the adjoining one or more external surfaces (210o). 25
11. The external casing (202) for thermal management in the one or more energy storage units (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pre-defined pattern being at least one of:
the one or more channels (206b) of the feeder circuit (106) being oriented along a longitudinal direction (XX’) 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’) of the one or more energy storage 5 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 lateraldirection (YY’) of the one or more energy storage units (102).
10
12.The external casing (202) for thermal management in the one or moreenergy storage units (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or morechannels (206a, 206b) in the pre-defined pattern having at least one of oneor more bends and pre-defined angles of orientation along at least one ofthe longitudinal direction (XX’) and the lateral direction (YY’) of the one15 or more energy storage units (102).
13.The external casing (202) for thermal management in the one or moreenergy storage units (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality ofheat radiating units (402) being provided with extended surface areas to20 dissipate heat, and wherein the plurality of heat radiating units (402) beingsubjected to at least one of natural cooling and forced cooling.
14.The external casing (202) for thermal management in the one or moreenergy storage units (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the material of25 the external casing (202) has thermal conductivity above a pre-definedconductivity threshold, and
wherein the pre-defined conductivity threshold being 34.5 W/mK.
Dated this: 27th July, 2023.