DE102018133004A1 - ELECTRIC STORAGE AND VEHICLE WITH SUCH A - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical storage device (2) is specified which has a housing (6) and at least one cell (8) which is arranged inside the housing (6), a spacer (10) being arranged on a cell wall (12) the cell (8) abuts, the housing (6) being designed to be flowed through by a dielectric heating medium, for temperature control of the cell (8), the spacer (10) together with the cell wall (12) having a flow channel (16) for the heat medium so that the heat medium in contact with the cell (8) can be passed through the flow channel (16) in a flow direction (R) for heat exchange with the cell (8). A vehicle (4) with such an electrical store (2) is also specified.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical storage device and a vehicle with such a device.

An electrical storage device is also referred to as a battery and is used to store electrical energy for later delivery to a consumer. To store energy, an electrical store has one or more cells, each of which has two poles, via which the cells can first be electrically connected to one another and ultimately via connections on the electrical store to a consumer arranged outside the electrical store. Often several cells are combined in a common housing in order to realize a certain voltage, current strength or power capacity.

In general, electrical storage devices are of particular importance for mobile applications, i.e. applications where a mobile energy source is required. For example, electrical storage devices are used in the automotive field, namely as an energy source for vehicles with an electric drive, e.g. Electric or hybrid vehicles.

In the present case, it is an object of the invention to improve the temperature control of an electrical store. The temperature of the electrical storage should be as homogeneous and energy-efficient as possible. The electrical storage device is intended to be particularly suitable for automotive use and in particular to be used in particular in an electrically driven vehicle. Accordingly, an improved electrical storage device and an improved vehicle are to be specified.

The object is achieved according to the invention by an electrical storage device with the features according to claim 1 and by a vehicle with the features according to claim 33. Advantageous refinements, developments and variants are the subject of the dependent claims. The explanations in connection with the electrical storage also apply analogously to the vehicle and vice versa.

The electrical storage can basically be any form of battery, e.g. also an electrical storage for systems, machines or tools. In the context of this application, however, electrical storage devices for mobile applications and especially for automotive applications are particularly preferred. The electrical storage device is preferably an electrical storage device for a vehicle, in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle, and serves to supply a drive of the vehicle with electrical energy. The electrical storage is also called high-voltage storage. An example of a suitable electrical storage has 100 to 1000 cells and a storage capacity of 40 kWh to 120 kWh. The electrical storage device provides, for example, a voltage in the range from 100 V to 400 V. In a fast charging mode, for example, the electrical storage is charged with an electrical output between 200 kW and 500 kW.

The electrical storage device has a housing and at least one cell. The cell is located within the housing. The electrical storage device has a spacer which is arranged in the housing and which bears against a cell wall of the cell, i.e. this touches. The spacer is also referred to as a separator, spacer or spacer. The housing is designed to be flowed through by a dielectric heat medium for temperature control of the cell. The housing thus has in particular an interior which is part of a circuit for the heat medium or which contains a circuit for the heat medium. The spacer forms, together with the cell wall and possibly also with other parts of the electrical storage, a flow channel for the heat medium, so that the heat medium can be passed through the flow channel in a flow direction in contact with the cell, for heat exchange with the cell.

In a first variant, the electrical store has several cells, in a second variant the electrical store has exactly one cell. In the first variant, the flow channel is formed between two cells or between a respective cell and the housing or a combination thereof, in the second variant the flow channel is formed between the cell and the housing.

In the following, the first variant with several cells is discussed and then the second variant with only one cell. The explanations in each case specifically for one of the two variants can basically also be applied to the other variant. Insofar as reference is generally made to “the cells” of the electrical store in the context of this application, this formulation means that in the case of an embodiment with only one cell, only this one cell is meant. Conversely, in the case of an electrical store with several cells, the statements relating to a single one of these cells apply regularly also for the other cells.

In a suitable embodiment of the first variant, the electrical store has a housing and a plurality of cells. The cells are arranged within the housing and combined into a stack in that the cells are arranged in succession in a stacking direction. In a Variant, several stacks are formed. In the following, a single stack is assumed without restricting the generality. Between two cells, which are adjacent in the stacking direction, a spacer is arranged, which lies against a respective cell wall of the two cells. This is understood in particular to mean that a respective spacer is arranged between two cells, so that the stack, viewed in the stacking direction, is alternately composed of cells and spacers. For the sake of simplicity, but without restricting generality, only a single spacer will be discussed below. However, the explanations apply mutatis mutandis to arrangements with more than two cells and correspondingly a plurality of spacers, which are preferably, but not necessarily, of the same design.

Two adjacent cells are mechanically coupled to one another via the corresponding spacer. The cells are expediently clamped together in the stacking direction, preferably between two walls of the housing. The spacers are clamped between the cells accordingly. In an advantageous embodiment, a respective spacer creates a free space between two neighboring cells, so that they can swell, in particular due to operation, and can thereby escape into the free space without generating excessive mechanical tension. The free space thus serves as a swelling space, but at the same time is advantageously dimensioned by the spacer in such a way that the heating medium can still flow through at the same time.

The spacer forms between two cells, i.e. the two cells to which the spacer rests and together with the cell wall of at least one of the two cells, preferably with the cell walls of both cells, from at least one flow channel for the heat medium, so that the heat medium in contact with the at least one cell, preferably both cells , can be passed in a flow direction between the two cells, for heat exchange with the at least one cell, preferably with both cells. The flow channel is thus spanned by the spacer and at least one cell wall, in particular in the free space between the cells. In operation, the heat medium flows through the flow channel in the flow direction between the cells and comes into contact with at least one cell wall, so that heat is exchanged.

As an alternative or in addition to the configuration with a flow channel between two adjacent cells, the spacer with the housing and a respective cell wall forms a flow channel which is arranged to the side of the cells, that is to say not in between, but along a side face or an edge region of the cell. This configuration with a lateral flow channel, i.e. with a side channel, is described in more detail below and is particularly suitable for pouch cells, but in principle also for other designs.

A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the spacer between the two cells and together with the cell walls of the two cells forms at least one flow channel for the heat medium, so that the heat medium can be passed in contact with both cells in a flow direction between the two cells for heat exchange with both cells. This configuration is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for an electrical store in which the cells are square and e.g. are each designed as a prismatic cell or as a pouch cell. However, an embodiment is also suitable in which the flow channel is formed only by a single cell wall in connection with the spacer. This configuration is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for an electrical store in which the cells are cylindrical and e.g. are each designed as a round cell.

The invention is based in particular on the observation that it is fundamentally possible to cool an electrical store by means of a separate cooling element. This is, for example, a base plate cooler through which a coolant flows and on which the electrical storage is mounted. The thermal connection of such a separate cooling element to the electrical store determines the extent of the maximum possible heat dissipation. An incomplete connection disadvantageously limits the heat dissipation and regularly leads to an uneven temperature control of the electrical storage, i.e. the temperature can vary considerably depending on the position in the electrical storage. This results in a disadvantageous temperature spread within the electrical store, with corresponding disadvantages in the operation of the electrical store, e.g. limited useful life or performance, premature performance degradation or increased energy requirements. In the case of the base plate cooler mentioned, only the underside of the electrical store is effectively cooled, and there is a disadvantageous temperature gradient in the vertical direction.

An inhomogeneous and possibly inadequate cooling can be compensated to a certain extent by a correspondingly low temperature of the coolant. However, this is correspondingly energy-intensive and regularly leads to the coolant having to be cooled below the ambient temperature, which requires an artificial heat sink, for example in the form of an additional refrigeration cycle. This creates a corresponding cost, energy, parts and installation space, which is particularly problematic in an automotive application. Above all, the increased energy requirement leads directly to a reduced range in an electrically powered vehicle, since the energy is usually taken from the electrical store.

A core idea of the invention now consists in particular of rinsing the one or more cells of an electrical store in operation with a heating medium in a special manner for the purpose of temperature control. For this purpose, the heating medium is a dielectric heating medium and is in direct contact with the cell or the cells, as a result of which a particularly good thermal connection is achieved and thus a particularly good heat exchange is ensured.

The heating medium is also referred to as a coolant without restricting generality. The temperature of the cells is controlled by circulating the heat medium so that the cells are continuously actively washed and cooled. The housing suitably has a flow and a return, via which the electrical store is integrated into a circuit, or a circuit is completely integrated into the housing. The heat medium is conveyed to the cells, exchanges heat with it there and is then conveyed on in order to exchange heat elsewhere in a correspondingly different direction. In general, temperature control takes place, whereby the terms “cooling” and “heating” are combined under the term “temperature control”. For cooling, heat is absorbed by the cells in the heat medium and released again in a suitable heat exchanger. For example, the heat is released into the ambient air via an ambient heat exchanger. Conversely, for heating, heat is absorbed on a heating element and given off to the cells. The heating element is, for example, also a heat exchanger or an electrical heating element, e.g. a water heater.

The contact of the heat medium with the cells is in particular such that an essential part of the respective cell wall, i.e. the outer surface of a cell with which the heat medium comes into direct contact. An “essential part” means in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 80%. As an alternative or in addition, an “essential part” is understood to mean that part of the cell wall via which at least 50% of the waste heat of the cell is released, which is particularly advantageous in the case of spatially inhomogeneous heat generation in a cell and depends overall on the design of the cell. For example, a pouch cell has an inner cell coil, with a winding axis, and a substantial part of the cell wall then corresponds e.g. only 10% or less of the surface of the pouch cell along the winding axis. The connections of the individual cells, i.e. the so-called terminals, washed by the heat medium and are in direct contact with it.

A key aspect of the invention is in particular that a flow channel is created by means of the spacer between two cells or between a cell and the housing, through which the heat medium flows in operation in a specific and defined flow direction. For this purpose, the spacer is shaped and positioned accordingly, the specific design and positioning of the spacer depending in particular on the design of the cells, especially whether they are basically cuboid, such as for prismatic cells or pouch cells, or more cylindrical, e.g. with round cells, which regularly results in different geometries of the arrangement. In any case, the spacer is shaped with the proviso that the largest possible area of each cell is flowed around as evenly as possible with heat medium. The spacer allows an advantageously large scope for design.

In the case of an electrical storage device with a plurality of cells, an embodiment is advantageous in which a plurality of flow channels are formed and are connected fluidically in parallel, in that a flow channel is formed along the stack, for dividing the heat medium between the flow channels between two cells, and in that along the stack Return channel is designed to bring the heat medium from the flow channels. The various flow channels between two cells in the stack are therefore fluid, i.e. hydraulically coupled with each other, in this case even parallel, so that the heat medium is divided from the flow channel to the flow channels. The multiple flow channels referred to here are not only formed side by side between only two cells, one flow channel is formed between two cells and the multiple flow channels are then arranged one behind the other in the stacking direction, alternating with the cells.

The flow channel is dimensioned correspondingly larger than a single flow channel and regularly has a larger flow cross section than a single flow channel. The same applies to the return channel. The flow channel or the return channel or both are preferably designed as a gap between the cells and the housing. The gap extends accordingly in the stacking direction. If there are several stacks of cells, the stacks are one below the other with regard to the heat medium either also connected in parallel to one another or in series or a combination thereof.

Compared to serial temperature control, the parallel temperature control of the cells within a stack has the advantage that a significantly more homogeneous temperature distribution within the electrical store is achieved, with corresponding advantages. This is particularly evident in view of the fact that a stack typically has 5 to 50 cells and, as the number increases as the flow channels pass through in series, the heat medium along the stack can absorb less and less heat. In the case of parallel temperature control, on the other hand, the flow path branches out from the flow channel, so that the heat medium flows into each of the flow channels at at least approximately the same temperature. The parallel temperature control is also easier to scale and is more suitable for realizing an advantageous component concept for the manufacture of electrical storage devices of different sizes or for different cell types.

The direct contact of the heat medium and one or more cells is made possible by the fact that the heat medium is a dielectric heat medium, that is to say is electrically non-conductive or insulating. Preferred dielectric heating media are hydrofluoroethers, or HFE for short. Isoparaffin, fuels, e.g. Diesel, hydrogen, air or demineralized water. An operating medium of the vehicle in which the electrical store is installed is particularly expedient as the heating medium, since then no additional heating medium has to be carried along, but rather the heating medium is taken in particular from a reservoir for the operating medium, e.g. a fuel tank. In the case of air e.g. Ambient air is used and the circuit for the heating medium is an open circuit. Alternatively and expediently in the case of a liquid heating medium, the circuit is a closed circuit and is then not fluidly connected to the surroundings.

Various concepts are suitable for supplying, distributing and promoting the heating medium in general. In the case of immersion temperature control, the entire available volume is filled with the heating medium if possible. In the case of spray or jet temperature control, on the other hand, the heat medium is sprayed or dripped onto or between the cells or the like by means of suitable nozzles. In a suitable embodiment, the nozzles are each simply an opening. In the case of spray temperature control, an aerosol is formed in particular in connection with additional air. In the case of beam temperature control, the cells or the terminals or both are irrigated in particular or the flow is targeted. In a variant of the spray or jet temperature control, the heat medium accumulates between the cells up to a certain filling level, so that a type of immersion temperature control is at least partially realized. As an alternative or in addition, in a variant, in particular in the case of spray or jet temperature control, a phase transition, e.g. evaporation or condensation, the heat medium used for temperature control.

In a suitable embodiment, the electrical store for immersion temperature control is designed in particular with a liquid heat medium, in that the flow channel is formed on an underside of the stack and the return channel on an upper side of the stack, so that the heat medium flows through the flow channel against gravity when used as intended. In an expedient development, the return channel is also designed as a compensation volume. In operation, the heat medium is accordingly provided underneath the cells and is conveyed upward from the flow channel and counter to gravity through the flow channels between the cells. Above the cells, there remains a residual volume in the return channel, which is not filled by the heating medium and is expediently used as a compensation volume. A degassing valve for degassing the electrical store is expediently arranged on the compensation volume.

Alternatively, in a suitable embodiment, the electrical store is designed for spray or jet temperature control, in that the flow channel is formed on an upper side of the stack and at least one nozzle is arranged there for supplying the heat medium, and in that the return channel is formed on a lower side of the stack, so that the return duct also forms a collection container for the heat medium. During operation, the heat medium is then supplied from above the cells and then seeps into the flow channels from the top. In this case, particular use is made of the fact that the heat medium can be conveyed and conveyed gravimetrically or by capillary force through the flow channels. The heat medium is supplied in particular by means of one or more suitable nozzles, which are expediently designed as atomizers for spray temperature control.

In a suitable embodiment, the housing has a plate-shaped wall which is hollow and, for this purpose, has a vaulted structure, so that a plurality of flow channels are formed which extend parallel and in the stacking direction. The flow channels are each fluidically connected to the flow channels via a number of openings. The multiple flow channels are Expediently fluidly connected to one another already within the vault structure by additional passages. The wall is preferably a floor or a lid of the electrical storage device, depending on whether the flow channels are to be arranged above or below the cells. The wall is generally double-walled, with an inside that faces the cells and an outside that faces away from the cells. The openings are then arranged on the inside.

Preferably, the flow channels are tapered in the direction of the openings. In this way, the vault structure advantageously acts as a pressure reducer. In a suitable embodiment, the flow channels have a semicircular cross section when viewed in cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction. The semicircular cross section has a diameter and an arc and is preferably arranged in such a way that the diameter faces towards the outside and the arc towards the inside, the openings then being positioned at the apex of the arc, so that the supply channels are correspondingly tapered towards the openings .

The flow channels run in particular perpendicular to the flow channels. The configuration with the vaulted structure is suitable in principle for cells of any design, but very particularly for cylindrical cells, especially round cells, which are arranged in a plurality of stacks lying next to one another and interlocking in the manner of a spherical packing. In other words: the cylindrical cells extend upright from the wall and are arranged in several stacks which are arranged offset from one another. Preferably, a flow channel then runs under each stack, which has an opening at regular intervals that leads into a flow channel between two cells.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has two side webs, preferably parallel to one another, which extend in the direction of flow. The side webs are also in contact with at least one cell, preferably with two adjacent cells, and laterally border the flow channel. The specific design and arrangement of the side webs depends in particular on the design and arrangement of the cells.

In the case of cuboid cells, especially prismatic cells, the side webs are preferably arranged in an edge region of two cells adjacent in the stacking direction and accordingly space the two cells at a cell spacing which is particularly constant perpendicular to the stacking direction. The flow channel is then formed between the cells. The two side webs are arranged together in a plane which is arranged parallel to and between the cells. Both side bars are in contact with both cells.

In contrast, in the case of cylindrical cells, especially round cells, the flow channel between the two side webs is formed only on one of the cells, the spacer spans the cell wall in a bridge-like manner and thereby creates the flow channel. Both side webs lie together at least on one cell. Nevertheless, even in the case of cylindrical cells, a single side web is regularly in contact with a plurality of cells, namely in that the side web runs along a gusset which is formed between two cylindrical cells which are adjacent in the stacking direction. Only at the end of the stack or in an edge position can there be side webs which only abut a cell. In the case of round cells, a spacer preferably has three side webs and is arranged in the gussets which result between three cylindrical cells in two adjacent and staggered stacks. In any case, the side webs are particularly continuous along a total height of the cells, i.e. continuously trained.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has a central web which divides the flow channel into two sub-channels. The central web is therefore a divider for the flow channel. Each of the sub-channels is correspondingly delimited laterally by the central web and one of the side webs between which the heat medium flows during operation. The center bar is positioned, for example, in the middle between the side bars. A laterally offset arrangement is also generally suitable, so that the subchannels are then of different sizes. In an expedient embodiment, a plurality of central webs are formed, which in particular run parallel and to one another and divide the flow channel into a corresponding plurality of subchannels. Depending on the design of the cells, the center bar sometimes has various advantages.

In cuboidal and especially prismatic cells, the subchannels are preferably fluidly connected in series, so that the flow direction of the heat medium in the two subchannels is opposed. The heat medium is first conveyed from a flow channel through a first subchannel into an intermediate channel, which is a return channel for this first subchannel and at the same time a flow channel for the second subchannel. From the intermediate channel, the heat medium is then conveyed through the second subchannel in the opposite direction into a return channel, which is principally on the same side of the cells as the supply channel. In order to separate the flow channel and the return channel from each other, the middle bar is Expediently extended beyond the cell and has a partition which then divides a gap between the cells and the housing into two channels, namely the flow channel and the return channel. The arrangement of the flow channel and the return channel on the same side of the cells is particularly advantageous in terms of design, since then a flow and a return, ie connections for supplying and removing the heat medium, can be attached from the housing at the same height and, accordingly, appropriately are attached.

In the case of cylindrical cells, especially round cells, the subchannels are preferably fluidically connected in parallel, so that the direction of flow of the heat medium in the two subchannels is the same. The central web preferably serves as a spacer in order to prevent the cell from penetrating into the flow channel, thereby bending the spacer, so to speak, and then closing the flow channel. The cell is therefore supported on the central web.

The concepts described above with regard to the central web and the subchannels are not limited to the explicitly mentioned types of cells, but can basically also be applied to other types.

The flow cross section of the flow channel results from a channel thickness, which is measured in the stacking direction, and a channel width, which is measured perpendicular to the channel thickness. The channel width is typically less than a cell width of the cells. In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is designed as a flow constrictor by blocking part of the free space between the cells and thereby reducing the channel width. This in turn increases the flow velocity in the now narrowed flow channel and improves the heat exchange. In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is designed such that the channel width is between 20% and 80% of the cell width. For this purpose, the side webs or center webs described above or both are expediently designed to be correspondingly wide.

In general, the flow velocity in a single flow channel is in particular between 2 cm / s and 10 cm / s.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is designed like a frame and has at least one transverse web, by means of which the two side webs are connected to one another. The spacer preferably has two, in particular parallel, transverse webs, by means of which the two side webs are connected to one another, and is then formed in a window-like manner overall. The crosspieces are designed and arranged in such a way that they do not just close the flow channel, although they extend transversely to the direction of flow. The flow channel has a flow cross section and the cross bar or the cross bars are arranged offset in relation to the flow cross section in the stacking direction, so that the heat medium can be guided past the respective cross bar. The additional crossbar creates a mechanically particularly robust arrangement. At the same time, the crosspiece advantageously fixes the spacer to at least one cell, so that its relative position to one another is fixed. An embodiment in which a spacer is fixed to two adjacent cells is also advantageous, so that a shear movement of the cells relative to one another is prevented. The spacer is expediently connected to the cells in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of the transverse web or by means of the side webs or a combination thereof.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has a holding contour and is held by means of this in a form-fitting manner on at least one of the two cells. The spacer is, for example, pinned to a cell, clipped or clamped. An embodiment is particularly suitable in which the spacer is designed like a clamp and at least one cell on two opposite sides, e.g. on the top and the bottom, gripped or clasped, so that the spacer is held against slipping on the cell. Appropriately, two crosspieces form the holding contour as described above and clasp the cell. Alternatively or additionally, the holding contour has a side frame, extends in the stacking direction and starting from one of the side webs and clasps the cell laterally. Such a side frame is expediently formed on both sides of the cell. In an advantageous embodiment, the side frame is filled with an adhesive, so that the spacer is glued to the cell.

As an alternative or in addition to a fixation by means of clamping as described, the spacer for fixation is glued to one or more cells.

In an expedient embodiment, a plurality of spacers are formed in one piece with the above-described plate-shaped wall with a vaulted structure and then extend upwards in a column-like manner and form corresponding holders in which the cells are then inserted.

With regard to the spacer, in a suitable first embodiment this does not protrude transversely, ie viewed perpendicular to the stacking direction Cells out. The stack width is then determined in particular by the cell width and corresponds to this. This configuration is particularly suitable, but not exclusively, for cells with a rigid or robust design, for example prismatic cells or round cells. In a suitable embodiment, the cells lie directly on the housing and the respective spacer between two cells only touches these two cells. In a second embodiment which is also suitable, on the other hand, the spacer projects beyond the cells transversely to the stacking direction and bears against the housing, so that a side channel for the heat medium is formed on the side of the cell. The spacer thus has an edge which projects beyond the cell and lies against the housing. Conversely, the cells in particular do not touch the housing, but are only connected to it indirectly via the spacers. The stack width is then determined in particular by the dimensions of the spacer transverse to the stacking direction. In contrast to the first variant, in the second variant the spacer is used to mechanically connect the cells to the housing. The spacer preferably has a thickness in the range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. This second embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for cells with a flexible, elastic or non-rigid design, for example pouch cells, which are then fixed and held in place by the spacers. An additional holding frame for the cells is expediently dispensed with here, the function of which is taken over by the spacers which abut the housing. Advantageously, several cells and spacers are combined to form a stack and in particular glued to one another, so that the stack forms an assembly which is simply inserted into the housing during the manufacture of the electrical store and in particular is positively connected to it and, if appropriate, is additionally connected to it, eg glued.

In general, a pouch cell is characterized in particular by the fact that it has a central region which defines the thickness of the cell and an edge region which surrounds the central region in a circumferential direction and is flatter than the central region. A shoulder is formed at the transition from the central area to the edge area. The edge area is not necessarily formed all the way round, for example a configuration is suitable in which the edge area is formed only on three sides of the cell. The edge area is generally flat and is preferably designed as a fold for closing the pouch cell. In one variant, the edge area is additionally folded or flanged or the like. In particular, the terminal of the cell is arranged in the edge region, the two poles of the terminal are preferably designed as metal flags, which are led outwards from the central region through the edge region, for the electrical connection of the cell. The central region typically has a thickness in the range from 5 mm to 30 mm, whereas the edge region is significantly flatter and typically has a thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

In a suitable embodiment of the second embodiment, the electrical store has a plurality of cells which are arranged within the housing and are combined to form a stack by the cells being arranged in succession in a stacking direction. The spacer is arranged between two cells, which are adjacent in the stacking direction, and the spacer lies against a respective cell wall of the two cells. In this respect, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the spacer now projects beyond the cells, namely with an edge, transversely to the stacking direction and lies against the housing, so that the flow channel for the heat medium is formed on the side of the cells. Such a flow channel is also referred to as a side channel since it runs to the side of the cell. Along the stack, the flow channel is regularly bordered by the housing and the cell wall of a cell on the one hand and on the other hand by two spacers which follow one another in the stacking direction and in this way the flow cross section of the flow channel is defined. In an expedient development, the flow channel on the side of the cells is combined with a flow channel between the two adjacent cells, so that a total of several flow channels are formed and the heat medium is guided partly between the cells and partly to the side of the cells.

During operation, the heat medium also flows past a respective cell perpendicular to the stacking direction in the side flow channel and exchanges heat with it. In addition, a plurality of lateral flow channels are connected in parallel to one another in particular, the above statements regarding parallel flow channels between the cells of a stack also apply analogously to side channels connected in parallel in a fluidic manner. In particular, the concept with a flow channel or a return channel or both for a plurality of flow channels connected in parallel can advantageously also be applied analogously to an embodiment with side channels and also implemented in a corresponding variant.

As has already been indicated above, the configuration with a spacer projecting from the side, with the formation of a side channel, is particularly suitable for pouch cells, but is in principle also applicable to other designs. Especially in the case of pouch cells, however, use is advantageously made of the fact that the spacer for the pouch cells, which are not inherently stable, have a mechanically robust mounting on the housing and a mechanical connection to the housing. A pouch cell is generally designed as a flat wrap and is regularly packaged in a flexible bag as an outer shell and is regularly deformed by mechanical loads, so it cannot absorb mechanical loads at all or only with little deformation. A respective cell is now clamped between two spacers or at the end between a spacer and the housing and is thereby held in a force-locking manner in particular. In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is glued to the cell. The stack of cells and spacers is inserted into the housing in such a way that the spacers abut an inner wall of the housing, but the cells do not, which ultimately forms the side channels. One, several or all spacers are preferably attached to the housing, for example glued, welded or screwed on. Overall, the cells are thus indirectly structurally firmly attached to the housing, since the cells are fixed between the spacers and these, in turn, are at least in contact with the housing and are preferably attached. It is basically possible and harmless if some of the spacers are arranged with play in relation to the housing.

Another advantage of the protruding spacer is in particular that it can also be used as a cooling fin. This results from the connection of the spacer to the housing, so that the spacer in a suitable embodiment is also a cooling fin in the interior of the housing. The housing itself serves in particular as a heat sink and is expediently designed as a plate heat exchanger. For example, the housing is double-walled and has an inner wall and an outer wall, between which a heat medium circulates, e.g. a water / glycol mixture. The spacers then extend from the inner wall into the interior of the housing and are in contact with the cells, so that a particularly effective thermal connection of the cells is realized. In this context, an embodiment is advantageous in which the spacer consists of metal or generally of a thermally highly conductive material.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has an edge which has a recess which is arranged in such a way that the side channel is fluidly connected to at least one further side channel. Accordingly, at least two side channels are formed, which are initially separated from one another by the spacer, but are fluidly connected to one another via the recess, for exchanging heat medium. The recess is preferably arranged in the area of a terminal of the cell, so that a particularly effective temperature control of the terminal is achieved. Especially with pouch cells, the terminals are regularly arranged on the side and thus in the side channel, so that connecting the side channels at this point is particularly useful.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has a depression, i.e. in particular a recess in the manner of a depression, in which one of the two cells is inserted in a form-fitting and preferably also force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the depression is expediently shaped to complement the cell, so that it can be inserted into the depression. The depression is produced, for example, in that the spacer is manufactured as a deep-drawn part. The depression is a depression of the spacer in the stacking direction. In the case of a pouch cell, in particular the central region thereof is inserted into the depression, while the edge region protrudes with respect to the depression.

Due to the protrusion, the spacer has an edge due to the principle. The edge is the part which is not in contact with a cell and which lies against the housing, that is to say in particular the part which projects beyond the side of the cell. Some further developments of the spacer are given below with regard to the edge, which can also be combined with one another.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has an edge which is bent at least in sections and lies flat against the housing. The edge of the spacer is accordingly partially or completely folded in the stacking direction, preferably by 90 °, and then runs parallel to the inner wall of the housing, so that there is a particularly large contact area. On the one hand, this improves the thermal connection to the housing, and on the other hand results in a mechanically more robust arrangement. For example, the spacer is glued to the housing via the contact surface.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has an edge, which at least in sections is designed as a spring element, for resilient support on the housing. For this purpose, the edge is compressed, for example corrugated or folded, perpendicular to the stacking direction, so that when a force is applied in this direction, that is to say perpendicular to the stacking direction and to the inner wall of the housing and laterally onto the cells, the edge is elastically deformable. The edge as a spring element absorbs corresponding forces and in this way protects the cells from a corresponding mechanical load.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has an edge which is corrugated at least in sections in the circumferential direction and thereby rests against the housing in a kink-resistant manner. This results in a rising and falling course along the edge, so that the spacer lies against the housing along a corresponding wavy line. The edge is thus advantageously designed to be kink-resistant. In particular, the corrugated edge has a corrugation which is rotated by 90 ° in comparison to a corrugation for the purpose of forming a spring element. The corrugated design of the edge can be realized by manufacturing it as a deep-drawn part.

The kink-resistant configuration of the edge and the configuration as a spring element also have the advantage that the edge in both configurations can be deformed especially in the event of a crash and can therefore absorb and destroy corresponding forces without the cells being adversely affected.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is constructed in multiple layers, namely has two outer layers, between which a flow layer is arranged, through which the heat medium can flow. In the multi-layer configuration, the spacer preferably has a thickness in the range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The outer layers each preferably have a thickness in the range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, that is to say like a simple spacer. The outer layers are each formed, for example, as sheet metal. In a suitable embodiment, the outer layers are each flat and without recesses; in a suitable alternative, at least one of the outer layers is designed like a simple spacer with a flow channel between two adjacent cells. The flow position is particularly enclosed between the two outer layers, whereby the multilayer spacer can be open on the side, so that the flow position is accessible from the side, or closed, e.g. in that one of the outer layers is guided laterally around the flow layer and then lies against the other outer layer. The flow position forms in particular a flow channel, along which the heat medium flows during operation between the two outer layers and thus also between the two cells, for heat exchange with the cells. In this respect, the explanations regarding a flow channel between two cells apply analogously to the flow position as a flow channel and vice versa.

In a suitable embodiment, the flow layer consists of a fiber composite which has a large number of fibers which are oriented in a preferred direction, so that the heat medium can flow through the flow layer in the preferred direction. The fibers form a particularly tight packing and thus lie against one another, so that a multiplicity of channels are formed between the fibers, through which the heat medium flows during operation. Each fiber preferably has a diameter in the range from 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. The fibers do not necessarily all have the same diameter. A respective fiber suitably consists of plastic or a textile. The outer layers are preferably planar on the outside and on the inside, but in a suitable alternative, the outer layers are profiled on the inside, i.e. towards the flow position, and accordingly have a profiling, which results in particular from the fact that some fibers of the fiber composite are pressed into the respective outer layer and thereby deform it. The outer layer accordingly consists of a material that is softer than the fibers, at least during the manufacture of the spacer. A partial fixation of the fiber composite is thereby achieved in particular. In a suitable embodiment, the outer layers are produced by coating the flow layer on both sides, e.g. a plastic mass, which is applied to the flow layer on both sides, e.g. is spread or sprayed on and then hardens.

The outer layers do not necessarily have to have the same dimensions, rather it is already advantageous if only one of the two outer layers protrudes beyond the cell and lies against the housing, whereas the other outer layer has smaller dimensions such that it is completely in contact with one Cell wall stands and just does not protrude over the cell. The flow position also preferably does not protrude beyond the cells.

The multilayer design of the spacer is also possible and advantageous in the case of a spacer that does not protrude.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer additionally has an elastic material which is designed such that it is arranged flat between two cells. The elastic material advantageously enables a certain amount of deformation, so that unevenness in the cells during the tensioning in the stacking direction is compensated for and a particularly homogeneous distribution of the tensioning force over the surface across the stacking direction is realized. The elastic material acts in particular as a spring in the stacking direction. A spacer with additional, elastic material is alternatively referred to as a two-layer spacer, the elastic material then being a first layer and the remaining part being a second layer.

The spacer is preferably significantly thinner than the elastic material. The elastic material, measured in the stacking direction, preferably has a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm and is advantageously so elastic that the thickness changes by a factor 2nd to 5 can be reduced and then lies in a range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm in particular. In contrast, the spacer preferably has a thickness in the range from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. In a suitable embodiment, the elastic material is glued on. For example, a spacer with elastic material is formed by simply additionally applying an elastic material to a spacer as described previously or below.

The elastic material is flat, so it fills the space between the cell wall and the spacer predominantly or even completely. The elastic material is not necessarily permeable to the heat medium and, accordingly, in a suitable embodiment is impermeable to the heat medium. In a suitable embodiment, the elastic material is a foam or generally a porous material. In one embodiment, a number of flow channels are introduced into the elastic material for guiding the heat medium. Alternatively or additionally, the spacer has flow channels as already described above, which are then not formed in the elastic material, but in the remaining part, which is advantageously not deformable, so that the flow cross section for the heat medium is independent of the deformation of the elastic material preserved.

The protruding spacer does not necessarily lie all the way round, i.e. In particular on all four sides of the housing, such configurations are also suitable in which the spacer abuts the housing with only one side, is expediently fastened, or in which the spacer abuts the housing with two particularly opposite sides or with three sides or even attached.

Overall, the protruding spacer in particular advantageously represents a function-integrated component with one or more functions. A first function is, in particular, that the spacer serves as a cell support for the cells and preferably holds them positively or non-positively, or both. A second function is in particular that the spacer serves as a tensioning element in the stacking direction. A third function is in particular the formation of the flow channel or a plurality of flow channels. A fourth function is in particular the formation of a common flow channel or a common return channel for a plurality of flow channels or both. A fifth function is, in particular, a resilient coupling of the cells to the housing, in order to reduce the transmission of forces which act on the housing to the cells. A sixth function is in particular a mechanical connection of the cells to the housing, for realizing at least a certain degree of fixation. A seventh function is in particular an effect as a heat-conducting sheet and in this context the thermal connection of the cells to the housing. An eighth function is in particular to protect one side of the cells, in particular a fold of a pouch cell. A ninth function is in particular a soft and positioning of the cells for fluid damping by means of the heat medium. A tenth function is in particular an absorption of deformation work, e.g. in the event of a crash or in general with external forces. An eleventh function is in particular that the spacer acts as a stiffening element, as a result of which the housing as a whole is particularly robust. A twelfth function is in particular that the spacer acts as a thermal barrier, i.e. as a burn protection, to avoid thermal runaway. The aforementioned functions can be used in particular in any combination and in part depend in particular on the choice of material and the specific composition of the spacer. Some of the functions mentioned also apply generally to a spacer, regardless of whether it survives or not.

The heat medium is preferably throttled when it flows into the flow channel. For this purpose, in a suitable embodiment, the flow channel has a flow area, for the inflow of the heat medium and the spacer has a pressure reducer which extends through the flow channel in the flow area transversely to the direction of flow. The flow area lies in particular in an upstream half of the flow channel. A pressure drop between the flow channel and the flow channel is generated by the pressure reducer, so that the heat medium flows into the flow channel in a correspondingly dosed manner. The pressure drop is achieved in particular in that the pressure reducer has a flow cross section which is reduced in comparison with the flow channel. Especially in designs with several parallel flow channels, the pressure reducer is a flow divider for the total flow of the heat medium and thus leads to an even distribution of the heat medium to the various flow channels during operation. A particularly homogeneous temperature control of the cells is thereby achieved. Depending on the design of the spacer, the pressure reducer is either in the flow channel between two cells adjacent in the stacking direction arranged or in a side flow channel or a combination thereof.

In a suitable embodiment, the pressure reducer is designed like a fence and for this purpose has a plurality of webs which are arranged parallel to one another, an inflow channel for the heat medium being formed between two adjacent webs and a respective inflow channel being tapered in the direction of flow to reduce pressure. This results in an alternating arrangement of webs and inflow channels transverse to the flow channel. A respective inflow channel forms, in particular, a throttle with the two adjacent webs, through which the heat medium flows into the flow channel. The webs are preferably attached to a crossbar as described above and thus suitably positioned in the lead area. The crossbar and the webs, which then extend perpendicularly from the crossbar, form a comb structure overall. The webs are typically wider than the inflow channels. A respective inflow channel is preferably funnel-shaped.

In a suitable embodiment, the pressure reducer is made from a grid-like or porous material. In other words: the pressure reducer is made in particular from a holey material. The material is preferably a sheet material. Alternatively, the material is a bed of a plurality of balls, grains, fibers or the like. This takes advantage of the fact that the material has a large number of meshes, pores, holes or the like and thereby enables the heat medium to flow through, but at the same time blocks a partial volume of the flow area and thus leads to a reduction in the flow cross section. In this way, pressure reduction is achieved in a simple manner. The material is in particular a grid, a braid, a fabric, a fiber composite, a textile, a foam, a sponge or the like.

In a suitable embodiment, a strip of the material is glued to a cell in the leading area or alternatively or additionally stretched between two side webs of the spacer.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has a turbulator, which is arranged in the flow channel, for swirling the heat medium when flowing through the flow channel. For this purpose, the turbulator preferably extends over at least 50%, particularly preferably at least over 90%, of a length of the flow channel, the length being measured in the direction of flow. During operation, the turbulator reduces the laminarity of the heat medium in the flow channel, ie increases the turbulence, which results in improved heat transfer between the heat medium and the cell. The turbulator is preferably made of a lattice-like or porous material, as already described above in connection with the pressure reducer, so that the turbulator then at the same time also has a pressure-reducing effect, that is to say is a pressure reducer.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer consists entirely of a grid-like or porous material and extends over more than 50% of a length of the flow channel, particularly preferably at least over 90% of the length. The spacer is flat overall. The flow channel is mostly filled with the spacer. With regard to the material, the above explanations regarding the material in connection with the pressure reducer and the turbulator apply accordingly. The spacer is then designed in a particularly simple manner both as a pressure reducer and as a turbulator.

In a suitable embodiment, a cell is individually encased with the material within the housing, so that the spacer is guided around the entire cell. The wrapping is not necessarily complete.

“Enveloped” is also understood to mean “surrounded”. In the case of a sheet material, the cell is wrapped in the material, and then in the case of a fill it is poured over. This is fundamentally suitable for every type of cell, but is particularly useful for cylindrical cells. Particularly in the case of cuboid cells, but also in general, an embodiment is also suitable in which only every second cell in a stack is coated with the material.

In the case of a spacer made of a lattice-like or porous material, a spacing of the cells and, in particular, the formation of a swelling space is preferably achieved in that the spacer is made in several layers in some areas and is therefore locally thicker in the stacking direction. In a suitable embodiment, the spacer has two edge regions, which abut the cell walls, and a central region, which is arranged in the flow channel, for guiding the heat medium. The edge regions are then reinforced and in particular designed as side webs as already described above and, for this purpose, superimposed in several layers. It is particularly important here that the edge areas have more layers than the central area. In a particularly expedient embodiment, the material for forming the edge regions is folded over or folded over laterally, so that there are several layers which lie on one another.

In a suitable embodiment, the spacer is designed as a film. The film has a suitably selected thickness in order to span the flow channel. The film is, for example, an adhesive film which is then particularly easily removed, for example, first of all from a carrier during the manufacture of the electrical storage device and then transferred to a cell. A 3D printing process or an injection molding process are also suitable for producing the spacer.

The spacer is preferably made completely of an electrically insulating material. This avoids electrical contacting of the cell walls and, if applicable, the housing, and thus a short circuit, which may be complete in some circumstances.

The spacer is preferably made completely of a thermally conductive material. In this way, a particularly homogeneous temperature control is achieved, since the cells are then thermally coupled via the spacers and any heat is optimally distributed over the entire stack. The risk of a so-called extended thermal runaway is also advantageously reduced, in which overheating of a single cell also leads to overheating of the neighboring cell, with the result of a corresponding chain reaction. Using a thermally conductive spacer, however, any heat from overheating a single cell is distributed to several cells in the stack, thereby preventing a chain reaction.

The spacer is preferably made completely of an elastic material. “Elastic” means in particular “elastically deformable”. This is particularly advantageous from a mechanical point of view, for example with mechanical loads from the outside, which can then be absorbed by the entire stack. The risk of damage is reduced accordingly.

In general, the spacer also represents a temperature and flame barrier due to the formation of the flow channel and the resulting spacing of two cells, which e.g. is advantageous in the case of a thermal runaway and prevents crosstalk to other cells.

The spacer is preferably made in particular completely from a material which is chemically resistant to the heat medium, that is to say degraded as little as possible through contact with the heat medium.

The spacer is preferably made completely of plastic. Plastics are particularly suitable for realizing the properties listed above, particularly in combination with one another. Suitable plastics, which are also electrically insulating, thermally conductive, elastic and chemically resistant, are for example polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

Alternatively or additionally, the spacer is made from a metal in a suitable embodiment. The production from metal is particularly advantageous in the case of a spacer which rests on the housing, since the metal has a particularly good thermal conductivity and thus realizes an especially indirect thermal connection of the cells to the housing via the spacer. The spacer serves as a cooling fin or as a heat conducting plate or a combination thereof. Preferably the spacer is made entirely of metal and is e.g. formed as a sheet metal. Alternatively, the spacer is composed of several different materials, e.g. an elastic material is attached to a metal sheet to form the spacer.

In a suitable embodiment, a heater is integrated in the spacer, e.g. a heating wire, which is inserted or incorporated into the material of the spacer. In this way, the cells and also the heating medium are heated directly. This is advantageous, for example, when starting the vehicle at low ambient temperatures in order to heat the cells to their optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible.

The concept of a flow channel, which is formed by a spacer, can also be advantageously used in the aforementioned second variant of an electrical store with only one cell. In a suitable embodiment, the housing has an inside and the spacer lies on the cell wall and on the inside, so that the inside, the cell wall and the spacer span the flow channel. The flow channel is therefore not spanned between two cells, but between the single cell and the housing. The concepts described specifically in connection with the spacer can be applied accordingly to this second variant of the electrical store. The above-mentioned covering of the cell with a grid-like or porous material is particularly advantageous. In this way, a suitable distance is formed between the cell and the housing through which the heat medium flows. Due to the special material, an advantageous pressure reduction and turbulence is achieved in particular around the cell, which leads to a particularly homogeneous and large heat exchange between the cell and the heat medium.

In a suitable embodiment with only one cell, the housing has a flow and a return for the heat medium, and the flow and return are arranged on opposite sides of the cell, so that the cell lies, so to speak, in the flow path of the heat medium. In a suitable alternative, the flow and the return are on the same side of the cell and a sealing element is arranged in the interior, which runs around the circumference of the cell and thereby divides the interior into two sub-spaces which are fluidly connected to one another via a recess in the sealing element. The recess is arranged, in particular, on the side of the cell opposite the flow and the return. The flow is connected to one section and the return to the other section. The heat medium is then introduced into one sub-space via the flow, flows around the cell there, passes through the recess into the other sub-space, flows around the other cell there and is discharged again via the return. In a given subspace, only that part of the cell which is in the corresponding subspace is flowed around. The direction of flow of the heat medium in the two subspaces is in particular opposite to each other. Overall, this configuration is similar to the configuration of an electrical store with several cells and with a spacer with a central web.

Regardless of the number of cells, the electrical store has in particular two connections for electrically contacting the cells with a consumer apart from the electrical store. In a suitable embodiment, the connections are each designed as a waveguide and at the same time serve as a flow and a return for the heat medium into the housing. The connections therefore serve both the electrical and the fluidic connection of the electrical storage.

The housing of the electrical storage device, regardless of the number of cells, is preferably made of a rigid and mechanically robust material, e.g. Aluminum, steel or a carbon fiber reinforced plastic, CFRP for short. Alternatively, the housing is made of a flexible material and is designed as a bag or bag, e.g. made of PE or PP.

An electrical storage with only one cell corresponds to a cell with a double-walled cell wall, in which the heat medium is guided. Such a cell with a double-walled cell wall is also referred to as a module and is expediently put together with a number of further such modules and then forms a correspondingly large electrical store. A single module has suitable electrical and fluidic connections in order to be connected to other modules of the same type.

In particular, the object is also achieved by a spacer for an electrical store as described above.

In particular, the object is also achieved by a method for tempering an electrical store as described above. In the method, one or more cells are tempered in that a heat medium flows through a flow channel as described and is in direct contact with the one or more cells, so that heat is exchanged. Advantageous refinements, developments and variants result from the explanations of the electrical storage device, the spacer and the vehicle.

• 1 ein Fahrzeug mit einem Elektrospeicher,
• 2 einen Elektrospeicher,
• 3 den Elektrospeicher aus 2 in einer Explosionsdarstellung,
• 4 den Elektrospeicher aus 2 in einer Schnittansicht,
• 5 eine Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 6 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 7 den Elektrospeicher aus 6 in einer Schnittansicht,
• 8 ein Distanzstück für einen Elektrospeicher,
• 9 eine Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 10 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 11 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 12 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 13 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 14 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 15 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes,
• 16 das Distanzstück aus 15 in einer Seitenansicht,
• 17 eine weitere Variante des Distanzstückes aus 14,
• 18 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 19 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 20 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 21 den Elektrospeicher aus 20 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 22 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 23 den Elektrospeicher aus 22 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 24 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 25 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 26 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 27 den Elektrospeicher aus 26 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 28 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 29 den Elektrospeicher aus 28 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 30 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 31 den Elektrospeicher aus 30 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 32 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 33 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 34 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 35 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 36 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 37 den Elektrospeicher aus 36 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 38 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 39 ausschnittsweise ein Distanzstück des Elektrospeichers aus 38,
• 40 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers,
• 41 den Elektrospeicher aus 40 in einer anderen Ansicht,
• 42 eine weitere Variante des Elektrospeichers.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Each shows schematically:

• 1 a vehicle with an electrical storage,
• 2nd an electrical storage,
• 3rd the electrical storage 2nd in an exploded view,
• 4th the electrical storage 2nd in a sectional view,
• 5 a variant of the electrical storage,
• 6 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 7 the electrical storage 6 in a sectional view,
• 8th a spacer for an electrical storage,
• 9 a variant of the spacer,
• 10 another variant of the spacer,
• 11 another variant of the spacer,
• 12th another variant of the spacer,
• 13 another variant of the spacer,
• 14 another variant of the spacer,
• 15 another variant of the spacer,
• 16 the spacer 15 in a side view,
• 17th another variant of the spacer 14 ,
• 18th another variant of the electrical storage,
• 19th another variant of the electrical storage,
• 20 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 21st the electrical storage 20 in another view
• 22 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 23 the electrical storage 22 in another view
• 24th another variant of the electrical storage,
• 25th another variant of the electrical storage,
• 26 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 27 the electrical storage 26 in another view
• 28 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 29 the electrical storage 28 in another view
• 30th another variant of the electrical storage,
• 31 the electrical storage 30th in another view
• 32 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 33 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 34 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 35 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 36 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 37 the electrical storage 36 in another view
• 38 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 39 excerpts from a spacer of the electrical storage 38 ,
• 40 another variant of the electrical storage,
• 41 the electrical storage 40 in another view
• 42 another variant of the electrical storage.

The concepts explained below in connection with a respective figure can also be implemented independently of one another and in principle can also be combined individually or overall with the concepts from other figures.

Various variants of an electrical storage device are shown in the figures 2nd , partly only in sections or highly schematic or both, as well as detailed views of individual components of the electrical storage 2nd shown. The electrical storage 2nd serves in the present case for the electrical supply of an electric drive of an electric or hybrid vehicle, generally a vehicle 4th , such as in 1 shown. The electrical storage 2nd can basically be any form of battery.

An embodiment of the electrical storage 2nd is in 2nd shown in a perspective view, in 3rd in an exploded view and in 4th in a sectional view. The electrical storage 2nd has a housing 6 on as well as multiple cells 8th , here twenty-five cells 8th . The cells 8th are inside the case 6 arranged and combined into a stack by the cells 8th in a stacking direction S are arranged sequentially. Between two cells 8th which in the stacking direction S is a spacer 10 arranged, which on a respective cell wall 12th of the two cells 8th is present. The stack is in the stack direction S viewed alternately from cells 8th and spacers 10 composed.

Two adjacent cells 8th are over the corresponding spacer 10 mechanically coupled together and the cells 8th are in the stacking direction S clamped together, here between two walls 14 of the housing 6 . The spacers 10 are accordingly between the cells 8th tense. A respective spacer 10 creates a space F between two neighboring cells 8th , so that they can swell due to operational reasons. The spacer 10 forms between two cells 8th and together with their respective cell wall 12th at least one flow channel 16 for the heat medium so that the heat medium is in contact with the cells 8th in a flow direction R between the two cells 8th is passable for heat exchange. The flow channel 16 is thus through the spacer 10 and at least one cell wall 12th in free space F between the cells 8th spanned. In operation, flows through the flow channel 16 in the direction of flow R the heat medium between the cells 8th through and comes into contact with the at least one cell wall 12th so that heat is exchanged.

In the embodiment of the 2nd to 4th are the cells 8th as prismatic cells 8th educated. The cells 8th are arranged in only one stack, but in a variant not shown, several stacks are formed and, for example, perpendicular to the stack direction S arranged side by side. The spacer 10 is between two cells 8th arranged such that a flow channel 16 is designed for the heat medium so that it is in contact with the two respective cells 8th stands.

The cells are thus present for temperature control 8th of the electrical storage 2nd in operation with a heat medium in a special way. For this purpose, the heating medium is a dielectric heating medium and stands directly with the cells 8th in contact, whereby a particularly good thermal connection is realized and thus a particularly good heat exchange is guaranteed. Tempering the cells 8th is carried out by guiding the heat medium in a circuit, not shown, so that the cells 8th be continuously washed and cooled. For this purpose, the housing 6 a lead 18th and a rewind 20 on which of the electrical storage 2nd is integrated into a cycle. In a variant not shown, a circuit is completely in the housing 6 integrated. The contact of the heat medium with the cells 8th is such that at least 50% of the respective cell wall 12th comes into direct contact with the heating medium. In addition, the connections of the individual cells, ie the so-called terminals 22 , washed around by the heat medium and are in direct contact with it.

The spacer 10 is for guiding the heat medium in the housing 6 shaped accordingly, the concrete design of the spacer 10 on the design of the cells 8th depends, especially whether these are basically cuboid, such as with prismatic cells 8th or pouch cells 8th , or rather cylindrical, such as with round cells 8th , which regularly results in different geometries of the arrangement.

When designing the 2nd to 4th are multiple flow channels 16 trained and fluidically connected in parallel by a flow channel along the stack 24th is designed to distribute the heat medium to the flow channels 16 , and adding a return channel along the stack 26 is designed to bring together the heat medium from the flow channels 16 . This is particularly evident in 4th showing a sectional view of the electrical storage 2nd along the stacking direction S at the level of the return 20 shows the lead 18th is therefore in 4th not visible. The various flow channels 16 Accordingly, in the stack, fluidic, ie hydraulic, are coupled in parallel with one another, so that the heat medium starts from the flow channel 24th on the flow channels 16 is divided. The flow channel 24th is correspondingly larger than a single flow channel 16 and has a larger flow cross-section. The same applies to the return channel 26 . How out 4th becomes clear are the flow channel 24th and the return duct 26 each as a gap between the cells 8th and the housing 6 formed, the respective gap in the stacking direction S extends.

The one in the 2nd to 4th shown electric storage 2nd is designed for immersion temperature control with a liquid heat medium by the flow channel 24th on a bottom U of the stack is formed and the return channel 26 on a top O of the stack, so that the heat medium when used as directed against gravity through the flow channels 16 flows and the return duct 26 is also designed as a compensation volume. In a variant, not shown, the compensation volume is formed at another location, for example in a flow channel for the heat medium downstream of the return channel 26 .

In 5 an alternative is shown in which the electrical storage 2nd is designed for spray or jet temperature control by the flow channel 24th on the top O of the stack and there is at least one nozzle 28 is arranged to supply the heat medium, and by the return channel 26 on a bottom U of the stack is formed and at the same time forms a collecting container for the heat medium. The heat medium is then in operation from above the cells 8th fed and then oozes from the top O into the flow channels 16 a. This takes advantage of the fact that the heat medium flows gravimetrically through the flow channels 16 is promoted.

6 shows a perspective view of another variant of the electrical storage 2nd with multiple cells 8th , which are each designed as round cells. The cells 8th are arranged in several, here six stacks, the individual stacks being interlocked with one another in the manner of a spherical packing. The housing 6 has a plate-shaped wall here 30th which is hollow and for this purpose a vaulted structure 32 has so that several flow channels 24th are formed, which are parallel and in the stacking direction S extend. The vault structure 32 is particularly recognizable in 7 which in a sectional view a section of the electrical storage 2nd out 6 shows. The flow channels 24th are each over a number of openings 34 with the flow channels 16 fluidly connected. The multiple flow channels 24th are already within the vaulted structure 32 through additional passages 36 fluidly connected. The wall 30th here is a floor of the electrical storage 2nd and overall double-walled, with an inside 38 which to the cells 8th is facing, and an outside 40 which of the cells 8th points away. The openings 34 are on the inside 38 arranged.

In the embodiment of the 6 and 7 are the flow channels 24th towards the openings 34 tapered so that the vaulted structure 32 acts as a pressure reducer. In the present case, the flow channels have 24th in the view of the 7 , ie in cross section perpendicular to the stacking direction S considered, a semicircular cross-section, which in turn has a diameter 42 and a bow 44 has and is arranged such that the diameter 42 to the outside 40 and the bow 44 to the inside 38 , where at the vertex 46 of the bow 44 then the openings 34 are positioned so that the flow channels 24th corresponding to the openings 34 are tapered. The configuration shown with the vault structure 32 is basically suitable for cells 8th any design, but especially for cylindrical cells 8th like in the 6 and 7 shown.

In the 8th to 14 are now various embodiments for the spacer 10 shown for prismatic cells. The show 8th and 11 just a spacer 10 . 9 shows a variant of the spacer 8th in connection with a cell 8th . The 12th , 13 and 14 each show a spacer 10 in connection with a cell 8th . In 15 shows spacers in a view from above 10 in connection with cells 8th which are round cells. 16 shows the spacers 15 in a view perpendicular to this, namely in the stacking direction S .

In the 8th to 13 points the spacer 10 two parallel side webs 48 on which is in the flow direction R extend. The side bridges 48 lie on at least one cell 8th and border the flow channel 16 laterally. In a variant, the two spacers are also 10 in 15 each as a side bridge 48 of a single spacer 10 viewed, however, a separate consideration is made here.

With cuboid cells 8th - as in the 9 and 13 recognizable - are the side bars 48 in an edge area of two in the stacking direction S neighboring cells 8th arranged and spaced the two cells 8th accordingly in a cell spacing. Between the cells 8th is then the flow channel 16 educated. The two side bars 48 are arranged together in one plane, which is parallel to the cells 8th and is arranged between them. Both side bridges 48 lie on both cells 8th on. With cylindrical cells 8th - as in 15 shown - however, is the flow channel 16 between the two side bridges 48 on only one of the cells 8th trained the spacer 10 spans the cell wall like a bridge 12th and thereby creates the flow channel 16 . Both side bridges 48 are at least on one cell 8th together. Nevertheless, there is also a cylindrical cell 8th a single side bridge 48 regularly on several cells, namely by the side bridge 48 along a gusset 50 which runs between two in the stacking direction S adjacent cylindrical cells 8th is trained. Only at the end of the stack or in an edge position can there be side bars 48 result which only on one cell 8th issue. In the case of round cells, the spacer points 10 from the 15 and 16 a total of three side bars 48 on and is in the gusset 50 arranged, which is between three cylindrical cells 8th in two adjacent and staggered stacks, as seen from above 15 is recognizable. In any case, the side bars 48 along a total height of the cells 8th trained throughout.

The 10 , 11 , 12th and 15 show variants in which the spacer 10 one or more center bars 52 which has the flow channel 16 in several subchannels 54 divide. A respective middle bridge 52 is therefore a divider for the flow channel 16 . Each of the subchannels 54 is on the side of two middle bars 52 or from a central bridge 52 and one of the side bridges 48 limited. The middle bridge 52 is, for example, in the middle between the side bars 48 positioned or laterally offset.

With the spacer the 11 are the subchannels 54 fluidically connected in series so that the direction of flow R of the heat medium in the two subchannels 54 is opposed. The heat medium is first of all from a flow channel 24th through a first subchannel 54 into an intermediate channel 56 funded, which for this first subchannel 54 is a return channel and at the same time for the second sub-channel 54 a flow channel. From the intermediate channel 56 the heat medium through the second subchannel 54 then in the opposite direction into a return channel 26 funded, which in principle is on the same side of the cell 8th lies. Around the flow channel 24th and the return duct 26 separating them from each other is the middle bar 52 over the cell 8th also extended and has a partition 58 which then creates a gap between the cells 8th and the housing 6 as in 11 shown divided into two channels, namely the lead channel 24th and the return duct 26 .

With cylindrical cells 8th - as in the 15 and 16 shown - are the subchannels 54 fluidically connected in parallel so that the flow direction R of the heat medium in the two subchannels 54 is the same. The middle bridge 52 serves as a spacer here to prevent the cell 8th in the flow channel 16 penetrates, the spacer 10 bends, so to speak, and the flow channel 16 closes. The cell 8th is on the middle bridge 52 supported.

Especially in the design according to 12th is the spacer 10 formed as a flow constrictor by the spacer 10 part of the space F between the cells 8th blocked and thereby a channel width 60 of the flow channel 16 effectively reduced, here through the middle webs 52 . This in turn reduces the flow velocity in the now narrowed flow channel 16 elevated. In the embodiment shown here, the spacer 10 formed such that the channel width 60 less than 50% of a cell width 62 the cell 8th is. The channel width 60 is the sum of the widths of the individual subchannels 54 . The arrangement shown here also serves to reduce the surface pressure between the spacer 10 and the cell wall 12th . This is especially advantageous in a variant in which the cell 8th is a pouch cell.

In the 8th to 12th is the spacer 10 each formed like a frame and has at least one and here two crossbars 64 by means of which the two side webs 48 are interconnected so that the spacer 10 is formed like a window overall. The crossbars 64 are designed and arranged in such a way that these the flow channel 16 just do not close, even though they are transverse to the direction of flow R extend. The crossbars 64 are relative to the flow channel 16 in the stacking direction S staggered so that the heat medium on the respective crossbar 64 is led past. This is also in 4th recognizable as well as in the perspective views of the 8th , 9 and 10 . In 12th are the crossbars 64 on the same level as the side bridges 48 arranged, but here is equivalent to a displacement of the crossbars 64 the cell wall 12th the cell 8th stepped so that the flow channel 16 on the crossbars 64 passed.

The spacer is special in the 8th to 11 form-fitting with the cells 8th connected. In the 8th to 11 points the spacer 10 a holding contour 66 and is by means of this on at least one cell 8th positively supported. The spacer is present 10 because of the crossbars 64 formed like a clamp and encompassing the cell 8th on two opposite sides, e.g. as in 9 on the top O and the bottom U . In addition, the holding contour 66 in the 9 , 10 and 11 a side frame 68 on which is in the stacking direction S and starting from one of the side bridges 48 extends and the cell 8th clutched on the side. Such a side frame 68 is present on both sides of the cell 8th educated. In a configuration not shown, the side frame 68 filled with an adhesive so that the spacer 10 with the cell 8th is glued. General is the spacer 10 alternatively or in addition to a fixation by means of clamping with one or more cells 8th glued.

The flow channel 16 generally has a lead area 70 on, for inflowing the heat medium. For throttling the heat medium when flowing into the flow channel 16 points the spacer 10 in the 8th to 10 , 13 and 14 a pressure reducer 72 on which is in the lead area 70 transverse to the direction of flow R through the flow channel 16 extends. The lead area 70 lies in an upstream half of the flow channel 16 . Through the pressure reducer 72 there will be a pressure drop between the flow channel 24th and the flow channel 16 generated so that the heat medium dosed accordingly in the flow channel 16 flows in. In 7 takes over the vault structure 32 the job of a pressure reducer 72 . In the embodiment of the 15 however, the flow channel takes over 16 even the job of a pressure reducer 72 , namely due to its small flow cross-section.

In the embodiments of the 8th , 9 and 10 is the pressure reducer 72 designed like a fence and has several webs for this purpose 74 on, which are arranged parallel to each other, with each between two adjacent webs 74 an inflow channel 76 is designed for the heat medium and with a respective inflow channel 76 for reducing pressure in the flow direction R is tapered. Across the flow channel 16 this results in an alternating arrangement of webs 74 and inflow channels 76 . The bridges 74 are here on one of the crossbars 64 attached and therefore in the lead area 70 positioned. The crossbar 64 and the bridges 74 overall form a comb structure. The webs are here 74 wider than the inflow channels 76 . The inflow channels 76 are each funnel-shaped, as particularly well in 9 can be seen.

In the embodiments of the 13 and 14 is the pressure reducer 72 however, made of a lattice-like or porous material. The material here is a flat material, in a variant not shown, the material is a bed of a large number of balls, grains or the like. The material has a large number of meshes, pores, holes or the like and thereby enables flowing through the heat medium, but at the same time becomes a partial volume of the lead area 70 blocked and thereby a reduction in the flow cross-section achieved. For example, the material is as in 14 shown a grid, braid, fabric or textile or as in 13 shown a foam, sponge or the like. In 13 is the pressure reducer 72 a strip of the material and in the lead area 70 to the cell 8th glued.

In 14 points the spacer 72 additionally a turbulator 78 on which in the flow channel 16 is arranged for swirling the heat medium when flowing through the flow channel 16 . The turbulator here extends over at least 90% of a length 80 of the flow channel 16 , the length in the direction of flow R is measured.

In 14 is the spacer 10 even the turbulator 78 , in a variant not shown is the turbulator 78 however, formed separately, for example as a lattice-like or porous material. There is also specifically in 14 the spacer 10 made entirely of a grid-like or porous material and extends at least 90% of the length 80 . The spacer 10 is flat and the flow channel 16 is mostly with the spacer 10 filled out. The spacer 10 in 14 is overall both as a pressure reducer 72 as well as a turbulator 78 educated.

With a spacer 10 A cell-like or porous material becomes a cell spacing 8th achieved in one embodiment in that the spacer 10 as in 17th shown is multilayered in some areas and thereby in the stacking direction S measured locally is thicker. The spacer 10 shows two border areas here 82 on which on the cell walls 12th and a center area 84 which is in the flow channel 16 is arranged to guide the heat medium. The marginal areas 82 are then reinforced and stacked for this purpose in several, here two, layers.

The spacer 10 is in one embodiment, for example 8th or 13 formed as a film having a suitably selected thickness around the flow channel 16 to span.

The spacer 10 is completely made of an electrically insulating, thermally conductive, elastic plastic that is chemically resistant to the heat medium.

In 13 and 14 is indicated that there in the spacer 10 additional heating 86 is integrated, which is designed here as a heating wire, which in the side webs 48 or in the lattice structure of the spacer 10 is inserted. This is a direct heating of the cells 8th and also realized the heat medium.

The concept of a flow channel 16 which by a spacer 10 is formed, is also in a variant of the electrical storage 2nd with just one cell 8th applicable. Such electrical storage 2nd with just one cell 8th are in the 18th to 23 shown. It shows 18th a sectional view of an electrical storage 2nd with a prismatic cell 8th . 19th shows a variant in which, in contrast to the cell 8th in 18th the poles of the terminal 22 on different sides of the cell 8th are arranged. 20 shows an electrical storage 2nd with a round cell 8th in a sectional view, 21st shows another sectional view perpendicular to this. 22 shows an electrical storage 2nd with a prismatic cell 8th in a sectional view, 23 shows another sectional view perpendicular to this.

In the 18th to 23 points the case 6 an inside 88 on and the spacer 10 lies on the cell wall 12th and on the inside 88 so that the inside 88 who have favourited Cell Wall 12th and the spacer 10 the flow channel 16 span. The flow channel 16 will not be between two cells 8th stretched, but between the single cell 8th and the housing 6 .

The electrical storage 2nd with just one cell 8th corresponds to a cell 8th with a double-walled cell wall 12th in which the heat medium is led. Such an arrangement is also referred to as a module and, in a variant which is not shown, is composed of several further such modules and then forms a correspondingly large electrical store 2nd .

The respective cell is further 8th in the exemplary embodiments shown here 18th to 22 inside the case 6 individually wrapped with the material so that the spacer 10 around the entire cell 8th is around. The spacer 10 here consists entirely of a lattice-like or porous surface material. In a variant not shown is the spacer 10 a fill.

The 24th to 27 show variants of the electrical storage 2nd , in which several cells 8th in the housing 6 are arranged and each completely by a spacer 10 are enveloped. 24th shows an electrical storage here 2nd similar to that in 18th , only with several cells 8th which are arranged in a stack. 25th shows an electrical storage analog 2nd similar to that in 19th , only with several cells 8th , which are also arranged in a stack. 26 shows one Electrical storage 2nd with several round cells 8th from above, 27 shows the arrangement 26 in a sectional view perpendicular to the view of the 26 . As the figures above make clear, the cells are encased 8th basically for every type of cell 8th suitable. Furthermore, not every cell is in a variant not shown 8th enveloped, but only, for example, every second cell 8th in a stack.

Similar to the 26 and 27 shows 28 an electrical storage 2nd with several round cells 8th from above and 29 shows the arrangement 28 in a sectional view perpendicular to the view of the 28 . In the 28 and 29 are the cells 8th but not entirely from a spacer 10 envelops, but spacers 10 are only in the gussets 50 arranged so that the cells 8th and the housing 6 rest against each other without gaps.

As already mentioned above, the housing has 6 a lead in the configurations shown here 18th and a rewind 20 for the heating medium, also in the 18th to 29 . With the exception of 22 and 23 are the lead 18th and the rewind 20 on opposite sides of the cell 8th or the cells 8th arranged so that it is, so to speak, in the flow path of the heat medium. In 22 and 23 however, the lead is 18th and the rewind 20 on the same side of the cell 8th and inside the case 6 is a sealing element 90 arranged which the cell 8th partially circumferentially and thus the interior into two sub-rooms 92 shares which one via a recess 94 are fluidly connected to one another in the sealing element 90. The recess 94 is here on the lead 18th and the return 20 opposite side of the cell 8th arranged and especially in 22 to recognize. The lead 18th is on one part 92 connected and the return 20 to the other subspace 92 . The heating medium is over the flow 18th in one part of the room 92 initiated, flows around the cell there 8th , passes through the recess 94 in the other subspace 92 flows around the rest of the cell 8th and is about the return 20 dissipated again. The flow direction R of the heating medium is in the two sub-rooms 92 opposite to each other.

Regardless of the number of cells 8th the electrical storage has two connections 96 for electrical contacting of the cells 8th with a consumer away from the electrical store 2nd on. In the 22 and 23 are these connections 96 each designed as a waveguide and also serve as a lead 18th and a rewind 20 for the heat medium in the housing 6 . The connections 96 thus serve both the electrical and the fluidic connection of the electrical storage 2nd .

The housing 6 of the electrical storage 2nd is independent of the number of cells 8th either made of a stiff and mechanically robust material, e.g. aluminum, steel or a carbon fiber reinforced plastic, CFRP for short. This is in the 1 to 4th the case. The housing is an alternative 6 made of a flexible material and designed as a bag or bag, for example made of PE or PP, such as in the embodiment of the 22 and 23 .

Alternatively or in addition to the configuration with a flow channel 16 between two neighboring cells 8th , forms the spacer 10 with the housing 6 and a respective cell wall 12th a flow channel 16 which is to the side of the cells 8th is arranged, not in between. For an electrical storage 2nd with just a single cell 8th is this already in connection with the 18th to 23 have been described. The concept with a lateral flow channel 16 is also with an electrical storage 2nd with multiple cells 8th applicable. An example of this is in 30th shown. There is a section of an electrical store 2nd shown at which the cells 8th are each designed as a pouch cell, but the concepts described in connection therewith can basically also be applied analogously to other designs.

In 30th protrudes the spacer 10 across the stack direction S over the cells 8th out and is due to the housing 6 to the side of the cells 8th a side channel 98 is trained for the heat medium. The side channel 98 is a side flow channel 16 . The cells touch 8th the housing 6 not, but are only indirectly with the spacers 10 connected. The stack width is due to the dimensions of the spacer 10 across the stack direction S certainly. In the stacking direction S considered the spacer 10 in the present case a thickness in the range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. On an additional holding frame for the pouch cells, which are not inherently stable in shape 8th is omitted in the present case, the function of which is determined by the spacers 10 adopted which on the housing 6 issue.

Generally, a pouch cell stands out 8th in that this is a central area 100 which is the thickness of the cell 8th in the stacking direction S considered defined, and an edge area 102 which is the middle area 100 surrounds in a circumferential direction and is flatter than the central region 100 . At the transition from the middle area 100 to the edge area 102 is a so-called shoulder 104 educated. The edge area 102 is generally flat and is designed here as a fold to close the pouch cell 8th .

In contrast to the configurations described above, the embodiment projects of the 30th the spacer 10 across the stack direction S over the cells 8th also has a part that does not touch the cells and lies on the housing 6 on. As a result, the flow channel is as described 16 for the heat medium on the side of the cells 8th trained and thus a side channel 98 . The flow channel runs along the stack 16 through the housing 6 and the cell wall 12th a cell 8th on the one hand and on the other hand by two in the stacking direction S successive spacers 10 bordered.

At the edge 102 is also the terminal 22 the cell 8th arranged. The terminals 22 of the cells 8th are in 30th not shown, but in 31 recognizable which the electrical storage 2nd out 30th in a view with the stacking direction S shows in the drawing plane. The two poles of the terminal 22 are formed here as metal flags and on the same side of the cell 8th arranged. In an alternative embodiment, however, the poles are arranged on different sides, as in FIGS 32 and 33 shown.

Out 31 is also clearly recognizable, as in the side flow channel 98 the heat medium in operation perpendicular to the stacking direction S on a respective cell 8th flows past. Several side flow channels 98 are connected in parallel to each other. In 31 are also for every cell 8th two side channels 98 trained, namely one on opposite sides of the cell 8th . In the embodiment of the 30th and 31 and also generally with a protruding spacer 10 are a flow channel 24th and a return channel 26 can be implemented as already described above. In 31 An embodiment is shown in which the flow channel 24th and the return duct 26 on different sides of the cells 8th are trained. Also an embodiment with a flow channel 24th and return duct 26 on the same side of the cells 8th as in 22 and 23 associated with only one cell 8th is shown in the 30th and 31 realizable by between the poles of the terminal 22 a corresponding sealing element 90 is used, which, however, not necessarily the cells 8th must circulate because there is a corresponding sealing effect between the cell surfaces 12th here from the spacers 10 is taken over. The heat medium then flows through the side channel, for example 98 to the left of one of the terminals' poles 22 from down, then there along the edge 102 to the right and there over the side channel 98 on the right up to the other pole of the terminal 22 . The two side channels 98 to a respective cell 8th are then connected in series to each other, the respective left and right side channels 98 to the different cells 8th however in parallel.

In the 30th and 31 becomes the spacer 10 additionally used as a cooling fin. This results from the connection of the spacer 10 to the housing 6 , which then serves as a heat sink and is designed as a plate heat exchanger in an embodiment not shown. The use as a cooling fin also results from the fact that the protruding part of the spacer 10 in the area of the side channel 98 is washed around by the heat medium. The spacer is used as a cooling fin 10 from a thermally highly conductive material, such as metal.

In the 32 and 33 are sections of two variants of the electrical storage 2nd from the 30th and 31 shown. First of all, here are the poles of the terminal 22 on opposite sides of the cell 8th arranged. Regardless of the arrangement of the poles is in 32 the spacer 10 shortened compared to the housing, so that a flow channel 24th and a return channel 26 are trained. In 33 points against the spacer 10 a recess on the side 106 which is arranged such that the side channel 98 with at least one other side channel 98 is fluidly connected. The recess 106 is here specifically in the area of the terminal 22 the cell 8th arranged so that the temperature of the terminal is particularly effective 22 is realized. The recess 106 leads in 33 to the spacer 10 has two arms on each side, which the recess 106 bordered. Overall shows 33 an open recess 106 , in a variant not shown is the recess 106 however closed and then completely from the spacer 10 edged, ie as a hole or opening in the spacer 10 educated.

In 33 is also illustrated as an example that the design with side channels 98 also with a spacer 10 can be combined, which is a flow channel 16 between two neighboring cells 8th trains. Is in 33 the spacer 10 as in 12th with several mutually parallel subchannels 54 trained through which the heat medium in addition to the side channels 98 from one side of the cell 8th flows to the other side. It is clearly recognizable that the subchannels 54 are longer than the central area 100 and therefore over the shoulder 104 protrude so that the heat medium from one side to the other side of the cell 8th can flow. The poles of the terminals 22 are also located within a common flow channel 24th or within a common return channel 26 .

In 34 is a section of a variant of the electrical storage 2nd of the 30th , 31 shown, in which the spacers 10 one sink each 108 in which one of the cells 8th each is positively inserted. The valley 108 is complementary to the cell 8th shaped.

The spacer 10 has an edge due to the protrusion 110 on. The edge 110 is the part that does not have a cell 8th is in contact and which one on the housing 6 is applied, that is, the part which is to the side of the cell 8th survives. In the embodiment of the 34 is the edge 110 of a respective spacer 10 folded at least in sections and lies flat on the housing 6 on. The design of the edge 110 is basically independent of the presence of a sink 108 . In 34 runs the edge 110 parallel to the inner wall of the housing 6 , so that there is a particularly large contact area. over which a respective spacer 10 with the housing 6 is additionally glued in a variant not shown.

35 shows a section of a variant of the electrical storage 2nd from the 30th , 31 where the spacer 10 an edge 110 has, which is designed at least in sections as a spring element for resilient support on the housing 6 . The edge 110 is perpendicular to the stack direction S formed upset, in the present case corrugated, so that a force in this direction, that is perpendicular to the stacking direction S and perpendicular to the inner wall of the housing 6 and sideways on the cells 8th , the edge 110 is elastically deformable.

The 36 and 37 show another variant of the edge 110 from two to each other by 90 ° around the stacking direction S rotated representations, being 36 shows a sectional view and 37 a side view. The edge 110 is here in the direction of rotation around the cell 8th formed corrugated at least in sections and is therefore kink-resistant. Along the edge 110 there is a rising and falling course, which is particularly in the view of the 37 is clearly recognizable, so that the spacer 10 on the housing 6 lies along a corresponding wavy line.

In the 38 and 40 to 41 are partial versions of the electrical storage 2nd shown, in which the spacer 10 over the cells 8th , which are also pouch cells here, and which also has the spacer 10 is constructed in several layers, each with exactly three layers. 38 shows a cross section perpendicular to the direction of flow R , so that the multilayer structure of the spacers 10 is recognizable. A single spacer 10 is partial and in cross section perpendicular to the flow direction R in 39 shown in more detail. It is clearly recognizable here that the spacer 10 two outer layers 112 has between which a flow position 114 is arranged, which can be flowed through by the heat medium. The spacer 10 here has a thickness in the range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The outer locations 112 are each exemplified here as sheet metal and flat and without recesses, in an alternative, not shown, is at least one of the outer layers 112 eg like the spacer 10 in 12th or 33 educated. The current situation 114 is between the two outer layers 112 included, in the embodiment shown the multi-layer spacer 10 is open on the side as shown, so that the flow position 114 is generally accessible from the side. In a variant not shown is the spacer 10 closed on the other hand. The current situation 114 forms a flow channel 16 along which the heat medium in operation between the two outer layers 112 and therefore also between the two cells 8th flows through, for heat exchange with the cells 8th . In this respect, the statements regarding a flow channel apply 16 between two cells 8th analogously also for the current situation 114 as a flow channel 16 and vice versa.

The current situation exists 114 from a fiber composite, which has a large number of fibers 116 which is in a preferred direction V are oriented so that the flow situation 114 in the preferred direction V can be flowed through by the heat medium. The preferred direction V corresponds to the direction of flow R . The fibers 116 form a flameproof pack and lie against each other, so that a large number of channels 118 between the fibers 116 is formed, through which the heat medium flows during operation. These channels 118 thus form flow channels 16 between two neighboring cells 8th . A respective fiber 116 has a diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. The outer locations 112 are flat in the embodiment shown, but profiled inwards, which results from the fact that some fibers 116 in the respective outside location 112 are pressed in and deform them.

The outer locations 112 do not necessarily both have the same dimensions, rather it is already advantageous if as in the 40 and 41 shown only one of the two outer layers 112 over the cell 8th survives and on the housing 6 is present, whereas the other outer location 112 has smaller dimensions such that it is completely in contact with a cell wall 12th stands and just not over the cell 8th survives. Also the current situation 114 does not protrude here. 40 shows a sectional view perpendicular to the flow direction R as in 38 , 41 shows an opposite 90 ° around the stacking direction S rotated cross-sectional view, allowing the extension of the fibers 116 in the preferred direction V is recognizable.

In 42 is a section of another variant of the electrical storage 2nd shown, here also with pouch cells 8th and protruding spacers 10 , with a respective spacer 10 additionally an elastic material 120 which is flat between two cells 8th is arranged. The elastic material 120 allows some deformation, causing bumps in the cells 8th when bracing in the stacking direction S be balanced and a particularly homogeneous distribution of the clamping force across the surface across the stacking direction S is realized. The elastic material 120 thus acts as a spring in the stacking direction S . The elastic material 120 is here on the spacer 10 eg glued on. The elastic material 120 is flat, so it fills the space between the cell wall 12th and the rest of the spacer 10 predominantly and in 42 even completely out. The elastic material 120 is not permeable to the heat medium here. The elastic material 120 is alternatively a porous material. In a variant, not shown, is for guiding heat medium into the elastic material 120 or in the spacer 10 or a number of flow channels in both 16 brought in.

Reference list

2nd

Electrical storage

4th

vehicle

6

casing

8th

cell

10th

Spacer

12th

Cell wall

14

Wall (of the housing)

16

Flow channel

18th

leader

20

Rewind

22

terminal

24th

Flow channel

26

Return channel

28

jet

30th

wall

32

Vaulted structure

34

opening

36

passage

38

inside

40

Outside

42

diameter

44

arc

46

Vertex

48

Side bar (of the spacer)

50

gore

52

Mittelsteg

54

Subchannel

56

Intermediate channel

58

partition wall

60

Channel width

62

Cell width

64

Crossbar

66

Holding contour

68

Side frame

70

Lead area

72

Pressure reducer

74

web

76

Inflow channel

78

Turbulator

80

Length (of the flow channel)

82

Edge area

84

Middle area

86

heater

88

inside

90

Sealing element

92

Subspace

94

Recess

96

connection

98

Side channel

100

Middle area

102

Edge area

104

shoulder

106

Recess

108

Sink

110

edge

112

Outside location

114

Current situation

116

fiber

118

channel

120

elastic material

F

free space

O

Top

R

Flow direction

S

Stacking direction

U

bottom

V

Preferred direction

Claims (33)

Electrical storage device (2) which has a housing (6) and at least one cell (8) which is arranged inside the housing (6), - A spacer (10) is arranged, which rests on a cell wall (12) of the cell (8), - The housing (6) is designed to be flowed through by a dielectric heating medium, for temperature control of the cell (8), - The spacer (10) forms, together with the cell wall (12), a flow channel (16) for the heat medium, so that the heat medium in contact with the cell (8) can be passed through the flow channel (16) in a flow direction (R), for heat exchange with the cell (8). Electrical storage (2) after Claim 1 , - which has a plurality of cells (8), - the cells (8) being arranged within the housing (6) and being combined to form a stack by the cells (8) being arranged in succession in a stacking direction (S), - wherein the spacer (10) is arranged between two cells (8) which are adjacent in the stacking direction (S), - the spacer (10) abutting a respective cell wall (12) of the two cells (8), - the spacer ( 10) between the two cells (8) and together with the cell wall (12) at least one of the two cells (8) forms a flow channel (16) for the heat medium, so that the heat medium in contact with the at least one cell (8) in one Flow direction (R) between the two cells (8) can be passed, for heat exchange with the at least one cell (8). Electrical storage (2) after Claim 2 , wherein a plurality of flow channels (16) are formed and are connected fluidically in parallel, in that a flow channel (24) is formed along the stack, for distributing the heat medium to the flow channels (16), and in that a return channel (26) is formed along the stack , for merging the heat medium from the flow channels (16). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3rd , This is designed for immersion temperature control, in that the flow channel (24) is formed on an underside (U) of the stack and the return channel (26) on an upper side (O) of the stack, so that the heat medium, when used as intended, counteracts gravity from the Flow channel (16) flows. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3rd , This being designed for spray or jet temperature control, in that the feed channel (24) is formed on an upper side (O) of the stack and at least one nozzle (28) is arranged there for supplying the heat medium, and in that the return channel (26) is formed on an underside (U) of the stack, so that the return channel (26) also forms a collecting container for the heat medium. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 5 , wherein the housing (6) has a plate-shaped wall (30) which is hollow and for this purpose has a vaulted structure (32), so that a plurality of flow channels (24) are formed which extend in parallel and in the stacking direction (S), the Flow channels (24) are each fluidically connected to the flow channels (16) via a number of openings (34). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 6 , wherein the spacer (10) has two side webs (48) which extend in the flow direction (R), which abut at least one cell (8) and which laterally border the flow channel (16). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 7 The spacer (10) has a central web (52) which divides the flow channel (16) into two sub-channels (54). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 8th , wherein the spacer (10) is frame-like and has at least one crossbar (64), by means of which the two side webs (48) are connected to one another, the flow channel (16) having a flow cross section and the crossbar (64) relative to the Flow cross section is arranged offset in the stacking direction (S), so that the heat medium can be guided past the crosspiece (64). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 9 , wherein the spacer (10) has a holding contour (66) and by means of which it is positively held on at least one of the two cells (8). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 which has a plurality of cells (8), the cells (8) being arranged within the housing (6) and being combined to form a stack by the cells (8) being arranged in succession in a stacking direction (S), the spacer (10) being arranged between two cells (8) which are adjacent in the stacking direction (S), the spacer (10) abutting a respective cell wall (12) of the two cells (8), the spacer (10 ) protrudes transversely to the stacking direction (S) over the cells (8) and rests against the housing (6), so that the flow channel (16) for the heat medium is formed on the side of the cells (8) and is thereby a side channel (98). Electrical storage (2) after Claim 11 , wherein the spacer (10) has an edge (110) which has a recess (106) which is arranged such that the side channel (98) is fluidly connected to at least one further side channel (98). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 11 or 12th , wherein the spacer (10) has a depression (108) into which one of the two cells (8) is inserted in a form-fitting manner. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 11 to 13 , wherein the spacer (10) has an edge (110) which is folded at least in sections and lies flat against the housing (6). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 11 to 14 , wherein the spacer (10) has an edge (110), which is designed at least in sections as a spring element, for resilient support on the housing (6). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 11 to 15 , wherein the spacer (10) has an edge (110) which is at least partially corrugated in the circumferential direction around the cell (8) and is therefore resistant to buckling. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 16 , The spacer (10) is constructed in several layers, namely has two outer layers (112), between which a flow layer (114) is arranged, through which the heat medium can flow. Electrical storage (2) after Claim 17 , wherein the flow layer (114) consists of a fiber composite which has a plurality of fibers (116) which are oriented in a preferred direction (V), so that the flow layer (114) in the preferred direction (V) can be flowed through by the heat medium. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 18th , wherein the spacer (10) additionally has an elastic material (12) which is designed such that it is arranged flat between two cells (8). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 19th , wherein the flow channel (16) has a flow area (70) for inflowing the heat medium, the spacer (10) has a pressure reducer (72) which extends in the flow area (70) across the flow direction (R) through the flow channel (16 ) extends. Electrical storage (2) after Claim 20 , the pressure reducer (72) being constructed like a fence and for this purpose having a plurality of webs (74) which are arranged parallel to one another, an inflow channel (76) for the heat medium being formed between every two adjacent webs (74), a respective inflow channel ( 76) is tapered to reduce pressure in the flow direction (R). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 20 or 21st , wherein the pressure reducer (72) is made of a lattice-like or porous material. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 22 , wherein the spacer (10) has a turbulator (78), which is arranged in the flow channel (16), for swirling the heat medium when flowing through the flow channel (16). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 23 , wherein the spacer (10) consists entirely of a grid-like or porous material and extends over more than 50% of a length (80) of the flow channel (16). Electrical storage (2) after Claim 24 A cell (8) within the housing (6) is individually wrapped with the material, so that the spacer (10) is guided around the entire cell (8). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 24 or 25th , wherein the spacer (10) has two edge areas (82), which bear against the cell walls (12), and a middle area (84), which is arranged in the flow channel (16), for guiding the heat medium, the edge areas (82) are reinforced and are stacked in several layers for this purpose. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 26 , wherein the spacer (10) is designed as a film. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 27 , wherein the spacer (10) from a electrically insulating, thermally conductive and elastic plastic is made. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 28 , wherein the spacer (10) is made of a metal. Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 29 A heater (86) is integrated in the spacer (10). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 30th , wherein the housing (6) has an inside (88) and the spacer (10) rests on the cell wall (12) and on the inside (88), so that the inside (88), the cell wall (12) and the spacer ( 10) span the flow channel (16). Electrical storage (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 31 , This has two connections (96) for the electrical contacting of the cells (8) with a consumer, the connections (96) each being designed as a waveguide and at the same time as a flow (18) and a return (20) for the heat medium serve in the housing (6). Vehicle, with an electrical store (2) according to one of the Claims 1 to 32 .

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