DE19724020A1 - Heat radiation device with heat pipe for energy storage battery apparatus e.g. using sodium-sulphur battery - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat radiation device has a heat pipe (20) with an evaporation section (22), a condensation section (24) and a gas reservoir (25) which is continuously connected and made in one piece. The heat pipe contains an internal working fluid and a non-condensing gas. It is made with a capillary section in at least one inner part of the evaporation section in which the working fluid moves.

Description

The present invention relates to a heat radiation device with heat pipes for Radiation of the secondary energy working in a relatively high temperature cell device (battery device) such as sodium-sulfur batteries and other energy storage battery devices generated heat. In particular, the The present invention is a heat radiation device with heat pipes, which with a non-condensing gas are filled, which allows the heat radiation capacity for use with energy storage battery devices (high-performance batteries), that operate at a relatively high temperature can be continually changed to store excess energy so as to fluctuate in load and vehicle energy storage battery devices and other storage battery devices (secondary battery devices) to compensate.

When supplying energy from a power plant to a load or when supplying energy through a substation, the energy load is in a single 24-hour the period subject to wide fluctuations per hour. The loads also fluctuate far due to the season and change dramatically due to the weather. Changes the amount of energy supplied by the power plants or the like for Readjustment of these fluctuations in the load would require the generators of the Power plants are started or stopped frequently or that are generated by the generators supplied energy is changed. This type of regulation on energy supply would involve complicated work and would skyrocket energy production costs mean. That is why it is desirable to reduce energy consumption to compensate, in other words, the fluctuations in the load as much as possible balance. One of the tested methods to compensate for fluctuations in the Load was like the excess energy in an energy storage battery device a sodium-sulfur battery, save when energy consumption is low, and to release the stored energy from the sodium-sulfur battery, etc. counteract excessive energy consumption when the load becomes high.

A sodium-sulfur battery device consists of a group of sodium-sulfur cells in a heat protection container. This is used as a battery module.  However, sodium-sulfur cells are high-temperature batteries with chemical ones Reactions so that they have to be heated to temperatures above 300 ° C. On the other hand, the deterioration of the battery function becomes larger the higher the Temperature becomes when the temperature rises above 350 ° C. Loses in a short time the sodium-sulfur battery its original ability to store energy. It is therefore desirable to keep the temperature below a maximum of 350 ° C. Accordingly, it is desirable to keep sodium-sulfur batteries at a temperature of To operate 300 to 350 ° C.

In another area, practical electric vehicles developed. One of the currently existing problems with these vehicles is in the Increasing the performance of energy storage. Those in such electric cars assembled energy storage batteries work in a cycle of discharging, charging and Standby mode. When energy is discharged, the batteries generate heat, which requires a heat radiation device. When using energy storage battery devices the base of sodium-sulfur cells for electric vehicles or the like Excellent thermal insulation vacuum thermal container and a heater for Temperature control used. These radiate the heat from the surface of a container set in the degree of vacuum corresponding to that at the time of discharge generated amount of heat, so as to prevent the temperature rise of the battery. The temperature of the battery drops during charging and standby (readjustment) due to the amount of heat based on the already regulated degree of vacuum radiation. Usually it is necessary to charge and charge the battery at the end Discharge cycle to the initial temperature, which is why in the process of Readiness (readjustment) of the heater input is set to the To reach the initial temperature without falling below the predetermined temperature. On this way the battery will keep between the set temperature Battery (low temperature e.g. 300 ° C) and the maximum temperature in units battery life (e.g. 350 ° C). As a result, it is operating the battery in a manner in which the heat generated changes, i.e. H. when operating in a Way in which the discharge output of the battery changes, necessary Set the vacuum level of the vacuum thermal insulation container at any time to the Keep the battery temperature between the allowed minimum and maximum values. This makes the regulation of the operation extremely complicated.

To the temperature of an energy storage battery of such a high temperature type to keep this way, a heater or the like is used to raise the temperature lowest operating temperature to be permitted and a heat radiation device for  Heat radiation below the maximum permissible operating temperature is used. The is called a temperature sensor and a control device are used to control the heater and operate the heat radiation device to the temperature of the energy storage battery set within the range of 300 to 350 ° C when the energy storage battery is a sodium-sulfur battery.

The use of a heat pipe has already been used as a heat radiation device proposed, such as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2-148662, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-14616, of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 60-107274 and the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-161669. A Heat pipe is a heat transfer device which is a working fluid and which Capillary function used.

First, the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355 explained method disclosed. A number of sodium-sulfur cells are in a matrix in the room within a thermal insulation element within a Heat storage furnace arranged. A first heat pipe is between the rows of the Sodium-sulfur cells are introduced and carry the heat of several Sodium-sulfur cells to form a guide plate on the outer wall of the thermal insulation element is provided. A receiving plate for the radiated heat is the opposite Guide plate provided to absorb the heat radiated by the guide plate. A second heat pipe is attached to this receiving plate of the radiated heat. The radiated heat is led to the second heat pipe. This warmth is from the second heat pipe through a valve to a radiation plate on the outside of the Heat storage furnace led. The first heat pipe and the second heat pipe are both tubes which are provided with wicks on the inside to achieve a capillary function, and contain a working fluid. That in the Japanese unexamined patent publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355, however, requires that the baffle and the Recording plate of the radiated heat are provided opposite to each other, and that a first and a second heat pipe are used, which results in a complicated and bulky structure results.

Next, what is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2-148662 explained method disclosed. This method requires a heat pipe for every electrode of the sodium-sulfur cells is installed. A chlorofluorocarbon Hydrogen or the like is used as the working fluid of the heat pipe.  

This method uses a heat pipe to radiate heat from each cell, so that it is inefficient and extremely costly if heat from a sodium Sulfur battery device with a large number of cells to be emitted.

That disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-14616 Process is an example of use in an electric vehicle and requires that Metal spacers in the horizontal direction to the surface of the tank from several storage batteries such as lead batteries or nickel-cadmium bat terien be press-fitted so that heat pipes in the vertical direction to some of the Metal spacers are attached and that air cooling channels in the Metal spacers are formed. The storage battery of the Japanese untested However, Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-14616 does not work at a high one Temperature like a sodium-sulfur cell, so that the heat pipes simple heat radiate. There is no need to set a predetermined high Temperature range, e.g. B. to keep the 300 to 350 ° C of the sodium-sulfur battery. Furthermore, attaching the metal spacers and heat pipes is complicated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 60-107274 discloses the Technique of attaching a flat-shaped heat pipe in the vertical direction the side surface of a group of cells and attaching cooling fins to it Top for cooling purposes. The heat pipe itself uses only one working fluid. The flat-shaped heat pipe has an advantage over the round-shaped heat pipe regarding the heat transfer effect in a special case. The procedure of the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-14616 does not show the benefit of Cooling of the battery device with many battery cells.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-161669 discloses the Technique of providing a heat pipe in a horizontal direction to one Tank room and attaching radiation fins to its front end to keep the heat to emit. This method, however, is because the heat pipe is in a horizontal Direction is installed, the movement of the working fluid in the wick of the heat pipe not wanted.

The Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-5175355, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2-14866, which Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-14616, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 60-107274 and Japanese unexamined patent publication (Kokai) No. 61-161669 disclosed heat pipes  contain all known tubes that have wicks on the inside in order to have a capillary function Realize, and contain a working fluid sealed inside. This Heat pipes have no way of determining the amount of radiated heat to be set. Furthermore, these heat pipes also lead to a large amount Heat when the temperature difference is small, so that sometimes too much heat is emitted. It is therefore necessary to use the heater even during its operation (Charging or discharging the energy). Therefore, as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355 discloses a valve be provided and the valve operated to cover the effective area of the Gradually adjust the radiation tubes attached to the heat pipe.

Setting the amount of radiated heat by using one Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355 however, requires the attachment of a valve and other control device or the like, so that this disadvantageously leads to higher costs. Continue with Setting the amount of radiated heat by using a valve part of the Heat pipe inactive, giving the possibility of a temperature uneven distribution in the cell module rises. Since the valve is regulated for operation, the further one Control step by step (digital), and a fine analog-like setting becomes difficult. Due to the frequent operation of the valve, repeated overheating or Hypothermia result in a so-called pendulum phenomenon.

Furthermore, an energy storage battery contains a large number of strings or stacked battery modules. The energy storage capacity is calculated in units of Aggregate volume, so that the space occupied by the heat radiation device is extremely becomes important. Therefore, the process of using one heat pipe for each cell is for an energy storage battery device is not practical.

There was also an improvement in the variable conductivity type heat pipes he wishes. The sodium-sulfur battery device has been used as an example of battery devices of the high temperature type discussed, but other battery devices of the high temperature type will encounter drawbacks.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved heat pipe of the type provide variable conductivity that has an effective radiation characteristic and can be applied to the temperature of a battery device of the high temperature type to regulate.  

A heat radiation device for an energy storage battery is preferably provided be a continuous regulation of the amount of radiated heat without the Use of a complicated control device and a downsizing of the Battery module allows occupied space.

Furthermore, a heat radiation device for an energy storage battery is preferably intended be provided for use in vehicle energy storage batteries or The like is suitable and in which the amount of radiated heat independently increases even if the discharge output of the storage battery changes, and that according to the battery temperature without using a heat control device emits.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a thermal radiation device for a secondary battery device with multiple battery cells of the high temperature type provided, which is characterized by a heat pipe with an evaporation section, a condensation section and a gas storage unit, which is continuous are interconnected and are integrally formed, the heat pipe in Inside contains sealed working fluid and a non-condensing gas and with a capillary section in at least one interior of the evaporation section is formed in which the working fluid moves.

The heat radiation device can preferably also be at a predetermined position of the secondary battery device and the guide plate provided in contact with the heat pipe contain, the heat pipe can radiate the heat of the secondary battery device, wherein the heat is transferred to the heat pipe via the baffle.

The guide plate is preferably provided on the bottom of the secondary battery device Evaporation section of the heat pipe is with that at the bottom of the battery device provided baffle, the condensation section of the heat pipe rises substantially vertically on the side surface of the battery module or in one Angle of at least 30 ° from the horizontal, and the gas storage is with the connected to the upper end of the condensation section.

Preferably, the heat radiation device can also be a heat radiation device have, which is attached to the condensation portion of the heat pipe.

Preferably, the heat radiation device can be a base part that is connected to the condensation section is brought into contact and substantially parallel to the side surface of the  Battery module runs, and have plate-like, comb-shaped ribs, which in the substantially vertically in the opposite direction from the battery module protrude in the opposite direction or on both sides of the base part.

The evaporation section of the heat pipe can be arranged inside the guide plate be and the end of the evaporation section is bent and with the condensation section connected.

The cross-sectional area of the condensation section can be essentially the same, as the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section, the gas storage being a Has a volume ratio to the condensing section of at least 1; the cross section area of the condensation section can be significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the Evaporation section, wherein the gas storage has a volume ratio to the Has a condensation section of at least 1; the cross-sectional area of the condensation section can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section or the cross-sectional area of the condensation section may be substantially the same as be the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section, with a spacer in the Condensation section is inserted to the effective cross-sectional area of the Condensation section smaller than the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section do.

The gas storage device can have a section that extends in a direction perpendicular to the Condensation section extends at the head end of the condensation section and one substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the condensing section has, the gas storage thus extending with respect to the condensation section Has volume ratio of at least 1.

Preferably, several such extending sections are provided and each connected with each other.

The gas storage device can be a section with a larger cross-sectional area than that Have a condensation section which is located at the head end of the condensation section extends.

There are preferably a plurality of gas stores projecting to the head section on the head section of the condensation section provided.  

According to a second aspect of the present invention, thermal radiation is also device for a secondary battery device with multiple battery cells of the high temperature type provided, which is characterized by a provided at the bottom of the battery device Guide plate; a first heat pipe with an evaporation section and a Condensation section that contains at least one working fluid and that inside the Guide plate is formed; and a second heat pipe arranged one behind the other Evaporation section, a condensation section and a gas storage, which in the Contains a working fluid and a non-condensing gas tightly enclosed inside that is formed with wicks on the inner wall of at least the evaporation section and at the end of its evaporation section with the end of the baffle connected is.

The heat radiation device preferably further contains one at the condensation section of the second heat pipe attached heat radiation device.

Preferably, they are in the interior of the first and second heat pipes included working fluids at least one type from the group with a mixture of Diphenyl and diphenyl ether, an alkyl diphenyl, and naphthalene.

Preferably, the non-condensing gas enclosed in the heat pipe is a Gas that is difficult to dissolve in the working fluid.

A component that supports the capillary action is preferably on the inner wall of the Evaporation section of the heat pipe attached. That is the capillary action supporting component can be at least one type from the group with a sintered Metal, a grid, and fiber bundle wick.

The cross-sectional shape of the evaporation section of the first heat pipe and the second heat pipe is round or flat.

The secondary battery device preferably has a plurality of battery cells High temperature type multiple sodium-sulfur battery cells.

Preferably, the battery device can be used to store excess energy or as one Energy source can be used for a vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a heat pipe is also included an evaporation section, a condensation section and a gas storage  provided that included a working fluid and an appropriate amount inside contains a non-condensing gas, and the capillary on its inner wall has a supporting component in which the working fluid can move, which is characterized in that the condensation section of the heat pipe in substantially vertically or at an angle of at least 30 ° from the horizontal rises, the gas storage is attached to the upper end of the condensation section, the working fluid enclosed in the heat pipe has at least one type from the group a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether, an alkyl diphenyl, and naphthalene and the non-condensing gas enclosed in the heat pipe is a gas that is difficult to dissolve in the working fluid.

The heat pipe of the present invention is filled and sealed with a small one Amount of working fluid in a vacuum while the non-condensing gas containing heat pipes with a suitable amount of non-condensing gas (e.g. Argon) and at the same time filled with the working fluid. When the heat pipe is used , the flow of the vaporized gas in the heat pipe causes the non-condensing gas is pushed to the end of the condensing section. The non-condensing gas is regulated by the ambient temperature. That is further Temperature dependence of the saturated pressure of the working fluid is much greater than that of the non-condensing gas, so that the interface between the working fluid and the non-condensing gas to the side of the condensation section moved, although more specifically a certain diffusion effect is present. If therefore enough of the non-condensing gas is included is, so that the position of the interface to the condensation portion side of the Evaporation section close to the minimum holding temperature (about 300 ° C in the case a sodium-sulfur battery) and that the temperature at the interface between the condensation section and the gas storage near the maximum Holding temperature (about 330 to 350 ° C in the case of a sodium-sulfur battery), then the function of the heat pipe is suppressed at temperatures until the Minimum holding temperature is reached. On the other hand, if the temperature rises higher, the area of the working fluid moves toward the condensation side so that the Condensation section becomes significantly larger and the amount of radiated heat consequently increases. If the upper temperature limit is further reached, i. i.e. if that non-condensing gas in the gas storage at the end of the condensation section is an amount of radiated heat comparable to the amount of generated heat reached. This makes it possible to use a suitable battery Keep temperature range without the need for any external energy source.  

When a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether is used as the working fluid the toxicity low and the price low. Furthermore, this working fluid is stable near 350 ° C. Appropriate operation of the heat pipe is therefore possible.

The evaporation section runs horizontally, so that with a bare tube, that is ordinary pipe there is a possibility that the condensed working fluid dries out (overheating) and does not reach the end of the evaporation section. At this Invention, however, is because of a metallic grid or other capillary action supporting component is provided on the inner wall of the evaporation section, the Capillary action is used to transport the working fluid to the end or the top Allow wall of the evaporation section of the heat pipe.

If the volume ratio of the gas storage of the heat pipe to the condensation s section is made larger than 1, the difference between the upper Limit temperature and the lower limit temperature are kept at about 40 ° C and it it is possible to keep the temperature of the sodium-sulfur cells in an optimal range hold. If the ratio is made larger than necessary, it becomes even more accurate Temperature control possible.

If the heat radiation fins are made of an aluminum-like metal, the weight can be made light and the thermal conductivity good and the Heat radiation function can be improved. If further use is made of Heat radiation elements made of base parts that contact the condensation section and are parallel to the side surface of the battery module, and of heat radiation fins of thin plates that are vertical in the opposite direction to the battery module from the Base parts are outstandingly attached, the heat conducted in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted by the thickness of the base parts and further the surface of the Ribs are enlarged so that there is a good air supply with respect to the natural Convex can be achieved.

With such a heat radiation device for an energy storage battery In the present invention, it is possible to change the amount by a working fluid and a heat pipe containing non-condensing gas to change radiated heat. There the area of direct presence of the working fluid corresponding to the battery temperature can also be changed without the provision of a valve or the like it is possible on any valves and of course on the corresponding ones To dispense with control devices. Furthermore, since the amount of heat radiated is regulated automatically according to the battery temperature, none  Temperature sensors or other electronic devices needed. Be at the same time Control devices unnecessary, so that the space occupied by the battery module is essential can be reduced.

Further, since in the present invention, the heat pipes in the baffle at the bottom of the Battery module are used, this also contributes to a heat exchange between the Cells at.

The location of the evaporation section of the heat pipe at the bottom of the module allows the heat to be recovered evenly. The will continue complicated work of inserting heat pipes between the cells unnecessarily. Continue is due to the arrangement of the condensation section of the heat pipe on the side of the Battery module stacking of the battery modules possible and that through the battery modules Stand space used can be reduced.

Further in the present invention is that the effective cross-sectional area of the condensation section is smaller than the effective cross-sectional area of the Evaporation section is made, the controllability of the heat pipe is improved and at the same time the surface (heat-conducting surface) does not change, so that the Heat radiation function is not affected.

Further, in the present invention, by arranging the condensing section of the heat pipe along the side surface of the battery module and by forming the the end of the condensation section formed gas storage to a width that in the controllability of the heat pipe is essentially the same as that of the condensation section can be improved without increasing the space occupied by the battery module.

On the other hand, according to the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the present invention because the heat pipes in the baffle of the battery module are no longer a temperature gradient in the guide plate and the temperature is evenly distributed to the end where the second heat pipes are connected.

In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to have a working fluid and a second Heat pipes containing non-condensing gas are present, the effective Area of existence of working fluid according to the battery temperature too without providing a valve or other device, and that's why possible on any valves and of course on the corresponding control devices to renounce. In addition, according to the heat radiation device, there is an energy storage battery of the present invention, since the heat radiation function by  first heat pipes provided in the guide plate and the second at the end of the guide plate provided heat pipes is no longer a necessity To provide heat radiation device of complicated structure in the battery module, and as a result, the battery module can be downsized, i. H. a Enlargement in the effective occupied space can be suppressed.

In the present invention, the first heat pipes through holes in the Guide plate and plug to plug the holes are formed. By venting the Holes and filling and sealing the same with a working fluid to make the Heat pipes it is possible to integrate the first heat pipes in one piece with the guide plate train, and thereby the cost of pipe materials and labor costs for the Reduce use of heat pipes.

In the present invention, it is further formed by molding the evaporating portion of the Heat pipe, the evaporation section of the second heat pipe or the first Heat pipe possible as a flat tube in cross section, the thickness of the guide plate or to reduce the like where the evaporation sections of the heat pipes are provided without unduly increasing the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the pipes reduce, and also ensure a sufficient heat flow area Status. As a result, it is possible to have the volume of the battery module and Reduce weight. At the same time, it is possible to increase the number of heat pipes reduce, which is advantageous in terms of labor and manufacturing costs.

These and other objects and features of the present invention are achieved with the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying Drawings become clearer, where:

Fig. 1A is a longitudinal section of the front view of a first embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional plan view of the heat radiation device shown in FIG. 1A for a secondary battery device;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an evaporation portion of a heat pipe of the embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a cross section view of another example is an evaporation portion of the heat pipe of the embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional front view for explaining the operation of the first embodiment;

. 5 is a longitudinal section of the front view of Fig of a second embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the front view of a third embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section of the front view of a fourth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a longitudinal section of the front view of a fifth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 8B is a side view of the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 8A;

. 9A is a longitudinal section of the front view of Fig of a sixth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 9B is a side view of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a seventh embodiment is a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention, a longitudinal section of the front view;

Fig. 10B is a side view of the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 10a;

FIG. 11A is a longitudinal sectional front view of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery of the present invention is device of an eighth embodiment according;

Fig. 11B is a side view of the eighth embodiment shown in Fig. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a ninth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a longitudinal section of the front view of a tenth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit according to the present invention;

Fig. 13B is a side view of the tenth embodiment shown in Fig. 13A; and

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional front view of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is according to a heat radiation device for a secondary battery unit.

The preferred embodiments of a heat radiation device for a secondary battery devices of the high temperature type of the present invention are as follows explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following embodiments, the secondary battery device is the high temperature type, a sodium-sulfur battery device with several sodium-sulfur batteries cells described. The sodium-sulfur battery device can be used for one Energy storage battery device (a high performance battery) can be used in one Power station for storing excess energy to compensate for fluctuations in the load or in an energy storage battery device in a vehicle, such as for example, an electric vehicle can be installed.

First embodiment

FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional front view of a first embodiment of a heat radiation device for an energy storage battery according to the present invention, taken along the line XX in FIG. 1B; while FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional plan view along line YY of FIG. 1A. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show examples of portions of the heat pipe of this embodiment.

In Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the energy storage battery device consists of a module housing (battery module) 1 , which is formed from a heat-insulating material, and several round in cross-section shaped sodium-sulfur cells 2 , which are housed standing in the module housing 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sodium-sulfur cells 2 are lined up in the longitudinal and transverse directions in the module housing 1 . Of course, the number of sodium-sulfur cells 2 of the present invention is not limited to this example.

The heat radiation device of this exemplary embodiment for preventing the energy storage battery device from overheating from a plurality of sodium-sulfur cells 2 has a guide plate 3 and a heat radiation fin 26 .

As shown in FIG. 1B, three heat pipes 20 are provided for a module housing 3 in this exemplary embodiment.

An excellent in terms of thermal conductivity baffle 3 , z. B. made of copper or aluminum, is provided on the bottom of the heat-insulating module housing 1 . In this example, the guide plate 3 consists of an aluminum plate with a thickness of 22 mm.

The position of the arrangement of the guide plate 3 is not precisely defined, but the plate is preferably arranged on the bottom of the battery module 1 . An energy storage battery generally contains a plurality of cylindrical cylindrical sodium-sulfur cells 2 , so that the arrangement of the guide plate 3 on the bottom of the battery module 1 enables a uniform recovery of the heat. Furthermore, if the guide plate 3 is arranged at the bottom of the battery module 1 and the heat pipes 20 are also provided there, then the complicated work of inserting heat pipes 20 between adjacent sodium-sulfur cells 2 becomes unnecessary.

General structure of the heat pipes

A heat pipe 20 consists of an evaporation section 22 , a condensation section 22 and a gas storage device 25 .

The evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 runs along the longitudinal direction of the guide plate 3 . The example of FIG. 1A shows the evaporation section 22 protruding slightly beyond the center into the guide plate 3 , but it can also protrude directly to the end of the guide plate 3 or not penetrate the guide plate as far as shown in the example. The evaporation section 22 is not particularly limited to the position of this illustration, but it is advantageous to bend it at the front end of the guide plate 3 and to insert it into the end of the guide plate 3 . This makes it possible to make the area of the guide plate 3 almost the same as the area of the module housing 1 and therefore to limit the occupied space to a minimum. Furthermore, it becomes possible to secure a sufficient area of heat conduction of the evaporation section 22 as appropriate.

One end of the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 is provided inserted in the guide plate 3 , but the other end of the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 rises on the side of the module housing 1 to form the condensation section 24 of the heat pipe 20 . The condensation section 24 of the heat pipe 20 is preferably a pipe that rises at an angle of at least 30 ° with respect to the evaporation section 22 (a pipe in continuous communication with the evaporation section 22 ). It is particularly advantageously arranged essentially vertically along the side of the module. In the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the present invention, the position of attachment of the condensation portion 24 of the heat pipe 20 is not precisely determined, but the portion is preferably attached to the side surface of the module case 1 . If the condensing section 24 is provided on the top of the battery module 1 , the stacking of the battery modules 1 would become difficult. By arranging the condensing portion 24 to the side surface of the module casing 1, the stacks of the battery modules 1 is possible, and the space occupied by the battery modules 1 stand can be kept small.

The condensation section 24 is provided with a heat radiation device 26 with a base part 26 a made of copper or aluminum, which offers the best thermal conductivity, or brass, which offers the best workability, and radiation fins 26 b and radiates heat through natural air cooling. The ribs 26 b are preferably comb-shaped in shape. In order to support natural cooling, the ribs 26 b are preferably oriented vertically.

At the upper end of the condensation section 24 of the heat pipe 20 , a gas storage device 25 is provided for storing the non-condensing gas.

In this embodiment, the length of the condensation section 24 is z. B. 300 mm, the length of the gas reservoir 25 is 100 mm, and the volume ratio is about 1.6. The radiation device 26 has a base part 26 a with a width of 200 mm, a height of 300 mm and a thickness of 8 mm and a total of 16 plate-like ribs 26 b with a thickness of 1 mm. The condensation section 24 is attached to the center of the base part 26 a. These dimensions are chosen so that the effectiveness of the heat radiation fin does not decrease. Furthermore, the entire heat pipe 20 is provided with an outer diameter of 15 mm and the gas reservoir 25 with an outer diameter of 30 mm. The material of the heat pipe is not particularly limited, but it is, for example, stainless steel.

Detailed construction of the heat pipe 20

The detailed structure and the variable conductivity characteristic of the heat pipe 20 are described below.

The heat pipe 20 of this embodiment contains a working fluid and an appropriate amount of a non-condensing gas sealed in the vacuum tube.

The heat pipes disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) Nos. 63-175355, 2-148622, 7-14616, 60-107274 and 61-161669 are heat transfer devices that use working fluid and the capillary function of wicks. On the other hand, the heat pipe 20 of this embodiment includes the evaporation section 22 , the condensation section 24, and the gas storage 25 , and the appropriate amount of the non-condensing gas is introduced into the heat pipe 20 in addition to the working fluid.

A look at the cross section of the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 shows e.g. B., as can be seen in FIG. 2, that three (or more) phosphor bronze grids 220 are used as wicks along the inner wall of the evaporation section 22 . The grids 220 , which serve as components to support the capillary action, are preferably cylindrical in shape and attached along the inner wall of the evaporation section 22 . The reason for this is not to reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow. The evaporation section 22 extends horizontally, so that with a bare tube, that is conventional tube, there is the possibility that the condensed working fluid will dry out (will be overheated) and does not reach the end of the evaporation section 22 . In this embodiment, however, since a metallic grid or other capillary support member is provided on the inside of the evaporating section 22 , the capillary action is used to allow the working fluid to flow to the end or top wall of the evaporating section 22 of the heat pipe is transported.

The component supporting the capillary action can be a sintered metal or Fiber bundle wicks should be in addition to a grid.

Instead of the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 shown in FIG. 2, it is also possible to use a heat pipe 20 a with an evaporation section 22 a shaped as a flat tube, as shown in FIG. 3. The other sections except the evaporation section 22 a of the heat pipe 20 a may also be flat pipes or not. As shown in Fig. 3, the ratio b / a of the short distance to the long distance a indicating the degree of flatness is preferably 0.5 to 0.3 or the like. If this ratio is too small, the resistance of the flow becomes too large, which would not be desirable, while if the ratio is too large (near 1), the pipe would no longer be flat and the effect of its flattening would be less. By forming the evaporation section of the heat pipe 20 , that is, the section where the heat is led away from the battery module case 1 as a flat-shaped pipe, it becomes possible to increase the thickness of the baffle 3 in which the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 is inserted reduce without extremely reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow of the pipe and in a state ensuring the necessary area of heat conduction. As a result, the battery module case 1 can be reduced in volume and weight. At the same time, the number of heat pipes 20 can be reduced - which is advantageous in terms of labor and manufacturing costs.

In the variety of embodiments, the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 referred to below may be either of the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 3.

The working fluid sealed in the heat pipe 20 is not specifically specified, but a working fluid can be used according to the temperature range to be controlled, e.g. B. as a preferred embodiment for the operational temperature range of 300 to 330 ° C of the sodium-sulfur battery device water, naphthalene or diphenyl or other aromatics, Therm-S (product name, manufactured by Nippon Steel Chemical Co. Ltd.), or the like . Furthermore, one of the group with a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether, an alkyl diphenyl and naphthalene can be selected as the working fluid. In particular, Therm-S 300 (mixture of 26.5% diphenyl and 73.5% diphenyl ether manufactured by Nippon Steel Chemical Co. Ltd.) or the like can be used. If a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether is used as the working fluid, the toxicity becomes low and the price low. Furthermore, this working fluid is stable near 350 ° C. Appropriate operation of the heat pipe is thus possible.

The non-condensing gas, which is tightly sealed in the heat pipe 20 in an appropriate amount, is not specifically specified, but is preferably a gas that is extremely stable and difficult to dissolve in the working fluid. For example, argon, xenon, nitrogen or the like can be used.

When including the working fluid and the non-condensing gas in the variable conductivity type heat pipe 20 , the following points should be considered. This embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the interface between the working fluid and the non-condensing gas moves in accordance with the temperature of the vaporization section 22 so as to vary the effective length of the condensation section 24 to vary the radiation characteristic and thereby enable the heat radiation function is changed. Enough of the non-condensing gas is included so that the position of this interface moves to the side of the condensing section 24 of the evaporating section 22 near the minimum holding temperature, about 300 ° C in the case of a sodium-sulfur battery, and the temperature of the interface between that Condensation section 24 and the gas storage 25 near the maximum holding temperature, about 330 to 350 ° C in the case of a sodium-sulfur battery.

The variable conductivity characteristic of the heat pipe 20 will now be discussed. For the function of the heat pipe 20 , the non-condensing gas is forced into the end of the condensation section 24 by the flow of vaporized gas in the heat pipe. The non-condensing gas is regulated by the ambient temperature. The pressure in the heat pipe 20 also increases in relation to the temperature rise, but the temperature dependence of the saturated pressure of the working fluid is much greater than that of the non-condensing gas, so that the temperature between the working fluid and the non-condensing gas at the evaporation section 22 of the temperature increases Heat pipe 20 will move to the side of the condensation section 24 , more precisely actually there is actually a certain diffusion effect. Therefore, when enough non-condensing gas is trapped so that the position of the interface to the side of the condensing section 24 of the evaporation section moves near the minimum holding temperature (about 300 ° C in the case of a sodium-sulfur battery) and the temperature of the interface between the condensation section 24 and the gas storage 25 near the maximum holding temperature (about 330 to 350 ° C in the case of a sodium-sulfur battery), the effect of the heat pipe 20 at temperatures until the minimum holding temperature is reached is suppressed. On the other hand, when the temperature rises higher, the area of the working fluid in the heat pipe 20 moves to the condensation side 24 , so that the condensation section 24 becomes much larger and the amount of the radiated heat increases. Furthermore, when the maximum holding temperature is reached, the non-condensing gas is contained in the gas storage 25 at the end of the condensing section 24 , so that a rapid thermal transfer is achieved and the maximum heat radiation effect is achieved.

The non-condensing gas and the gas storage 25 force the movement of the working fluid, which is evaporated by heat in the evaporation section 22 , through the wicks in the heat pipe 20 . The interaction of the non-condensing gas and the vaporized gas of the working fluid changes the function of the heat pipe 20 . The change in function is defined as the variable conductivity. This variable conductivity characteristic is variable, depending on the temperature at the heat pipe 20 .

Since the amount of radiated heat automatically corresponds to the temperature of the Battery is regulated, is not a temperature sensor or any other electronic Device necessary. Therefore, the regulation is not gradual and neither will Commuting causes so that a fine adjustment of the amount of radiated heat becomes possible. As a result, the battery temperature may rise after heating a certain temperature can be regulated solely by the heat pipe and therefore can the operating costs are reduced and the control devices are dispensed with. Since no control device or the like is required, the battery can module occupied space can be significantly reduced.

If the volume ratio of the gas storage 25 of the heat pipe to the condensing section 24 is made larger than 1, the difference between the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be kept at about 40 ° C and it is possible to adjust the temperature of the sodium-sulfur cells 1 to keep in an optimal range. If the ratio is made larger than necessary, precise temperature control is possible. If the volume of the gas reservoir 25 is set to Vd, the volume of the condensing section 24 to Vc, the saturation pressure of the lower limit temperature to P1 and the saturation pressure of the upper limit temperature to P2, then the ratio Vg / Vc = P1 / (P2-P1 ), so that if the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the saturation pressures is made smaller and the controllability increases, the value of the left side, ie Vg / Vc, becomes larger. This means that the volume Vg of the gas reservoir 25 will increase, but at the same time a corresponding reduction in the volume of the condensation section 24 takes place. Therefore, in the present invention, instead of increasing the volume of the gas storage 25, the volume of the condensing section 24 is reduced. The surface area of the condensation section 24 , however, has an influence on the heat radiation function, so that the effective cross-sectional area of the condensation section 24 is made smaller. As a result, the left side of the above equation becomes larger and the controllability of the heat pipe 20 is increased and at the same time the surface area is not changed, so that there is no influence on the heat radiation function.

Next is the operation of the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery explained.

The heat pipe 20 , which serves as a main component of the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery when used, contains, according to this embodiment, a working fluid and a non-condensing gas sealed therein. The guide plate 3 receives heat uniformly from the module housing 1 among the several sodium-sulfur cells and the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 under the several sodium-sulfur cells 2 is heated by the guide plate 3 . As a result, the working fluid in the evaporation section 22 is evaporated and moves in the wicks in the evaporation section 22 , and the non-condensing gas in the evaporation section 22 becomes by the flow of the evaporated working fluid to the end of the condensation section 24 , that is, to the gas storage 25 side , moved and pressed therein by the flow of the vaporized gas in the tube in the vaporization section 22 . The non-condensing gas is controlled by the ambient temperature of the gas reservoir 25 , but the temperature dependence of the saturation pressure of the working fluid is much greater than that of the non-condensing gas, so that when the temperature of the working fluid in the evaporation section 22 rises, the interface between the working fluid and the not condensing gas moves toward the condensing section 24 side, although more specifically, there is actually some diffusion effect. Enough non-condensing gas is included so that, as shown in Fig. 4, the position of this interface becomes position A on the condensation section 24 side of the evaporation section 22 near the minimum holding temperature of about 300 ° C of the sodium-sulfur cells 2 moves and the temperature of the interface B between the condensation section 24 and the gas storage 25 after a maximum holding temperature of the sodium-sulfur battery cells of about 330 to 350 ° C. Due to this fact, the working fluid is pressed by the pressure of the non-condensing gas at temperatures up to the minimum holding temperature of 300 ° C and localized only in part of the guide plate 3 of the module housing 1 , so that the function of the heat pipe 20 is suppressed, but a Heat exchange effect is achieved. On the other hand, if the temperature rises above, the pressure of the working fluid will exceed the pressure of the non-condensing gas and the interface between the working fluid and the non-condensing gas will move toward the side of the condensing section 24 , so that the condensing section 24 corresponds to the increase in temperature is gradually increased. Because of this, the amount of radiated heat will increase continuously. In this way, the amount of radiated heat increases continuously and the maximum holding temperature of 330 to 350 ° C is reached, and then the non-condensing gas is enriched in the gas storage 25 at the end of the condensation section 24 , so that the maximum heat radiation effect can be achieved . Therefore, by attaching a heat radiation section 26 , which is comparable to the amount of heat generated by the battery module 1 in this exemplary embodiment, the temperature of the evaporation section 22 will never rise above 340 ° C. to the condensation section 24 . In this embodiment, the heat radiation function is achieved by attaching three heat pipes 20 of variable conductivity in view of the amount of heat to be radiated.

In this way, with the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the present invention, wherein the heat radiation device includes the heat pipe 20 with the gas storage 25 and uses the non-condensing gas in addition to the working fluid, the amount of the radiated heat can be continuously changed. Accordingly, the heat radiation is not regulated in stages and there is also no oscillation of the high temperatures and supercooling, so that a fine adjustment of the amount of radiated heat is possible. As a result, after heating above a certain temperature, the temperature of the sodium-sulfur cells 2 can only be controlled by the heat pipe 20 alone, without the need for a temperature control system with temperature sensors or temperature control devices. Since there is no need to operate any temperature control devices, the operating costs can be reduced and temperature control devices can be dispensed with. In other words, the working fluid and the non-condensing gas itself naturally recognize the battery temperature and the amount of heat radiated is automatically controlled according to the temperature of the battery, so that no temperature sensor or other electronic device is necessary. Further, since in the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of this embodiment, the effective range of the working fluid can be changed according to the battery temperature without providing a valve or other device, it is possible to dispense with all valves and, of course, with the corresponding control devices.

The heat pipe 20 of this embodiment can be modified to a suitable heat pipe with a variable conductivity characteristic by appropriate setting amounts of the working fluid and the non-condensing gas according to the operating conditions. The variable conductivity characteristic of the heat pipe 20 of this embodiment example can also be changed by changing the dimensions of the evaporation section 22 , the condensation section 24 and the gas storage 25 .

Furthermore, since the heat pipe 20 is used as the main component of the heat radiation device for the sodium-sulfur battery device, the heat radiation area can be enlarged without enlarging the base part 26 a or the radiation fins 26 b, the freedom of the temperature control is increased, and the module housing 1 can be kept smaller .

Since an energy storage battery device generally consists of standing cylindrical cells, as represented by the sodium-sulfur cells 2 , the arrangement of the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 at the bottom of the module housing 1 in the guide plate 3 enables the same as in the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of this exemplary embodiment that the heat is recovered evenly. Further, since the evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 is disposed at the bottom of the module case 1 , the complicated work of inserting heat pipes between the sodium-sulfur cells 2 as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 8-222280 can be avoided will.

Further, if the condensation section 24 of the heat pipe 20 is placed on the top of the module case 1 , it would be difficult to stack the module case 1 . The arrangement of the condensation section 24 of the heat pipe 20 on the side of the module housing 1 as in this exemplary embodiment makes stacking of the module housing 1 possible and the footprint occupied by the module housing 1 can be reduced.

As explained above, according to the heat radiation device including the heat pipe 20 , the baffle 3, and optionally the heat radiation fin 26 , for an energy storage battery explained above, the amount of heat radiated becomes possible by using a variable conductivity type heat pipe that is a working fluid and contains a non-condensing gas. Furthermore, the effective range of the presence of the working fluid can be changed along with the battery temperature. Therefore, even if the discharge output changes and the amount of heat generated by the battery fluctuates, the battery temperature can be kept in a limited range independently, so that the operability of the battery can be improved. Furthermore, the structure of the heat radiation device, consisting of the guide plate 3 , the heat pipes 20 and the radiation fins 26, is simple and suitable for heat radiation from large energy storage battery devices.

The heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. There are many changes possible.

Second embodiment

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the front view of a second embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, which uses a heat pipe of the type conductivity variable.

The heat radiation device shown in Fig. 5 for an energy storage battery differs from the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the first embodiment in the point that the evaporation section 22 A of the heat pipe 20 a is provided at the end of the guide plate 3 A, and in the point that a increased cooling (forced air cooling) (not shown) using air from a fan is performed at the intended at the condensing portion 24 a beam ribs 26th That is, the evaporation section 22 A at the bottom of the heat pipe 20 A does not extend into the largest part inside the guide plate 3 A, as in the first exemplary embodiment. The rest of the structure is the same as in the first embodiment.

The shape of the evaporation section of the heat pipe 22 A 20 A can be any of the cross-sectional shapes shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

The second embodiment increases the cooling effect in the condensation section 24 A by increased air cooling to the extent of shortening the length of the evaporation section 22 A of the heat pipe 20 A. The heat from the guide plate 3 A is led to the end of the evaporation section 22 A. The heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the second embodiment is effective particularly because of the short length of the evaporation section 22 A when there are small fluctuations in the amount of heat generated, and it can be preferably used in small-sized sodium-sulfur battery devices.

When comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, a fan is required for the reinforced air cooling in the second embodiment, but the evaporation section 22 A of the heat pipe 20 a can be made shorter, so that the heat pipe 20 a is cheaper. Furthermore, the structure of the guide plate 3 A is simpler compared to the guide plate 3 of the first embodiment.

The second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can continuously control the amount of radiated heat without providing a valve or a temperature sensor or other control device as in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355. Furthermore, the stacking of the module housing 1 is possible, so that the space-saving effect is also great.

Third embodiment

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a third embodiment is a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention.

In the heat pipe 20 b of the third embodiment, which contains the working fluid and the non-condensing gas, the diameter of the condensation section 24 B is the same as in the first embodiment, but the diameter of the evaporation section 22 B is larger than the diameter of the condensation section 24 B. In other words, the diameter of the condensation section 24 B is made smaller than the diameter of the evaporation section 22 B. For example, the inner diameter of the condensation section 24 B is 10.7 mm compared to an inner diameter of 16.7 mm of the evaporation section 22 B. Furthermore, the gas storage 25 B is constructed in height and diameter so that it does not protrude excessively from the battery module 1 . The rest of the structure of the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the third embodiment is the same as in the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the first embodiment.

It is more advantageous to make the effective cross-sectional area of the condensation section 24 smaller than the effective cross-sectional area of the evaporation section 22 . If the diameter of the condensation section 24 B is made smaller than the diameter of the evaporation section 22 B, then the volume of the condensation section 24 B becomes smaller, so that the speed of the working fluid passed through the condensation section 24 B becomes faster, which is why if the size of the Gas storage 25 B is left so that the controllability of the heat pipe 20 B is improved enormously. In contrast, if the controllability of the heat pipe 20 B is kept the same, the volume of the gas storage 25 B can be made smaller in the degree of reduction of the condensation section.

Experimental calculations in this embodiment showed that the cross-sectional area of the condensation section 24 B was reduced to 1 / 2.4, so that the volume of the gas storage 25 B also became only 1 / 2.4 of the size. If the diameter of the evaporation section 22 and the condensation section 24 are the same as in the first embodiment, a height of 170 mm is required for the gas storage 25 , but in the third embodiment this can be reduced to 70 mm.

The effective length of the condensation section 24 changes due to the temperature and the variable conductivity characteristic, but the smaller the difference between the temperature in the smallest area of the condensation section 24 and the temperature in the largest area of the condensation section 24 , the better the controllability of the heat pipe 20 .

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a fourth embodiment is a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention.

If, as in the third exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the condensation section 24 B is made smaller than the diameter of the evaporation section 22 B, the controllability of the heat pipe 20 B is improved or the volume of the gas storage device 25 B can be reduced, but if the surface (heat-conducting surface) of the condensation section 24 B is reduced, this can have an influence on the heat radiation function. 7 Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig., The heat pipe 20 is formed C of a tube with a single diameter and a columnar or tubular spacer 27 is inserted into the condensing section 24 C, to the effective cross-sectional area of the condensation section 24 C compared to To reduce the diameter of the evaporation section 22 C significantly. With such a structure, the volume of the condensation section 24 C becomes smaller, so that if the size of the gas storage device 25 C is maintained, the controllability of the heat pipe 20 C is greatly improved. In contrast, if the controllability of the heat pipe 20 C is maintained, the volume of the gas storage 25 C can be reduced by the amount of the reduction of the condensation section 24 C. In addition, since the surface of the condensing section 24 C is not changed, the heat radiation function of the fins 26 can be maintained.

Fifth embodiment

Fig. 8A is a longitudinal sectional front view of a fifth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, and Fig. 8B is a side view of the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 8A.

By making the effective cross-sectional areas of the condensation sections 24 B and 24 C smaller than the effective cross-sectional areas of the evaporation sections 22 B and 22 C, as in the third and fourth embodiments, the controllability of the heat pipes 20 B and 20 C can be improved, but at In this embodiment, the volume of the gas storage 25 D is made larger and the storage is arranged more effectively so as to improve the controllability of the heat pipe 20 D and to reduce the space occupied by the battery module 1 D.

The gas storage 25 D is attached to the end of the condensation section 24 D of the heat pipe 20 E of the variable conductivity type containing the working fluid and the non-condensing gas, but the gas storage 25 D consists of the heat pipe 20 D and the like in a T arrangement laterally connected pipe type. Normally, the heat pipe 20 d provided in the battery module 1 in the side view shown in FIG. 8B has an unnecessary space in the width direction, so that in the heat radiation device of this embodiment this dead space is effectively used for the gas storage 25 D.

With a heat radiation device constructed in this way for an energy storage battery, the volume of the gas storage device 25 D can be increased sufficiently so that the controllability of the heat pipe 20 D can be improved without reducing the diameter of the condensation section 24 D. Furthermore, since the same material as for the heat pipe 20 D can be used, there are also cost savings. Furthermore, the space occupied by the battery module 1 does not increase, so that this is particularly advantageous for an energy storage battery in which the stored energy per unit volume is important.

Sixth embodiment

FIG. 9A is a longitudinal sectional front view of a sixth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 9A.

Like the fifth exemplary embodiment, this exemplary embodiment makes the volume of the gas reservoir 25 E larger and arranges the gas reservoir more effectively, so as to improve the controllability of the heat pipe 20 E and to reduce the space occupied by the battery module 1 E. With a heat radiation device constructed in this way for an energy storage battery, the volume of the gas storage 25 E is even larger than the gas storage 25 D of the fifth embodiment, so that it becomes possible to further regulate the heat pipe 20 without reducing the diameter of the condensation section 24 E. improve. Furthermore, since the same material as for the heat pipe 20 E can be used, there are also cost savings. Furthermore, the space occupied by the battery module 1 E does not increase, so that this is particularly advantageous for an energy storage battery in which the stored energy per unit volume is important.

Seventh embodiment

FIG. 10a is a longitudinal sectional front view of a seventh embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, and Fig. 10B is a side view of the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 10A.

This embodiment, like the sixth embodiment, makes the volume of the gas storage 25 F larger and arranges the gas storage more effectively, so as to improve the controllability of the heat pipe 20 F of the variable conductivity type and to reduce the space occupied by the battery module 1 F. There are two pipes of the same diameter as the pipe of the evaporation section 22 F of the heat pipe 20 F to the left and right side and connected to each other by a connecting pipe 29 to build the gas storage 25 F.

With a heat radiation device constructed in this way for an energy storage battery, the volume of the gas storage 25 F becomes even larger than the gas storage 25 D of the fifth exemplary embodiment, so that it becomes possible to further regulate the heat pipe 20 F without reducing the diameter of the condensation section 24 F. to improve. Furthermore, since the same material as for the heat pipe 20 F can be used, there are also cost savings. Furthermore, the space occupied by the battery module 1 F does not increase, so that this is particularly advantageous for an energy storage battery in which the stored energy per unit volume is important.

Eighth embodiment

FIG. 11A is a longitudinal sectional elevation of an eighth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, and Fig. 11B is a side view of the eighth embodiment shown in Fig. 11A.

The evaporation section 22 of the heat pipe 20 , which contains the working fluid and the non-condensing gas, is preferably located at a position where it can effectively absorb the temperature of the sodium-sulfur cells 2 . In this sense, it is advantageous to extend it along the guide plate 3 , as shown in the first to seventh exemplary embodiments. However, the heat radiation position in the energy storage battery is not limited to this in the present invention. An arrangement at the end of the guide plate 3 is also possible.

In this case 11A, as shown in Fig., A plurality of first heat pipes 30 contain a working fluid provided in the guiding plate 3 G. This happens to the temperature of the baffle to distribute 3 E evenly. The end of the guide plate 3 G is made much thicker and the evaporation sections 22 G of the second heat pipes 20 G, which contain a working fluid and a non-condensing gas, are used there.

The cross-sectional shape of the first heat pipes 30 can be one of in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 shown to be, as in the cross-sectional shape of the heat pipe 20 G. Furthermore, the nature of the working fluid and the non-condensing gas, which are incorporated in the heat pipes 30, the same be like those used for the 20 G heat pipe. The evaporation sections 22 G of the second heat pipes 20 G and the first heat pipes 30 G are shaped in cross section as flat pipes, as shown in FIG. 3. The remaining parts of the second heat pipes 20 G except the evaporating section 22 G may or may not be flat pipes in shape. The lateral region of the first heat pipes 30 G is preferably flat over the entire longitudinal direction. By designing the longitudinal region of the first heat pipes 30 and the longitudinal region of the evaporation sections 22 G of the second heat pipes 20 G in the form of flat pipes, the guide plate 3 G can be made thinner without unduly reducing the cross sectional area of the flow of the pipe and also in a state maintaining the necessary heat flow area will. As a result, it is possible to reduce the volume of the battery module case 1 and its weight. At the same time, the number of heat pipes 20 G can be reduced - which is advantageous in terms of labor and manufacturing costs.

With this construction too, the guide plate 3 G is heated uniformly everywhere due to the first heat pipes 30 , so that sufficient heat is conducted to the vaporization section 22 G of the second heat pipes 20 G inserted at its end. Furthermore, due to this fact, the second heat pipe 20 G has a simple construction of a straight pipe, which is advantageous in terms of costs and in terms of the space occupied by the battery module 1 .

It should be noted that a comparison of the eighth embodiment with two heat pipes and of the method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) Nos. 63-175355 shows that in this embodiment, since the first heat pipes 30 are provided in the guide plate 3 G , the heat efficiently and rapidly to the end of the guide plate 3 G is performed, and the heat 3 G to the second heat pipes 20 G 3 is guided G at the end of the guide plate directly from the guide plate, the structure and the thermal conductivity function is easier better than the heat radiation device Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-175355, which conducts the heat through the baffle and the radiated heat receiving plate.

Ninth embodiment

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional front view of a new embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention.

Also in the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of this embodiment, like the heat radiation device for an energy storage battery of the eighth embodiment, normal heat pipes 30 containing a working fluid are provided on the baffle 3 H, but the second heat pipe 20 H of the variable conductivity type, that containing the working fluid and the non-condensing gas has an evaporation section 22 H which is bent and inserted into the end of the baffle 3 H. This also makes the area of the guide plate 3 H smaller, so that even if the space occupied by the battery module 1 H is not changed much, the weight becomes lighter than in the device of the eighth exemplary embodiment.

The other effects are similar to those of the eighth embodiment.  

In the ninth embodiment, the normal first heat pipe 30 can be replaced with a variable conductivity type heat pipe, such as the heat pipe 20 H, in which the non-condensing gas is enclosed and which has the gas storage 25 . By replacing the normal heat pipe 30 with a variable conductivity type heat pipe, the thermal transfer effect on the first heat pipe is improved, and rapid heat radiation of the entire heat radiation device can be achieved.

Tenth embodiment

FIG. 13A is a longitudinal sectional front view of a tenth embodiment of a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention, and Fig. 13B is a side view of the tenth embodiment shown in Fig. 13A.

In the same manner as in the eighth and ninth embodiments, first normal heat pipes 30 containing a working fluid are provided in the baffle 3 J and second heat pipes 20 J of the variable conductivity type containing a working fluid and a non-condensing gas are provided in the end of the guide plate 3 J, but the heat pipes 20 J and 30 are arranged as in FIG. 13B, and partially overlap in the guide plate 3 J

With this structure of the components, the heat supplied to the evaporation portion 22 J of the second heat pipe 20 J becomes larger than that in the eighth and ninth embodiments, and the heat radiation function becomes better.

In the tenth embodiment, the normal first heat pipe 30 can be replaced by a variable conductivity type heat pipe such as the heat pipe 20 J in which the non-condensing gas is enclosed and which has the gas storage 25 . By replacing the normal heat pipe 30 with the variable conductivity type heat pipe, the thermal transfer effect on the first heat pipe is improved and quick heat radiation of the entire heat radiation device can be achieved.

Eleventh embodiment

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional front view of an eleventh embodiment is a heat radiation device for a power storage battery according to the present invention.

The first heat pipes 30 of the eighth to tenth embodiment corresponding first heat pipes 30 that contain the working fluid are inserted in the guide plate 3, but in this embodiment, holes 40 are introduced from the end of the guide plate 3 K and these holes 40 are the first heat pipes 30 K used. That is, the holes 40 are vented, then a working fluid is injected and plugs 42 are used to seal the holes so as to form the first normal 30 K heat pipes.

Due to this measure, in addition to the effects and functions of the eighth to tenth embodiments, the material costs of the pipes and the labor costs of using the heat pipes can be reduced by 30 K.

In the above embodiments, the explanation was mainly based on the case the use of an energy storage battery, which is attached stationary, such as for example one at a power plant or at a facility in the middle of the Power supply installed from the power plant to a load. The heat radiation Device for an energy storage battery of the present invention can also be used as Heat radiation device can be used for a battery, such as in a vehicle For example, an electric vehicle is used - not only in stationary facilities like power plant.

It should be noted that an explanation of a sodium operating at 300 to 330 ° C Sulfur cell as a preferred example of an energy storage battery of the present Invention was made, but the invention is not based on a sodium-sulfur cell limited. It is also possible to use the heat radiation device, the heat pipes of the type effective variable conductivity with a working fluid and non-condensing gas of the present invention to also use the temperature of others To regulate secondary batteries (storage batteries).

Claims (29)

1. Heat radiation device for a secondary battery device with a plurality of battery cells of the high temperature type, characterized by a heat pipe ( 20 ) with an evaporation section ( 22 ), a condensation section ( 24 ) and a gas reservoir ( 25 ), which are continuously connected and integrally formed, the heat pipe being one contains working fluid trapped inside and a non-condensing gas, and is formed with a capillary portion in at least an interior of the evaporation portion where the working fluid moves. 2. Heat radiation device according to claim 1, characterized by a provided at a predetermined position of the secondary battery device and the heat pipe ( 20 ) contacting guide plate ( 3 ), wherein the heat pipe radiates heat from the secondary battery device and the heat is transmitted via the guide plate to the heat pipe. 3. Heat radiation device according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide plate ( 3 ) is provided on the bottom of the secondary battery device, the evaporation section ( 22 ) of the heat pipe is brought into contact with the guide plate provided on the bottom of the battery device, the condensation section ( 24 ) of the heat pipe rises substantially vertically on the side surface of the battery module or at an angle of at least 30 ° from the horizontal, and the gas reservoir ( 25 ) is connected to the upper end of the condensation section. 4. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by an attached to the condensation section of the heat pipe heat radiation device ( 26 ). 5. Heat radiation device according to claim 4, characterized in that the heat radiation device ( 26 ) is a base part which is brought into contact with the condensation section ( 24 ) and substantially parallel to the side surface of the battery module ( 1 ), and plate-like, comb-shaped ribs protruding substantially vertically in the opposite direction from the battery module or in the two sides from the base part. 6. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the evaporation section ( 22 ) of the heat pipe ( 20 ) in the interior of the guide plate ( 3 ) is attached and the end of the evaporation section is bent and connected to the condensation section ( 24 ). 7. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the condensation section ( 24 ) is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section ( 22 ) and the gas reservoir ( 25 ) has a volume ratio to the condensation section of at least 1 . 8. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the condensation section ( 24 ) is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section ( 22 ) and the gas reservoir ( 25 ) has a volume ratio to the condensation section of at least 1. 9. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the condensation section ( 24 ) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section ( 22 ). 10. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the condensation section ( 24 ) is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section ( 22 ) and a spacer ( 27 ) is inserted inside the condensation section to the to make the effective cross-sectional area of the condensation section smaller than the cross-sectional area of the evaporation section. 11. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gas reservoir ( 25 ) has a section which extends in a direction perpendicular to the condensation section ( 24 ) at the head end of the condensation section and a substantially the same diameter as that Has diameter of the condensation section, and that the gas storage thus extending has a volume ratio with respect to the condensation section of at least 1. 12. Heat radiation device according to claim 11, characterized, that several such extending sections are provided and each with each other are connected. 13. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gas reservoir ( 25 ) has a section with a larger cross-sectional area than the condensation section ( 24 ), which extends towards the head end of the condensation section. 14. Heat radiation device for an energy storage battery according to one of claims 1 until 5, characterized, that several gas storage projecting to the head section on the head section of the Condensation section are provided. 15. Heat radiation device for a secondary battery device with several battery cells of the high temperature type, characterized by
a guide plate ( 3 ) provided on the bottom of the battery device;
a first heat pipe ( 30 ) having an evaporation section and a condensation section that contains at least one working fluid and that is formed inside the baffle; and
a second heat pipe ( 20 ) with an evaporation section, a condensation section and a gas storage arranged in series, which internally contains a working fluid and a non-condensing gas and which is formed with wicks on the inner wall of at least the evaporation section and at the end of its evaporation section with the end the guide plate is connected. 16. Heat radiation device according to claim 15, characterized by a on the condensation section of the second heat pipe ( 20 ) attached heat radiation device ( 26 ). 17. Heat radiation device according to claim 15, characterized, that the front end of the evaporation section of the second heat pipe is bent and the bent section is connected to the guide plate in the horizontal direction. 18. Heat radiation device according to claim 15, characterized in that the front end of the evaporation section of the second heat pipe ( 20 ) and the end of the first heat pipe ( 30 ) are formed in the interior of the guide plate and connected to each other. 19. Heat radiation device according to claim 15, characterized, that the first heat pipe from a hole formed in the baffle and a plug to plug the opening of the hole and there is a working fluid inside included. 20. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized, that the working fluid trapped in the first and second heat pipes at least one type from the group with a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether, an alkyl diphenyl, and naphthalene. 21. Heat radiation device according to claim 20, characterized, that the non-condensing gas enclosed in the heat pipe is a gas that is difficult to dissolve in the working fluid. 22. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a component ( 220 ) supporting the capillary action is attached to the inner wall of the evaporation section of the heat pipe. 23. Heat radiation device according to claim 22,  characterized, that the component supporting the capillary action comprises at least one type of the group sintered metal, lattice and fiber bundle wick. 24. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the evaporation section of the first heat pipe and the second heat pipe ( 20 ) is round. 25. Heat radiation device for an energy storage battery according to one of claims 1 to 23. characterized, that the cross-sectional shape of the evaporation section of the first heat pipe and second heat pipe is flat. 26. Heat radiation device according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized, that the secondary battery device with multiple battery cells of the high temperature type has several sodium-sulfur battery cells. 27. Heat radiation device according to claim 26, characterized, that the battery device is used to store excess energy. 28. Heat radiation device according to claim 26, characterized, that the battery device is used as a power source for a vehicle. 29. Heat pipe with an evaporation section ( 22 ), a condensation section ( 24 ) and a gas storage device ( 25 ), which contains a working fluid and a suitable amount of a non-condensing gas enclosed inside, and which has a component supporting the capillary action on its inner wall ( 220 ) formed in which the working fluid can move,
characterized,
that the condensation section of the heat pipe rises substantially vertically or at an angle of at least 30 ° from the horizontal, the gas reservoir is attached to the upper end of the condensation section, the working fluid enclosed in the heat pipe is at least one type from the group with a mixture of diphenyl and diphenyl ether , an alkyl diphenyl, and naphthalene, and the non-condensing gas trapped in the heat pipe is difficult to dissolve in the working fluid.