WO2016050527A1

WO2016050527A1 - Modular electric battery comprising a thermal regulation and protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2016050527A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/071330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rémy Mingant; Valerie Sauvant-Moynot
Original assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2015-09-17
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: FR3026565A1; FR3026565B1

Abstract

The invention pertains to an improved modular electric battery incorporating mechanical protection and thermal regulation functions. The battery comprises: o a set of rechargeable cells (100) connected together electrically, disposed so as to form at least one tray (101) comprising at least one first face (101a) comprising means of electrical connection (110) between cells, o a thermal regulation and protection device comprising at least: ■ a joint made of a material which is both electrically insulating and heat conducting (120) ; ■ a thermal collector comprising at least one pre-conditioned change of phase material (130) in contact with the joint; said joint being intercalated between the electrical connection means (110) of the first face and the thermal collector (130); o a casing (140) containing at least the set of cells.

Description

MODULAR ELECTRICAL BATTERY COMPRISING A DEVICE

PROTECTION AND THERMAL REGULATION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of modular electric batteries

(or battery packs), including the thermal regulation of rechargeable modular electric batteries.

General context

The use of battery packs as reversible sources of energy and power in portable applications is common, and it is becoming more common in traction applications and stationary applications. In these applications where high power and / or energy levels are required, the battery packs are generally formed of modules connected together in series and / or in parallel depending on the intended application. Each module integrates a plurality of elementary cells, which are electrochemical cells for storing and restoring electrical energy, connected in series and / or in parallel by appropriate connections to the current flow. A modular electric battery architecture, where compact modules of intermediate size individually constitute a source of energy and power, is conventionally used because it provides flexibility for the arrangement, use and maintenance of the modules.

Certain functions of the battery pack such as thermal regulation, mechanical protection and safety for the reversible storage of electrical energy must then be taken into account and ensured at the level of the battery module.

At present, various rechargeable battery technologies, also known as secondary batteries, for the reversible storage of electrical energy in electrochemical form, are used for applications associated with electric traction of vehicles or with stationary energies. Among these, Li-ion batteries are widely studied.

A battery module must be thermally regulated in particular because the charging and discharging of the cells cause temperature rises, in particular due to the internal resistance of the cells and that of the connectors connecting the cells. However, a battery must operate in a limited temperature range, including Li-ion batteries, in order firstly to prevent any risk of thermal runaway of the cells, and secondly to limit the aging phenomena of the cells, that affect module performance and require increased maintenance.

Various undesirable phenomena may occur if one or more cells of a battery pack are outside the ranges of temperature and / or voltage recommended by the manufacturer. These phenomena can be caused by a hot spot locally and / or overload, but also by mechanical damage to the cells, such as perforation, or contact on the connectors causing a short circuit.

Depending on the chemistry of the accumulator, these phenomena will irreversibly damage the active materials, reduce the capacity of the cell, make the system inoperative or even cause a thermal runaway with fire risks and / or gassing.

With regard to Li-ion batteries, "passive" safety systems can be integrated in the design of each element (separator capable of irreversibly cutting the flow of electrolyte between the electrodes, gas compartment and vent to prevent pressure rise, etc.) to reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Specific electronics can also be integrated into the cell, with the same purpose. At the level of the module or the pack, the battery management system, or Battery Management System (BMS) in English terms, must ensure the safe operation under normal use conditions and limit the risks in use abusive. Or the possibilities of mechanical damage to a pack are multiple, given the versatility of use, especially in a vehicle. If an external mechanical protection is commonly used, the BMS seems powerless to avoid a short circuit initiated on the connectors and the associated heat propagation via connectors.

Mechanical protection of the module is therefore also important to reduce the risk of damage by short circuit, induced for example during an impact that leads to the perforation of a cell or when an electrically conductive component comes into contact with the connectors. Taking into account the module-level thermal control and mechanical protection functions in a modular electric battery makes it possible to improve its safety.

Many cooling techniques and various modular battery architectures exist.

Among them, it is known to use phase change materials (PCM), capable of storing latent heat, for the thermal management of the batteries. A PCM can indeed store or return heat when it changes state, moving from solid to liquid state and vice versa. Such a material is for example described in the patent application US 2013/0270476 A1 for the cooling of cylindrical lithium battery type. The material described is a composite MCP based on polyethylene glycol, silica, and comprising a flame retardant graphite and polymer.

A battery cooling technique is described in the patent application US 2012/0107662 A1, using a multilayer composite matrix made of expanded graphite infiltrated with a PCM, in block form, comprising orifices into which cells are inserted. electrochemical. The thermally conductive matrix at least partially enveloping the cells, provides thermal management of the modular battery by passive dissipation of heat towards the outside of the graphite block.

The patent application US 2014/0004394 also describes the use of MCP for battery thermal management, in particular for heating the battery during cold start, or for cooling. The MCP described are for example a saline solution or a paraffin, implemented in a gel or in one or more containers of plastic or metal. The gel or containers filled with MCP are placed around the battery or directly into the battery. They act thermally by contact with the battery, under the activation of an external event (draw) with regard to the heating of the battery by crystallization of the MCP.

However, none of the devices mentioned above provides any solution as to the risk of developing hot spots at the level of the connections of the electrochemical cells, the occurrence of a short-circuit, and the propagation of heat via the connectors of a cell to another in case of short circuit. Other thermal regulation systems for modular batteries by active or passive heat dissipation exist, which do not use the use of MCP.

The patent application US 2013/0089768 A1 for example describes a battery pack in which thermal conductive inserts are slid between cylindrical cells parallel to their axes, and are attached to the package housing by at least one end. These inserts dissipate the heat captured by direct contact with the lateral faces of the cells towards the outside of the battery pack. However, the heat conducted and dissipated by the connectors is not drained to the outside, at the risk of generating hot spots in the module, and no precaution is taken as to the risk of propagation by the connectors of the heat generated. by a short circuit from one cell to another.

The patent application WO 2012/136439 A1 describes a modular battery comprising a stack of cells, in which at least one cooling element is inserted between two adjacent prismatic cells in the stack. The cooling element has a thermo-conductive section located between the cells and a cooling section that projects laterally out of the stack. However, the heat collected and dissipated by the connectors is not drained to the outside, thus risking generating hot spots conducive to thermal runaway and temperature gradients within the cell conducive to aging. In addition, the structure of the battery module appears protruding rather than compact, which is not desirable for the arrangement of the modules of a modular pack in a confined space.

US patent application 2012/0034499 A1 discloses a modular battery in which a thermal band, having high thermal and electrical conduction properties, is connected between the terminal of a first cell and the terminal of a second cell, and is connected to the wall of the battery case having a high thermal conductivity by a thermal bridge device characterized by its electrical insulation. However, no precaution is taken as to the risks of occurrence of short-circuit and short-circuit propagation at the level of connectors, including heat propagation from one cell to another.

Patent application EP 2 530 778 A1 describes another example of a modular battery in which an active dissipation of heat by an internal or external ventilation system to the battery, or by a system for the circulation of a fluid is performed. cooling. The battery comprises a set of thermal insulating and electrical insulating inserts, attached to a heat sink base, slid between cylindrical cells parallel to their axes, which individually seal the cells at the side and bottom faces. These inserts capture the heat released by direct contact with the side faces of the cells and lead to the heat sink which is ventilated by a ventilation system internal or external to the battery, or which is in contact with a heat exchanger. This type of battery, specific to cylindrical rechargeable batteries, has the main disadvantage of being based on an active dissipation of heat, requiring energy. On the other hand the system has a complex structure, comprising various composite elements nested in each other.

Objectives and summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least in part the above-mentioned prior art problems, and generally aims at providing a safety enhanced modular electric battery by a combined integration of thermal regulation and protection functions. mechanical battery.

The present invention aims in particular to provide a modular battery that can both be thermally controlled, without requiring a specific energy input outside the battery for this thermal regulation, so as to prevent any risk of thermal runaway cells and to limit cell aging phenomena, and in which the risks of damage to the battery by occurrence and short-circuit propagation that can be caused mechanically, particularly at the level of connectors, are limited.

The present invention is well suited to the traction of electric vehicles, especially electric vehicles in which the solicitations of the batteries are very important and may cause a thermal runaway linked to an "abusive" use, going beyond the normal use, or linked to mechanical damage. Thus, to achieve at least one of the aforementioned objectives, among others, the present invention proposes, in a first aspect, a modular electric battery comprising:

a set of electrochemical cells for storing and restoring electrical energy electrically connected to each other, each cell comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the cells being arranged next to each other to form at least one first plate comprising at least one least a first face having electrical connection means between the cells,

a thermal protection and regulation device comprising at least:

o a joint of material both electrical insulator and thermal conductor; a thermal collector comprising at least one pre-conditioned phase-change material;

the seal being interposed between the electrical connection means of said first face and the thermal collector,

a housing containing at least said set of cells.

According to one embodiment, the thermal collector further comprises a first plate of thermally conductive material, the first plate being interposed between the seal and the pre-conditioned phase-change material.

According to one embodiment, the battery comprises at least two trays of cells, arranged facing each other by a second face, opposite to the first face having connection means, each tray being provided with a protection and thermal regulation.

According to one embodiment, the battery comprises a second plate of cells similar to the first plate, and disposed facing the first plate by a second face opposite to the first face having connection means, and:

the housing comprises at least one thermally conductive wall,

the thermal protection and regulation device furthermore comprises:

a second seal made of both electrical insulating material and thermal conductor interposed between the electrical connection means of the first face of the second plate and a second plate made of thermally conductive material, said second plate being in contact with the thermally conductive wall of the housing; , and

at least one rod of thermally conductive material fixed at its two ends to the first and second plates, the rod being inserted between the cells. According to this embodiment, the battery may comprise at least one intermediate plate disposed between the first and second plates, the thermal protection and regulation device further comprising a third joint of both electrical insulating material and thermal conductor interposed between the electrical connection means of the first face of the third plate and a third plate of thermally conductive material, the rod of thermally conductive material being further attached to the third plate of the intermediate plate.

Preferably, the cells are of Li-ion type.

According to this embodiment, the pre-conditioned phase-change material comprises at least one paraffin.

Advantageously, the pre-conditioned phase-change material has a melting temperature Tf of between 0 ° C. and a given maximum allowed heating temperature for the cells, for example a melting temperature Tf of between approximately 0 ° C. and approximately 60 ° C.

According to one embodiment, the preconditioned phase change material is a gel, or a phase change material inserted in one or more containers, or a phase change material infiltrated into a porous matrix.

When the thermal collector comprises at least one plate of thermally conductive material interposed between the seal and the preconditioned phase change material, the plate or plates may be formed of one or more thermally conductive materials, preferably metal and / or or a composite material comprising thermally conductive fillers.

The seal may be in a discontinuous form and constituted by a set of lamellae, or in the form of a continuous carpet.

Advantageously, the seal is made of plastic.

According to one embodiment, the thermally conductive wall of the housing is made of metal, preferably aluminum, or of plastic or composite material preferably comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers of the polylactic acid, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or nylon type.

The present invention also relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery according to the invention, as well as to a stationary storage system comprising a battery according to the invention. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, the description being made with reference to the appended figures described herein. -after.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a schematic cross section of a modular battery according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross section of a modular battery according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section of a modular battery according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a modular battery according to the third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross section of a modular battery according to a variant of the third embodiment of the invention, comprising three trays of cells.

Figures 6 and 7 show the thermal elevation in modular batteries according to the prior art.

Figures 8 and 9 show the thermal elevation in a modular battery according to the first and second embodiments of the invention respectively. In the figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to propose a modular battery comprising a thermal regulation device by passive dissipation of the heat and mechanical protection of the battery, making it possible to improve the safety of use of the battery . By passive heat dissipation device is meant a device that does not require, for its operation, a system for consuming energy external to the battery, in particular electricity, as opposed to active heat dissipating devices such as electrical systems. air ventilation system using ventilators or circulating heat transfer fluid systems with pump (heat exchanger).

In the present description, reference will be made indifferently to the term modular battery or modular electric battery or battery pack, to designate an electric battery comprising at least one module formed of a housing and incorporating a plurality of elementary cells or elements, connected in series and / or in parallel by a suitable connection to the passage of the current. The term connector and the term electrical connection means have the same meaning in the present description. The plurality of cells of each module may be arranged in the form of cell trays as described below. A modular battery can be composed of several modules connected together in series and / or in parallel depending on the intended application.

Throughout this presentation, unless expressly stated otherwise, a singular must be interpreted as a plural and vice versa.

The present invention relates to rechargeable modular electric batteries, that is to say comprising electrically rechargeable cells which are unit electrochemical cells containing two electrodes placed in contact with an electrolyte. These cells are electrochemical accumulators of energy, that is to say rechargeable electrochemical generators. Such a cell operates spontaneously in the generator direction when its electrodes are brought into contact by an external electrical circuit, by conversion of the chemical energy contained in the active substances that compose it directly into electrical energy via oxidation reactions. -reduction (redox reactions). Since these redox reactions are reversible, the cell can accumulate electricity under load by connecting a power supply to its terminals creating a reverse current in the direction of discharge.

The present invention proposes a thermal regulation of a modular electric battery to absorb, and restore if necessary, the heat developed both by the cells and their connections. In addition, said heat can be dissipated and effectively evacuated to the outside of the battery.

Indeed, the thermal protection and regulation device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to absorb or even drain towards the outside of the battery, the heat conducted and dissipated at the ends of the cells, developed by the cells themselves. as well as the associated connectors.

The thermal regulation of the battery according to the invention is thus optimal in that it is more efficient to recover the heat at the ends of the cells than at any other point, and it is also possible to recover the heat developed by the cells. connectors, as explained below.

The temperature of a cell can be calculated from an energy balance involving:

the internal heat flux (p _gen generated by the activity of the cell, associated with the reversible and irreversible losses for each electrochemical reaction,

the flow (p _tra transferred to the ambient environment at temperature T _a .

The net thermal flux through an accumulator, φ, can be easily calculated as the balance between the internal and external flows, ie φ = ⁽ p _gen - q a- The amount of heat stored in the battery, obtained by integrating the flow of heat in time, then allows to calculate the temperature of the battery knowing the following relation (1):

Mceii Cp - ^ - ip _gen (t) - iptra {t)

dt M \ where Cp is the average specific heat capacity of the cell and _the M n its mass. The heat flux generated by the active part of the cells, noted (p _{gen), is} written according to the following equation (2):

dT

(2)

With:

R, the resistance of the cell [Ω], OCV, open circuit voltage [V], I, the intensity of the current flowing in the cell [A],

T, the temperature of the cell [K],

We distinguish in equation (2):

an ohmic contribution related to losses by Joule effect φ _Μβε a so-called entropic contribution:

The value of the OCV and dU / dT depends on the state of charge (SoC) which is itself calculated according to the intensity.

The value of R depends on the state of charge and the temperature.

The heat dissipation of the cells is anisotropic considering the electrical and thermal characteristics of the battery cells. In general, the internal composition of the electrochemical cells induces significantly greater electrical and thermal cell conduction characteristics in the axial direction (defined by the main axis of symmetry supporting the connections) than in the radial direction (plane perpendicular to the axial direction). defined above). As an example, the measurements made by Drake et al., 2014 on Li-ion cylindrical cells (SJ Drake et al, Measurement of anisotropic thermophysical properties of cylindrical Li-ion cells, Journal of Power Sources, 252 ( 2014) 298-304). As a result, the heat flux produced by the cells is substantially greater in the axial direction of the cells.

Regardless of the heat dissipation associated with the active part of the cells, the metal connectors ensuring the electrical connection between the cells are also the seat of an irreversible heat dissipation by Joules effect, according to equation (3): connectors = RI ²

(3) With:

R, the resistance of the connection [Ω],

I, the intensity of the current flowing in the connection [A]. As a result, the nominal heating of the batteries corresponds to the sum of the effects given in equations (1) and (3).

The modular electric battery according to the invention comprises:

a set of cells electrically connected to each other, each cell comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the cells being arranged next to one another to form at least one plate comprising at least one first face comprising electrical connection means between cell

a thermal protection and regulation device comprising at least one joint of both electrical insulating material and thermal conductor interposed between the electrical connection means of the first face and a thermal collector comprising a phase change material (PCM) -conditioned in contact with the seal,

a housing containing at least the set of cells.

According to the invention, the thermal regulation of the modular battery is only passive, by absorption / return of calories by the MCP, and optionally heat dissipation and evacuation to the outside. Thus, it is possible to overcome the complex systems of thermal regulation, which can be cumbersome and energy consumers. A first embodiment of the battery according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. The battery is shown schematically in cross section. Only a part of the battery is represented.

For the remainder of the description, a longitudinal direction X is defined according to the length of the battery, a transverse direction Y according to the width of the battery, the plane (XY) being defined as horizontal. A vertical direction Z is also defined according to the height of the battery, perpendicular to the plane (XY), forming with the direction Y a vertical plane (YZ). The modular battery 1000 comprises a module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells for storing and restoring electrical energy 100.

The cells 100 are prismatic Li-ion cells whose positive and negative terminals are located on one and the same face of the cell. The cells 100 are electrically combined in series and / or parallel, and are arranged to form one or two trays. All the cells thus connected develop a voltage and capacity adapted to applications for which a single cell is not sufficient, such as vehicle traction applications.

FIG. 1 represents an exemplary battery comprising a tray of cells 101. A tray is defined as an arrangement on the same horizontal plane (XY) of several cells arranged next to each other and electrically connected. The cells are arranged on the plate parallel to their main axis of symmetry, which passes through the face or faces of the cell carrying the terminals, in the vertical direction Z. The plate is formed of one or more rows of cells 100, each row of cells extending in transverse direction Y.

In the cross-section of FIG. 1, there are shown, for the plate 101, six cells 100 aligned in the Y direction to form a row. The plate 101 has an upper face 101a opposite a lower face 101b. The upper face 101 has the terminals of the prismatic cells 100.

The cells 100 of the plate may be in contact, as shown in Figure 1, or be separated from a space. A flange (not shown) is optionally used to maintain, in a tray, the cells 100 at a fixed distance from each other.

On the plate, each cell 100 is connected via at least one of its terminals to one of the terminals of a neighboring cell 100 by means of a connection 1 1 suitable for the current flow, for example a metallic connectors, such as a copper or nickel foil. Thus, all the cells, except in some cases those located on the periphery of the plate, are connected via their two terminals to two neighboring cells by a metal connector 1 10. In Figure 1, the cells aligned according to a row on the plate are for example connected in series: the connectors 1 10 shown connect a positive terminal to a negative terminal of two adjacent cells on the same row, the Connectors connecting the other terminals of these same cells are located in another plane than that of the section of Figure 1.

Each connector 1 10 is surmounted by a seal 120, preferably plane, electrical insulator and thermal conductor. Preferably, each seal covers most of the surface of the terminals connected by each connector.

The seals are made of a non-conductive, electrically conductive polymeric material, including heat conductive fillers so as to preserve the electrical insulation while providing a certain level of thermal conduction. The thermal conductive fillers may be silicon carbide, ceramics, metals, graphite, for example in the form of powders. The joints, electrical insulators, preferably have resistivities greater than 10 ⁶ Ohm / m. The thermal conductivity of the seals is preferably greater than 0.1 W / m / K.

The seals can be in the form of slats (discontinuous form of the seal) or a continuous carpet.

The seals 120 are placed between the connections 1 10 and a thermal collector

130, in the vertical direction Z. Each seal is thus interposed between the connectors 1 10 of the first face 101a of the plate and the thermal collector comprising at least one pre-conditioned phase change material 130 in contact with the seal. These seals provide a thermal connection between the connectors 1 10 and the thermal collector 130 by substantial contact between their two faces.

According to this first embodiment, the thermal collector comprises at least one pre-conditioned MCP. The pre-conditioned MCP makes it possible to collect the heat from the connectors and cells 100 of the entire module. Such a configuration also allows a homogeneous distribution of heat between the cells.

MCP is a compound with a reversible transition between the solid and liquid phases around a certain temperature, accompanied by a rather high enthalpy of crystallization / melting. MCP is characterized by a melting temperature Tf and a given melting enthalpy. The MCP melting is endothermic while the solidification is exothermic. Thus, the passage from the solid state to the liquid state makes it possible to absorb the heat produced by the cells of the module and their connectors. This heat, produced for example during a charging / discharging current cycle, is conducted by the connections 1 10 to the joints 120 to the heat collector 130, and will heat conduction of the pre-conditioned MCP to its point of contact. fusion. The fusion accompanying the passage from the crystalline state to the liquid state being endothermic, it can absorb and store reversibly calories. The overall heating of the modular battery is thus reduced, for example when applying a charge / discharge cycle in the battery.

Conversely, the passage from the liquid state to the solid state makes it possible to produce a certain heat that will be transferred to the cells of the module by their connectors. This heat resulting from the solidification of the preconditioned MCP during its solidification, produced for example during a storage phase, is conducted by the heat collector 130 to the joints 120 to connectors 1 10, and will heat conduction cells. The solidification accompanying the passage from the liquid state to the solid state being exothermic, it makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the modular battery above ambient temperature throughout the solidification. The cooling of the modular battery is thus limited, for example during storage to limit the inconvenience of a cold start.

Advantageously, the melting temperature Tf is between 0 ° C. and a given maximum temperature for allowed heating for the cells, for example the maximum temperature of use of the cells specified by the manufacturer of the cells. The melting temperature Tf is advantageously between about 0 ° C. and about 60 ° C., for example for the case of using lithium-ion batteries. The melting temperature may also be between ambient temperature and the maximum cell use temperature specified by the cell manufacturer, for example about 20 ° C. and about 60 ° C. for the case of using lithium-ion batteries. ion.

Preferably, the pre-conditioned MCP comprises at least one organic compound, such as paraffin. It may comprise a mixture of different paraffinic sections. The preconditioned PCM may include additives for improving heat conduction, such as ceramic or metal fillers or metal oxides, and / or fire resistance improving additives known as retarders. of flames.

The MCP is preconditioned, that is, it has been put into a form to prevent any flow into the battery when it is in a molten state. This conditioning prior to the implementation of the MCP in the battery can be carried out according to the techniques known to those skilled in the art, for example by formulation in a gel, or by insertion into one or more containers, or by infiltration into a porous matrix. Many of these techniques can be combined, for example by using a gel MCP placed in one or more containers.

The pre-conditioned MCP can thus be a chemical or physical gel, made from different polymers, for example from polystyrene-b-poly (ethylene-butylene) -b-polystyrene (SEBS) or silicones. Examples of such gels are for example described in patents FR2957348, FR2840314 and FR2820752.

The MCP can also be placed in one or more containers. The container may be plastic, preferably including additives for improving thermal conductivity, such as metal fillers, metal oxides, or ceramic fillers. Alternatively, the container or containers may be metal, for example aluminum. The container or containers may also be of a metalloplastic nature, for example in the form of a sealed multilayer structure comprising at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of metal. The latter form has the advantage of being light, flexible, easy to implement, for example by hot welding, and advantageously gives the MCP good thermal conduction through the presence of metal.

Pre-conditioned MCP can also be a porous matrix infiltrated with MCP. The porous matrix may typically be an expanded graphite structure infiltrated with MCP, which provides both mechanical properties for the confinement of MCP while maintaining high thermal conductivity.

The thermal conductivity of the pre-conditioned PCM is preferably greater than 0.1 W / m / K, and more preferably greater than 0.5 W / m / K.

The assembly formed by the cells 100, the connectors 1 10, the seals 120, and the collector comprising the pre-conditioned MCP 130, is included in a casing 140. The term "casing" refers to the envelope delimiting the inside of the module. the outside of the battery module usually in contact with the air. Preferably, this housing is made of metal material, for example aluminum, so as to ensure a sealed partition between the inside of the housing and the outside while promoting thermal conduction. The housing may also be made of plastic or composite material, for example comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers of the PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or nylon type. The housing, which can also be mounted in several parts of different types, is preferably sealed, and equipped with sealed passages for the input and output of the electrical connections of the module as required. The housing may comprise fins, outside the module, allowing to improve the dissipation and the evacuation of the heat outside the battery, for example in contact with air.

Thus, the modular battery according to the invention is advantageously designed to form a heat sink between the sources of heat production (cells and connectors) and the pre-conditioned MCP, the fusion of which will absorb some of the calories produced under load and in discharge, during a given mission. As a result, the risk of reaching a maximum temperature threshold will be reduced, and the mission may for example be extended. In addition, the MCP can also absorb the heat produced during a short circuit at the connectors, even if the mechanical protection of the connectors provided by the housing and the joints reduces the risks of occurrence and short propagation. -circuit. This limits the development of hot spots conducive to the thermal runaway of the battery. It also limits the development of thermal gradients in cells conducive to aging thereof.

The present invention makes it possible, for example, to reduce or even eliminate the use of an active system of optional additional thermal regulation, such as an active ventilation system. This reduces energy consumption and saves on installation and maintenance costs.

In addition, the heat absorbed by the pre-conditioned MCP can be restored during its solidification, which advantageously keeps the battery for several hours under ambient thermal conditions favorable to its use, especially during storage of the battery, and for example, to maintain the battery under favorable thermal conditions for starting an electric or hybrid vehicle, ie above 0 ° C. This may therefore be advantageous to avoid performance losses, for example associated with a cold start in the case of an application to vehicles, as it limits the aging of the battery associated with cold use. The battery life is prolonged.

The amount of pre-conditioned PCM is adjusted according to the expected benefits for a given application.

Although the cells are shown contiguous, in contact with each other, they could be spaced according to a variant of this first embodiment, for example by means of a flange, as mentioned above. The description of this first embodiment has been made in relation to prismatic cells, having their two terminals on one and the same face. However, a variant with cells of another shape, also having their two terminals on the same face, or alternatively comprising cells having a terminal at each end, as is conventionally the case for cylindrical batteries, for example Li-ion type, may be envisaged according to the present invention.

An advantage associated with a battery according to the invention comprising cells with their two terminals on one and the same face, such as prismatic cells, is that all the connectors connecting the cells to one another on the same plate are in contact with the heat seal, which makes it possible to avoid evacuating the heat of a connector that is not in contact with the thermal seal through the accumulator, and to avoid possible hot spots at the connectors that are not in contact with the seal.

Various configurations of electrical connection, in series and / or in parallel, between the cells of the same plate are possible according to the invention, without modifying the general arrangement in sandwich of the joint surmounting the connectors, itself surmounted by the thermal collector .

A second embodiment of the battery according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The modular battery 1 100 according to this second embodiment is in all respects identical to that according to the first embodiment described above, in FIG. except that the thermal collector comprises, in addition to the pre-conditioned MCP 1030, a plate of thermally conductive material 1060 which is interposed between the seal 120 and the pre-conditioned MCP 1030.

The plate 1060 comprises one or more thermal conducting materials, preferably metallic materials, for example aluminum, or composite materials containing thermal conductive fillers, such as silicon carbide, ceramics, metals, graphite, for example in the form of powders. The plate 1060 has a thermal conductivity preferably greater than 10 W / m / K, and more preferably greater than 100 W / m / K. The plate 1060 makes it possible to improve the heat collection of the connectors and the cells 100 of the entire module, as well as an even more homogeneous distribution of the heat between the cells.

This embodiment therefore advantageously makes it possible to further reduce the risk associated with hot-spot development, in particular by improving the distribution of heat.

The two faces of the plate, if they comprise connectors connecting at least a portion of the cells of a plate between them, may be provided with a joint / heat collector assembly as described for the first and second embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2.

The modular battery according to the invention, as described in relation with FIGS. 1 and 2, may comprise more than one plate. A modular battery comprising two or three trays is for example well suited to traction applications in electric vehicles. However, the number of platters is not limited and can be set according to the energy requirements of the intended application.

In the case where the modular battery comprises at least two trays of cells, the two trays are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction Z. Each tray is formed as described above. Each plate has an upper face opposite to a lower face, the upper face being turned towards the outside of the battery and having the terminals of the prismatic cells.

100 electrically connected by the connection means. Thus the two trays are arranged facing each other by their lower face.

Each tray may be provided with a thermal protection and regulation device comprising the seal / heat collector assembly as described for the first and second embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A flange may be used to maintain spacing between the trays. A third embodiment of the battery according to the invention is now described below in relation to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In this third embodiment, the battery comprises at least two cell trays. One of the two trays comprises a heat seal / collector assembly comprising a preconditioned PCM and a plate of thermally conductive material, as described for the second embodiment, while the second plate has on one of its faces an assembly formed by a seal and a plate of thermally conductive material in contact with a wall of the housing. The two plates are connected by at least one rod of thermally conductive material providing a thermal bridge between the two plates.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a first battery example according to this third embodiment. Only a part of the battery is represented.

The modular battery 2000 comprises a module comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells for storing and restoring electrical energy 200. The cells 200 are cylindrical Li-ion cells whose positive and negative terminals are located at both ends. The cells 200 are combined electrically in series and / or parallel, and are arranged so as to form two plates 201 and 202. The set of cells thus connected develop a voltage and a capacity adapted to applications for which a single cell is not sufficient. not, such as vehicle traction applications.

Each tray is defined and formed as described in connection with FIG. In the cross-section of FIG. 3, four cells 200 aligned in the Y direction are shown for each of the trays 201 and 202 to form a row. The two plates 201 and 202 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction Z. Each plate has an upper face opposite to a lower face, the upper face being turned towards the outside of the battery. The plate 201 thus has an upper face 201a and a lower face 201b, and the plate 202 has an upper face 202a and a lower face 202b, the two lower faces 201b and 202b facing each other within the module. The upper faces 201a and 202a are turned towards the outside of the module, and comprise a set of connectors connecting the terminals of the cylindrical cells 200.

According to this embodiment, the cells 200 are spaced from each other. The space between the cells of the same row can be used to allow passage to rods 250 connecting two collecting plates 230 and 231 described below. Alternatively, the cells may be in contact. A flange (not shown) is preferably used to maintain, in a tray, the cells 200 at a fixed distance from each other, as well as to maintain spacing between the trays. On a given plate, each cell 200 is connected via at least one of its terminals to one of the terminals of a neighboring cell 200 by means of a connector (210, 21 1, 213) appropriate to the current flow, for example a metal connector, such as a copper foil or nickel. The connectors 210 and 21 1 are located on the upper faces 201a and 202a of the plates 201 and 202 and connect two by two neighboring cells of the same row. The connectors 213, located on the lower faces 201b and 202b of the plates 201 and 202, also connect the cells of the same plate between them. Connectors 212 also connect the cells of the two trays.

An example of an electrical connection between the cells is given in FIG.

The cells aligned in a row for each plate are for example electrically connected two by two in series in the Y direction, by the connectors 210, 21 1 and 213, and the cells between the two plates 201 and 202 are for example electrically connected to each other. series according to the Z direction, by connectors 212.

Each connector (210, 21 1) located on the upper faces 201a and 202a of the plates 201 and 202 is surmounted by a seal (220, 221), preferably plane, electrical insulator and thermal conductor. Preferably, each seal covers most of the surface of the terminals connected by each connector.

The seals (220, 221) are placed between the connectors (210, 21 1) and a collection plate (230, 231), in the direction Z. Each seal is thus interposed between the connectors (210, 21 1) of the first face (201a, 202a) trays and the plate of thermally conductive material (230, 231) in contact with the seal. These seals provide a thermal connection between the connectors (210, 21 1) and the heat collection plates (230, 231) by substantial contact between their two faces. According to this example of the third embodiment, the two plates 230 and 231 have very good thermal conduction properties. Each plate covers all the joints of a plate positioned on the connectors presented by the upper faces 201a and 202a of the plates 201 and 202. The module comprising two plates 201 and 202 is thus provided with two plates 230 and 231 disposed towards outside as shown in Figure 3.

The two plates 230 and 231 are interconnected by rods 250 also having very good thermal conduction properties. These rods are fixed at their ends to the plates 230 and 231 by any appropriate fastening means, for example by screwing or welding, so as to provide an effective thermal bridge. The rods 250 are of cylindrical shape. However, the stems may have other forms, preferably compatible with the shape of the cells in particular to facilitate their insertion between them. Thus, if prismatic cells are used in this third embodiment, a parallelepipedal shape of the rods may be appropriate, and the rods may be elongated thin plates in the vertical direction Z.

The set of rods and plates also form a rigid structure enveloping the cells in the housing, which protects the battery deformations induced by external forces acting on the housing.

The two plates 230 and 231, as well as the rods 250, are made from one or more thermal conducting materials, preferably metal materials, for example aluminum, or from composite materials containing thermal conductive fillers. such as silicon carbide, ceramics, metals, graphite, for example in the form of powders. The heat collectors and the rods have a thermal conductivity preferably greater than 10 W / m / K, and more preferably greater than 100 W / m / K.

The plate 231 of the plate 202 is interposed between the seal 221 and a preconditioned PCM 260, identical to that described for the first and second embodiments of the invention.

The set of plates, rods and the MCP makes it possible to collect the heat of the connectors and the cells 200 of the whole module. Such a configuration also allows a homogeneous distribution of heat between the cells, including between the cells of the different trays.

The assembly formed by the cells 200, the connectors (210,21 1), the joints (220,221), and the thermal collector, formed by the plates, the rods and the MCP, are included in a housing 240 so as to provide substantial contact between the collector plate 230 and a thermally conductive wall 242 of the housing 240.

The housing is identical to that described with reference to FIG. It further comprises the thermally conductive wall for dissipating and removing the heat conducted by the plate 230 to the outside of the battery. Preferably, this housing is made of metal material, for example aluminum, so as to ensure a sealed partition between the inside of the housing and the outside while promoting thermal conduction. The housing may also be made of plastic or composite material, for example comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers of the PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) or nylon type. The thermal conduction of the wall of the housing in contact with the plate is preferably greater than 0.1 W / m / K, and more preferably greater than 10 W / m / K. The housing, which can also be mounted in several parts of different types, is preferably sealed, and equipped with sealed passages for the input and output of the electrical connections of the module as required.

The thermally conductive wall 242 of the housing 240 is in contact with the thermally conductive plate 230 of the thermal collector, so as to develop a contact surface such that the collected heat is dissipated and discharged to the outside of the battery passively. The rods 250 can be attached to the housing 240.

The thermal regulation of the battery is thus ensured both by the phase change of the pre-conditioned MCP and by the dissipation and evacuation of the heat via the plates, the rods and the housing. Figure 4 is a schematic view in longitudinal section (in a plane parallel to the XY plane) of the battery shown in Figure 3. Only a portion of the battery is shown.

This section makes it possible to better understand an example of the configuration of the cells of a tray, the connectors and the arrangement of the rods.

On this section are not shown the seals, the heat sink and the housing.

On the section of Figure 4 is visible the lower plate 201, in particular the upper face 201 has six rows r1 to r6 of cells 200, each row having 4 cells. The connectors 210 electrically connect the cells 200, by example two by two on the same row, and all the cells in the X direction of two adjacent rows. Connectors 210 are metal foils with holes to allow the passage of rods 250, with which contact is avoided.

The rods 250 are disposed between four adjacent cells of the tray. The space between four adjacent cylindrical cells may indeed be larger than the space between two adjacent cells on the same row or in the Y direction, and allow easier insertion of the rods. Fifteen rods 250 are thus arranged in the module comprising m = 6 rows of n = 4 cells per row, ie (n-1) x (m-1) rods with n the number of cells per row and m the number of rows, constituting an example of arrangement of the rods.

Other arrangements of the rods are possible, with preferably at least one rod, and more preferably a rod number between 2 and (n-1) x (m-1). The stems can thus be distributed randomly or in a particular symmetry between the cells of the trays. One or more rods may also be positioned at the periphery of the trays, between the walls of the housing and the perimeter formed by the cells. Thermal conduction between the collection plates is improved with increasing number of rods.

According to the third embodiment, the battery may comprise more than two cell trays. In this case, for each additional plate, arranged between the two plates, an additional collection plate having very good thermal conduction properties, and pierced with holes for passing the rods, is inserted in contact with an additional seal placed on one of the faces of the additional plate intermediate to the two trays. The contact between the additional collection plates and the stems is ensured in the rules of the trade, by adjustment and welding or by using a thermal paste.

By way of example, FIG. 5 schematically represents a variant with three trays of the second embodiment.

The description of the identical elements between the first and the second variant of the second embodiment, bearing the same references in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, is not repeated here. According to this variant, the battery 3000 comprises a third plate 302, which is an intermediate plate disposed between the first plate 201 and the second plate 202, along the Z axis, which is also the axis of symmetry of the cells 200. and the second plate have their upper surface 201a and 202a closer to the housing 240 than their lower face 201b and 202b.

This intermediate plate 302 is organized in the same way as the plates 201 and 202 from the point of view of the arrangement of the cells 200 and connectors 31 1 and 313 which connect the terminals of the cells of the tray, the connectors 31 1 being carried by a first face 302a of the intermediate plate 302 and the connectors being carried by a second face 302b of the intermediate plate. Other connectors 312 and 314 make it possible to electrically connect the cells of the intermediate plate and those of the first plate 201 and the second plate 202.

According to this variant, the battery comprises, for the third plate 302, an additional gasket 322, preferably plane, of electrical insulating material and thermal conductor surmounting each connector of the first face or the second face of the third plate, for example the first face 302a as shown in Figure 5. The additional seal 322 preferably covers most of the terminals connected by each connector. The additional seal 322 has holes allowing the passage of the rods 250.

An additional collection plate 332 of thermally conductive material, like the other collection plates 230 and 231, is disposed on said additional seal, and also has holes for the passage of the rods.

The contact between the additional plate 332 and the rods 250 is for example made by adjustment and welding, or by using a thermal paste, for example a grease comprising silver particles, or a thermal conductive silicone.

The cells have been described in this third embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, as being of cylindrical shape but any other form, such as prismatic cells, of parallelepipedal shape, can be envisaged.

According to this third embodiment, it is therefore advantageously possible to improve the thermal regulation by the pre-conditioned MCP with an evacuation of the heat towards the outside of the battery via a single face of the housing. Such an embodiment also allows improved flexibility, and thus simplicity, for the arrangement of components in the battery and for its integration into the system that contains it. In the case of integration into a vehicle for example, the battery can be introduced under the rocker, and thus be cooled at the level of said face of the housing by forced convection with the outside air, the speed of the air depending on the speed of the vehicle.

The use of sensors to instrument the interior of the module, the addition of dissipative elements or circuits inside or outside the module, or the insertion of electronic components inside the battery module according to the invention can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the various embodiments and their variants described above and illustrated by the figures, which can be modified without departing from the objectives of the invention, and which can be combined with each other.

The modular battery according to the invention can be used for many applications. Advantageously, the modular battery according to the invention can be integrated in an electric or hybrid vehicle, and used for traction of such a vehicle, providing more safety during the operation of the vehicle through optimized thermal regulation and effective mechanical protection of the battery limiting the occurrence and propagation of short circuit in the battery.

Examples

The following examples make it possible to illustrate the thermal regulation of two battery examples according to the invention based on a numerical simulation, and to compare the heat developed in batteries according to the invention and in batteries without protection device and thermal regulation according to the invention.

Modular batteries according to the invention

Example 1 of battery according to the invention

A Li-ion battery module consisting of a 26650-size, L-LFP / C cylindrical cell array with 3 Ah capacity connected in series / parallel is considered. by metal connectors (nickel bar bus with a thickness of 200 μηι). The maximum cell temperature specified by the manufacturer is 56 ° C. The tray includes an array of 8 cells forming a row. The distance between the cells of the same row within a tray is set at 2 mm. The whole is held by flanges.

The module comprises an insulating electrical and thermally conductive plastic seal in the form of a 4 mm thick mat disposed on the connectors, a metal collection plate surmounting the gasket, with a thickness of 6 mm, and an organic thermal collector, disposed on the metal plate, containing a phase change material to a thickness of 10 mm. The phase change material is a paraffin having a melting temperature of 40 ° C and a latent heat of 200 kJ / kg. The metallic and organic thermal collectors are in direct contact on their entire surface. The seal ensures the thermal connection between the connectors of the cells and the metal plate.

The set is placed in a waterproof plastic case 2 mm thick. A distance of 2 cm is left on each side edge of the housing. In the upper part, a space of about 1 cm is provided in this case in order to position the electronic cards, among others.

Example 2 of battery according to the invention

A Li-ion battery module consisting of two superposed plateaus of 26650-format LFP / C Li-ion cells and 3Ah capacitors connected in series / parallel by metal connectors (a nickel bar bus with a thickness of 200) is considered. μηι). The maximum cell temperature specified by the manufacturer is 56 ° C. Each tray includes an array of 8 cells forming a row. The distance between the cells of the same row within a plate is set at 2 mm. The distance between the trays is 9 mm. The whole is held by flanges.

The module is clamped between two flanges, and placed in a waterproof housing leaving a distance of 2 cm on each side edge of the housing. In the upper part, a space of about 1 cm is provided in this case in order to be able to position the electronic cards in isolation from the connected cells. The housing further comprises a bottom provided with aluminum fins.

The module comprises, on the face bearing the connectors of each tray, an insulating plastic electrical and thermally conductive in the form of 4 mm thick mat, arranged in contact with the connectors on the one hand, and a plate of metal heat collection with a thickness of 6 mm on the other hand. The seal ensures the thermal connection between the connectors of the cells and the metal plates of the thermal collectors.

A pre-conditioned MCP is placed above the upper tray metal collection plate: a MCP plate bagged in a 1 cm thick welded metal-plastic bag and 15 x 20 cm ² surface is placed on the top plate. metal collection of the upper plate. The total mass is about 400 g. The phase change material is a paraffin having a melting point of 40 ° C, a latent heat of 200 kJ / kg and a density of 0.8 g / cm ³ .

The metal collection plate of the lower plate is in direct contact with the underside of the sealed housing.

Metal rods, 7 in number, and arranged between the cells of the trays, connect the two metal collection plates. This configuration corresponds to the embodiment described with reference to FIG.

Modular batteries according to prior art

Example 3 according to the prior art

A first reference battery according to the state of the art comprises a module comprising a simple waterproof plastic case 2 mm thick.

The module features a cylindrical LFP / C Li-ion cell tray

26650 and capacity 3 Ah connected in series / parallel by metal connectors (bus bar made of nickel with a thickness of 200 μηι). The maximum cell temperature specified by the manufacturer is 56 ° C. The tray includes an array of 8 cells forming a row. The distance between the cells of the same row within a tray is set at 2 mm. The whole is held by flanges.

A distance of 2 cm is left on each side edge of the housing. In the upper part, a space of about 1 cm is provided in this case in particular to position the electronic cards. Example 4 according to the prior art

A second reference battery according to the state of the art also comprises a module comprising a simple waterproof plastic case 2 mm thick. The housing further comprises a bottom provided with aluminum fins.

The module comprises two superimposed trays of LFP / C cylindrical Li-ion cells of 26650 format and capacity 3 Ah connected in series / parallel by metal connectors (bus bar made of nickel with a thickness of 200 μηι). The maximum cell temperature specified by the manufacturer is 56 ° C. Each tray includes an array of 8 cells forming a row. The distance between the cells of the same row within a plate is set at 2 mm. The distance between the trays is 9 mm. The whole is held by flanges.

The module is clamped between two flanges, and a distance of 2 cm is left on each side edge of the housing. In the upper part, a space of about 1 cm is provided, in particular to position the electronic cards.

Terms of use applied

These conditions are applied for the four batteries tested by simulation. The entire module has an initial temperature of 20 ° C. For examples 2 and 4: the external boundary conditions amount to imposing a thermal insulation on the upper face of the module, a heat exchange coefficient with the outside air on the housing of 10W / m ² / K.

For examples 1 and 3: there is no exchange with the air, the cells are in an adiabatic environment

This module is electrically solicited according to a charge and discharge cycle, namely a recharge of 5 A for 10 minutes followed by a discharge of 5 A for 10 minutes. The module undergoes 6 times this type of cycle corresponding to a duration of 2 hours in total.

Figures 6 to 9 show the results of thermal simulation of the different examples of batteries. The dimensions of the modules are given by the X and Y axes in millimeters. Only the cells, and the metal collection plates where appropriate, are shown in the figures. FIG. 6 shows the result of the rise in temperature observed after the predefined cycle in the first reference battery according to the prior art (example 3).

FIG. 7 shows the result of the rise in temperature observed after the predefined cycle in the second reference battery according to the prior art (example 4).

A scale of temperature is given on the right by a variation of gray levels. In the figures, the abscissa represents a distance in meters in the direction Y and the ordinate represents a distance in meters in the direction Z (height of the battery).

It is found that the temperature of the cells increases to about 55 ° C, as indicated by the dashed lines on the temperature scale. This temperature rise is greater than the maximum temperature specified for the Li-ion cells of these examples. Thus, batteries according to the prior art as described can not ensure the two hours (here only 5680 seconds for example 3 and 4) of use provided safely.

FIG. 8 shows the result of the rise in temperature observed after the cycle defined in the example 1 of the modular battery according to the invention. The temperature of the cells after the cycle remains homogeneous around 51 ° C., as indicated by the dotted lines on the temperature scale, ie 4 ° C. of difference with the reference cases according to the prior art. Thus, the battery according to the invention as exemplified, allows the continued use of the module for more than 2 hours (and until the total melting of the phase change material).

FIG. 9 shows the result of the rise in temperature observed after the cycle defined in the example 2 of the modular battery according to the invention. There is an improvement in the thermal of the battery compared to the results shown in Figure 7, with a cell temperature varying between 51 ° C (bottom plate) and 52 ° C (top plate), with a use of the module during more than two hours (and until the total melting of the phase change material).

Thus, the battery according to the invention allows a lower overall heating compared to a battery according to the prior art as exemplified, which allows for example to increase the cycle time while remaining below a temperature setpoint. Max.

Claims

1. Modular electric battery (1000, 1 100, 2000, 3000) comprising:

a set of electrochemical cells for storing and restoring electrical energy (100, 200) electrically connected to each other, each cell comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the cells being arranged next to each other to form at least one a first plate (101, 101, 202) comprising at least a first face (101a, 101a, 202a) having electrical connection means (1 10, 21 1) between the cells,

a thermal protection and regulation device comprising at least:

o a joint of both electrical insulating material and thermal conductor (120, 221);

a heat collector comprising at least one pre-conditioned phase change material (130, 1030, 260);

said seal (120, 221) being interposed between said electrical connection means

(1 10, 21 1) of said first face and said heat collector (130, 1030, 260),

a housing (140, 240) containing at least said set of cells.

2. Battery according to claim 1, wherein the thermal collector further comprises a first plate of thermally conductive material (1060, 231), said first plate being interposed between said seal (120.221) and said pre-conditioned phase-change material. (1030, 260).

3. Battery according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least two trays of cells (101, 201, 202) arranged opposite one another by a second face (101 b, 201 b,

202b), opposite said first face having connection means, each plate being provided with a device for protection and thermal regulation.

4. Battery according to claim 2, comprising a second plate of cells (201) similar to the first plate (202), and disposed facing the first plate (202) by a second face (201b) opposite to said first face (202a, 201 a) having connection means, and wherein:

the housing comprises at least one thermally conductive wall (242),

the thermal protection and regulation device furthermore comprises: a second joint made of both electrical insulating material and thermal conductor (220) interposed between the electrical connection means (210) of the first face (201 a) of the second plate (201) and a second plate made of thermally conductive material ( 230), said second plate (230) being in contact with the thermally conductive wall (242) of the housing (240), and

- At least one rod of thermally conductive material (250) fixed at both ends to said first and second plates (230,231), said rod being inserted between the cells (200).

5. Battery according to claim 4, comprising at least one intermediate plate (302) disposed between said first and second plates (202, 201), the thermal protection and regulation device further comprising a third gasket at the same time insulating material. electrical and thermal conductor (322) interposed between the electrical connection means (31 1) of the first face (302a) of the third plate (302) and a third plate of thermally conductive material (332), said at least one rod made of material thermally conductive (250) being further attached to the third plate (332) of the intermediate plate (302).

6. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cells are of the Li-ion type.

7. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said pre-conditioned phase change material comprises at least one paraffin.

8. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said pre-conditioned phase change material has a melting temperature Tf between 0 ° C and a given maximum allowed temperature for heating cells, for example a temperature melting point Tf of from about 0 ° C to about 60 ° C.

9. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said pre-conditioned phase change material is a gel, or a phase change material inserted in one or more containers, or a phase change material infiltrated into a container. porous matrix.

10. Battery according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein said one or more plates are formed of one or more thermally conductive materials, preferably metal and / or a composite material comprising thermally conductive fillers.

1 1. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said seal is in a discontinuous form and consists of a set of lamellae, or in the form of a continuous belt.

12. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said seal is plastic.

13. Battery according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally conductive wall of the housing is made of metal, preferably aluminum, or plastic or composite material preferably comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers of polylactic acid, acrylonitrile-butadiene type. styrene, or nylon.

14. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery according to one of the preceding claims.

Stationary storage system comprising a battery according to one of claims 10 to 13.