Integrated battery unit with cooling and protection expedients for electric vehicles

摘要

Methods of and apparatus for removing heat generated by cells of a battery pack. The method and apparatus may employ one or more fan modules disposed between or next to cells of the battery pack, or one or more fans directly mounted to the battery pack or battery pack case housing the cells. Further, a motor controller isolation system operates to electricity isolate the motor controller of the electric vehicle when the battery pack is being charged. The motor controller isolation system may be integrated with the integrated battery pack and thermal and ventilation system. The integrated system, or “integrated battery unit (IBU),” is preferably manufactured in a manner that requires no, modifications to the electric vehicle in which the IBU is installed.

主权项

1. A method for removing heat generated by multiple cells of a battery pack, comprising:
interposing, between a set of cells of the battery pack, a fan module having side panels that define an interior portion and having inlet and outlet ports formed in communication with the interior portion, at least two of the side panels defining the interior portion being disposed against the set of cells of the battery pack in contact therewith; and using a fan to circulate air from the ambient environment into the interior portion of the fan module, the circulating including drawing air into the interior portion of the fan module through an inlet port and expelling air from the fan module through an outlet port.