Thermal management system and energy storage container

Abstract

The invention provides a heat management system and an energy storage container. The heat management system is used for conducting heat exchange on a battery in an energy storage system and comprises a refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant circulation loop is provided with a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger which are connected with one another, and the third heat exchanger is provided with a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part; an outlet of the compressor is sequentially connected with the pressure regulating valve, the first heat exchange part and a first port of the second heat exchanger through pipelines, and a second port of the second heat exchanger is sequentially connected with the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchange part and an inlet of the compressor through pipelines. And in the heating mode, a refrigerant flowing out of the compressor flows into the second heat exchanger after being subjected to pressure adjustment and cooling adjustment. The heat exchange efficiency of the battery is improved through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the battery, and meanwhile, the superheat degree of the refrigerant is eliminated and the supercooling degree is reduced before heat exchange, so that the heat exchange uniformity is improved, and the temperature uniformity of the battery is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of thermal management of batteries in energy storage systems, and in particular to a thermal management system and an energy storage container including the thermal management system. Background Art

[0002] Energy storage system is a system that converts other energy sources such as solar energy into electrical energy and stores it through energy storage equipment. It combines energy generation technology and energy storage technology and is widely used in residential, commercial and industrial scenarios. The core of the energy storage system lies in solar panels, batteries, inverters and other auxiliary equipment, and battery temperature control is a key link to ensure the normal operation of the system, which requires high temperature control accuracy.

[0003] In the process of realizing the present invention, the inventors found that there are at least the following technical problems in the prior art: In the prior art, the temperature control of the battery generally adopts liquid cooling, using liquid (such as water or special coolant) as the heat transfer medium, and taking away the heat in the battery through the circulating cooling system. However, this method has a low heat exchange efficiency, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate is large, making it difficult to exchange heat for the battery more evenly; and if the battery temperature is uneven, it will seriously affect the use and life of the battery. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application is committed to providing a thermal management system that improves the heat exchange efficiency of the battery by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the battery. At the same time, the overheating of the refrigerant is eliminated and the supercooling is reduced before the heat exchange, so as to improve the uniformity of heat exchange and the temperature uniformity of the battery, and at least to a certain extent improve the problem of uneven battery temperature caused by large temperature differences in the heat exchanger, which affects the use and life of the battery.

[0005] The present application provides a thermal management system for exchanging heat for a battery in an energy storage system, comprising a refrigerant circulation loop, wherein the refrigerant circulation loop is provided with a compressor connected to each other, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the environment, a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the battery, and a third heat exchanger, wherein the third heat exchanger has a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part for exchanging heat with the first heat exchange part;

[0006] Among them, the outlet of the compressor is connected to the pressure regulating valve, the first heat exchange part and the first port of the second heat exchanger in sequence through a pipeline, and the second port of the second heat exchanger is connected to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchange part and the inlet of the compressor in sequence through a pipeline, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor in the heating mode is pressure regulated and temperature-lowering regulated before flowing into the second heat exchanger.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the second heat exchanger is a direct cooling plate, and the direct cooling plate is in direct contact with the battery to perform heat exchange.

[0008] In a possible implementation, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor are provided at both ports of the second heat exchanger, and the controller adjusts the opening of the pressure regulating valve according to the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the first port of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the outlet of the compressor through a first branch, and is connected to the inlet of the compressor through a second branch arranged in parallel with the first branch, the pressure regulating valve is arranged on the first branch, and a one-way valve is arranged on the second branch; the second port of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger through a first main line.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the first port of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second ports of the compressor and the second heat exchanger respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel, the second port is connected to the first port of the second heat exchange unit through a third main line, and the second port of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the second ports of the compressor and the second heat exchanger respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, a fourth main path is further provided, wherein the fourth main path is connected to the compressor inlet in the cooling mode and is connected to the compressor outlet in the heating mode;

[0012] The second port of the second heat exchanger is provided with a second main path;

[0013] The first port of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second main road through a third branch, and is connected to the fourth main road through a sixth branch connected in parallel with the third branch; the second port of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the second main road through a fourth branch, and is connected to the fourth main road through a fifth branch;

[0014] Wherein, the third branch, the fourth branch, the fifth branch and the sixth branch are all provided with a one-way valve.

[0015] In a possible implementation, a multi-way valve is further included, wherein the compressor outlet is provided with a return main path, the compressor inlet is provided with an outflow main path, the first valve port of the multi-way valve is connected to the outflow main path, the second valve port is connected to the pipeline connected to the first port of the first heat exchange part, the third valve port is connected to the return main path, and the fourth valve port is connected to the fourth main path;

[0016] In cooling mode, the fourth valve port is connected to the first valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the second valve port; in heating mode, the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the second heat exchangers are multiple and arranged in parallel, and a graded throttling component is arranged between the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger. The graded throttling component can throttle the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger at least twice, and make the throttled refrigerant flow evenly to the multiple second heat exchangers arranged in parallel.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the staged throttling assembly includes a first throttle valve, a first distributor, and a second throttle valve.

[0019] The second throttle valve and the second heat exchanger are arranged one-to-one and are both connected to the first distributor, and the first throttle valve is connected between the first heat exchanger and the first distributor.

[0020] The present application also provides an energy storage container, comprising a thermal management system as described in any of the above items.

[0021] The present application also provides a control method for a thermal management system, which is applicable to the thermal management system as described in any one of the above items, and comprises the following steps:

[0022] Determine whether it is in heating mode.

[0023] If so, the pressure regulating valve is opened to allow the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor to flow into the pressure regulating valve and then flow into the second heat exchanger after passing through the pressure regulating valve and the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger in sequence.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the following steps are also included:

[0025] The pressure value and / or temperature value at the two ports of the second heat exchanger is detected. If the detection result exceeds a preset range, the opening of the pressure regulating valve is adjusted according to the detection result to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger.

[0026] The thermal management system provided by the present application is used to exchange heat for the battery in the energy storage system. It uses the refrigerant circulated by the compressor to exchange heat for the battery through the second heat exchanger, and the heat exchange efficiency is high. At the same time, in the heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor is first pressure-regulated, such as reducing the pressure to reduce the supercooling of the refrigerant as much as possible, and then the temperature is reduced by the third heat exchanger to eliminate the superheat of the refrigerant, and then the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger. In this way, the superheat of the refrigerant can be eliminated and the supercooling of the refrigerant can be reduced as much as possible, so that the refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger in a two-phase state and transfers heat to the battery in a two-phase state in the second heat exchanger, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet ports of the second heat exchanger, improve the temperature balance of each area on the surface of the second heat exchanger, and improve the temperature balance of each area when the battery absorbs heat, at least to a certain extent, solve the problem of battery temperature imbalance caused by large temperature differences in the heat exchanger, which affects the use and life of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the composition of the thermal management system in the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the flow path of the refrigerant in the heating mode in the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 Shown is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the refrigerant in the cooling mode in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 1-Figure 3 :

[0031] 1. Compressor; 2. Pressure regulating valve; 3. Third heat exchanger; 4. Second heat exchanger; 5. First heat exchanger; 6. Multi-way valve; 7. Outflow main road; 8. Return main road; 9. First branch road; 10. Second branch road; 101. First non-return valve; 11. First main road; 12. Direct cooling branch road; 13. Second main road; 14. Third branch road; 141. Second non-return valve; 15. Sixth branch road; 151. Fifth non-return valve; 16. Fourth main road; 17. Third main road; 18. Fourth branch road; 181. Third non-return valve; 19. Fifth branch road; 191. Fourth non-return valve; 20. Pressure sensor; 21. First throttle valve; 22. First distributor; 23. Second throttle valve; 24. Second distributor; 25. Liquid reservoir; 26. Filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Please refer to the attached Figure 1-3 , an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management system, which is applicable to an energy storage system and is used to exchange heat for multiple batteries in the energy storage system. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circulation loop, which is provided with a compressor 1 connected to each other, a first heat exchanger 5 for exchanging heat with the environment, a second heat exchanger 4 for exchanging heat with the battery, and a third heat exchanger 3, wherein the third heat exchanger 3 has a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part for exchanging heat with the first heat exchange part.

[0034] The outlet of the compressor 1 is connected to the pressure regulating valve 2, the first heat exchange part and the first port of the second heat exchanger 4 in sequence through a pipeline, and the second port of the second heat exchanger 4 is connected to the first heat exchanger 5, the second heat exchange part and the inlet of the compressor 1 in sequence through a pipeline. The second heat exchanger 4 cools or heats the battery through the refrigerant regulated by the compressor 1. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 4 can be a direct cooling plate, which is in direct contact with the battery, for example, it is attached to the bottom of the battery to exchange heat.

[0035] At the same time, in the heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 is pressure regulated and temperature-lowered before flowing into the second heat exchanger 4 .

[0036] In the heating mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 in a state of high temperature and high pressure. Since the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchanger 4 is high, if the refrigerant is highly superheated, that is, the refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger 4 in the form of a highly superheated gas, it will quickly condense in the second heat exchanger 4, resulting in a large difference in the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet ports of the second heat exchanger 4, that is, a large temperature difference in each area of ​​the second heat exchanger 4, and the heat exchange of each area of ​​the energy storage component such as the battery that absorbs heat from the second heat exchanger 4 is uneven, resulting in uneven temperatures in each area of ​​the battery, thereby affecting the use and service of the battery. Similarly, if the refrigerant is highly supercooled, it will also result in a large temperature difference in each area of ​​the second heat exchanger 4, resulting in uneven temperatures in each area of ​​the battery.

[0037] Based on this, in the present application, a pressure regulating valve 2 and a third heat exchanger 3 are sequentially arranged on the pipeline from the outlet of the compressor 1 to the second heat exchanger 4. The pressure regulating valve 2 is used to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 and change the state of the refrigerant (isenthalpic pressure reduction and temperature reduction process). In this way, the subcooling and superheating of the refrigerant can be reduced, the overheating of the refrigerant at the inlet of the second heat exchanger 4 can be reduced, and the subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet of the second heat exchanger 4 can be reduced. The third heat exchanger 3 is used to transfer the heat from the pressure-regulated refrigerant to the refrigerant returning to the compressor 1, further reduce the refrigerant temperature and change the phase of the refrigerant, eliminate the overheating of the refrigerant, and make the refrigerant enter the second heat exchanger 4 in a two-phase state and transfer heat to the battery in a two-phase state in the second heat exchanger 4, so as to reduce the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet ports of the second heat exchanger 4, improve the temperature balance of various areas on the surface of the second heat exchanger 4, and improve the temperature balance of various areas when the battery absorbs heat.

[0038] It can be seen that the thermal management system provided in the present application uses the refrigerant circulated by the compressor 1 to exchange heat for the battery through the second heat exchanger 4; at the same time, in the heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 is first pressure-regulated to reduce the supercooling and then temperature-regulated to eliminate the overheating of the refrigerant. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 4, so that the refrigerant enters the second heat exchanger 4 in a two-phase state and transfers heat to the battery in a two-phase state in the second heat exchanger 4, thereby improving the uniformity of heat exchange and the temperature uniformity of the battery, and at least to a certain extent solving the problem of uneven battery temperature due to large temperature differences in the heat exchanger, which affects the use and life of the battery.

[0039] The pressure regulating valve 2 can specifically be an electronic expansion valve. The opening adjustment of the pressure regulating valve 2 can be set according to the temperature difference and / or pressure difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger 4. For example, a pressure sensor 20 and / or a temperature sensor are provided at both ports of the second heat exchanger 4, and the controller adjusts the opening of the pressure regulating valve 2 according to the pressure sensor 20 and / or the temperature sensor to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger 4, for example, to make the temperature difference at the two ports ≤0.5°C. In this way, it can be ensured that the temperature difference of the refrigerant entering and flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 is not too large, and the temperature balance of each area of ​​the battery is ensured.

[0040] Exemplarily, the first port of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1 through the first branch 9, and is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 through the second branch 10 arranged in parallel with the first branch 9. The first branch 9 is provided with a pressure regulating valve 2, and the second branch 10 is provided with a one-way valve, which is recorded as the first one-way valve 101. The flow from the third heat exchanger 3 to the compressor 1 of the first one-way valve 101 is connected to the second branch 10; the second port of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger 4 through the first main path 11. In the heating mode, the refrigerant enters the first branch 9, flows through the pressure regulating valve 2, enters the third heat exchanger 3, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 4 to exchange heat with the battery; in the cooling mode, the refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 4 and flows through the third heat exchanger 3, and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the second branch 10. In this way, the pipeline structure is simple, which can reduce the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost, and is easy to maintain; and the maintainability of the thermal management system is also an important factor affecting the stability of the system operation.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first port of the first heat exchanger 5 is connected to the second ports of the compressor 1 and the second heat exchanger 4 respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel, the second port is connected to the first port of the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3 through the third main line 17, and the second port of the second heat exchange part is connected to the second ports of the compressor 1 and the second heat exchanger 4 respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel. With such an arrangement, in the cooling and heating modes, the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchanger 5 will not be changed, and the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3 will not be changed either. The flow direction of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3 is consistent in the cooling and heating modes, which can significantly simplify the pipeline structure.

[0042] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the system is further provided with a fourth main path 16, which is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 in the cooling mode and to the outlet of the compressor 1 in the heating mode. The second port of the second heat exchanger 4 is provided with a second main path 13.

[0043] The first port of the first heat exchanger 5 is connected to the second main path 13 through the third branch 14, and is connected to the fourth main path 16 through the sixth branch 15 connected in parallel with the third branch 14; wherein, a one-way valve is provided on both the third branch 14 and the sixth branch 15. The one-way valve on the third branch 14 is denoted as the second one-way valve 141, and the second one-way valve 141 conducts the flow from the second main path 13 to the first heat exchanger 5 to the third branch 14; the one-way valve on the sixth branch 15 is denoted as the fifth one-way valve 151, and the fifth one-way valve 151 conducts the sixth branch 15 from the outlet of the compressor 1 to the first heat exchanger 5.

[0044] The second port of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the second main path 13 through the fourth branch 18, and is connected to the fourth main path 16 through the fifth branch 19; wherein, both the fourth branch 18 and the fifth branch 19 are provided with a one-way valve. The one-way valve on the fourth branch 18 is recorded as the third one-way valve 181, and the third one-way valve 181 conducts the fourth branch 18 along the flow from the third heat exchanger 3 to the second main path 13, i.e., the second heat exchanger 4; the one-way valve on the fifth branch 19 is recorded as the fourth one-way valve 191, and the fourth one-way valve 191 conducts the fifth branch 19 along the direction from the third heat exchanger 3 to the inlet of the compressor 1. In this arrangement, the flow direction is ensured by the one-way valve, and most of the pipelines are shared. On the basis of ensuring the heat exchange function, the structure of the entire pipeline system is simple, and the number of pipelines and valves used is small.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the system further comprises a multi-way valve 6, a return main path 8 is provided at the outlet of the compressor 1, an outflow main path 7 is provided at the inlet, a first valve port of the multi-way valve 6 is connected to the outflow main path 7, a second valve port is connected to the first branch 9 and the second branch 10, a third valve port is connected to the return main path 8, and a fourth valve port is connected to the fourth main path 16. In the cooling mode, the fourth valve port is connected to the first valve port, the fourth main path 16 is connected to the outflow main path 7, the third valve port is connected to the second valve port, and the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the return main path 8; in the heating mode, the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outflow main path 7, the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the fourth main path 16 is connected to the return main path 8.

[0046] Then, in the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant circulation loop is compressor 1 outlet-outflow main path 7-fourth main path 16-sixth branch 15-first heat exchanger 5-third main path 17-second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3-fourth branch 18-second main path 13-second heat exchanger 4-first main path 11-first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3-second branch 10-return main path 8-compressor 1 inlet.

[0047] In the heating mode, the refrigerant circulation loop is compressor 1 outlet-outflow main path 7-first branch 9-first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3-first main path 11-second heat exchanger 4-second main path 13-third branch 14-first heat exchanger 5-third main path 17-second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3-fifth branch 19-fourth main path 16-return main path 8-compressor 1 inlet.

[0048] With such arrangement, the flow direction is ensured by a one-way valve, and the connectivity is switched by a multi-way valve 6. Only two short parallel pipelines are provided at the inlet of the first heat exchanger 5, the first port of the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, and the outlet of the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3. In cooling and heating modes, the remaining pipelines can be shared. On the basis of ensuring the heat exchange function, the entire thermal management system makes the entire pipeline system structure simple, with a small number of pipelines and valves used, which significantly simplifies the pipeline composition, reduces costs, and reduces the difficulty of pipeline maintenance. At the same time, the simple pipeline structure, the small number of components, and the overall low frequency of component damage can reduce the overall probability of damage and improve durability and safety.

[0049] The multi-way valve 6 may be a four-way valve, or may be a five-way valve or a six-way valve.

[0050] Typically, there are multiple second heat exchangers 4 arranged in parallel, each second heat exchanger 4 is arranged on a direct cooling branch 12 , and each direct cooling branch 12 is connected to the first main path 11 at one end and to the second main path 13 at the other end.

[0051] In order to ensure the uniform flow of each second heat exchanger 4 in the cooling mode and ensure the uniform temperature of the battery, in some embodiments, a graded throttling component is arranged between the second heat exchanger 4 and the first heat exchanger 5. The graded throttling component can throttle the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 5 at least twice, and make the throttled refrigerant flow evenly to the multiple second heat exchangers 4 arranged in parallel.

[0052] First, the compressor 1 works to compress the refrigerant into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 5. At this time, the first heat exchanger 5 is a condenser, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the external environment in the first heat exchanger 5, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant becomes medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant; then, the medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 5 flows to the graded throttling component, and the graded throttling component throttles the medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 4; the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the battery, and transfers the cold in the refrigerant to the battery to achieve cooling of the battery; then, the refrigerant with increased temperature flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 flows to the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator separates the gas and liquid in the refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor 1, thereby completing a cooling cycle for the battery.

[0053] By setting up a graded throttling component, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 5 can be throttled at least twice. On the one hand, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing to each second heat exchanger 4 can be adjusted so that the flow rate and temperature of the refrigerant flowing through each second heat exchanger 4 are basically the same, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of each battery; on the other hand, the temperature of the refrigerant can be further reduced through two throttlings, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the second heat exchanger 4 and the heat storage battery.

[0054] With such an arrangement, the throttled refrigerant can be evenly distributed among the multiple batteries in the cooling mode, so that the multiple batteries can be evenly cooled and the cooling of the multiple batteries can be accurately achieved.

[0055] It should be noted that each second heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the same number of batteries. For example, the second heat exchanger 4 and the batteries are set one-to-one, or the second heat exchanger 4 and the batteries are set one-to-many, that is, each second heat exchanger 4 needs to cool or heat the same number of batteries.

[0056] Specifically, the graded throttling assembly includes a first throttle valve 21, a first distributor 22, and a second throttle valve 23. The second throttle valve 23 is arranged one-to-one with the second heat exchanger 4 and is connected to the first distributor 22. Specifically, the second throttle valve 23 is arranged on the direct cooling branch 12, and each direct cooling branch 12 is provided with a second throttle valve 23, and the first distributor 22 is connected to the second main road 13; the first throttle valve 21 is connected between the first heat exchanger 5 and the first distributor 22, and is also arranged on the second main road 13. The first distributor 22 is connected to the first throttle valve 21 and has a plurality of first tap interfaces, and the plurality of first tap interfaces are respectively connected to a plurality of second heat exchangers 4 in parallel, that is, the plurality of first tap interfaces are connected one-to-one with a plurality of direct cooling branches 12.

[0057] The first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 23 can be specifically one of an electronic expansion valve, a throttle valve or a capillary tube. Preferably, the first throttle valve 21 is an electronic expansion valve, which has the function of adjusting the refrigerant pressure. In this way, after the medium-temperature high-pressure refrigerant flows to the first throttle valve 21, the first throttle valve 21 throttles and regulates the medium-temperature high-pressure refrigerant to change the refrigerant into a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant, so that the refrigerant enters the first distributor 22 in a suitable phase, and then flows to a plurality of second heat exchangers 4 arranged in parallel through a plurality of first tapping interfaces of the first distributor 22. Since a second throttle valve 23 is provided at the inlet side (inlet side in cooling mode) of each second heat exchanger 4, the opening of the second throttle valve 23 located at the inlet side of each second heat exchanger 4 is adjusted to be the same, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the first distributor 22 can flow evenly to a plurality of second heat exchangers 4 arranged in parallel, so that each second heat exchanger 4 obtains the same flow rate, and then the refrigerant flowing through each second heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the corresponding battery, so as to transfer approximately the same cold energy to each battery. And since the first throttle valve 21 is an electronic expansion valve, it has the function of adjusting the refrigerant pressure, and the refrigerant enters each second heat exchanger 4 in a suitable phase, which can improve the heat exchange balance.

[0058] The second throttle valve 23 can be a mechanical valve. In other words, the opening of the second throttle valve 23 is adjusted by manual control of the operator. Since the second heat exchanger 4 and the second throttle valve 23 are located on the customer side, that is, the area where the battery is located, and the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 5, and the first throttle valve and other electronic components are located on the unit side, the second throttle valve 23 is set as a mechanical valve, which can avoid setting control components on the customer side, can make the overall control system of the entire thermal management system more streamlined, and can reduce the probability of failure of the thermal management system during the working process.

[0059] A second distributor 24 is also provided at another port of the second heat exchanger 4, and the second distributor 24 is provided on the first main path 11. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out of each internal heat exchanger is gathered through the second distributor 24 and flows back to the compressor 1; in heating mode, the refrigerant is evenly distributed to each second heat exchanger 4 through the second distributor 24.

[0060] In some embodiments, a reservoir 25 and a filter 26 are provided between the first heat exchanger 5 and the graded throttling assembly; in other words, a first distributor 22 is provided on the second main circuit 13, and a reservoir 25 and a filter 26 are provided between the first heat exchanger 5 and the first distributor 22. Specifically, the reservoir 25 is used to store refrigerant to ensure that the system can adjust and stabilize the circulation volume of the refrigerant when the working conditions change. When the system needs to increase the refrigerant supply, the reservoir 25 can provide sufficient refrigerant; when the system needs to reduce the refrigerant supply, the reservoir 25 can store excess refrigerant. The filter 26 is used to filter impurities in the refrigerant and protect the compressor 1: the filter 26 is used to filter impurities and particles in the refrigerant to prevent these impurities from entering the compressor 1, thereby preventing the compressor 1 from being blocked or damaged by impurities and being unable to work normally, avoiding the sudden impact of liquid refrigerant and circuit oil, thereby protecting the electric air-conditioning compressor 1 from damage, so as to ensure the normal operation of the thermal management system and the long-term stable use of the equipment.

[0061] The embodiment of the present application further provides an energy storage container, including any of the above mentioned thermal management systems. Since the energy storage container includes the above mentioned thermal management system, the beneficial effects of the energy storage container brought by the thermal management system can be found in the above mentioned contents, which will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The present application also provides a control method for a thermal management system, which is applicable to the thermal management system described in any one of the above embodiments, and comprises the following steps:

[0063] Determine whether it is in heating mode.

[0064] If so, open the pressure regulating valve 2 so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 flows into the pressure regulating valve 2, and flows into the second heat exchanger 4 after passing through the pressure regulating valve 2 and the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger in sequence; that is, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 first flows into the pressure regulating valve 2, flows out of the pressure regulating valve 2 and then flows into the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 4 from the first heat exchange part.

[0065] Furthermore, the control method of the thermal management system further includes the following steps:

[0066] Detect the pressure value and / or temperature value at the two ports of the second heat exchanger 4. If the detection result exceeds the preset range, adjust the opening of the pressure regulating valve 2 according to the detection result to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger 4. For example, in step 1, set the preset range to a temperature difference of 0.5 degrees Celsius; in step 2, detect the temperature values ​​at the two ports of the second heat exchanger 4; in step 3, if the detection result exceeds the preset range, increase the opening of the pressure regulating valve 2; if the detection result is within the preset range, return to step 2.

[0067] Specifically, the following steps may also be included:

[0068] In the heating mode, the first valve port and the second valve port of the multi-way valve 6 are controlled to be connected, and the third valve port and the fourth valve port are controlled to be connected, and the pressure regulating valve 2 and the first throttle valve 21 are opened, and the compressor 1 is controlled to start, so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the first valve port and the second valve port of the multi-way valve 6, the pressure regulating valve 2, the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the first throttle valve 21, the first heat exchanger 5, the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, the third valve port and the fourth valve port of the multi-way valve 6 in sequence, and then flows back to the compressor 1;

[0069] In the cooling mode, the first valve port and the fourth valve port of the multi-way valve 6 are controlled to be connected, and the second valve port and the third valve port are controlled to be connected, the pressure regulating valve 2 is closed, and the first throttle valve 21 is opened, and the compressor 1 is controlled to start, so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the first valve port and the fourth valve port of the multi-way valve 6, the first heat exchanger 5, the second heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, the first throttle valve 21, the second heat exchanger 4, the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger 3, the second valve port and the third valve port of the multi-way valve 6 in sequence, and then flows back to the compressor 1.

[0070] The basic principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present application are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, not for limitation, and the above details do not limit the present application to being implemented by adopting the above specific details.

[0071] The components and devices involved in this application are only illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, and configured in the manner shown in the drawings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these components and devices can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. are open words, meaning "including but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them. The words "or" and "and" used here refer to the words "and / or" and can be used interchangeably with them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The word "such as" used here refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with it.

[0072] It should also be noted that in the device and apparatus of the present application, each component can be decomposed and / or reassembled, and such decomposition and / or reassembly should be regarded as an equivalent solution of the present application.

[0073] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0074] The above description has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the forms disclosed herein. Although multiple example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, changes, additions and sub-combinations thereof.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that: Used for exchanging heat between multiple batteries in an energy storage system, comprising a refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant circulation loop being provided with a compressor (1) connected to each other, a first heat exchanger (5) for exchanging heat with the environment, a second heat exchanger (4) for exchanging heat with the battery, and a third heat exchanger (3), the third heat exchanger (3) having a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part for exchanging heat with the first heat exchange part; The outlet of the compressor (1) is connected to the pressure regulating valve (2), the first heat exchange part and the first port of the second heat exchanger (4) in sequence through a pipeline, and the second port of the second heat exchanger (4) is connected to the first heat exchanger (5), the second heat exchange part and the inlet of the compressor (1) in sequence through a pipeline, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor (1) in the heating mode is pressure regulated and temperature-lowered before flowing into the second heat exchanger (4).

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second heat exchanger (4) is a direct cooling plate, and the direct cooling plate is in direct contact with the battery to exchange heat.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure sensor (20) and / or a temperature sensor are provided at both ports of the second heat exchanger (4), and a controller adjusts the opening of the pressure regulating valve (2) according to the pressure sensor (20) and / or the temperature sensor to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger (4).

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first port of the first heat exchange section is connected to the outlet of the compressor (1) through a first branch (9), and is connected to the inlet of the compressor (1) through a second branch (10) arranged in parallel with the first branch (9); the pressure regulating valve (2) is arranged on the first branch (9), and a one-way valve is arranged on the second branch (10); the second port of the first heat exchange section is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger (4) through a first main path (11).

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first port of the first heat exchanger (5) is connected to the second ports of the compressor (1) and the second heat exchanger (4) respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel, the second port is connected to the first port of the second heat exchange part through a third main path (17), and the second port of the second heat exchange part is connected to the second ports of the compressor (1) and the second heat exchanger (4) respectively through pipelines arranged in parallel.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: A fourth main path (16) is also provided, wherein the fourth main path (16) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (1) in the cooling mode and is connected to the outlet of the compressor (1) in the heating mode; The second port of the second heat exchanger (4) is provided with a second main path (13); The first port of the first heat exchanger (5) is connected to the second main path (13) via a third branch path (14), and is connected to the fourth main path (16) via a sixth branch path (15) connected in parallel with the third branch path (14); the second port of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the second main path (13) via a fourth branch path (18), and is connected to the fourth main path (16) via a fifth branch path (19); Wherein, the third branch (14), the fourth branch (18), the fifth branch (19) and the sixth branch (15) are all provided with a one-way valve.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also comprises a multi-way valve (6), the outlet of the compressor (1) is provided with a return main path (8), the inlet is provided with an outflow main path (7), a first valve port of the multi-way valve (6) is connected to the outflow main path (7), a second valve port is connected to a pipeline connected to the first port of the first heat exchange part, a third valve port is connected to the return main path (8), and a fourth valve port is connected to the fourth main path (16); In cooling mode, the fourth valve port is connected to the first valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the second valve port; in heating mode, the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchanger (4) has a plurality of second heat exchangers (4) arranged in parallel, and a graded throttling component is arranged between the second heat exchanger (4) and the first heat exchanger (5). The graded throttling component can throttle the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger (5) at least twice, and make the throttled refrigerant flow evenly to the plurality of second heat exchangers (4) arranged in parallel.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The staged throttling assembly comprises a first throttling valve (21), a first distributor (22) and a second throttling valve (23). The second throttle valve (23) and the second heat exchanger (4) are arranged one-to-one and are both connected to the first distributor (22); the first throttle valve (21) is connected between the first heat exchanger (5) and the first distributor (22).

10. An energy storage container, characterized in that: The invention comprises a thermal management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that: A thermal management system applicable to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: Determine whether it is in heating mode. If so, the pressure regulating valve (2) is opened so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor (1) flows into the pressure regulating valve (2), and then flows into the second heat exchanger (4) after passing through the pressure regulating valve (2) and the first heat exchange part of the third heat exchanger (3) in sequence.

12. The control method of the thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The following steps are also included: The pressure value and / or temperature value at the two ports of the second heat exchanger (4) is detected. If the detection result exceeds a preset range, the opening of the pressure regulating valve (2) is adjusted according to the detection result to reduce the temperature difference at the two ports of the second heat exchanger (4).

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