Phase change generator for battery swapping on-load battery and related unit, system and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a phase change generator for a battery swap onboard battery and related units, systems and methods, the phase change generator comprising: a phase change generation tank having a multi-layer annular hollow structure, the multi-layer annular hollow structure being nested on the outer side of a phase change cooling pipe, the pressures of the layers in the multi-layer annular hollow structure being different; an isolating device for communicating the layers with different pressures is arranged in the phase change generation tank; the phase change generator is rapid in phase change heat absorption, can rapidly reduce the high-temperature abnormal battery replacement station and rapidly transfer accumulated heat to ensure the safety of the battery replacement station load battery, after the isolation device is opened, the liquid to be subjected to phase change in the high-pressure area of the phase change generation tank is in contact with the low-pressure area, and under the action of huge pressure difference, the liquid to be subjected to phase change in the high-pressure area of the phase change generation tank is quickly separated from the high-temperature abnormal battery replacement station. The phase change liquid rapidly reaches gasification pressure and is converted into gas from fluid, a large amount of heat is absorbed in the process, rapid cooling is achieved, and compared with other temperature control means, the method is short in time consumption and rapid in effect taking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery temperature control technology, and in particular to a phase change generator for an onboard battery of a battery swap station and related units, systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles are currently developing rapidly, and consumers are increasingly inclined to choose electric vehicles. As the number of electric vehicles continues to increase, the corresponding demand for electric vehicle energy replenishment equipment is also increasing. As a rapid energy replenishment measure, battery swap stations are increasingly supported by users and policies.

[0003] A battery swap station is a place that provides services for vehicles that use a battery replacement mode. The depleted batteries replaced from the vehicles are concentrated in the battery storage area within the station for centralized charging. Centralized charging of batteries is prone to thermal runaway problems. Equipping the battery with a liquid cooling system with good heat dissipation capabilities to keep the battery temperature from overheating during charging is a commonly used technical route.

[0004] When there are few batteries stored in a battery swap station, it is easy to encounter the embarrassing situation that there is no fully charged battery to replace after the battery is replaced, and the battery swap experience is poor. Therefore, the battery swap station is often equipped with multiple batteries and high-power charging in the station, which is conducive to improving the battery swap service capacity and reducing the waiting time of owners during peak hours. But at the same time, more batteries and high-power charging capabilities mean higher storage and maintenance costs, and more battery swap positions are required. In addition, the batteries will heat up when charging. The positions in the battery swap station are usually equipped with a liquid cooling system. For battery swap stations with more positions, each battery position must be connected to the liquid cooling system, which puts higher requirements on the cooling capacity of the liquid cooling system. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the problem that the existing on-board battery system has slow heat dissipation and the accumulated heat cannot be quickly transferred, the present invention proposes a phase change generator, comprising:

[0006] A phase change generating tank having a multi-layer annular hollow structure, wherein the multi-layer annular hollow structure is nested outside the phase change cooling pipe, and the pressures of the internal layers of the multi-layer annular hollow structure are different;

[0007] The phase change generating tank is provided with an isolation device for connecting layers with different pressures.

[0008] Preferably, the multi-layer annular hollow structure comprises: an inner wall surface, a middle wall surface and an outer wall surface arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside;

[0009] The inner wall surface is embedded in the phase change cooling pipe, the inner wall surface and the middle wall surface are sealed to form a phase change high pressure area, and the middle wall surface and the outer wall surface are sealed to form a phase change low pressure area;

[0010] The isolation device is installed on the middle wall surface to connect or isolate the phase change low pressure area with the phase change high pressure area.

[0011] Preferably, a pressure sensor and a vacuum pump are connected to the outer side of the outer wall surface, and the vacuum pump is connected to the phase change low-pressure zone through an exhaust pipeline;

[0012] The pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure of the phase change low pressure zone, and the vacuum pump is used to extract air from the phase change low pressure zone.

[0013] Preferably, the isolation device comprises: a connecting rod, a driving assembly and a piston;

[0014] The piston is movably mounted on the middle wall surface;

[0015] One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the piston, and the other end extends to the outside of the outer wall surface, and one side of the other end of the connecting rod is connected to a driving assembly;

[0016] The driving assembly is used to drive the connecting rod to move along the extension direction of the connecting rod, and the connecting rod drives the piston to move. When the piston is installed on the middle wall surface, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are isolated. When the piston leaves the middle wall surface, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are connected.

[0017] Preferably, the driving assembly comprises: an electric drive gear and a rack meshing with the electric drive gear; the rack is fixed on the connecting rod.

[0018] The present invention further provides a phase-change liquid cooling unit, which comprises: a phase-change liquid cooling circulation pipeline and the above-mentioned phase-change generator installed on the phase-change liquid cooling circulation pipeline.

[0019] Preferably, the phase-change liquid cooling circulation pipeline comprises: a phase-change liquid cooling inlet, a phase-change cooling pipeline, and a phase-change liquid cooling outlet connected in sequence;

[0020] The phase-change liquid cooling inlet and the phase-change liquid cooling outlet are both provided with electric switch valves;

[0021] A first circulation pump is provided at the outlet end of the phase change cooling pipeline;

[0022] The phase change generating tank is sleeved on the phase change cooling pipeline.

[0023] The present invention also provides a cooling unit, which includes: a battery replacement battery and a conventional cooling unit and the phase change liquid cooling unit as described above, which are respectively connected to the battery replacement battery.

[0024] Preferably, the conventional liquid cooling unit comprises: a liquid cooling pipeline, a pipeline adapter, a conventional liquid cooling inlet and a conventional liquid cooling outlet;

[0025] The conventional liquid cooling inlet and the conventional liquid cooling outlet are respectively arranged on the battery replacement battery;

[0026] One end of the liquid cooling pipe is connected to the pipe adapter, and the other end is connected to the conventional liquid cooling inlet or the conventional liquid cooling outlet.

[0027] Preferably, an air cooling device and a second circulation pump are provided in sequence between the conventional liquid cooling outlet and the liquid cooling pipeline.

[0028] Preferably, a temperature sensor and a flow sensor are provided at the connection between the battery-exchange battery and the conventional cooling unit and the phase-change liquid cooling unit.

[0029] The present invention also provides a battery storage unit, comprising: a battery replacement battery compartment with a multi-layer structure and a plurality of cooling units as described above; a cooling unit is provided on each layer of the battery replacement battery compartment.

[0030] Preferably, the conventional cooling units of two cooling units in adjacent layers are connected in series.

[0031] The present invention also provides a station-mounted battery box liquid cooling system, comprising: the battery storage unit as described above, a sensor unit and a measurement and control unit connected to the battery storage unit, and the sensor unit and the measurement and control unit are connected to each other;

[0032] The sensing unit is used to measure the temperature, flow rate and pressure data in the cooling unit;

[0033] The measurement and control unit is used to determine whether the battery storage unit executes shutting down the conventional cooling unit and starting the cooling unit for rapid cooling according to the data measured by the sensor unit.

[0034] The present invention also provides a liquid cooling method for a station-mounted battery box, which is implemented by using the liquid cooling system for the station-mounted battery box as described above, and the method comprises:

[0035] Measure and obtain data of temperature, flow rate and pressure in the cooling unit through the sensing unit;

[0036] When it is determined according to the data measured by the sensor unit that the battery storage unit needs to be cooled quickly, the measurement and control unit controls the phase change cooling unit to start the phase change to generate a low-temperature liquid cooling fluid, and the conventional liquid cooling unit connected to the abnormally high-temperature battery storage unit is turned off, and the source of the liquid cooling inlet and outlet fluid is switched to the phase change liquid cooling unit.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] The present invention provides a phase change generator for onboard batteries of a battery swap station and related units, systems and methods. The phase change generator includes: a phase change generator tank with a multi-layer annular hollow structure, the multi-layer annular hollow structure is nested outside the phase change cooling pipe, and the pressures between the internal layers of the multi-layer annular hollow structure are different; the phase change generator tank is provided with an isolation device for connecting the layers with different pressures. The pressure difference generated by the different pressures between the layers of the phase change generator tank has the ability to rapidly vaporize the liquid, and the isolation device is used to make the phase change liquid entering the phase change generator tank rapidly vaporize under the pressure difference and rapidly absorb a large amount of heat, thereby achieving rapid cooling and cooling. The present invention uses the phase change generator phase change rapid heat absorption function to cool the battery swap station, and forms two independent cooling circuits with the conventional cooling unit. Under normal circumstances, the conventional cooling unit is used for cooling. When encountering abnormal high temperature conditions, the conventional cooling unit is turned off and switched to the phase change generator with more efficient cooling capacity for rapid cooling, and the rapid transfer of accumulated heat ensures the safety of the onboard batteries of the battery swap station, which takes a short time and has a quick effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 The internal structure diagram of the phase change generator of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the connection between the phase change generator and the vacuum pump of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the connection between the phase change liquid cooling unit and the cooling unit of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the battery storage unit and the conventional liquid cooling unit on board the battery swap station of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 A phase-change liquid cooling system for a station-mounted battery box of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the composition of a phase-change liquid cooling system for a station-mounted battery box of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 A phase change liquid cooling method for a station-mounted battery box of the present invention;

[0046] Among them, 1-battery storage unit, 1.1-battery exchange compartment, 1.2-battery exchange, 1.3.1-phase change liquid cooling outlet, 1.3.2-phase change liquid cooling inlet, 1.3.3-conventional liquid cooling inlet, 1.3.4-conventional liquid cooling outlet, 1.4-battery box, 2-conventional liquid cooling unit, 2.1-liquid cooling pipeline, 2.2-second circulation pump, 2.3-air cooling device, 2.4-pipe adapter, 3-phase change liquid cooling unit, 3.1-phase change generator, 3.1.1-inner wall, 3.1.2-middle Wall, 3.1.3-outer wall, 3.1.4-piston, 3.1.5-connecting rod, 3.1.6-rack, 3.1.7-electric drive gear, 3.2-vacuum pump, 3.3-exhaust pipeline, 3.4-first circulation pump, 3.5-phase change cooling pipeline, 3.6-electric switch valve, 3.6.1-inlet electric switch valve, 3.6.2-outlet electric switch valve, 4-sensing unit, 4.1-pressure sensor, 4.2-temperature sensor, 4.3-flow sensor, 5-measurement and control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiment 1:

[0048] A phase change generator, such as Figure 1 As shown, including:

[0049] A phase change generating tank having a multi-layer annular hollow structure, wherein the multi-layer annular hollow structure is nested outside the phase change cooling pipe 3.5, and the pressures of the internal layers of the multi-layer annular hollow structure are different;

[0050] The phase change generating tank is provided with an isolation device for connecting layers with different pressures.

[0051] Each layer of the multi-layer annular hollow structure is divided into different pressure zones due to different pressures. The two pressure zones are connected through an isolation device. When communication is required, the isolation device is opened and the high-pressure zone in the pressure zone will flow to the low-pressure zone to achieve pressure balance. The phase change tank is filled with a phase change fluid for phase change. The phase change fluid will change from liquid to gas due to the change in pressure. During the change process, the phase change fluid can absorb a large amount of heat to achieve a rapid cooling effect.

[0052] Preferably, the phase change fluid is a medium with a relatively high phase change pressure, such as water or ethanol. The vapor pressure of the water medium during phase change is 3000 Pa, which can be easily achieved.

[0053] When the phase change generator 3.1 is working, the isolation device is opened, and the phase change liquid in the high-pressure area of ​​the phase change generator tank contacts the low-pressure area. The phase change liquid reaches the vaporization pressure and is converted from a fluid to a gas. A large amount of heat is absorbed in the process, thereby achieving rapid cooling.

[0054] Preferably, the multi-layer annular hollow structure comprises: an inner wall surface 3.1.1, a middle wall surface 3.1.2 and an outer wall surface 3.1.3 arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside;

[0055] The inner wall surface 3.1.1 is nested on the phase change cooling pipe 3.5, the inner wall surface 3.1.1 and the middle wall surface 3.1.2 are closed to form a phase change high pressure area, and the middle wall surface 3.1.2 and the outer wall surface 3.1.3 are closed to form a phase change low pressure area;

[0056] The isolation device is installed on the middle wall surface 3.1.2 to connect or isolate the phase change low pressure area with the phase change high pressure area.

[0057] The phase change high pressure area is formed by the inner wall surface 3.1.1 and the middle wall surface 3.1.2;

[0058] The phase change low pressure zone is formed by enclosing the middle wall surface 3.1.2 and the outer wall surface 3.1.3.

[0059] The inner wall surface 3.1.1, the middle wall surface 3.1.2 and the outer wall surface 3.1.3 separate the phase change tank into two pressure zones. The isolation device passes through the outer wall surface 3.1.3 and is connected to the through hole of the middle wall surface 3.1.2. When in motion, pressure conversion can be achieved, thereby converting the phase change liquid from liquefaction to gasification, quickly absorbing heat and cooling down rapidly.

[0060] When the isolation device is closed, the inner wall surface 3.1.1 and the middle wall surface 3.1.2 are closed to form a closed phase change high-pressure zone, and the phase change liquid in the phase change tank is generally stored in the phase change high-pressure zone; the pressure in the phase change high-pressure zone is much higher than the critical pressure of the phase change fluid undergoing phase change; the middle wall surface 3.1.2 and the outer wall surface 3.1.3 are closed to form a closed phase change low-pressure zone, and the closed environment of the phase change low-pressure zone can ensure the pressure stability of the phase change low-pressure zone and the high-pressure zone when the phase change is not started.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer side of the outer wall surface 3.1.3 is connected with a pressure sensor 4.1 and a vacuum pump 3.2, and the vacuum pump 3.2 is connected to the phase change low pressure area through an exhaust pipe 3.3;

[0062] The pressure sensor 4.1 is used to measure the pressure of the phase change low pressure area, and the vacuum pump 3.2 is used to extract the air from the phase change low pressure area.

[0063] The pressure sensor 4.1 and the vacuum pump 3.2 are arranged outside the phase change tank and connected to the phase change low pressure zone of the phase change tank. The pressure sensor 4.1 is used to monitor the pressure of the phase change low pressure zone of the phase change tank.

[0064] When the pressure sensor 4.1 installed on the phase change generator 3.1 detects that the pressure in the phase change low-pressure zone is too high, the vacuum pump 3.2 extracts the gas in the phase change generator 3.1 through the exhaust pipe 3.3 connected to the phase change low-pressure zone to reduce the pressure in the phase change low-pressure zone. When the phase change generator 3.1 finishes working, the pressure in the phase change generator 3.1 can also be increased by using tools such as an air compressor. After the pressurization is completed, the isolation device isolates the phase change low-pressure zone from the phase change high-pressure zone, and the vacuum pump 3.2 extracts air from the low-pressure zone to reduce the pressure in the low-pressure zone to below the phase change pressure, waiting for the next phase change.

[0065] Preferably, the isolation device comprises: a connecting rod 3.1.5, a drive assembly and a piston 3.1.4;

[0066] The piston 3.1.4 is movably mounted on the middle wall surface 3.1.2;

[0067] One end of the connecting rod 3.1.5 is fixedly connected to the piston 3.1.4, and the other end extends to the outside of the outer wall surface 3.1.3, and one side of the other end of the connecting rod 3.1.5 is connected to a driving assembly;

[0068] The driving assembly is used to drive the connecting rod 3.1.5 to move along the extension direction of the connecting rod 3.1.5, and the connecting rod 3.1.5 drives the piston 3.1.4 to move. When the piston 3.1.4 is installed on the middle wall surface 3.1.2, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are isolated. When the piston 3.1.4 leaves the middle wall surface 3.1.2, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are connected.

[0069] The sealing piston 3.1.4 is installed in the through hole of the middle wall 3.1.2 so as to be movable up and down. The piston 3.1.4 is fixedly connected with the connecting rod 3.1.5 and extends out of the outer wall 3.1.3. The piston 3.1.4 and the connecting rod 3.1.5 are provided with sealing rings at the places where they contact the middle wall 3.1.2 to ensure the sealing performance, so as to ensure the pressure stability of the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone when the phase change is not started. The driving component is arranged on the outside of the phase change generator 3.1. The driving component is connected with the connecting rod 3.1.5 and drives the connecting rod 3.1.5 to move up and down, so as to drive the piston 3.1.4 to move up and down in the through hole. When the piston 3.1.4 enters the through hole to complete the sealing, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are isolated. When the piston 3.1.4 leaves the through hole, the phase change low pressure zone and the phase change high pressure zone are connected.

[0070] Preferably, the driving assembly comprises: an electric drive gear 3.1.7 and a rack 3.1.6 meshing with the electric drive gear 3.1.7; the rack 3.1.6 is fixed on the connecting rod 3.1.5.

[0071] The connecting rod 3.1.5 is fixedly connected to the rack 3.1.6, and the electric drive gear 3.1.7 meshing with the rack 3.1.6 rotates under the drive of the motor. When the piston 3.1.4 needs to rise to open the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area, the motor drives the rack 3.1.6 to pull the piston 3.1.4 out of the through hole. When the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area need to be separated, the motor drives the rack 3.1.6 to pull the piston 3.1.4 to block the through hole.

[0072] Embodiment 2;

[0073] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a phase change liquid cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 is connected to the cooling unit, and the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 comprises: a phase change liquid cooling circulation pipeline and the phase change generator 3.1 as described above installed on the phase change liquid cooling circulation pipeline.

[0074] The cooling unit is connected to two cooling systems, one of which is a conventional cooling unit 2, and the other is a phase change cooling unit 3. The phase change generator 3.1 is installed in the phase change cooling unit 3 to achieve rapid cooling; a phase change liquid cooling circulation pipeline is provided in the phase change cooling unit 3, and the phase change liquid is transported to the phase change generator 3.1 through the phase change liquid cooling circulation pipeline for rapid cooling, and the cooled low-temperature coolant is transported to the pipeline for circulation, thereby achieving rapid cooling.

[0075] Preferably, the phase-change liquid cooling circulation pipeline comprises: a phase-change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2, a phase-change cooling pipeline 3.5, and a phase-change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1 connected in sequence;

[0076] The phase change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2 and the phase change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1 are both provided with electric switch valves 3.6;

[0077] The outlet end of the phase change cooling pipeline 3.5 is provided with a first circulation pump 3.4;

[0078] The phase change generating tank is sleeved on the phase change cooling pipe 3.5.

[0079] The phase change generating tank is a multi-layer hollow ring structure, and the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 is inserted in the hollow ring. The outlet end of the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 is provided with a first circulation pump 3.4. The first circulation pump 3.4 assists the extraction of the coolant and the circulation of the coolant in the phase change cooling circulation pipeline, thereby completing the cooling.

[0080] Both ends of the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 are connected to the cooling unit 1.3 through the phase change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2 and the phase change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1. The phase change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2 and the phase change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1 are both provided with an electric switching valve 3.6. The circulation of the coolant is controlled by the electric switching valve 3.6, and the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 can be closed or opened at any time.

[0081] The electric switch valve 3.6 includes: an inlet electric switch valve 3.6.1 and an outlet electric switch valve 3.6.2;

[0082] The inlet electric switch valve 3.6.1 is arranged on the phase change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2;

[0083] The outlet electric switch valve 3.6.2 is arranged on the phase change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1.

[0084] When the phase change cooling system 3 is started, the phase change generator 3.1 rapidly changes phase to cool down and absorbs the coolant stored in the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 to form a low-temperature coolant. The low-temperature coolant is pumped out of the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 by the first circulation pump 3.4 and flows into the opened inlet electric switch valve 3.6.1. After cooling the battery cell, it flows back to the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 through the opened outlet electric switch valve 3.6.2. Figure 3 The arrows shown in represent the direction of coolant flow.

[0085] Embodiment 3:

[0086] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a cooling unit, characterized in that the cooling unit includes: a battery replacement battery 1.2 and a conventional cooling unit 2 and the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 as described above, respectively connected to the battery replacement battery 1.2.

[0087] The conventional cooling unit 2 and the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 connected to the battery exchange battery 1.2 together constitute a cooling unit. When normal cooling is performed, the conventional cooling unit 2 is used to cool the battery exchange battery 1.2. When rapid cooling is required, the conventional cooling unit 2 is turned off and the phase change cooling unit 3 is turned on to quickly cool the battery exchange battery 1.2 that needs to be cooled.

[0088] Preferably, the conventional liquid cooling unit 2 comprises: a liquid cooling pipe 2.1, a pipe adapter 2.4, a conventional liquid cooling inlet 1.3.3 and a conventional liquid cooling outlet 1.3.4;

[0089] The conventional liquid cooling inlet 1.3.3 and the conventional liquid cooling outlet 1.3.4 are respectively arranged on the battery replacement battery 1.2;

[0090] One end of the liquid cooling pipe 2.1 is connected to the pipe adapter 2.4, and the other end is connected to the conventional liquid cooling inlet 1.3.3 or the conventional liquid cooling outlet 1.3.4.

[0091] The conventional liquid cooling unit 2 includes: a liquid cooling pipe 2.1, a second circulation pump 2.2, an air cooling device 2.3 and a pipe adapter 2.4. The liquid cooling pipe 2.1 can be connected to the electric switch valve 3.6 and the pipe adapter 2.4 at the liquid cooling inlet and outlet of the battery box 1.4. Multiple liquid cooling pipes 2.1 and multiple cooling units together form a circulation pipeline. The pipe adapter 2.4 has a large inlet diameter, multiple outlets and a small outlet diameter. Through the pipe adapter 2.4, the liquid flowing out of the second circulation pump 2.2 is divided into multiple streams and flows into the cooling unit.

[0092] Preferably, an air cooling device 2.3 and a second circulation pump 2.2 are provided in sequence between the conventional liquid cooling outlet 1.3.4 and the liquid cooling pipeline 2.1.

[0093] A fan or other air cooling device 2.3 is installed at the inlet of the second circulating pump 2.2 to cool the high-temperature fluid flowing out of the cooling unit outlet, and after cooling, the fluid flows to the inlet of different cooling units through the second circulating pump 2.2 and the liquid cooling pipe 2.1.

[0094] Preferably, a temperature sensor 4.2 and a flow sensor 4.3 are provided at the connection between the cooling unit, the conventional cooling unit 2 and the phase-change liquid cooling unit 3.

[0095] The temperature sensor 4.2 is used to measure the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the cooling unit and the temperature of the coolant, and the flow sensor 4.3 is used to measure the flow of the second circulation pump 2.2 and the flow of the liquid cooling inlet and outlet of each battery box 1.4.

[0096] Embodiment 4:

[0097] The present invention based on the same inventive concept also provides a pool storage unit, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery storage unit 1 includes: a battery replacement compartment 1.1 with a multi-layer structure and a plurality of cooling units as described above; a cooling unit is provided on each layer of the battery replacement compartment 1.1.

[0098] Preferably, the conventional cooling units 2 of two cooling units in adjacent layers are connected in series.

[0099] The battery swap battery compartment 1.1 and the battery swap battery 1.2 stored therein constitute a storage unit 1 onboard the battery swap station. The battery swap station onboard battery storage unit 1 is a device for storing and charging batteries replaced from vehicles; the multi-layer structure of the battery swap battery compartment 1.1 can store multiple batteries and has an electrical circuit that can charge the batteries. The battery swap batteries 1.2 are placed at different positions in the battery swap battery compartment 1.1. The present invention takes the simultaneous placement of 8 batteries as an example. The number of batteries is not limited and can be increased or decreased as needed.

[0100] A cooling unit is installed in each of the battery-exchange battery compartments 1.1, and the cooling unit is used to cool the battery-exchange batteries 1.2 stored therein.

[0101] The conventional liquid cooling unit 2 connected to the cooling unit is used to maintain the battery temperature in the battery storage system onboard the battery swap station, and is a device for cooling the rechargeable battery under normal circumstances.

[0102] The phase change liquid cooling unit 3 connected to the cooling unit is a device for rapidly generating low-temperature liquid cooling fluid and changing the battery liquid cooling inlet and outlet pipes when the battery is abnormally hot.

[0103] Embodiment 5:

[0104] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a liquid cooling system for a battery box on board a battery swap station. Figure 5 As shown, it comprises: the battery storage unit 1 as described above, a sensor unit 4 and a measurement and control unit 5 connected to the battery storage unit 1, and the sensor unit 4 and the measurement and control unit 5 are connected to each other;

[0105] The sensor unit 4 is used to measure the temperature, flow rate and pressure data in the cooling unit;

[0106] The measurement and control unit 5 is used to determine whether the battery storage unit 1 shuts down the conventional cooling unit 3 and starts the phase change cooling unit 3 for rapid cooling according to the data measured by the sensor unit 4 .

[0107] The measurement and control unit 5 collects and judges the data measured by the sensor unit 4. Different judgment results will produce different effects on the control device. Figure 6 shown.

[0108] When the pressure in the phase change low-pressure zone is lower than the set pressure value, the vacuum pump 3.2 is controlled to increase the working power and reduce the pressure in the low-pressure zone. When the phase change low-pressure zone is lower than the set pressure value, the vacuum pump 3.2 reduces the working power. When the coolant temperature at the outlet of the cooling unit is higher than the set value, it is considered that the temperature of the battery replacement battery compartment 1.1 is too high and a temperature abnormality occurs. The phase change liquid cooling unit 3 is controlled to start working, and the interface between the battery box 1.4 and the conventional liquid cooling unit 2 is closed, and the interface of the electric switch valve 3.6 connected to the phase change liquid cooling unit 3 is opened.

[0109] Embodiment 6:

[0110] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a liquid cooling method for a battery box on board a battery swap station, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the method is implemented by using a station-mounted battery box liquid cooling system as described above, and the method includes:

[0111] Measure and obtain data of temperature, flow rate and pressure in the cooling unit through the sensor unit 4;

[0112] When it is determined according to the data measured by the sensor unit 4 that the battery storage unit 1 needs to be cooled quickly, the measurement and control unit 5 controls the phase change cooling unit 3 to start the phase change to generate a low-temperature liquid cooling fluid, and the conventional liquid cooling unit 2 connected to the abnormally high-temperature battery storage unit 1 is turned off, and the source of the liquid cooling inlet and outlet fluid is switched to the phase change liquid cooling unit 3.

[0113] Embodiment 7:

[0114] In an embodiment of the battery storage unit 1 and the conventional liquid cooling unit 2 on the battery swap station, the second circulation pump 2.2 pumps out the coolant, which flows from the liquid cooling pipe 2.1 into the pipe adapter 2.4. The pipe adapter 2.4 can divert the coolant in the liquid cooling pipe 2.1, and divert more coolant in 2.1.1 to the liquid cooling pipe 2.1, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the coolant. The coolant enters the battery box 1.4 through the liquid cooling pipe 2.1, takes away the heat of the battery cell of the battery box 1.4, and then flows into another battery box 1.4 through the liquid cooling pipe 2.1. The coolant continues to cool the heat of the battery box 1.4 and then flows into the pipe adapter 2.4 through the liquid cooling pipe 2.1. After passing through, it enters the liquid cooling pipe 2.1 and flows back to the second circulation pump 2.2 to form a closed loop. The flow of coolant in the remaining liquid cooling pipes 2.1 is similar to the above description, and all enter from the liquid cooling inlet of the battery box 1.4 and flow out from the outlet to the next battery box 1.4 or the pipe adapter 2.4. Through these liquid cooling pipes 2.1 and the second circulation pump 2.2, the conventional liquid cooling unit 2 can cool eight battery boxes 1.4 together. If the number of battery boxes 1.4 is increased, the number of liquid cooling pipes 2.1 is also increased accordingly to ensure full coverage of the coolant circuit.

[0115] Taking the cooling unit as an example, there are four liquid inlet and outlet interfaces on the cooling unit, including conventional liquid cooling inlet 1.3.3, conventional liquid cooling outlet 1.3.4, phase change liquid cooling outlet 1.3.1, and phase change liquid cooling inlet 1.3.2. When the pressure sensor 4.1 and the temperature sensor 4.2 installed on the cooling unit detect that the temperature of the coolant in the cooling unit is abnormally increased and higher than the set temperature value T1, the phase change cooling system 3 is started, and the phase change generator 3.1 quickly undergoes phase change cooling to absorb the coolant stored in the phase change cooling pipeline 3.5 to form a low-temperature coolant. The low-temperature coolant is pumped out by the first circulation pump 3.4 in the phase change cooling pipeline 3.5 and flows into the opened inlet electric switch valve 3.6.1. After cooling the battery cell, it flows back to the phase change cooling pipeline 3.5 through the opened outlet electric switch valve 3.6.2. When the temperature is lower than the set value T2, it is judged that the battery temperature has returned to normal, the electric switch valve 3.6 is closed, the phase change generator 3.1 stops working, and returns to the conventional liquid cooling state.

[0116] When the phase change liquid cooling system 3 is started, the piston 3.1.4 rises, and the phase change fluid in the phase change high pressure area contacts the phase change low pressure area, the pressure drops suddenly, and the phase change fluid undergoes a phase change, and absorbs the heat of the coolant in the phase change cooling pipe 3.5 through the inner wall surface 3.1.1. When the pressure sensor 4.1 installed on the phase change generator 3.1 detects that the temperature in the low pressure area is too high, the vacuum pump 3.2 and the exhaust pipe 3.3 extract the gas in the phase change generator 3.1 to reduce the pressure. When the phase change liquid cooling system finishes working, the air compressor can also be used to increase the pressure in the phase change generator 3.1 through the exhaust pipe 3.3. After the pressurization is completed, the electric drive gear 3.1.7 drives the piston 3.1.4 to isolate the phase change low pressure area and the phase change high pressure area, and the vacuum pump 3.2 extracts the air in the low pressure area to reduce the pressure in the low pressure area to the phase change pressure, waiting for the next phase change liquid cooling system to start.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0118] The present invention is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0119] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0120] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0121] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included in the scope of the claims of the present invention to be approved.

Claims

1. A phase change generator, characterized in that: include: A phase change generating tank having a multi-layer annular hollow structure, wherein the multi-layer annular hollow structure is nested outside the phase change cooling pipe (3.5), and the pressures of the internal layers of the multi-layer annular hollow structure are different; The phase change generating tank is provided with an isolation device for connecting layers with different pressures.

2. A phase change generator as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-layer annular hollow structure comprises: an inner wall surface (3.1.1), a middle wall surface (3.1.2) and an outer wall surface (3.1.3) arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; The inner wall surface (3.1.1) is nested on the phase change cooling pipe (3.5), the inner wall surface (3.1.1) and the middle wall surface (3.1.2) are closed to form a phase change high pressure area, and the middle wall surface (3.1.2) and the outer wall surface (3.1.3) are closed to form a phase change low pressure area; The isolation device is installed on the middle wall surface (3.1.2) to connect or isolate the phase change low-pressure area and the phase change high-pressure area.

3. A phase change generator as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The outer side of the outer wall surface (3.1.3) is connected to a pressure sensor (4.1) and a vacuum pump (3.2), and the vacuum pump (3.2) is connected to the phase change low-pressure zone through an exhaust pipeline (3.3); The pressure sensor (4.1) is used to measure the pressure of the phase change low pressure zone, and the vacuum pump (3.2) is used to extract air from the phase change low pressure zone.

4. A phase change generator as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The isolation device comprises: a connecting rod (3.1.5), a driving assembly and a piston (3.1.4); The piston (3.1.4) is movably mounted on the middle wall surface (3.1.2); One end of the connecting rod (3.1.5) is fixedly connected to the piston (3.1.4), and the other end extends to the outside of the outer wall surface (3.1.3), and one side of the other end of the connecting rod (3.1.5) is connected to a driving component; The driving assembly is used to drive the connecting rod (3.1.5) to move along the extension direction of the connecting rod (3.1.5), and the connecting rod (3.1.5) drives the piston (3.1.4) to move. When the piston (3.1.4) is installed on the middle wall surface (3.1.2), the phase change low pressure area and the phase change high pressure area are isolated. When the piston (3.1.4) leaves the middle wall surface (3.1.2), the phase change low pressure area and the phase change high pressure area are connected.

5. A phase change generator as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The driving assembly comprises: an electric drive gear (3.1.7) and a rack (3.1.6) meshing with the electric drive gear (3.1.7); the rack (3.1.6) is fixed on the connecting rod (3.1.5).

6. A phase change liquid cooling unit, characterized in that: The phase change liquid cooling unit (3) comprises: a liquid cooling circulation pipeline and a phase change generator (3.1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 installed on the liquid cooling circulation pipeline.

7. A phase change liquid cooling unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid cooling circulation pipeline comprises: a phase change liquid cooling inlet (1.3.2), a phase change cooling pipeline (3.5), and a phase change liquid cooling outlet (1.3.1) which are connected in sequence; The phase-change liquid cooling inlet (1.3.2) and the phase-change liquid cooling outlet (1.3.1) are both provided with electric switch valves (3.6); A first circulation pump (3.4) is provided at the outlet end of the phase change cooling pipeline (3.5); The phase change generating tank is sleeved on the phase change cooling pipe (3.5).

8. A cooling unit, characterized in that: The cooling unit comprises: a battery replacement battery (1.2) and a conventional cooling unit (2) respectively connected to the battery replacement battery (1.2) and a phase change liquid cooling unit (3) as described in any one of claims 6 to 7.

9. A cooling unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conventional liquid cooling unit (2) comprises: a liquid cooling pipeline (2.1), a pipeline adapter (2.4), a conventional liquid cooling inlet (1.3.3) and a conventional liquid cooling outlet (1.3.4); The conventional liquid cooling inlet (1.3.3) and the conventional liquid cooling outlet (1.3.4) are respectively arranged on the battery replacement battery (1.2); One end of the liquid cooling pipe (2.1) is connected to the pipe adapter (2.4), and the other end is connected to the conventional liquid cooling inlet (1.3.3) or the conventional liquid cooling outlet (1.3.4).

10. A cooling unit according to claim 9, characterized in that: An air cooling device (2.3) and a second circulation pump (2.2) are provided in sequence between the conventional liquid cooling outlet (1.3.4) and the liquid cooling pipeline (2.1).

11. A cooling unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: A temperature sensor (4.2) and a flow sensor (4.3) are provided at the connection between the battery replacement battery (1.2), the conventional cooling unit (2) and the phase change liquid cooling unit (3).

12. A battery storage unit, characterized in that: The battery storage unit (1) comprises: a battery replacement compartment (1.1) having a multi-layer structure and a plurality of cooling units according to any one of claims 8 to 11; a cooling unit is provided on each layer of the battery replacement compartment (1.1).

13. A battery storage unit according to claim 12, characterized in that: The conventional cooling units (2) of two said cooling units of adjacent layers are connected in series.

14. A liquid cooling system for a battery box mounted on a battery swap station, characterized in that: include: A battery storage unit (1) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 13, a sensor unit (4) and a measurement and control unit (5) connected to the battery storage unit (1), wherein the sensor unit (4) and the measurement and control unit (5) are connected to each other; The sensor unit (4) is used to measure data of temperature, flow rate and pressure in the cooling unit; The measurement and control unit (5) is used to determine, based on the data measured by the sensor unit (4), whether the battery storage unit (1) should shut down the conventional cooling unit (3) and start the phase change cooling unit (3) for rapid cooling.

15. A liquid cooling method for a battery box mounted on a battery swap station, characterized in that: The method is implemented by using a station-mounted battery box liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 14, and the method comprises: Measuring and acquiring data of temperature, flow rate and pressure in the cooling unit through a sensor unit (4); When it is determined based on the data measured by the sensor unit (4) that the battery storage unit (1) needs to be quickly cooled, the measurement and control unit (5) controls the phase change cooling unit (3) to start phase change to generate low-temperature liquid cooling fluid, and the conventional liquid cooling unit (2) connected to the abnormally high-temperature battery storage unit (1) is turned off, and the source of the liquid cooling inlet and outlet fluid is switched to the phase change liquid cooling unit (3).

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