A locomotive power battery cooling system, control method thereof, and air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and specifically to a locomotive power battery cooling system, a control method thereof, and an air conditioner. The power battery cooling system includes a shell and a controller. The shell is located outside the vehicle body and is provided with an air guide mechanism. A compressor refrigeration system, a surface cooler, a first refrigerant pipe, and a second refrigerant pipe are provided in the shell. The compressor refrigeration system includes an evaporator. The surface cooler is close to the air guide mechanism. The inlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to a water pump, the outlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler, the outlet of the surface cooler is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant pipe, the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, and the outlet of the evaporator outputs coolant. A refrigerant branch is connected between the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant branch is connected to the second refrigerant pipe through a three-way valve. The locomotive power battery cooling system has the advantages of good cooling effect, energy saving, and environmental protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to a locomotive power battery cooling system, a control method thereof, and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Since the level of operating and storage temperature control is closely related to the performance and service life of power batteries, the power battery cooling system is a key component for controlling battery temperature. Power batteries are core components of hybrid locomotives and EMUs, requiring a thermal protection system to ensure proper heat dissipation and maintain the power batteries at an optimal operating temperature of 25-40°C. Currently, cooling equipment can provide a constant coolant temperature of 10-15°C for the power battery thermal protection system, which removes the heat from the power battery. However, the current cooling system still has shortcomings: regardless of the ambient temperature, the cooling system only uses a compressor refrigeration system to cool the coolant, which is not only environmentally friendly but also consumes electricity within the locomotive and EMU, resulting in high energy consumption of the original battery cooling system and insufficient locomotive power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the purposes of the present invention is to avoid the deficiencies in the prior art and provide a locomotive power battery cooling system, which has the advantages of good cooling effect, energy saving and environmental protection.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system.

[0005] A third object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner.

[0006] To achieve one of the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A locomotive power battery cooling system is provided, comprising a housing and a controller. The housing is located outside the vehicle body and is provided with an air guide mechanism. A compressor refrigeration system, a surface cooler, a first refrigerant pipe, and a second refrigerant pipe are provided within the housing. The compressor refrigeration system includes an evaporator. The surface cooler is adjacent to the air guide mechanism. The inlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to a water pump, the outlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler, the outlet of the surface cooler is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant pipe, the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, and the outlet of the evaporator outputs coolant. The coolant flows through a battery pack through a pipe to perform heat exchange with the battery pack.

[0008] A refrigerant branch is connected between the first refrigerant pipeline and the second refrigerant pipeline, and the refrigerant branch is connected to the second refrigerant pipeline through a three-way valve;

[0009] The controller is connected to the three-way valve and the compressor refrigeration system respectively.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing is located on top of the vehicle body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air guide mechanism includes an air guide plate and a fan provided on the shell, the air guide plate is located on one side or two opposite sides of the shell, the side is the side in the forward direction of the vehicle body, and the exhaust port of the fan faces the outside of the shell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air guide plate includes a plate having a plurality of air guide holes formed thereon.

[0013] In some embodiments, the side surface of the shell on which the air guide plate is provided is an inclined surface, and the inclined rising end of the inclined surface is close to the middle of the shell.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air guide plate on each side is respectively provided with a surface cooler.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fan is disposed on the top of the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, a heating device is further provided in the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating device includes a water tank connected to the water pump, the water tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, and a heating element is provided in the water tank.

[0018] In some embodiments, the water inlet is located above the heating element, the water outlet is located on the side wall of the water tank, a protective cover is provided in front of the water outlet, the protective cover surrounds the water outlet, the top of the protective cover is an open opening, and the open opening extends to above the heating element and is located below the water inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller obtains the ambient temperature through a temperature sensor to control the opening state of the three-way valve and the compressor refrigeration system.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] (1) The locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention makes full use of the airflow generated during the operation of the motor vehicle, and guides the airflow with a faster flow rate to the surface cooler through the air guide mechanism, thereby cooling the refrigerant in the surface cooler, reducing the burden on the traditional compressor refrigeration system, saving energy and reducing emissions, and at the same time reducing the power burden of the locomotive.

[0022] (2) The locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention can flexibly switch the power battery cooling system operation mode according to the ambient temperature, and can stably ensure the cooling effect.

[0023] (3) The locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention realizes a simple and quick switching of the battery cooling system operation mode through the design of the three-way valve, and is suitable for large-scale production applications.

[0024] To achieve the second of the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0025] A control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system is provided, which adopts the above-mentioned locomotive power battery cooling system and includes the following steps:

[0026] Get the ambient temperature T 环 ,

[0027] When the first preset temperature range < T 环 When the temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a partial natural cooling mode. The partial natural cooling mode starts the compressor refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve. At this time, the three-way valve closes the refrigerant branch, and the refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant pipe through the surface cooler, and then flows from the second refrigerant pipe through the evaporator. The surface cooler and the evaporator cool the refrigerant in turn, and the cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack;

[0028] When T 环 <In the first preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a completely natural cooling mode. The completely natural cooling mode shuts down the compressor refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve. At this time, the three-way valve closes the refrigerant branch, and the refrigerant flows through the surface cooler and the evaporator in sequence. Among them, only the surface cooler cools the refrigerant, and the evaporator does not cool the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack;

[0029] When the second preset temperature range <T 环 ≤When the temperature is in the third preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system only operates in the compressor cooling mode. Operating only in the compressor cooling mode is to turn on the compressor cooling system and adjust the three-way valve. The three-way valve opens the refrigerant branch and closes the refrigerant pipeline connected to the surface cooler. The refrigerant does not flow through the surface cooler, and the refrigerant directly enters the evaporator. The evaporator cools the refrigerant, and the cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first preset temperature range is 0°C to 2°C, the second preset temperature range is 10°C to 15°C, and the third preset temperature range is 30°C to 45°C.

[0031] In some embodiments, a heating device is further provided in the shell. When the locomotive power battery is turned on, the heating device is selectively turned on according to the temperature in the shell, so that the battery pack can start and operate normally.

[0032] The control method of the locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] The control method of the locomotive power battery cooling system of the present invention compares the ambient temperature with a preset temperature range to adjust the three-way valve and control the opening of the compressor refrigeration system, thereby quickly and conveniently adjusting the cooling mode of the power battery cooling system.

[0034] To achieve the third of the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0035] An air conditioner is provided, comprising the locomotive power battery cooling system described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a locomotive power battery cooling system according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the external structure of the locomotive power battery cooling system of the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the locomotive power battery cooling system of the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heating device of the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the working state of the water inlet, water outlet, protective cover and water tank of the embodiment.

[0041] Reference numerals

[0042] Shell 1; air guide mechanism 2, air guide plate 21, fan 22; evaporator 31, compressor 32, condenser 33; surface cooler 4; first refrigerant pipeline 5; second refrigerant pipeline 6; water pump 7; battery pack 8; refrigerant branch 9; three-way valve 10; inclined plane 11; water tank 12; water inlet 13; water outlet 14; heating element 15; protective cover 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] This embodiment discloses a locomotive power battery cooling system. Figure 1-Figure 3As shown, it includes a shell 1 and a controller (not shown in the figure). The shell 1 is located outside the vehicle body. The shell 1 is provided with an air guide mechanism 2. The shell 1 is provided with a compressor 32 refrigeration system, a surface cooler 4, a first refrigerant pipe 5 and a second refrigerant pipe 6. The compressor 32 refrigeration system includes an evaporator 31 (also including a compressor 32, a condenser 33, etc.). The surface cooler 4 is close to the air guide mechanism 2. The inlet of the first refrigerant pipe 5 is connected to the water pump 7, and the outlet of the first refrigerant pipe 5 is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler 4. The outlet of the surface cooler 4 is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant pipe 6. The outlet of the second refrigerant pipe 6 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 31. The outlet of the evaporator 31 outputs coolant, which is supplied to the water-cooled plate in the battery pack through a pipe at a specified flow rate and temperature. The air guide mechanism 2 can cool the refrigerant in the surface cooler 4, and the evaporator 31 can also cool the refrigerant.

[0046] Figure 3 As shown, a refrigerant branch 9 is connected between the first refrigerant pipe 5 and the second refrigerant pipe 6, and the refrigerant branch 9 is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 6 through a three-way valve 10; the controller is connected to the three-way valve 10 and the compressor 32 refrigeration system respectively, and the controller adjusts the temperature according to the ambient temperature T 环 To control the opening state of the three-way valve 10 and the compressor 32 refrigeration system to control the operation mode of the locomotive power battery cooling system, wherein, when the first preset temperature range <T 环 ≤ the second preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a partial natural cooling mode; when T 环 <When the temperature is within the first preset range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a completely natural cooling mode; when the temperature is within the second preset range <T 环 ≤the third preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system only operates the compressor 32 cooling mode, wherein the first preset temperature range < the second preset temperature range < the third preset temperature range. The above-mentioned three-way valve 10 controls whether the refrigerant flows through the surface cooler 4, thereby controlling whether the refrigerant needs an ambient cold source for cooling. It not only makes full use of the ambient cold source, but also avoids the impact of excessively high ambient temperature on the freezing effect, allowing the cooling system to flexibly switch cooling modes (operating modes). The above-mentioned preset temperature range is set so that the locomotive power battery cooling system can accurately switch the corresponding operating mode according to the comparison results.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first preset temperature interval is 0° C., the second preset temperature interval is 15° C., and the third preset temperature interval is 45° C. The preset temperature intervals are determined through thorough research to determine the temperature range within which the corresponding operating mode is to be used.

[0048] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is located on the top of the vehicle body. The air flow rate on the top of the vehicle body is faster, which can make full use of the air flow of the vehicle body.

[0049] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the air guide mechanism 2 includes an air guide plate 21 and a fan 22 provided on the housing 1. The air guide plate 21 is located on one side or two opposite sides of the housing 1, the side being the side in the forward direction of the vehicle body, and the air outlet of the air guide plate 21 faces the outside of the housing 1. The air guide plate 21 is located on the side in the forward direction of the vehicle body to prevent excessive airflow during the forward movement of the vehicle body from damaging the internal structure of the power battery cooling system, and also to maintain appropriate cooling airflow. The air guide plate 21 discharges the heat source inside the power battery cooling system, Figure 2 The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of air flow.

[0050] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the air guide plate 21 includes a plate with a plurality of air guide holes formed thereon. The air guide holes allow air to enter and prevent irrelevant objects from entering the housing.

[0051] In this embodiment, the side surface of the housing 1 where the air guide plate 21 is located is configured as an inclined surface 11, and the inclined rising end of the inclined surface 11 is close to the middle of the housing 1. The inclined surface 11 allows the air guide plate 21 to better contact the airflow.

[0052] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, each of the air guide plates 21 on each side is respectively provided with a surface cooler 4. Multiple surface coolers 4 can improve the cooling effect.

[0053] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the fan 22 is arranged on the top of the housing 1. The fan 22 located on the top can better extract heat.

[0054] In this embodiment, the controller obtains the ambient temperature through a temperature sensor to control the opening state of the three-way valve 10 and the compressor 32 refrigeration system.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] This embodiment differs from Example 1 in that the first preset temperature range is 2°C, the second preset temperature range is 10°C, and the third preset temperature range is 30°C. These preset temperature ranges are determined through thorough research, resulting in the corresponding operating modes being employed within the corresponding temperature ranges. The other components and principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Example 1 and are not further described here.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] This embodiment differs from Example 1 in that the first preset temperature range is 1°C, the second preset temperature range is 12°C, and the third preset temperature range is 40°C. These preset temperature ranges are determined through thorough research, resulting in the corresponding operating modes being employed within the corresponding temperature ranges. The other components and principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Example 1 and are not further described here.

[0059] Example 4

[0060] This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that a heating device is further provided in the housing 1. The heating device is used to achieve low-temperature heating, thereby ensuring that the locomotive power battery can be kept at a reasonable temperature level and maintained at an optimal operating temperature. When the locomotive power battery is started at a low ambient temperature, the power battery cannot start well due to the low ambient temperature. Therefore, the heating device is used to maintain normal starting of the power battery or to support the battery's continuous operation.

[0061] In this embodiment, Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown, the heating device includes a water tank 12 connected to the water pump 7. The water tank 12 is provided with a water inlet 13 and a water outlet 14. A heating element 15 is provided inside the water tank 12. Since the heating device is only used when the battery is started, it only heats the refrigerant for a short period of time and does not affect the subsequent use of the refrigerant as a coolant.

[0062] In this embodiment, the water inlet 13 is located above the heating element 15, and the water outlet 14 is located on the side wall of the water tank 12. A protective cover 16 is provided in front of the water outlet 14. The protective cover 16 surrounds the water outlet 14, and the top of the protective cover 16 is an open opening. The open opening extends to the top of the heating element 15 and is located below the water inlet 13. The water in the water tank 12 can only flow out from the apex of the protective cover 16 and then be discharged from the water outlet 14 in the protective cover 16. Therefore, the water below the apex of the protective cover 16 cannot be discharged. Since the apex of the protective cover 16 is higher than the heating element 15, it ensures that the heating element 15 is in water, preventing dry burning. The water inlet 13 is located above the apex of the protective cover 16, which also prevents the water in the water tank 12 from flowing out of the water inlet 13.

[0063] In addition, a water flow switch is provided at the water outlet 14. When it is detected that the water flow in the pipeline is lower than the set value, an electric heating protection warning is issued and the electric heater stops running, effectively preventing the electric heating element 15 in the electric heater from dry burning.

[0064] The other components and principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1 and will not be described again here.

[0065] Example 5

[0066] This embodiment discloses a control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system, which uses the locomotive power battery cooling system described in Example 1 and includes the following steps:

[0067] Get the ambient temperature T 环 ,

[0068] When the first preset temperature range < T 环 When the temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a partial natural cooling mode. The partial natural cooling mode starts the compressor 32 refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve 10. At this time, the three-way valve 10 closes the refrigerant branch 9. The refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant pipe 5 through the surface cooler 4 and then from the second refrigerant pipe 6 through the evaporator 31. The surface cooler 4 and the evaporator 31 cool the refrigerant in turn. The cooled refrigerant is then supplied to the battery pack 8.

[0069] When T 环 <In the first preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a completely natural cooling mode. The completely natural cooling mode shuts down the compressor 32 refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve 10. At this time, the three-way valve 10 closes the refrigerant branch 9, and the refrigerant flows through the surface cooler 4 and the evaporator 31 in sequence. Among them, only the surface cooler 4 cools the refrigerant, and the evaporator 31 does not cool the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack 8;

[0070] When the second preset temperature range <T 环 ≤When the temperature is in the third preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system only operates in the compressor 32 cooling mode. Operating only in the compressor 32 cooling mode means turning on the compressor 32 cooling system and adjusting the three-way valve 10. The three-way valve 10 opens the refrigerant branch 9 and closes the refrigerant pipeline connected to the surface cooler 4. The refrigerant does not flow through the surface cooler 4, and the refrigerant directly enters the evaporator 31. The evaporator 31 cools the refrigerant, and the cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack 8.

[0071] In this embodiment, a heating device is further provided in the housing 1. When the locomotive power battery is turned on, the heating device is selectively turned on according to the temperature in the housing so that the battery pack 8 can start and operate normally.

[0072] Example 6

[0073] This embodiment discloses an air conditioner, which includes the locomotive power battery cooling system described in Example 1.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system, characterized by: A vehicle power battery cooling system is adopted, which includes a housing and a controller. The housing is located outside the vehicle body and is provided with an air guide mechanism. A compressor refrigeration system, a surface cooler, a first refrigerant pipe and a second refrigerant pipe are provided in the housing. The compressor refrigeration system includes an evaporator. The surface cooler is close to the air guide mechanism. The inlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to a water pump, the outlet of the first refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the surface cooler, the outlet of the surface cooler is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant pipe, the outlet of the second refrigerant pipe is connected to the inlet of the evaporator, and the outlet of the evaporator outputs coolant. The coolant flows through the battery pack through the pipe and performs heat exchange with the battery pack. A refrigerant branch is connected between the first refrigerant pipeline and the second refrigerant pipeline, and the refrigerant branch is connected to the second refrigerant pipeline through a three-way valve; The controller is connected to the three-way valve and the compressor refrigeration system respectively. The controller obtains the ambient temperature through a temperature sensor to control the opening state of the three-way valve and the compressor refrigeration system. That The following steps are included: Get the ambient temperature T 环 , When the first preset temperature range < T 环 When the temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a partial natural cooling mode. The partial natural cooling mode starts the compressor refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve. At this time, the three-way valve closes the refrigerant branch, and the refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant pipe through the surface cooler, and then flows from the second refrigerant pipe through the evaporator. The surface cooler and the evaporator cool the refrigerant in turn, and the cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack; When T 环 <In the first preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system operates in a completely natural cooling mode. The completely natural cooling mode shuts down the compressor refrigeration system and adjusts the three-way valve. At this time, the three-way valve closes the refrigerant branch, and the refrigerant flows through the surface cooler and the evaporator in sequence. Among them, only the surface cooler cools the refrigerant, and the evaporator does not cool the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack; When the second preset temperature range <T 环 ≤When the temperature is in the third preset temperature range, the locomotive power battery cooling system only operates in the compressor cooling mode. Operating only in the compressor cooling mode is to turn on the compressor cooling system and adjust the three-way valve. The three-way valve opens the refrigerant branch and closes the refrigerant pipeline connected to the surface cooler. The refrigerant does not flow through the surface cooler, and the refrigerant directly enters the evaporator. The evaporator cools the refrigerant, and the cooled refrigerant is supplied to the battery pack.

2. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first preset temperature range is 0°C to 2°C, the second preset temperature range is 10°C to 15°C, and the third preset temperature range is 30°C to 45°C.

3. The control method of the locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating device is also provided in the shell. When the locomotive power battery is turned on, the heating device is selectively turned on according to the temperature in the shell to enable the battery pack to start and operate normally.

4. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is located on the top of the vehicle body.

5. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air guide mechanism includes an air guide plate and a fan arranged on the shell. The air guide plate is located on one side or two opposite sides of the shell, and the side is the side in the forward direction of the vehicle body. The exhaust port of the fan faces the outside of the shell.

6. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air guide plate comprises a plate member, and a plurality of air guide holes are formed on the plate member.

7. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side surface of the shell on which the air guide plate is provided is an inclined surface, and the inclined rising end of the inclined surface is close to the middle of the shell.

8. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air guide plate on each side is respectively provided with a surface cooler.

9. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan is arranged on the top of the shell.

10. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating device is also provided in the shell.

11. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The heating device comprises a water tank connected to the water pump, the water tank is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, and a heating element is provided in the water tank.

12. The control method for a locomotive power battery cooling system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The water inlet is located above the heating element, the water outlet is located on the side wall of the water tank, and a protective cover is provided on the side of the water outlet inside the water tank. The protective cover surrounds the water outlet, and the top of the protective cover is an open opening. The open opening extends above the heating element and is located below the water inlet.

13. An air conditioner, characterized by: A locomotive power battery cooling system comprising the locomotive power battery cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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