A thermal management system and method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of heat management system and method of liquid-cooled energy storage unit, including first liquid cooling circulation loop, second liquid cooling circulation loop, refrigerant circulation loop and evaporation temperature regulating device, wherein, first liquid cooling circulation loop is provided with first heat exchange unit and first heat management module;Second liquid cooling circulation loop is provided with second heat exchange unit and second heat management module;Refrigerant circulation loop and first heat exchange unit and second heat exchange unit heat exchange arrangement;Evaporation temperature regulating device is used to adjust the heat exchange amount of refrigerant circulation loop and first heat exchange unit and second heat exchange unit, to make the cooling liquid temperature of first liquid cooling circulation loop and the cooling liquid temperature of second liquid cooling circulation loop different.The heat management system, only need to be adjusted by evaporation temperature regulating device can meet the different working temperature requirements of battery system and electrical equipment, compared with traditional water chiller, without increasing the selection of water chiller, reduce the loss, greatly improve the overall efficiency ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management technology, and more specifically, to a thermal management system and method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit. Background Technology

[0002] Existing liquid-cooled energy storage containers use liquid cooling for their battery systems, while electrical equipment inside the containers, such as switch boxes and distribution cabinets, mostly uses air cooling. With increasing charge / discharge rates, the heat generated by electrical equipment increases, and air cooling is gradually becoming insufficient to meet the cooling needs of the electrical equipment inside the container; liquid cooling is becoming the trend. To simultaneously meet the cooling requirements of both the battery system and the electrical equipment, the common approach is to install liquid-cooled pipes and plates on the electrical equipment, with the chiller unit providing the same liquid supply temperature for both systems. However, because the electrical equipment and batteries operate within different temperature ranges—for example, batteries typically operate between 20°C and 40°C, while electrical equipment can operate between 60°C and 100°C—the heat load that the chiller unit needs to withstand increases to simultaneously meet the operating requirements of both systems. This leads to larger chiller units, increased losses, and ultimately, lower overall energy efficiency.

[0003] In summary, how to solve the problem of low overall energy efficiency of liquid-cooled energy storage units has become an urgent issue for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a thermal management system and method for liquid-cooled energy storage units to solve the problem of low overall energy efficiency of liquid-cooled energy storage units.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A thermal management system for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit includes:

[0007] The first liquid cooling circulation loop is equipped with a first heat exchange unit and a first thermal management module for temperature regulation of the battery system.

[0008] The second liquid cooling circulation loop is equipped with a second heat exchange unit and a second thermal management module for temperature regulation of electrical equipment;

[0009] The refrigerant circulation loop is arranged to exchange heat with the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit;

[0010] An evaporation temperature control device is used to adjust the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant circulation loop and the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, so that the coolant temperature of the first liquid cooling circulation loop is different from the coolant temperature of the second liquid cooling circulation loop.

[0011] Optionally, the evaporation temperature control device includes a first temperature control valve, a second temperature control valve, and a controller;

[0012] A common evaporator is connected in series in the refrigerant circulation loop, and the common evaporator is arranged to exchange heat with both the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit.

[0013] The first temperature control valve is located in the first liquid cooling circulation loop;

[0014] The second temperature control valve is located in the second liquid cooling circulation loop;

[0015] The controller is used to control the opening degree of the first temperature regulating valve and the second temperature regulating valve, or to control the opening and closing of the first temperature regulating valve and the second temperature regulating valve in different time periods.

[0016] Optionally, the evaporation temperature control device includes a first temperature control valve, a second temperature control valve, and a controller;

[0017] The refrigerant circulation loop includes a first refrigerant pipeline and a second refrigerant pipeline arranged in parallel. A first evaporator is arranged on the first refrigerant pipeline to exchange heat with the first heat exchange unit, and a second evaporator is arranged on the second refrigerant pipeline to exchange heat with the second heat exchange unit.

[0018] The first temperature control valve is installed in the first refrigerant pipeline;

[0019] The second temperature control valve is installed in the second refrigerant pipeline;

[0020] The controller is used to control the opening degree of the first temperature regulating valve and the second temperature regulating valve, or to control the opening and closing of the first temperature regulating valve and the second temperature regulating valve in different time periods.

[0021] Optionally, both the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve are throttle valves.

[0022] Optionally, a common throttle valve is provided on the main confluence of the first refrigerant line and the second refrigerant line.

[0023] Optionally, a first control valve group is also provided on the second refrigerant pipeline, which is used to control the on / off state of the second refrigerant pipeline.

[0024] Optionally, the second liquid cooling circulation loop is provided with a second control valve group and a bypass pipeline arranged in parallel with the second heat exchange unit. The second control valve group is used to switch the conduction of the bypass pipeline and the pipeline where the second heat exchange unit is located. A radiator is connected in series on the bypass pipeline.

[0025] Optionally, the radiator includes a heat exchange coil and a cooling fan, wherein the heat exchange coil is arranged close to the condenser of the refrigerant circulation loop and shares the cooling fan with the condenser.

[0026] Optionally, a third control valve group and a first connecting pipe are provided on the inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit. The first connecting pipe is used to connect the inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit with the inlet side of the bypass pipe. The third control valve group is used to switch the conduction of the first connecting pipe and the inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit.

[0027] A fourth control valve group and a second connecting pipe are provided on the outlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit. The second connecting pipe is used to connect the outlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit with the outlet side of the bypass pipe. The fourth control valve group is used to switch the conduction of the second connecting pipe and the outlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit.

[0028] Optionally, a first circulation pump located downstream of the first thermal management module is provided on the first liquid cooling circulation loop, and a second circulation pump located downstream of the second thermal management module is provided on the second liquid cooling circulation loop. The first end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the downstream pipe of the first circulation pump, and the other end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the downstream pipe of the second circulation pump.

[0029] Optionally, a heater located upstream of the first thermal management module is also provided on the first liquid cooling circulation loop, and the connection node between the second connecting pipe and the first liquid cooling circulation loop is located upstream of the heater.

[0030] Optionally, a third connecting pipe and a fifth control valve group are provided on the outlet side pipe of the second thermal management module. The third connecting pipe is used to connect the outlet side pipe of the second thermal management module with the outlet side pipe of the first thermal management module, and the fifth control valve group is used to switch the conduction of the first pumping pipe and the third connecting pipe.

[0031] The inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module is provided with a fourth connecting pipeline and a sixth control valve group. The fourth connecting pipeline is used to connect the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module with the inlet side pipeline of the first thermal management module. The sixth control valve group is used to switch the conduction of the second pumping pipeline and the fourth connecting pipeline.

[0032] Wherein, the first pumping pipeline is a pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop that is connected to the outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module; the second pumping pipeline is a pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop that is connected to the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module.

[0033] Optionally, when a first circulation pump located downstream of the first thermal management module is provided on the first liquid cooling circulation loop, and a second circulation pump located downstream of the second thermal management module is provided on the second liquid cooling circulation loop, one end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the upstream pipe of the first circulation pump, and the other end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the upstream pipe of the second circulation pump.

[0034] Optionally, when a heater located upstream of the first thermal management module is provided on the first liquid cooling circulation loop, the connection node between the fourth connecting pipe and the first liquid cooling circulation loop is located downstream of the heater.

[0035] Optionally, the first thermal management module is a battery cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the battery system, and the second thermal management module is an electrical equipment cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the electrical equipment.

[0036] Compared to the background description, the thermal management system of the aforementioned liquid-cooled energy storage unit includes a first liquid-cooled circulation loop, a second liquid-cooled circulation loop, a refrigerant circulation loop, and an evaporative temperature control device. The first liquid-cooled circulation loop is equipped with a first heat exchange unit and a first thermal management module for regulating the temperature of the battery system. The second liquid-cooled circulation loop is equipped with a second heat exchange unit and a second thermal management module for regulating the temperature of electrical equipment. The refrigerant circulation loop is arranged to exchange heat with the first and second heat exchange units. The evaporative temperature control device is used to adjust the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant circulation loop and the first and second heat exchange units, so that the coolant temperature of the first liquid-cooled circulation loop is different from the coolant temperature of the second liquid-cooled circulation loop. In practical applications, this thermal management system, due to the heat exchange arrangement between the refrigerant circulation loop and the first and second heat exchange units, and by adjusting the heat exchange between the refrigerant circulation loop and the first and second heat exchange units through an evaporative temperature control device, allows the coolant temperature of the first liquid-cooled circulation loop to differ from that of the second liquid-cooled circulation loop. Consequently, the first thermal management module in the first liquid-cooled circulation loop and the second thermal management module in the second liquid-cooled circulation loop operate at different temperatures. This can be achieved simply by adjusting the evaporative temperature control device to meet the different operating temperature requirements of the battery system and electrical equipment. Compared to traditional water chillers, this eliminates the need for larger water chiller units, reduces losses, and significantly improves the overall energy efficiency ratio.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a thermal management method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit, wherein the thermal management method is a control method for the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit described in any of the above schemes, specifically including:

[0038] According to the operating requirements of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit, the evaporation temperature control device is used to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid-cooled circulation loop and the coolant in the second liquid-cooled circulation loop, respectively.

[0039] Optionally, the evaporation temperature control device regulates the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop and the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop by means of time-segmented temperature regulation or flow rate regulation.

[0040] Optionally, the time-segmented temperature adjustment includes:

[0041] When the ambient temperature exceeds the first preset value and the temperature of the electrical equipment is lower than the second preset value, the evaporation temperature control device is controlled to adjust the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop only.

[0042] When the temperature of the battery system is lower than the third preset value, the evaporation temperature control device is controlled to adjust the temperature of the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop only. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit provided in the embodiments of the present invention, which adopts a shared evaporator heat exchange.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit provided in the embodiment of the present invention when using a shared evaporator for heat exchange in the first working mode (excluding the non-conductive parts);

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit provided in the embodiment of the present invention, which uses two evaporators for heat exchange;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present invention when using two evaporators for heat exchange in the first working mode (excluding the non-conductive parts);

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present invention when using two evaporators for heat exchange in the second working mode (excluding the non-conductive parts);

[0049] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management system provided in this embodiment of the invention when using two evaporators for heat exchange in the third working mode (excluding the non-conductive parts);

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present invention when using two evaporators for heat exchange in the fourth working mode (excluding the non-conductive parts).

[0051] in, Figures 1-7 middle:

[0052] 1. First liquid cooling circulation loop; 11. First thermal management module; 12. Third control valve group; 13. First connecting pipeline; 14. Fourth control valve group; 15. Second connecting pipeline; 16. First circulation pump; 17. Heater.

[0053] 2. Second liquid cooling circulation loop 2, second thermal management module 21, second control valve group 22, bypass pipeline 23, radiator 24, heat exchange coil 241, cooling fan 242, second circulation pump 25, third connecting pipeline 26, fifth control valve group 27, fourth connecting pipeline 28, sixth control valve group 29.

[0054] The refrigerant circulation loop 3, compressor 30, first refrigerant line 31, first throttle valve 311, first evaporator 312, second refrigerant line 32, second throttle valve 321, second evaporator 322, first control valve group 323, condenser 33, and common evaporator 34. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The core of this invention is to provide a thermal management system and method for liquid-cooled energy storage units, so as to solve the problem of low overall energy efficiency of liquid-cooled energy storage units.

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] Reference Figures 1-7This invention specifically provides a thermal management system for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit, which may include a first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1, a second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2, a refrigerant circulation loop 3, and an evaporation temperature control device. The first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 is equipped with a first heat exchange unit and a first thermal management module 11 for regulating the temperature of the battery system; the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2 is equipped with a second heat exchange unit and a second thermal management module 21 for regulating the temperature of electrical equipment; the refrigerant circulation loop 3 is arranged to exchange heat with the first and second heat exchange units; the evaporation temperature control device is used to adjust the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant circulation loop 3 and the first and second heat exchange units, so that the coolant temperature of the first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 is different from the coolant temperature of the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2.

[0058] In practical applications, this thermal management system, due to the heat exchange arrangement between the refrigerant circulation loop 3 and the first and second heat exchange units, and by adjusting the heat exchange between the refrigerant circulation loop 3 and the first and second heat exchange units through the evaporation temperature control device, enables the coolant temperature of the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 to be different from that of the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2. Consequently, the first thermal management module 11 on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 and the second thermal management module 21 on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 have different operating temperatures. The different operating temperature requirements of the battery system and electrical equipment can be met simply by adjusting the evaporation temperature control device. Compared with traditional water chillers, there is no need to increase the size of the water chiller, reducing losses and greatly improving the overall energy efficiency ratio.

[0059] It should be noted that those skilled in the art should understand that, in order to ensure that the refrigerant circulation loop 3 can achieve basic refrigeration function, the refrigerant circulation loop 3 should have an evaporator, a compressor 30, and a condenser 33. The evaporator is arranged to exchange heat with the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, so as to transfer the cooling capacity of the refrigerant circulation loop 3 to the first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 and the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2.

[0060] Additionally, it should be noted that the specific structure of the first thermal management module 11 can be a battery cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the battery system, and the second thermal management module 21 can be an electrical equipment cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the electrical equipment. It is understood that the above-mentioned cold plate structure is merely an example of the thermal management module structure in this embodiment of the invention. In actual applications, other heat exchanger structures can also be designed, and no further specific limitations are made here.

[0061] In some specific implementation plans, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the aforementioned evaporation temperature control device may specifically include a first temperature control valve, a second temperature control valve, and a controller. A common evaporator 34 is connected in series on the refrigerant circulation loop 3, and the common evaporator 34 is arranged to exchange heat with both the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit. The first temperature control valve is located in the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1; the second temperature control valve is located in the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2. The controller is used to control the opening degree of the first and second temperature control valves, or to control the opening and closing of the first and second temperature control valves at different times. By controlling the opening degree of the first and second temperature control valves, or by controlling the opening and closing of the first and second temperature control valves at different times, the heat exchange between the common evaporator 34 and the first and second heat exchange units can be adjusted. This allows the coolant temperature of the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 to be different from the coolant temperature of the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2, thereby allowing the first thermal management module 11 on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 and the second thermal management module 21 on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 to have different operating temperatures. This shared evaporator method only requires one shared evaporator 34, which, together with the first and second temperature control valves, can adaptively control different temperatures. The structure is relatively simple, the control is convenient and flexible, and it helps to simplify the overall structure.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific arrangement of the first and second heat exchange units with the refrigerant circulation loop 3 can be either two liquid-cooled heat exchange cavities integrated on a common evaporator 34, or two independent heat exchange cavities separate from the common evaporator 34, such as a heat exchange coil structure. In practical applications, the configuration can be selected according to actual needs, and no further specific limitations are made here.

[0063] It is understood that the above-described method of using a shared evaporator 34 in conjunction with the first and second temperature-regulating valves is merely a preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention. In actual applications, other structural forms can also be designed. For example, refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the above-mentioned evaporation temperature control device may include a first temperature control valve, a second temperature control valve, and a controller; wherein, the refrigerant circulation loop 3 includes a first refrigerant pipeline 31 and a second refrigerant pipeline 32 arranged in parallel, a first evaporator 312 arranged for heat exchange with the first heat exchange unit is provided on the first refrigerant pipeline 31, and a second evaporator 322 arranged for heat exchange with the second heat exchange unit is provided on the second refrigerant pipeline 32; the first temperature control valve is provided on the first refrigerant pipeline 31; the second temperature control valve is provided on the second refrigerant pipeline 32; the controller is used to control the opening degree of the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve, or to control the opening and closing of the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve in different time periods. At this time, the refrigerant circulation loop 3 uses a first evaporator 312 and a second evaporator 322 connected in parallel. The first evaporator 312 exchanges heat with the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 through a first heat exchange unit, and the second evaporator 322 exchanges heat with the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 through a second heat exchange unit. Therefore, by adjusting the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve to different opening degrees, or by controlling the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve to open and close in different time periods, the first evaporator 312 and the second evaporator 322 can have different evaporation temperatures. Consequently, the first thermal management module 11 on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 and the second thermal management module 21 on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 can have different operating temperatures. Only a small amount of cooling capacity needs to be added to the second evaporator 322 to ensure the heat dissipation requirements of electrical equipment under high-temperature conditions. Ultimately, it can meet the different operating temperature requirements of the battery system and electrical equipment. Compared with traditional water chillers, it reduces losses and greatly improves the overall energy efficiency ratio. Compared to the aforementioned shared evaporator method, this method, which uses a first evaporator 312 and a second evaporator 322, has a slightly different temperature control principle. Specifically, the shared evaporator method adjusts the flow rate of the first / second liquid cooling circulation loop by regulating the first and second temperature-regulating valves, thereby achieving different temperature adjustments. In contrast, the first evaporator 312 and second evaporator 322 method adjusts the flow rate of the first refrigerant line 31 and the second refrigerant line 32 by the first and second temperature-regulating valves respectively, without affecting the flow of coolant in the first / second liquid cooling circulation loop. In practical applications, the appropriate arrangement can be selected according to actual needs.

[0064] It should be noted that when the first evaporator 312 and the second evaporator 322 are arranged, the specific arrangement of the first and second heat exchange units with the refrigerant circulation loop 3 can be as follows: the first heat exchange unit is a liquid-cooled heat exchange chamber integrated into the first evaporator 312, and the second heat exchange unit is a liquid-cooled heat exchange chamber integrated into the second evaporator 322; or they can be two heat exchange chambers independent of the first evaporator 312 and the second evaporator 322, such as a heat exchange coil structure. In practical applications, the configuration can be selected according to actual needs, and no further specific limitations are made here.

[0065] In a further implementation, the aforementioned first and second temperature-regulating valves can specifically be throttling valves on the corresponding refrigerant circulation loop 3, or they can be control valves independent of the throttling valve in the refrigerant circulation loop 3. For example, when a common throttling valve can be installed on the combined main pipe of the first refrigerant line 31 and the second refrigerant line 32, the corresponding first and second temperature-regulating valves are control valves independent of the throttling valve in the refrigerant circulation loop 3. In practical applications, the configuration can be selected according to actual needs, and no further specific limitations are made here.

[0066] For some specific implementation plans, see Figures 1-7 The second refrigerant line 32 is also equipped with a first control valve assembly 323, which is used to control the on / off state of the second refrigerant line 32. By designing this first control valve assembly 323, the second refrigerant line 32 can be selectively closed and opened, making it more convenient and flexible to control whether refrigerant is supplied to the second refrigerant heat exchange chamber of the second evaporator 322. For example, when the cooling demand of the second thermal management module is low, the first control valve assembly 323 can be closed to prevent the second refrigerant line 32 from being open.

[0067] In some other specific implementation schemes, refer to Figures 1-7 The second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 described above may be equipped with a second control valve group 22 and a bypass pipe 23 arranged in parallel with the second heat exchange unit. The second control valve group 22 is used to switch the conduction of the bypass pipe 23 and the pipe where the second heat exchange unit is located. A radiator 24 is connected in series on the bypass pipe 23. Specifically, the second control valve group 22 may be a three-way valve or a valve group formed by several two-way valves, as long as it can realize the switching conduction of the two pipes. No further specific limitations are made here.

[0068] By designing the second liquid cooling loop 2 into the above-described structure, the thermal management system can meet the requirements of different operating conditions:

[0069] Taking the refrigerant circulation loop 3 as an example, where a common evaporator 34 is used in conjunction with the first temperature control valve in the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1, and the second temperature control valve is used in the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2:

[0070] Reference Figure 1 Combination Figure 2When the liquid-cooled energy storage unit is operating at high temperature (e.g., ambient temperature of 45℃), the second control valve group 22 switches to open the pipeline where the second heat exchange unit is located. The refrigerant circulation loop 3 exchanges heat with the first and second heat exchange units through a shared evaporator 34. By adjusting the opening degree of the first temperature regulating valve on the first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 and the second temperature regulating valve on the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2, or by opening and closing them in stages, the first and second heat exchange units can have different amounts of heat exchange, thus giving the first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 and the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2 different liquid supply temperatures, such as a battery-side liquid supply temperature of 20℃ and an electrical-side liquid supply temperature of 40℃. This allows the chiller unit to maintain the heat dissipation effect of electrical components while increasing the cooling capacity slightly, and at the same time improves the overall energy efficiency ratio of the temperature control system and reduces losses. The second temperature control valve can be integrated onto the second control valve 22 or arranged independently. Specifically, two first temperature control valves can be designed and located on the inlet and outlet sides of the first heat exchange unit, respectively. Similarly, two second temperature control valves can be designed and located on the inlet and outlet sides of the second heat exchange unit, respectively.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 When the liquid-cooled energy storage module is in ambient temperature cooling mode (e.g., 25°C), the second control valve group 22 switches to the bypass pipeline 23. At this time, the first temperature regulating valve is open, and the second temperature regulating valve is preferably closed. This is because the electrical equipment can operate in a higher temperature range without the need for refrigerant for heat dissipation. Heat exchange between the natural cold source and the coolant in the radiator 24 is sufficient. This ambient temperature cooling cycle is the most commonly used operating condition. Adding a radiator 24 to the water-cooled unit can achieve efficient electrical liquid cooling. However, in order to keep the battery system within a reasonable operating range, the cooling cycle is still used for heat dissipation. In this case, the shared heat exchanger 34 only exchanges heat with the first heat exchange unit.

[0072] Taking a refrigerant circulation loop 3 with a first evaporator 312 and a second evaporator 322, and with a first temperature-regulating valve arranged on the first refrigerant line 31 and a second temperature-regulating valve arranged on the second refrigerant line 32 as an example:

[0073] Reference Figure 3 Combination Figure 4As shown, when the liquid-cooled energy storage unit is in high-temperature cooling mode (e.g., ambient temperature of 45℃), the first control valve group 323 can be opened, and the second control valve group 22 can be switched to conduct the pipeline where the second heat exchange unit is located. At this time, both the first refrigerant pipeline 31 and the second refrigerant pipeline 32 are open. By adjusting the opening of the first throttle valve 311 and the second throttle valve 321, the first evaporator 312 and the second evaporator 322 can have different evaporation temperatures, thereby resulting in different liquid supply temperatures, such as a battery-side liquid supply temperature of 20℃ and an electrical-side liquid supply temperature of 40℃. This allows the chiller unit to ensure the heat dissipation effect of electrical components while increasing the cooling capacity slightly, and at the same time improves the overall energy efficiency ratio of the temperature control system and reduces losses. Specifically, the first control valve group 323 can be designed in two parts, located on the inlet side and outlet side of the second refrigerant heat exchange chamber of the second evaporator 322, respectively. The first control valve group 323 on the inlet side should be located upstream of the second throttle valve 321. This arrangement helps to protect the second throttle valve to a certain extent.

[0074] For example, refer to Figure 3 Combination Figure 5 When the liquid-cooled energy storage module is in ambient temperature cooling mode (e.g., 25°C), the second control valve group 22 switches to the bypass pipeline 23. When the first control valve group 323 is installed on the second refrigerant pipeline 32, the first control valve group 323 is preferably closed at this time. This is because the electrical equipment can operate in a higher temperature range and does not require refrigerant for heat dissipation; it can rely on natural cold source and the coolant in the radiator 24 for heat exchange. However, in order to keep the battery system within a reasonable operating range, a cooling cycle is still used for heat dissipation. This ambient temperature cooling cycle is the most commonly used operating condition. Adding a radiator 24 to the water-cooled unit can achieve efficient electrical liquid cooling.

[0075] In a further implementation plan, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The aforementioned radiator 24 may specifically include a heat exchange coil 241 and a cooling fan 242. The heat exchange coil 241 is arranged close to the condenser 33 of the refrigerant circulation loop 3 and shares the cooling fan 242 with the condenser 33. By arranging the heat exchange coil 241 close to the condenser 33, the two can share the cooling fan 242 and have a higher degree of integration, which helps to reduce the overall size of the equipment.

[0076] In some other specific implementation schemes, refer to Figure 1 Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 Combination Figure 6 ,in Figure 2 and Figure 6Only the connected portion of the pipeline is shown; the unconnected portion is not shown. A third control valve assembly 12 and a first connecting pipeline 13 are installed on the inlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit. The first connecting pipeline 13 connects the inlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit to the inlet side of the bypass pipeline 23. The third control valve assembly 12 switches between connecting the first connecting pipeline 13 and the inlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit. A fourth control valve assembly 14 and a second connecting pipeline 15 are installed on the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit. The second connecting pipeline 15 connects the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit to the outlet side of the bypass pipeline 23. The fourth control valve assembly 14 switches between connecting the second connecting pipeline 15 and the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit.

[0077] By arranging the third control valve group 12, the first connecting pipe 13, the fourth control valve group 14, and the second connecting pipe 15, the refrigeration of the refrigerant circulation loop 3 can be selected according to the operating conditions. For example, when the liquid-cooled energy storage unit is in a low-temperature refrigeration condition (e.g., the ambient temperature is 0℃), the third control valve group 12 switches to conduct the first connecting pipe 13, the second control valve group 14 switches to conduct the second connecting pipe 15, and the second control valve group 22 is used to switch to conduct the bypass pipe 23. At this time, battery cooling can also rely solely on natural cold sources, and both the battery and electrical equipment exchange heat with the external environment through the heat exchange coil 241 in conjunction with the cooling fan 242. Under this low-temperature refrigeration condition, only the fan and the circulation pump on the corresponding pipe generate a small amount of loss, which greatly reduces the loss of the temperature control equipment compared to the conventional battery refrigeration cycle.

[0078] In some more specific implementation plans, refer to Figures 1-6 As shown, a first circulation pump 16 located downstream of the first thermal management module 11 can be installed on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1, and a second circulation pump 25 located downstream of the second thermal management module 21 can be installed on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2. The first end of the first connecting pipe 13 is connected to the downstream pipe of the first circulation pump 16, and the other end of the first connecting pipe 13 is connected to the downstream pipe of the second circulation pump 25. By arranging the first connecting pipe 13 in the above-described structural form, the mutual influence between the operating states of the first circulation pump 16 and the second circulation pump 25 can be reduced.

[0079] In some other specific implementation schemes, refer to Figures 1-6 The first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 can also be equipped with a heater 17 located upstream of the first thermal management module 11, and the connection node between the second connecting pipe 15 and the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 is located upstream of the heater 17. This arrangement allows the heater 17 to heat the flowing coolant when the ambient temperature is low and the battery requires preheating, thus facilitating rapid preheating of the battery.

[0080] In some specific implementation plans, refer to Figures 1-6 The outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21 may be equipped with a third connecting pipeline 26 and a fifth control valve group 27. The third connecting pipeline 26 is used to connect the outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21 with the outlet side pipeline of the first thermal management module 11. The fifth control valve group 27 is used to switch the conduction of the first pumping pipeline and the third connecting pipeline 26. The inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21 is equipped with a fourth connecting pipeline 28 and a sixth control valve group 29. The fourth connecting pipeline 28 is used to connect the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21 with the inlet side pipeline of the first thermal management module 11. The sixth control valve group 29 is used to switch the conduction of the second pumping pipeline and the fourth connecting pipeline 28. The first pumping pipeline is the pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 that is connected to the outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21. The second pumping pipeline is the pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 that is connected to the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module 21.

[0081] Through the aforementioned third connecting pipe 26, fifth control valve group 27, fourth connecting pipe 28, and sixth control valve group 29, the first thermal management module 11 and the second thermal management module 21 can be connected in parallel to the first liquid cooling circulation loop as needed. See details for further information. Figure 1 and Figure 3 , combined Figure 7 ,in Figure 7 The non-conducting pipelines are omitted. When the liquid-cooled energy storage unit is in a low-temperature heating condition (such as an ambient temperature of -30°C), the fifth control valve group 27 switches to connect the third connecting pipeline 26, the sixth control valve group 29 switches to connect the fourth connecting pipeline 28, the third control valve group 12 switches to connect the inlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit, and the second control valve group 14 switches to connect the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit. The refrigerant circulation loop 3 is completely closed. At this time, the heat generated by the operation of the electrical components can be transferred to the battery through internal circulation, reducing the load on the heater 17 and using the waste heat of the electrical components to increase the temperature rise rate of the battery.

[0082] In a further embodiment, when a first circulation pump 16 located downstream of the first thermal management module 11 is installed on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1, and a second circulation pump 25 located downstream of the second thermal management module 21 is installed on the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2, one end of the third connecting pipe 26 is connected to the upstream pipe of the first circulation pump 16, and the other end of the third connecting pipe 26 is connected to the upstream pipe of the second circulation pump 25. With this arrangement, when switching to the low-temperature heating condition, all the circulation power comes from the first circulation pump 16. At this time, the second circulation pump 25 is not in the liquid cooling circulation loop, thus reducing the circulation flow resistance.

[0083] In some other specific implementations, when a heater 17 located upstream of the first thermal management module 11 is installed on the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1, the connection node between the fourth connecting pipe 28 and the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 is located downstream of the heater 17. With this arrangement, when the liquid-cooled energy storage unit is in a low-temperature heating condition, a portion of the heat exchange fluid heated by the heater 17 can be diverted to the second thermal management module 21, thereby providing a certain preheating function for the electrical components and ensuring that the electrical components operate at high efficiency.

[0084] Furthermore, this invention also provides a thermal management method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit. This thermal management method is a control method for the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit described in any of the above-mentioned schemes. Specifically, it includes: controlling the evaporative temperature control device to adjust the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid-cooled circulation loop 1 and the coolant in the second liquid-cooled circulation loop 2 according to the operating requirements of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit. Since the aforementioned thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit has the aforementioned technical effects, the control method for the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit should also have corresponding technical effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0085] It should be noted that the above-mentioned evaporation temperature control device can regulate the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 and the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 by means of time-segmented temperature regulation or flow rate regulation. In actual application, the setting can be selected according to actual needs, and no more specific limitation is made here.

[0086] In a further implementation, the aforementioned time-segmented temperature regulation may specifically include: when the ambient temperature exceeds a first preset value and the temperature of the electrical equipment is lower than a second preset value, controlling the evaporative temperature regulation device to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop 1 only; when the temperature of the battery system is lower than a third preset value, controlling the evaporative temperature regulation device to regulate the temperature of the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop 2 only.

[0087] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0088] It should be understood that the use of terms such as "system," "device," "unit," and / or "module" in this application is merely one method of distinguishing different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0089] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "a," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include the plural. Generally, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements. An element defined by the phrase "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, product, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0090] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0091] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0092] If a flowchart is used in this application, it is used to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.

[0093] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit, characterized in that, include: The first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is provided with a first heat exchange unit and a first thermal management module (11) for temperature regulation of the battery system. The second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) is equipped with a second heat exchange unit and a second thermal management module (21) for temperature regulation of electrical equipment. The refrigerant circulation loop (3) is arranged to exchange heat with the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit; An evaporation temperature control device is used to adjust the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant circulation loop (3) and the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, so that the cooling liquid temperature of the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is different from the cooling liquid temperature of the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2). The evaporation temperature control device includes a first temperature control valve, a second temperature control valve, and a controller. The controller is used to control the opening degree of the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve, or to control the opening and closing of the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve in different time periods. In this circuit, a common evaporator (34) is connected in series on the refrigerant circulation loop (3), and the common evaporator (34) is arranged to exchange heat with both the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit. The first temperature control valve is located in the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1), and the second temperature control valve is located in the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2). Alternatively, the refrigerant circulation loop (3) includes a first refrigerant pipeline (31) and a second refrigerant pipeline (32) arranged in parallel. The first refrigerant pipeline (31) is provided with a first evaporator (312) arranged to exchange heat with the first heat exchange unit, and the second refrigerant pipeline (32) is provided with a second evaporator (322) arranged to exchange heat with the second heat exchange unit. The first temperature control valve is provided in the first refrigerant pipeline (31), and the second temperature control valve is provided in the second refrigerant pipeline (32).

2. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first temperature control valve and the second temperature control valve are throttle valves.

3. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A common throttle valve is provided on the main confluence of the first refrigerant line (31) and the second refrigerant line (32).

4. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second refrigerant line (32) is also provided with a first control valve group (323), which is used to control the opening and closing of the second refrigerant line (32).

5. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) is provided with a second control valve group (22) and a bypass pipeline (23) arranged in parallel with the second heat exchange unit. The second control valve group (22) is used to switch the bypass pipeline (23) and the pipeline where the second heat exchange unit is located. A radiator (24) is connected in series on the bypass pipeline (23).

6. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The radiator (24) includes a heat exchange coil (241) and a cooling fan (242). The heat exchange coil (241) is arranged close to the condenser (33) of the refrigerant circulation loop (3) and shares the cooling fan (242) with the condenser (33).

7. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit is provided with a third control valve group (12) and a first connecting pipe (13). The first connecting pipe (13) is used to connect the inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit with the inlet side of the bypass pipe (23). The third control valve group (12) is used to switch the conduction of the first connecting pipe (13) and the inlet side pipe of the first heat exchange unit. The outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit is provided with a fourth control valve group (14) and a second connecting pipeline (15). The second connecting pipeline (15) is used to connect the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit with the outlet side of the bypass pipeline (23). The fourth control valve group (14) is used to switch the conduction of the second connecting pipeline (15) and the outlet side pipeline of the first heat exchange unit.

8. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is provided with a first circulation pump (16) located downstream of the first thermal management module (11), and the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) is provided with a second circulation pump (25) located downstream of the second thermal management module (21). The first end of the first connecting pipe (13) is connected to the downstream pipe of the first circulation pump (16), and the other end of the first connecting pipe (13) is connected to the downstream pipe of the second circulation pump (25).

9. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is also provided with a heater (17) located upstream of the first thermal management module (11), and the connection node between the second connecting pipe (15) and the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is located upstream of the heater (17).

10. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in any one of claims 1-4 and 6-9, characterized in that, The outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21) is provided with a third connecting pipeline (26) and a fifth control valve group (27). The third connecting pipeline (26) is used to connect the outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21) with the outlet side pipeline of the first thermal management module (11). The fifth control valve group (27) is used to switch the conduction of the first pumping pipeline and the third connecting pipeline (26). The inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21) is provided with a fourth connecting pipeline (28) and a sixth control valve group (29). The fourth connecting pipeline (28) is used to connect the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21) with the inlet side pipeline of the first thermal management module (11). The sixth control valve group (29) is used to switch the conduction of the second pumping pipeline and the fourth connecting pipeline (28). The first pumping pipeline is a pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) that is connected to the outlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21); the second pumping pipeline is a pumping pipeline on the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) that is connected to the inlet side pipeline of the second thermal management module (21).

11. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is provided with a first circulation pump (16) located downstream of the first thermal management module (11), and the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) is provided with a second circulation pump (25) located downstream of the second thermal management module (21), one end of the third connecting pipe (26) is connected to the upstream pipe of the first circulation pump (16), and the other end of the third connecting pipe (26) is connected to the upstream pipe of the second circulation pump (25).

12. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When a heater (17) located upstream of the first thermal management module (11) is provided on the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1), the connection node between the fourth connecting pipe (28) and the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) is located downstream of the heater (17).

13. The thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first thermal management module (11) is a battery cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the battery system, and the second thermal management module (21) is an electrical equipment cold plate arranged for heat exchange with the electrical equipment.

14. A thermal management method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit, characterized in that, The thermal management method is a control method for the thermal management system of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in any one of claims 1-13, specifically including: According to the operating conditions of the liquid-cooled energy storage unit, the evaporation temperature control device adjusts the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid-cooled circulation loop (1) and the coolant in the second liquid-cooled circulation loop (2).

15. The thermal management method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The evaporation temperature control device regulates the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) and the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2) by time-segmented temperature regulation or flow rate regulation.

16. The thermal management method for a liquid-cooled energy storage unit as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The time-segmented temperature regulation includes: When the ambient temperature exceeds the first preset value and the temperature of the electrical equipment is lower than the second preset value, the evaporation temperature control device is controlled to adjust the temperature of the coolant in the first liquid cooling circulation loop (1) only. When the temperature of the battery system is lower than the third preset value, the evaporation temperature control device is controlled to adjust the temperature of the coolant in the second liquid cooling circulation loop (2).

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