Unmanned aerial vehicle thermal management device

Abstract

This invention discloses a thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to manage the thermal performance of the UAV's battery module. The device includes a heat exchanger and a fan. The UAV thermal management device has an air duct and a battery housing cavity, which are connected. The heat exchanger and the fan are at least partially located within the air duct. This UAV thermal management device better meets heat dissipation requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of thermal management, and in particular to a thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Background Technology

[0002] Industrial-grade drones are primarily used in various industries such as agricultural and forestry plant protection, logistics, and security patrols. Currently, drones generally have short flight ranges, requiring frequent charging. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance and cycle life of batteries are significantly affected by temperature. During charging and discharging, batteries generate heat, causing their temperature to rise. Increased temperature affects many battery performance parameters, such as internal resistance, charge / discharge efficiency, and battery life. Excessively high battery temperatures can also lead to safety issues such as fire, combustion, and explosion.

[0003] The relevant technology uses the natural environment to provide airflow and dissipates heat from the charging system through natural heat dissipation. However, it is easily affected by environmental factors and the heat dissipation effect is not good in high-temperature environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can better meet heat dissipation requirements.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is used to thermally manage the battery module of the UAV, and includes a heat exchanger and a fan.

[0007] The UAV thermal management device has an air duct and a battery housing cavity, the air duct and the battery housing cavity are connected, and the heat exchanger and the fan are at least partially located in the air duct.

[0008] The UAV thermal management device of the present invention is used to perform thermal management on the UAV battery module. By setting up a heat exchanger and a fan, which are located in the air duct connecting the battery housing cavity, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange and the fan provides the power for airflow, which can better meet the heat dissipation requirements of the UAV battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main components of the UAV thermal management device of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A 3D view from another angle;

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 23D view of the heat exchanger;

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A 3D view from another angle;

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the heat exchanger body;

[0015] Figure 7 for Figure 7 A 3D view of the central components;

[0016] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0017] Figure 9 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the shell and heat exchanger;

[0018] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Exploded view;

[0019] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Another structural diagram;

[0020] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A three-dimensional sectional view;

[0021] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Exploded view;

[0022] Figure 14 for Figure 13 An exploded view from another angle;

[0023] Figure 15 for Figure 11 A 3D view of the central components;

[0024] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A three-dimensional diagram of the stroke site;

[0025] Figure 17 for Figure 10 Exploded view of the heat exchanger body;

[0026] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Enlarged view of region B in the middle;

[0027] Figure 19 for Figure 9 Another perspective 3D cross-section;

[0028] Figure 20 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0030] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 20 As shown, this invention discloses a thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which is configured in industrial-grade UAVs, such as those used in agricultural and forestry plant protection, logistics, and security patrol industries. The device is used to perform thermal management on the UAV's battery module 100, which is beneficial for heat dissipation of the battery module 100.

[0033] See Figure 2The UAV thermal management device includes a compressor 10, a heat exchanger 20, a throttling element 30, and a heat exchanger 40. These components are connected in series to form a circulation loop for refrigerant circulation. The compressor 10, heat exchanger 20, throttling element 30, and heat exchanger 40 can be directly or indirectly connected. For example, they can be connected via a pipe 200, or valves can be installed between any two of them.

[0034] For details, see Figures 2 to 4 The compressor 10 includes a first inlet 101 and a first outlet 102, the heat exchanger 20 includes a second inlet 201 and a second outlet 202, and the throttling element 30 includes a third inlet and a third outlet, which are not indicated. See also Figure 9 The heat exchanger 40 includes a fourth inlet 401 and a fourth outlet 402. The first outlet 102 of the compressor 10 is connected to the second inlet 201 of the heat exchange element 20, the second outlet 202 of the heat exchange element 20 is connected to the third inlet of the throttling element 30, the third outlet of the throttling element 30 is connected to the fourth inlet 401 of the heat exchanger 40, and the fourth outlet 402 of the heat exchanger 40 is connected to the first inlet 101 of the compressor 10. The refrigerant circulates in the loop. After receiving the gaseous refrigerant from the heat exchanger 40, the compressor 10 compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which enters the heat exchange element 20 and condenses into a high-temperature, medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. After passing through the throttling element 30, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and enters the heat exchanger 40. Heat exchange occurs during the contact between the air and the heat exchanger 40, that is, the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 40 absorbs heat from the air and continuously evaporates, turning into a gas, thereby cooling the air.

[0035] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 20 and heat exchanger 40 are distributed on both sides of the compressor 10 along its length LL, and the throttling element 30 is distributed on one side of the compressor 10 along its width WW, resulting in a reasonable and compact layout. Of course, in other embodiments, the heat exchanger 20 and heat exchanger 40 can also be distributed on both sides of the compressor 10 along its width WW, with the throttling element 30 located on the same side of the compressor 10 as the heat exchanger 20 or heat exchanger 40.

[0036] Different planes are defined in the direction HH perpendicular to the height of the compressor 10. The compressor 10, heat exchanger 20, and heat exchanger 40 are fixed on planes at different heights. The plane where the heat exchanger 40 is located is above the plane where the compressor 10 is located, and the plane where the compressor 10 is located is above the plane where the heat exchanger 20 is located. This facilitates the refrigerant to flow down under the action of gravity, forming a natural circulation flow.

[0037] See Figure 3 The compressor 10 includes a main body 12 and a control component 13. The control component 13 includes components such as a control board and wiring terminals, and is used for electrical and communication connections with the control mechanism of the UAV thermal management device. The first inlet 101 and the first outlet 102 are located on the main body 12.

[0038] In some implementations, see Figure 4 The heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchanger body, which is a microchannel heat exchanger. The heat exchanger body includes a first manifold 21, a second manifold 22, and a first heat exchange core 23. The first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 are arranged vertically at intervals, and are connected by the first heat exchange core 23. (See also...) Figure 6 The first heat exchange core 23 includes a plurality of first flat tubes 230, which are spaced apart. The heat exchange element 20 has a third air duct 300 located between two adjacent first flat tubes 230 for air circulation. See also Figure 8 The first flat tube 230 has multiple first channels 231, which are arranged along the length of the first flat tube 230. The first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 both have a first manifold cavity 203 for refrigerant flow, and the first channels 231 are connected to the first manifold cavity 203.

[0039] See Figure 6 Both the first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 have several first flat tube grooves 211. The two ends of the first flat tube 230 are respectively inserted into the first flat tube grooves 211, forming a sealed connection. For details, see [link to documentation]. Figure 8 The first flat tube 230 has a first insertion portion 232, which is inserted into the first flat tube groove 211 with an interference fit, which helps to improve the sealing performance. The width of the first insertion portion 232 is smaller than the width of the first flat tube 230, and a first step portion 233 is formed at the connection between the first insertion portion 232 and the first flat tube 230, which serves as a limiting function.

[0040] See Figure 7 The first manifold 21 has a first liquid inlet 213 and a first liquid outlet 214. The first liquid inlet 213 is for refrigerant to flow in, and the first liquid outlet 214 is for refrigerant to flow out. The first liquid inlet 213 is located above the first liquid outlet 214, which facilitates the natural flow of condensed liquid under gravity. The heat exchanger body also includes two first connectors 24, which are connected to the first manifold 21. A second inlet 201 is located at one of the first connectors 24, and a second outlet 202 is located at the other first connector 24. The second inlet 201 communicates with the first liquid inlet 213, and the second outlet 202 communicates with the first liquid outlet 214. The first connectors 24 are connected to the pipe 200.

[0041] See Figure 6 The heat exchanger body also includes a partition 25. The first manifold 21 has a partition groove 212, and the partition 25 is disposed in the partition groove 212. The partition groove 212 is disposed in the same manifold as the first liquid inlet 213 and the first liquid outlet 214. The partition groove 212 is located between two adjacent first flat tube grooves 211. The partition 25 divides the first manifold cavity 203 of the first manifold 21 into two non-communicating parts. One part of the first manifold cavity 203 of the first manifold 21 is connected to the first manifold cavity 203 of the second manifold 22, and the other part of the first manifold cavity 203 of the first manifold 21 is also connected to the first manifold cavity 203 of the second manifold 22. The heat exchanger 20 forms a V-shaped heat exchange channel together through the first manifold cavity 203 of the first manifold 21, the first channel 231 of the first heat exchange core 23, and the first manifold cavity 203 of the second manifold 22, which helps to increase the heat exchange flow and thus improve the heat exchange effect.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, both ends of the first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 are provided with first end caps 26 for sealing the first manifold cavity 203. See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The heat exchanger 20 also includes a second housing 27. The first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 are disposed inside the second housing 27, and the first end caps 26 at both ends of the manifold 21 are fixed to the second housing 27 to improve stability. The second housing 27 has a through-hole 271. The first manifold 21 and the second manifold 22 are disposed near the through-hole 271. The second housing 27 communicates with the external environment through the through-hole 271, and the through-hole 271 communicates with the third air duct 300 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0043] See Figure 5 The UAV thermal management device also includes a first fan 400, located on one side of the third air duct 300, which facilitates faster heat dissipation. The heat exchanger 20 also includes a pipe component 28, which has an airflow channel and is connected to the second housing 27, with the opening 271 facing the pipe component 28. The first fan 400 is located inside the second housing 27 and is used to introduce outside air into the second housing 27 through the pipe component 28. The air entering the second housing 27 exchanges heat with several first flat tubes 230, and the third air duct 300 is used to exhaust the heat-exchanged air, allowing heat to dissipate into the external environment. The inclusion of the first fan 400 improves the ventilation and heat exchange efficiency.

[0044] See Figure 10The heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body, which is a microchannel heat exchanger. It includes a third manifold 41, a fourth manifold 42, and a second heat exchange core 43. The third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42 are arranged laterally at intervals and are connected to each other via the second heat exchange core 43. (See also...) Figure 17 The second heat exchange core 43 includes a plurality of second flat tubes 430, which are spaced apart. The heat exchanger 40 has a fourth air duct 500 located between two adjacent second flat tubes 430 for air circulation. See also Figure 18 The second flat tube 430 has multiple second channels 431, which are arranged along the length of the second flat tube 430. The third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42 both have a second manifold cavity 403 for refrigerant flow, and the second channels 431 are connected to the second manifold cavity 403.

[0045] See Figure 17 Both the third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42 have several second flat tube grooves 411. The two ends of the second flat tube 430 are respectively inserted into the second flat tube grooves 411, forming a sealed connection. Specifically, as shown... Figure 18 As shown, the second flat tube 430 has a second insertion portion 432, which is inserted into the second flat tube groove 411 with an interference fit, which helps to improve the sealing performance. The width of the second insertion portion 432 is smaller than the width of the second flat tube 430, and a second step portion 433 is formed at the connection between the second insertion portion 432 and the second flat tube 430, which serves as a limiting function.

[0046] like Figure 17 As shown, the third manifold 41 is located above the fourth manifold 42. The third manifold 41 has a second liquid inlet 413, and the fourth manifold 42 has a second liquid outlet 421. The second liquid inlet 413 is for refrigerant to flow in, and the second liquid outlet 421 is for refrigerant to flow out. The second liquid inlet 413 is located above the second liquid outlet 421. The heat exchanger body also includes two second connectors 44, one of which is connected to the third manifold 41, and the other of which is connected to the fourth manifold 42. A fourth inlet 401 is located at one of the first connectors 24, and a fourth outlet 402 is located at the other second connector 44. The fourth inlet 401 communicates with the second liquid inlet 413, and the fourth outlet 402 communicates with the second liquid outlet 421. The second connectors 44 are connected to the pipe 200.

[0047] See also Figure 17 Both ends of the third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42 are equipped with second end caps 45 for sealing the second manifold cavity 403. (See also...) Figure 10The heat exchanger 40 also includes a frame 47, within which the third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42 are fixed. The frame 47 helps improve the stability of the third manifold 41 and the fourth manifold 42. Figure 13 As shown, the frame 47 includes a frame 471 and a side 472, which together form a groove 473. At least a portion of the third manifold 41 and at least a portion of the fourth manifold 42 are located in the groove 473.

[0048] See Figure 10 and Figure 12 The UAV heat exchange management system has an air duct 5001 and a battery housing cavity 82, which are connected.

[0049] The UAV thermal management system also includes a housing 50, which has an air duct 5001 in which a heat exchanger 40 is housed. The housing 50 also has vents 502 and 503, which connect the air duct 5001 and a battery housing 82, at least partially housing a battery module 100. At least portions of the vents 502 and 503 face the battery module 100, and the air entering the housing 50 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 40 to cool the battery module 100. The compressor 10, heat exchanger 20, and throttling element 30 are located outside the housing 50. The housing 50 facilitates centralized cooling of the battery module 100, improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0050] In some embodiments, vents 502 and 503 include a first vent 502 and a second vent 503, where the first vent 502 is an air inlet and the second vent 503 is an air outlet. The first vent 502 allows air to enter the air duct 5001 from the battery housing cavity 82, and the second vent 503 allows air to enter the battery housing cavity 82 from the air duct 5001. See also Figure 11 The drone thermal management device also includes a fan 60, and the heat exchanger 40 and the fan 60 are at least partially located in the air duct 5001. The fan 60 is used to drive air to circulate between the air duct 5001 and the battery housing 82.

[0051] See Figure 9 The housing 50 includes a body portion 52 and an air duct portion 51, with the body portion 52 connected above the air duct portion 51. See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 The body portion 52 includes a peripheral wall portion and a top portion 525. The peripheral wall portion includes a first wall portion 521, a second wall portion 522, a third wall portion 523, and a fourth wall portion 524. The first wall portion 521 and the second wall portion 522 are located on opposite sides of the thickness direction hh of the heat exchanger 40. Both the first wall portion 521 and the second wall portion 522 have an arc-shaped portion 5211, which helps to reduce air resistance. For details, see [link to details]. Figure 10The first wall portion 521 and the second wall portion 522 also include a straight portion 5212, which is connected to the lower end of the arc-shaped portion 5211. The distance between the two arc-shaped portions 5211 gradually decreases from bottom to top.

[0052] See Figure 12 The air duct 5001 includes a first air duct 511 and a second air duct 512. A first vent 502 is connected to the first air duct 511, and a second vent 503 is connected to the second air duct 512. At least one of the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512 is equipped with a fan 60. Specifically, the outlet of the second air duct 512 is the second vent 503, and the inlet of the first air duct 511 is the first vent 502. The fan 60 is located in the second air duct 512, with the fan 60 positioned relative to the outlet and closer to the inlet of the second air duct 512.

[0053] The air duct 5001 also includes a connecting cavity 501, through which the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512 are connected, and the heat exchanger 40 is located in the connecting cavity 501. See also Figure 11 The housing 50 includes a first fixing plate 513, which is fixed to the inlet position of the second air duct 512. (See also...) Figure 13 and Figure 14 The first fixing plate 513 includes a first surface 5131 and a second surface 5132 located on opposite sides of its thickness direction. The first surface 5131 is at least partially exposed to the communicating cavity 501, and the second surface 5132 is at least partially exposed to the second air duct 512. The first fixing plate 513 has an opening 5133 connecting the communicating cavity 501 and the second air duct 512. A fan 60 is connected to the first fixing plate 513, and at least a portion of the fan 60 is located in the opening 5133, resulting in a compact structure and improved space utilization. The body portion 52 is connected to the first fixing plate 513, and the communicating cavity 501 is at least partially located between the inner wall surface of the body portion 52 and the first surface 5131.

[0054] See Figure 13 The fan 60 includes a fan body 61 and a fan housing 62. The fan body 61 is installed inside the fan housing 62 and rotates within the fan housing 62. The connection method between the fan body 61 and the fan housing 62 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. The fan 60 is connected to a first fixing plate 513 via a flange plate 63. The first fixing plate 513, the flange plate 63, and the fan housing 62 are fixed together by bolts or screws. In the embodiments of this application, the fan housing 62 has a cylindrical structure, and the length of the fan housing 62 along its axis is extended, which is beneficial for concentrating airflow.

[0055] In some implementations, see Figure 12 The air duct section 51 has an inner cavity 514, which is located between the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512; see also Figure 13 and Figure 14 The air duct section 51 includes a second fixing plate 515, which includes a third surface 5151 and a fourth surface 5152 located on opposite sides of its thickness direction. The third surface 5151 is exposed to the communicating cavity 501, and the fourth surface 5152 is exposed to the inner cavity 514. The heat exchanger 40 is mounted on the third surface 5151. The plane containing the first surface 5131 of the first fixing plate 513 coincides with the plane containing the third surface 5151 of the second fixing plate 515, and the plane containing the second surface 5132 of the first fixing plate 513 coincides with the plane containing the fourth surface 5152 of the second fixing plate 515. In the embodiment illustrated in this application, the first fixing plate 513 and the second fixing plate 515 are connected and together form a fixing plate.

[0056] The heat exchanger 40 is mounted on the fixed plate. Specifically, the bottom surface of the heat exchanger 40 abuts against the third surface 5151 of the second fixed plate 515, and the top surface of the heat exchanger 40 abuts against the top 525 of the body portion 52, and is fixed by bolts or screws. See also Figure 11 The top 525 of the main body 52 and the frame 47 of the heat exchanger 40 are both provided with connection holes 600. Bolts or screws pass through the connection holes 600 of the housing 50 and the connection holes 600 of the heat exchanger 40 in sequence, and are locked with nuts to fix the heat exchanger 40 to the housing 50.

[0057] See Figure 14 and Figure 15 The air duct section 51 includes a constricted section 516 and two first air duct sections 517 connected to the constricted section 516. The constricted section 516 has a cavity. The air duct section 51 also includes two partitions 518, which are spaced apart within the cavity of the constricted section 516. An inner cavity 514 is located between the two partitions 518. One surface of one partition 518 is exposed to the inner cavity 514, and the other surface is exposed to the first air duct 511; one surface of the other partition 518 is exposed to the inner cavity 514, and the other surface is exposed to the second air duct 512.

[0058] See Figure 15 and Figure 16 The constriction section 516 includes a fifth wall section 5161, a sixth wall section 5162, a seventh wall section 5163, and an eighth wall section 5164. The fifth wall section 5161 and the sixth wall section 5162 are inclined walls, which makes the constriction section 516 form a constriction structure from top to bottom, which is conducive to concentrating air volume.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in this application, the air duct portion 51 and the main body portion 52 are connected by screws or bolts for easy installation or disassembly. See also Figure 13Both the air duct section 51 and the main body section 52 are provided with connecting ears 519. Screws or bolts pass through the connecting ears 519 and are locked in place by nuts. The connecting ears 519 of the air duct section 51 are provided in the seventh wall section 5163 and the eighth wall section 5164. Further, a connecting ear 519 is formed by bending vertically outward from the upper end of the seventh wall section 5163, and another connecting ear 519 is formed by bending vertically outward from the upper end of the eighth wall section 5164. The connecting ears 519 of the main body section 52 are provided in the first wall section 521 and the second wall section 522. Specifically, the connecting ears 519 of the main body section 52 are provided in the straight section 5212. A connecting ear 519 is formed by bending vertically outward from the lower end of one straight section 5212, and another connecting ear 519 is formed by bending vertically outward from the lower end of the other straight section 5212. This application provides a detachable connection by using connecting ears 519 and screws or bolts, which facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement of the heat exchanger 40, fan 60, and heater 70. Of course, in other embodiments, the air duct 51 and the main body 52 can also be fixed by welding.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in this application, one first air duct portion 517 is located around the first air duct 511, and the other first air duct portion 517 is located around the second air duct 512. The constricted portion 516 is also located around the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512. The first air duct portion 517 has a constricted structure from top to bottom.

[0061] See Figure 12 The heat exchanger 40 has a drain pipe 404 for draining condensation generated during heat exchange. See also Figure 14 The second fixed plate 515 has a through hole 5153, through which a drain pipe 404 passes and is housed in the inner cavity 514. The tank 473 of the heat exchanger 40 can collect condensation, and the drain pipe 404 is connected to the tank 473 for easy discharge of condensation.

[0062] See Figure 15 The UAV thermal management device also includes a heater 70, which is provided on at least one side of the heat exchanger 40 along its thickness direction hh. In some embodiments, the heater 70 is provided on one side of the heat exchanger 40 along its thickness direction hh, and the heater 70 is close to the first air duct 511 relative to the second air duct 512. Of course, in other embodiments, heaters 70 can be provided on both sides of the heat exchanger 40 along its thickness direction hh.

[0063] In some embodiments, heater 70 is connected to heat exchanger 40. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the heater 70 is provided with a connecting bracket 71, which is fixed to the frame 47 of the heat exchanger 40 by bolts or screws. Of course, in other embodiments, the heater 70 may also be fixed to the housing 50.

[0064] See Figure 19 At least one of the heat exchanger 40 and the heater 70 has a gap channel 700 between itself and the housing 50, and the gap channel 700 connects to the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512. The fourth air duct 500 of the heat exchanger 40 can also connect to the first air duct 511 and the second air duct 512. In the embodiment illustrated in this application, both the heat exchanger 40 and the heater 70 have a gap channel 700 between themselves and the housing 50, and the reserved gap channel 700 facilitates the installation, disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of the heat exchanger 40 and the heater 70.

[0065] See Figure 1 and Figure 20 The UAV thermal management device also includes a housing 80 and a support plate 90. The housing 80 has a mounting cavity 83 and a battery housing cavity 82, and the support plate 90 is located between the mounting cavity 83 and the battery housing cavity 82. At least a portion of the compressor 10, heat exchanger 20, throttling element 30, and housing 50 is located within the mounting cavity 83, and at least the compressor 10 is mounted on the support plate 90. The housing 80 has a ventilation hole 81, which communicates with at least one of the air duct 5001 and the battery housing cavity 82, and is also in communication with the external environment of the housing 80. In this application, the ventilation hole 81 can communicate with the battery housing cavity 82.

[0066] See Figure 3 The UAV thermal management device also includes a support frame 800, a throttling element 30 mounted on the support frame 800, and the support frame 800 fixed to the support plate 90.

[0067] See also Figure 3 The drone thermal management device also includes a liquid receiver 900 for storing refrigerant and adjusting and replenishing the refrigerant capacity in the drone thermal management device. The liquid receiver 900 is connected between the throttling element 30 and the heat exchanger 20.

[0068] The UAV thermal management device of this application can select different heat exchange modes according to different ambient temperatures, which is beneficial to energy conservation and environmental protection. In high-temperature environments, a compressor cooling mode can be used; in low-temperature environments, outside air can be introduced to cool the battery module 100; in very low-temperature environments, a heater 70 can be used to heat the air, thereby supplying hot air to the battery module 100 to prevent the performance of the battery module 100 from being affected by excessively low temperatures.

[0069] For example, when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerant circulates in the loop. After receiving the gaseous refrigerant from the heat exchanger 40, the compressor 10 compresses it into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After entering the heat exchanger 20, it condenses into a high-temperature and medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. It then passes through the throttling element 30 and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which enters the heat exchanger 40. Heat exchange occurs during the contact between the air and the heat exchanger 40. The air is driven by the fan 60 to be discharged from the second vent 503 and blown toward the battery module 100 to achieve heat dissipation.

[0070] When the ambient temperature is low, outside air is introduced through the ventilation hole 81. This outside air enters the housing 50 and is then circulated by the fan 60 to cool the battery module 100, achieving heat dissipation. Alternatively, outside air enters the battery housing cavity 82 and directly cools the battery module 100, eliminating the need for the fan 60 to circulate cool air, thus saving energy and improving economic performance. Of course, outside air can enter either the housing 50 or the battery housing cavity 82.

[0071] When the ambient temperature is very low, the heater 70 heats the air and the fan 60 delivers hot air to the battery module 100 to achieve preheating.

[0072] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of this specification should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), used for thermal management of the UAV's battery module, characterized in that, Including heat exchangers and fans; The UAV thermal management device has an air duct and a battery housing cavity, the air duct and the battery housing cavity are connected, and the heat exchanger and the fan are at least partially located in the air duct; The UAV thermal management device includes a housing having the air duct, a heat exchanger housed in the air duct, and a vent connecting the air duct and a battery housing cavity, the battery housing cavity being at least partially used to house a battery module. The ventilation opening includes a first ventilation opening and a second ventilation opening. The first ventilation opening is used for air to enter the air duct from the battery housing cavity, and the second ventilation opening is used for air to enter the battery housing cavity from the air duct. The fan is used to drive the air to circulate between the air duct and the battery housing cavity. The air duct includes a first air duct and a second air duct, the first vent is connected to the first air duct, and the second vent is connected to the second air duct; at least one of the first air duct and the second air duct is provided with the fan. The air duct also includes a connecting cavity, through which the first air duct and the second air duct are connected, and the heat exchanger is located in the connecting cavity; The housing includes a first fixing plate, the first fixing plate including a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides of its thickness direction, the first surface being at least partially exposed to the communicating cavity, and the second surface being at least partially exposed to the second air duct; The first fixing plate has an opening that connects the connecting cavity and the second air duct, and the fan is connected to the first fixing plate, with at least a portion of the fan located in the opening.

2. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The UAV thermal management device also includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a throttling element, which are connected in series.

3. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body, which includes a first manifold, a second manifold, and a plurality of first flat tubes. The plurality of first flat tubes connect the first manifold and the second manifold. The heat exchanger has a third air duct, which is located between two adjacent first flat tubes. The UAV thermal management device also includes a first fan, which is located on one side of the third air duct.

4. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a third manifold, a fourth manifold, and a plurality of second flat tubes. The plurality of second flat tubes connect the third manifold and the fourth manifold. The heat exchanger has a fourth air duct located between two adjacent second flat tubes and connecting the first air duct and the second air duct.

5. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The UAV thermal management device further includes a heater, and the heater is disposed on at least one side of the heat exchanger in the thickness direction.

6. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a body portion connected to the first fixing plate, and the communicating cavity is at least partially located between the inner wall surface and the first surface of the body portion. The body portion includes at least a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion being located on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger, and both the first wall portion and the second wall portion having an arc-shaped portion.

7. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the throttling element are located outside the housing; the UAV thermal management device also includes a housing and a support plate, the housing having a mounting cavity and a battery receiving cavity, and the support plate being located between the mounting cavity and the battery receiving cavity; At least a portion of the compressor, the heat exchanger, the throttling element, and the housing are located within the mounting cavity.

8. The UAV thermal management device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing has ventilation holes that communicate with at least one of the air duct and the battery housing cavity, and the ventilation holes communicate with the external environment of the housing.

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