Energy storage battery thermal management system and working method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of energy storage battery thermal management, and discloses an energy storage battery thermal management system and a working method thereof. The energy storage battery thermal management system comprises a heat pipe battery rack, an absorption refrigerator and a fan, a heat storage device, and a heating pipe. The heat pipe battery rack comprises a heat pipe condensing section and a heat pipe evaporating section. The absorption refrigerator and the fan are suitable for forming a cooling unit to cool and dissipate heat of the heat pipe condensing section. The heat storage device is connected with the absorption refrigerator to drive the absorption refrigerator to operate. The solar heat collecting plate is connected with the heat storage device to form a light-heat storage unit. The solar heat collecting plate is suitable for collecting solar energy and storing heat in the heat storage device. The heating pipe is arranged in the heat storage device. The heating pipe and a working medium pump are suitable for forming a heating unit with the heat storage device. One end of the working medium pump is connected with the heat pipe evaporating section, and the other end is connected with the heat storage device. The working medium pump is suitable for driving the heat pipe working medium to circulate. The application can realize uniform distribution of the temperature of the energy storage battery and improve the comprehensive energy utilization rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management technology for energy storage batteries, and specifically to a thermal management system for energy storage batteries and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing containerized energy storage batteries have broad development prospects due to their advantages of convenient installation and transportation, short construction period, and strong environmental adaptability. However, with the continuous increase in overall energy density, battery safety accidents in energy storage systems characterized by thermal runaway are occurring frequently, seriously threatening electricity safety and the lives of relevant personnel.

[0003] Currently, the main cooling technologies used in energy storage battery systems are air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change material (PCM) cooling. Air cooling involves introducing a cryogenic medium into the system. The medium flows over the battery surface, carrying away the heat generated by the battery through both conduction and convection, thus achieving cooling. Air cooling systems offer advantages such as simple structure, ease of installation, and low cost. Liquid cooling is a thermal management technology that uses liquids as the heat transfer medium. It leverages the high specific heat and thermal conductivity of liquids to exchange heat between the cryogenic liquid and the high-temperature battery, thereby achieving cooling. Phase change material (PCM) cooling utilizes the phase transition of the material itself to dissipate heat from the battery. The choice of PCM material has the greatest impact on battery heat dissipation; the higher the specific heat capacity and the higher the heat transfer coefficient of the selected PCM material, the better the cooling effect under the same conditions.

[0004] In the prior art, for example, patent document CN109830775B discloses a multi-stage heat dissipation system and control method for a power battery pack based on the coupling of planar heat pipes, liquid cooling, and phase change energy storage heat conduction plates. This system achieves rapid heat conduction by placing planar heat pipes between battery cells or embedding them into the phase change energy storage heat conduction plates, or by using a multi-stage cooling system to dissipate heat from the battery. The combination of planar heat pipes, liquid cooling, and phase change energy storage heat conduction plates primarily relies on heat conduction for heat dissipation and does not provide heating functionality in low-temperature environments. Patent document CN218939817U discloses a thermal management system for an energy storage battery, mainly comprising a battery housing, sensor components, a battery rack, and a battery management device. The battery housing contains a phase change material heat conduction plate, a liquid cooling plate covers the top of the housing, and the battery rack forms an air duct between any two adjacent battery housings. This patent achieves heat dissipation through a combination of phase change material heat conduction, liquid cooling, and air cooling. Patent document CN115411412A discloses a thermal management system and method for energy storage batteries using a hybrid cooling method. It dissipates heat through a combination of air cooling and liquid cooling. When the battery system temperature is normal, air cooling is used for heat dissipation, and when abnormal, air cooling + liquid cooling is used for heat dissipation.

[0005] The aforementioned energy storage battery systems primarily employ air cooling, liquid cooling, phase change material (PCM) heat conduction, or a combination of at least two of these methods for heat dissipation. However, for energy storage battery system heat dissipation, on the one hand, due to the low specific heat and thermal conductivity of air, air cooling cannot meet the heat dissipation needs of energy storage systems with large capacities, leading to large temperature differences between the inlet and outlet of the battery pack, uneven battery heat dissipation, and other problems. This fails to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high heat flux density energy storage batteries. Moreover, air cooling is generally direct cooling, which is not conducive to controlling the humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system environment. On the other hand, liquid cooling systems have complex structures, are prone to cooling medium leakage, have low economic efficiency, and are technically difficult to install and maintain. Meanwhile, PCM itself does not have heat dissipation capabilities and must be used in conjunction with the aforementioned other heat dissipation methods, resulting in a large, complex, and costly heat dissipation volume. On the other hand, since heating is required in low-temperature environments, the current methods of using only air heat pumps or electric heating are insufficient to achieve uniform temperature distribution in the energy storage battery system, resulting in high energy consumption and low efficiency, which is detrimental to the efficient and long-term stable operation of energy storage batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides an energy storage battery thermal management system and its working method to solve the problem that existing energy storage battery heat dissipation systems, which combine air cooling, liquid cooling and phase change material heat conduction, are unable to achieve uniform temperature distribution in energy storage batteries and have low overall energy utilization efficiency. The energy storage battery thermal management system provided by this invention mainly includes a heat pipe battery rack, a cooling unit, a solar thermal storage unit, and a heating unit. The heat pipe battery rack has strong thermal conductivity, enabling it to quickly transfer the heat generated by the battery to the heat pipe condensation section, achieving a uniform temperature distribution within the battery. The combined heat dissipation and cooling method of the heat pipe battery rack, cooling unit, and solar thermal storage unit allows for indirect cooling of the battery through natural cooling and absorption refrigerant cooling. This indirect cooling method avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system. By setting up a solar thermal storage unit and employing solar thermal absorption cooling and solar thermal heating, the energy consumption of the thermal management system can be effectively reduced. The thermal storage device can utilize waste heat to control the temperature of the battery system, improving overall energy utilization efficiency. By setting up a heating unit, heat is provided to the energy storage battery in low-temperature environments by heating the heat pipe medium through the thermal storage device, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution within the energy storage battery and maintaining the battery temperature within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an energy storage battery thermal management system, comprising:

[0008] The heat pipe battery rack includes a heat pipe condensation section and a heat pipe evaporation section;

[0009] An absorption chiller and a fan are respectively connected to the first two sides of the heat pipe condensing section. The absorption chiller and / or the fan are adapted to form a cooling unit to cool and dissipate heat from the heat pipe condensing section.

[0010] A heat storage device is connected to one side of the heat pipe evaporation section along the first direction. The heat storage device is suitable for storing heat. The heat storage device is connected to an absorption chiller to drive the absorption chiller to operate.

[0011] Solar collectors, together with thermal storage devices, form a solar thermal storage unit. The solar collectors are suitable for collecting solar energy and storing the heat in the thermal storage device.

[0012] The heating element and the working fluid pump are integrated into the heat storage device. The heating element and the working fluid pump are adapted to form a heating unit together with the heat storage device. One end of the working fluid pump is connected to the evaporation section of the heat pipe, and the other end is connected to the heat storage device. The working fluid pump is adapted to drive the circulation of the working fluid in the heat pipe so that the working fluid in the evaporation section of the heat pipe is heated by the heat storage device and then returns to the evaporation section of the heat pipe.

[0013] By setting up a heat pipe battery rack, the heat generated by the battery is quickly transferred to the heat pipe condenser section, achieving uniform temperature distribution. A cooling unit, consisting of an absorption chiller and a fan, cools the heat pipe condenser section. A heat storage device drives the cooling unit. A solar thermal collector connected to the heat storage device forms a solar thermal storage unit. This unit, along with the cooling unit and the heat pipe battery rack, indirectly cools the battery system through natural cooling and absorption refrigerant cooling, avoiding direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system. This reduces the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system, while also effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system. The heat storage device utilizes waste heat to control the battery system temperature, improving overall energy efficiency. A heating pipe and working fluid pump, together with the heat storage device, form a heating unit. In low-temperature environments, the heat storage device heats the heat pipe working fluid to provide heat to the energy storage battery, ensuring the battery temperature remains within its optimal operating range.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the absorption chiller and the heat pipe condenser section are connected by a first pipeline; a first valve is provided on the first pipeline, the first valve being adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the absorption chiller and the heat pipe condenser section.

[0015] With this setup, when dissipating heat in low-temperature conditions, the absorption chiller can be turned off and the fan can be started. The heat dissipation needs of the battery system can be met by using only natural cold sources. The system energy consumption is only the energy required to drive the fan, which helps to reduce energy consumption.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the absorption chiller and the fan are connected by a second pipeline; the second pipeline is provided with a second valve, which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the absorption chiller and the fan.

[0017] With this setup, when the natural cooling source cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the battery system, the absorption chiller can be started and driven by the heat storage device to dissipate heat from the battery system using the absorption cooling heat dissipation mode. The heat storage device can collect heat through solar collectors or store waste heat such as industrial waste heat. While achieving indirect heat dissipation for the battery system, it is also conducive to improving the overall energy utilization rate.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the inlet end of the solar collector is connected to the thermal storage device via a third pipeline; a third valve is provided on the third pipeline, which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the inlet end of the solar collector to the thermal storage device.

[0019] The outlet end of the solar collector is connected to the thermal storage device via a fourth pipeline; a fourth valve is installed on the fourth pipeline, which is suitable for selectively connecting and / or at least partially connecting the outlet end of the solar collector to the thermal storage device.

[0020] With this configuration, the thermal storage device, solar collector, third pipeline, fourth pipeline, third valve, and fourth valve together constitute a solar thermal storage unit, which can not only drive the absorption chiller to dissipate heat from the battery system, but also perform solar thermal heating, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the heat source inlet of the absorption chiller is connected to the heat storage device via a fifth pipeline; a fifth valve is provided on the fifth pipeline, which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the heat source inlet of the absorption chiller to the heat storage device.

[0022] The heat source outlet of the absorption chiller is connected to the heat storage device through a sixth pipeline; a sixth valve is installed on the sixth pipeline, which is suitable for selectively connecting and / or at least partially connecting the heat source outlet of the absorption chiller to the heat storage device.

[0023] This configuration enables the thermal storage device to selectively drive the absorption chiller, allowing for switching between natural cold source heat dissipation mode and absorption refrigeration heat dissipation mode.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, one end of the working fluid pump is connected to the heat storage device via a seventh pipeline; a seventh valve is provided on the seventh pipeline, which is adapted to selectively connect the working fluid pump and the heat storage device.

[0025] The other end of the working fluid pump is connected to the heat pipe evaporation section through the eighth pipeline; the eighth pipeline is equipped with an eighth valve, which is suitable for selectively connecting the working fluid pump and the heat pipe evaporation section.

[0026] With this setup, when the ambient temperature is too low, causing the battery system temperature to drop below the optimal operating temperature, the working fluid of the heat pipe is heated by the heat storage device under the drive of the working fluid pump. The working fluid of the heat pipe is heated by the heat storage device and then returns to the heat pipe evaporation section. The working fluid of the heat pipe transfers heat to the energy storage battery through the wall of the battery housing, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution of the energy storage battery and keeping the temperature of the energy storage battery within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, a plurality of battery housings are uniformly arranged within the heat pipe evaporation section, and the inner walls of each battery housing are adapted to jointly enclose and form a battery slot, which is adapted to accommodate an energy storage battery.

[0028] A flow gap is formed between the outer walls of each pair of adjacent battery housings, and the flow gap is suitable for accommodating the heat pipe working fluid.

[0029] With this configuration, the heat pipe battery rack fully utilizes the principles of heat conduction and the rapid heat transfer properties of phase change media to quickly transfer the heat generated by the energy storage battery to the outside of the battery system. In addition, the heat pipe battery rack has good isothermal properties during operation, with very small temperature differences between different locations, making it very suitable for applications where energy storage batteries require rapid and uniform heat exchange.

[0030] In one alternative embodiment, the energy storage battery thermal management system further includes a temperature detection unit, which includes one or more temperature sensors adapted to acquire the temperature of the energy storage battery in real time.

[0031] The temperature detection unit is electrically and / or communicationally connected to the cooling unit, the photothermal storage unit, and the heating unit.

[0032] By setting up a temperature detection unit, the temperature of the energy storage battery can be monitored in real time. Based on the temperature of the battery system collected in real time by the temperature detection unit, the temperature of the thermal management system is controlled during operation, so that the temperature of the energy storage battery is kept within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0033] In one alternative implementation, the liquid level of the heat pipe working fluid within the heat pipe battery rack is higher than that of any battery compartment.

[0034] This setup ensures that all energy storage batteries in the battery slots are completely immersed in the heat pipe working fluid, guaranteeing effective temperature control of the energy storage batteries.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment, the heat pipe battery rack further includes a heat pipe insulation section disposed between the heat pipe condensation section and the heat pipe evaporation section.

[0036] This configuration provides insulation between the heat pipe condenser section and the heat pipe evaporator section.

[0037] In one alternative embodiment, the heating unit further includes a liquid storage tank disposed between the working fluid pump and the heat pipe evaporation section, and the liquid storage tank is adapted to store the heat pipe working fluid.

[0038] In one alternative implementation, the heat pipe working fluid includes water, carbon dioxide, inert gas, and / or organic working fluid.

[0039] In one alternative embodiment, the thermal storage device is further provided with a ninth pipeline, which is adapted to connect the thermal storage device to an external low-grade thermal energy source, so that the thermal storage device can store and utilize the external low-grade thermal energy.

[0040] By setting it up in this way, the purpose of utilizing waste heat and improving the overall energy utilization rate can be achieved.

[0041] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for operating the energy storage battery thermal management system as described above, comprising:

[0042] During operation, the energy storage battery generates heat and transfers it to the liquid heat pipe working fluid in the heat pipe evaporation section through the inner wall of the battery tank. This causes the heat pipe working fluid to absorb heat, evaporate into a gaseous state, and flow to the heat pipe condensation section. The energy storage battery is cooled by a natural cold source so that its temperature is kept within the optimal operating range.

[0043] When natural cold sources cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of energy storage batteries, an absorption cooling mode is used to dissipate heat from the energy storage batteries so that the temperature of the energy storage batteries is kept in the optimal operating range.

[0044] When the temperature of the energy storage battery is lower than the optimal operating temperature, a heating mode is used to heat the energy storage battery so that the temperature of the energy storage battery is kept within the optimal operating range.

[0045] In one alternative implementation, the natural cold source heat dissipation mode includes:

[0046] Open the third and fourth valves, and close the first, second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth valves. This allows the heat generated by the energy storage battery to be transferred through the wall of the battery compartment to the liquid heat pipe working fluid in the heat pipe evaporation section via heat conduction. This causes the heat pipe working fluid to absorb heat and evaporate into a gaseous state, and then condense and release heat in the heat pipe condensation section. Driven by a fan, the outdoor air undergoes forced convection with the heat pipe condensation section to exchange heat and remove the heat generated by the condensation of the working fluid.

[0047] The real-time temperature of the energy storage battery is obtained by the temperature detection unit, and the speed of the fan is adjusted to control the temperature of the energy storage battery, so that the energy storage battery is in the optimal operating temperature range.

[0048] This setup allows for the full utilization of natural cold sources for indirect cooling of the energy storage battery, achieving a uniform temperature distribution. It not only avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system, but also helps to reduce system energy consumption.

[0049] In one optional implementation, the absorption cooling heat dissipation mode includes:

[0050] Close the seventh and eighth valves, and open the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth valves. The absorption chiller driven by the thermal storage device provides cooling to the energy storage battery. The heat source of the thermal storage device includes solar collectors, low-grade thermal energy, and / or electric heating.

[0051] This setup achieves several advantages. First, it combines solar thermal storage and absorption refrigeration technologies to indirectly cool the energy storage battery, resulting in a uniform temperature distribution. Second, it avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system. Third, it improves overall energy utilization and minimizes the energy consumption of the energy storage battery thermal management system.

[0052] In one optional implementation, the heating mode includes:

[0053] The first, second, fifth, and sixth valves are closed, while the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth valves are opened. The working fluid of the heat pipe is driven by the working fluid pump, which heats the working fluid through the heat storage device. The heated working fluid then enters the heat pipe evaporation section to transfer heat to the energy storage battery.

[0054] This setup allows for heating of the energy storage battery when the temperature is too low, thereby achieving a uniform temperature distribution within the battery. This promotes efficient and long-term stable operation of the energy storage battery and improves the overall energy utilization rate. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat pipe battery rack in an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the cooling unit of an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of a photothermal storage unit in an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the heating unit in an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a thermal storage device driving an absorption chiller in an energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of another energy storage battery thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0064] 100. Heat pipe battery rack; 200. Cooling unit; 300. Photothermal storage unit; 400. Heating unit; 500. Temperature detection unit;

[0065] 11. Heat pipe condenser section; 12. Heat pipe evaporator section; 13. Battery housing; 130. Battery slot; 14. Energy storage battery; 15. Heat pipe working fluid; 16. Heat pipe insulation section; 17. Insulation layer; 18. Separator;

[0066] 21. Absorption chiller; 22. Fan;

[0067] 31. Thermal storage device; 32. Solar collector panel;

[0068] 41. Heating element; 42. Working fluid pump; 43. Storage tank;

[0069] 51. First pipeline; 510. First valve; 52. Second pipeline; 520. Second valve; 53. Third pipeline; 530. Third valve; 54. Fourth pipeline; 540. Fourth valve; 55. Fifth pipeline; 550. Fifth valve; 56. Sixth pipeline; 560. Sixth valve; 57. Seventh pipeline; 570. Seventh valve; 58. Eighth pipeline; 580. Eighth valve; 59. Ninth pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To address the problem that existing energy storage battery cooling systems, which combine air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change material heat conduction, struggle to achieve uniform temperature distribution and have low overall energy utilization, this invention provides an energy storage battery thermal management system and its operating method. This system indirectly cools the battery system through natural cooling and absorption refrigerant cooling. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments, it provides heat to the energy storage battery by heating the heat pipe working fluid through a thermal storage device, thus achieving uniform temperature distribution and improving overall energy utilization. The thermal management system for energy storage batteries mainly includes a heat pipe battery rack, a cooling unit, a solar thermal storage unit, and a heating unit. The heat pipe battery rack has strong thermal conductivity, enabling rapid transfer of heat generated by the battery to the heat pipe condenser section, achieving uniform battery temperature distribution. The combined cooling method of the heat pipe battery rack, cooling unit, and solar thermal storage unit allows for indirect cooling of the battery through natural cooling and absorption refrigerant cooling. This indirect cooling method avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system. The solar thermal storage unit, employing solar thermal absorption cooling and heating, effectively reduces the energy consumption of the thermal management system. The thermal storage device can utilize waste heat to control the battery system temperature, improving overall energy efficiency. The heating unit provides heat to the energy storage battery in low-temperature environments by heating the heat pipe medium through the thermal storage device, ensuring uniform battery temperature distribution and maintaining the battery temperature within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0072] The following is combined Figures 1 to 7 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, an energy storage battery thermal management system is provided, comprising:

[0074] The heat pipe battery rack 100 includes a heat pipe condensation section 11 and a heat pipe evaporation section 12;

[0075] Absorption chiller 21 and fan 22 are respectively connected to the first two sides of heat pipe condensing section 11. Absorption chiller 21 and / or fan 22 are adapted to form cooling unit 200 to cool and dissipate heat from heat pipe condensing section 11.

[0076] A heat storage device 31 is connected to one side of the heat pipe evaporation section 12 along the first direction. The heat storage device 31 is suitable for storing heat. The heat storage device 31 is connected to the absorption chiller 21 to drive the absorption chiller 21 to operate.

[0077] The solar collector 32 is connected together with the heat storage device 31 to form a solar thermal storage unit 300. The solar collector 32 is suitable for collecting solar energy and storing heat in the heat storage device 31.

[0078] The heating tube 41 and the working fluid pump 42 are built into the heat storage device 31. The heating tube 41 and the working fluid pump 42 are adapted to form a heating unit 400 together with the heat storage device 31. One end of the working fluid pump 42 is connected to the heat pipe evaporation section 12 and the other end is connected to the heat storage device 31. The working fluid pump 42 is adapted to drive the heat pipe working fluid 15 to circulate, so that the heat pipe working fluid 15 in the heat pipe evaporation section 12 is heated by the heat storage device 31 and then returns to the heat pipe evaporation section 12.

[0079] It should be noted that the heat pipe battery holder 100 can be made of metals such as copper, aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel, or it can be made of composite materials; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 As shown, the heat pipe battery rack 100 mainly includes a heat pipe condensing section 11, a heat pipe evaporating section 12, a battery housing 13, a heat pipe working fluid 15, and a heat pipe insulation section 16. The heat pipe battery rack 100 is used to house the battery. The heat pipe battery rack 100 has strong thermal conductivity and can quickly conduct the heat generated by the battery to the heat pipe condensing section 11, achieving a uniform temperature distribution of the battery. The heat pipe working fluid 15 is filled in the heat pipe evaporating section 12. The heat pipe working fluid 15 can be carbon dioxide and / or inert gas, which can play a certain role in flame retardancy and fire prevention. The cross-section of the heat pipe condensing section 11 can be circular, square, polygonal, streamlined, or irregular. In specific implementation, the heat exchange efficiency can be increased by adding fins, porous structures, and lattice structures.

[0080] It should be noted that the thermal storage device 31 can be used together with the solar collector panel 32 to form a solar thermal storage unit 300. The use of solar thermal absorption cooling and solar thermal heating can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management system. The thermal storage device 31 can also be used with other low-grade thermal energy sources to form other forms of thermal storage units. For example, the thermal storage device 31 can store waste heat such as industrial waste heat, or store the heat generated by off-peak electricity or wind and solar power curtailment to control the temperature of the battery system, which is conducive to improving the overall energy utilization rate.

[0081] It is understandable that "selective connection" refers to the opening or closing of a valve and the switching between the two states, while "at least partial connection" refers to the state where the flow area of ​​the valve is greater than zero.

[0082] The energy storage battery thermal management system provided in this embodiment quickly conducts the heat generated by the battery to the heat pipe condenser section 11 by setting up a heat pipe battery rack 100, thereby achieving uniform temperature distribution of the battery. A cooling unit 200 is formed by setting up an absorption chiller 21 and a fan 22 to cool and dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser section 11. A heat storage device 31 drives the operation of the cooling unit 200. A solar thermal collector 32 is connected to the heat storage device 31 to form a solar thermal storage unit 300. The solar thermal storage unit 300, the cooling unit 200, and the heat pipe battery rack 100 can be cooled by natural cooling and absorption refrigerant cooling. Indirect cooling of the battery system avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system, while effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system. The heat storage device 31 utilizes waste heat to control the temperature of the battery system, improving the overall energy utilization rate. By setting up the heating pipe 41 and the working medium pump 42, the heating pipe 41 and the working medium pump 42 together with the heat storage device 31 form a heating unit 400, thereby providing heat to the energy storage battery by heating the heat pipe working medium 15 through the heat storage device 31 in a low-temperature environment, ensuring that the temperature of the energy storage battery is maintained within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0083] It is worth noting that the energy storage battery thermal management system provided in this embodiment has most of its components as non-transmission parts, which are highly reliable, have a long service life, and produce low noise during operation.

[0084] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the cooling unit 200 includes an absorption chiller 21, a fan 22, a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a first valve 510, and a second valve 520. The absorption chiller 21 is connected to the heat pipe condensing section 11 via the first pipe 51. The first valve 510 is installed on the first pipe 51, and the first valve 510 is suitable for selectively connecting and / or at least partially connecting the absorption chiller 21 and the heat pipe condensing section 11. When dissipating heat under low temperature conditions, the absorption chiller 21 can be turned off and the fan 22 can be started, so that the heat dissipation needs of the battery system can be met by using only the natural cold source. Specifically, the temperature of the battery system can be controlled by adjusting the speed of the fan 22 according to the real-time monitoring of the battery system temperature, so that the battery system is in the optimal temperature range. The natural cold source heat dissipation mode makes full use of the natural cold source. In this mode, the system energy consumption is only the energy consumption required to drive the fan 22, which helps to reduce energy consumption.

[0085] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the absorption chiller 21 and the fan 22 are connected by a second pipe 52; a second valve 520 is provided on the second pipe 52, which is suitable for selectively connecting the absorption chiller 21 and the fan 22 and / or at least partially connecting them; when the natural cold source cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the battery system, the absorption chiller 21 can be started and driven by the heat storage device 31 to dissipate heat from the battery system using an absorption cooling heat dissipation mode. The heat storage device 31 can collect heat through the solar collector panel 32 or store waste heat such as industrial waste heat, which can indirectly dissipate heat from the battery system and improve the overall energy utilization rate.

[0086] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the inlet end of the solar collector panel 32 is connected to the heat storage device 31 through a third pipe 53; a third valve 530 is provided on the third pipe 53, which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the inlet end of the solar collector panel 32 to the heat storage device 31; the outlet end of the solar collector panel 32 is connected to the heat storage device 31 through a fourth pipe 54; a fourth valve 540 is provided on the fourth pipe 54, which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the outlet end of the solar collector panel 32 to the heat storage device 31.

[0087] In this embodiment, the thermal storage device 31, the solar collector 32, the third pipeline 53, the fourth pipeline 54, the third valve 530, and the fourth valve 540 together constitute the solar thermal storage unit 300, which can not only drive the absorption chiller 21 to dissipate heat from the battery system, but also perform solar thermal heating, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0088] In one embodiment, please combine Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the heat source inlet of the absorption chiller 21 is connected to the heat storage device 31 through a fifth pipe 55; a fifth valve 550 is provided on the fifth pipe 55, which is suitable for selectively connecting and / or at least partially connecting the heat source inlet of the absorption chiller 21 to the heat storage device 31; the heat source outlet of the absorption chiller 21 is connected to the heat storage device 31 through a sixth pipe 56; a sixth valve 560 is provided on the sixth pipe 56, which is suitable for selectively connecting and / or at least partially connecting the heat source outlet of the absorption chiller 21 to the heat storage device 31.

[0089] In this embodiment, the heat storage device 31 selectively drives the absorption chiller 21 by controlling the fifth valve 550 and the sixth valve 560, thereby achieving the switching between the natural cold source heat dissipation mode and the absorption refrigeration heat dissipation mode.

[0090] In one embodiment, please combine Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the heating unit 400 includes a heating tube 41, a working fluid pump 42, a heat storage device 31, a seventh pipe 57, an eighth pipe 58, a seventh valve 570, and an eighth valve 580. One end of the working fluid pump 42 is connected to the heat storage device 31 through the seventh pipe 57. The seventh pipe 57 is equipped with a seventh valve 570, which is adapted to selectively connect the working fluid pump 42 and the heat storage device 31. The other end of the working fluid pump 42 is connected to the heat pipe evaporation section 12 through the eighth pipe 58. The eighth pipe 58 is equipped with an eighth valve 580, which is adapted to selectively connect the working fluid pump 42 and the heat pipe evaporation section 12.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is too low, causing the battery system temperature to be lower than the optimal operating temperature, the heat pipe working fluid 15 is heated by the heat storage device 31 under the drive of the working fluid pump 42. The heat pipe working fluid 15 is heated by the heat storage device 31 and then returns to the heat pipe evaporation section 12. The heat pipe working fluid 15 transfers heat to the energy storage battery 14 through the wall of the battery housing 13, ensuring a uniform temperature distribution of the energy storage battery 14 and keeping the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0092] In one embodiment, see Figure 2As shown, multiple battery housings 13 are uniformly arranged in the heat pipe evaporation section 12. The inner wall of each battery housing 13 is adapted to jointly enclose and form a battery groove 130. The battery groove 130 is adapted to accommodate an energy storage battery 14. A flow gap is formed between the outer walls of each two adjacent battery housings 13. The flow gap is adapted to accommodate the heat pipe working fluid 15.

[0093] In this embodiment, the heat pipe battery rack 100 can be made of copper. Battery slots 130 can be set in the heat pipe evaporation section 12 according to the number and shape of the energy storage batteries. The number and arrangement of the heat pipe condensation sections 11 can be determined according to the heat dissipation of the energy storage batteries and the layout of the battery slots 130. After completing the structural design of the heat pipe battery rack 100, it can be manufactured using methods such as welding, additive manufacturing, casting, and machining. The heat pipe battery rack 100 provided in this embodiment fully utilizes the principles of heat conduction and the rapid heat transfer properties of phase change media to quickly transfer the heat generated by the energy storage batteries to the outside of the battery system. Furthermore, the heat pipe battery rack 100 exhibits good isothermal properties during operation, with very small temperature differences at different locations, making it very suitable for applications requiring rapid and uniform heat exchange from energy storage batteries.

[0094] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage battery thermal management system also includes a temperature detection unit 500, which includes one or more temperature sensors adapted to collect the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 in real time. The temperature detection unit 500 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the cooling unit 200, the solar thermal storage unit 300, and the heating unit 400. By setting the temperature detection unit 500, the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is monitored in real time. Based on the temperature of the battery system collected in real time by the temperature detection unit 500, the thermal management system performs temperature control during operation, thereby keeping the temperature of the energy storage battery within the optimal operating temperature range.

[0095] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level of the heat pipe working fluid 15 in the heat pipe battery rack 100 is higher than that in any battery tank 130, so as to ensure that the energy storage batteries in all battery tanks 130 are completely immersed in the heat pipe working fluid 15, thus ensuring the temperature control effect of the energy storage batteries.

[0096] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 As shown, the heat pipe battery rack 100 also includes a heat pipe insulation section 16, which is disposed between the heat pipe condensing section 11 and the heat pipe evaporating section 12, thereby insulating the heat pipe condensing section 11 and the heat pipe evaporating section 12. Specifically, a partition 18 can be provided between the heat pipe condensing section 11 and the heat pipe evaporating section 12 to isolate them from heat exchange.

[0097] Furthermore, the heat pipe battery rack 100 can be covered by the insulation layer 17, thereby reducing heat loss and facilitating temperature control of the battery system.

[0098] In one embodiment, please combine Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the heating unit 400 also includes a liquid storage tank 43, which is disposed between the working fluid pump 42 and the heat pipe evaporation section 12. The liquid storage tank 43 is suitable for storing the heat pipe working fluid 15.

[0099] In one embodiment, the heat pipe working fluid 15 includes water, carbon dioxide, inert gas, and / or organic working fluid.

[0100] Optionally, carbon dioxide can be used as the working fluid for the heat pipe. In the specific implementation process, after the manufactured heat pipe battery rack 100 is evacuated, carbon dioxide working fluid can be injected into the heat pipe battery rack 100 according to the calculated filling amount.

[0101] In one embodiment, see Figure 7 As shown, the thermal storage device 31 is also equipped with a ninth pipe 59, which is suitable for connecting the thermal storage device 31 to an external low-grade thermal energy source, so that the thermal storage device 31 can store and utilize the external low-grade thermal energy. The low-grade thermal energy can be boiler steam, industrial waste heat, or waste heat, so as to achieve the purpose of utilizing waste heat and improve the comprehensive utilization rate of energy.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a method for operating the energy storage battery thermal management system as described above is also provided, comprising:

[0103] During operation, the energy storage battery 14 generates heat and transfers the heat to the liquid heat pipe working fluid 15 in the heat pipe evaporation section 12 through the inner wall of the battery tank 130. This causes the heat pipe working fluid 15 to absorb heat, evaporate into a gaseous state, and flow to the heat pipe condensation section 11. The energy storage battery 14 is cooled by a natural cold source so that the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is kept in the optimal operating range.

[0104] When the natural cold source cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the energy storage battery 14, an absorption cooling heat dissipation mode is adopted to dissipate heat from the energy storage battery 14 so that the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is kept in the optimal operating range.

[0105] When the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is lower than the optimal operating temperature, a heating mode is used to heat the energy storage battery 14 so that the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is kept within the optimal operating range.

[0106] In one embodiment, the natural cold source heat dissipation mode includes:

[0107] Open the third valve 530 and the fourth valve 540, and close the first valve 510, the second valve 520, the fifth valve 550, the sixth valve 560, the seventh valve 570 and the eighth valve 580. This allows the heat generated by the energy storage battery 14 to be transferred to the liquid heat pipe working fluid 15 in the heat pipe evaporation section 12 through the wall of the battery tank 130 via heat conduction. This causes the heat pipe working fluid 15 to absorb heat and evaporate into a gaseous state, and then condense and release heat in the heat pipe condensation section 11. Driven by the fan 22, the outdoor air undergoes forced convection with the heat pipe condensation section 11 to exchange heat and remove the heat generated by the condensation of the working fluid.

[0108] The real-time temperature of the energy storage battery 14 is obtained by the temperature detection unit 500, and the speed of the fan 22 is adjusted to control the temperature of the energy storage battery 14 so that the energy storage battery 14 is in the optimal operating temperature range.

[0109] The method of this invention can make full use of natural cold sources to indirectly cool the energy storage battery, thereby achieving a uniform temperature distribution of the energy storage battery. This not only avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, reducing the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system, but also helps to reduce system energy consumption.

[0110] In one embodiment, the absorption cooling heat dissipation mode includes:

[0111] The seventh valve 570 and the eighth valve 580 are closed, and the first valve 510, the second valve 520, the third valve 530, the fourth valve 540, the fifth valve 550 and the sixth valve 560 are opened. The absorption chiller 21 is driven by the thermal storage device 31 to provide cooling to the energy storage battery 14. The heat source of the thermal storage device 31 includes solar collector 32, low-grade heat energy, and / or electric heating.

[0112] The method of this invention can, on the one hand, combine photothermal heat storage and absorption refrigeration technologies to indirectly cool the energy storage battery, thereby achieving a uniform temperature distribution of the energy storage battery; on the other hand, it avoids direct contact between the heat exchange medium and the battery system, which can reduce the impact of direct cooling on the environmental humidity and cleanliness of the energy storage battery system; and on the third hand, it improves the overall energy utilization rate and minimizes the energy consumption of the energy storage battery thermal management system.

[0113] In one embodiment, the heating mode includes:

[0114] The first valve 510, the second valve 520, the fifth valve 550, and the sixth valve 560 are closed, while the third valve 530, the fourth valve 540, the seventh valve 570, and the eighth valve 580 are opened. The working fluid 15 of the heat pipe is driven by the working fluid pump 42, so that the working fluid 15 of the heat pipe is heated by the heat storage device 31. The heated working fluid 15 then enters the heat pipe evaporation section 12 to transfer heat to the energy storage battery 14. The heat source of the heat storage device 31 includes solar collector 32, low-grade heat energy, and / or electric heating.

[0115] The method of this invention can heat the energy storage battery 14 when the temperature is too low, thereby achieving a uniform temperature distribution in the energy storage battery 14, which is beneficial to the efficient and long-term stable operation of the energy storage battery 14, and can also improve the comprehensive utilization rate of energy.

[0116] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for an energy storage battery, characterized in that, include: The heat pipe battery rack (100) includes a heat pipe condensation section (11) and a heat pipe evaporation section (12). An absorption chiller (21) and a fan (22) are respectively connected to the first two sides of the heat pipe condensing section (11), and the absorption chiller (21) and / or the fan (22) are adapted to form a cooling unit (200) to cool and dissipate heat from the heat pipe condensing section (11); A heat storage device (31) is connected to one side of the heat pipe evaporation section (12) along the first direction. The heat storage device (31) is adapted to store heat. The heat storage device (31) is connected to the absorption chiller (21) to drive the absorption chiller (21) to operate. A solar collector (32) is connected together with the heat storage device (31) to form a solar thermal storage unit (300). The solar collector (32) is suitable for collecting solar energy and storing the heat in the heat storage device (31). A heating tube (41) and a working fluid pump (42) are provided. The heating tube (41) is built into the heat storage device (31). The heating tube (41) and the working fluid pump (42) are adapted to form a heating unit (400) together with the heat storage device (31). One end of the working fluid pump (42) is connected to the heat pipe evaporation section (12), and the other end is connected to the heat storage device (31). The working fluid pump (42) is adapted to drive the heat pipe working fluid (15) to circulate, so that the heat pipe working fluid (15) in the heat pipe evaporation section (12) is heated by the heat storage device (31) and then returns to the heat pipe evaporation section (12). Multiple battery housings (13) are uniformly arranged in the heat pipe evaporation section (12). The inner wall of each battery housing (13) is adapted to be enclosed together to form a battery slot (130). The battery slot (130) is adapted to accommodate an energy storage battery (14). A flow gap is formed between the outer walls of each two adjacent battery housings (13), and the flow gap is suitable for accommodating the heat pipe working fluid (15). During operation, the energy storage battery (14) generates heat and transfers the heat to the liquid heat pipe working fluid (15) in the heat pipe evaporation section (12) through the inner wall of the battery tank (130), so that the heat pipe working fluid (15) absorbs heat and evaporates into gas and flows to the heat pipe condensation section (11); the energy storage battery (14) is cooled by a natural cold source heat dissipation mode so that the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) is kept in the optimal operating range.

2. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absorption chiller (21) is connected to the heat pipe condenser section (11) via a first pipeline (51); a first valve (510) is provided on the first pipeline (51), and the first valve (510) is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the absorption chiller (21) and the heat pipe condenser section (11).

3. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The absorption chiller (21) and the fan (22) are connected by a second pipeline (52); a second valve (520) is provided on the second pipeline (52), which is adapted to selectively connect the absorption chiller (21) and the fan (22) and / or at least partially connect them.

4. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet end of the solar collector (32) is connected to the heat storage device (31) through a third pipe (53); a third valve (530) is provided on the third pipe (53), which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the inlet end of the solar collector (32) to the heat storage device (31). The outlet end of the solar collector (32) is connected to the heat storage device (31) through a fourth pipe (54); a fourth valve (540) is provided on the fourth pipe (54), which is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the outlet end of the solar collector (32) to the heat storage device (31).

5. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source inlet of the absorption chiller (21) is connected to the heat storage device (31) through a fifth pipeline (55); a fifth valve (550) is provided on the fifth pipeline (55), and the fifth valve (550) is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the heat source inlet of the absorption chiller (21) to the heat storage device (31); The heat source outlet of the absorption chiller (21) is connected to the heat storage device (31) through a sixth pipeline (56); a sixth valve (560) is provided on the sixth pipeline (56), and the sixth valve (560) is adapted to selectively connect and / or at least partially connect the heat source outlet of the absorption chiller (21) to the heat storage device (31).

6. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the working fluid pump (42) is connected to the heat storage device (31) through the seventh pipeline (57); the seventh pipeline (57) is provided with a seventh valve (570), which is adapted to selectively connect the working fluid pump (42) and the heat storage device (31); The other end of the working fluid pump (42) is connected to the heat pipe evaporation section (12) through the eighth pipeline (58); the eighth pipeline (58) is provided with an eighth valve (580), which is adapted to selectively connect the working fluid pump (42) to the heat pipe evaporation section (12).

7. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage battery thermal management system further includes a temperature detection unit (500), which includes one or more temperature sensors adapted to collect the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) in real time. The temperature detection unit (500) is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the cooling unit (200), the photothermal storage unit (300), and the heating unit (400).

8. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level of the heat pipe working fluid (15) in the heat pipe battery rack (100) is higher than that in any of the battery tanks (130).

9. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The heat pipe battery rack (100) also includes a heat pipe insulation section (16), which is disposed between the heat pipe condensation section (11) and the heat pipe evaporation section (12).

10. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The heating unit (400) also includes a liquid storage tank (43), which is disposed between the working fluid pump (42) and the heat pipe evaporation section (12), and the liquid storage tank (43) is suitable for storing the heat pipe working fluid (15).

11. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The heat pipe working fluid (15) includes water, carbon dioxide, inert gas and / or organic working fluid.

12. The energy storage battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The heat storage device (31) is also provided with a ninth pipeline (59), which is adapted to connect the heat storage device (31) to an external low-grade heat energy source so that the heat storage device (31) can store and utilize the external low-grade heat energy.

13. A method for operating an energy storage battery thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, include: When the natural cold source cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the energy storage battery (14), the absorption cooling heat dissipation mode is used to dissipate heat from the energy storage battery (14) so ​​that the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) is kept in the optimal operating range. When the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) is lower than the optimal operating temperature, the energy storage battery (14) is heated in a heating mode to keep the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) within the optimal operating range.

14. The method of operating the energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The natural cooling source heat dissipation mode includes: Open the third valve (530) and the fourth valve (540), and close the first valve (510), the second valve (520), the fifth valve (550), the sixth valve (560), the seventh valve (570) and the eighth valve (580), so that the heat generated by the energy storage battery (14) is transferred to the liquid heat pipe working fluid (15) in the heat pipe evaporation section (12) through the wall of the battery tank (130) by heat conduction, so that the heat pipe working fluid (15) absorbs heat and evaporates into a gaseous state, and condenses and releases heat in the heat pipe condensation section (11). The outdoor air is driven by the fan (22) to have forced convection heat exchange with the heat pipe condensation section (11) to remove the heat generated by the condensation of the working fluid; The real-time temperature of the energy storage battery (14) is obtained by the temperature detection unit (500), and the speed of the fan (22) is adjusted to control the temperature of the energy storage battery (14) so ​​that the energy storage battery (14) is in the optimal operating temperature range.

15. The method of operating the energy storage battery thermal management system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The absorption-type cooling and heat dissipation mode includes: Close the seventh valve (570) and the eighth valve (580), and open the first valve (510), the second valve (520), the third valve (530), the fourth valve (540), the fifth valve (550) and the sixth valve (560) to drive the absorption chiller (21) through the thermal storage device (31) to provide cooling for the energy storage battery (14). The heat source of the thermal storage device (31) includes solar collector (32) heat collection, low-grade thermal energy heating and / or electric heating.

16. The method of operating the energy storage battery thermal management system according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The heating mode employed includes: Close the first valve (510), the second valve (520), the fifth valve (550) and the sixth valve (560), and open the third valve (530), the fourth valve (540), the seventh valve (570) and the eighth valve (580). Drive the heat pipe working fluid (15) through the working fluid pump (42), so that the heat pipe working fluid (15) is heated by the heat storage device (31). The heated heat pipe working fluid (15) then enters the heat pipe evaporation section (12) to transfer heat to the energy storage battery (14).

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