Thermal management systems, energy storage systems and photovoltaic inverter systems

Abstract

The present application provides a thermal management system, including a coolant circulation system, a refrigerant circulation system and a heat exchange component. The refrigerant circulation system includes a refrigerant flow channel plate, in which a refrigerant flow channel for connecting the heat exchange component is integrated. The coolant circulation system includes a first coolant flow channel plate and a second coolant flow channel plate, each of which is integrated with a coolant flow channel for connecting the heat exchange component, and the coolant flow channels in the first coolant flow channel plate and the second coolant flow channel plate are connected. The second coolant flow channel plate, the first coolant flow channel plate and the refrigerant flow channel plate are stacked in sequence. By stacking the refrigerant flow channel plate and the two coolant flow channel plates, the difficulty of installation and maintenance can be reduced. In addition, by distributing the coolant flow channels for connecting the various components of the coolant circulation system on two coolant flow channel plates in a stacked configuration, the footprint of the coolant flow channel plate can be reduced, and the difficulty of layout of the coolant flow channels can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system, an energy storage system and a photovoltaic inverter system. Background Art

[0002] With the vigorous development of new energy technologies, energy storage technology has also received increasing attention. In addition to battery clusters for storing electrical energy and electronic devices for managing battery clusters, in order to ensure the performance and safety of battery clusters and electronic devices, existing energy storage systems also include thermal management systems for heating or dissipating heat for battery clusters and electronic devices.

[0003] In one prior art, a refrigerant is directly used to exchange heat with a heat management object, thereby cooling or heating the heat management object. However, the existing refrigerant is usually a chemical substance. On the one hand, in order to prevent corrosion, the pipeline needs to use anti-corrosion materials such as metal, which increases the cost. On the other hand, in the event of leakage, it is difficult to clean up and is easy to cause damage to the human body and the environment.

[0004] In response to this, a secondary cooling technology was proposed, that is, using a refrigerant to exchange heat with a coolant such as water, and using the coolant after heat exchange to cool or heat the thermal management object. Since the coolant is less corrosive, the requirements for pipe materials are low, and for example, plastic can be used, which greatly reduces costs. In addition, the main component of the coolant is water, so in the event of a leak, it is easy to clean up and has little harm to the human body and the environment.

[0005] However, this secondary cooling technology requires the layout of coolant circuits and refrigerant circuits, which results in higher costs for the thermal management system, complex installation, and large space requirements. Especially in power stations where a large number of battery clusters need to be thermally managed, there are many pipes, complex connections, and greater difficulty in installation and maintenance. Summary of the invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system, an energy storage system, and a photovoltaic inverter system, which can reduce the difficulty of installation and maintenance.

[0007] In a first aspect, a thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system includes a coolant circulation system, a refrigerant circulation system and at least one heat exchange component. The heat exchange component is used for heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0008] The refrigerant circulation system comprises a refrigerant flow channel plate and a plurality of refrigerant end components. The refrigerant flow channel is integrated in the refrigerant flow channel plate, and the refrigerant flow channel is used to connect the plurality of refrigerant end components and the heat exchange component.

[0009] The coolant circulation system includes a first coolant flow channel plate, a second coolant flow channel plate and a plurality of coolant end components. The second coolant flow channel plate, the first coolant flow channel plate and the refrigerant flow channel plate are stacked in sequence. A coolant flow channel is integrated in each coolant flow channel plate. The coolant flow channels in the first coolant flow channel plate and the second coolant flow channel plate are connected. The coolant flow channel is used to connect the plurality of coolant end components and the heat exchange component.

[0010] The heat exchange component is installed on a side of the refrigerant flow channel plate away from the second cooling liquid flow channel plate.

[0011] The difficulty of installation and maintenance can be reduced by stacking a refrigerant flow channel plate and two coolant flow channel plates and integrating a heat exchange component on the refrigerant flow channel plate.

[0012] Furthermore, by distributing the coolant channels for connecting the components of the coolant circulation system on two coolant channel plates in a stacked configuration, compared with laying out the coolant channels on one coolant channel plate, the footprint of the coolant channel plate can be reduced, and the difficulty of laying out the coolant channels can be reduced, thereby further improving the practicality of the thermal management system provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0013] The plurality of refrigerant end components are arranged on at least one of a surface of the first coolant flow channel plate that is away from the refrigerant flow channel plate and a surface of the second coolant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

[0014] For example, at least one refrigerant end component among the plurality of refrigerant end components, such as a gas-liquid separator, is also installed on a side of the first coolant flow channel plate that is away from the refrigerant flow channel plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the refrigerant end assembly installed on the first coolant flow channel plate is located on the first coolant flow channel plate so that: the second coolant flow channel plate is outside the projection of the first coolant flow channel plate.

[0016] Therefore, the coolant flow channel plate located at the bottom layer will not be blocked, and the refrigerant end assembly is arranged on the coolant flow channel plate located in the middle, which is convenient for the installation and maintenance of the refrigerant end assembly, and there is no need to occupy additional device configuration space on the coolant flow channel plate at the bottom layer due to the configuration of the refrigerant end assembly.

[0017] For another example, at least one refrigerant end component among a plurality of refrigerant end components, such as an expansion valve, is installed on a surface of the second coolant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of coolant end assemblies, such as a multi-way valve, is installed on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

[0019] By arranging the refrigerant end assembly and the coolant end assembly on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate away from the first coolant flow channel plate, the installation and maintenance of the assembly can be facilitated.

[0020] In the embodiment of the present application, there are multiple heat exchange components, and the heat exchange components are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flow channel of the first coolant flow channel plate.

[0021] For example, the heat exchange assembly includes a plurality of evaporators, and the plurality of evaporators are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flow channel of the first coolant flow channel plate, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency.

[0022] For another example, the heat exchange assembly includes a plurality of condensers, and the plurality of condensers are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flow channel of the first coolant flow channel plate, thereby improving the condensation efficiency.

[0023] As a way to realize the above-mentioned "parallel connection" of multiple condensers or evaporators, the following scheme can be adopted:

[0024] The coolant flow channel of the first coolant flow channel plate includes a main coolant flow channel and a plurality of branch coolant flow channels, one end of each branch coolant flow channel is connected to the main coolant flow channel, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of branch coolant flow channels are the same.

[0025] Furthermore, the coolant flow channel of the coolant flow channel plate includes a main coolant flow channel and a plurality of branch coolant flow channels, one end of each branch coolant flow channel is connected to the main coolant flow channel, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of branch coolant flow channels are the same.

[0026] The other end of each branch coolant flow channel is used to connect to an evaporator, and the other end of each branch refrigerant flow channel is used to connect to an evaporator.

[0027] The other end of each branch coolant flow channel is used to connect to a condenser, and the other end of each branch refrigerant flow channel is used to connect to a condenser.

[0028] By making the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of branch coolant flow channels the same, the coolant can be made to enter the condenser or the evaporator uniformly.

[0029] By making the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of branch refrigerant flow channels the same, the refrigerant can enter the condenser or the evaporator uniformly.

[0030] In one possible embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch coolant flow channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main coolant flow channel.

[0031] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch refrigerant flow channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main refrigerant flow channel.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present application, the refrigerant flow channel plate extends in a plate shape, and includes a side wall perpendicular to the extension direction of the refrigerant flow channel plate. When the refrigerant flow channel plate is placed parallel to the direction of gravity, a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for the refrigerant to enter and exit are provided on the side wall of the refrigerant flow channel plate perpendicular to the direction of gravity and away from the ground.

[0033] For example, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are formed into a tube shape extending along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the side where the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are located, and the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the refrigerant flow channel plate.

[0034] This facilitates the routing of pipes for connecting the refrigerant flow channel plate and the compressor.

[0035] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, a cooling liquid inlet and a cooling liquid outlet for the cooling liquid to enter and exit are provided on a surface of the second cooling liquid flow channel plate that is away from the first cooling liquid flow channel plate.

[0036] For example, the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are formed in a tubular shape extending along a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to an extending direction of the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0037] This facilitates the routing of pipes for connecting the coolant flow channel plate and the cold plate.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the heat exchange assembly includes at least one condenser and at least one evaporator, the at least one condenser is located on one side of a first axis, and the at least one condenser is located on the other side of the first axis, and the first axis is a straight line on a side of the refrigerant flow plate facing away from the first coolant flow plate.

[0039] Furthermore, a gas-liquid separator among the plurality of refrigerant end components is installed on a side of the first cooling liquid flow channel plate away from the refrigerant flow channel plate, and the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator are located on the same side of the first axis.

[0040] A multi-way valve in the plurality of coolant end assemblies is installed on one side of the second coolant flow channel plate away from the first coolant flow channel plate, and the multi-way valve and the condenser are located on the same side of the first axis.

[0041] By locating the high temperature components on the same side of the thermal management system and the low temperature components on the other side of the thermal management system, it is possible to facilitate the layout of the flow channels for connecting the high temperature components and the flow channels for connecting the low temperature components. In addition, it is possible to facilitate thermal insulation between the high temperature components and the low temperature components.

[0042] In another possible implementation, the heat exchange assembly includes multiple condensers and multiple evaporators. When the refrigerant flow channel plate is placed parallel to the direction of gravity, the multiple condensers are arranged in at least one row, and the multiple evaporators are arranged in at least one row. The direction of the row is parallel to the direction of gravity. An expansion valve in the multiple refrigerant end assemblies is installed on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate away from the first coolant flow channel plate, and the projection of the expansion valve on the refrigerant flow channel plate is located between adjacent condenser rows and evaporator rows.

[0043] Thus, the length of the flow path for connecting the expansion valve and the evaporator or the condenser can be reduced.

[0044] The heat exchange assembly includes a plurality of condensers and a plurality of evaporators. When the refrigerant flow channel plate is placed parallel to the direction of gravity, the height of each condenser from the ground is greater than or equal to the height of each evaporator from the ground. Thus, gravity can be used to assist the flow of refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator.

[0045] In a second aspect, an energy storage system is provided. The energy storage system includes: a battery cluster and a thermal management system. A coolant circulation system in the thermal management system includes a battery liquid cooling plate.

[0046] One end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, the other end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are connected to the coolant flow channel in the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0047] The battery cluster is arranged on the battery liquid cooling plate.

[0048] Thus, the coolant after heat exchange with the refrigerant flows out through the coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, enters the battery liquid cooling plate from one end of the battery liquid cooling plate, and exchanges heat with the battery cluster arranged on the battery liquid cooling plate inside the battery liquid cooling plate. The coolant after heat exchange flows out from the other end of the battery liquid cooling plate, and flows back to the coolant flow channel through the coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the energy storage system further includes a power converter, which is used to perform power conversion on the battery cluster.

[0050] The coolant circulation system in the thermal management system includes a power converter liquid cooling plate.

[0051] One end of the power converter liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, the other end of the power converter liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are connected to the coolant flow channel in the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0052] The power converter liquid cooling plate is arranged on the power converter liquid cooling plate liquid cooling plate.

[0053] Thus, the coolant after heat exchange with the refrigerant flows out through the coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, enters the power converter liquid cooling plate from one end of the power converter liquid cooling plate, and performs heat exchange with the power converter configured on the power converter liquid cooling plate in the power converter liquid cooling plate, and the coolant after heat exchange flows out from the other end of the power converter liquid cooling plate, and flows back to the coolant flow channel through the coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0054] In a third aspect, a photovoltaic inverter system is provided, which includes: a photovoltaic panel, a photovoltaic inverter, an energy storage system and a thermal management system, wherein the photovoltaic panel is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, the energy storage system includes a battery cluster, the battery cluster is used to store electrical energy from the photovoltaic panel, and the photovoltaic inverter is used to convert direct current from the photovoltaic panel into alternating current.

[0055] The coolant circulation system in the thermal management system includes a battery liquid cooling plate.

[0056] One end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, the other end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are connected to the coolant flow channel in the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0057] The battery cluster is arranged on the battery liquid cooling plate.

[0058] Thus, the coolant after heat exchange with the refrigerant flows out through the coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, enters the battery liquid cooling plate from one end of the battery liquid cooling plate, and exchanges heat with the battery cluster arranged on the battery liquid cooling plate inside the battery liquid cooling plate. The coolant after heat exchange flows out from the other end of the battery liquid cooling plate, and flows back to the coolant flow channel through the coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the photovoltaic inverter system further includes a power converter, and the power converter is used to perform power conversion on the battery cluster.

[0060] The coolant circulation system in the thermal management system includes a power converter liquid cooling plate.

[0061] One end of the power converter liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, the other end of the power converter liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are connected to the coolant flow channel in the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0062] The power converter liquid cooling plate is arranged on the power converter liquid cooling plate liquid cooling plate.

[0063] Thus, the coolant after heat exchange with the refrigerant flows out through the coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, enters the power converter liquid cooling plate from one end of the power converter liquid cooling plate, and performs heat exchange with the power converter configured on the power converter liquid cooling plate in the power converter liquid cooling plate, and the coolant after heat exchange flows out from the other end of the power converter liquid cooling plate, and flows back to the coolant flow channel through the coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate.

[0064] The configuration and structure of each component in the thermal management system in the second and third aspects are similar to those in the first aspect, and the detailed description thereof is omitted here to avoid redundancy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1 It is a schematic architecture diagram of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system that is applicable to the thermal management system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Figure 2 It is a schematic architecture diagram of an example of an energy storage system applicable to the thermal management system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Figure 3 This is an architectural diagram of an example of a thermal management system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the layout of the thermal management system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a layout of multiple condensers and evaporators.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerant flow path for connecting multiple condensers or evaporators in parallel.

[0071] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the layout of the configuration surface of the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the layout of the configuration surface of the bottom coolant flow channel plate.

[0073] Fig. 9 This is another schematic diagram of the layout of the configuration surface of the bottom coolant flow channel plate.

[0074] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the structure of the mounting surface of the refrigerant flow channel plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0076] The thermal management system provided in the present application is applicable to energy storage systems or photovoltaic inverter systems, and is particularly applicable to scenarios with large-scale battery clusters as thermal management objects, such as energy storage systems or photovoltaic inverter systems in power stations.

[0077] Figure 1 This is an example of a photovoltaic inverter system that is suitable for the thermal management system provided by this application. Figure 1 As shown, the photovoltaic inverter system includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel and a photovoltaic inverter. The photovoltaic panel converts solar energy into electrical energy. Since the photovoltaic panel generates direct current, the direct current needs to be converted into alternating current through a photovoltaic inverter to facilitate the transmission and utilization of electricity.

[0078] The photovoltaic inverter includes a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) converter, and the DC / AC converter is used to convert direct current into alternating current.

[0079] The photovoltaic inverter also includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) module, which is used to track the highest voltage and current values ​​so that the power generation system outputs current at the maximum power.

[0080] The MPPT module and the DC / DC module in the photovoltaic inverter may be arranged in the same package device or in different package devices.

[0081] The MPPT module may include a direct current to direct current (DC / DC) converter, which is used to stabilize the DC power generated by the PV module (or, voltage conversion processing). The DC power after voltage stabilization can be output to the power energy storage system. One end of the DC / AC converter (denoted as end A) is connected to the MPPT module and an energy storage system, and the other end B is used to connect to the AC power grid or AC load, so that the DC / AC converter converts the DC power output by the MPPT module or the energy storage system into AC power, and provides it to the AC load or the AC power grid.

[0082] In addition, the other end B (referred to as end B) of the DC / AC converter can also be connected to another energy storage system via an inverter (i.e., a DC / AC converter), which is used to convert the AC power from the photovoltaic inverter into DC power and store it in the energy storage system. In addition, the DC power from the energy storage system can be converted into AC power and provided to the AC load or AC grid.

[0083] It should be noted that, in the photovoltaic inverter system provided in the present application, it may only include an energy storage system connected to the A end of the DC / AC converter in the photovoltaic inverter, or it may only include an energy storage system connected to the B end of the DC / AC converter in the photovoltaic inverter, or it may include both of the above energy storage systems.

[0084] The photovoltaic inverter system may also include a thermal management system, which uses a coolant to cool the battery cluster in the energy storage system, the DC / DC converter in the photovoltaic inverter, and part or all of the components in the DC / AC converter. The thermal management system is described in detail later.

[0085] Figure 1 This is an example of an energy storage system suitable for the thermal management system provided by this application. Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage system includes one or more DC / DC converters, one or more battery clusters, and one or more AC / DC converters. In addition, although not shown, the energy storage system also includes one or more battery management systems (BMS). Each battery pack corresponds to a BMS. BMS is usually used to realize dynamic monitoring of battery pack charging and discharging, battery pack balancing, and evaluation of battery pack charge state.

[0086] When the energy storage system includes multiple battery clusters, the multiple battery clusters are connected in parallel. Among them, a battery cluster is composed of multiple battery packs. Among them, each battery pack includes one or more battery packs (PACK). In one implementation, each battery pack may also include a battery management unit (battery managementmet unit, BMU), and the energy storage system also includes a battery control unit (battery control unit, BCU). The above-mentioned BMS includes the BMU and the BCU. The BMU is used to monitor the voltage, temperature and other information of the PACK, and report the above information to the BCU. The BCU monitors the PCK based on the above information and generates power control instructions for the PACK.

[0087] The PACK in the embodiment may be a single battery or a battery cluster composed of multiple batteries. Specifically, the battery may be a combination of one or more of a lead-carbon battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a ternary lithium battery, a sodium sulfur battery, and a flow battery.

[0088] In the energy storage system, one end of the DC / DC converter is used to connect to the photovoltaic panel, and the other end of the DC / DC converter is connected to the battery cluster. The DC / DC converter is used to perform power conversion processing such as voltage stabilization on the DC power from the photovoltaic panel and then output it to the battery cluster. One end of the AC / DC converter is connected to the battery cluster, and the other end of the AC / DC converter is connected to the AC grid and / or AC battery. The AC / DC converter performs current conversion processing on the DC power from the battery to convert the DC power into AC power, and supplies the AC power to the load or the grid.

[0089] In a possible implementation, although not shown, another DC / DC converter may be configured between the AC / DC converter and the battery cluster, and the other DC / DC converter is used to perform power conversion processing such as boosting on the DC power from the battery cluster.

[0090] The energy storage system may further include a thermal management system, which cools part or all of the components in the battery cluster, DC / DC converter, and DC / AC converter in the energy storage system through a coolant.

[0091] Next, combine Figure 3 The structure of the thermal management system 100 of the present application will be described in detail.

[0092] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a logical architecture diagram of an example of a thermal management system 100 of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the thermal management system 100 includes a coolant circulation system, a refrigerant circulation system and a heat exchange system.

[0093] The coolant circulation system uses coolant as a thermal management medium. As an example but not limitation, the coolant may include water. In addition, when performing thermal management on the battery, the coolant may be deionized to prevent the coolant from being conductive. In addition, when the energy storage system or photovoltaic inverter system is used in cold areas, antifreeze may be added to the coolant to prevent the coolant from solidifying.

[0094] The refrigerant circulation system uses refrigerant as a heat management medium. Refrigerant (Refrigerant) Refrigerant can also be called refrigerant, refrigerant or snow seed, which is a medium substance used to complete energy conversion in various heat engines. These substances usually increase power through reversible phase changes (such as gas-liquid phase change).

[0095] In the present application, the refrigerant is a working fluid used to transfer heat energy and produce a refrigeration effect. In other words, the refrigerant can transfer heat through evaporation and condensation. The refrigerant can be a substance that easily absorbs heat to become a gas, and easily releases heat to become a liquid. For example, the refrigerant is an intermediate substance in the refrigeration process. It first receives the coldness of the refrigerant and cools down, and then cools other cooled substances. As an example and not a limitation, in the present application, the refrigerant may include ammonia, air, water, salt water, chlorofluorocarbons (or chlorofluorocarbons), etc. In the present application, the gaseous refrigerant releases heat to become a liquid when under pressure, and absorbs heat when the high-pressure liquid is decompressed to become a gas.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange system includes one or more condensers 110 and one or more evaporators 120. Although not shown, the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120 include a coolant channel and a refrigerant channel, respectively. The condenser 110 may also be called a condensation plate exchanger, and the evaporator 120 may also be called an evaporation plate exchanger. The coolant and the refrigerant can perform heat exchange in the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120.

[0097] It should be noted that when the heat exchange system includes a plurality of condensers 110, the plurality of condensers 110 are connected in parallel. The “parallel connection” will be described in detail later in conjunction with the circulation process of the refrigerant.

[0098] Similarly, when the heat exchange system includes a plurality of evaporators 120 , the plurality of evaporators 120 are connected in parallel.

[0099] In addition, in the present application, the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120 participate in the temperature and gas phase change process of the refrigerant and the coolant, and therefore, the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120 can also be regarded as belonging to the refrigerant circulation system and the coolant circulation system.

[0100] Next, the refrigerant circulation system will be described.

[0101] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant system includes a plurality of refrigerant end components, for example, a compressor, a condenser 110 , an evaporator 120 and an expansion valve 130 .

[0102] Among them, the compressor (Gas Compressor) is used to compress the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant entering from the input port. The compressed gaseous refrigerant is heated and converted into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is output from the output port of the compressor. A compressor is a machine that compresses gas and increases the gas pressure at the same time. According to the operating principle, compressors can be divided into positive-displacement compressors and aerodynamic compressors. Positive-displacement compressors introduce gas into a closed space, increase the internal pressure by compressing the volume of space where the original gas is distributed, and convert mechanical energy into pressure energy. According to the different compression methods, it can be divided into reciprocating, rotary, scroll, spiral, etc. The gas-dynamic compressor uses the high-speed rotation of the impeller to force the gas to flow at a high speed to generate kinetic energy. In the process of passing through the boost ring, the air flow rate is reduced by increasing the cross-sectional area, so that the gas kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy and the pressure is increased. At present, this type of compressor has centrifugal and axial flow types. According to the lubrication method, it can be divided into: oil-free air compressor and oil-lubricated air compressor. According to the performance, it can be divided into: low noise, variable frequency, explosion-proof. According to the performance, it can be divided into: fixed, mobile, closed. In this application, one compressor can be used, or multiple compressors in parallel or series can be used, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0103] The expansion valve 130 is used to release the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, and the refrigerant after the pressure is released is cooled and converted into a low-temperature refrigerant. The expansion valve 130 can reduce the pressure (or, release the pressure or throttle) of the input high-pressure refrigerant to obtain a low-temperature refrigerant. The expansion valve 130 can also be called an electronic expansion valve 130, a thermal expansion valve 130 or a throttle valve. The expansion valve 130 is used to make the medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant become low-temperature and low-pressure wet steam through its throttling, and then the refrigerant absorbs heat in the heat exchange plate to achieve a cooling effect.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, the expansion valve 130 is composed of three major parts: a valve body, a temperature-sensitive package, and a balancing tube. The temperature-sensitive package is filled with a refrigerant in a gas-liquid equilibrium saturated state, and this part of the refrigerant is not connected to the refrigerant in the system. It is generally tied to the outlet pipe of the evaporator 120, and is in close contact with the pipe to sense the temperature of the steam at the outlet of the evaporator 120. Since the refrigerant inside it is saturated, the pressure of the saturated state at the temperature is transferred to the valve body according to the temperature. One end of the balancing tube is connected to a position slightly away from the temperature-sensitive package at the outlet of the evaporator 120, and is directly connected to the valve body through a capillary tube. The function is to transfer the actual pressure of the outlet of the evaporator 120 to the valve body. There are two diaphragms in the valve body. The diaphragms move upward under the action of pressure to reduce the refrigerant flow through the expansion valve 130, seeking balance in dynamics.

[0105] The thermal expansion valve 130 is installed at the inlet of the evaporator 120, and is often referred to as the expansion valve 130. It has two main functions:

[0106] 1) Throttling effect: After the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the throttling hole of the expansion valve 130, it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure mist-like hydraulic refrigerant, creating conditions for the evaporation of the refrigerant;

[0107] 2) Control the flow of refrigerant: The liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator 120 evaporates from liquid to gas after passing through the evaporator 120, absorbs heat, and reduces the temperature of the managed object (for example, a car battery). The expansion valve 130 controls the flow of the refrigerant to ensure that the outlet of the evaporator 120 is completely gaseous refrigerant. If the flow is too large, the outlet contains liquid refrigerant, which may enter the compressor and cause liquid hammer; if the refrigerant flow is too small, evaporation is completed prematurely, resulting in insufficient refrigeration.

[0108] In the present application, the refrigerant circulation system also includes a refrigerant flow plate 140, in which a refrigerant channel for connecting various devices or ports in the refrigerant circulation system is integrated. Subsequently, the structure and configuration of the refrigerant flow plate 140 are described in detail.

[0109] Next, the flow path, temperature change and gas phase change of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation system are described in detail.

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, the compressor compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant formed by compression is discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant passes through the flow channel integrated in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and flows into the condenser 110 through the medium inlet of the condenser 110.

[0111] It should be noted that, when there are multiple condensers 110, the refrigerant inlet 170 of each condenser 110 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor (via the refrigerant flow channel in the plate).

[0112] The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant circulation system in the condenser 110, and the low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant (the gas phase is liquid phase or gas-liquid two-phase) formed after the heat exchange is discharged. The low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant passes through the flow channel integrated in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and flows into the expansion valve 130.

[0113] It should be noted that, when there are multiple condensers 110 , the refrigerant outlet 175 of each condenser 110 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 170 of the expansion valve 130 (via the refrigerant flow channel in the plate).

[0114] Furthermore, the expansion valve 130 may be one or more. When there are more than one expansion valve 130 , the refrigerant inlet 170 of each expansion valve 130 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 175 of each condenser 110 (via the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant flow channel in the plate).

[0115] The low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant releases pressure and heat in the expansion valve 130 and is converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant (the gas phase is liquid phase or gas-liquid two-phase). The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passes through the flow channel integrated in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and enters the refrigerant inlet 170 of the evaporator 120 .

[0116] It should be noted that, when there are multiple expansion valves 130 , the refrigerant outlet 175 of each expansion valve 130 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 170 of each evaporator 120 (via the refrigerant flow channel in the plate).

[0117] In the evaporator 120, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the high-temperature coolant (specifically, the refrigerant absorbs heat) to form a high-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant (the gas phase is gas phase or gas-liquid two-phase). The high-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant passes through the flow channel integrated in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and flows into the inlet of the compressor.

[0118] It should be noted that, when there are multiple evaporators 120 , the refrigerant inlet 170 of each evaporator 120 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 175 of each expansion valve 130 (via the refrigerant flow channel in the plate).

[0119] Thus, the heat cycle process of the refrigerant is completed.

[0120] As described above, chemical substances used as refrigerants are usually corrosive and have a large temperature difference when converting from gas to liquid. Therefore, in the present application, corrosion-resistant and high and low temperature resistant materials such as metals are used to make various components in the refrigerant cycle, such as the refrigerant flow plate 140 and the expansion valve 130.

[0121] It should be understood that Figure 3 The structure of the refrigerant circulation system shown is only an example, and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerant circulation system may also include a liquid storage tank and a gas-liquid separator 190 .

[0122] The storage tank is used to store and supply refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation system.

[0123] The gas-liquid separator 190 is used to prevent the refrigerant liquid from hitting the compressor and ensure the safe and normal operation of the compressor. Its working principle is that when the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the gas-liquid separator, the expansion speed decreases, causing the liquid to separate or hit a baffle, thereby separating the liquid.

[0124] Next, the coolant circulation system will be described in detail.

[0125] return Figure 3 , the coolant system includes multiple coolant end components, such as a multi-way valve 195, a pump, a radiator, a pump and a heater.

[0126] Among them, the multi-way valve 195 includes a plurality of ports, and the multi-way valve 195 can control the connectivity between the plurality of ports. The working principle of the multi-way valve 195 is to connect different flow channels to each other by rotating the valve core, so as to switch and control different fluid media. The multi-way valve 195 is usually composed of a valve body, a valve core, a spring, a sealing ring, a handle, an actuator, etc. The internal shape of the valve body is designed according to different functional requirements, and usually includes an inlet and outlet, a central flow channel, and a plurality of flow channel connecting holes. The valve core is usually cylindrical, with a plurality of channels opened inside, and different channels can be connected to each other during rotation.

[0127] It should be noted that Figure 3 The function of the multi-way valve 195 shown can also be achieved by combining two or more four-way valves, or, Figure 3 The function of the multi-way valve 195 shown can also be achieved by a combination of one or more four-way valves and one or more three-way valves, which is not particularly limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0128] The pump is used to transfer mechanical energy or other external energy to the coolant, thereby increasing the coolant energy and accelerating the flow speed and pressure of the coolant.

[0129] The radiator is used for heat exchange between the coolant and the external environment.

[0130] The heater is used to heat the coolant. For example, the heater may be an electric heater for converting electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0131] like Figure 3 As shown, port 1 of the multi-way valve 195 is in communication with the coolant inlet of the condenser 110 .

[0132] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the coolant system includes a coolant flow channel for connecting the port 1 of the multi-way valve 195 with the coolant inlet of the condenser 110, and the flow channel is integrated in the coolant flow channel plate. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the communication between two devices or ports in the coolant system can be understood as the two devices or ports being connected through the coolant channel.

[0133] In addition, when there are multiple condensers 110 , the coolant inlet of each condenser 110 is connected to the port 1 of the multi-way valve 195 (via the coolant flow channel in the coolant flow channel plate).

[0134] The coolant outlet of the condenser 110 is in communication with the port 2 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0135] It should be noted that, when there are multiple condensers 110 , the coolant outlet of each condenser 110 is connected to the port 2 of the multi-way valve 195 (via the coolant flow channel in the coolant flow channel plate).

[0136] Port 3 of the multi-way valve 195 is in communication with the coolant inlet of the evaporator 120 , and the coolant outlet of the evaporator 120 is in communication with port 4 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0137] It should be noted that when there are multiple evaporators 120, the coolant inlet of each evaporator 120 is connected to port 3 of the multi-way valve 195 (via the coolant flow channel in the coolant flow channel plate), and the coolant outlet of each evaporator 120 is connected to port 4 of the multi-way valve 195 (via the coolant flow channel in the coolant flow channel plate).

[0138] Port 4 of the multi-way valve 195 is connected to the inlet of the heater. The coolant flowing out of the outlet of the heater can exchange heat with the battery cluster. The coolant after heat exchange can flow into the inlet of pump B. The outlet of pump B is connected to port 6 of the multi-way valve 195.

[0139] The coolant flowing out of the port 8 of the multi-way valve 195 can exchange heat with the AC / DC converter or the DC / DC converter, and the coolant after the heat exchange can flow into the port 7 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0140] Port 10 of the multi-way valve 195 is in communication with the inlet of the radiator, the outlet of the radiator is in communication with the inlet of the pump B, and the outlet of the pump B is in communication with port 9 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0141] Next, the flow path and temperature change of the coolant in the coolant system are described in detail.

[0142] like Figure 3 As shown, the low-temperature coolant flows out from port 1 of the multi-way valve 195 , passes through the flow channel integrated in the coolant flow channel plate, and enters the coolant input port of the condenser 110 .

[0143] The low-temperature coolant is heated up after heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser 110 to form a high-temperature coolant.

[0144] The high-temperature coolant flows out from the coolant outlet of the condenser 110 , passes through the flow channel integrated in the coolant flow channel plate, and enters the port 2 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0145] When the thermal management object needs to be heated (for example, when the outside temperature is low and the battery cluster needs to be heated), the multi-way valve 195 controls the port 2 to be connected with the port 5, and the high-temperature coolant flows out from the port 5 of the multi-way valve 195, and under the action of the pump B, flows into the battery cluster, and performs heat exchange with the battery cluster to form a low-temperature coolant, and then flows into the port 6 of the multi-way valve 195 under the action of the pump B. It should be noted that when the new coolant circulation system includes a heater, the high-temperature coolant can be further heated by the heater before it flows into the battery cluster. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 6 to be connected with the port 1, so that the low-temperature coolant can perform heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser 110 to form a high-temperature coolant.

[0146] like Figure 3 As shown, the high-temperature coolant flows out from port 3 of the multi-way valve 195 , passes through the flow channel integrated in the coolant flow channel plate, and enters the coolant input port of the evaporator 120 .

[0147] The high-temperature coolant is cooled after heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 120 to form a low-temperature coolant.

[0148] The low-temperature coolant flows out from the coolant outlet of the evaporator 120 , passes through the flow channel integrated in the coolant flow channel plate, and enters the port 4 of the multi-way valve 195 .

[0149] When the battery cluster needs to be cooled, the multi-way valve 195 controls the port 4 to be connected with the port 5, and the low-temperature coolant flows out from the port 5 of the multi-way valve 195, flows into the battery cluster under the action of the pump B, and performs heat exchange with the battery cluster to form a high-temperature coolant, and then flows into the port 6 of the multi-way valve 195 under the action of the pump B. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 6 to be connected with the port 3, so that the high-temperature coolant can perform heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 120 to form a low-temperature coolant.

[0150] When the AC / DC converter or DC / DC converter needs to be cooled, the multi-way valve 195 controls the port 4 to be connected with the port 8, and the low-temperature coolant flows out from the port 8 of the multi-way valve 195, flows into the AC / DC converter or DC / DC converter through the coolant pipeline, and performs heat exchange with the AC / DC converter or DC / DC converter to form a high-temperature coolant, and then flows into the port 7 of the multi-way valve 195. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 7 to be connected with the port 3, so that the high-temperature coolant can perform heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 120 to form a low-temperature coolant.

[0151] In addition, the multi-way valve 195 controls the port 4 to be connected with the port 10. Under the action of the pump A, the high-temperature coolant flows out from the port 10 of the multi-way valve 195, flows into the radiator through the coolant pipe, and exchanges heat with the external environment in the radiator to form a low-temperature coolant, which then flows into the port 9 of the multi-way valve 195. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 9 to be connected with the port 1, so that the low-temperature coolant condenser 110 can exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant to form a high-temperature coolant.

[0152] Thus, the thermal cycle process of the coolant is completed.

[0153] As described above, since the coolant has low corrosiveness and the temperature change after heat exchange is small, in this application, low-cost waterproof materials such as plastic or rubber are used to make various components in the refrigerant cycle, such as the coolant flow plate.

[0154] It should be noted that the above-listed circulation processes of the coolant and refrigerant are only exemplary and are not specifically limited in this application. For example, in spring and autumn, the refrigerant circulation system may not be turned on. In this case, the low-temperature coolant flows out from port 5 of the multi-way valve 195, flows into the battery cluster under the action of pump B, and performs heat exchange with the battery cluster to form a high-temperature coolant, and then flows into port 6 of the multi-way valve 195 under the action of pump B. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 6 to be connected with port 10. Under the action of pump A, the high-temperature coolant flows out from port 10 of the multi-way valve 195, flows into the radiator through the coolant pipe, and performs heat exchange with the external environment in the radiator to form a low-temperature coolant, and then flows into port 9 of the multi-way valve 195. In addition, the multi-way valve 195 can control the port 9 to be connected with port 5, thereby completing a coolant circulation process.

[0155] It should be understood that the structures of the coolant system listed above are only exemplary, and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the coolant system of the present application may not include a heater. For another example, the coolant system of the present application may also include a coolant tank, which is used to replenish coolant to the coolant circulation to replenish the loss caused by evaporation of the coolant.

[0156] For another example, the above lists the working principle of the thermal management system 100 when the refrigerant system is in cooling mode (or providing cooling function), but the present application is not limited to this, and the refrigerant system can also provide heating function.

[0157] Next, combine Figures 4 to 10 The components of the thermal management system 100 of the present application are described in detail. In order to reduce the difficulty of installation and maintenance, multiple components or assemblies in the thermal management system 100 of the present application are integrated.

[0158] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the thermal management system 100 includes a refrigerant flow channel plate 140. The refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is integrated with a refrigerant flow channel for connecting the refrigerant end component in the refrigerant circulation system, so that the refrigerant can pass through the refrigerant flow channel and enter the refrigerant end component in the refrigerant circulation system.

[0159] The refrigerant channel plate 140 is formed into a plate shape extending along a first plane. Figure 4 The plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis shown. That is, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is formed with two larger surfaces, one of which is called the configuration surface, and the other is called the installation surface. The configuration surface is formed as a whole to be roughly flat, but it does not exclude the possibility of forming a part with some convex and concave parts due to design and application needs. That is, the configuration surface of the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is formed as a whole to be roughly parallel to the first plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis. In order to avoid redundancy, the description of the same or similar situations is omitted below.

[0160] When the thermal management system 100 is in normal use, the first plane is parallel to the gravity direction, that is, the direction of the Y axis can be understood as the height direction of the thermal management system 100 when it is in normal use. Figure 4 The Z-axis direction shown can be understood as the thickness direction of the thermal management system 100 when in normal use, and the X-axis direction can be understood as the width direction of the thermal management system 100 when in normal use. In this case, when the thermal management system 100 is in normal use, the X-axis is perpendicular to the gravity direction, and the Y-axis is parallel to the gravity direction.

[0161] The evaporators 120 and the condensers 110 in the heat exchange system are arranged on the arrangement plane of the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 .

[0162] Specifically, a plurality of refrigerant interfaces are provided on the configuration plane, each of which is connected to the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140, and one refrigerant interface is connected to an evaporator 120 or a condenser 110 fixed on the configuration plane. Thus, the refrigerant from other components of the refrigerant circulation system can enter the condenser 110 or the evaporator 120 from the refrigerant interface via the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 110 or the evaporator 120 enters the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 from the refrigerant interface, and then enters other components in the refrigerant circulation system.

[0163] It should be noted that Figure 4 and Figure 5 The heat exchange system is shown to include a plurality of evaporators 120 and a plurality of condensers 110 , but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto, and the heat exchange system may also include one evaporator 120 and one condenser 110 .

[0164] In one implementation, Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of evaporators 120 are arranged into at least one evaporator 120 row, each evaporator 120 row includes a plurality of evaporators 120, and each evaporator 120 in the same evaporator 120 row is arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0165] in addition, Figure 4 The heat exchange system shows a case where multiple evaporators 120 are arranged in one row of evaporators 120. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the heat exchange system may also be arranged in a case where multiple evaporators 120 are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction.

[0166] For example, each row of evaporators 120 may include the same number of evaporators 120. Alternatively, there may be at least two rows of evaporators 120 including different numbers of evaporators 120.

[0167] And, if Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of condensers 110 are arranged into at least one condenser 110 row, each condenser 110 row includes a plurality of condensers 110, and each condenser 110 in the same condenser 110 row is arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0168] in addition, Figure 4 The case where the multiple condensers 110 of the heat exchange system are arranged in a row of condensers 110 is shown. However, in the embodiment of the present application and not limited thereto, the multiple condensers 110 of the heat exchange system may also be arranged in multiple rows of condensers 110, and the multiple rows of condensers 110 are arranged along the Y-axis direction.

[0169] For example, each row of condensers 110 may include the same number of condensers 110. Alternatively, there may be at least two rows of condensers 110 including different numbers of condensers 110.

[0170] Since in the refrigerant circulation system, the condenser 110 is located upstream of the evaporator 120 in the flow direction of the refrigerant, Figure 4 As shown, when the thermal management system 100 is normally installed and used, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is arranged along the direction of gravity. At this time, each row of condensers 110 is located above each row of evaporators 120, so that the liquid refrigerant discharged from the condenser 110 can flow into the evaporator 120 under the action of gravity.

[0171] It should be noted that the configuration in which each row of condensers 110 is located above each row of evaporators 120 is only for exemplary purposes. Each row of condensers 110 may also be located below each row of evaporators 120. In this case, the pressure provided by the compressor may be utilized to enable the refrigerant in the condenser 110 to flow to the evaporator 120.

[0172] For example, there is a case where the total number of condensers 110 is not an integer multiple of the number of condensers 110 included in each condenser 110 row, and there is also a case where the total number of evaporators 120 is not an integer multiple of the number of evaporators 120 included in each evaporator 120 row. Figure 4 As shown, a mixed row consisting of both the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120 may be arranged on the refrigerant channel plate 140. Moreover, in one implementation, the mixed row is located between the condenser 110 row and the evaporator 120 row in the Y-axis direction.

[0173] In another implementation, Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of evaporators 120 are arranged into at least one evaporator 120 column, each evaporator 120 column includes a plurality of evaporators 120, and the evaporators 120 in the same evaporator 120 column are arranged along the Y-axis direction.

[0174] in addition, Figure 5 The heat exchange system shows a case where the multiple evaporators 120 are arranged in one evaporator 120 row. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the multiple evaporators 120 of the heat exchange system may also be arranged in a case where multiple evaporators 120 rows are arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction.

[0175] For example, each evaporator 120 column may include the same number of evaporators 120. Alternatively, there may be at least two evaporator 120 columns including different numbers of evaporators 120.

[0176] And, if Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of condensers 110 are arranged into at least one condenser 110 column, each condenser 110 column includes a plurality of condensers 110 , and the condensers 110 in the same condenser 110 column are arranged along the Y-axis direction.

[0177] in addition, Figure 5 The heat exchange system has a plurality of condensers 110 arranged in a row of condensers 110. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of condensers 110 of the heat exchange system may also be arranged in a plurality of rows of condensers 110, and the plurality of rows of condensers 110 are arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0178] Since the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser 110 is higher than that of the refrigerant in the evaporator 120, that is, the condenser 110 is a high-temperature device and the evaporator 120 is a low-temperature device, in order to better achieve heat insulation, such as Figure 5 As shown, in one implementation, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is divided into two parts by an axis O (i.e., an example of a first axis) parallel to the Y-axis, and the at least one condenser 110 column is configured to be located on one side of the axis O, and the at least one evaporator 120 column is configured to be located on the other side of the axis O.

[0179] For example, each condenser 110 column may include the same number of condensers 110. Alternatively, there may be at least two condenser 110 columns including different numbers of condensers 110.

[0180] In the embodiment of the present application, when there are multiple condensers 110, the multiple condensers 110 can be connected in parallel. Also, when there are multiple evaporators 120, the multiple evaporators 120 can be connected in parallel.

[0181] Specifically, in order to realize the parallel connection of the above-mentioned multiple condensers 110 (or, multiple evaporators 120), as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is divided into a main refrigerant flow channel 1401 and a plurality of branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 .

[0182] For example, when there are multiple condensers 110, the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 includes a main refrigerant flow channel 1401 and multiple condensation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 (i.e., an example of the branch refrigerant flow channel 1402), and the multiple condensation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 correspond to the multiple condensers 110 one by one, and one end of each condensation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is connected to the main refrigerant flow channel 1401, and the other end of each condensation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is connected to the corresponding condenser 110. Therefore, different parts of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant flow channel 1401 enter different condensers 110 through different condensation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402.

[0183] In one implementation, the cross-sectional areas of the multiple condensation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 are the same.

[0184] In another implementation, the cross-sectional area of ​​each condensation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main refrigerant flow channel 1401 , thereby avoiding the problem of uneven flow distribution among multiple condensers 110 .

[0185] Furthermore, when there are multiple evaporators 120, the multiple evaporators 120 can be connected in parallel. Specifically, the refrigerant flow channel in the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 includes a main refrigerant flow channel 1401 and multiple evaporation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 (i.e., another example of the branch refrigerant flow channel 1402). The multiple evaporation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 correspond to the multiple evaporators 120 one by one. One end of each evaporation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is connected to the main refrigerant flow channel 1401, and the other end of each evaporation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is connected to the corresponding evaporator 120. Therefore, different parts of the refrigerant in the main refrigerant flow channel 1401 enter different evaporators 120 through different evaporation branch refrigerant flow channels 1402.

[0186] In one implementation, the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of evaporation-branch refrigerant flow channels 1402 are the same.

[0187] In another implementation, the cross-sectional area of ​​each evaporation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main refrigerant flow channel 1401 , thereby avoiding the problem of uneven flow distribution of multiple evaporators 120 .

[0188] It should be noted that the cross-sectional area of ​​the condensation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the evaporation branch refrigerant flow channel 1402 may be the same as or different from each other, and the embodiment of the present application is not particularly limited thereto.

[0189] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is further provided with a refrigerant inlet for allowing the refrigerant to enter the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 , and a refrigerant outlet 175 for allowing the refrigerant to discharge from the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 .

[0190] In a possible implementation, when the thermal management system 100 is in normal use, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 is parallel to the direction of gravity. Also, generally, the compressor is located further away from the ground than the refrigerant flow channel plate 140. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet 175 are arranged on the side A of the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 that is away from the ground. This facilitates the layout of the pipeline for connecting the refrigerant inlet and the compressor outlet and the pipeline for connecting the refrigerant outlet 175 and the compressor inlet.

[0191] And, in another possible implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet 175 may be formed in a tubular shape extending along the Y-axis direction.

[0192] like Figure 4 , Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the thermal management system 100 includes two cooling liquid flow channel plates. Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and the two coolant flow channel plates are stacked in the Z direction (i.e., the thickness direction of the refrigerant flow channel plate 140). Among them, one coolant flow channel plate is located between the other coolant flow channel plate and the refrigerant flow channel plate 140. In order to facilitate understanding and distinction, the coolant flow channel plate located in the middle is referred to as the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150 (i.e., an example of the first coolant flow channel plate), and the other coolant flow channel plate is referred to as the lower layer coolant flow channel plate (i.e., an example of the second coolant flow channel plate).

[0193] A coolant flow channel is integrated in each coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant flow channel is used to connect the coolant end components in the coolant circulation system. Since there are many coolant end components, the layout of the coolant flow channel is complicated. By allocating the coolant flow channel to two stacked coolant flow channel plates, the footprint of the coolant flow channel plate can be reduced, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the thermal management system 100 (specifically, the miniaturization of the coolant flow channel plate). In addition, the difficulty of the layout of the coolant flow channel is reduced.

[0194] like Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150 is formed into a plate shape extending along the first plane. That is, the coolant flow channel plate is formed with two surfaces with larger areas, one of which is called the configuration surface and the other is called the mounting surface. The configuration surface and the mounting surface are formed into a roughly flat surface as a whole.

[0195] The mounting surface of the intermediate coolant channel plate 150 and the mounting surface of the refrigerant channel plate 140 can be attached and fixed to each other by various methods such as bolt fixing, bonding or a clamping mechanism.

[0196] Some components of the refrigerant circulation system, such as the gas-liquid separator 190, are arranged on the configuration plane of the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150. The gas-liquid separator 190 can be installed on the configuration plane of the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150 by various connection or fixing methods such as bolt fixing, bonding or snap-fitting mechanism. In addition, in order to connect the gas-liquid separator 190 to the refrigerant circulation system, a through hole can be drilled in the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150 so that the pipe used to connect the gas-liquid separator 190 and the refrigerant flow channel passes through the through hole.

[0197] like Figure 4 As shown, the coolant flow channel in the intermediate coolant flow channel plate 150 is also connected to the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120. Since the coolant flow channel in the intermediate coolant flow channel plate 150 is separated from the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120 by the refrigerant flow channel plate 140, Figure 4 and Fig.10 As shown, the projection of the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 on the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150 can be located in a partial area (for example, the center) of the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150, so that, in a cold part of the area (that is, on both sides of the cold refrigerant flow channel plate 140), a pipe 1505 for connecting the coolant flow channel in the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150 with the condenser 110 and a pipe 1506 for connecting the coolant flow channel in the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150 with the evaporator 120 can be arranged.

[0198] like Figure 8As shown, the lower coolant flow channel plate is formed into a plate shape extending along the first plane. That is, the coolant flow channel plate is formed with two surfaces with larger areas, one of which is called the configuration surface and the other is called the mounting surface. The configuration surface and the mounting surface are formed into a roughly flat surface as a whole.

[0199] The mounting surface of the bottom layer coolant channel plate 160 and the configuration surface of the middle layer coolant channel plate 150 can be attached and fixed to each other by various methods such as bolt fixing, bonding or a clamping mechanism.

[0200] It should be noted that, since the gas-liquid separator 190 is also installed on the configuration surface of the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150, in order to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the gas-liquid separator 190, the area of ​​the bottom layer coolant flow channel plate 160 can be made smaller than the area of ​​the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150, that is, the projection of the bottom layer coolant flow channel plate 160 on the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150 only occupies a part of the configuration plane of the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150, so that the gas-liquid separator 190 can be installed in another part of the area, so that the installation and maintenance of the gas-liquid separator 190 will not be affected by the configuration of the bottom layer coolant flow channel plate 160. For example, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the bottom cooling liquid channel plate 160 can be formed into an "L"-shaped plate. In this case, the gas-liquid separator 190 can be installed within the notch range of the "L" shape.

[0201] On the configuration plane of the bottom interlayer coolant flow channel plate, some refrigerant end components of the refrigerant circulation system, such as the expansion valve 130, are configured. The expansion valve 130 is mounted on the configuration surface of the bottom layer coolant flow channel plate 160 by various connection or fixing methods such as bolt fixing, bonding or snap-fitting mechanism. In addition, in order to connect the expansion valve 130 to the refrigerant circulation system, a through hole can be drilled in the middle layer coolant flow channel plate 150 so that the pipe used to connect the expansion valve 130 and the refrigerant flow channel passes through the through hole.

[0202] On the configuration plane of the bottom interlayer coolant flow channel plate, some coolant end components of the coolant circulation system, such as the multi-way valve 195, are configured. The multi-way valve 195 is installed on the configuration surface of the bottom coolant flow channel plate 160 by various connection or fixing methods such as bolt fixing, bonding or clamping mechanism.

[0203] like Figure 5As shown, in order to facilitate the thermal insulation between the condenser 110 and the evaporator 120, the multiple condensers 110 are configured to be located on one side of the axis O, and the multiple evaporators 120 are configured to be located on the other side of the axis O. Similarly, since the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator 190 is a low-temperature device and the multi-way valve 195 is a high-temperature device, the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator 120 can be located on the same side of the axis O, and the multi-way valve 195 and the condenser 110 can be located on the same side of the axis O.

[0204] And, if Figure 5 As shown, when the evaporator 120 and the condenser 110 are arranged in two rows respectively, in order to shorten the flow path, the expansion valve 130 can be arranged in the area between the evaporator 120 row and the condenser 110 row, or in other words, the distances from the expansion valve 130 (or the projection of the expansion valve 130 on the refrigerant flow channel plate 140) to the evaporator 120 and the condenser 110 located in the same row are the same or substantially the same. It should be understood that the above-listed layout of the expansion valve 130 is only an exemplary description, and the position of the expansion valve 130 on the configuration plane of the bottom interlayer coolant flow channel plate can be arbitrarily set according to actual needs.

[0205] like Figure 8 As shown, a battery cold plate interface 180 for allowing the coolant to flow into the battery cold plate is also provided on the coolant flow channel plate.

[0206] In one possible implementation, Figure 8 As shown, the battery cold plate interface 180 is disposed on the configuration surface of the bottom coolant channel plate 160 .

[0207] And, in another possible implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, the battery cold plate interface 180 may be formed in a tubular shape extending along the Z-axis direction.

[0208] in addition, Figure 8 The number of the battery cold plate interfaces 180 shown is only an example, and the number of the battery cold plate interfaces 180 can be adjusted arbitrarily according to the number and type of battery clusters (or battery cold plates used for heat exchange with battery clusters) in the energy storage system.

[0209] like Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of sensors in the thermal management system 100 are also arranged on the coolant flow channel plate, for example, the above-mentioned intake pressure temperature sensor, exhaust pressure temperature sensor and liquid cooling pressure temperature sensor.

[0210] It should be noted that, in order to accommodate or connect the above-mentioned sensor with the object to be detected, holes for accommodating or passing the above-mentioned sensor may be further provided on the refrigerant flow channel plate 140 and the intermediate layer coolant flow channel plate 150 .

[0211] like Fig. 9 As shown, a battery cold plate interface 180 for allowing the coolant to flow into a converter (eg, an AC / DC converter and / or a DC / DC converter) cold plate is also provided on the coolant flow channel plate.

[0212] In one possible implementation, Fig. 9 As shown, the converter cold plate interface 185 is disposed on the configuration surface of the bottom coolant channel plate 160 .

[0213] And, in another possible implementation, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the converter cold plate interface 185 may be formed in a tubular shape extending along the Z-axis direction.

[0214] in addition, Fig. 9 The number of converter cold plate interfaces 185 shown is for exemplary purposes only and may be adjusted arbitrarily according to the number of converters in the energy storage system (or the number and type of battery cold plates used for heat exchange with the converters).

[0215] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that: It includes a coolant circulation system, a refrigerant circulation system and at least one heat exchange component, wherein the heat exchange component is used for heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant; The refrigerant circulation system comprises a refrigerant flow channel plate and a plurality of refrigerant end components, wherein the refrigerant flow channel is integrated in the refrigerant flow channel, and the refrigerant flow channel is used to connect the plurality of refrigerant end components and the heat exchange component; The coolant circulation system comprises a first coolant flow channel plate, a second coolant flow channel plate and a plurality of coolant end assemblies, wherein the second coolant flow channel plate, the first coolant flow channel plate and the refrigerant flow channel plate are sequentially stacked, each coolant flow channel plate is integrated with a coolant flow channel, and the coolant flow channels in the first coolant flow channel plate and the second coolant flow channel plate are connected, and the coolant flow channel is used to connect the plurality of coolant end assemblies and the heat exchange assembly; The heat exchange component is installed on a side of the refrigerant flow channel plate away from the second coolant flow channel plate.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of refrigerant end components are disposed on at least one of a surface of the first coolant flow channel plate that is away from the refrigerant flow channel plate and a surface of the second coolant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant end assembly disposed on the first coolant flow channel plate is located on the first coolant flow channel plate: the second coolant flow channel plate is outside the projection of the first coolant flow channel plate.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of coolant end assemblies is disposed on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple heat exchange components, and the heat exchange components are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow channel and the coolant flow channel of the first coolant flow channel plate.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange assembly includes at least one condenser and at least one evaporator, wherein the at least one condenser is located on one side of a first axis, and the at least one evaporator is located on the other side of the first axis, and the first axis is a straight line on a side of the refrigerant flow channel plate that is away from the first coolant flow channel plate.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The refrigerant end assembly includes a gas-liquid separator, which is arranged on a side of the first coolant flow channel plate away from the refrigerant flow channel plate, and the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator are located on the same side of the first axis.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The coolant end assembly comprises a multi-way valve, which is arranged on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate away from the first coolant flow channel plate, and the multi-way valve and the condenser are located on the same side of the first axis.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat exchange assembly includes a plurality of condensers and a plurality of evaporators. The plurality of condensers are arranged in at least one row along the first axis direction, and the plurality of evaporators are arranged in at least one row along the first axis direction.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The refrigerant end assembly includes an expansion valve, which is arranged on a side of the second coolant flow channel plate away from the first coolant flow channel plate, and a projection of the expansion valve on the refrigerant flow channel plate is located between the condenser and the evaporator.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant flow channel plate extends in a plate shape, and includes a side wall perpendicular to the extension direction of the refrigerant flow channel plate. The side wall is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for the refrigerant to enter and exit.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are formed in a tubular shape extending along a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the side surfaces where the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are located.

13. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A cooling liquid inlet and a cooling liquid outlet for the cooling liquid to enter and exit are arranged on a surface of the second cooling liquid flow channel plate that is away from the first cooling liquid flow channel plate.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 13, characterized in that: The coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are formed in a tubular shape extending along a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to an extending direction of the second coolant flow channel plate.

15. An energy storage system, characterized in that: include: A battery cluster and a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The coolant circulation system in the thermal management system includes a battery liquid cooling plate, one end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant outlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, the other end of the battery liquid cooling plate is connected to a coolant inlet on the second coolant flow channel plate, and the coolant outlet and the coolant inlet are connected to the coolant flow channel in the second coolant flow channel plate, The battery cluster is arranged on the battery liquid cooling plate.

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