Coolant replacement method and related device

Abstract

The application discloses a cooling liquid replacement method and related device, the method comprises the following steps: firstly, the controller of the battery cluster obtains the measured weight of each battery pack in at least one battery pack; the standard weight of each battery pack is obtained; secondly, the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold; finally, the replacement prompt information is sent to the user end, the quality of the cooling liquid is monitored by measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, the automatic monitoring of the cooling liquid is realized, and manual operation is reduced and the working efficiency is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery cooling technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for replacing coolant. Background Technology

[0002] Immersion liquid cooling directly submerges individual battery cells in coolant, ensuring direct contact between the cells and the coolant. The coolant's flow and circulation remove heat from the cells, achieving direct, rapid, thorough, and efficient cooling. However, as the coolant is used over time, external impurities may enter. Furthermore, as the coolant circulates within the system, tiny particles from wear or corrosion of components can also enter the coolant. When the amount of impurities in the coolant reaches a certain level, it alters the coolant's density and affects its performance.

[0003] Existing battery coolant replacement reminders are usually based on experience or prescribed time intervals, lacking intelligence. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method and related apparatus for replacing coolant. By measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, the quality of coolant is monitored, thereby achieving automated monitoring of coolant, reducing manual operation and increasing work efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a coolant replacement method applied to a controller of a battery cluster, the battery cluster including at least one battery pack, the method comprising:

[0006] Obtain the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack; obtain the standard weight of each battery pack, the standard weight being the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, the battery pack weight being the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant in the current volume;

[0007] If the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack;

[0008] A replacement prompt message is sent to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced.

[0009] Secondly, this application provides a coolant replacement device applied to a controller of a battery cluster, the battery cluster including at least one battery pack, the device comprising:

[0010] A receiving unit is configured to acquire the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack; and to acquire the standard weight of each battery pack, wherein the standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant.

[0011] The processing unit is configured to detect that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, wherein the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack.

[0012] The sending unit is used to send a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced.

[0013] Thirdly, this application provides a controller including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0015] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the controller of the battery cluster first obtains the measured weight of each battery pack in at least one battery pack; then obtains the standard weight of each battery pack, which is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the current volume of coolant; secondly, it detects that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, where the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack; finally, it sends a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, which is used to indicate that the coolant in the battery cluster should be replaced. Compared with replacing the coolant based on experience or a specified time interval, this application monitors the quality of the coolant by measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, thereby achieving automated monitoring of the coolant, reducing manual operation and increasing work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0017] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a single-phase immersion liquid cooling system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the single-phase immersion liquid cooling system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 A battery pack structure diagram provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coolant flow channel structure inside the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 A top view of the battery pack 4 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This embodiment provides a flowchart of a coolant replacement method;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a functional unit block diagram of a coolant replacement device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0027] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; B exists alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural.

[0029] In this embodiment, the symbol " / " can indicate that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Alternatively, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation. For example, A / B can mean A divided by B.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. "One or more" means one or more, while "multiple" means two or more. For example, "at least one item" of a, b, or c can represent the following seven cases: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c can be an element or a set containing one or more elements.

[0031] In this application's embodiments, "equal to" can be used with "greater than" and is applicable to technical solutions using the "greater than" condition, or it can be used with "less than" and is applicable to technical solutions using the "less than" condition. When "equal to" is used with "greater than," it is not used with "less than"; when "equal to" is used with "less than," it is not used with "greater than."

[0032] This application uses a single-phase immersion liquid cooling system. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a single-phase immersion liquid cooling system provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the single-phase immersion liquid cooling system includes a liquid cooling device 11, at least one battery pack, and a liquid cooling pipeline circuit connecting the liquid cooling device 11 and the at least one battery pack. The liquid cooling pipeline circuit includes an inlet pipe 121 and an outlet pipe 122. Each battery pack 13 in the at least one battery pack is provided with an inlet port 131 and an outlet port 132. The outlet port 132 is positioned higher than the inlet port 131. The outlet port 132 is connected to the outlet pipe 122. A second solenoid valve is provided on the outlet pipe 122. The inlet port 131 is connected to the inlet pipe 121. A first solenoid valve is provided on the inlet pipe 121. A bidirectional air pump 14 is also provided on the inlet pipe 121.

[0033] In a single-phase immersion liquid cooling system, the coolant is first stored in the liquid cooling device 11. When the battery starts working, the coolant begins to circulate. The second solenoid valve and the first solenoid valve are opened, and the coolant enters from the inlet port 131 through the inlet pipe 121. It submerges the battery cells from the bottom of the battery pack 13, carrying away the heat from the battery cells. Then, it flows back to the liquid cooling device 11 from the outlet port 132 through the outlet pipe 122 for heat dissipation.

[0034] The liquid cooling device 11 is used to transfer the heat absorbed by the coolant to the external environment. Coolant addition and replacement are also performed through the liquid cooling device 11. The power for coolant circulation comes from the bidirectional air pump 14, which draws coolant from the battery pack 13 and delivers it to the liquid cooling device 11 for heat dissipation through the inlet pipe 121 and outlet pipe 122. It can be seen that through this liquid cooling system, the coolant circulates within each battery pack 13, providing support for the circulation of impurities within the battery pack 13 throughout the liquid cooling system.

[0035] Solenoid valves control the opening and closing of doors using electromagnetic force and typically consist of an electromagnetic relay, a coil, and a mechanical structure. When current flows through the coil of the electromagnetic relay, the solenoid valve generates electromagnetic force. This force can be used to pull or push the door or valve connected to the mechanical structure, changing the door's state. When the solenoid valve is energized, the door opens or closes, and when the solenoid valve is de-energized, the door returns to its original position.

[0036] When the coolant in the liquid cooling device is insufficient to fill all the battery packs 13, the bidirectional air pump 14 is activated. The bidirectional air pump 14 generates a negative pressure in the same direction as the outlet 132, which helps to push the coolant from the outlet 132 back to the liquid cooling device 11.

[0037] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the liquid cooling system can also include multiple battery clusters, such as battery cluster 1 and battery cluster 2. Battery cluster 1 and battery cluster 2 interact through an interaction channel, which is equipped with a third solenoid valve. Currently, the control logic of the battery clusters basically follows a one-cluster-one-control approach, with each battery cluster using an independent control method. Therefore, the coolant devices are arranged separately for each battery cluster. However, the coolant devices between multiple battery clusters can interact and coordinate.

[0038] For the battery pack used in this application, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] The battery pack 3 includes a housing and battery cells 34. The housing includes a top cover 31, a lower housing 32, and a front panel 33. Multiple battery cells 34 can be selected and installed inside the battery pack 3 according to its size and performance. A battery management system (BMS) 331 is installed on the front panel 33.

[0040] Regarding the structure of battery pack 3, the lack of a cooling device or structure within battery pack 3 to cool down the cells 34 leads to the following disadvantages:

[0041] Increased risk of overheating: Cell 34 generates heat during operation. Without a proper heat dissipation mechanism, this heat cannot be effectively dissipated, potentially leading to overheating of cell 34. Excessive temperature will reduce the performance and lifespan of battery pack 3 and increase the risk of thermal runaway or fire.

[0042] Reduced battery pack life: High temperature is one of the main causes of shortened battery life. In the absence of a cooling device, the internal temperature of battery pack 3 can easily rise, which accelerates the degradation and corrosion process, shortening the lifespan of battery pack 3.

[0043] Unstable performance: The performance of Battery Pack 3 is significantly affected by temperature. At high temperatures, the discharge capacity and range of Battery Pack 3 will decrease, leading to reduced output power and extended battery life. This may affect the reliability and stability of the power supply system of Battery Pack 3.

[0044] Increased safety risks: The safety of battery pack 3 is challenged under high-temperature conditions. Overheating may accelerate the chemical reactions inside cell 34, thereby increasing the risk of safety problems such as gas release, combustion, or explosion.

[0045] Therefore, a heat dissipation device needs to be installed inside battery pack 3. Please participate. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coolant flow channel structure inside the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, based on battery pack 3, battery pack 4 has a corresponding liquid cooling structure inside the battery pack.

[0047] Battery pack 4 uses an immersion liquid cooling method, which means that the individual cells are directly immersed in the coolant. The cells are in direct contact with the coolant, and the flow and circulation of the coolant removes the heat dissipated by the individual cells, achieving direct, fast, sufficient and efficient cooling of the cells. This ensures that the cells operate within the optimal temperature range, effectively extends the battery life, and improves the overall safety of the energy storage system.

[0048] Immersion liquid cooling is divided into single-phase immersion liquid cooling and two-phase immersion liquid cooling. This application uses single-phase liquid cooling, so we will focus on introducing single-phase immersion liquid cooling.

[0049] Figure 4 In the battery pack 4, there are: a liquid inlet 41, a liquid outlet 42, and a BMS 43 located on the front panel. The liquid outlet 42 is positioned higher than the liquid inlet 41 to ensure that the coolant can submerge the entire battery pack 4. The bottom of the housing is provided with multiple raised structures 44, and the top of the raised structures 44 is hollowed out 45. These multiple raised structures 44 can form coolant flow channels 46 at the bottom.

[0050] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a top view of the battery pack 4 provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, gaps 53 are provided between the battery cells 52 and on the sides of the battery cells 52 and the housing 51. This allows the coolant to gradually immerse the entire battery cell 52 through the gaps 53 after the bottom coolant channel is submerged, achieving immersion liquid cooling of the entire battery cell 52. Finally, the coolant can flow out from the high-level outlet, and through the coolant circulation pump, a circulating immersion liquid cooling system can be formed for the battery cells.

[0051] After understanding the overall structure of the liquid cooling system and the working process of the coolant, the following section introduces the specific principle of using a gravity sensor to determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced, as well as the specific requirements for the gravity sensor.

[0052] Theoretically, the equivalent condition for the coolant in the battery pack to need to be replaced is that there are too many impurities in the entire liquid cooling system. There are two main reasons for the excessive impurities in the liquid cooling system: the entry of external impurities and the generation of internal impurities.

[0053] First, external impurities may enter: When replacing the coolant in the liquid cooling system, new coolant is delivered to the battery pack through the interface, while the old coolant needs to be drained. During this process, since the interface of the liquid cooling system is in direct contact with the outside environment, impurities may enter. Additionally, the liquid cooling system used in this application includes a bidirectional air pump, which powers the coolant circulation. Since bidirectional air pumps are typically designed with air and liquid valves to control the flow direction, their operating principle generally prevents dust or impurities from directly entering the liquid through the air pump. However, in some cases, certain factors may cause dust or impurities to enter the liquid through the bidirectional air pump, such as: ① If the air or liquid valve of the bidirectional air pump is damaged or not properly sealed, dust or impurities from the outside air may enter the pump body during the intake or exhaust process. ② Improperly installed filters: The main function of a filter is to prevent solid particles or impurities from entering the pump body, but if the filter is not properly installed or is damaged, dust may also pass through the pump body. ③ If there is a large amount of dust or other particulate matter in the operating environment, even if the bidirectional air pump is working normally, dust from the outside air may still be drawn into the liquid.

[0054] Secondly, the generation of internal impurities: The liquid cooling system used in this application consists of components such as pipes, solenoid valves, and battery cells within the battery pack. These components may generate impurities during use. Pipes, a crucial component of the liquid cooling system, may develop particulate impurities on their surfaces due to friction or chemical reactions, especially under high temperature and pressure conditions. Solenoid valves, as key components controlling coolant flow, may experience wear or aging in their sealing structure, allowing impurities to enter the coolant. Battery cells within the battery pack also experience wear during operation, releasing tiny particles or chemical substances, becoming a source of impurities within the liquid cooling system. Furthermore, welding materials within the liquid cooling system may also generate impurities due to improper manufacturing processes or the expiration of their service life. All these factors contribute to the accumulation of impurities within the liquid cooling system, thereby affecting the performance of the coolant and the normal operation of the system. Therefore, excessive impurities generated by wear or corrosion during coolant use can lead to changes in coolant density, which in turn alters coolant performance.

[0055] It is evident that even though the liquid cooling system is a sealed system, excessive impurities can still accumulate due to the aforementioned internal and external factors. Therefore, it can be considered theoretically feasible to determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced using a gravity sensor according to the scheme provided in this application.

[0056] In practical operation, the accuracy requirements for gravity sensors are relatively high.

[0057] The gravity instrument disclosed in CN205808528U has high detection accuracy and resolution, achieving a detection accuracy of ±0.03%FS and a minimum resolution of 0.001kg, with a measurement range of 0.000-999.999kg.

[0058] The gravimeter has a detection accuracy of ±0.03%FS, where FS represents full scale. Assuming the initial standard weight of the battery pack is 100kg, the gravimeter's detection accuracy is 0.03% × 100kg = 0.03kg. This means the gravimeter can detect weight changes of at least 0.03kg. This accuracy is sufficiently sensitive for detecting coolant deterioration.

[0059] The minimum resolution of a gravity meter is 0.001 kg, meaning it can display or detect weight changes of 0.001 kg. This resolution is quite fine and can be used to monitor minute weight changes in coolant, such as those caused by the presence of impurities.

[0060] In summary, the aforementioned gravity instrument possesses sufficient detection accuracy and resolution to meet the requirements for detecting coolant deterioration. This demonstrates that a gravity sensor can accurately determine whether the coolant has deteriorated, allowing for timely replacement or maintenance. Therefore, from a practical operational perspective, this technical solution is feasible.

[0061] It should be noted that, in addition to using the gravity instrument in CN205808528U mentioned above, other high-precision gravity sensors may also be used in this application, and no limitation is imposed here.

[0062] The following describes a coolant replacement method provided in this application with reference to specific embodiments.

[0063] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This embodiment provides a flowchart of a coolant replacement method applied to a controller for a battery cluster, the battery cluster including at least one battery pack, the method comprising:

[0064] Step S601: Obtain the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack.

[0065] The measured weight is the weight of the battery pack filled with the current volume of coolant.

[0066] Optionally, the weight is measured using a gravity sensor. The gravity sensor is installed at the bottom of the battery pack housing and connected to the BMS. The gravity sensor acquires the overall weight of the battery pack and transmits this weight information to the BMS, which then uploads the weight data to the battery cluster controller. Simultaneously, data acquisition intervals and data storage methods are set according to the sensor and user requirements to facilitate the acquisition and processing of weight data.

[0067] The measured weight includes the weight of the empty battery pack and the weight of the coolant in the current volume of the battery pack, and therefore also includes the weight of impurities present in the coolant.

[0068] Step S602: Obtain the standard weight of each battery pack.

[0069] The standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the current volume of coolant.

[0070] The current volume refers to the volume of coolant contained in the battery pack at the current moment, which can be obtained through a gravity sensor. The gravity sensor determines the liquid level by measuring the liquid pressure. When the liquid level changes, the liquid exerts different pressures on the sensor element. The sensor converts the liquid pressure into a corresponding electrical signal, which is then converted into a standard electrical signal proportional to the liquid level. Finally, the standard electrical signal is connected to the BMS to record the liquid level, and the BMS then transmits the received data to the battery pack controller.

[0071] Alternatively, the current volume can also be obtained using other level sensors such as impedance level sensors, ultrasonic level sensors, and float sensors.

[0072] Impedance level sensors consist of one or more electrodes that are immersed in coolant. The liquid level is determined by measuring changes in capacitance. When the coolant comes into contact with the electrodes, a capacitance is formed between the coolant and the electrodes. The magnitude of this capacitance depends on the dielectric constant of the coolant, the surface area of ​​the electrodes, and the distance between the electrodes. By measuring the change in capacitance, the liquid level can be determined.

[0073] An ultrasonic level sensor measures liquid level by using the propagation time of ultrasonic waves. The sensor emits ultrasonic pulses and receives the reflected ultrasonic signals. By calculating the time difference between transmission and reception, the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in the liquid can be determined, thus determining the liquid level.

[0074] Float-type sensors use the buoyancy of a float to measure liquid level. The float in the sensor rises or falls with the coolant, changing with the liquid level. The float is typically connected to a sensor or switch; by detecting changes in the float's position, the liquid level can be determined.

[0075] It should be noted that other liquid level sensors can also be used in this application, and no single sensor is specified here.

[0076] The standard weight is the sum of the current volume of coolant weight and the battery pack weight. The current volume of coolant weight is calculated using the measured volume and the initial density of the coolant, as shown in the formula:

[0077] m1 = ρ·v1;

[0078] m1 is the weight of the coolant in the current volume, ρ is the initial density of the coolant, and v1 is the current volume. The standard weight of the coolant in the current volume can be calculated from the initial density. The standard weight is the weight without any impurities.

[0079] Step S603: It is detected that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold.

[0080] The first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed in each battery pack. Some impurities, within a reasonable range, have little impact on the performance and reliability of the coolant and will not cause significant problems. However, overly strict impurity limits may increase the cost and processing difficulty of the coolant. Furthermore, different application areas and needs have different requirements for the purity of the coolant. In some cases, the coolant requires higher purity, while in other cases, low levels of impurities are acceptable.

[0081] Since the current volume of the coolant changes, the first preset threshold also changes accordingly: the current volume ranges from 0 to the maximum volume, and the first preset threshold ranges from 0 to the maximum preset threshold. The specific first preset threshold corresponding to the current volume can be determined using the maximum preset threshold based on the ratio of the current volume to the maximum volume. The calculation formula is as follows: Where V1 is the current volume, Vmax is the maximum volume, and x 1_max x1 is the maximum preset threshold, which is the maximum preset threshold corresponding to the maximum volume, and x1 is the first preset threshold.

[0082] Therefore, the first preset threshold will be determined based on parameters such as coolant type, application field, and target performance and reliability, and the first preset threshold should comply with relevant manufacturer guidelines and application requirements.

[0083] The process involves comparing the measured weight of each battery pack with a standard weight. If the measured weight is greater than the standard weight, it indicates the presence of impurities in the coolant within that battery pack. The difference between the measured weight and the standard weight represents the weight of the impurities. When the difference exceeds a first preset threshold, it indicates that the weight of impurities exceeds the standard for that battery pack.

[0084] In one possible example, after the controller obtains the standard weight of each battery pack, the method further includes: if the difference between the measured weight of all battery packs and the standard weight is less than the first preset threshold, then it is determined that the coolant does not need to be replaced.

[0085] When the difference is less than the first preset threshold, the condition for triggering the detection of the total measured weight and total standard weight of the entire battery pack is not met, indicating that the weight of impurities in the battery pack is normal and there is no need to replace it.

[0086] Step S604: Send a replacement prompt message to the user terminal.

[0087] The replacement prompt message is used to indicate that the coolant in the battery cluster needs to be replaced.

[0088] The way the notification message is displayed to the user can be as follows:

[0089] The BMS will send a replacement notification to the built-in speaker or audio output device of the relevant device (the device where the battery pack is located) to play a voice prompt, informing the user of the coolant deterioration and related operating instructions.

[0090] The BMS will send a replacement notification to the display screen or control panel of the relevant device, informing the user that the coolant has deteriorated and reminding the user to replace it.

[0091] Push notifications can be sent to users via a smart device or mobile application connected to the battery, prompting them to change the coolant. Users will receive a notification on their phone so they can take timely action.

[0092] LED indicator lights indicate coolant deterioration by changing the color, flashing frequency, or state of the indicator light. For example, the indicator light can be changed from green to red or yellow in its normal state, or it can be made to flash continuously to attract the user's attention.

[0093] It should be noted that other notification methods may also be used in this application, and no single method is specified here. However, it is important to note that regardless of the method used, the notification information should be concise and clear, clearly conveying the importance of coolant deterioration and the urgency of replacement. Furthermore, corresponding operating instructions should be provided to help users correctly replace the coolant.

[0094] In one possible example, before sending the replacement prompt to the user, the method further includes: calculating the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight; detecting that the difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold.

[0095] The second preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities that are allowed to exist in the battery cluster.

[0096] Unlike the first preset threshold, the second preset threshold will not change, and the second preset threshold is greater than the first preset threshold.

[0097] Because the liquid cooling system consists of multiple battery packs with circulating coolant, impurities in one pack may flow into other packs, restoring the original pack's weight. Therefore, determining whether coolant replacement is necessary requires monitoring the overall coolant levels across the entire battery cluster. An abnormal weight of impurities in a single battery pack can trigger a coolant quality check; otherwise, the battery cluster controller would need to periodically perform a comprehensive coolant check, collecting measured and standard weights from all packs, wasting computational resources. When the total measured weight exceeds the total standard weight, it indicates excessive impurities in the entire battery cluster, causing a change in coolant density that significantly impacts performance. In this case, coolant replacement is required.

[0098] In one possible example, after calculating the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the method further includes: detecting that the total measured weight and the total standard weight are less than a second preset threshold; determining whether the coolant needs to be replaced based on the historical usage information of the coolant in the battery cluster, as well as the set number of uses and shelf life, wherein the historical usage information includes the historical number of uses of the coolant and the historical total usage time; if the historical number of uses is greater than the set number of uses, and / or the historical total usage time is greater than the shelf life, then sending the replacement prompt information to the user terminal.

[0099] If the difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is less than the second preset threshold, it means that there are few impurities in the coolant in the battery cluster at this time, which will not affect the performance of the coolant. Whether the coolant needs to be replaced can be determined by other factors, such as the number of times it has been used in the past and the total length of its history.

[0100] Among them, the BMS monitoring system monitors the coolant usage in real time, including recording relevant data such as the number of times and duration of use;

[0101] The user needs to configure the coolant's usage frequency and shelf life on the corresponding device when using the coolant. The BMS automatically obtains this data and monitors the coolant's usage based on the configured usage frequency and shelf life during subsequent use.

[0102] As can be seen, in this embodiment, a method is provided to determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced by the number of times it is used and the duration of use when the gravity sensor cannot determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced.

[0103] In one possible example, after calculating the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the method further includes: detecting that the total measured weight and the total standard weight are less than a second preset threshold; determining whether the coolant needs to be replaced based on the temperature of the coolant in the battery cluster; and if the coolant temperature is less than or equal to a preset minimum temperature, sending the replacement prompt information to the user terminal.

[0104] If the difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is less than the second preset threshold, it means that there are few impurities in the coolant in the battery cluster at this time, which will not affect the performance of the coolant. Whether the coolant needs to be replaced can be determined by other factors, such as the coolant temperature.

[0105] The preset minimum temperature refers to the temperature at which the coolant begins to condense. This preset minimum temperature can be determined comprehensively based on factors such as ambient temperature, the freezing point of the coolant, and the type of coolant.

[0106] If the coolant temperature is less than or equal to the preset minimum temperature, it indicates that the coolant in the battery pack has begun to condense, which will affect the coolant flow rate, leading to an increase in the power of the bidirectional air pump and an increase in fuel consumption. In extremely cold conditions, the coolant may become too cold, which may cause the pipes and components of the cooling system to freeze, resulting in blockage or rupture of the coolant system and causing the battery to malfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid the coolant temperature from being too low.

[0107] If it is determined that the coolant needs to be replaced, the replacement prompt message may include the current freezing point information of the coolant and a prompt to the user to replace it with a coolant with a lower freezing point to prevent the coolant from condensing and affecting the battery pack performance.

[0108] As can be seen, in this embodiment, determining whether the coolant needs to be replaced by detecting its temperature to see if it is too low can effectively maintain the battery system and extend its lifespan.

[0109] In one possible example, the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume is determined based on the initial density of the coolant and the current volume.

[0110] As can be seen in this example, the weight of the coolant in the current volume can be calculated using density and volume.

[0111] In one possible example, the method for determining the first preset threshold includes the following steps: obtaining the maximum volume of a single battery pack and the maximum preset threshold; the first preset threshold corresponding to the current volume is calculated according to the following formula: Where V1 is the current volume, Vmax is the maximum volume, and x 1_max x1 is the maximum preset threshold, and x1 is the first preset threshold.

[0112] In a liquid cooling system, the coolant circulates continuously among multiple battery packs. Therefore, the volume of coolant in the same battery pack may vary at different times. For example, during the initial startup period, the coolant needs to be replenished from the bottom of the battery pack, and the volume continuously increases during this time. Different volumes of coolant correspond to different impurity thresholds; therefore, it is necessary to determine the impurity threshold based on the current volume within the battery pack.

[0113] The maximum volume refers to the maximum volume of coolant that can be filled in a single battery pack.

[0114] The maximum preset threshold is the maximum amount of impurities that can be present when the battery pack is filled with coolant.

[0115] As can be seen, in this example, calculating the first preset threshold corresponding to the current volume using the maximum volume and the maximum preset threshold can increase the flexibility and accuracy of detection.

[0116] In one possible example, the second preset threshold is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold.

[0117] When the battery cluster consists of only one battery pack, the second preset threshold is equal to the first preset threshold.

[0118] When the battery cluster includes at least two battery packs, the second preset threshold is greater than the first preset threshold.

[0119] As can be seen, in this example, the relationship between the second preset threshold and the first preset threshold is clearly defined.

[0120] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the controller of the battery cluster first obtains the measured weight of each battery pack in at least one battery pack; then obtains the standard weight of each battery pack, which is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the current volume of coolant; secondly, it detects that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, where the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack; finally, it sends a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, which is used to indicate that the coolant in the battery cluster should be replaced. Compared with replacing the coolant based on experience or a specified time interval, this application monitors the quality of the coolant by measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, thereby achieving automated monitoring of the coolant, reducing manual operation and increasing work efficiency.

[0121] The above primarily describes the solutions of the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the method execution process. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the controller includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments provided herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0122] This application embodiment can divide the controller into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into different functional units, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software program module. It should be noted that the unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division, while other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0123] In the case of using integrated units, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a functional unit block diagram of a coolant replacement device provided in an embodiment of this application. The coolant replacement device 700 includes a receiving unit 701, a processing unit 702, and a sending unit 703.

[0124] Optionally, the receiving unit 701 can be a module unit used for acquiring data, etc.

[0125] Optionally, the processing unit 702 can be a module unit for processing data, etc.

[0126] It should be noted that the processing unit 702 can be a processor or controller, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processing unit 702 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0127] Optionally, the transmitting unit 703 can be a module unit used for transmitting data, etc.

[0128] Optionally, the coolant replacement device 700 may also include a storage module for storing computer program code or instructions executed by the coolant replacement device 700. For example, the storage module may be a memory.

[0129] Optionally, the coolant replacement device 700 can be a chip or a chip module.

[0130] In specific implementation, the coolant replacement device 700 is used to perform the steps executed by the chip / chip module / controller, etc., as described in the above method embodiments. A detailed explanation follows.

[0131] The receiving unit 701 is configured to acquire the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack; and to acquire the standard weight of each battery pack, wherein the standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant.

[0132] Processing unit 702 is configured to detect that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, wherein the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack.

[0133] The sending unit 703 is used to send a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced.

[0134] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the controller of the battery cluster first obtains the measured weight of each battery pack in at least one battery pack; then obtains the standard weight of each battery pack, which is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the current volume of coolant; secondly, it detects that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, where the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack; finally, it sends a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, which is used to indicate that the coolant in the battery cluster should be replaced. Compared with replacing the coolant based on experience or a specified time interval, this application monitors the quality of the coolant by measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, thereby achieving automated monitoring of the coolant, reducing manual operation and increasing work efficiency.

[0135] In one possible example, before the sending unit 703 sends a replacement prompt to the user terminal, the processing unit 702 is further configured to: calculate the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight; detect that the difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, the second preset threshold being the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in the battery cluster.

[0136] In one possible example, after the processing unit 702 calculates the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the processing unit 702 is further configured to: detect that the total measured weight and the total standard weight are less than the second preset threshold; determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced based on the historical usage information of the coolant in the battery cluster and the set number of uses and shelf life, wherein the historical usage information includes the historical number of uses of the coolant and the historical total usage time;

[0137] The sending unit 703 is further configured to: send the replacement prompt information to the user terminal if the historical usage count is greater than the set usage count, and / or the total historical usage duration is greater than the shelf life.

[0138] In one possible example, after the processing unit 702 calculates the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the processing unit 702 is further configured to: detect that the total measured weight and the total standard weight are less than the second preset threshold; and determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced based on the temperature of the coolant in the battery cluster.

[0139] The sending unit 703 is further configured to: send the replacement prompt information to the user terminal if the coolant temperature is less than or equal to a preset minimum temperature.

[0140] In one possible example, the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume is determined based on the initial density of the coolant and the current volume.

[0141] In one possible example, regarding the method for determining the first preset threshold, the receiving unit 701 is further configured to: obtain the maximum volume of a single battery pack and the maximum preset threshold;

[0142] The processing unit 702 is further configured to: calculate the first preset threshold corresponding to the current volume according to the following formula: Where V1 is the current volume, Vmax is the maximum volume, and x 1_max x1 is the maximum preset threshold, and x1 is the first preset threshold.

[0143] In one possible example, the second preset threshold is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold.

[0144] It is understood that since the method embodiments and the device embodiments are different presentations of the same technical concept, the content of the method embodiment section in this application should be adapted to the device embodiment section in a synchronous manner, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. The controller 800 includes a processor 810, a memory 820, and a communication bus for connecting the processor 810 and the memory 820.

[0146] Optionally, the memory 820 may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, or CD-ROM, and the memory 820 is used to store relevant instructions and data.

[0147] Optionally, the controller 800 also includes a communication interface for receiving and sending data.

[0148] Optionally, the processor 810 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). If the processor 810 is a central processing unit (CPU), the central processing unit (CPU) may be a single-core central processing unit (CPU) or a multi-core central processing unit (CPU).

[0149] Optionally, the processor 810 can be a baseband chip, a chip, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0150] Optionally, the processor 810 in the controller 800 is used to execute the computer program or instructions 821 stored in the memory 820 to perform the following operations:

[0151] Obtain the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack; obtain the standard weight of each battery pack, wherein the standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant in the current volume;

[0152] If the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack;

[0153] A replacement prompt message is sent to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced.

[0154] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the controller of the battery cluster first obtains the measured weight of each battery pack in at least one battery pack; then obtains the standard weight of each battery pack, which is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the current volume of coolant; secondly, it detects that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of more than one battery pack is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, where the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack; finally, it sends a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, which is used to indicate that the coolant in the battery cluster should be replaced. Compared with replacing the coolant based on experience or a specified time interval, this application monitors the quality of the coolant by measuring the weight change of each battery pack in a single battery cluster, thereby achieving automated monitoring of the coolant, reducing manual operation and increasing work efficiency.

[0155] It should be noted that the specific implementation of each operation can be described in the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown above. The controller 800 can be used to execute the terminal device side method of the above method embodiments of this application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0156] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0157] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and other division methods may exist in actual implementation; for example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0158] The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physically separate. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit; that is, it may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0159] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each unit can be physically included separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0160] The integrated units implemented as software functional units described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These software functional units, stored in a storage medium, include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute some steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, volatile memory, or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM), etc., which are various media capable of storing program code.

[0161] While this application discloses the above information, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of variations or substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and can make various alterations and modifications, including combinations of the different functions and implementation steps described above, as well as software and hardware implementation methods, all of which are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for replacing coolant, characterized in that, A controller applied to a battery cluster, the battery cluster including at least one battery pack, the method comprising: The measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack is obtained; the standard weight of each battery pack is obtained, wherein the standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant in the current volume; wherein the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume is determined based on the initial density of the coolant and the current volume; If the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in each battery pack; The sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster is the total measured weight, and the sum of the standard weights is the total standard weight. The difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is detected to be greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, where the second preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed to exist in the battery cluster, and the second preset threshold is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold; A replacement prompt message is sent to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced; The method for determining the first preset threshold includes the following steps: The maximum volume and maximum preset threshold of a single battery pack are obtained. The maximum volume is the maximum volume of coolant that can be filled in a single battery pack, and the maximum preset threshold is the maximum value of impurities that can be present when the battery pack is filled with coolant. The first preset threshold corresponding to the current volume is calculated according to the following formula: = ； Where V1 is the current volume, and Vmax is the maximum volume. The maximum preset threshold is... The first preset threshold is used.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After calculating the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the method further includes: The total measured weight is detected to be less than the second preset threshold compared to the total standard weight; Based on the historical usage information of the coolant in the battery cluster, as well as the set number of uses and shelf life, it is determined whether the coolant needs to be replaced. The historical usage information includes the historical number of uses and the total historical usage time of the coolant. If the historical usage count is greater than the set usage count, and / or the total historical usage duration is greater than the shelf life, then the replacement prompt message is sent to the user terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After calculating the sum of the measured weights of all battery packs in the battery cluster as the total measured weight and the sum of the standard weights as the total standard weight, the method further includes: The total measured weight is detected to be less than the second preset threshold compared to the total standard weight; Determine whether the coolant needs to be replaced based on the temperature of the coolant in the battery cluster; If the coolant temperature is less than or equal to the preset minimum temperature, a replacement prompt message is sent to the user terminal.

4. A coolant replacement device, characterized in that, A controller for use with a battery cluster, the controller being configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the battery cluster comprising at least one battery pack, the device comprising: A receiving unit is configured to acquire the measured weight of each battery pack in the at least one battery pack; acquire the standard weight of each battery pack, wherein the standard weight is the sum of the battery pack weight and the standard weight of the coolant in the current volume of each battery pack, and the battery pack weight is the net weight of the battery pack without the coolant in the current volume. The processing unit is configured to detect that the difference between the measured weight and the standard weight of one or more battery packs is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, wherein the first preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed in each battery pack; and to detect that the difference between the total measured weight and the total standard weight is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, wherein the second preset threshold is the maximum weight of impurities allowed in the battery cluster, and the second preset threshold is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold. The sending unit is used to send a replacement prompt message to the user terminal, the replacement prompt message being used to instruct the coolant in the battery cluster to be replaced.

5. A controller comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 above.

6. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 above.

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