Cooling System and Its Control Method

Abstract

The present application discloses a cooling system and a control method thereof. The cooling system includes: a cooling circuit; a water pressure sensor disposed in the cooling circuit and configured to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit; a liquid replenishing device connected to the cooling circuit; a controller electrically connected to the water pressure sensor and the liquid replenishing device and configured to obtain the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor, determine whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the detected water pressure, and control the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid; and an expansion tank and a fourth valve, the expansion tank is connected to the cooling circuit through the fourth valve. According to the embodiments of the present application, air leakage and liquid leakage detection can be automatically realized, automatic liquid replenishment can be achieved, no personnel participation is required, and the system cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, and particularly to a cooling system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicle power batteries and drive motors, energy storage battery packs, and power conversion systems (PCS) have temperature requirements. For example, lithium batteries can exhibit optimal performance at 25°C. When the temperature is too low, there are safety risks such as lithium plating during charging. When used at high temperatures for a long time, the cycle life will be significantly reduced. Another example is that power devices such as IGBTs or MOSFETs in inverters need to dissipate heat. Usually, the junction temperature requirement is below 125°C. Overheating poses a risk of pipe explosion. Therefore, for electric vehicle power batteries and drive motors, energy storage battery packs, and power conversion systems, a cooling system is provided. For example, different liquid cooling circuits or air cooling circuits can be set up. For a liquid cooling system, the pipeline design is complex. Especially for energy storage products, the liquid cooling pipeline circuit is long, and the operations of adding coolant and exhausting air are also correspondingly complex.

[0003] For example, during the operation of electric vehicles and energy storage devices, the cooling system often experiences minor leaks. However, in related technologies, personnel are required to participate in order to replenish the cooling system, resulting in a lack of intelligence in the replenishment process and difficulty in application in energy storage scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a cooling system and a control method thereof, which can automatically detect air leakage and liquid leakage, achieve automatic liquid replenishment, do not require personnel to participate, and reduce the system cost.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a cooling system, including a cooling circuit; a water pressure sensor disposed in the cooling circuit and configured to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit; a liquid replenishment device connected to the cooling circuit; a controller electrically connected to the water pressure sensor and the liquid replenishment device, configured to obtain the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor, determine whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment according to the detected water pressure, and control the liquid replenishment device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment; and an expansion tank and a fourth valve, the expansion tank is connected to the cooling circuit through the fourth valve.

[0006] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the liquid replenishment device includes a water tank, a first valve group, and a first water pump, and the first valve group and the first water pump are connected in series between the water tank and the cooling circuit.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first valve group includes at least one solenoid valve and at least one ball valve.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first valve group further includes a check valve.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, a liquid level gauge is provided on the water tank, and the water tank includes a liquid filling port.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the cooling system further includes a drainage branch, the drainage branch is connected to the cooling circuit, and the drainage branch includes a drainage port and a second valve.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the cooling system further includes a water replenishment branch, the water replenishment branch is connected to the cooling circuit, and the water replenishment branch includes a water replenishment port and a third valve.

[0012] Based on the same inventive concept, in the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a control method for a cooling system, which is used for the cooling system described in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect. The method includes:

[0013] Obtain the water pressure of the cooling circuit;

[0014] Determine whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure. In the case where the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, control the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, obtaining the water pressure of the cooling circuit includes:

[0016] Obtain the first water pressure P1 of the cooling circuit at the current moment;

[0017] If P1 is less than P0, then obtain the second water pressure P2 of the cooling circuit after a preset time period;

[0018] Determining whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure includes:

[0019] If P2 < P1, and P2 < P0, and (P2 - P1) / (T0) < δP, then determine that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, where P0 is a preset water pressure threshold, T0 is a preset time period, and δP is a preset water pressure change rate.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, in the case where the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, controlling the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid includes:

[0021] In the case where the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, control the liquid replenishing device to replenish the preset liquid replenishment amount into the cooling circuit in n times, n ≥ 2, and the amount of the latter liquid replenishment is less than that of the previous liquid replenishment;

[0022] After the liquid replenishing device replenishes the cooling circuit with liquid each time, determine again whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid. If the cooling circuit does not need to be replenished with liquid, control the liquid replenishing device to stop replenishing liquid.

[0023] According to the cooling system and its control method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the water pressure of the cooling circuit is detected by a water pressure sensor. The controller can judge whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor. When the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, the controller controls the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid. In this way, without manual interference, it can be judged whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the change of the pipeline pressure of the cooling circuit. When replenishment is required, the controller controls the liquid replenishing device to automatically complete the liquid replenishing operation. Designers and maintainers do not need to participate throughout the process, reducing labor input and system costs. Moreover, liquid replenishment can be carried out during the operation of the cooling system without the need to replenish liquid after the cooling system is shut down, which can improve efficiency.

[0024] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to be able to understand the technical means of the present application more clearly, it can be implemented according to the content of the specification. And in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable, the following specifically illustrates the specific embodiments of the present application. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The features, advantages and technical effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling system according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling system according to still another embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of a control method of a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of a control method of a cooling system according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0033] 10. Cooling circuit; 11. Liquid inlet; 12. Circulation pump; 15. Fifth valve; 16. Sixth valve;

[0034] 21. Water pressure sensor; 22. Temperature sensor;

[0035] 30. Liquid replenishing device;

[0036] 31. Water tank; 311. Liquid level gauge; 312. Liquid filling port; 313. Liquid level switch;

[0037] 32. First valve group; 321. First ball valve; 322. Solenoid valve; 323. Check valve;

[0038] 33. First water pump;

[0039] 40. Controller;

[0040] 50. Drainage branch; 51. Drainage port; 52. Second valve;

[0041] 60. Water replenishment branch; 61. Water replenishment port; 63. Third valve;

[0042] 70. Expansion tank; 74. Fourth valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in this application without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the description of this application in the specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above drawings are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order or primary-secondary relationship.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "attached" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] In existing electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the coolant filling and exhaust operation is usually carried out after production line offline. The problems brought about by this include: 1) Exhaust and pressure detection equipment need to be equipped during production, which is inconvenient to operate, reduces the production rhythm, and increases costs; 2) When testing the pressure offline at the production line, only large-area liquid leakage can be detected. During the operation of electric vehicles and energy storage devices, micro-leakage often occurs. The 24-hour (24h) pressure holding test in the product can only detect the initial state of the production line and cannot detect micro-leakage during the operation of the product. Regular maintenance also increases the maintenance cost.

[0047] In related solutions, the liquid replenishment operation needs to be performed after the driver stops the vehicle, which increases the driver intervention process, is not intelligent enough, and is difficult to apply in the energy storage scenario.

[0048] To solve at least one of the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a cooling system and its control method. The cooling system includes a cooling circuit, a water pressure sensor, a liquid replenishment device, and a controller. The water pressure sensor can detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit. The controller can obtain the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor and determine whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment. In the case where the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment, the controller controls the liquid replenishment device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid, thereby automatically realizing air leakage and liquid leakage detection, realizing automatic liquid replenishment, without the need for personnel participation, and reducing the system cost.

[0049] This cooling system can be applied to actual application scenarios, such as the power battery system of an actual electric vehicle, and can also be applied to an energy storage system.

[0050] The cooling system and its control method provided by the embodiments of the present application are introduced below.

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the cooling system includes a cooling circuit 10, a water pressure sensor 21, a liquid replenishment device 30, and a controller 40.

[0052] The cooling circuit 10 is used to cool a target cooling object. The target cooling object can be an object that generates a large amount of heat, such as a power battery, an energy storage battery pack, etc. Cooling the target cooling object by using the cooling circuit 10 can reduce the temperature of the target cooling object and prevent it from being damaged due to excessive temperature.

[0053] Exemplarily, the cooling circuit 10 includes a circulation pump 12 configured to circulate the liquid in the cooling circuit 10.

[0054] The liquid circulating in the cooling circuit 10 is used to reduce the temperature of the target cooling object. Exemplarily, the liquid circulating in the cooling circuit 10 can be a water coolant or other forms of liquid. The liquid circulating in the cooling circuit 10 can circulate in the cooling circuit 10 under the drive of the circulation pump 12, so as to take away a large amount of heat generated by the target cooling object and achieve the purpose of reducing the temperature of the target cooling object.

[0055] The water pressure sensor 21 is arranged in the cooling circuit 10 and is configured to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit 10. For example, the water pressure sensor 21 can periodically detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit 10.

[0056] Exemplarily, the cooling circuit 10 includes a liquid inlet 11, and the water pressure sensor 21 is arranged close to the liquid inlet 11, so that the water pressure sensor is directly added to the original cooling circuit.

[0057] The liquid replenishing device 30 is connected to the cooling circuit 10. A certain amount of liquid can be contained in the liquid replenishing device 30. In this way, when the cooling circuit 10 needs to be replenished with liquid, the liquid loaded in the liquid replenishing device 30 can flow into the cooling circuit 10 to achieve the liquid replenishment of the cooling circuit 10.

[0058] The controller 40 is electrically connected to the water pressure sensor 21 and the liquid replenishing device 30, Figure 1 The electrical connection relationship between the controller 40 and the water pressure sensor 21 and the liquid replenishing device 30 is schematically shown by a dotted line. The controller 40 is configured to obtain the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 21, and determine whether the cooling circuit 10 needs to be replenished with liquid according to the detected water pressure. When the cooling circuit 10 needs to be replenished with liquid, the controller 40 controls the liquid replenishing device 30 to replenish the cooling circuit 10 with liquid.

[0059] According to the cooling system provided by the embodiment of the present application, the water pressure sensor 21 is used to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit 10. The controller 40 can judge whether the cooling circuit 10 needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 21. When the cooling circuit 10 needs to be replenished with liquid, the controller 40 controls the liquid replenishing device 30 to replenish the cooling circuit 10 with liquid. In this way, without manual interference, it is possible to judge whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the change of the pipeline pressure of the cooling circuit. When liquid replenishment is required, the controller controls the liquid replenishing device to automatically complete the liquid replenishment action. Designers and maintainers do not need to participate throughout the process, reducing labor input and system costs. Moreover, liquid replenishment can be carried out during the operation of the cooling system, without the need to replenish liquid after the cooling system is shut down, which can improve efficiency.

[0060] Exemplarily, the controller 40 may be a chip or a circuit that performs related actions according to characteristic instructions. For example, the controller 40 may be a Microcontroller Unit (MCU), or may also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific-Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Again, for example, the controller 40 may include an external clock, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), etc. The present application does not limit the specific structure of the controller 40.

[0061] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the liquid replenishing device 30 may include a water tank 31, a first valve group 32, and a first water pump 33. The first valve group 32 and the first water pump 33 are connected in series between the water tank 31 and the cooling circuit 10.

[0062] The water tank 31 is used to hold a certain amount of water. The water in the water tank 31 serves as backup water. When the cooling circuit 10 needs liquid replenishment, the water in the water tank 31 can flow into the cooling circuit 10.

[0063] It should be noted that the size of the water tank 31 can be set according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit this.

[0064] As an example, a liquid level gauge 311 may be provided on the water tank 31, and the water tank 31 includes a liquid filling port 312. The liquid level gauge 311 can be used to detect the liquid level of the water tank 31. Liquid can be added into the water tank 31 through the liquid filling port 312. The controller 40 can obtain the liquid level detected by the liquid level gauge 311 and determine whether the water tank 31 needs liquid addition. In the case where the water tank 31 needs liquid addition, the controller 40 can report the information on the need for liquid replenishment. Exemplarily, the controller 40 can compare the liquid level detected by the liquid level gauge 311 with a preset liquid level threshold. In the case where the liquid level detected by the liquid level gauge 311 is lower than the preset liquid level threshold, it is determined that the water tank 31 needs liquid addition.

[0065] The first valve group 32 can be used to control whether the water tank 31 and the cooling circuit 10 are connected. When the first valve group 32 is open, the water tank 31 and the cooling circuit 10 are connected; when the first valve group 32 is disconnected, the water tank 31 and the cooling circuit 10 are not connected.

[0066] The valves in the first valve group 32 can be electrically controlled valves.

[0067] As an example, the first valve group 32 can include at least two valves. At least two valves in the first valve group 32 are connected in series. This is equivalent to setting up a double insurance.

[0068] Exemplarily, at least two valves in the first valve group 32 can be different types of valves. For example, one is a solenoid valve 322 and the other is a ball valve. For the convenience of distinction, the ball valve in the first valve group 32 is denoted as the first ball valve 321.

[0069] Exemplarily, the first ball valve 321 can be connected between the water tank 31 and the first water pump 33, and the solenoid valve 322 is connected between the first water pump 33 and the cooling circuit 10.

[0070] The first water pump 33 is used to provide a driving force for the water flow in the water tank 31 to flow into the cooling circuit 10, so that when the first valve group 32 is opened, the water in the water tank 31 can supplement the cooling circuit 10. The first water pump 33 can also be called a makeup water pump.

[0071] When it is detected that the cooling circuit 10 needs to be supplemented with liquid, open the first ball valve 321, the solenoid valve 322 and control the first water pump 33 to start working. In this way, the water tank cooperates with the first ball valve, the solenoid valve and the makeup water pump to perform automatic liquid supplementation.

[0072] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the first valve group 32 may further include a check valve 323. The check valve 323 allows the water in the water tank 31 to flow into the cooling circuit 10 and prevents the water in the cooling circuit 10 from flowing back into the water tank 31. In this way, due to the presence of the check valve 323, the liquid in the cooling circuit 10 will not fall back into the water tank 31.

[0073] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the cooling system may further include a drainage branch 50. The drainage branch 50 is connected to the cooling circuit 10. The drainage branch 50 includes a drainage port 51 and a second valve 52.

[0074] In the embodiments of the present application, by reserving a drainage port, it is convenient for use during external maintenance of the production line. For example, when a large amount of drainage is required in the cooling circuit externally, liquid drainage to the outside is achieved through the opening and closing of the second valve 52.

[0075] Exemplarily, the second valve 52 can include a ball valve.

[0076] Exemplarily, one end of the second valve 52 can be connected to the drain port 51, and the other end is connected to the first water pump 33. It can be understood that the second valve 52 and the first ball valve 321 in the liquid replenishing device are in a parallel relationship. In this way, when the second valve 52 and the first ball valve 321 are opened, the water tank 31 can also drain water outward through the drain port 51.

[0077] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the cooling system further includes a water replenishing branch 60. The water replenishing branch 60 is connected to the cooling circuit 10. The water replenishing branch 60 includes a water replenishing port 61 and a third valve 63.

[0078] In the embodiments of the present application, by reserving a water replenishing port, it is convenient for the production line to use during a large amount of liquid replenishment. For example, when a large amount of water needs to be replenished in the cooling circuit externally, a large amount of liquid replenishment to the cooling circuit 10 is realized by the opening and closing of the third valve 63.

[0079] Exemplarily, the third valve 63 can include a ball valve.

[0080] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the cooling system further includes an expansion tank 70 and a fourth valve 74. The expansion tank 70 is connected to the cooling circuit 10 through the fourth valve 74.

[0081] There is a floating cavity in the expansion tank 70, and the air pressure inside the expansion tank 70 is the same as the water pressure in the cooling circuit 10.

[0082] In the case where there is no liquid leakage in the cooling circuit 10 and the water pressure in the cooling circuit 10 fluctuates, the expansion tank 70 can be used to balance the water pressure in the cooling circuit 10. For example, when the water pressure in the cooling circuit 10 slightly decreases, the liquid in the expansion tank 70 can flow into the cooling circuit 10; when the water pressure in the cooling circuit 10 slightly increases, the liquid in the cooling circuit 10 can flow into the expansion tank 70.

[0083] It can be understood that in the case where the cooling circuit 10 leaks and needs liquid replenishment, the liquid replenishing device 30 replenishes the cooling circuit 10 with liquid, and part of the liquid will also flow into the expansion tank 70.

[0084] Exemplarily, as Figure 3 shown, for the convenience of controlling the cooling circuit 10, the cooling circuit 10 may further include a fifth valve 15 and / or a sixth valve 16. The fifth valve 15 and the sixth valve 16 are connected in series between the circulation pump 12 and the liquid inlet 11. The water pressure sensor 21 can be arranged between the fifth valve 15 and the sixth valve 16. The fifth valve 15 and / or the sixth valve 16 can be a butterfly valve.

[0085] Exemplarily, as Figure 3 shown, for the convenience of monitoring the temperature of the cooling circuit 10, a temperature sensor 22 can also be arranged on the cooling circuit 10.

[0086] Exemplarily, for facilitating the discharge of the gas in the cooling circuit 10, the cooling system may further be provided with a pressure relief path through which the gas in the cooling circuit 10 can be discharged outwards.

[0087] It should be noted that the specific structures in the above examples are merely examples and are not used to limit the present application.

[0088] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a control method for a cooling system, which is used for the cooling system in any of the above embodiments. As Figure 4 shown, the control method for the cooling system provided by the embodiment of the present application includes S10 to S20.

[0089] S10, obtaining the water pressure of the cooling circuit;

[0090] S20, determining whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure, and controlling the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid.

[0091] In S10, a water pressure sensor can be used to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit, and then the water pressure sensor uploads the detected water pressure to the processor.

[0092] In S20, the processor can compare the detected water pressure with a preset water pressure threshold value, and determine whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the comparison result. For example, if the detected water pressure is less than the preset water pressure threshold value, it can be determined that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid; or, within a period of time, if the detected water pressure shows a decreasing trend, it can be determined that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid. Further, if the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, the liquid replenishing device is controlled to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid.

[0093] According to the control method for the cooling system provided by the embodiment of the present application, the water pressure of the cooling circuit is detected by a water pressure sensor, and the controller can judge whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor. When the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, the controller controls the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid; in this way, without manual interference, it can be judged whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the change of the pipeline pressure of the cooling circuit. When replenishment is required, the controller controls the liquid replenishing device to automatically complete the liquid replenishing action, and the design and maintenance personnel do not need to participate throughout the process, reducing the labor input and lowering the system cost; moreover, replenishment can be carried out during the operation of the cooling system, without the need to replenish the liquid after the cooling system is shut down, which can improve the efficiency.

[0094] The liquid in the cooling circuit can circulate under the drive of a circulation pump. The water flow output by the circulation pump may be in pulses, so the water pressure in the cooling circuit fluctuates. For example, the water pressure in the cooling circuit may be a little lower at a certain moment and a little higher at another moment. If it is determined that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid and the cooling circuit is replenished with liquid every time the detected water pressure in the cooling circuit decreases, there may be a problem of overfilling.

[0095] In some embodiments, S10 may specifically include:

[0096] Obtain the first water pressure P1 of the cooling circuit at the current moment;

[0097] If P1 is less than P0, then obtain the second water pressure P2 of the cooling circuit after a preset duration;

[0098] Determining whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid according to the water pressure in S20 may specifically include: If P2 < P1, and P2 < P0, and (P2 - P1) / (T2 - T1) < δP, then determine that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, where P0 is a preset water pressure threshold and δP is a preset water pressure change rate.

[0099] When P2 satisfies the above three conditions simultaneously, it can be accurately determined that the cooling circuit has leaked liquid, and then the liquid replenishment process can be started.

[0100] The specific values of the preset water pressure threshold P0 and the preset water pressure change rate δP can be determined according to the actual application situation, and the present application does not limit this.

[0101] In addition, the preset duration can also be determined according to the actual application situation, and the present application does not limit this. It can be understood that the shorter the preset duration, the higher the control accuracy of the cooling system.

[0102] In some embodiments, controlling the liquid replenishment device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs to be replenished in S20 may specifically include:

[0103] When the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, control the liquid replenishment device to replenish the preset liquid replenishment amount into the cooling circuit in n times, n ≥ 2, and the amount of the subsequent liquid replenishment is less than that of the previous liquid replenishment;

[0104] After the liquid replenishment device replenishes the cooling circuit with liquid each time, determine whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid. If the cooling circuit does not need to be replenished with liquid, control the liquid replenishment device to stop replenishing liquid.

[0105] For example, if P2 < P1, and P2 < P0, and (P2 - P1) / (T2 - T1) < δP, it is determined that the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid, and the total amount of liquid V(total) to be replenished is determined according to P2. This total amount of liquid V(total) is the preset replenishment amount. The total amount of liquid V(total) is replenished into the cooling circuit in n times. For example, the amount of liquid replenished for the first time is V(total) / 2, the amount of liquid replenished for the second time is V(total) / 4, the amount of liquid replenished for the third time is V(total) / 8, and so on. The amount of liquid replenished for the nth time is V(total) / 2 n , that is to say, the amount of liquid is replenished into the cooling circuit in a successive approximation manner, thereby gradually increasing the pressure value in the pipeline.

[0106] After each liquid replenishment, it is determined again whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid. Whether the cooling circuit needs to be replenished with liquid can be determined according to the above example. For example, when n = 6, after the fourth liquid replenishment, it is detected that the cooling circuit does not need to be replenished with liquid, then the liquid replenishment process can be stopped.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, the amount of liquid is replenished into the cooling circuit in a successive approximation manner, gradually increasing the pressure value in the pipeline, so that the water pressure in the cooling circuit gradually approaches the set threshold value P0, for the purpose of exhausting air and replenishing liquid, increasing the pressure value in the pipeline of the cooling circuit, thereby avoiding the problem of over-replenishment caused by replenishing the total amount of liquid at one time.

[0108] For a better understanding of the control method of the cooling system in the present application, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 . First, the controller in the cooling system can be initialized, and a self-check process is started, that is, the liquid level gauge is used to detect the liquid level in the water tank. If the liquid level in the water tank is lower than the safety threshold, the controller uploads a low liquid level signal to the upper-level processor to report the information that the water tank needs to be replenished with liquid.

[0109] For ease of explanation, the current water pressure value detected by the pressure sensor at the current moment T1 is denoted as P1, the water pressure value detected by the pressure sensor at the second moment T2 after a preset time period T0 is denoted as P2, the action threshold of the pressure sensor is denoted as P0, and P0 is the preset water pressure threshold; in addition, the pressure change rate of the pressure sensor in the time period (T2 - T1) is denoted as (P2 - P1) / (T2 - T1), and the change action threshold of the pressure sensor in the time period is denoted as δP, and δP is the preset water pressure change rate.

[0110] After the controller is initialized, the pressure sensor detects the current water pressure value P1 in the water circuit at the T1 moment. Since the cooling circuit is connected to the expansion tank through the fourth valve, there is a floating cavity in the expansion tank, and the internal air pressure in the expansion tank is the same as the water pressure in the cooling circuit.

[0111] The current water pressure value P1 is compared with the set threshold value P0. If P1 < P0, then after a preset time period T0 (T0 = T2 - T1), the detected water pressure value is P2. If P2 < P0, and P2 < P1, and (P2 - P1) / (T2 - T1) < δP, after all three conditions are met simultaneously, it is determined that there is an exhaust leakage in the cooling circuit, and then the exhaust and liquid replenishment process can be started.

[0112] During the process of starting the exhaust and liquid replenishment process, the solenoid valve and the first ball valve connected to the water tank are opened, and the make-up water pump starts to work for a time period ∆T (for example, ∆T is equal to T0). A part of the coolant in the water tank passes through the check valve, the ball valve, and the cavity to reach the expansion tank, increasing the pressure in the expansion tank. Due to the existence of the water stop valve, the liquid in the expansion tank will not fall back into the water tank.

[0113] When the make-up water pump starts to work, the water pressure value in the cooling circuit increases. After circulating for a period of time T_Delay, again based on the water pressure detected by the pressure sensor in the cooling circuit, after determining that P1 < P0, and then determining the three conditions of P2 < P0 & P2 < P1 & [(P2 - P1) / (T2 - T1)] < δP, the make-up water pump starts again for a time period ∆T. Thus, by the method of successive approximation each time, the pressure value in the pipeline is gradually increased, gradually approaching the set threshold value P0, achieving the purpose of exhaust and liquid replenishment and increasing the pressure value in the pipeline of the cooling circuit.

[0114] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides an electrical device. The electrical device includes the cooling system in any of the above embodiments. It can be understood that the electrical device has the beneficial effects of the cooling system provided by the embodiments of the present application. For specific details, reference can be made to the specific descriptions of the cooling system in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here. Exemplarily, the electrical device includes a vehicle.

[0115] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes the cooling system in any of the above embodiments. It can be understood that the energy storage device has the beneficial effects of the cooling system provided by the embodiments of the present application. For specific details, reference can be made to the specific descriptions of the cooling system in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide an electronic device. Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0117] The electronic device may include a processor 601 and a memory 602 storing computer program instructions.

[0118] Specifically, the above-mentioned processor 601 may include a central processing unit (CPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be an integrated circuit configured to implement one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] The memory 602 may include a mass memory for data or instructions. By way of example and not limitation, the memory 602 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or a universal serial bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. In a suitable case, the memory 602 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. In a suitable case, the memory 602 may be inside or outside the integrated gateway disaster recovery device. In a specific embodiment, the memory 602 is a non-volatile solid-state memory.

[0120] In a specific embodiment, the memory 602 includes a read-only memory (ROM). In a suitable case, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically rewritable ROM (EAROM), or a flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. Exemplarily, the memory may include a non-volatile transient memory.

[0121] The processor 601 reads and executes the computer program instructions stored in the memory 602 to implement any one of the detection methods in the above embodiments.

[0122] In one example, the electronic device may further include a communication interface 603 and a bus 610. Among them, as Figure 6 shown, the processor 601, the memory 602, and the communication interface 603 are connected through the bus 610 and complete communication with each other.

[0123] The communication interface 603 is mainly used to implement communication between each module, device, unit, and / or device in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] Bus 610 includes hardware, software, or both, and couples components of the electronic device to each other. By way of example and not limitation, the bus may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a Front-Side Bus (FSB), a HyperTransport (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an InfiniBand interconnect, a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association Local (VLB) bus, or other suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, bus 610 may include one or more buses. Although embodiments of the present invention describe and illustrate specific buses, the present invention contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[0125] Exemplarily, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, an in-vehicle electronic device, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, or a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

[0126] The electronic device may execute the control method of the cooling system in the embodiments of the present application.

[0127] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it can implement the control method of the cooling system in the above embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here. Among them, the above computer-readable storage medium may include a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, etc., which is not limited herein.

[0128] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, including computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the control method of the cooling system described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0129] It should be clear that the present application is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of the present application is not limited to the specific steps described and shown, and those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order between steps after understanding the spirit of the present application.

[0130] The functional blocks shown in the structural block diagrams described above can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in hardware, it can be, for example, an electronic circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), appropriate firmware, a plug-in, a functional card, and so on. When implemented in software, the elements of the present application are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The program or code segment can be stored in a machine-readable medium or transmitted via a data signal carried in a carrier wave on a transmission medium or communication link. "Computer-readable medium" can include any medium that can store or transmit information. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic circuits, semiconductor memory devices, ROM, flash memory, erasable ROM (EROM), floppy disks, CD-ROMs, optical discs, hard disks, fiber optic media, radio frequency links, and so on. The code segment can be downloaded via a computer network such as the Internet, intranet, and so on.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present application, the computer-readable storage medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0132] It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments mentioned in the present application describe some methods or systems based on a series of steps or devices. However, the present application is not limited to the order of the above steps, that is, the steps can be executed in the order mentioned in the embodiments, can be different from the order in the embodiments, or several steps can be executed simultaneously.

[0133] Aspects of the present application have been described above with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combinations of blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device enable the implementation of the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. Such a processor can be, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a special application processor, or a field programmable logic circuit. It should also be understood that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and the combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can also be implemented by dedicated hardware that performs the specified functions or operations, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0134] In accordance with the embodiments of the present application as described above, these embodiments do not describe all the details in detail, nor do they limit the application to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made according to the above description. The present specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments in order to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can make good use of the present application and its modifications based on the present application. The present application is only limited by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A cooling system, characterized in that, Comprising: A cooling circuit in which a liquid circulates; A water pressure sensor disposed in the cooling circuit and configured to detect the water pressure of the cooling circuit; A liquid replenishing device connected to the cooling circuit; A controller electrically connected to the water pressure sensor and the liquid replenishing device, configured to obtain the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor, determine whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment according to the detected water pressure, and control the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment; And an expansion tank and a fourth valve, the expansion tank is connected to the cooling circuit through the fourth valve; The liquid replenishing device includes a water tank, a first valve group and a first water pump, the first valve group and the first water pump are connected in series between the water tank and the cooling circuit; The cooling system further includes a drainage branch connected to the cooling circuit, the drainage branch includes a drainage port and a second valve, the second valve is connected to the cooling circuit through at least one valve in the first valve group, and the second valve is connected to the water tank through at least one valve in the first valve group; The cooling circuit further includes a pressure relief path, one end of the pressure relief path is connected to the cooling circuit, and the other end of the pressure relief path is connected to the second valve of the drainage branch, and the pressure relief path is used to discharge the gas in the cooling circuit to the outside through the drainage branch.

2. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve group includes at least one solenoid valve and at least one ball valve.

3. The cooling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first valve group further includes a check valve.

4. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein, A liquid level gauge is provided on the water tank, and the water tank includes a liquid filling port.

5. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein The cooling system further includes a water replenishing branch connected to the cooling circuit, the water replenishing branch includes a water replenishing port and a third valve.

6. A control method for a cooling system, characterized in that, For the cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method includes: Obtaining the water pressure of the cooling circuit; Determining whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment according to the water pressure, and controlling the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid when the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The obtaining the water pressure of the cooling circuit includes: Obtaining a first water pressure P1 of the cooling circuit at the current moment; If P1 is less than P0, then obtaining a second water pressure P2 of the cooling circuit after a preset time period; The determining whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment according to the water pressure includes: If P2 < P1, and P2 < P0, and (P2 - P1) / (T0) < δP, then determining that the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment, where P0 is a preset water pressure threshold, T0 is a preset time period, and δP is a preset water pressure change rate.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein When the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment, controlling the liquid replenishing device to replenish the cooling circuit with liquid includes: When the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment, controlling the liquid replenishing device to replenish the preset liquid replenishment amount into the cooling circuit in n times, n ≥ 2, and the amount of liquid replenishment in the latter time is less than that in the previous time; After the liquid replenishing device replenishes the cooling circuit each time, determine again whether the cooling circuit needs liquid replenishment. If the cooling circuit does not need liquid replenishment, control the liquid replenishing device to stop liquid replenishment.

Images