Energy storage system and thermal management method and device of energy storage system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an energy storage system and a thermal management method and device of the energy storage system. The system comprises a plurality of batteries and a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system comprises a plurality of water pumps corresponding to a plurality of batteries and a heat management unit. And the thermal management unit is used for determining a first battery where the thermal runaway single battery is located and starting a first water pump corresponding to the first battery so as to cool the first battery. According to the invention, each battery of the energy storage system is provided with a corresponding water pump, so that when the battery monomers in the batteries are subjected to thermal runaway, the batteries can be accurately cooled only by controlling the thermal management unit of the liquid cooling system to start the corresponding water pumps, the safety of the energy storage system can be improved, and the power consumption of the liquid cooling system can be reduced.

Description

Energy storage system, method and device for thermal management of energy storage system Technical Field

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

[0002] The energy storage system includes multiple batteries connected in series and parallel. The battery cells in the battery may occasionally experience thermal runaway due to mechanical, environmental or manufacturing defects. The heat released will be transferred to the surrounding battery cells. If not handled in time, it may eventually cause heat diffusion in the entire energy storage system, thereby causing secondary disasters such as combustion and explosion, which will have a significant impact on the safe and reliable operation of the energy storage system.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to improve the safety of energy storage systems.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an energy storage system, a method and an apparatus for thermal management of the energy storage system, which can accurately cool the battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located, prevent the heat from diffusing from the battery and affecting other batteries, thereby ensuring the safety of the energy storage system.

[0006] In a first aspect, an energy storage system is provided, comprising multiple batteries and a liquid cooling system; the liquid cooling system comprises multiple water pumps corresponding to the multiple batteries and a thermal management unit; the thermal management unit is used to determine a first battery in which a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway is located, and to activate a first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

[0007] In the embodiment of the present application, each battery in the energy storage system is equipped with a corresponding water pump. This allows for precise cooling of the battery by simply controlling the thermal management unit of the liquid cooling system to activate the corresponding water pump when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway. This prevents heat from spreading to other batteries, thereby improving the safety of the entire energy storage system. Furthermore, by precisely cooling the battery cell containing the thermally runaway battery cell, the power consumption of the liquid cooling system can be reduced.

[0008] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a battery management system; the thermal management unit is configured to receive first indication information sent by the battery management system, where the first indication information is configured to indicate the first battery; and the first battery is determined based on the first indication information.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the thermal management unit can determine the battery where the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway is located through the first indication information, thereby turning on the water pump corresponding to the battery to accurately cool the battery, thereby ensuring the safety of the energy storage system and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery management system is used to receive abnormal indication information, where the abnormal indication information is used to indicate the presence of the battery cell with thermal runaway; determine the first battery where the battery cell with thermal runaway is located based on the abnormal indication information, and send the first indication information to the thermal management unit.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the battery management system serves as the control center of the energy storage system. It can determine the battery cell in the energy storage system that has thermal runaway based on the abnormal indication information, and can determine the battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located based on the object that sends the abnormal indication information. It can thus instruct the thermal management unit of the liquid cooling system to start the water pump corresponding to the battery to accurately cool the battery, prevent the heat from spreading from the battery and affecting other batteries, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thermal management unit is further used to receive second indication information sent by the battery management system, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump; the thermal management unit is further used to adjust the power of the first water pump according to the second indication information.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the power of the water pump is adjustable, and the thermal management unit can adjust the power of the first water pump according to the instruction of the battery management system to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, so as to further save the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery management system is further configured to determine the power of the first water pump and send the second indication information to the thermal management unit.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can determine the power of the first water pump or formulate a power plan for the first water pump according to manufacturer requirements or actual conditions, such as the severity of thermal runaway, to save power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery management system is configured to obtain an operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway, and determine the power of the first water pump according to the operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can adjust the power of the first water pump according to the operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway, so as to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system to the greatest extent.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery management system is configured to determine the power of the first water pump according to a start time period of the first water pump.

[0020] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can set different powers during the on-time period of the first water pump according to the state law of the battery cell after thermal runaway occurs, so as to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the time period includes a plurality of sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump in at least two of the sub-time periods is different; or the power of the first water pump gradually decreases during the time period.

[0022] In the above embodiment, the on-time period of the first water pump is divided into multiple sub-time periods, and the first water pump is set to different powers in different sub-time periods. The power can be reduced step by step with the sub-time periods as the boundaries, or the power of the first water pump is gradually reduced during the entire on-time period, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a detector for collecting the operating status of battery cells in the battery, determining the presence of the battery cell in thermal runaway based on the operating status, and sending the abnormal indication information to the battery management system.

[0024] In the above embodiment, by equipping each battery with a detector, the battery management system can determine which battery cell has experienced thermal runaway based on the abnormal indication information reported by the detector, thereby accurately cooling the battery cell to reduce the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the detector includes at least one of an odor sensor, a smoke sensor, and an electrolyte leakage sensor.

[0026] The above embodiment adds diversified sensors to the battery, which enables the battery management system to determine whether there are battery cells in thermal runaway in more ways, so as to quickly respond to the abnormal situation, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the power supply system of the energy storage system stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system when the battery cell in thermal runaway exists; the energy storage system also includes a backup power supply for supplying power to the thermal management unit and the first water pump after the power supply system stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system.

[0028] The above embodiment, by providing a backup power supply to the liquid cooling system, can ensure that the liquid cooling system will not stop working due to a battery cell in thermal runaway of the energy storage system, thereby further improving the safety of the energy storage system.

[0029] In some embodiments, the backup power supply supplies power to the thermal management unit and the first water pump through a DC power supply circuit; or the backup power supply is connected to the AC power supply circuit of the liquid cooling system through an inverter to supply power to the liquid cooling system, wherein the inverter is used to convert the DC power of the backup power supply into the AC power required by the liquid cooling system.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the backup power supply can supply power to the thermal management unit and to the first water pump corresponding to the first battery where the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway is located through a DC power supply circuit, which not only ensures the safety of the liquid cooling system, but also reduces the configuration capacity of the backup power supply, saving cost and space.

[0031] In a second aspect, a method for thermal management of an energy storage system is provided, wherein the energy storage system includes multiple batteries and a liquid cooling system; the liquid cooling system includes multiple water pumps corresponding to the multiple batteries and a thermal management unit; the method includes: the thermal management unit determining a first battery in which a battery cell with thermal runaway is located; the thermal management unit turning on the first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present application, each battery in the energy storage system is equipped with a corresponding water pump. When a battery cell within the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management unit simply activates the corresponding water pump to precisely cool the cell. This prevents heat from spreading to other cells, thereby ensuring the safety of the energy storage system. Furthermore, by precisely cooling the cell containing the thermally runaway cell, the power consumption of the liquid cooling system can be reduced.

[0033] In some embodiments, the thermal management unit determines the first battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located, including: the thermal management unit receives first indication information sent by the battery management system, the first indication information is used to indicate the first battery; the thermal management unit determines the first battery based on the first indication information.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the thermal management unit can determine the battery where the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway is located through the first indication information, thereby turning on the water pump corresponding to the battery to accurately cool the battery, thereby ensuring the safety of the energy storage system and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thermal management unit receives second indication information, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump; and the thermal management unit adjusts the power of the first water pump according to the second indication information.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the power of the water pump is adjustable, and the thermal management unit can adjust the power of the first water pump according to the instruction of the battery management system to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, so as to further save the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0038] In a third aspect, a method for thermal management of an energy storage system is provided, wherein the energy storage system includes multiple batteries, a liquid cooling system, and a battery management system; the liquid cooling system includes multiple water pumps and a thermal management unit corresponding to the multiple batteries; the method includes: the battery management system receives abnormal indication information, wherein the abnormal indication information is used to indicate the presence of a battery cell in thermal runaway; the battery management system determines a first battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located based on the abnormal indication information; and the battery management system sends first indication information to the thermal management unit, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first battery to cause the thermal management unit to turn on a first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the battery management system serves as the control center of the energy storage system. It can determine the battery cell in the energy storage system that has thermal runaway based on the abnormal indication information, and can determine the battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located based on the object that sends the abnormal indication information. It can thus instruct the thermal management unit of the liquid cooling system to start the water pump corresponding to the battery to accurately cool the battery, prevent the heat from spreading from the battery and affecting other batteries, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the battery management system determining the power of the first water pump; the battery management system sending the second indication information to the thermal management unit, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can determine the power of the first water pump or formulate a power plan for the first water pump according to manufacturer requirements or actual conditions, such as the severity of thermal runaway, to save power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the battery management system determining the power of the first water pump includes: the battery management system obtaining the operating status of the battery cell in thermal runaway, and determining the power of the first water pump according to the operating status of the battery cell in thermal runaway.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can adjust the power of the first water pump according to the operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway, so as to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system to the greatest extent.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery management system determines the power of the first water pump according to a start-up period of the first water pump.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the battery management system can set different powers during the on-time period of the first water pump according to the state law of the battery cell after thermal runaway occurs, so as to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the time period includes a plurality of sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump in at least two of the sub-time periods is different; or the power of the first water pump gradually decreases during the time period.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the on-time period of the first water pump is divided into multiple sub-time periods, and the first water pump is set to different powers in different sub-time periods. The power can be reduced step by step with the sub-time periods as the boundaries, or the power of the first water pump is gradually reduced during the entire on-time period, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, a device for thermal management of an energy storage system is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to call and run the program from the memory to execute a method for thermal management of an energy storage system as in any possible implementation of the second and third aspects.

[0050] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute a method for thermal management of an energy storage system as in any possible implementation of the second and third aspects.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present application, each battery in the energy storage system is equipped with a corresponding water pump. When a battery cell within the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the liquid cooling system's thermal management unit simply activates the corresponding water pump to precisely cool the cell. This prevents heat from spreading to other cells, thereby ensuring the safety of the energy storage system. Furthermore, by precisely cooling the cell containing the thermally runaway cell, the power consumption of the liquid cooling system can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.

[0053] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an energy storage system disclosed in one embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of another energy storage system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of another energy storage system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a connection method for power supply of a liquid cooling system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG5 is a connection diagram of another liquid cooling system power supply method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a method for thermal management of an energy storage system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of another method for thermal management of an energy storage system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG8 is a schematic structural block diagram of a device for thermal management of an energy storage system disclosed in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting this application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0064] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures, and do not limit the specific structure of this application. In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" 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. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] Figure 1 is an architectural diagram of an energy storage system 10 provided herein. As shown in Figure 1 , energy storage system 10 may include a battery 11, a detector 12, a battery management system 13, and a liquid cooling system 14. Liquid cooling system 14 may include a thermal management unit 141, a compressor 142, a water pump 143, and a fan 144.

[0066] The detector 12 may be a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery 11. When the temperature of the battery 11 exceeds a preset temperature threshold, a signal may be sent to the battery management system 13. Upon receiving the signal, the battery management system 13 sends a corresponding cooling instruction to the liquid cooling system 14, which then begins circulating the liquid cooling system 14 to cool the battery 11.

[0067] The liquid cooling system 14 may include a thermal management unit 141, a compressor 142, a water pump 143, and a fan 144. The thermal management unit 141 may be used to control the various components in the liquid cooling system 14 to cooperate with each other to execute the cooling instructions of the battery management system 13, thereby cooling the battery 11.

[0068] The compressor 142 is a driven fluid machine that raises low-pressure gas to high pressure. It is the heart of the refrigeration system. It draws low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the intake pipe, compresses it by driving the piston through the motor, and then discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid into the exhaust pipe, providing power for the refrigeration cycle.

[0069] The outlet of the water pump 143 can be connected to the battery 11, and the flowing coolant can be used to cool the battery 11. The water pump 143 is the power source of the entire liquid cooling system and can control the liquid flow at the outlet to ensure that the battery 11 has sufficient coolant flow and ensure the consistency of the supply flow.

[0070] The fan 144 may also be referred to as a heat dissipation fan, which can cool the liquid in the coolant pipe in the liquid cooling system 14 .

[0071] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection relationship of the circuits. In actual applications, other devices may be connected between the components in Figure 1.

[0072] Currently, energy storage systems on the market are typically large-capacity systems, consisting of multiple batteries connected in series and parallel. During operation, battery cells within these systems can occasionally experience thermal runaway due to mechanical, environmental, or manufacturing defects. This released heat can transfer to surrounding cells. If not promptly addressed, this can ultimately lead to thermal diffusion throughout the entire energy storage system, causing secondary hazards such as combustion and explosion, significantly impacting the safe and reliable operation of the energy storage system. Therefore, a method for improving the safety of energy storage systems is needed.

[0073] In light of this, embodiments of the present application provide an energy storage system and a method for thermal management of such a system. The energy storage system includes multiple batteries and a liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system includes multiple water pumps corresponding to the multiple batteries. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the water pump corresponding to the battery containing the battery cell is activated to precisely cool the failed battery. This solution can prevent heat spread in the energy storage system and reduce the power consumption of the liquid cooling system. The following describes the solution in the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the structure of the energy storage system 20 of an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage system 20 when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the energy storage system 20 includes a plurality of batteries 11 and a liquid cooling system 40. The liquid cooling system 40 includes a plurality of water pumps 143 corresponding to the plurality of batteries 11 and a thermal management unit 41. The thermal management unit 41 can be used to determine the first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 experiencing thermal runaway is located, and to turn on the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15 to cool the first battery 15.

[0075] The battery 11 includes one or more battery cells 110 .

[0076] When a battery cell 110 experiences thermal runaway and becomes a thermally runaway battery cell 111, the thermal management unit 41 determines the first battery 15 corresponding to the thermally runaway battery cell 111 and turns on the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15. This allows the coolant in the pipe connecting the first water pump 1431 and the first battery 15 to continuously circulate, thereby achieving precise cooling of the failed first battery 15, thereby reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40.

[0077] Optionally, in some embodiments, the energy storage system 20 may further include a battery management system 13, and the thermal management unit 41 may be used to receive first indication information sent by the battery management system 13, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first battery 15, and then determine the first battery 15 based on the first indication information.

[0078] The battery management system 13 is primarily designed to intelligently manage and maintain each battery cell, preventing overcharging and overdischarging, extending the battery life, and monitoring the battery status. The battery management system 13 can be connected to the thermal management unit 41 of the liquid cooling system 40.

[0079] It should be understood that if a battery cell 110 experiences thermal runaway, the battery 11 in which the battery cell 110 resides is considered a failed battery. When a battery cell 111 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal management unit 41 can receive first indication information from the battery management system 13, determine the first battery 15 in which the battery cell 111 experiencing thermal runaway resides based on the first indication information, and then activate the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15 to cool the first battery 15, thereby achieving precise cooling of the failed battery and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40. This can also prevent heat diffusion throughout the energy storage system 20, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system 20.

[0080] Optionally, in some embodiments, multiple batteries 11 may correspond to one water pump 143, that is, all batteries 11 in the energy storage system 20 may be divided into multiple battery clusters, each battery cluster corresponding to one water pump 143, wherein each battery cluster includes multiple batteries. When a battery cell 110 of a battery 11 in a battery cluster experiences thermal runaway, the water pump 143 corresponding to the battery cluster may simultaneously cool down multiple batteries 11 in the battery cluster to prevent heat diffusion in the energy storage system 20. Exemplarily, the energy storage system includes M batteries 11, and the M batteries 11 may correspond to N water pumps 143, wherein M and N are natural numbers and M≥N. By equipping multiple batteries with one water pump, the configuration of the energy storage system 20 may be reduced, saving space and resources, compared to equipping each battery 11 with a water pump 143.

[0081] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include location information or identification information of the first battery 15 .

[0082] In the above embodiment, the thermal management unit 41 can activate the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15 based on the location information or identification information of the first battery 15, thereby achieving precise cooling of the failed battery and reducing the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40. In addition, it can also prevent heat diffusion throughout the energy storage system 20, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system 20.

[0083] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 13 can be used to receive abnormal indication information, which can be used to indicate the presence of a battery cell 111 in thermal runaway. The first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway is located can also be determined based on the abnormal indication information, and the first indication information can be sent to the thermal management unit 41.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the abnormal indication information, the battery management system 13 can determine, based on the object sending the abnormal indication information, which battery 11 has a battery cell 110 inside which has experienced thermal runaway, and then send the information of the battery 11 to the thermal management unit 41, so that the thermal management unit 41 turns on the water pump 143 corresponding to the battery 11 to cool the battery 11, thereby preventing heat diffusion in the entire energy storage system 20, and the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40 is also reduced due to the precise cooling.

[0085] Optionally, in some embodiments, the thermal management unit 41 can also be used to receive second indication information sent by the battery management system 13, the second indication information including power information of the first water pump 1431, and the thermal management unit 41 can also be used to adjust the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the second indication information.

[0086] It should be understood that the power of the first water pump 1431 can be adjusted, for example, by controlling the power supply. The battery management system 13 can send second instruction information to the thermal management unit 41 to instruct the thermal management unit 41 to adjust the power of the first water pump 1431. The second instruction information includes power information of the first water pump 1431.

[0087] The power information of the first water pump 1431 may include a set power value and a start-up time length, and may also include a power regulation strategy. For example, the first water pump 1431 supplies power at a first power value when it is turned on, and then reduces the power by one tenth every ten minutes as time goes by.

[0088] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 13 may also be used to determine the power of the first water pump 1431 and send second indication information to the thermal management unit 41 .

[0089] The battery management system 13 can determine the power of the first water pump 1431 or formulate a power plan for the first water pump 1431 according to manufacturer requirements or actual conditions, such as the severity of thermal runaway, to save power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40 .

[0090] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 20 may be configured to obtain the operating status of the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway, and determine the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the operating status of the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway.

[0091] It should be understood that the operating status of the battery cell 310 may be monitoring data such as temperature and voltage.

[0092] After the battery management system 20 determines that a battery cell 111 is experiencing thermal runaway and instructs the thermal management unit 41 to activate the first water pump 1431, it can also obtain the operating status of the battery cell 111 experiencing thermal runaway in real time and adjust the power of the first water pump 1431 accordingly. For example, the battery management system 13 obtains the temperature of the battery cell 111 experiencing thermal runaway in real time. Generally, in the early stages of thermal runaway, the temperature is relatively high. In this case, the first water pump 1431 can be operated at its highest power to cool the first battery 15, and then its power can be gradually reduced as the temperature decreases.

[0093] In the above embodiment, by obtaining the operating status of the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway in real time and adjusting the power of the first water pump 1431 for cooling it, a balance between cooling effect and power consumption can be achieved, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40 to the greatest extent.

[0094] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 13 may be configured to determine the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the start time period of the first water pump 1431 .

[0095] It should be understood that when the water pump 143 cools the battery 11, the battery management system 13 generally sets the on-time period of the water pump 143, that is, the length of time. For example, the water pump 143 is continuously turned on for 1 hour. It can also be set to other time lengths according to actual needs. This application does not limit this.

[0096] The battery management system 13 can set different powers during the on-time period of the first water pump 1431 according to the state law of the battery cell 110 after thermal runaway occurs, so as to achieve a balance between cooling effect and power consumption, thereby saving power consumption.

[0097] Optionally, in some embodiments, the time period may include multiple sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump 1431 is different in at least two sub-time periods; or the power of the first water pump 1431 gradually decreases within the time period.

[0098] To save power, the on-time period of the first water pump 1431 can be divided into multiple sub-time periods, with different powers set in different time periods. For example, the on-time period of the first water pump 1431 is 1 hour, which is divided into 3 sub-time periods, each of which is 20 minutes long. Since the first battery 15 is in the early stages of thermal runaway during the first sub-time period, the power of the first water pump 1431 can be set to the highest power; after cooling during the first sub-time period, the temperature of the first battery 15 has dropped, and the power can be reduced in the second sub-time period to cool it; after cooling during the first two sub-time periods, the temperature of the first battery 15 is even lower, and the first water pump 1431 can be operated at a lower power, thereby achieving a balance between cooling effect and power consumption to save power.

[0099] The power of the first water pump 1431 may be gradually reduced during the on-time period, for example, in a linear or curved manner, so as to achieve a balance between the cooling effect and the power consumption, thereby saving the power consumption of the liquid cooling system 40 .

[0100] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery 11 may further include a detector 12 for collecting the operating status of the battery cells 110 in the battery 11 , determining the battery cells 111 that are in thermal runaway based on the operating status, and sending abnormal indication information to the battery management system 13 .

[0101] It should be understood that each battery 11 among the multiple batteries includes a detector 12. When the battery 11 is in use, the detector 12 can perform real-time detection on each battery cell 110 inside the battery 11 to determine whether the battery cell 110 is within a safe range, thereby determining whether an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 110, that is, whether the battery cell 110 has thermal runaway.

[0102] After the detector 12 collects the operating status of the battery cell 110, it can determine whether a battery cell 111 is in thermal runaway based on this operating status. Generally, the determination of a battery cell 111 in thermal runaway can be based on the following characteristics: the temperature at the monitoring point reaches the maximum operating temperature specified by the manufacturer; the trigger object generates a voltage drop, and the ratio of the drop value to the initial voltage exceeds a preset ratio. The presence of any of these characteristics determines the presence of a battery cell 111 in thermal runaway.

[0103] Optionally, in some embodiments, the detector 12 may further include at least one of a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, and an electrolyte sensor.

[0104] It should be understood that in addition to conventional temperature and voltage sensors used to monitor the operating status of battery cells 110, embodiments of the present application may also utilize odor sensors, smoke sensors, or electrolyte sensors to detect whether battery cells 110 are experiencing thermal runaway. In other words, determining whether a battery cell 111 is experiencing thermal runaway may also be based on the following characteristics: Detection of a specific odor by a monitoring point; Detection of smoke by a monitoring point; Detection of liquid by a leakage sensing line. When any of these characteristics occurs, a battery cell 111 is determined to be experiencing thermal runaway.

[0105] In the above embodiment, adding diversified sensors to the battery 11 allows the battery management system 13 to determine whether there is a battery cell 111 in thermal runaway in more ways, so as to quickly respond to the abnormal situation and improve the safety of the energy storage system 20.

[0106] Optionally, in some embodiments, the power supply system of the energy storage system 20 stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system 40 when there is a battery cell 111 in thermal runaway. The energy storage system 20 may further include a backup power supply 60, which is used to supply power to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 after the power supply system 60 stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system 40.

[0107] It should be understood that in order to implement the active cooling strategy of the first battery in the above-mentioned energy storage system 20, it is crucial to ensure the power supply of the liquid cooling unit 40, especially to ensure the power supply of the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 in the liquid cooling system 40. The conventional liquid cooling system 40 has only one power supply, that is, the electric energy provided by the power supply system, which can be understood as the mains electricity. However, when a battery cell 111 with thermal runaway occurs, the power supply system will stop supplying power to the liquid cooling system 40. In order to cope with this situation, the energy storage system 20 in the embodiment of the present application is equipped with a backup power supply 60, which can ensure the power supply of the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 after the power supply system stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system 40, so as to cool down the first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 with thermal runaway is located, and ensure that heat diffusion does not occur inside the energy storage system 20, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system 20.

[0108] Exemplarily, the backup power source 60 may be a battery, which can supply power to the thermal management unit 41 and the water pump 143. Specifically, when a battery cell 111 experiences thermal runaway, the battery management system 40 controls the battery to supply power to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431. When the battery outputs current to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431, the thermal management unit 41 begins to receive instructions from the battery management system 13, and the first water pump 1431 begins to operate to control the circulation of coolant in the pipe connecting the first water pump 1431 and the first battery 15, thereby cooling the first battery 15 and preventing heat diffusion in the energy storage system 20, thereby improving the safety of the energy storage system 20.

[0109] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the backup power supply 60 can supply power to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 through a DC power supply circuit; or the backup power supply 60 can be connected to the AC power supply circuit of the liquid cooling system 40 through an inverter 61 to supply power to the liquid cooling system 40, wherein the inverter 61 can be used to convert the DC power of the backup power supply 60 into the AC power required by the liquid cooling system 40.

[0110] It should be understood that when the backup power supply 60 supplies power to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 through the DC power supply circuit, the backup power supply 60 is connected to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431, and directly transmits DC power to the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431.

[0111] When the backup power supply 60 is connected to the AC power supply circuit of the liquid cooling system 40 through the inverter 61 to supply power to the liquid cooling system 40, the inverter 61 is configured between the backup power supply 60 and the connection circuit of the liquid cooling system 40. The DC power of the backup power supply 60 is converted into AC power through the inverter 61 and then transmitted to the liquid cooling system 40.

[0112] The inverter 61 can also be other inverter modules, as long as it can convert the DC power output by the backup power supply 60 into the DC power required by the liquid cooling system 40, so as to ensure the power supply of the liquid cooling system 40, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the thermal management unit 41 and the first water pump 1431 in the liquid cooling system 40.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the backup power supply 60 can supply power to the thermal management unit 41 and to the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 that has thermal runaway is located through a DC power supply circuit, which not only ensures the safety of the liquid cooling system 40, but also reduces the configuration capacity of the backup power supply 60, saving cost and space.

[0114] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection relationship of the circuits. In actual applications, other devices may be connected between the components of Figures 2 to 5.

[0115] The above, in conjunction with Figures 2 to 5, describes in detail an embodiment of the energy storage system of the present application. The following, in conjunction with Figures 6 and 7, describes in detail an embodiment of the method for thermal management of the energy storage system of the present application. It should be understood that the method embodiment and the energy storage system embodiment correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the energy storage system embodiment.

[0116] 6 shows a schematic flow chart of a method 100 for thermal management of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 100 is performed by a thermal management unit, which may be the thermal management unit 41 of the energy storage system 20 described above.

[0117] As shown in FIG6 , the method 100 for thermal management of an energy storage system may include the following steps.

[0118] 101 , the thermal management unit 41 determines the first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway is located.

[0119] 102 , the thermal management unit 41 turns on the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 15 to cool the first battery 421 .

[0120] Optionally, in some embodiments, in step 101 , the thermal management unit 41 may receive first indication information sent by the battery management system 13 , where the first indication information is used to indicate the first battery 15 , and then the thermal management unit 41 determines the first battery 15 according to the first indication information.

[0121] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include location information or identification information of the first battery 15 .

[0122] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method 100 may further include: the thermal management unit 41 receives second indication information including power information of the first water pump 1431 , and the thermal management unit 41 further adjusts the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the second indication information.

[0123] 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a method 200 for thermal management of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 200 is executed by a battery management system, which may be the battery management system 13 of the energy storage system 20 described above.

[0124] As shown in FIG7 , the method 200 for thermal management of an energy storage system may include the following steps:

[0125] 201 , the battery management system 13 receives abnormality indication information, where the abnormality indication information is used to indicate that a battery cell 111 has thermal runaway.

[0126] 202 , the battery management system 13 determines the first battery 15 where the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway is located according to the abnormality indication information.

[0127] 203 , the battery management system sends first instruction information to the thermal management unit 41 , where the first instruction information is used to instruct the first battery 150 to enable the thermal management unit 41 to start the first water pump 1431 corresponding to the first battery 150 to cool the first battery 150 .

[0128] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include location information or identification information of the first battery 150 .

[0129] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method 200 may further include: the battery management system 13 determines the power of the first water pump 1431 , and then sends second indication information to the thermal management unit 41 , where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump 1431 .

[0130] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 13 may obtain the operating status of the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway when determining the power of the first water pump 1431 , and then determine the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the operating status of the battery cell 111 in thermal runaway.

[0131] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the battery management system 13 determines the power of the first water pump 1431 , it may determine the power of the first water pump 1431 according to the start time period of the first water pump 1431 .

[0132] Optionally, in some embodiments, the battery management system 13 determines the power of the first water pump 1431 based on the on-time period of the first water pump 1431, which may be a time period including multiple sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump 1431 is different in at least two sub-time periods, or the power of the first water pump 1431 gradually decreases within the time period.

[0133] FIG8 shows a schematic structural block diagram of an energy storage system thermal management device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0134] As shown in Figure 8, the device 800 includes at least one processor 810 and a memory 820. The memory 820 is used to store a program. The at least one processor 810 is used to call and execute the program from the memory 820 to execute the method for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments. For example, the device 800 can be the thermal management unit 141 described above, executing the method 100 for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments. The device 800 can also be the battery management system 13, executing the method 200 for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0135] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer device, the computer device executes the method for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0136] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer device, enables the computer device to execute the method for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0137] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip comprising a processor and a data interface, wherein the processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the data interface to execute the method for thermal management of an energy storage system provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0138] In the specific implementation process, the chip can be implemented in the form of a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a microprocessor (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a system on chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0139] Optionally, in a specific implementation, the number of processors is not limited. The processor is a general-purpose processor. Optionally, the general-purpose processor can be implemented through hardware or software. When implemented through hardware, the processor is a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented through software, the processor is a general-purpose processor that is implemented by reading software code stored in a memory that is integrated into the processor, located outside the processor, and exists independently.

[0140] The above embodiments are implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments are implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part.

[0141] Optionally, the computer is a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions are transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired method (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.).

[0142] The computer-readable storage medium is any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains a collection of one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media such as solid-state drives.

[0143] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between related objects, indicating the existence of three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" refers to the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B are singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the related objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0144] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c are single or plural.

[0145] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean 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 the present application.

[0146] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel 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.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices and modules can be referred to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0148] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways.

[0149] For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the module divisions described are merely logical functional divisions. Actual implementations may employ alternative divisions, such as combining or integrating multiple modules or components into another system, or omitting or disabling certain features. Furthermore, any coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed between devices or modules may be an indirect coupling or communication connection via an interface, device, or module, whether electrical, mechanical, or other means.

[0150] Optionally, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing device. Optionally, each module exists physically separately, or two or more modules are integrated into one module.

[0151] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0152] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized in that: The energy storage system includes a plurality of batteries and a liquid cooling system; the liquid cooling system includes a plurality of water pumps and a thermal management unit corresponding to the plurality of batteries; The thermal management unit is used to determine a first battery where a battery cell in thermal runaway is located, and to start a first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that The energy storage system also includes a battery management system; The thermal management unit is used to receive first indication information sent by the battery management system, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first battery; The first battery is determined according to the first indication information.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The battery management system is used to receive abnormal indication information, where the abnormal indication information is used to indicate the presence of the battery cell in thermal runaway; The first battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located is determined according to the abnormal indication information, and the first indication information is sent to the thermal management unit.

5. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The thermal management unit is further configured to receive second indication information sent by the battery management system, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump; The thermal management unit is further configured to adjust the power of the first water pump according to the second indication information.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery management system is further configured to determine the power of the first water pump and send the second indication information to the thermal management unit.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The battery management system is used to obtain the operating status of the battery cell in thermal runaway, and determine the power of the first water pump according to the operating status of the battery cell in thermal runaway.

8. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The battery management system is used to determine the power of the first water pump according to the start time period of the first water pump.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The time period includes a plurality of sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump in at least two of the sub-time periods is different; or the power of the first water pump gradually decreases in the time period.

10. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that: The battery further includes a detector for collecting the operating status of battery cells in the battery, determining the battery cell in thermal runaway according to the operating status, and sending the abnormal indication information to the battery management system.

11. The energy storage system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The detector includes at least one of an odor sensor, a smoke sensor, and an electrolyte leakage sensor.

12. The energy storage system according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The power supply system of the energy storage system stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system when the battery cell in thermal runaway exists; The energy storage system further includes a backup power supply, which is used to supply power to the thermal management unit and the first water pump after the power supply system stops supplying power to the liquid cooling system.

13. The energy storage system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The backup power supply supplies power to the thermal management unit and the first water pump through a DC power supply circuit; or The backup power supply is connected to the AC power supply circuit of the liquid cooling system through an inverter to supply power to the liquid cooling system, wherein the inverter is used to convert the DC power of the backup power supply into the AC power required by the liquid cooling system.

14. A method for thermal management of an energy storage system, characterized in that: The energy storage system includes a plurality of batteries and a liquid cooling system; the liquid cooling system includes a plurality of water pumps and a thermal management unit corresponding to the plurality of batteries; The method comprises: The thermal management unit determines a first battery where a battery cell in thermal runaway is located; The thermal management unit turns on the first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The thermal management unit determines that the first battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located includes: The thermal management unit receives first indication information sent by the battery management system, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first battery; The thermal management unit determines the first battery according to the first indication information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The thermal management unit receives second indication information, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump; The thermal management unit adjusts the power of the first water pump according to the second indication information.

18. A method for thermal management of an energy storage system, characterized in that: The energy storage system includes a plurality of batteries, a liquid cooling system and a battery management system; the liquid cooling system includes a plurality of water pumps and a thermal management unit corresponding to the plurality of batteries; The method comprises: The battery management system receives abnormal indication information, where the abnormal indication information is used to indicate that a battery cell with thermal runaway exists; The battery management system determines, according to the abnormal indication information, a first battery where the battery cell in thermal runaway is located; The battery management system sends first instruction information to the thermal management unit, where the first instruction information is used to instruct the first battery to enable the thermal management unit to start a first water pump corresponding to the first battery to cool the first battery.

19. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The first indication information includes location information or identification information of the first battery.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: The battery management system determines the power of the first water pump; The battery management system sends the second indication information to the thermal management unit, where the second indication information includes power information of the first water pump.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The battery management system determines the power of the first water pump including: The battery management system obtains an operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway, and determines the power of the first water pump according to the operating state of the battery cell in thermal runaway.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The battery management system determines the power of the first water pump including: The battery management system determines the power of the first water pump according to the start time period of the first water pump.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The time period includes a plurality of sub-time periods, wherein the power of the first water pump in at least two of the sub-time periods is different; or the power of the first water pump gradually decreases in the time period.

24. A device for thermal management of an energy storage system, characterized in that: The system comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a program, and the processor is used to call and run the program from the memory to execute the method for thermal management of an energy storage system according to any one of claims 14 to 23.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method for thermal management of an energy storage system according to any one of claims 14 to 23.

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