Storage battery cooling system
By using the cooling liquid supply device of an open expansion tank and pump pump in the battery cooling system, combined with negative pressure and overflow mechanism, the problem of coolant leakage caused by pipe damage was solved, and the safety of the battery module was improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310905142.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing battery cooling system causes coolant to leak due to damaged pipes, which can easily cause short circuits and damage to the battery module when exposed to water, reducing safety.
Design a battery cooling system that uses an open -inflatable can and the cooling liquid supply device of the pump. By setting the negative pressure conditions, the coolant is prevented from leaking when the pipe is broken, and the circulation and the liquid -replenishment mechanism will ensure the circulation and the coolant. Replenish.
Effectively prevent leakage of coolant, avoid short circuit and damage to the battery module when the battery module is in the water, and improves the safety of the battery module.
Smart Images
Figure CN119381649A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery cooling, and in particular to a battery cooling system. Background Art
[0002] When cooling batteries, water cooling is usually used in the related art; specifically, a coolant such as water or ethylene glycol is made to flow through the battery module to remove the heat generated by the battery module and achieve a cooling effect.
[0003] However, the water-cooling system for batteries provided by the related technology is prone to leakage of coolant due to damage to the coolant piping, which in turn can easily cause the battery module to short-circuit or be damaged when exposed to water, reducing safety. Summary of the invention
[0004] The problem solved by the present invention is how to improve the problem of cooling liquid leakage caused by pipe damage, improve the problem that the battery module is easily short-circuited and damaged by water, and improve the safety of the battery module.
[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery cooling system, comprising:
[0006] A battery unit, the battery unit includes a battery module and a cooler, the cooler is connected to the battery module and is used to allow a coolant to flow through the battery module;
[0007] A cooling unit, the cooling unit includes a heat exchange device and a coolant supply device; the water path of the coolant supply device is configured to flow through the heat exchange device so as to cool the coolant in the water path through the heat exchange device, and the water path is also connected to the cooler so that the coolant circulates in the water path and the cooler; wherein,
[0008] The coolant supply device includes an open expansion tank and a water pump, both of which are arranged on the waterway, and the open expansion tank is connected to the water outlet of the water pump; the installation position of the open expansion tank is lower than the installation position of the cooler, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler.
[0009] The open expansion tank is connected to the water outlet of the water pump so that the water head at the liquid level position of the open expansion tank is equal to the pressure water head at the connection between the open expansion tank and the water pump.
[0010] The pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler is equal to the pressure head at the connection between the open expansion tank and the water pump minus the position head of the cooler, wherein the pressure head at the connection between the open expansion tank and the water pump minus the position head of the cooler is equivalent to the liquid level position head of the open expansion tank minus the position head of the cooler; and the installation position of the open expansion tank is set lower than the installation position of the cooler, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler, so the pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler is a negative value, that is, the water head at the water inlet of the cooler is less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure.
[0011] Similarly, the pressure head at the outlet of the cooler needs to be the pressure head at the inlet of the cooler minus the loss head of the cooler. Since the pressure head at the inlet of the cooler is already a negative value, at least the loss head of the cooler must be subtracted. Therefore, the pressure head at the outlet of the cooler must also be negative, that is, the head at the outlet of the cooler is less than the atmosphere, forming a negative pressure.
[0012] In this way, the water heads at the water inlet and outlet of the cooler connected to the battery module are both less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure. When a pipe rupture occurs in the cooler, air enters the damaged position under the action of negative pressure, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by pipe rupture in the cooler, and thus improving the problem of the battery module being easily short-circuited or damaged due to water leakage, thereby improving safety.
[0013] In an optional embodiment, the battery unit includes at least two battery modules and at least two coolers, the at least two battery modules are arranged in sequence vertically, the at least two coolers are connected to the water channel, and the at least two coolers are connected to the at least two battery modules in a one-to-one correspondence;
[0014] The installation position of the open expansion tank is lower than the installation position of the cooler located at the bottom, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler located at the bottom.
[0015] With such arrangement, the water head of the water inlet and outlet of the cooler located at the bottom is less than the air pressure, and the water head of the water inlet and outlet of other coolers is also less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure; when a pipe rupture occurs in the cooler, under the action of negative pressure, air enters the damaged position, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by pipe rupture in the cooler, and improving the problem that the battery module is easily short-circuited or damaged due to water leakage, thereby improving safety.
[0016] In an optional embodiment, the battery unit also includes a manifold; the bottom of each battery module is connected to a cooler, and the top of the topmost battery module is also connected to a cooler; the water outlets of multiple coolers are connected to the manifold, and the water path of the coolant supply device is connected to the top of the manifold.
[0017] Such a setting can ensure that the water head at the water inlet and outlet of each cooler is less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure. When a pipe rupture occurs in the cooler, air enters the damaged position under the action of negative pressure, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by pipe rupture in the cooler, and improving the problem of battery modules being easily short-circuited or damaged by water due to coolant leakage, thereby improving safety.
[0018] In an optional embodiment, the coolant supply device further includes an overflow mechanism, which is connected to the open expansion tank. When the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches an upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit overflows from the overflow mechanism.
[0019] The configuration of the overflow mechanism can control the liquid level of the open expansion tank to below the upper limit, that is, when the liquid level of the open expansion tank exceeds the upper limit, the liquid level can be lowered in time; in particular, when a piping rupture occurs in the cooler, air enters the ruptured place under the action of negative pressure. At the same time, the water level of the open expansion tank exceeds the upper limit, and the coolant with the same volume as the air entering from the rupture flows out of the open expansion tank through the overflow mechanism instead of directly overflowing from the open expansion tank. This can improve the problem of overflowed coolant entering the battery cooling system, and further improve the problem of battery module short-circuiting and damage caused by overflowed coolant, thereby improving safety.
[0020] In an optional embodiment, the overflow mechanism includes an overflow pipe, the overflow pipe is connected to the open expansion tank, and the overflow port of the overflow pipe is arranged in the open expansion tank. When the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches the upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit enters the overflow pipe through the overflow port and is output from the open expansion tank through the overflow pipe; or,
[0021] The overflow mechanism includes a first liquid level detection component, a first valve and an overflow pipe, the first valve is connected to the overflow pipe, the first valve is used to open or close the overflow port of the overflow pipe, and the overflow port is used to allow the coolant in the open expansion tank to overflow; the first liquid level detection component is connected to the first valve, and the first liquid level detection component is arranged on the open expansion tank, and the first liquid level detection component is used to detect the liquid level of the open expansion tank; when the first liquid level detection component detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches an upper limit, the first valve opens the overflow port; when the first liquid level detection component detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank is lower than the upper limit, the first valve closes the overflow port.
[0022] The overflow pipe is provided to allow the coolant exceeding the upper limit liquid level in the open expansion tank to overflow, which not only ensures a simple structure but also ensures the reliability of the coolant exceeding the upper limit liquid level overflowing.
[0023] The overflow mechanism is further configured with a first liquid level detection member and a first valve, which can more accurately cause the coolant exceeding the upper limit liquid level to overflow when the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches the upper limit, thereby improving the problem of accidental overflow of the coolant in the open expansion tank.
[0024] In an optional embodiment, the coolant supply device further includes a fluid replenishing mechanism connected to the open expansion tank; the fluid replenishing mechanism is configured to replenish the coolant to the open expansion tank when the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches a lower limit.
[0025] By setting up the liquid replenishing mechanism, the open expansion tank can be replenished with coolant in time, and the open expansion tank can be used to reliably maintain the coolant pressure balance in the water path of the coolant supply device, and the coolant in the water path of the coolant supply device can be reliably used to cool the battery module.
[0026] In an optional embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a second liquid level detection member, a second valve and a liquid replenishing tube, the second valve is connected to the liquid replenishing tube, the second valve is used to open or close the liquid replenishing port of the liquid replenishing tube, and the liquid replenishing port is used to replenish coolant to the open expansion tank; the second liquid level detection member is connected to the second valve, and the second liquid level detection member is arranged in the open expansion tank, and the second liquid level detection member is used to detect the liquid level in the open expansion tank;
[0027] When the second liquid level detection member detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches the lower limit, the second valve opens the liquid filling port;
[0028] When the second liquid level detection component detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank is greater than the lower limit, the second valve closes the liquid replenishing port.
[0029] Such an arrangement can efficiently, accurately and automatically replenish the coolant according to the coolant level in the open expansion tank, thereby reliably cooling the battery module.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the second liquid level detection member includes a float and a connecting rod, the float is connected to the second valve through the connecting rod, and the float is arranged in the open expansion tank, and the float can float on the coolant contained in the open expansion tank; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank reaches the lower limit, the float drops with the liquid level, and drives the connecting rod to drive the second valve to open the liquid filling port; or,
[0031] The second liquid level detection component includes a water level sensor, which is arranged in the open expansion tank and is electrically connected to the second valve; when the liquid level in the open expansion tank reaches the lower limit, the water level sensor sends a liquid replenishment signal to the second valve to make the second valve open the liquid replenishment port.
[0032] The second liquid level detection member including the float and the connecting rod has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and can achieve liquid replenishment in a timely manner.
[0033] Using a water level sensor as the second liquid level detection element can improve the accuracy of detection, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid replenishment.
[0034] In an optional embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a first heat exchanger, and the water path of the coolant supply device is configured to flow through the first heat exchanger and be connected to the water inlet of the water pump after flowing through the first heat exchanger.
[0035] With such an arrangement, the coolant in the water path of the coolant supply device can be reliably cooled by the first heat exchanger, thereby ensuring that the coolant transported in the water path of the coolant supply device has a sufficiently low temperature for cooling the battery module.
[0036] In an optional embodiment, the heat exchange device also includes a compressor, a heat exchange component, an expansion valve and a refrigerant circulation pipeline. The compressor, the heat exchange component and the expansion valve are all connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the heat exchange component is located downstream of the compressor, and the expansion valve is located downstream of the heat exchange component; the first heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline and is located between the expansion valve and the compressor. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline can undergo heat exchange with the coolant in the water circuit of the coolant supply device at the first heat exchanger.
[0037] Such an arrangement enables the refrigerant transported in the refrigerant circulation pipeline and the coolant transported in the water circuit of the coolant supply device to reliably exchange heat at the first heat exchanger, and the coolant to be reliably cooled, thereby ensuring that the coolant transported in the water circuit of the coolant supply device has a sufficiently low temperature for cooling the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cooling system in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Description of reference numerals:
[0040] 010-battery cooling system; 100-battery unit; 110-battery module; 120-cooler; 130-manifold; 200-cooling unit; 210-heat exchange device; 211-first heat exchanger; 212-compressor; 213-heat exchange component; 214-expansion valve; 215-refrigerant circulation pipeline; 216-second heat exchanger; 217-fan; 220-coolant supply device; 230-water circuit; 231-first pipeline; 232-second pipeline; 233-third pipeline; 240-open expansion tank; 250-water pump; 260-overflow mechanism; 270-liquid replenishing mechanism; 271-second liquid level detection component; 272-second valve; 273-liquid replenishing pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The battery water cooling system provided by the related technology is prone to leakage of coolant due to damage to the coolant piping, which in turn can easily cause the battery module to short-circuit and be damaged when exposed to water, reducing safety.
[0042] The present embodiment provides a battery cooling system, which can improve the problem of coolant leakage due to pipe damage, improve the problem that the battery module is easily short-circuited and damaged by water, and improve the safety of the battery module.
[0043] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment provides a battery cooling system 010, which includes a battery unit 100 and a cooling unit 200, and the cooling unit 200 is used to achieve water cooling of the battery unit 100.
[0045] Among them, the battery unit 100 includes a battery module 110 and a cooler 120. The cooler 120 is connected to the battery module 110 and is used to allow a coolant to flow through the battery module 110. The coolant can be used to take away the heat generated by the battery module 110, thereby cooling the battery module 110. The coolant includes but is not limited to water or ethylene glycol.
[0046] The cooling unit 200 includes a heat exchange device 210 and a coolant supply device 220. The water path 230 of the coolant supply device 220 is configured to flow through the heat exchange device 210 to exchange heat through the heat exchange device 210 to cool the coolant in the water path 230. The water path 230 is also connected to the cooler 120 so that the coolant circulates in the water path 230 and the cooler 120. The coolant in the water circuit 230 that has undergone heat exchange and cooling through the heat exchange device 210 can enter the cooler 120, so that the heat generated by the battery module 110 can be taken away by the coolant entering the cooler 120, thereby cooling the battery module 110. The coolant whose temperature has risen after heat exchange with the battery module 110 will flow back from the cooler 120 to the water circuit 230, and will flow through the heat exchange device 210 again in the water circuit 230, and will undergo heat exchange and cooling again when flowing through the heat exchange device 210. In this way, the coolant circulating in the water circuit 230 and the cooler 120 is always a low-temperature liquid that can cool the battery module 110 when entering the cooler 120, thereby ensuring that the battery module 110 can be cooled reliably.
[0047] Furthermore, the water circuit 230 of the coolant supply device 220 includes a first pipeline 231, a second pipeline 232 and a third pipeline 233 which are connected and communicated in sequence, an end of the first pipeline 231 away from the second pipeline 232 is connected to the water outlet of the cooler 120, an end of the third pipeline 233 away from the second pipeline 232 is connected to the water inlet of the cooler 120, and the second pipeline 232 is arranged in the heat exchange device 210. In this way, the coolant in the second pipeline 232 is cooled by the heat exchange device 210, and then enters the third pipeline 233, and enters the cooler 120 through the third pipeline 233, so that the coolant entering the cooler 120 can be used to cool the battery module 110; at the same time, the coolant in the cooler 120 with the increased temperature after heat exchange with the battery module 110 flows into the first pipeline 231, and flows back to the second pipeline 232 through the first pipeline 231, and then exchanges heat and cools down with the heat exchange device 210 in the second pipeline 232, so that the coolant can be recycled and reliable liquid cooling of the battery module 110 can be ensured.
[0048] The coolant supply device 220 includes an open expansion tank 240 and a water pump 250, and the open expansion tank 240 and the water pump 250 are both arranged on the water circuit 230. Specifically, the water pump 250 and the open expansion tank 240 are both arranged on the third pipeline 233; the open expansion tank 240 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 250, that is, the open expansion tank 240 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 250 through the third pipeline 233; the heat exchange device 210 includes a first heat exchanger 211, and the water circuit 230 of the cooling water supply device flows through the first heat exchanger 211, and is connected to the water inlet of the water pump 250 after flowing through the first heat exchanger 211. Specifically, the second pipeline 232 is connected to the first heat exchanger 211, and the water inlet of the water pump 250 is located downstream of the second pipeline 232, that is, the water inlet of the water pump 250 is connected to the second pipeline 232 through the third pipeline 233. In this way, when the coolant flows through the second pipeline 232 and exchanges heat and cools down through the first heat exchanger 211, it flows through the water pump 250 and reliably flows to the cooler 120 to ensure that the battery module 110 can be reliably cooled and cooled by the coolant in the cooler 120.
[0049] Furthermore, the heat exchange device 210 also includes a compressor 212, a heat exchange component 213, an expansion valve 214 and a refrigerant circulation pipeline 215. The compressor 212, the heat exchange component 213 and the expansion valve 214 are all connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215, the heat exchange component 213 is located downstream of the compressor 212, and the expansion valve 214 is located downstream of the heat exchange component 213; the first heat exchanger 211 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215 and is located between the expansion valve 214 and the compressor 212. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215 can undergo heat exchange with the coolant in the water circuit 230 at the first heat exchanger 211, that is, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215 can undergo heat exchange with the coolant in the second pipeline 232 at the first heat exchanger 211, so as to cool the coolant in the second pipeline 232. Such an arrangement enables the refrigerant transported in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215 and the coolant transported in the water path 230 of the coolant supply device 220 to be reliably heat exchanged at the first heat exchanger 211, and the coolant to be reliably cooled, thereby ensuring that the coolant transported in the water path 230 of the coolant supply device 220 has a sufficiently low temperature for cooling the battery module 110.
[0050] Furthermore, the heat exchange component 213 includes a second heat exchanger 216 and a fan 217. The second heat exchanger 216 is arranged in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 215 and is located downstream of the compressor 212; the fan 217 is arranged on the side of the second heat exchanger 216 and is used to blow air to the second heat exchanger 216 to cool it down.
[0051] It should be noted that the functions of the compressor 212, the second heat exchanger 216, the fan 217 and the expansion valve 214 of the heat exchange device 210 are similar to those in the related art, and the heat exchange device 210 can realize the refrigeration cycle process of compression, condensation (heat release), expansion and evaporation (heat absorption).
[0052] In order to improve the problem of cooling liquid leakage due to pipe damage, improve the problem that the battery module 110 is easily short-circuited and damaged by water, and improve the safety of the battery module 110. In this embodiment, the open expansion tank 240 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 250; the installation position of the open expansion tank 240 is lower than the installation position of the cooler 120, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler 120.
[0053] The open expansion tank 240 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 250 , so that the water head at the liquid level position of the open expansion tank 240 is equal to the pressure water head at the connection between the open expansion tank 240 and the water pump 250 .
[0054] The pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler 120 is equal to the pressure head at the connection between the open expansion tank 240 and the water pump 250 minus the position head of the cooler 120, wherein the pressure head at the connection between the open expansion tank 240 and the water pump 250 minus the position head of the cooler 120 is equivalent to the liquid level position head of the open expansion tank 240 minus the position head of the cooler 120; and the installation position of the open expansion tank 240 is set lower than the installation position of the cooler 120, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler 120, so the pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler 120 is a negative value, that is, the head at the water inlet of the cooler 120 is less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure.
[0055] Similarly, the pressure head at the water outlet of the cooler 120 needs to be the pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler 120 minus the loss head of the cooler 120. Since the pressure head at the water inlet of the cooler 120 is already a negative value, at least the loss head of the cooler 120 must be subtracted. Therefore, the pressure head at the water outlet of the cooler 120 must also be a negative value, that is, the head at the water outlet of the cooler 120 is less than the atmosphere, forming a negative pressure.
[0056] In this way, the water head at the water inlet and outlet of the cooler 120 connected to the battery module 110 is less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure. When a pipe rupture occurs in the cooler 120, air enters the damaged position under the action of the negative pressure, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler 120 from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by pipe rupture in the cooler 120, and thus improving the problem that the battery module 110 is easily short-circuited or damaged due to water leakage of the coolant, thereby improving safety.
[0057] Furthermore, the battery unit 100 includes at least two battery modules 110 and at least two coolers 120, the at least two battery modules 110 are arranged in sequence vertically, the at least two coolers 120 are connected to the water channel 230, and the at least two coolers 120 are connected to the at least two battery modules 110 in a one-to-one correspondence; the installation position of the open expansion tank 240 is lower than the installation position of the cooler 120 located at the bottom, and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler 120 located at the bottom. By such arrangement, the water head of the water inlet and outlet of the cooler 120 located at the bottom is less than the air pressure, and the water head of the water inlet and outlet of other coolers 120 is also less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure; when a piping rupture occurs in the cooler 120, air enters the damaged position under the action of negative pressure, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler 120 from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by piping rupture in the cooler 120, and thus improving the problem that the battery module 110 is easily short-circuited or damaged due to water leakage, thereby improving safety.
[0058] Furthermore, the battery unit 100 also includes a manifold 130; the bottom of each battery module 110 is connected to a cooler 120, and the top of the battery module 110 located at the top is also connected to a cooler 120; the water outlets of multiple coolers 120 are connected to the manifold 130, and the water path 230 of the coolant supply device 220 is connected to the top of the manifold 130; specifically, the end of the first pipeline 231 away from the second pipeline 232 is connected to the top of the manifold 130, and the top of the manifold 130 refers to the end of the cooler 120 connected to the top of the top battery module 110 in the length extension direction of the manifold 130. Such an arrangement can ensure that the water head at the water inlet and outlet of each cooler 120 is less than the atmospheric pressure, forming a negative pressure. When a pipe rupture occurs in the cooler 120, air enters the damaged position under the action of negative pressure, which can prevent the coolant in the cooler 120 from leaking out, thereby improving the problem of coolant exposure caused by pipe rupture in the cooler 120, and further improving the problem that the battery module 110 is easily short-circuited or damaged due to water leakage, thereby improving safety.
[0059] In this embodiment, the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is h1; the position head of the cooler 120 connected to the bottom of the lowest battery module 110 is h1+h2; the position head of the cooler 120 connected to the top of the uppermost battery module 110 is h1+h2+h3; the loss head of the cooler 120 is R1; the loss head of the first heat exchanger 211 is R2; the necessary water inlet head of the water pump 250 is N, and the water head of the water pump 250 is H. The units of the above heads are all m.
[0060] The energy balance of the entire coolant flow piping system of the battery unit 100 and the coolant supply device 220 is calculated, including the following calculation formula:
[0061] The pressure head P1 at the connection between the open expansion tank 240 and the water outlet of the water pump 250 is:
[0062] P1=h1, calculation formula (1);
[0063] The pressure head P2 at the water inlet of the cooler 120 at the bottom of the lowest battery module 110 is:
[0064] P2 = P1 - h1 - h2 = -h2, calculated by formula (2);
[0065] The pressure head P3 of the water outlet of the cooler 120 located on the top of the uppermost battery module 110 is:
[0066] P3 = P2 - R1 - h3 = -h2 - h3 - R1, calculated by formula (3);
[0067] The water inlet pressure head P0 of the water pump 250 is:
[0068] P0=P3-R2+h1+h2+h3=h1-R1-R2, calculated by formula (4);
[0069] The water pressure head P1 of the water pump 250 is:
[0070] P1=P0+H=h1+H-R1-R2, calculated as formula (5).
[0071] According to calculation formula (1) and calculation formula (5), it can be known that the water head H of the water pump 250 is equal to the sum of the loss head R1 of the cooler 120 and the loss head R2 of the first heat exchanger 211, that is, H=R1+R2.
[0072] The water inlet pressure head P0 of the water pump 250 is configured to be greater than the necessary water inlet head N of the water pump 250, so the position head of the liquid surface of the open expansion tank 240 is h1. According to the calculation formula (4), it can be obtained that h1-R1-R2≥N. It can be seen that the position head h1 of the liquid surface of the open expansion tank 240 is greater than the sum of the necessary water inlet head N of the water pump 250, the loss head R1 of the cooler 120, and the loss head R2 of the first heat exchanger 211, that is, h1≥N+R1+R2.
[0073] According to calculation formulas (2) and (3), the pressure head P2 at the water inlet of the cooler 120 at the bottom of the lowest battery module 110 and the pressure head P3 at the water outlet of the cooler 120 at the top of the highest battery module 110 are smaller than the atmospheric pressure, that is, negative pressure is formed. Therefore, when the cooling water piping in the battery unit 100 is damaged, for example, when the cooler 120 is damaged, air enters the damaged position, and the liquid level in the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, and the same volume of coolant as the entering air is discharged from the open expansion tank 240, which can prevent the cooling water in the battery unit 100 from flowing out, improve the battery module 110 from short circuiting and damage when encountering water, that is, avoid harm to the battery unit 100 and improve safety.
[0074] It should be noted that the structure of the cooler 120 is similar to that of the battery water cooling module provided by the related art, for example, it includes a shell and a flow channel arranged in the shell, and when the coolant flows in the flow channel in the shell and flows through the battery module 110, the coolant in the flow channel can exchange heat with the battery module 110 to take away the heat generated by the battery module 110, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling the battery module 110. The above-mentioned damage to the piping of the battery unit 100 may refer to damage to the flow channel of the cooler 120.
[0075] In this embodiment, the coolant supply device 220 further includes an overflow mechanism 260, which is connected to the open expansion tank 240. When the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit overflows from the overflow mechanism 260. The configuration of the overflow mechanism 260 can control the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 to be below the upper limit, that is, when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 exceeds the upper limit, the liquid level can be reduced in time; in particular, when the cooler 120 has a pipe rupture problem, air enters the ruptured place under the action of negative pressure, and at the same time, the water level of the open expansion tank 240 exceeds the upper limit, and the coolant of the same volume as the air entering from the rupture flows out of the open expansion tank 240 through the overflow mechanism 260, instead of directly overflowing from the open expansion tank 240, which can improve the problem of the overflowed coolant entering the battery cooling system 010, and further improve the problem of the overflowed coolant causing the battery module 110 to short-circuit and damage when it encounters water, thereby improving safety.
[0076] The structure of the overflow mechanism 260 can be set as needed; in this embodiment, the overflow mechanism 260 includes an overflow pipe, the overflow pipe is connected to the open expansion tank 240, and the overflow port of the overflow pipe is set in the open expansion tank 240; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit enters the overflow pipe through the overflow port, and is output from the open expansion tank 240 through the overflow pipe. Such a setting is not only simple in structure, but also can ensure the reliability of the coolant exceeding the upper limit liquid level overflowing.
[0077] Optionally, the overflow port of the overflow pipe is located above the upper limit of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 and is close to the upper limit of the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240; the end of the overflow pipe away from the overflow port extends out of the cooling unit 200, so that the overflow port of the overflow pipe can be set outside the battery cooling system 010. In this way, when the liquid level in the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit enters the overflow pipe from the overflow port and flows out of the overflow pipe after overflowing, ensuring that the coolant overflowing from the open expansion tank 240 through the overflow pipe will not enter the battery cooling system 010, and further ensuring that the overflowed coolant will not flow to the battery module 110 in the battery cooling system 010, thereby improving the problem of short circuit and damage of the battery module 110 when it encounters water.
[0078] Of course, in other embodiments, the overflow mechanism 260 includes not only an overflow pipe, but also a first liquid level detection member (not shown) and a first valve (not shown); the first valve is connected to the overflow pipe and is used to open or close the overflow port of the overflow pipe; the first liquid level detection member is connected to the first valve, and the first liquid level detection member is arranged on the open expansion tank 240 and is used to detect the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240; when the first liquid level detection member detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, the first valve opens the overflow port; when the first liquid level detection member detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is lower than the upper limit, the first valve closes the overflow port. The overflow mechanism 260 is further configured with the first liquid level detection member and the first valve, so that when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit liquid level can be more accurately overflowed, thereby improving the problem of accidental overflow of the coolant in the open expansion tank 240.
[0079] It should be noted that the first liquid level detection member can be various types of liquid level sensors, which are not specifically limited here.
[0080] In this embodiment, the cooling liquid supply device 220 further includes a liquid replenishing mechanism 270, which is connected to the open expansion tank 240; the liquid replenishing mechanism 270 is configured to replenish the cooling liquid to the open expansion tank 240 when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the lower limit. By setting the liquid replenishing mechanism 270, the cooling liquid can be replenished to the open expansion tank 240 in a timely manner, and then the open expansion tank 240 is used to reliably maintain the cooling liquid pressure balance in the water path 230 of the cooling liquid supply device 220, and ensure that there is a sufficient amount of cooling liquid in the water path 230, and then the cooling liquid in the water path 230 is reliably used to cool the battery module 110.
[0081] The structure of the refilling mechanism 270 can be set as needed; in this embodiment, the refilling mechanism 270 includes a second liquid level detection member 271, a second valve 272 and a refilling tube 273, the refilling port of the refilling tube 273 is connected to the inner cavity of the open expansion tank 240, and is used to replenish the coolant to the open expansion tank 240; the second valve 272 is connected to the refilling tube 273, and is used to open or close the refilling port of the refilling tube 273; the second liquid level detection member 271 is connected to the second valve 272, and the second liquid level detection member 271 is arranged in the open expansion tank 240, and is used to detect the liquid level in the open expansion tank 240; when the second liquid level detection member 271 detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the lower limit, the second valve 272 opens the refilling port; when the second liquid level detection member 271 detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is greater than the lower limit, the second valve 272 closes the refilling port. With such an arrangement, the coolant can be replenished efficiently, accurately and automatically according to the coolant level in the open expansion tank 240 , thereby reliably cooling the battery module 110 .
[0082] Furthermore, the second liquid level detection member 271 includes a float and a connecting rod, and the float is connected to the second valve 272 through the connecting rod, that is, the two ends of the connecting rod are connected to the float and the second valve 272 respectively, and the float is arranged in the open expansion tank 240, and the float can float on the coolant contained in the open expansion tank 240; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the lower limit, the float drops with the liquid level, and drives the connecting rod to drive the second valve 272 to open the liquid filling port; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is higher than the lower limit, the float rises with the liquid level, and drives the connecting rod to drive the second valve 272 to close the liquid filling port. The second liquid level detection member 271 including the float and the connecting rod has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and can achieve liquid filling in time.
[0083] Of course, in other embodiments, the second liquid level detection member 271 includes a water level sensor, which is disposed on the open expansion tank 240, and the water level sensor is electrically connected to the second valve 272; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 reaches the lower limit, the water level sensor sends a liquid replenishment signal to the second valve 272, so that the second valve 272 opens the liquid replenishment port; when the liquid level of the open expansion tank 240 is higher than the lower limit, the water level sensor sends a closing signal to the second valve 272, so that the second valve 272 closes the liquid replenishment port. Using a water level sensor as the second liquid level detection member 271 can improve the accuracy of detection, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid replenishment. Optionally, the battery cooling system 010 also includes a controller, and the water level sensor and the second valve 272 are electrically connected through the controller, that is, the water level sensor and the second valve 272 are both electrically connected to the controller, and the water level sensor can send the detected liquid level signal to the controller, and the controller sends the corresponding liquid replenishment signal or closing signal to the second valve 272 to control the opening or closing of the liquid replenishment port.
[0084] The battery cooling system 010 of this embodiment can utilize the heat exchange device 210 and the coolant in the water path 230 of the coolant supply device 220 to exchange heat, so that the coolant in the water path 230 maintains a relatively low temperature, so that when the coolant in the water path 230 enters the cooler 120, the coolant can reliably carry away the heat generated by the battery module 110, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling the battery module 110.
[0085] In summary, the battery cooling system 010 of the present invention can improve the problem of coolant leakage due to pipe damage, improve the problem that the battery module 110 is easily short-circuited and damaged by water, and improve the safety of the battery module 110.
[0086] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A battery cooling system, characterized in that: include: A battery unit (100), the battery unit (100) comprising a battery module (110) and a cooler (120), the cooler (120) being connected to the battery module (110) and used to allow a coolant to flow through the battery module (110); A cooling unit (200), the cooling unit (200) comprising a heat exchange device (210) and a cooling liquid supply device (220); a water path (230) of the cooling liquid supply device (220) is configured to flow through the heat exchange device (210) so as to cool the cooling liquid in the water path (230) through the heat exchange device (210), and the water path (230) is also connected to the cooler (120) so that the cooling liquid circulates in the water path (230) and the cooler (120); wherein, The cooling liquid supply device (220) comprises an open expansion tank (240) and a water pump (250), wherein the open expansion tank (240) and the water pump (250) are both arranged on the water path (230), and the open expansion tank (240) is connected to a water outlet of the water pump (250); the installation position of the open expansion tank (240) is lower than the installation position of the cooler (120), and the position head of the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler (120).
2. The battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery unit (100) comprises at least two battery modules (110) and at least two coolers (120), the at least two battery modules (110) are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction, the at least two coolers (120) are connected to the water channel (230), and the at least two coolers (120) are connected to the at least two battery modules (110) in a one-to-one correspondence; The installation position of the open expansion tank (240) is lower than the installation position of the cooler (120) located at the bottom, and the position head of the liquid surface of the open expansion tank (240) is configured to be lower than the position head of the cooler (120) located at the bottom.
3. The battery cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery unit (100) further comprises a manifold (130); the bottom of each battery module (110) is connected to the cooler (120), and the top of the battery module (110) located at the top is also connected to the cooler (120); the water outlets of the plurality of coolers (120) are connected to the manifold (130), and the water channel (230) is connected to the top of the manifold (130).
4. The battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling liquid supply device (220) further comprises an overflow mechanism (260), wherein the overflow mechanism (260) is connected to the open expansion tank (240), and when the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches an upper limit, the cooling liquid exceeding the upper limit overflows from the overflow mechanism (260).
5. The battery cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The overflow mechanism (260) comprises an overflow pipe, the overflow pipe is connected to the open expansion tank (240), and an overflow port of the overflow pipe is arranged in the open expansion tank (240); when the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches an upper limit, the coolant exceeding the upper limit enters the overflow pipe through the overflow port, and is output from the open expansion tank (240) through the overflow pipe; or, The overflow mechanism (260) comprises a first liquid level detection member, a first valve and an overflow pipe, wherein the first valve is connected to the overflow pipe, the first valve is used to open or close the overflow port of the overflow pipe, and the overflow port is used to allow the coolant in the open expansion tank (240) to overflow; the first liquid level detection member is connected to the first valve, and the first liquid level detection member is arranged on the open expansion tank (240), and the first liquid level detection member is used to detect the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240); when the first liquid level detection member detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches the upper limit, the first valve opens the overflow port; when the first liquid level detection member detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) is lower than the upper limit, the first valve closes the overflow port.
6. The battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling liquid supply device (220) further comprises a liquid replenishing mechanism (270), wherein the liquid replenishing mechanism (270) is connected to the open expansion tank (240); the liquid replenishing mechanism (270) is configured to replenish cooling liquid to the open expansion tank (240) when the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches a lower limit.
7. The battery cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid replenishing mechanism (270) comprises a second liquid level detecting member (271), a second valve (272) and a liquid replenishing tube (273); the second valve (272) is connected to the liquid replenishing tube (273); the second valve (272) is used to open or close a liquid replenishing port of the liquid replenishing tube (273); the liquid replenishing port is used to replenish coolant to the open expansion tank (240); the second liquid level detecting member (271) is connected to the second valve (272), and the second liquid level detecting member (271) is disposed on the open expansion tank (240); the second liquid level detecting member (271) is used to detect the liquid level in the open expansion tank (240); When the second liquid level detection element (271) detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches the lower limit, the second valve (272) opens the liquid replenishing port; When the second liquid level detection element (271) detects that the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) is greater than the lower limit, the second valve (272) closes the liquid replenishing port.
8. The battery cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second liquid level detection member (271) comprises a float and a connecting rod, the float is connected to the second valve (272) via the connecting rod, and the float is arranged in the open expansion tank (240), and the float can float on the coolant contained in the open expansion tank (240); when the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches a lower limit, the float drops along with the liquid level, and drives the connecting rod to drive the second valve (272) to open the liquid filling port; or, The second liquid level detection component (271) comprises a water level sensor, which is arranged on the open expansion tank (240) and is electrically connected to the second valve (272); when the liquid level of the open expansion tank (240) reaches a lower limit, the water level sensor sends a liquid replenishment signal to the second valve (272), so that the second valve (272) opens the liquid replenishment port.
9. The battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange device (210) comprises a first heat exchanger (211), and the water path (230) is configured to flow through the first heat exchanger (211) and to be connected to a water inlet of the water pump (250) after flowing through the first heat exchanger (211).
10. The battery cooling system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heat exchange device (210) also includes a compressor (212), a heat exchange component (213), an expansion valve (214) and a refrigerant circulation pipeline (215). The compressor (212), the heat exchange component (213) and the expansion valve (214) are all connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline (215). The heat exchange component (213) is located downstream of the compressor (212), and the expansion valve (214) is located downstream of the heat exchange component (213). The first heat exchanger (211) is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline (215) and is located between the expansion valve (214) and the compressor (212). The refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline (215) can undergo heat exchange with the coolant in the water circuit (230) at the first heat exchanger (211).