Energy storage system and new energy system

Abstract

The invention discloses an energy storage system and a new energy system, and the energy storage system comprises a battery pack, an energy storage converter, a temperature control system, and a control module. The temperature control system comprises a refrigerant circulation loop, a dry cooler, a first heat exchange branch exchanging heat with a battery pack, a second heat exchange branch exchanging heat with an energy storage converter, a third heat exchange branch exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulation loop through a plate heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchange branch exchanging heat with the dry cooler and a first switching device. The heater is arranged on the third heat exchange branch; the control module is configured to control the working mode of the temperature control system according to the temperature and the charging and discharging state of the battery pack. Various different heat exchange requirements can be provided for the battery pack and the energy storage converter, and the energy efficiency of the energy storage system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to an energy storage system and a new energy system. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of new energy, energy storage systems are widely used in many fields, such as photovoltaics and electric vehicles. Energy storage systems include battery packs and power conversion systems (PCS). With the continuous improvement of energy density of energy storage systems and in order to improve the energy efficiency of energy storage systems, there is a need for thermal management of battery packs and energy storage converters in energy storage systems.

[0003] However, the current energy storage system cannot meet the heat exchange requirements of battery packs and energy storage inverters in a variety of different scenarios, resulting in low energy efficiency of the energy storage system. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide an energy storage system and a new energy system that can provide a variety of different heat exchange requirements for battery packs and energy storage inverters, and improve the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an energy storage system, including a battery pack, an energy storage converter, a temperature control system, and a control module, wherein the energy storage converter is electrically connected to the battery pack, wherein: The temperature control system includes a refrigerant circulation loop, a dry cooler, a first heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with a battery pack, a second heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the energy storage inverter, a third heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulation loop through a plate heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the dry cooler, a first switching device, a second switching device, and a heater arranged in the third heat exchange branch, wherein the first switching device is respectively connected to an inlet of the first heat exchange branch, an inlet of the second heat exchange branch, an outlet of the third heat exchange branch, and an outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch, and the second switching device is respectively connected to an outlet of the first heat exchange branch, an outlet of the second heat exchange branch, an inlet of the third heat exchange branch, and an inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch; The control module is configured to: The operating mode of the temperature control system is controlled according to the temperature and charge and discharge status of the battery pack.

[0006] The energy storage system provided according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: when the refrigerant circulation loop in the temperature control system is in operation, heat can be exchanged with the refrigerant circulation loop through the plate heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchange branch where the dry cooler is located can exchange heat with the external environment through the dry cooler, and a heater is also provided in the third heat exchange branch to heat the heat exchange medium flowing through the third heat exchange branch, thereby realizing a variety of different heat exchange modes. On this basis, the first switching device and the second switching device can control the first heat exchange branch where the battery pack is located and the second heat exchange branch where the energy storage inverter is located to be connected to the third heat exchange branch or to the fourth heat exchange branch, thereby realizing providing a variety of different heat exchange requirements for the battery pack and the energy storage inverter; in addition, the control module controls the working mode of the temperature control system according to the temperature and charge and discharge status of the battery pack, so that the temperature of the battery pack can be maintained within an appropriate range under different conditions, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0007] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature control system has a first working mode. In the first working mode, the control module controls the operation of the refrigerant circulation loop, controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the third heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the third heat exchange branch.

[0008] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature control system has a second working mode. In the second working mode, the control module controls the operation of the heater, controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the third heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the third heat exchange branch.

[0009] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature control system has a third working mode. In the third working mode, the control module controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch.

[0010] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the working mode of the temperature control system according to the temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack includes: Obtaining the temperatures of a plurality of different measurement points of the battery pack, and determining a maximum battery temperature and a minimum battery temperature; The working mode of the temperature control system is controlled according to the maximum battery temperature, the minimum battery temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack.

[0011] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, when the battery pack is in a charging and discharging state and the maximum battery temperature is greater than a first preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the first working mode.

[0012] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, when the battery pack is in a charging and discharging state and the minimum battery temperature is less than a second preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the second working mode.

[0013] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, when the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state and the maximum battery temperature is greater than a third preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the first working mode, and the third preset value is greater than the first preset value.

[0014] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, when the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state and the minimum battery temperature is less than a fourth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the second working mode, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0015] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, when the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is greater than a fifth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the third operating mode.

[0016] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, the priority of the first working mode is higher than that of the second working mode.

[0017] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, the priority of the second working mode is higher than that of the third working mode.

[0018] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel arranged for heat exchange with each other, the first heat exchange channel is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to the third heat exchange branch.

[0019] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature control system also includes a dehumidification branch connected in parallel with the first heat exchange channel, the dehumidification branch is provided with a dehumidifier, and in the first working mode, the control module controls the operation of the dehumidifier.

[0020] The energy storage system provided according to some embodiments of the present invention further includes a high-voltage box. In the first working mode, the dehumidifier is used to cool and dehumidify the high-voltage box.

[0021] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, in the first working mode, when the maximum battery temperature drops below a sixth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the first working mode to the fourth working mode; wherein, in the fourth working mode, the control module controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch.

[0022] According to the energy storage system provided by some embodiments of the present invention, in the first operating mode, when the maximum battery temperature drops below a seventh preset value, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is less than an eighth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the first operating mode to the third operating mode.

[0023] According to the energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present invention, in the second operating mode, when the minimum battery temperature rises to be higher than a ninth preset value, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is less than a tenth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

[0024] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a new energy system, including the energy storage system as described in the embodiment of the first aspect above.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solution of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments; Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2is a schematic diagram of a specific structure of a temperature control system in an energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the flow direction of the heat exchange medium of the temperature control system in the energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention in the first working mode; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flow direction of the heat exchange medium of the temperature control system in the energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention in the second working mode or in the third working mode; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the temperature control system of the energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention in the fourth working mode; Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method executed by a control module in an energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a flow chart of a method executed by a control module in an energy storage system provided by another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0030] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention provide an energy storage system and a new energy system, which can provide a variety of different heat exchange requirements for battery packs and energy storage converters, and improve the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall energy storage system provided by the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The energy storage system includes a battery pack 100, an energy storage converter 200, a temperature control system 300 and a control module, wherein the battery pack 100 is used to store electrical energy and release the stored electrical energy when needed. The battery pack 100 may be provided with multiple, for example, referring to Figure 1 The battery pack 1, battery pack 2, ... battery pack n are shown; the energy storage inverter 200 is electrically connected to the battery pack 100, and the energy storage inverter 200 is used to convert the direct current of the battery pack 100 into alternating current, and can operate in a grid-connected or off-grid mode. In the grid-connected mode, the energy storage inverter 200 interacts with the grid for energy according to the dispatching instructions, and in the off-grid mode, it can provide voltage and frequency support for the load.

[0034] Figure 2 3 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the temperature control system 300 in the energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The temperature control system 300 includes a refrigerant circulation loop 305, a dry cooler 310, a first heat exchange branch 301 that exchanges heat with the battery pack 100, a second heat exchange branch 302 that exchanges heat with the energy storage converter 200, a third heat exchange branch 303 that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulation loop 305 through a plate heat exchanger 320, a fourth heat exchange branch 304 that exchanges heat with the dry cooler 310, a first switching device 330, a second switching device 340, and a heater 350 disposed in the third heat exchange branch 303, wherein the first switching device 330 is respectively connected to an inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301, an inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, an outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303, and an outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304. , the second switching device 340 is respectively connected to the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301, the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302, the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304; wherein, the plate heat exchanger 320 has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel arranged for heat exchange with each other, the first heat exchange channel is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop 305, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to the third heat exchange branch 303; in addition, in the refrigerant circulation loop 305, it includes a compressor 3051, a condenser 3052, and a first electronic expansion valve 3053 connected in sequence, and the first heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 320 is connected between the compressor 3051 and the first electronic expansion valve 3053.

[0035] It can be understood that the battery pack 100 is used to store electrical energy and release the stored electrical energy when needed. Heat is generated in the process of storing and releasing electrical energy in the battery pack 100, and the battery pack 100 can be understood as a heating device in the energy storage system. The first heat exchange branch 301 is arranged for heat exchange with the battery pack 100. The first heat exchange branch 301 and the battery pack 100 can be thermally conductively bonded to form heat exchange, or the battery pack 100 can be connected to the first heat exchange branch 301 through a heat exchange channel to form heat exchange. The energy storage system dissipates heat or heats the battery pack 100 through the first heat exchange branch 301. Specifically in the present embodiment, the first heat conduction plate in the first heat exchange branch 301 is thermally conductively bonded to the battery pack 100, and the heat exchange medium flows through the first heat conduction plate to perform heat exchange with the battery pack 100, so that the battery pack 100 works under suitable temperature conditions, thereby improving the reliability of the energy storage system.

[0036] The energy storage inverter 200 can control the charging and discharging process of the battery pack 100 and perform AC-DC conversion. The energy storage inverter 200 also generates heat during operation, so the energy storage inverter 200 can also be understood as a heating device in the energy storage system. Correspondingly, the second heat exchange branch 302 is arranged for heat exchange with the energy storage inverter 200. The second heat exchange branch 302 and the energy storage inverter 200 can be thermally conductively bonded to form heat exchange, or the energy storage inverter 200 can be connected to the second heat exchange branch 302 through a heat exchange channel to form heat exchange. The energy storage system dissipates heat and cools the energy storage inverter 200 through the second heat exchange branch 302. Specifically in this embodiment, the second heat conduction plate in the second heat exchange branch 302 is thermally conductively bonded to the energy storage inverter 200, and the heat exchange medium flows through the second heat conduction plate to perform heat exchange with the energy storage inverter 200, so that the energy storage inverter 200 works under suitable temperature conditions, thereby improving the reliability of the energy storage system.

[0037] The control module is configured to control the working mode of the temperature control system 300 according to the temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack 100 .

[0038] According to the energy storage system provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant circulation loop 305 in the temperature control system 300 can exchange heat with the refrigerant circulation loop 305 through the plate heat exchanger 320 when in operation, the fourth heat exchange branch 304 where the dry cooler 310 is located can exchange heat with the external environment through the dry cooler 310, and the third heat exchange branch 303 is further provided with a heater 350 that can heat the heat exchange medium flowing through the third heat exchange branch 303, so that a variety of different heat exchange modes can be realized. On this basis, the first switching device 330 and the second switching device 340 It can control the first heat exchange branch 301 where the battery pack 100 is located and the second heat exchange branch 302 where the energy storage inverter 200 is located, and conduct them with the third heat exchange branch 303 or the fourth heat exchange branch 304, so as to provide a variety of different heat exchange requirements for the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200; in addition, the control module controls the working mode of the temperature control system 300 according to the temperature and charge and discharge status of the battery pack 100, so that the temperature of the battery pack 100 can be maintained within an appropriate range under different conditions, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 As shown, the first switching device 330 includes a first three-way valve 331 and a first three-way joint 332, the three ports of the first three-way valve 331 are respectively connected to the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and one joint of the first three-way joint 332, and the other two joints of the first three-way joint 332 are respectively connected to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304.

[0040] It is understandable that the first switching device 330 can also be implemented by other components, such as a four-way valve, whose four ports are respectively connected to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301, the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304. The present application does not limit the specific structure of the first switching device 330, which can be composed of multiple valve bodies or a single multi-way valve, as long as the first switching device 330 can achieve the required connectivity.

[0041] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 As shown, the second switching device 340 includes a second three-way valve 341. The outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302 are converged and then connected to one port of the second three-way valve 341 through a common pipeline. The other two ports of the second three-way valve 341 are respectively connected to the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304.

[0042] It is understandable that the second switching device 340 can also be implemented by other components, such as a four-way valve, whose four ports are respectively connected to the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301, the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302, the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304. The present application does not limit the specific structure of the second switching device 340. It can be composed of multiple valve bodies or a single multi-way valve, as long as the second switching device 340 can achieve the required connectivity.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 also includes a first pump body 3031 arranged in the third heat exchange branch 303. The first pump body 3031 can be arranged between the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303 and the plate heat exchanger 320. When the first pump body 3031 is working, it can drive the heat exchange medium flowing in from the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303 to pass through the plate heat exchanger 320 and the heater 350, and then flow from the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303 to the first switching device 330. Finally, the first switching device 330 determines whether the heat exchange medium flows to the first heat exchange branch 301 or to the second heat exchange branch 302.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 further includes a second pump body 3041 disposed in the fourth heat exchange branch 304. The second pump body 3041 can be disposed between the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304 and the dry cooler 310. When the second pump body 3041 is working, it can drive the heat exchange medium flowing in from the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304 to pass through the dry cooler 310, and then flow from the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304 to the first switching device 330. Finally, the first switching device 330 determines whether the heat exchange medium flows to the first heat exchange branch 301 or to the second heat exchange branch 302.

[0045] In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 has a first working mode [1]. In the first working mode, the control module controls the operation of the refrigerant circulation loop 305, controls the first switching device 330 to connect the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303 to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, and controls the second switching device 340 to connect the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302 to the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303.

[0046] Reference Figure 3As shown by the dotted arrow in , in the first working mode of this embodiment, the refrigerant circulation loop 305 works, the compressor 3051 is started for refrigeration operation, and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation loop 305 cools the heat exchange medium flowing through the third heat exchange branch 303 through the plate heat exchanger 320. The low-temperature heat exchange medium enters the first switching device 330 from the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303, and flows through the battery pack 100 from the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and flows through the energy storage inverter 200 from the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, respectively, to achieve cooling of the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200. Therefore, it can be understood that the first working mode of this embodiment is the cooling mode of the temperature control system 300, which is particularly suitable for cooling the battery pack 100 in a medium-high temperature state.

[0047] In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 has a second working mode [2]. In the second working mode, the control module controls the heater 350 to operate, controls the first switching device 330 to connect the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303 to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, and controls the second switching device 340 to connect the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302 to the inlet c1 of the third heat exchange branch 303.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 As shown by the dotted arrow in , in the second working mode of the present embodiment, the heater 350 is controlled to work, and the heater 350 heats the heat exchange medium flowing through the third heat exchange branch 303 to increase the temperature. The high-temperature heat exchange medium enters the first switching device 330 from the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303, and flows through the battery pack 100 from the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and flows through the energy storage inverter 200 from the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, respectively, to increase the temperature of the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200. Therefore, it can be understood that the second working mode of the embodiment is the heating mode of the temperature control system 300, which is suitable for maintaining the temperature of the battery pack 100 during low-temperature charging and discharging under extremely cold conditions with low ambient temperature, or preheating the battery pack 100 when the battery pack 100 is not in the charging and discharging state.

[0049] In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 has a third working mode [3]. In the third working mode, the control module controls the first switching device 330 to connect the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304 to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, and controls the second switching device 340 to connect the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302 to the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 4As shown by the dotted arrow in , in the third working mode of the present embodiment, the heat exchange medium enters the first switching device 330 from the outlet c2 of the third heat exchange branch 303, and flows through the battery pack 100 from the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and flows through the energy storage inverter 200 from the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, respectively, to achieve heat exchange between the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200. It can be understood that the difference between the third working mode and the second working mode is that the heater 350 does not need to be controlled to work, that is, there is no need to heat the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200. Therefore, the third working mode is the self-circulation mode of the temperature control system 300. Under the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange medium, the temperature of each area of ​​the battery pack 100 can be balanced to avoid the temperature imbalance of the battery pack 100. In addition, the heat generated by the energy storage inverter 200 can also be recycled and utilized, which is suitable for the situation where the temperature is moderate, neither too high nor too high.

[0051] In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 has a fourth working mode [4]. In the fourth working mode, the control module controls the first switching device 330 to connect the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304 to the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, and controls the second switching device 340 to connect the outlet a2 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and the outlet b2 of the second heat exchange branch 302 to the inlet d1 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 As shown by the dotted arrow in , in the fourth working mode of the present embodiment, the dry cooler 310 performs air cooling on the heat exchange medium flowing through the fourth heat exchange branch 304, and the low-temperature heat exchange medium enters the first switching device 330 from the outlet d2 of the fourth heat exchange branch 304, and flows through the battery pack 100 from the inlet a1 of the first heat exchange branch 301 and flows through the energy storage converter 200 from the inlet b1 of the second heat exchange branch 302, respectively, to cool the battery pack 100 and the energy storage converter 200. Therefore, it can be understood that the fourth working mode of the embodiment is the air cooling mode of the temperature control system 300, which is suitable for scenes with medium and low temperature conditions and cooling requirements.

[0053] In addition, refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the working mode of the temperature control system 300 is controlled according to the temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack 100, including but not limited to steps S610 to S620: Step S610: obtaining the temperatures of more than 100 different measurement points of the battery pack, and determining the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin; Step S620 : controlling the working mode of the temperature control system 300 according to the maximum battery temperature Tmax, the minimum battery temperature Tmin and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack 100 .

[0054] In this embodiment, temperature sensors are set at multiple measuring points of the battery pack 100 to collect temperature, and the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin are determined from the temperatures of multiple different measuring points. The working mode of the temperature control system 300 is controlled in combination with the charge and discharge status of the battery pack 100, so that the current operating state of the temperature control system 300 takes into account the influence of the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin, so that the temperature of the battery pack 100 can be maintained within an appropriate range under different states, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency and safety of the energy storage system.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the battery pack 100 is in a charging and discharging state and the maximum battery temperature Tmax is greater than a first preset value [5] T1, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to enter a first working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter a cooling mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S701 in .

[0056] In this embodiment, the first preset value T1 can be exemplarily set to 35°C, that is, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax is greater than 35°C, the temperature control system 300 enters the cooling mode, and uses the refrigerant circulation loop 305 to cool the battery pack 100, so as to avoid the temperature of the battery pack 100 in the charging and discharging state continuing to rise and bring safety risks, and to avoid the battery pack 100 temperature being too high, resulting in a decrease in energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the battery pack 100 is in a charging and discharging state and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than a second preset value [6] T2, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the second working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the heating mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S702 in .

[0058] In this embodiment, the second preset value T2 can be exemplarily set to 15°C, that is, when the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 15°C, the temperature control system 300 enters the heating mode, and uses the heater 350 to heat the battery pack 100 to avoid the temperature of the battery pack 100 being too low during the charge and discharge state, which leads to a decrease in the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first working mode has a higher priority than the second working mode. Figure 7It can be seen from the judgment sequence in that this embodiment gives priority to whether the maximum battery temperature Tmax is greater than the first preset value T1. This is because high temperature may bring potential safety hazards. Therefore, the priority of the first working mode is higher than the second working mode, that is, Figure 7 The priority of step S701 is higher than that of step S702. On the basis that there is no potential safety hazard, the energy consumption issue is further considered.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the battery pack 100 is not in a charge or discharge state and the maximum battery temperature Tmax is greater than a third preset value [7] T3, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the first working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the cooling mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S705 in , wherein the third preset value T3 is greater than the first preset value T1.

[0061] In this embodiment, the third preset value T3 can be set to 40°C for example, that is, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax>40°C, the temperature control system 300 enters the cooling mode, and uses the refrigerant circulation loop 305 to cool the battery pack 100, so as to avoid the temperature of the battery pack 100 in the non-charging and discharging state from continuing to rise and causing safety risks, and to avoid the battery pack 100 temperature being too high, resulting in a decrease in energy consumption of the energy storage system. In addition, since the temperature requirement of the battery pack 100 when it is not in the charging and discharging state is relatively low, the third preset value T3 is set to be greater than the first preset value T1, so that the cooling mode of the battery pack 10 when it is not in the charging and discharging state can be turned on later than the cooling mode of the battery pack 10 when it is in the charging and discharging state, which is conducive to further improving energy efficiency.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the battery pack 100 is not in a charge or discharge state, and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than a fourth preset value [8] T4, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the second working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the heating mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S706 in , the fourth preset value T4 is less than the second preset value T2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fourth preset value T4 can be set to 5°C for example, that is, when the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, the temperature control system 300 enters the heating mode, and uses the heater 350 to heat the battery pack 100, so as to avoid the temperature of the battery pack 100 being too low when not in the charging and discharging state, which leads to a decrease in the energy consumption of the energy storage system. In addition, since the temperature requirement of the battery pack 100 when not in the charging and discharging state is relatively low, the fourth preset value T4 is set to be less than the second preset value T2, so that the heating mode of the battery pack 10 when not in the charging and discharging state can be turned on later than the heating mode of the battery pack 10 when it is in the charging and discharging state, which is conducive to further improving energy efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the battery pack 100 is not in a charge or discharge state, and the difference △5 between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is greater than the fifth preset value [9] T5, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the third working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the self-circulation mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S707 in .

[0065] In this embodiment, the fifth preset value T5 can be exemplarily set to 10°C, that is, when the difference △5 between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is greater than 10°C, the temperature control system 300 enters the self-circulation mode. Under the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange medium, it can balance the temperatures of various areas of the battery pack 100 to avoid temperature imbalance of the battery pack 100. In addition, the heat generated by the energy storage inverter 200 can also be recycled.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first working mode has a higher priority than the second working mode; the second working mode has a higher priority than the third working mode.

[0067] Combination Figure 7 It can be seen from the judgment sequence in that this embodiment gives priority to whether the maximum battery temperature Tmax is greater than the third preset value T3. This is because high temperature may bring potential safety hazards. Therefore, the priority of the first working mode is higher than the second working mode, that is, Figure 7 The priority of step S705 in the above example is higher than that of step S706. On the basis that there is no potential safety hazard, the energy consumption problem is further considered. In addition, Figure 7 The priority of step S706 is higher than that of step S707, and priority is given to avoiding the loss of stored electric energy due to the excessively low temperature of the battery pack 100.

[0068] In addition, in some embodiments, in the Figure 7In the third working mode of step S707, when the difference ΔT between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than the sixteenth preset value T16, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the third working mode to the standby mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S709 in .

[0069] In this embodiment, the sixteenth preset value T16 can be exemplarily set to 5°C, and the difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, indicating that the temperature difference of various parts of the battery pack 100 is not too large. At this time, switching to standby mode is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the temperature control system 300 further includes a dehumidification branch 306 connected in parallel with the first heat exchange channel, and the dehumidification branch 306 is provided with a dehumidifier 360. In the first working mode, the control module controls the dehumidifier 360 to work, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in the bracketed parts of step S701 and step S705.

[0071] It is understandable that a second electronic expansion 3061 is also provided on the dehumidification branch 306. In the first working mode, the refrigerant circulation loop 305 works. At this time, it is only necessary to open the second electronic expansion 3061, and the refrigerant with a lower temperature can pass through the dehumidifier 360 to achieve dehumidification.

[0072] It should be noted that the first electronic expansion 3053 and the second electronic expansion 3061 are mainly used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant. The first electronic expansion 3053 is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the plate heat exchanger 320. By adjusting the opening of the first electronic expansion 3053, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be accurately controlled, thereby accurately controlling the heat exchange capacity of the plate heat exchanger 320. In a higher temperature environment, the first electronic expansion 3053 can be fully or partially opened to allow more refrigerant to flow through the plate heat exchanger 320. In a lower temperature environment, the flow rate may be reduced to reduce the cooling effect. It should be understood that in different operating modes, the opening of the first electronic expansion 3053 of the embodiment of the present application will adjust the opening according to demand to adapt to different thermal management strategies. Similarly, the second electronic expansion 3061 is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing to the dehumidifier 360.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, a high-pressure box 370 is further included. In the first working mode, the dehumidifier 360 is used to cool and dehumidify the high-pressure box 370.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the energy storage system is further configured with a high-voltage box 370 , the dehumidifier 360 is used to cool and dehumidify the high-voltage box 370 , thereby preventing the high-voltage box 370 from being overheated.

[0075] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the first working mode of step S701 in the embodiment, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below the sixth preset value T6, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the first working mode to the fourth working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the air cooling mode, and uses the dry cooler 310 to achieve the cooling operation, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S704 in .

[0076] In this embodiment, the sixth preset value T6 can be exemplarily set to 30°C, that is, in the cooling mode, if the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops from above 35°C to below 30°C, the compressor 3051 in the control medium circulation loop 305 stops working and switches to the air cooling mode with lower energy consumption, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0077] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the first working mode of step S705, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below the eleventh preset value T11, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the first working mode to the fourth working mode, that is, to control the temperature control system 300 to enter the air cooling mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S708 in .

[0078] Similarly, in this embodiment, the eleventh preset value T11 can be exemplarily set to 35°C, that is, in the cooling mode of step S705, if the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops from above 40°C to below 35°C, the compressor 3051 in the control medium circulation loop 305 stops working and switches to the air cooling mode with lower energy consumption, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0079] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the first working mode of step S701 in the embodiment, or in the fourth working mode of step S704, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below the seventh preset value

[10] T7, and the difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than the eighth preset value

[11] T8, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the first working mode to the third working mode, that is, to control the temperature control system 300 to enter the self-circulation mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S703 in .

[0080] In this embodiment, the seventh preset value T7 can be exemplarily set to 25°C, and the eighth preset value T8 can be exemplarily set to 5°C. The maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below 25°C, indicating that the battery temperature is no longer high and does not need to be cooled quickly; the difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, indicating that the temperature difference between various parts of the battery pack 100 is not too large. At this time, it switches to the self-circulation mode, and the medium circulation loop 305 does not need to be turned on, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0081] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the second working mode of step S702 in the embodiment, when the minimum battery temperature Tmin rises to a value higher than the ninth preset value

[12] T9, and the difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than the tenth preset value

[13] T10, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the second working mode to the third working mode, that is, controls the temperature control system 300 to enter the self-circulation mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S703 in .

[0082] In this embodiment, the ninth preset value T9 can be exemplarily set to 20°C, and the tenth preset value T10 can be exemplarily set to 5°C. The minimum battery temperature Tmin rises to greater than 20°C, indicating that the battery temperature is no longer low and does not need to be heated up quickly. The difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, indicating that the temperature difference between various parts of the battery pack 100 is not too large. At this time, it switches to the self-circulation mode and the heater 350 does not need to be turned on, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0083] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the first working mode of step S705 in the embodiment, or in the fourth working mode of step S708, when the maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below the twelfth preset value T12, and the difference ΔT between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than the thirteenth preset value T13, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the first working mode to the standby mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S709 in .

[0084] In this embodiment, the twelfth preset value T12 can be exemplarily set to 30°C, and the thirteenth preset value T13 can be exemplarily set to 5°C. The maximum battery temperature Tmax drops below 30°C, indicating that the battery temperature is no longer high and does not need to be cooled quickly. The difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, indicating that the temperature difference of various parts of the battery pack 100 is not too large. At this time, it switches to standby mode and the medium circulation loop 305 does not need to be turned on, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0085] In some embodiments, in the case corresponding to Figure 7 In the second working mode of step S706 in the embodiment, when the minimum battery temperature Tmin rises to a value higher than the fourteenth preset value T14, and the difference ΔT between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than the fifteenth preset value T15, the control module controls the temperature control system 300 to switch from the second working mode to the standby mode, for example, referring to Figure 7 As shown in step S709 in .

[0086] In this embodiment, the fourteenth preset value T14 can be exemplarily set to 10°C, and the fifteenth preset value T15 can be exemplarily set to 5°C. The minimum battery temperature Tmin rises to greater than 10°C, indicating that the battery temperature is no longer low and does not need to be heated up quickly; the difference △T between the maximum battery temperature Tmax and the minimum battery temperature Tmin is less than 5°C, indicating that the temperature difference of various parts of the battery pack 100 is not too large. At this time, it switches to standby mode and the heater 350 does not need to be turned on, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage system.

[0087] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention provides a new energy system, including the energy storage system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0088] According to the new energy system provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant circulation loop 305 in the temperature control system 300 can exchange heat with the refrigerant circulation loop 305 through the plate heat exchanger 320 when in operation, and the fourth heat exchange branch 304 where the dry cooler 310 is located can exchange heat with the external environment through the dry cooler 310. The third heat exchange branch 303 is also provided with a heater 350 that can heat the heat exchange medium flowing through the third heat exchange branch 303, and a variety of different heat exchange modes can be realized. On this basis, the first switching device 330 and the second switching device 34 0 can control the first heat exchange branch 301 where the battery pack 100 is located and the second heat exchange branch 302 where the energy storage inverter 200 is located, and conduct with the third heat exchange branch 303 or conduct with the fourth heat exchange branch 304, so as to provide a variety of different heat exchange requirements for the battery pack 100 and the energy storage inverter 200; in addition, the control module controls the working mode of the temperature control system 300 according to the temperature and charge and discharge status of the battery pack 100, so that the temperature of the battery pack 100 can be maintained in an appropriate range under different conditions, which is beneficial to improving the energy efficiency of the energy storage system.

[0089] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the disclosed methods above may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware and appropriate combinations thereof. Some physical components or all physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, a digital signal processor or a microprocessor, or implemented as hardware, or implemented as an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include a computer storage medium or a non-transitory medium and a communication medium or a temporary medium. As known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage medium includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk DVD or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired information and may be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made within the knowledge scope of ordinary technicians in the technical field without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized in that: It includes a battery pack, an energy storage converter, a temperature control system and a control module, wherein the energy storage converter is electrically connected to the battery pack, wherein: The temperature control system includes a refrigerant circulation loop, a dry cooler, a first heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with a battery pack, a second heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the energy storage inverter, a third heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulation loop through a plate heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchange branch for exchanging heat with the dry cooler, a first switching device, a second switching device, and a heater arranged in the third heat exchange branch, wherein the first switching device is respectively connected to an inlet of the first heat exchange branch, an inlet of the second heat exchange branch, an outlet of the third heat exchange branch, and an outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch, and the second switching device is respectively connected to an outlet of the first heat exchange branch, an outlet of the second heat exchange branch, an inlet of the third heat exchange branch, and an inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch; The control module is configured to: The operating mode of the temperature control system is controlled according to the temperature and charge and discharge status of the battery pack.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control system has a first working mode. In the first working mode, the control module controls the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit, controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the third heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the third heat exchange branch.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature control system has a second working mode. In the second working mode, the control module controls the operation of the heater, controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the third heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the third heat exchange branch.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The temperature control system has a third working mode. In the third working mode, the control module controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controlling the working mode of the temperature control system according to the temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack includes: Obtaining the temperatures of a plurality of different measurement points of the battery pack, and determining a maximum battery temperature and a minimum battery temperature; The working mode of the temperature control system is controlled according to the maximum battery temperature, the minimum battery temperature and the charge and discharge state of the battery pack.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the battery pack is in a charging and discharging state, and the maximum battery temperature is greater than a first preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the first working mode.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the battery pack is in a charging and discharging state, and the minimum battery temperature is less than a second preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the second working mode.

8. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state, and the maximum battery temperature is greater than a third preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the first working mode, and the third preset value is greater than the first preset value.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state and the minimum battery temperature is less than a fourth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the second working mode, and the fourth preset value is less than the second preset value.

10. The energy storage system according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the battery pack is not in a charging or discharging state, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is greater than a fifth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to enter the third working mode.

11. The energy storage system according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that: The first working mode has a higher priority than the second working mode.

12. The energy storage system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second working mode has a higher priority than the third working mode.

13. The energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plate heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel which are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The first heat exchange channel is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the second heat exchange channel is connected to the third heat exchange branch.

14. The energy storage system according to claim 13, characterized in that: The temperature control system further includes a dehumidification branch connected in parallel with the first heat exchange channel, the dehumidification branch is provided with a dehumidifier, and in the first working mode, the control module controls the dehumidifier to work.

15. The energy storage system according to claim 14, characterized in that: It also includes a high-voltage box. In the first working mode, the dehumidifier is used to cool and dehumidify the high-voltage box.

16. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the first working mode, when the maximum battery temperature drops below a sixth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the first working mode to the fourth working mode; wherein, in the fourth working mode, the control module controls the first switching device to connect the outlet of the fourth heat exchange branch to the inlet of the first heat exchange branch and the inlet of the second heat exchange branch, and controls the second switching device to connect the outlet of the first heat exchange branch and the outlet of the second heat exchange branch to the inlet of the fourth heat exchange branch.

17. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the first operating mode, when the maximum battery temperature drops below the seventh preset value, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is less than the eighth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the first operating mode to the third operating mode.

18. The energy storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the second operating mode, when the minimum battery temperature rises to be higher than the ninth preset value, and the difference between the maximum battery temperature and the minimum battery temperature is less than the tenth preset value, the control module controls the temperature control system to switch from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

19. A new energy system, characterized in that: An energy storage system comprising any one of claims 1 to 18.

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