A thermal management system, energy storage container and control method of the thermal management system

Abstract

The application provides a heat management system, an energy storage container and a control method of the heat management system. The heat management system is used for heat exchange of a plurality of batteries of an energy storage system, and comprises a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with an environment, a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries, a gas-liquid separator and an oil separator arranged at an outlet side of the compressor, and the oil separator is connected with an inlet side of the compressor through an oil return capillary tube. The refrigerant circuit directly exchanges heat with the batteries through the refrigerant only, and the refrigerant is used as the heat exchange medium only in the application, so that the heat exchange efficiency of the batteries can be improved, and the heat management system has a simple structure. In addition, in the cooling mode or the heating mode, the oil separator separates the oil in the gaseous high-temperature and high-pressure oil medium mixture, and the oil deposited in the lower part is recycled to the compressor through the oil return capillary tube, so that the safe and efficient operation of the compressor is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage container technology, specifically to a thermal management system, an energy storage container, and a control method for the thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of energy storage systems, batteries in these systems have high temperature requirements and need to be kept within a certain temperature range through a thermal management system. In developing this invention, the inventors discovered that the prior art has at least the following technical feature: when using a refrigerant circuit to exchange heat with the battery, the lubricating oil in the compressor flows into the refrigerant circuit, causing poor lubrication of the compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a thermal management system that at least solves the problem of poor compressor lubrication in thermal management systems. This application also provides an energy storage container including the above-described thermal management system. This application further provides a control method applicable to the above-described thermal management system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A thermal management system for heat exchange of multiple batteries in an energy storage system includes a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the environment, a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries, a gas-liquid separator, and an oil separator disposed on the outlet side of the compressor. The oil separator is connected to the inlet side of the compressor via an oil return capillary tube.

[0006] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a multi-way valve, which includes a first interface connected to the compressor, a second interface connected to the first heat exchanger, a third interface connected to the gas-liquid separator, and a fourth interface connected to the second heat exchanger. In different modes, different interfaces among the first interface, the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface are connected in pairs.

[0007] Optionally, a liquid reservoir and a filter are provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0008] Optional, the thermal management system includes:

[0009] The first branch connects the compressor's air inlet to the filter;

[0010] The second branch is connected in parallel with the first branch and is connected to the compressor. The second branch is provided with the first heat exchanger, the liquid receiver and the filter.

[0011] The third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the first heat exchange section;

[0012] The first heat exchange section is located in the first branch, the second heat exchange section is located in the second branch, and a first throttling element is provided on the inlet side of the first heat exchange section in the first branch.

[0013] Optionally, the thermal management system may also include:

[0014] A second branch and a third branch are arranged in series between the compressor and the second heat exchanger. The second branch includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a third pipe section connected in series. The first pipe section is equipped with the first heat exchanger. The third pipe section is equipped with the liquid receiver, the second heat exchange unit, and the filter. The third branch is equipped with a second throttling element.

[0015] The fourth branch is connected in parallel with the second pipeline section and the third pipeline section, and a third throttling device is provided on the fourth branch;

[0016] The fifth branch is connected in parallel with the third pipeline segment and the third branch;

[0017] The second pipeline section and the fifth branch are both equipped with regulating valves to adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant, so that in either cooling or heating mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the reservoir and the filter, and the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section is opposite to the flow direction of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section.

[0018] Optionally, the second pipeline section is equipped with a first check valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the first pipeline section to the third pipeline section, and the fifth branch is equipped with a second check valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the third pipeline section.

[0019] Optionally, both the first throttling element and the second throttling element are electronic expansion valves.

[0020] An energy storage container, comprising the thermal management system described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0021] A control method for a thermal management system, applicable to any of the thermal management systems described above, includes the following steps:

[0022] In heating mode:

[0023] The first and fourth ports of the multi-way valve are connected, as are the second and third ports. The first and third throttling elements are opened, the second throttling element is closed, and the compressor is started. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve, the fourth port of the multi-way valve, the second heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger before flowing to the compressor's gas inlet. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element, the first heat exchanger, the second port of the multi-way valve, the third port of the multi-way valve, and the gas-liquid separator before flowing back to the compressor.

[0024] In cooling mode:

[0025] The first and second ports of the multi-way valve are connected, and the third and fourth ports are also connected. The first and second throttling elements are opened, the third throttling element is closed, and the compressor is started. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve, the second port of the multi-way valve, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger and then flows to the compressor's gas inlet. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling element, the second heat exchanger, the fourth port of the multi-way valve, the third port of the multi-way valve, and the gas-liquid separator and then flows back to the compressor.

[0026] The thermal management system provided in this application includes a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a throttling device, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger exchanges heat with the environment, and the second heat exchanger exchanges heat with the battery. The refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor to the first heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the second heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit to cool the battery; conversely, the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor to the second heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the first heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit to heat the battery. Furthermore, in both cooling and heating modes, an oil separator reduces the oil circulation rate in the system, ensuring that as much oil as possible remains in the compressor and guaranteeing compressor lubrication. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system in cooling mode.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system in heating mode.

[0031] Figures 1-3 middle:

[0032] 1-Compressor, 2-First heat exchanger, 3-Second heat exchanger, 4-Gas-liquid separator, 5-Oil separator, 6-Oil return capillary tube, 7-Multi-way valve, 8-Liquid receiver, 9-Filter, 10-First branch, 11-Second branch, 12-Third heat exchanger, 13-First throttling element, 14-Third branch, 15-Fourth branch, 16-Fifth branch, 17-Second throttling element, 18-Third throttling element, 19-First check valve, 20-Second check valve;

[0033] 1101 - First pipeline section, 1102 - Second pipeline section, 1103 - Third pipeline section. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This application provides a thermal management system. This application also provides an energy storage container including the above-described thermal management system. This application further provides a control method applicable to the above-described thermal management system.

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] like Figures 1-3 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a thermal management system, which is a component of an energy storage container. The thermal management system is used to exchange heat between multiple batteries in the energy storage system; that is, it cools or heats the batteries to maintain them at a suitable operating temperature. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit, comprising a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange with the environment, a throttling device, and a second heat exchanger 3 for heat exchange with the batteries, connected in sequence. The refrigerant circuit includes an oil separator 5 located at the outlet side of the compressor 1, and the oil separator 5 is connected to the inlet side of the compressor 1 via a return oil capillary tube 6. Furthermore, a gas-liquid separator 4 is also provided at the inlet side of the compressor 1.

[0037] This embodiment provides an optional implementation method where, when the battery temperature is high, the refrigerant circuit needs to cool the battery. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The specific working mode is as follows: First, the compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, which flows to the first heat exchanger 2. At this time, the first heat exchanger 2 acts as a condenser, where the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the external environment, transforming into a medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Then, the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 2 flows to the throttling device, which throttles the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, which flows to the second heat exchanger 3. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the battery, transferring the cooling energy from the refrigerant to the battery to achieve battery cooling. After that, the refrigerant with increased temperature flowing out of the second heat exchanger 3 flows to the gas-liquid separator 4, which separates the gas and liquid in the refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor 1, thus completing a cooling cycle for the battery.

[0038] This embodiment also provides another optional implementation, in which the compressor 1, the second heat exchanger 3, the throttling device, the first heat exchanger 2, and the gas-liquid separator 4 are connected in sequence. The refrigerant system is configured in this way to form a heating cycle, which is necessary when the battery temperature is low and heating of the battery is required. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The specific operating mode is as follows: First, the compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 3, where it exchanges heat with the battery. The refrigerant transfers heat to the battery to heat it. Then, the high-pressure refrigerant with a lower temperature flows out of the second heat exchanger 3 to the throttling device, which throttles the high-pressure refrigerant to a low-pressure refrigerant. Next, the low-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 2, which acts as an evaporator. The low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment through the first heat exchanger 2, and its temperature rises. Finally, the refrigerant with a higher temperature flows through the gas-liquid separator 4, which separates the gas and liquid in the refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor 1, thus completing one cycle of heating the battery.

[0039] Furthermore, in either cooling or heating mode, the oil separator 5 reduces the oil circulation rate in the system, ensuring that as much oil as possible remains in the compressor and guaranteeing compressor lubrication.

[0040] It should be noted that this battery can be used in all fields of electrical energy, including photovoltaic power generation, tidal power generation, thermal power generation, nuclear power generation, geothermal power generation, hydropower generation, biomass power generation, and wind power generation.

[0041] The aforementioned thermal management system, through the configuration of a refrigerant circuit, includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2, an electronic expansion valve, a second heat exchanger 3, and a gas-liquid separator 4. The first heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the environment, and the second heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the battery. The refrigerant flows forward in the refrigerant circuit to cool the battery, and flows counter-clockwise to heat the battery. This configuration allows for direct heat exchange with the battery solely through the refrigerant. In this application, only the refrigerant is used as the heat exchange medium, reducing the need for other heat exchange media such as water, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency for the battery. Furthermore, this thermal management system has a simple structure.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a multi-way valve 7, which includes a first interface connected to the compressor 1. Figure 1 (a) and the second interface connected to the first heat exchanger 2. Figure 1 (middle b port), the third port connected to gas-liquid separator 4 ( Figure 1 (C-port), and the fourth interface with the second heat exchanger 3 ( Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit has four ports (d-port), and in different modes, the first, second, third, and fourth ports are connected in pairs. For example, when the first and second ports are connected, and the third and fourth ports are connected, the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode; that is, when cooling the battery, simply connect the first and second ports, and connect the third and fourth ports. When the first and fourth ports are connected, and the second and third ports are connected, the refrigerant circuit is in cooling-heating mode; that is, when heating the battery, simply connect the first and fourth ports, and connect the second and third ports.

[0043] It should be noted that the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces are connected in pairs, meaning that when the first and second interfaces are connected, the third and fourth interfaces are connected; and when the first and fourth interfaces are connected, the second and third interfaces are connected.

[0044] Here, by setting up a multi-way valve 7 that connects to the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the gas-liquid separator 4, and the second heat exchanger 3 respectively, the connection relationship of the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the gas-liquid separator 4, and the second heat exchanger 3 in the refrigerant circuit can be adjusted by connecting the different ports of the multi-way valve 7, thereby realizing the switching of different modes of the refrigerant circuit.

[0045] In some embodiments, a liquid receiver 8 and a filter 9 are provided between the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the liquid receiver 8 is used to store refrigerant to ensure that the refrigerant circulation volume can be adjusted and stabilized when the system operates under changing conditions. The filter 9 is used to filter impurities and particles in the refrigerant to prevent clogging of the throttling element from causing system malfunctions.

[0046] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a first branch 10, a second branch 11, and a third heat exchanger 12. The first branch 10 connects to the air supply port of the compressor 1 and the filter 9. The second branch 11 is connected in parallel with the first branch 10 and is also connected to the compressor 1. The second branch 11 is equipped with a first heat exchanger 2, a liquid receiver 8, and a filter 9. The third heat exchanger 12 includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the first heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section is located in the first branch 10, and the second heat exchange section is located in the second branch 11. A first throttling element 13 is provided on the inlet side of the first heat exchange section in the first branch 10. The second branch 11 is used as the main circulation route, and the first branch 10 is used as the auxiliary circulation route.

[0047] Specifically, in cooling mode, compressor 1 starts and compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 2 of the second branch 11, where it exchanges heat with the external environment and becomes a medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange section is divided into two parts; one part flows to the first throttling element 13 of the first branch 10, and adjusting the opening of the first throttling element 13 throttles this part of the refrigerant into a lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant. This lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12. The lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant in the first heat exchange section exchanges heat with the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section. The refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section then flows to the gas inlet of the compressor 1. Another portion of the refrigerant flows to the second throttling device 17, which throttles the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 3 and transfers its cooling capacity to the battery. The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the gas-liquid separator 4 and then returns to the compressor 1. Both portions of the refrigerant flow back to the compressor 1 to complete one cooling cycle for the battery. Here, by setting the first branch 10 to guide the medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant to the gas injection port of the compressor 1, the compressor 1 is injected with gas to increase enthalpy in the cooling mode. The original single-stage compression process is divided into a quasi-two-stage compression process, which increases the unit cooling capacity, reduces the exhaust temperature at the outlet of the compressor 1, expands the cooling temperature range, enhances the cooling effect, and significantly improves the energy utilization rate of the compressor 1 in the cooling mode, thereby improving the efficiency of the compressor 1 and the performance of the cooling mode.

[0048] In heating mode, compressor 1 starts and compresses the refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 3, where it transfers heat to the battery. After passing through the second heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part flows to the first throttling element 13 of the first branch 10. Adjusting the opening of the first throttling element 13 throttles this part of the refrigerant into medium-pressure refrigerant. This medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12. The medium-pressure refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section then flows to… The compressor 1 receives a gas supply port; another portion of the refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12 in the second branch 11, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section. The refrigerant then flows out of the second heat exchange section to the third throttling device 18 and is throttled into low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. Afterward, the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 2 to exchange heat with the external environment and rise in temperature. The heated refrigerant flows through the gas-liquid separator 4 and then back to the compressor 1. Both portions of the refrigerant flow back to the compressor 1 to complete one heating cycle for the battery. Here, by setting the first branch 10 to guide the medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant to the gas supply port of the compressor 1, the compressor 1 is supplied with gas to increase enthalpy in heating mode. In low-temperature environments, this increases the mass flow rate of the compressor 1, thereby increasing the heating capacity for the battery, expanding the heating temperature range, and significantly increasing the heating capacity at low ambient temperatures.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a second branch 11, a third branch 14, a fourth branch 15, and a fifth branch 16. The second branch 11 and the third branch 14 are connected in series between the compressor 1 and the second heat exchanger 3. The second branch 11 includes a first pipe section 1101, a second pipe section 1102, and a third pipe section 1103 connected in series. The first pipe section 1101 is equipped with a first heat exchanger 2, and the third pipe section 1103 is equipped with a liquid receiver 8, a second heat exchange unit, and a filter 9. The third branch 16... 4. A second throttling element 17 is provided; a fourth branch 15 is connected in parallel with the second pipe section 1102 and the third pipe section 1103, and a third throttling element 18 is provided on the fourth branch 15; a fifth branch 16 is connected in parallel with the third pipe section 1103 and the third branch 14; wherein, the second pipe section 1102 and the fifth branch 16 are both provided with regulating valves to adjust the direction of refrigerant flow, so that in cooling mode or heating mode, the refrigerant flows through the liquid receiver 8 and the filter 9 in sequence, and the direction of refrigerant flow in the first heat exchange section is opposite to the direction of refrigerant flow in the second heat exchange section.

[0050] With this configuration, when the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 flows through the first heat exchanger 2 of the first pipeline section 1101, then through the regulating valve of the second pipeline section 1102, and then sequentially through the liquid receiver 8, the second heat exchange section, and the filter 9 of the third pipeline section 1103. The refrigerant flowing out of the filter 9 is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows to the second throttling element 17 of the third branch 14 and then to the second heat exchanger 3. The other part of the refrigerant flows to the first branch 10 and sequentially through the first throttling element 13 and the first heat exchange section before flowing back to the gas supply port of the compressor 1. When the refrigerant circuit is in heating mode, the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the regulating valve of the fifth branch 16, and then sequentially flows through the liquid receiver 8, the second heat exchange section, and the filter 9 of the third pipeline section 1103. The refrigerant flowing from the filter 9 is also divided into two parts. One part flows to the third throttling element 18 of the fourth branch 15 and then to the first heat exchanger 2. The other part flows to the first branch 10 and sequentially flows through the first throttling element 13 and the first heat exchange section before flowing back to the gas injection port of the compressor 1. With this configuration, regardless of whether the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode or heating mode, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12 is opposite, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section. Moreover, regardless of whether the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode or heating mode, the refrigerant flows through the receiver 8 and the filter 9 in sequence. This arrangement can also improve the refrigerant replenishment in the system by the receiver 8 and improve the filtration effect of the refrigerant filter 9.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second pipeline section 1102 is provided with a first check valve 19 that only allows refrigerant to flow from the first pipeline section 1101 to the third pipeline section 1103, and the fifth branch 16 is provided with a second check valve 20 that only allows refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger 3 to the third pipeline section 1103. Here, by setting the above-mentioned regulating valves as check valves, the control logic of the refrigerant circuit can be simplified.

[0052] Alternatively, other configurations can be used, such as installing a solenoid valve in the second pipeline section 1102 that can control the on / off state of the second pipeline section 1102, and correspondingly, installing a solenoid valve in the fifth branch 16 that can control the on / off state of the second pipeline section 1102.

[0053] In some embodiments, both the first throttling element 13 and the second throttling element 17 are electronic expansion valves. Specifically, the electronic expansion valve can precisely control the opening degree using electrical signals, and achieve energy-saving effects while efficiently adjusting the opening degree. In addition, the electronic expansion valve has strong adaptability and can achieve precise adjustment of the opening degree in different environments.

[0054] In addition, the first throttling element 13 and the second throttling element 17 can both be either a throttling valve or a capillary tube.

[0055] An energy storage container includes a thermal management system as described above. Since the energy storage container includes the aforementioned thermal management system, the beneficial effects of the thermal management system on the energy storage container are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0056] A control method for a thermal management system, applicable to any of the above-mentioned thermal management systems, includes the following steps:

[0057] In heating mode:

[0058] The first port (a) and the fourth port (d) of the multi-way valve 7 are connected, and the second port (b) and the third port (c) are connected. The first throttling element 13 and the third throttling element 18 are opened, the second throttling element 17 is closed, and the compressor 1 is started. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve 7, the fourth port of the multi-way valve 7, the second heat exchanger 3, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12. The refrigerant is then divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element 13 and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12 and then flows to the gas injection port of the compressor 1. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element 18, the first heat exchanger 2, the second port of the multi-way valve 7, the third port of the multi-way valve 7, and the gas-liquid separator 4 and then flows back to the compressor 1.

[0059] In cooling mode:

[0060] The first and second ports of the multi-way valve 7 are connected, and the third and fourth ports are also connected. The first throttling element 13 and the second throttling element 17 are opened, and the third throttling element 18 is closed, thereby starting the compressor 1. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve 7, the second port of the multi-way valve 7, the first heat exchanger 2, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element 13 and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 12, and then flows to the gas injection port of the compressor 1. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling element 17, the second heat exchanger 3, the fourth port of the multi-way valve 7, the third port of the multi-way valve 7, and the gas-liquid separator 4, and then flows back to the compressor 1.

[0061] This configuration allows for convenient switching between different modes of the thermal management system, enhancing its automation level and enabling it to exchange heat with the battery under different temperature conditions, thus ensuring the battery operates at a suitable temperature.

[0062] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0063] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0064] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0065] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0066] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, For heat exchange of multiple batteries in an energy storage system, including a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit comprising: The compressor, the first heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the environment, the throttling device, and the second heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the battery are connected in sequence. An oil separator is installed on the outlet side of the compressor, and the oil separator is connected to the inlet side of the compressor through an oil return capillary tube. The first branch connects the compressor's air inlet and the filter; The second branch is connected in parallel with the first branch and is connected to the compressor. The second branch is equipped with the first heat exchanger, the liquid receiver and the filter. The third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the first heat exchange section; A second branch and a third branch are arranged in series between the compressor and the second heat exchanger. The second branch includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a third pipe section connected in series. The first pipe section is equipped with the first heat exchanger. The third pipe section is equipped with the liquid receiver, the second heat exchange unit, and the filter. The third branch is equipped with a second throttling element. The fourth branch is connected in parallel with the second pipeline section and the third pipeline section, and a third throttling device is provided on the fourth branch; The fifth branch is connected in parallel with the third pipeline segment and the third branch; The second pipeline section and the fifth branch are both equipped with regulating valves to adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant, so that in cooling mode or heating mode, the refrigerant flows through the liquid reservoir and the filter in sequence, and the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section is opposite to the flow direction of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section is located in the first branch, the second heat exchange section is located in the second branch, and a first throttling element is provided on the inlet side of the first heat exchange section in the first branch.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a multi-port valve, which has a first interface connected to the compressor, a second interface connected to the first heat exchanger, a third interface connected to the gas-liquid separator, and a fourth interface connected to the second heat exchanger. In different modes, different interfaces among the first interface, the second interface, the third interface, and the fourth interface are connected in pairs.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A liquid reservoir and a filter are provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipeline section is equipped with a first check valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the first pipeline section to the third pipeline section, and the fifth branch is equipped with a second check valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the third pipeline section.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first throttling element and the second throttling element are electronic expansion valves.

6. An energy storage container, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes any one of claims 1-5.

7. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system applicable to claim 1 further includes a multi-way valve, a first branch, a second branch, a third heat exchanger, a fourth branch, and a fifth branch. The multi-way valve includes a first interface connected to the compressor, a second interface connected to the first heat exchanger, a third interface connected to a gas-liquid separator, and a fourth interface connected to the second heat exchanger. The first branch connects the compressor's air inlet and the filter. The second branch is connected in parallel with the first branch and is also connected to the compressor. The second branch is equipped with the first heat exchanger, the liquid receiver, and the filter. The third heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the first heat exchange section. The first heat exchanger is disposed in the first branch, the second heat exchanger is disposed in the second branch, and a first throttling element is disposed on the inlet side of the first heat exchanger in the first branch; a second branch and a third branch are disposed between the compressor and the second heat exchanger and are connected in series, the second branch includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section and a third pipe section connected in series, the first pipe section is disposed on the first heat exchanger, the third pipe section is disposed on the liquid receiver, the second heat exchanger and the filter, and the third branch is disposed on the second throttling element; a fourth branch is connected in parallel with the second pipe section and the third pipe section, and a third throttling element is disposed on the fourth branch; The fifth branch is connected in parallel with the third pipeline segment and the third branch; the control method includes the following steps: In heating mode: The first and fourth ports of the multi-way valve are connected, as are the second and third ports. The first and third throttling elements are opened, the second throttling element is closed, and the compressor is started. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve, the fourth port of the multi-way valve, the second heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger before flowing to the compressor's gas inlet. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element, the first heat exchanger, the second port of the multi-way valve, the third port of the multi-way valve, and the gas-liquid separator before flowing back to the compressor. In cooling mode: The first and second ports of the multi-way valve are connected, and the third and fourth ports are also connected. The first and second throttling elements are opened, the third throttling element is closed, and the compressor is started. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve, the second port of the multi-way valve, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the first throttling element and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger and then flows to the compressor's gas inlet. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling element, the second heat exchanger, the fourth port of the multi-way valve, the third port of the multi-way valve, and the gas-liquid separator and then flows back to the compressor.

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