A thermal management system, energy storage container and control method of a 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 in an energy storage system. The heat management system comprises a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the environment and a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries connected in sequence. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger comprise a first branch and a second branch arranged in series, a third branch connected in parallel with the first branch and a fourth branch connected in parallel with the second branch. A first throttling element is arranged in the first branch, and a first one-way valve allowing the refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger is arranged in the third branch. A second throttling element is arranged in the second branch, and a second one-way valve allowing the refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger is arranged in the fourth branch. The system uses different throttling elements to throttle the refrigerant, so as to meet the accurate control of the system under the refrigeration and heating working conditions of a wide ambient temperature range.

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, necessitating a thermal management system to ensure they remain within a specific temperature range. In developing this invention, the inventors discovered that the prior art possesses at least the following technical features: when using a refrigerant circuit to directly exchange heat with the battery, a single throttling device is typically used in both refrigerant and heating modes to throttle the refrigerant. Since the working principle and adjustment requirements of the throttling device differ in different modes, using only one device increases the difficulty of system adjustment; furthermore, due to this increased difficulty, the system may not achieve its optimal operating state, leading to reduced heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a thermal management system that can at least solve the problems of difficult adjustment of cooling and heating modes and low heat exchange efficiency in thermal management systems. This application also provides an energy storage container including the above-mentioned thermal management system. This application further provides a control method applicable to the above-mentioned 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, and a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries, connected in sequence.

[0006] The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger include a first branch and a second branch connected in series, a third branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and a fourth branch connected in parallel with the second branch.

[0007] The first branch is provided with a first throttling device, and the third branch is provided with a first one-way valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger;

[0008] The second branch is provided with a second throttling device, and the fourth branch is provided with a second one-way valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0009] Optionally, a multi-port valve is also included, 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.

[0010] Optionally, the first throttling element and the second throttling element are electronic expansion valves.

[0011] Optionally, a filter may also be provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0012] Optionally, the reservoir and the filter are disposed between the first branch and the second branch.

[0013] Optional, also includes:

[0014] The fifth branch connects the compressor's air inlet to the filter;

[0015] The sixth branch is connected in parallel with the fifth branch and is connected to the compressor. The sixth branch is equipped with the first heat exchanger and a multi-way valve.

[0016] 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;

[0017] The first heat exchange section is located in the fifth branch, the second heat exchange section is located in the sixth branch, and a third throttling element is provided on the inlet side of the second heat exchange section in the sixth branch.

[0018] Optionally, a first shut-off valve is provided between the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger, and a second shut-off valve is provided between the second heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes a liquid receiver disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, wherein the unit is located between the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve, and the liquid receiver is capable of storing all refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit other than the unit.

[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, and the second heat exchanger, before being divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element and the second 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 first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, the first 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, as are the third and fourth ports. The second and third throttling elements are opened, the first 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 first 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 third throttling element and the second 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 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 before flowing back to the compressor.

[0026] The thermal management system provided in this application includes a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger connected in sequence. Between the first and second heat exchangers are a first branch and a second branch connected in series, a third branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and a fourth branch connected in parallel with the second branch. A first throttling element is installed in the first branch, and a second throttling element is installed in the second branch. Thus, in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing from the compressor flows sequentially through the first heat exchanger, the second throttling element, and the second heat exchanger before returning to the compressor. In heating mode, the refrigerant flowing from the compressor flows sequentially through the second heat exchanger, the first throttling element, and the first heat exchanger before returning to the compressor. With this configuration, a first one-way valve is installed in the third branch, allowing refrigerant to flow only from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger, and a second one-way valve is installed in the fourth branch, allowing refrigerant to flow only from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger. With this setup, the cooling and heating modes can be easily adjusted by simply controlling the opening or closing of the first and second throttling elements, thus simplifying the control logic of the refrigerant circuit. 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 1 This 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-Liquid receiver, 4-Second heat exchanger, 5-Gas-liquid separator, 6-Multi-way valve, 7-First branch, 8-Second branch, 9-Third branch, 10-Fourth branch, 11-First throttling element, 12-Second throttling element, 13-First check valve, 14-Second check valve, 15-Filter, 16-Fifth branch, 17-Sixth branch, 18-Third heat exchanger, 19-Third throttling element, 20-Pressure sensor, 21-Temperature sensor, 22-First shut-off valve, 23-Second shut-off valve. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] like Figures 1-3As shown in the illustration, this application provides a thermal management system, which is a component of an energy storage container and is used for heat exchange with batteries. Specifically, the thermal management system is used to cool or heat multiple batteries in the energy storage system to maintain them at a suitable operating temperature. The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit, which comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the environment, and a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries, connected in sequence. The first and second heat exchangers are connected in series via a first branch and a second branch, a third branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and a fourth branch connected in parallel with the second branch. A first throttling element is provided in the first branch, and a first one-way valve is provided in the third branch, allowing only refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. A second throttling element is provided in the second branch, and a second one-way valve is provided in the fourth branch, allowing only refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger.

[0036] Specifically, this embodiment provides an optional implementation: when the battery temperature is high and cooling is required, the refrigerant circuit is adjusted to cooling mode. Please refer to [link / reference]. 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 second throttling device 12, which throttles the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, which flows to the second heat exchanger 4. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat with the battery, transferring the cooling energy from the refrigerant to the battery to achieve battery cooling. Finally, the refrigerant flows back to the compressor 1, thus completing a battery cooling cycle.

[0037] This embodiment also provides another optional implementation: when the battery temperature is high and heating is required, the refrigerant circuit is adjusted to heating mode. Please refer to [link / reference]. 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 4, 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 4 to the first throttling device 11, which throttles the high-pressure refrigerant into 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 flows back to the compressor 1, thus completing one cycle of heating the battery.

[0038] With this configuration, when the battery temperature is high, adjusting the multi-way valve 6 connects the first and second ports, as well as the third and fourth ports, and controls the first throttling element 11 to close and the second throttling element 12 to open, thus adjusting the thermal management system to a battery cooling mode. When the battery temperature is low, adjusting the multi-way valve 6 connects the first and fourth ports, as well as the second and third ports, and controls the first throttling element 11 to open and the second throttling element 12 to close, thus conveniently adjusting the thermal management system to a battery heating mode.

[0039] Alternatively, the first check valve 13 in the third branch 9 and the second check valve 14 in the fourth branch 10 can be omitted. Instead, solenoid valves can be installed in both the third and fourth branches 9 and 10, and their opening and closing can be controlled by a controller to achieve the on / off state of the third and fourth branches 9 and 10. Compared to installing on / off valves in the third and fourth branches, using these two check valves simplifies the control logic of the refrigerant circuit.

[0040] In some embodiments, both the first throttling element 11 and the second throttling element 12 can be electronic expansion valves. Specifically, electronic expansion valves can precisely control the opening degree using electrical signals, and achieve energy-saving effects while efficiently adjusting the opening degree. In addition, electronic expansion valves have strong adaptability and can achieve precise adjustment of the opening degree in different environments.

[0041] In addition, the first throttling element 11 and the second throttling element 12 can both be either a throttling valve or a capillary tube.

[0042] It should also be noted that this battery can be used in all fields of electricity, 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.

[0043] In the aforementioned thermal management system, when the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing from compressor 1 sequentially flows through the first heat exchanger 2, the second throttling element 12, and the second heat exchanger 4 before returning to compressor 1. When the refrigerant circuit is in heating mode, the refrigerant flowing from compressor 1 sequentially flows through the second heat exchanger 4, the first throttling element 11, and the first heat exchanger 2 before returning to compressor 1. This configuration allows for refrigerant throttling in both cooling and heating modes using different throttling elements, reducing the difficulty of system adjustment and enabling the system to achieve optimal operating conditions, thereby improving the system's heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, a first one-way valve 13 is installed in the third branch 9, allowing refrigerant to flow only from the first heat exchanger 2 to the second heat exchanger 4, and a second one-way valve 14 is installed in the fourth branch 10, allowing refrigerant to flow only from the second heat exchanger 4 to the first heat exchanger 2. With this configuration, the cooling and heating modes can be easily adjusted by simply controlling the opening or closing of the first throttling element 11 and the second throttling element 12, which simplifies the control logic of the refrigerant circuit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a multi-way valve 6, 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 (b port), the third port connected to the gas-liquid separator 5 ( Figure 1 The middle C port), and the fourth port with the second heat exchanger 4 ( Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit has a refrigerant interface (port d), and in different modes, different interfaces among the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces are connected in pairs. For example, when the first and second interfaces are connected, and the third and fourth interfaces are connected, the refrigerant circuit is in cooling mode; that is, when cooling the battery is required, simply connect the first and second interfaces, and connect the third and fourth interfaces. When the first and fourth interfaces are connected, and the second and third interfaces are connected, the refrigerant circuit is in cooling-heating mode; that is, when heating the battery is required, simply connect the first and fourth interfaces, and connect the second and third interfaces.

[0045] It should be noted that the connection between different interfaces in the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces means 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.

[0046] Here, by setting up a multi-way valve 6 that connects to the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the gas-liquid separator 5, and the second heat exchanger 4 respectively, the connection relationship of the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the gas-liquid separator 5, and the second heat exchanger 4 in the refrigerant circuit can be adjusted by connecting the different ports of the multi-way valve 6, thereby realizing the switching of different modes of the refrigerant circuit.

[0047] In some embodiments, a receiver 3 is provided between the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4 in the refrigerant circuit. The receiver 3 is used to store refrigerant to ensure that the refrigerant circulation volume can be adjusted and stabilized when the system's operating conditions change. When the system needs to increase the refrigerant supply, the receiver 3 can provide sufficient refrigerant; when the system needs to reduce the refrigerant supply, the receiver 3 can store excess refrigerant. Here, ensuring that the receiver 3 can store all the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit facilitates the recovery and reuse of refrigerant when the refrigerant circuit is not in operation and provides a guarantee for the normal operation of the refrigerant circuit. In existing refrigerant circuits, such as air conditioning systems, the refrigerant flow rate on the customer side is less than the refrigerant flow rate on the unit side. Under normal circumstances, the capacity of the receiver 3 is less than the total refrigerant in the refrigerant system to ensure the normal operation of the refrigerant system. Here, ensuring that the unit is located between the first shut-off valve 22 and the second shut-off valve 23, and that the receiver 3 can store all the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit other than the unit, ensures the normal operation of the refrigerant circuit in this application.

[0048] In addition, the receiver 3 can store excess refrigerant in the system during cooling and heating. The entire thermal management system includes the unit, external piping, and the second heat exchanger 4, all of which contain refrigerant. During maintenance, we need to recover the refrigerant, collecting all the refrigerant from the external piping and the second heat exchanger 4 into the unit. When the customer performs maintenance (such as replacing the second heat exchanger 4), the replaced second heat exchanger 4 will inevitably carry a small amount of refrigerant with it after refrigerant recovery. The receiver 3 is designed with a margin of safety, and the redundant refrigerant can cover the refrigerant lost during multiple maintenance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a filter 15 disposed between the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4. The filter 15 is used to filter impurities in the refrigerant and protect the compressor. In the electric air conditioning compressor 1, the filter 15 is used to filter impurities and particles in the refrigerant to prevent throttling of the expansion joint from causing system malfunctions.

[0050] It should be noted that the placement of the receiver 3 and filter 15 is not limited here. To improve the filtration effect of filter 15 on the refrigerant, filter 15 is placed downstream of receiver 3 in the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circuit. However, in the thermal management system of this application, the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit in opposite directions in cooling and heating modes. Therefore, in one mode (cooling or heating), filter 15 is placed downstream of receiver 3, and in the other mode, filter 15 is placed downstream of receiver 3. However, since receiver 3 stores a large amount of refrigerant, impurities carried during the flow through receiver 3 will settle at the bottom of receiver 3, thus achieving the filtration effect.

[0051] In some embodiments, the reservoir 3 and the filter 15 are disposed between the first branch 7 and the second branch 8. This arrangement ensures that the refrigerant in the process reservoir 3 and the filter 15 is always positioned between the first branch 7 and the second branch 8, regardless of whether the thermal management system is in battery cooling mode or battery heating mode. This guarantees that the refrigerant in the process reservoir 3 and the filter 15 is high-pressure refrigerant, thereby improving the refrigerant filtration capacity.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a fifth branch 16, a sixth branch 17, and a third heat exchanger 18. The fifth branch 16 connects to the air supply port of the compressor 1 and the filter 15. The sixth branch 17 is connected in parallel with the fifth branch 16, and a first heat exchanger 2 and a multi-way valve 6 are provided on the sixth branch 17. The third heat exchanger 18 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 fifth branch 16, and the second heat exchange section is located in the sixth branch 17. A third throttling element 19 is provided on the inlet side of the second heat exchange section in the sixth branch 17. The sixth branch 17 is used as the main circulation route, and the fifth branch 16 is used as the auxiliary circulation route.

[0053] 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 sixth branch 17, 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 first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18. The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section is divided into two parts; one part flows to the third throttling element 19 of the fifth branch 16. Adjusting the opening of the third throttling element 19 throttles this part of the refrigerant into a lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant. This lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18. The lower-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant in the second heat exchange section exchanges heat with the medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section. The refrigerant then flows through the second heat exchange section to the gas inlet of the compressor 1. Another portion of the refrigerant flows to the second throttling device 12, 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 4 and transfers its cooling capacity to the battery. The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 flows through the gas-liquid separator 5 and then back 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 fifth branch 16 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.

[0054] 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 4, where it transfers heat to the battery. After passing through the second heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part flows to the third throttling element 19 of the fifth branch 16. Adjusting the opening of the third throttling element 19 throttles this part of the refrigerant into medium-pressure refrigerant. This medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18. The medium-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section then flows to… The compressor 1 receives a gas supply port; another portion of the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18 in the sixth branch 17, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section. The refrigerant then flows out of the first heat exchange section to the first throttling element 11 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 increase its temperature. The heated refrigerant then flows back to the compressor 1 after passing through the gas-liquid separator 5. Both portions of the refrigerant flow back to the compressor 1 to complete one heating cycle for the battery. Here, by setting up the fifth branch 16 to guide the medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant to the gas supply port of the compressor 1, the compressor 1 is replenished with gas to increase its enthalpy in heating mode. In low-temperature environments, this increases the discharge capacity of the compressor 1, thereby increasing the heating amount for the battery and expanding the heating temperature range.

[0055] In some embodiments, a first shut-off valve 22 is provided between the second heat exchanger 4 and the first heat exchanger 2, and a second shut-off valve 23 is provided between the second heat exchanger 4 and the gas-liquid separator 5. With this configuration, when it is necessary to stop the refrigerant circuit in operation, the refrigerant in the circuit needs to be gradually recovered. This is achieved by adjusting the opening and closing of the first shut-off valve 22 and the second shut-off valve 23, so that the liquid receiver 3 can gradually recover the refrigerant in the circuit, improving the convenience of terminal maintenance and greatly reducing the refrigerant loss during the disassembly and assembly of the second heat exchanger 4.

[0056] Of course, at least one of the first shut-off valve 22 and the second shut-off valve 23 can be replaced with a solenoid valve. This configuration allows the controller to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve to regulate the refrigerant circuit, and improves the convenience of system adjustment. Alternatively, both the first shut-off valve 22 and the second shut-off valve 23 can be set as solenoid valves to achieve one-button automatic refrigerant recovery.

[0057] 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.

[0058] A control method for a thermal management system, applicable to any of the above-mentioned thermal management systems, includes the following steps:

[0059] In heating mode:

[0060] The first port (a) and the fourth port (d) of the multi-way valve 6 are connected, and the second port (b) and the third port (c) are connected. The first throttling element 11 and the third throttling element 19 are opened, the second throttling element 12 is closed, and the compressor 1 is started. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows through the first port of the multi-way valve 6, the fourth port of the multi-way valve 6, and the second heat exchanger 4 in sequence and is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element 19 and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18 and then flows to the gas injection port of the compressor 1. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18, the first throttling element 11, the first heat exchanger 2, the second port of the multi-way valve 6, the third port of the multi-way valve 6, and the gas-liquid separator 5 and then flows back to the compressor 1.

[0061] In cooling mode:

[0062] The first and second ports of the multi-way valve 6 are connected, as are the third and fourth ports. The second throttling element 12 and the third throttling element 19 are opened, the first throttling element 11 is closed, and the compressor 1 is started. This causes the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 to flow sequentially through the first port of the multi-way valve 6, the second port of the multi-way valve 6, the first heat exchanger 2, and the first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18, after which the refrigerant is divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element 19 and the second heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger 18, and then flows to the gas injection port of the compressor 1. The other part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling element 12, the second heat exchanger 4, the fourth port of the multi-way valve 6, the third port of the multi-way valve 6, and the gas-liquid separator 5, and then flows back to the compressor 1.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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, This device is used for heat exchange between multiple batteries in an energy storage system, including a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the environment, and a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with the batteries, connected in sequence. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger include a first branch and a second branch connected in series, a third branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and a fourth branch connected in parallel with the second branch. The first branch is provided with a first throttling device, and the third branch is provided with a first one-way valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger; The second branch is provided with a second throttling device, and the fourth branch is provided with a second check valve that only allows refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger; A filter is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; the filter is disposed between the first branch and the second branch; The fifth branch connects the compressor's air inlet to the filter; The sixth branch is connected in parallel with the fifth branch and is connected to the compressor. The sixth branch is equipped with the first heat exchanger and a multi-way valve. 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 multi-port valve includes a first port connected to the compressor, a second port connected to the first heat exchanger, a third port connected to the gas-liquid separator, and a fourth port connected to the second heat exchanger. In different modes, different ports among the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port are connected in pairs. The first heat exchange section is located in the fifth branch, the second heat exchange section is located in the sixth branch, and a third throttling element is provided on the inlet side of the second heat exchange section in the sixth branch; a first shut-off valve is provided between the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger, and a second shut-off valve is provided between the second heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator.

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

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid receiver disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, with a unit located between the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve, and the liquid receiver is capable of storing all refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit other than the unit.

4. An energy storage container, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes any one of claims 1-3.

5. A control method for a thermal management system, characterized in that, The thermal management system applicable to any one of claims 1-3 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, and the second heat exchanger, before being divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant flows through the third throttling element and the second 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 first heat exchange section of the third heat exchanger, the first 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, as are the third and fourth ports. The second and third throttling elements are opened, the first 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 first 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 third throttling element and the second 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 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 before flowing back to the compressor.

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