Thermal management system and unit

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal management system and a unit, and relates to the technical field of energy storage and heat exchange, and the thermal management system mainly comprises an expansion kettle, a battery pack, a water pump, a plate type evaporator, a thermostatic expansion valve, a compressor, a ternary heat exchanger, a cooling fan, a three-way valve, a two-way valve, a temperature sensor and other components. The plate type evaporator and the ternary heat exchanger are each of a double-channel structure, and the double-channel structures are used for synchronous and independent circulation of two paths of fluid. By controlling the on-off of the three-way valve and the two-way valve, the system can automatically switch different heat exchange working loops according to the change of the environment temperature. In the different working loops, the refrigerant and the cooling liquid can exchange heat cooperatively or independently, gradual change of the heat exchange efficiency is achieved, and therefore the heating and cooling requirements of the energy storage system at different environment temperatures are met, and the energy storage system is kept at the appropriate and stable working temperature. The method has the effect of respectively realizing accurate temperature control of the battery pack and the PCS at different environment temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy storage and heat exchange, and in particular to a thermal management system and a unit. Background Art

[0002] The energy storage system often uses a combination of a battery pack (PACK) and a power conversion system (PCS). The battery pack consists of multiple cells for storing electrical energy. The power conversion system is responsible for adjusting the charge and discharge state of the battery according to the instructions of the energy management system (EMS) to ensure the effective use of electrical energy and the stable operation of the power grid.

[0003] Ambient temperature that is too cold or too hot will have an adverse effect on the operation of the battery pack and the energy storage inverter, so a thermal management system will be equipped to insulate or dissipate heat for the energy storage system. The existing PACK+PCS two-in-one cooling system usually connects the cooling pipeline of the battery pack and the cooling pipeline of the PCS in series in the heat exchange system to form an overall energy storage cooling pipeline. The temperature is monitored at the inlet and outlet of the overall energy storage cooling pipeline, and the gear of the cooling equipment is adjusted according to the ambient temperature.

[0004] However, there is a temperature difference between the battery pack and the PCS during operation. The PCS continuously releases heat during operation, while the battery pack absorbs or releases heat depending on the ambient temperature. The existing cooling system can only detect the temperature of the inlet and outlet of the overall energy storage cooling pipeline, and it is difficult to achieve precise temperature control of the battery pack and PCS respectively under different ambient temperatures. Summary of the invention

[0005] The problem solved by the present invention is how to achieve accurate temperature control of a battery pack and a PCS respectively under different ambient temperatures.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a thermal management system and a machine unit.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A thermal management system, comprising an expansion kettle, a battery pack, a PCS, a battery water pump, a PCS water pump, a plate evaporator, a thermal expansion valve, a compressor, a ternary heat exchanger, a cooling fan, a three-way valve, a first two-way valve, a second two-way valve, an ambient temperature sensor, a battery inlet temperature sensor, a battery outlet temperature sensor, a PCS inlet temperature sensor, and a PCS outlet temperature sensor; the plate evaporator and the ternary heat exchanger are both dual-channel structures, and the dual-channel structure is used for synchronous and independent circulation of two-channel fluids;

[0009] The battery inlet temperature sensor, the battery pack, the battery outlet temperature sensor, the second two-way valve, the PCS inlet temperature sensor, the PCS, the PCS outlet temperature sensor, the PCS water pump, and the three-way valve are sequentially connected through pipelines to form an internal heating circuit;

[0010] The plate evaporator, thermal expansion valve, three-element heat exchanger and compressor are connected in sequence through pipelines to form a refrigeration circuit;

[0011] The plate evaporator, the battery outlet temperature sensor, the battery pack, the battery inlet temperature sensor, the three-way valve, the expansion kettle, and the battery water pump are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a battery cooling circuit;

[0012] The PCS, the PCS outlet temperature sensor, the PCS water pump, the first two-way valve, the ternary heat exchanger, and the PCS inlet temperature sensor are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a PCS air-cooling heat dissipation circuit;

[0013] The plate evaporator, the second two-way valve, the PCS inlet temperature sensor, the PCS, the PCS outlet temperature sensor, the PCS water pump, the three-way valve, the expansion kettle, and the battery water pump are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a PCS cooling circuit.

[0014] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that by setting the ternary heat exchanger and the plate evaporator as a dual-path structure, the cooling circulation loops with two different media can be operated synchronously. By converting the communication paths of the three-way valve, the first two-way valve and the second two-way valve, the system can be switched to different working loops. In combination with the ambient temperature sensor, the battery inlet temperature sensor, the battery outlet temperature sensor, the PCS inlet temperature sensor and the PCS outlet temperature sensor, the thermal management system can automatically switch to the corresponding working loop as the ambient temperature changes, and perform heating or heat dissipation of different intensities according to the temperature requirements of the battery pack and the PCS, thereby achieving independent and precise temperature control of the battery pack and the PCS.

[0015] Optionally, the internal heating circuit further includes a PTC heater, and the PTC heater is used to heat the fluid in the pipeline.

[0016] Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger includes a heat dissipation pipe, a partition is provided inside the heat dissipation pipe, the partition separates the inner cavity of the heat dissipation pipe into a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is used to connect the forced cooling circuit, and the second channel is used to connect the PCS air cooling circuit.

[0017] Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger also includes a connecting pipe, both ends of the heat dissipation pipe are respectively fixedly connected to one of the connecting pipes, and the plurality of heat dissipation pipes are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is provided with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet, the first channel is connected to the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet through a pipeline, and the second channel is connected to the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet through a pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, a plurality of the first channels are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the first liquid outlet; a plurality of the second channels are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the second liquid outlet.

[0019] Optionally, heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the heat dissipation pipe.

[0020] Optionally, the heat dissipation pipe is a plate structure, and the heat dissipation pipe further includes a diverter plate, and the diverter plate is used to separate a plurality of flow channels inside the first channel or the second channel.

[0021] Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger further includes a liquid storage tank, which is connected to the second channel and is used to store heat exchange medium. The installation position of the ternary heat exchanger is higher than that of the plate evaporator.

[0022] Optionally, the heat exchange medium circulating in the refrigeration circuit is a refrigerant, and the heat exchange medium circulating in the internal heating circuit, the battery cooling circuit, the PCS air cooling circuit and the PCS cooling circuit is a coolant.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management unit, comprising a chassis, an intelligent control system and the thermal management system as described above, wherein the thermal management system is installed inside the chassis, the ambient temperature sensor is electrically connected to the intelligent control system, and the intelligent control system is configured to automatically control the operation of each component in the thermal management system and the on and off of each circuit.

[0024] Since the technical improvements and technical effects of the thermal management unit are the same as those of the thermal management system, the thermal management unit will not be described in detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a working principle diagram of the internal heating circuit.

[0027] Figure 3 This is the working principle diagram of the battery cooling circuit and the PCS air cooling circuit.

[0028] Figure 4This is the working principle diagram of the PCS cooling circuit.

[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a ternary heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a heat dissipation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the first channel of the ternary heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the second channel of the ternary heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of the ternary heat exchanger in part A.

[0034] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal management unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] 1. Expansion kettle; 2. Battery pack; 3. PCS; 4. Battery water pump; 5. PCS water pump; 6. Plate evaporator; 7. Thermal expansion valve; 8. Compressor; 9. Ternary heat exchanger; 901. Heat pipe; 9011. Baffle; 9012. First channel; 9013. Second channel; 9014. Heat dissipation fin; 9015. Diverter plate; 902. Connecting pipe; 9021. First liquid inlet; 9022. First liquid outlet; 9023, second liquid inlet; 9024, second liquid outlet; 10, cooling fan; 11, three-way valve; 12, first two-way valve; 13, second two-way valve; 14, ambient temperature sensor; 15, battery inlet temperature sensor; 16, battery outlet temperature sensor; 17, PCS inlet temperature sensor; 18, PCS outlet temperature sensor; 19, PTC heater; 20, liquid storage tank; 21, bracket; 22, chassis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present invention are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] The Z axis in the drawings represents the vertical direction, that is, the up and down position, and the positive direction of the Z axis represents the top, and the reverse direction of the Z axis represents the bottom; the X axis in the drawings represents the horizontal direction, and is designated as the front and back position, and the positive direction of the X axis represents the front side, and the reverse direction of the X axis represents the back side; the Y axis in the drawings represents the left and right position, and the positive direction of the Y axis represents the left side, and the reverse direction of the Y axis represents the right side. It should also be noted that the aforementioned Z axis, Y axis, and X axis are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0039] The term "including" and its variations used in this document are open inclusions, that is, "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "based at least in part on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". The relevant definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the present invention are only used to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0040] It should be noted that the modifications of "one" and "plurality" mentioned in the present invention are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, it should be understood as "one or more".

[0041] In the related art, the two-in-one energy storage system of battery pack 2 and PCS3 is often used in the field of electric vehicle manufacturing. Since the driving environment of the car is complex and changeable, the battery pack 2 and PCS3, as core components, need to adapt to the changes in ambient temperature caused by seasonal and regional changes. The ambient temperature has a great influence on the service life and working state of the battery pack 2. Usually, the battery pack 2 can maintain a better working state only under a constant temperature of 20℃-25℃. In a sub-zero cold environment, the heat generated by the energy storage system itself is not enough to provide a stable and suitable temperature environment, so the battery pack 2 needs to be heated; and in a high temperature environment higher than the constant operating temperature, the battery pack 2 needs to be cooled. PCS3 will continue to generate heat during operation, so cooling and heat dissipation are required at any ambient temperature.

[0042] It is precisely because the battery pack 2 and PCS3 have different requirements for heat exchange during operation that the method of connecting the cooling pipes of the battery pack 2 and the cooling pipes of the PCS3 in series for heat exchange in the related technology is difficult to accurately control the temperature of the battery pack 2 and PCS3 respectively. Long-term operation at unsuitable ambient temperature will shorten the service life of the energy storage battery system.

[0043] Under existing technical conditions, if you want to achieve precise temperature control of battery pack 2 and PCS 3, you need to set up two independent thermal management devices to perform thermal management on battery pack 2 or PCS 3. This will cause the volume of the equipment to increase exponentially, thereby increasing the difficulty of system assembly, and it is contrary to the development direction of integration and simplification of mechanical equipment, making it difficult to meet market demand.

[0044] In view of the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies, the present invention provides a thermal management system and a unit.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 A thermal management system provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes an expansion kettle 1, a battery pack 2, a PCS 3, a battery water pump 4, a PCS water pump 5, a plate evaporator 6, a thermal expansion valve 7, a compressor 8, a ternary heat exchanger 9, a cooling fan 10, a three-way valve 11, a first two-way valve 12, a second two-way valve 13, an ambient temperature sensor 14, a battery inlet temperature sensor 15, a battery outlet temperature sensor 16, a PCS inlet temperature sensor 17, and a PCS outlet temperature sensor 18; the plate evaporator 6 and the ternary heat exchanger 9 are both dual-channel structures, and the dual-channel structure is used for synchronous and independent circulation of two-way fluids.

[0046] Among them, the battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the battery pack 2, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the second two-way valve 13, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17, the PCS3, the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18, the PCS water pump 5, and the three-way valve 11 are connected in sequence through pipelines to form an internal heating circuit.

[0047] The plate evaporator 6, the thermal expansion valve 7, the three-element heat exchanger 9 and the compressor 8 are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a refrigeration circuit.

[0048] The plate evaporator 6, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the battery pack 2, the battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the three-way valve 11, the expansion kettle 1, and the battery water pump 4 are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a battery cooling circuit.

[0049] The PCS 3 , the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18 , the PCS water pump 5 , the first two-way valve 12 , the ternary heat exchanger 9 , and the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17 are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a PCS air-cooling circuit.

[0050] The plate evaporator 6, the second two-way valve 13, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17, the PCS 3, the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18, the PCS water pump 5, the three-way valve 11, the expansion kettle 1, and the battery water pump 4 are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a PCS cooling circuit.

[0051] Specifically, the thermal management system of this embodiment adopts liquid cooling circulation heat exchange technology, and the battery water pump 4 and the PCS water pump 5 provide driving force for the heat exchange medium flowing through the battery pack 2 and PCS3 respectively. The three ports of the three-way valve 11 are respectively connected to the plate evaporator 6, the battery pack 2, and the PCS3; the two ports of the first two-way valve 12 are respectively connected to the ternary heat exchanger 9 and the PCS3; the two ports of the second two-way valve 13 are respectively connected to the battery pack 2 and the PCS3. In the figure, "T" represents a temperature sensor, and "P" represents a pressure sensor; the solid line pipeline and the dotted line pipeline represent two different heat exchange mediums that circulate independently.

[0052] In this embodiment, the solid line in the figure indicates that the heat exchange medium circulating in the refrigeration circuit is the refrigerant, and the refrigerant temperature is forced to increase by the compressor 8, and then the heat is dissipated by the ternary heat exchanger 9. The internal heating circuit, the battery cooling circuit, the PCS air cooling circuit and the pipelines in the PCS cooling circuit are all represented by dotted lines, and the heat exchange medium circulating in the dotted line pipeline is a coolant mixed with ethylene glycol and water.

[0053] The ambient temperature sensor 14, the battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17 and the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18 are all characterized by the external control system. The ambient temperature sensor 14 converts the temperature signal into an electrical signal and feeds it back to the external control system. The external control system switches between different working circuits by controlling the on-off of the three-way valve 11, the first two-way valve 12 and the second two-way valve 13; and then controls and adjusts the heat exchange power of the current working circuit by monitoring the specific temperature and temperature difference of the water inlet and outlet of the battery pack 2 and PCS3 respectively, thereby realizing automatic control of the heat exchange mode of the energy storage system according to the ambient temperature and maintaining the constant temperature working state of the battery pack 2 and PCS3.

[0054] By switching the communication paths of the three-way valve 11, the first two-way valve 12 and the second two-way valve 13, the thermal management system can be switched to different working circuits. In combination with the ambient temperature sensor 14, the battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17 and the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18, the thermal management system can automatically switch to the corresponding working circuit as the ambient temperature changes, and perform heating or heat dissipation of different intensities according to the temperature requirements of the battery pack 2 and the PCS 3, thereby achieving independent and precise temperature control of the battery pack 2 and the PCS 3.

[0055] Reference Figure 2-Figure 4This embodiment takes the three cases of ambient temperature below 0℃, 0℃-35℃ and above 35℃ as examples to specifically describe how to achieve automatic and precise temperature control of battery pack 2 and PCS3 by switching different working circuits at different ambient temperatures. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the heat exchange medium. For easier understanding, Figure 2-Figure 4 Only the operating working circuit is shown in the figure, and disconnected pipes and closed components are omitted in the figure.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 When the ambient temperature is below 0°C, the battery pack 2 not only has no need for heat dissipation, but also needs to obtain heat from the outside and keep warm. At this time, close the refrigeration circuit and the first two-way valve 12, open the second two-way valve 13, and cut off the passage between the three-way valve 11 and the plate evaporator 6. The thermal management system only runs the internal heating circuit and uses the heat generated by the PCS3 to heat the battery pack 2. After closing the refrigeration circuit, the system operates at a low cost and can effectively utilize the heat energy produced by PCS3, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0057] Optionally, the internal heating circuit further includes a PTC heater 19, and the PTC heater 19 is used to heat the fluid in the pipeline.

[0058] Specifically, when the ambient temperature is too low, in order to avoid insufficient heat dissipation energy from PCS3 alone, a PTC heater 19 can be set at one end of the liquid inlet of the battery pack 2 for auxiliary heating. The full name of PTC heater 19 is Positive Temperature Coefficient heater. PTC heater 19 is an electric heating device that uses a material with a positive temperature coefficient characteristic as a heating element. The heating element material used in this embodiment is PTC ceramic. Since the resistance value of the heating element increases with the increase of temperature, the PTC heater 19 can automatically limit the current after reaching a certain temperature. After reaching the preset temperature, the PTC heater 19 can maintain a stable heating power and realize self-regulation of temperature without the need for additional temperature control devices.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the PTC heater 19 is installed at one end of the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, and the PCS water pump 5 drives the coolant to circulate counterclockwise.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3, when the ambient temperature is between 0℃-35℃, it is what we usually call the "normal temperature" state. Under the "normal temperature" state, the heating power of battery pack 2 is usually higher than that of PCS3. Therefore, compared with PCS3, battery pack 2 requires a more efficient heat exchange method. At this time, the first two-way valve 12 is opened, the second two-way valve 13 is closed, and the passage between the three-way valve 11 and PCS3 is cut off. The thermal management system simultaneously runs the refrigeration circuit, the battery cooling circuit and the PCS air cooling circuit.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 , the ternary heat exchanger 9 and the plate evaporator 6 are respectively connected to both sides of the compressor 8, and the compressor 8 increases the temperature of the refrigerant by pressurizing it. When the refrigerant flows through the plate evaporator 6, it absorbs heat by evaporation to cool down, and when it flows through the ternary heat exchanger 9, it condenses and releases heat, and cooperates with the cooling fan 10 to accelerate the heat dissipation. Since the plate evaporator 6 has a dual-channel structure, it can participate in the circulation of refrigerant and coolant at the same time. The coolant in the battery cooling circuit exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the plate evaporator 6, so that the battery pack 2 can be efficiently cooled. In the PCS air-cooling circuit, the water inlet and outlet of PCS3 are directly connected to the ternary heat exchanger 9, and the heat is naturally dissipated through the cooling fan 10.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 When the ambient temperature is higher than 35°C, which is what we call the "high temperature" state, it is difficult for PCS3 to effectively cool down by natural heat dissipation. Both the battery pack 2 and PCS3 need a more efficient heat exchange method to cool down. In the "high temperature" state, close the first two-way valve 12, and control the conversion of the three-way valve 11 and the second two-way valve 13 to make the battery cooling circuit and the PCS cooling circuit run alternately. At this time, the battery cooling circuit and the PCS cooling circuit are connected in parallel with the refrigeration circuit respectively, and the battery pack 2 and PCS3 are forced to cool down through the plate evaporator 6. In the PCS cooling circuit, the battery water pump 4 and the PCS water pump 5 are connected in series, so as to speed up the flow rate of the coolant and further improve the heat exchange efficiency. The cooling fan 10 is electrically connected to the battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17 and the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18. The cooling fan 10 can automatically adjust the wind force according to the temperature of the coolant entering and leaving the battery pack 2 and PCS3. The higher the temperature, the greater the wind force, so that the heat dissipation efficiency is adapted to the heat dissipation demand.

[0063] In summary, the thermal management system disclosed in this embodiment can accurately control the temperature of the battery pack 2 and PCS3 at "low temperature", "normal temperature" and "high temperature" respectively by using only the same set of equipment without adding cooling equipment, which greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of thermal management. As the ambient temperature increases from low to high, the heat exchange efficiency is gradually improved by cleverly using the switching of different circuits, rather than the general use of refrigeration equipment for forced cooling in the prior art, so as to always keep the heat exchange efficiency in line with the ambient temperature, thereby playing a role in energy saving and emission reduction.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger 9 includes a heat dissipation pipe 901, and a partition 9011 is provided inside the heat dissipation pipe 901. The partition 9011 separates the inner cavity of the heat dissipation pipe 901 into a first channel 9012 and a second channel 9013. The first channel 9012 is used to connect the refrigeration circuit, and the second channel 9013 is used to connect the PCS air cooling circuit.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation tube 901 is an aluminum tube. The X direction in the figure is the length direction of the heat dissipation tube 901. The partition 9011 is arranged along the length direction of the heat dissipation tube 901, and is fixed in the center of the inner cavity of the heat dissipation tube 901. The first channel 9012 and the second channel 9013 are axially symmetrically distributed relative to the partition 9011 in the YZ plane. One end of the first channel 9012 is connected to the compressor 8, and the other end is connected to the thermal expansion valve 7 for refrigerant circulation; one end of the second channel 9013 is connected to the first two-way valve 12, and the other end is divided into two, respectively connected to the second two-way valve 13 and PCS3, for coolant circulation. The first channel 9012 and the second channel 9013 together constitute a dual-channel structure of the ternary heat exchanger 9.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger 9 further includes a connecting pipe 902, both ends of the heat dissipation pipe 901 are respectively fixedly connected to one of the connecting pipes 902, and the plurality of heat dissipation pipes 901 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the connecting pipe 902. The connecting pipe 902 is provided with a first liquid inlet 9021, a first liquid outlet 9022, a second liquid inlet 9023 and a second liquid outlet 9024, the first channel 9012 is connected to the first liquid inlet 9021 and the first liquid outlet 9022 through a pipeline, and the second channel 9013 is connected to the second liquid inlet 9023 and the second liquid outlet 9024 through a pipeline.

[0067] Specifically, two connecting tubes 902 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the heat dissipation tube 901. The Y direction in the figure is the length direction of the connecting tube 902. Multiple heat dissipation tubes 901 are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the connecting tube 902. The inner and outer contours of the ternary heat exchanger 9 composed of the two connecting tubes 902 and the multiple heat dissipation tubes 901 are rectangular in the XY plane. In order to facilitate the connection of the connecting tube 902, the first liquid inlet 9021, the first liquid outlet 9022, the second liquid inlet 9023 and the second liquid outlet 9024 are all opened on the top wall of the connecting tube 902.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first liquid inlet 9021 and the first liquid outlet 9022 are both provided on the right connecting pipe 902 in the figure, and are respectively located at both ends of the connecting pipe 902; the second liquid outlet 9024 is provided adjacent to the first liquid outlet 9022 on the side away from the first liquid inlet 9021, and the second liquid outlet 9024 and the second liquid inlet 9023 are diagonally distributed in the XY plane relative to the ternary heat exchanger 9. Such an opening method can not only extend the circulation path of the refrigerant and the coolant in the ternary heat exchanger 9 as much as possible, but also leave installation space for easy layout of pipelines.

[0069] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 Optionally, a plurality of the first channels 9012 are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the first liquid outlet 9022 ; a plurality of the second channels 9013 are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the second liquid outlet 9024 .

[0070] Specifically, since the heat pipes 901 are arranged densely, if all the heat pipes 901 are connected in series, there will be problems such as long paths and slow flow of the heat exchange medium; if all the heat pipes 901 are connected in parallel, there will be a problem that the heat exchange medium will not have enough time to fully exchange heat. First, a certain number of heat pipes 901 are connected in parallel into groups, and then the groups are connected in series, so as to ensure smooth circulation of the pipelines and allow the heat exchange medium to stay long enough when flowing through the ternary heat exchanger 9 for sufficient heat exchange. A "cross" filled area in the figure represents a parallel group, and the arrow represents the flow direction of the heat exchange medium.

[0071] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, since the first liquid inlet 9021 and the first liquid outlet 9022 are both opened on the same connecting pipe 902, the first channels 9012 are divided into an even number of groups. According to actual conditions, the first channels 9012 are selected to be connected in parallel into groups of six each, for a total of four groups.

[0072] Reference Figure 8In this embodiment, since the second liquid inlet 9023 and the second liquid outlet 9024 are respectively opened on different connecting pipes 902, the second channels 9013 are divided into an odd number of groups. According to actual conditions, the second channels 9013 are selected to be connected in parallel into groups of five or four, for a total of five groups.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 Optionally, the heat dissipation pipe 901 is a plate structure, and the heat dissipation pipe 901 further includes a diverter plate 9015 , and the diverter plate 9015 is used to separate a plurality of flow channels inside the first channel 9012 or the second channel 9013 .

[0074] Specifically, the heat dissipation pipe 901 is configured as a flat pipe, which can maximize the area of ​​the outer peripheral wall, thereby being more conducive to rapid heat dissipation; and as many heat dissipation pipes 901 as possible can be installed within the limited length range of the connecting pipe 902. Multiple splitter plates 9015 separate the first channel 9012 and the second channel 9013 into multiple independent flow channels. The provision of the splitter plates 9015 can further increase the contact area between the heat exchange medium and the flow channel wall, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] In this embodiment, the two ends of the diverter plate 9015 are respectively welded and fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the partition 9011 and the heat pipe 901, and multiple diverter plates 9015 are arranged at equal intervals along the Z direction. The coolant mixed with ethylene glycol and water has a large surface tension. If the channel aperture is too small, it will hinder the flow of the coolant; while the refrigerant has a small surface tension and can pass through the flow channel with a smaller aperture. Considering the physical properties of the heat exchange medium, fifteen diverter plates 9015 are provided in the first channel 9012, and three diverter plates 9015 are provided in the second channel 9013. On the premise of ensuring the smooth flow of the heat exchange medium, increasing the number of diverter plates 9015 as much as possible can improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 , Fig. 9 Optionally, a heat dissipation fin 9014 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the heat dissipation tube 901 .

[0077] Specifically, the heat dissipation fins 9014 are vertically fixed to the outer walls on both sides of the heat dissipation tube 901, one end of the heat dissipation fin 9014 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the heat dissipation tube 901, and the width of the end of the heat dissipation fin 9014 away from the outer wall of the heat dissipation tube 901 gradually narrows to form a tip. A plurality of heat dissipation fins 9014 are arranged on the left and right walls of the heat dissipation tube 901 at equal intervals along the length direction of the heat dissipation tube 901. In order to reduce the spacing between the heat dissipation tubes 901 and avoid mutual interference between the heat dissipation fins 9014 on adjacent heat dissipation tubes 901, the heat dissipation fins 9014 on the left and right walls may be staggered. Figure 6 The Y direction is left, combined with Fig. 9It can be seen that the heat dissipation fins 9014 on the right side wall and the heat dissipation fins 9014 on the left side wall of the adjacent heat dissipation tube 901 are inserted into each other's gaps in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0078] Reference Figure 5 , Fig.10 Optionally, the ternary heat exchanger 9 further includes a liquid storage tank 20 , which is connected to the second channel 9013 , and is used to store heat exchange medium, and the installation position of the ternary heat exchanger 9 is higher than the plate evaporator 6 .

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat exchange medium stored in the liquid storage tank 20 is ethylene glycol coolant. The liquid storage tank 20 and the ternary heat exchanger 9 for condensation are installed at a relatively high position, while the plate evaporator 6 is installed at a relatively low position, so that the coolant can accelerate the circulation flow rate by gravity and the pressure generated after heating.

[0080] In this embodiment, a bracket 21 is provided at the bottom of the ternary heat exchanger 9, and a liquid storage tank 20 is fixedly installed at a position near the second liquid inlet 9023 on the top of the ternary heat exchanger 9, so that the ternary heat exchanger 9 and the liquid storage tank 20 are both located above the plate evaporator 6. The overhead ternary heat exchanger 9 is also conducive to air circulation and improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0081] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a thermal management unit, including the thermal management system as described above.

[0082] Reference Fig.10 The thermal management unit in this embodiment also includes a chassis 22 and an intelligent control system. Most of the components in the thermal management system are installed inside the chassis 22. The ambient temperature sensor 14 is electrically connected to the intelligent control system. The intelligent control system is configured to automatically control the operation of each component in the thermal management system and the on-off of each circuit.

[0083] Specifically, in order to more clearly show the internal structure of the chassis 22, the battery pack 2, PCS3, and the top cover and front cover of the chassis 22 are not shown in the figure. The battery pack 2 and PCS3 are located outside the chassis 22. Four wiring tubes are provided on the right side wall of the chassis 22, corresponding to the inlet and outlet of the battery pack 2 and the inlet and outlet of the PCS3 respectively. The battery inlet temperature sensor 15, the battery outlet temperature sensor 16, the PCS inlet temperature sensor 17, and the PCS outlet temperature sensor 18 are respectively installed on the wiring tubes in a one-to-one correspondence. The bracket 21 is welded to the bottom wall of the chassis 22, and an ear plate with holes is provided on the connecting pipe 902 of the ternary heat exchanger 9, and the ternary heat exchanger 9 and the bracket 21 are fixed with bolts. The ambient temperature sensor 14 is installed close to the cooling fan 10.

[0084] In this embodiment, the ternary heat exchanger 9 located on the left side of the chassis 22 is a core component and occupies half of the internal space of the chassis 22. The projection size and shape of the cooling fan 10 in the XY plane are the same as those of the ternary heat exchanger 9, and the cooling fan 10 is located directly above the ternary heat exchanger 9. The remaining components in the thermal management system are compactly installed in the empty space on the right side of the ternary heat exchanger 9 and the cooling fan 10.

[0085] The beneficial effects of the thermal management unit of this embodiment relative to the prior art are the same as those of the thermal management system described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that: It comprises an expansion kettle (1), a battery pack (2), a PCS (3), a battery water pump (4), a PCS water pump (5), a plate evaporator (6), a thermal expansion valve (7), a compressor (8), a ternary heat exchanger (9), a cooling fan (10), a three-way valve (11), a first two-way valve (12), a second two-way valve (13), an ambient temperature sensor (14), a battery inlet temperature sensor (15), a battery outlet temperature sensor (16), a PCS inlet temperature sensor (17), and a PCS outlet temperature sensor (18); the plate evaporator (6) and the ternary heat exchanger (9) are both dual-channel structures, and the dual-channel structure is used for synchronous and independent circulation of two-channel fluids; The battery inlet temperature sensor (15), the battery pack (2), the battery outlet temperature sensor (16), the second two-way valve (13), the PCS inlet temperature sensor (17), the PCS (3), the PCS outlet temperature sensor (18), the PCS water pump (5), and the three-way valve (11) are sequentially connected through pipelines to form an internal heating circuit; The plate evaporator (6), the thermal expansion valve (7), the three-element heat exchanger (9), and the compressor (8) are connected in sequence through pipelines to form a refrigeration circuit; The plate evaporator (6), the battery outlet temperature sensor (16), the battery pack (2), the battery inlet temperature sensor (15), the three-way valve (11), the expansion kettle (1), and the battery water pump (4) are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a battery cooling circuit; The PCS (3), the PCS outlet temperature sensor (18), the PCS water pump (5), the first two-way valve (12), the ternary heat exchanger (9), and the PCS inlet temperature sensor (17) are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a PCS air cooling circuit; The plate evaporator (6), the second two-way valve (13), the PCS inlet temperature sensor (17), the PCS (3), the PCS outlet temperature sensor (18), the PCS water pump (5), the three-way valve (11), the expansion kettle (1), and the battery water pump (4) are connected in sequence through pipelines to form a PCS cooling circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal heating circuit also includes a PTC heater (19), and the PTC heater (19) is used to heat the fluid in the pipeline.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ternary heat exchanger (9) comprises a heat dissipation pipe (901), wherein a partition (9011) is provided inside the heat dissipation pipe (901), wherein the partition (9011) separates the inner cavity of the heat dissipation pipe (901) into a first channel (9012) and a second channel (9013), wherein the first channel (9012) is used to connect to the refrigeration circuit, and the second channel (9013) is used to connect to the PCS air cooling circuit.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ternary heat exchanger (9) further comprises a connecting pipe (902), both ends of the heat dissipation pipe (901) are respectively fixedly connected to one of the connecting pipes (902), a plurality of the heat dissipation pipes (901) are spaced apart along the axial direction of the connecting pipe (902), the connecting pipe (902) is provided with a first liquid inlet (9021), a first liquid outlet (9022), a second liquid inlet (9023) and a second liquid outlet (9024), the first channel (9012) is connected to the first liquid inlet (9021) and the first liquid outlet (9022) through a pipeline, and the second channel (9013) is connected to the second liquid inlet (9023) and the second liquid outlet (9024) through a pipeline.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of the first channels (9012) are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the first liquid outlet (9022); a plurality of the second channels (9013) are connected in series or in parallel and then converge into the second liquid outlet (9024).

6. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the heat dissipation pipe (901) is provided with heat dissipation fins (9014).

7. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat dissipation tube (901) is a plate-type structure, and the heat dissipation tube (901) further comprises a flow divider (9015), wherein the flow divider (9015) is used to separate a plurality of flow channels inside the first channel (9012) or the second channel (9013).

8. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ternary heat exchanger further comprises a liquid storage tank (20), the liquid storage tank (20) being connected to the second channel (9013), the liquid storage tank (20) being used for storing heat exchange medium, and the installation position of the ternary heat exchanger (9) is higher than the plate evaporator (6).

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange medium circulating in the refrigeration circuit is a refrigerant, and the heat exchange medium circulating in the internal heating circuit, the battery cooling circuit, the PCS air cooling circuit and the PCS cooling circuit is a coolant.

10. A thermal management unit, characterized in that: It comprises a chassis (22), an intelligent control system and a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thermal management system is installed inside the chassis (22), the ambient temperature sensor (14) is electrically connected to the intelligent control system, and the intelligent control system is configured to automatically control the operation of each component in the thermal management system and the on-off of each circuit.

Images