Thermal management unit, control method of thermal management unit and energy storage center

Abstract

The heat management unit comprises a first loop, the first loop comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger communicates with the second heat exchanger; the second loop comprises a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger and a dry cooler, and the third heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchanger and the dry cooler are communicated; the first valve can enable the first loop to communicate with the second loop; the refrigeration module comprises at least one compressor and at least one throttling element, the air suction side communicates with the first heat exchanger, the exhaust side communicates with the third heat exchanger, and the at least one throttling element communicates with the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger can operate in the compression refrigeration mode and the natural liquid cooling mode correspondingly, natural liquid cooling is conducted on the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger at the same time through switching of the first valve, on the premise that the refrigeration requirements of at least two loads are met, the environment temperature difference is fully utilized, and more energy is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal management, and in particular to a thermal management unit. Background Art

[0002] With the trend of large-capacity energy storage systems and high-rate batteries, it is increasingly important for energy storage-related thermal management systems to control the overall battery cell temperature within an appropriate range. Thermal management-related systems provide heat dissipation for energy storage cells through coolant or air to ensure safe and reliable operation of the energy storage system and extend the service life of the energy storage battery.

[0003] At present, in the energy storage container integrated system, the application technology of liquid cooling has been widely promoted. However, in the current liquid cooling heat dissipation system, the cold source is mainly provided by the water cooling unit to provide the cooling demand for the battery cell, and most of the PCS (Power Conversion System, energy storage converter) in the energy storage system adopts air cooling, which has low cooling efficiency and poor economy. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a thermal management unit in a first aspect, comprising:

[0005] A first circuit, the first circuit comprising a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger being in communication with the second heat exchanger;

[0006] A second circuit, the second circuit includes a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger and a dry cooler, and the third heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchanger and the dry cooler are connected;

[0007] a first valve member, the first valve member being capable of connecting the first circuit with the second circuit;

[0008] A refrigeration module, the refrigeration module includes at least one compressor and at least one throttling element, at least one compressor includes an intake side and an exhaust side, the intake side is connected to a first heat exchanger, the exhaust side is connected to a third heat exchanger, and at least one throttling element is connected to the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

[0009] With this arrangement, the thermal management unit has more room for coordination and can flexibly select compression refrigeration by the refrigeration module or natural cooling by the dry cooler according to different ambient temperatures and cooling needs. When the environmental conditions are good or the cooling demand is not large, natural cooling is used. While ensuring the cooling demand of the thermal management unit, the overall economy is better, more energy-saving and the thermal management efficiency is higher.

[0010] Optionally, in a first working mode, the refrigeration module is turned on, the first valve component is in a first state, and the first circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit; in a second working mode, the refrigeration module is closed, the first valve component is in a second state, the first circuit is connected with the second circuit, and the first circuit is connected in series with the second circuit.

[0011] With this setting, the management and control of the thermal management unit is more flexible, the system's cooling management of the energy storage battery and PCS module is more refined, and the overall energy saving and economy are better.

[0012] Optionally, the first valve component includes interface G, interface H, interface I, and interface J. Interface G and interface H are respectively connected to the first circuit, and interface I and interface J are respectively connected to the second circuit. In the first state of the first valve component, interface H is connected to interface G, and interface J is connected to interface I; in the second state, interface H is connected to interface I, and interface J is connected to interface G.

[0013] By using the four-way valve solution to switch the working mode, the system is simpler, the management system is more simplified, and the efficiency is higher.

[0014] Optionally, the first valve component includes a first valve and a second valve, the first valve includes interface A, interface B, and interface C, interface A and interface B are respectively connected to the first circuit, and interface C is connected to the second circuit; the second valve includes interface D, interface E, and interface F, interface D and interface E are respectively connected to the second circuit, and interface F is connected to the first circuit, when the first valve component is in a first state, interface A is connected to interface B, interface C is closed, interface D is connected to interface E, and interface F is closed; when the first valve component is in a second state, interface B is connected to interface C, interface A is closed, interface E is connected to interface F, and interface D is closed.

[0015] The connection switching of the pipeline is realized by two three-way valves, the structure is simple, and efficient switching of the working mode can be realized.

[0016] Optionally, the third heat exchanger is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger, the inlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger, and the outlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger.

[0017] With this arrangement, the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium in the second circuit is smaller and the pump circulation pressure is smaller.

[0018] Optionally, the third heat exchanger is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger, the outlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger, or the inlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger, and the second circuit includes a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel, the first branch includes the third heat exchanger, and the second branch is configured as a shunt branch.

[0019] A portion of the heat exchange medium passing through the dry cooler flows through the fourth heat exchanger, and the other portion directly flows through the second branch to the third heat exchanger for condensation of the refrigeration module. With this arrangement, the distribution of the heat exchange medium is more reasonable, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0020] Optionally, the second branch includes a second valve component, the second valve component includes a check valve, the check valve includes a first interface and a second interface, the check valve flows in from the first interface and flows out from the second interface, the first interface is connected to the dry cooler, and the second interface is connected to the third heat exchanger.

[0021] A check valve is provided on the second branch to prevent the heat exchange medium from flowing in a disordered direction after passing through the fourth heat exchanger.

[0022] Optionally, the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are partition-type heat exchangers, and the side of the partition-type heat exchanger connected to the compressor is used for circulating the first heat exchange medium, and the side of the partition-type heat exchanger connected to the first valve member is used for circulating the second heat exchange medium.

[0023] Optionally, a temperature sensor is also included; the temperature sensor is used to collect the ambient temperature.

[0024] The present invention also discloses an energy storage center, comprising any one of the above-mentioned thermal management units, and also comprising

[0025] The working compartment is equipped with an energy storage battery and a PCS module. The energy storage battery performs heat exchange with the second heat exchanger, and the PCS module performs heat exchange with the fourth heat exchanger.

[0026] The refrigeration module of the thermal management unit is located outside the working compartment, and at least part of the first circuit extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery;

[0027] At least a portion of the second loop extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery and / or PCS module.

[0028] The working mode of the thermal management unit can be flexibly adjusted according to the different ambient temperatures and cooling requirements. In summer, when the environmental conditions are poor, the dry cooler can be used to liquid-cool the PCS module to meet the cooling requirements of the PCS in the energy storage system. At the same time, the dry cooler can provide condensation for the refrigeration module, and the refrigeration module provides cooling for the energy storage battery. In winter or transitional seasons, the first valve is used to switch to the second working mode, and the refrigeration is unified through the dry cooler through natural cooling, which is more energy-saving and more economical.

[0029] The present invention also discloses a control method for a thermal management unit, comprising the following steps:

[0030] Sense ambient temperature T;

[0031] The ambient temperature T is judged against the preset temperature T. When T≥T, the first valve component is controlled to be in the first state, the refrigeration module is turned on, and the thermal management unit operates in the first working mode; when T<T, the first valve component is controlled to be in the second state, the refrigeration module is turned off, and the thermal management unit operates in the second working mode.

[0032] Optionally, judging the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T, interface A of the first valve is connected to interface B, and interface C is closed; interface D of the second valve is connected to interface E, and interface F is closed, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module is turned on; when T<T, interface A of the first valve is closed, interface C is connected to interface B; interface E of the second valve is connected to interface, and interface D is closed, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module is closed.

[0033] Optionally, judging the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T, the interface G of the first valve component is connected with the interface H, the interface I is connected with the inlet J, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module is turned on; when T<T, the interface G of the first valve component is connected with the interface I, the interface J is connected with the interface H, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module is closed.

[0034] In this embodiment, two different refrigeration schemes are provided according to different ambient temperatures. The preset temperature T0 is different according to the thermal management requirements of the first load. The ambient temperature T is sensed by a temperature sensor and judged by the main control board. In the first working mode, the first circuit only performs thermal management for the energy storage battery, and the second circuit performs thermal management for the PCS module. The two are performed simultaneously without interfering with each other. In the second working mode, the first load and the second load are connected in series through the switching of the first valve component 3, and the dry cooler of the second circuit will perform thermal management of the first load and the second load at the same time. At this time, the refrigeration module can stop running. Through the flexible switching of the first valve component 3, the ambient temperature difference can be fully and flexibly utilized to perform thermal management for the first load and the second load, thereby ensuring that the PCS module can be fully cooled and that the first load is more energy-efficient and has higher economic benefits.

[0035] The present invention also discloses a control device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable by the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, any of the above control methods for the thermal management unit is implemented.

[0036] The present invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a controller, any of the above control methods for a thermal management unit is implemented.

[0037] The present invention can make the second heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger operate in the compression refrigeration mode and the natural liquid cooling mode respectively. Through the switching of the first valve component, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can perform natural liquid cooling at the same time. On the premise of meeting the refrigeration needs of at least two loads, the ambient temperature difference is fully utilized to save energy efficiency. The third heat exchanger and the dry cooler can realize secondary heat exchange, the thermal management efficiency is higher, and the economy of the thermal management unit is improved.

[0038] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first working mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second working mode of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first working mode of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second working mode of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first working mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second working mode of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first working mode of Example 6 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second working mode of Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0047] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first working mode of Example 7 of the present invention;

[0048] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the second working mode of embodiment 7 of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the first working mode of Example 8 of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the second working mode of Example 8 of the present invention;

[0051] Reference numerals:

[0052] First heat exchanger-1,

[0053] Second heat exchanger-2,

[0054] The third heat exchanger-3,

[0055] Second heat exchanger-4,

[0056] Dry cooler-5,

[0057] Refrigeration module-6 compressor-61 throttling element-62,

[0058] First pump-71 second pump-72 check valve-73.

[0059] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "said" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings.

[0063] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0064] It should be noted that the directional words such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" described in the embodiments of the present invention are described at the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected to another element "upper" or "lower", it can not only be directly connected to another element "upper" or "lower", but also indirectly connected to another element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0065] Example 1

[0066] A thermal management unit, comprising:

[0067] A first circuit, the first circuit comprises a first heat exchanger 1 and a second heat exchanger 2, and the first heat exchanger 1 is connected to the second heat exchanger 2;

[0068] The second circuit includes a third heat exchanger 3, a fourth heat exchanger 4 and a dry cooler 5, and the third heat exchanger 3, the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the dry cooler 5 are connected;

[0069] a first valve member, the first valve member being capable of connecting the first circuit with the second circuit;

[0070] The refrigeration module 6 includes at least one compressor 61 and at least one throttling element 62. The at least one compressor 61 includes an intake side and an exhaust side. The intake side is connected to the first heat exchanger 1, and the exhaust side is connected to the third heat exchanger 3. The at least one throttling element 62 connects the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are both plate heat exchangers, the first heat exchanger 1 is an evaporation plate heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger 3 is a condensation plate heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are connected to the refrigeration module 6 for compression refrigeration, the second heat exchanger 2 is the evaporator of the first circuit, and is used to perform thermal management for the second load. In this embodiment, it is mainly refrigeration. In this embodiment, the second load is an energy storage battery. The heat exchanger is connected to the second heat exchanger 2 through a pipeline, and a heat exchange medium circulates inside; the fourth heat exchanger 4 is used as the evaporator of the second circuit for The second load is thermally managed. In this embodiment, it is mainly refrigeration. In this embodiment, the second load is a PCS module. One side of the fourth heat exchanger 4 is connected to the third heat exchanger 3, and the other side is connected to the dry cooler 5. The heat exchange medium flows inside. The dry cooler 5 performs heat exchange with the environment as a condenser. On the one hand, the dry cooler 5 provides thermal management for the fourth heat exchanger 4, and at the same time provides thermal management for the third heat exchanger 3, and provides condensation for the refrigeration module 6. The first valve can connect the first circuit and the second circuit, and can control the connection state of the first circuit and the second circuit, so that the first circuit The second circuit forms a passage, with the dry cooler 5 acting as a condenser, and providing condensation work for the second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4; with this arrangement, the thermal management unit can have more coordination space, and can flexibly select the right refrigeration module 6 for compression refrigeration or the dry cooler 5 for natural cooling according to different ambient temperatures and different refrigeration requirements. When the ambient conditions are good or the refrigeration demand is not large, all natural cooling is adopted, which has better overall economy, more energy saving, and higher thermal management efficiency; at the same time, the PCS module adopts liquid cooling for heat dissipation, which can fully meet the requirements of PCS system compared with air cooling for heat dissipation. Cold demand, better refrigeration effect; the evaporation and condensation of the refrigeration module 6 are both plate heat exchangers, one side of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the exhaust side of the compressor 61, the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is exchanged with the heat exchange medium on the other side of the third heat exchanger 3 on one side, and further, the heat exchange medium absorbs the heat of the refrigerant and transfers the heat to the ambient air in the dry cooler 5, forming secondary heat exchange, and the refrigeration effect is better. In addition, when multiple groups of compressors 61 work in parallel, there is no need to configure multiple conventional air-cooled condensers, the structure is simpler, and the ambient temperature difference of the dry cooler 5 can be fully utilized, and the efficiency is higher.

[0072] Optionally, in a first working mode, the refrigeration module 6 is turned on, the first valve member is in a first state, and the first circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit; in a second working mode, the refrigeration module 6 is closed, the first valve member is in a second state, the first circuit is connected with the second circuit, and the first circuit is connected with the second circuit in series; in this embodiment, two working modes are included. In the first working mode, the first valve member does not connect the first circuit with the second circuit. In the first circuit, the first heat exchanger 1 is a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 2 is an evaporator. The refrigeration module 6 is turned on to provide refrigeration for the first heat exchanger 1 through compression refrigeration. Further, the working medium flowing through the first heat exchanger 1 is cooled and flows to the second heat exchanger 2. Finally, Finally, the battery module is cooled; in the second circuit, the dry cooler 5 is a condenser, and the fourth heat exchanger 4 is an evaporator. The working fluid flowing through the dry cooler 5 is cooled, and passes through the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 3 to provide cooling for the refrigeration module 6 and the PCS module; in the second working mode, the first valve is in the second state, the first circuit is connected to the second circuit, and the refrigeration module 6 is closed. At this time, in the entire thermal management unit, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 lose the heat exchange effect and only serve as a circulation channel for the heat exchange working fluid. The second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 are evaporators, the dry cooler 5 is used as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 are connected in series, and all adopt natural cooling. With this setting, the management and control of the thermal management unit is more flexible, the system has more sophisticated refrigeration management for the energy storage battery and PCS module, and the overall energy saving and economic efficiency are better.

[0073] Optionally, the first valve component includes an interface G, an interface H, an interface I, and an interface J. The interface G and the interface H are respectively connected to the first circuit, and the interface I and the interface J are respectively connected to the second circuit. In the first state of the first valve component, the interface H is connected to the interface G, and the interface J is connected to the interface I; in the second state, the interface H is connected to the interface I, and the interface J is connected to the interface G; in this embodiment, the first valve component is a four-way valve, the first circuit is driven by the first pump 71, and the second circuit is driven by the second pump 72. The interface G is connected to the outlet of the first pump 71, the interface H is connected to the inlet of the first pump 71, the interface I is connected to the inlet of the second pump 72, and the interface J is connected to the outlet of the second pump 72. In the first state, the first circuit forms the first pump 71-interface G-interface H -The circulation loop of the first heat exchanger 1-the second heat exchanger 2-the first pump 71, the second loop forms the circulation loop of the second pump 72, the dry cooler 5 module-the fourth heat exchanger 4-the third heat exchanger 3-the interface J-the interface I-the second pump 72. In the first state, the first loop and the second loop are not connected, and they circulate separately; in the second state, the interface G is connected to the interface I, and the interface J is connected to the interface H, forming a large circulation loop of the second pump 72-dry cooler 5-the fourth heat exchanger 4-the third heat exchanger 3-the interface J-the interface H-the first heat exchanger 1-the second heat exchanger 2-the first pump 71-the interface G-the interface I-the second pump 72; through the four-way valve solution to switch the working mode, the system is simpler, the management system is more simplified, and the efficiency is higher.

[0074] The third heat exchanger 3 is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, or the inlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, the second circuit includes a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel, the first branch includes the third heat exchanger 3, and the second branch is configured as a shunt branch; in this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger 4, after the heat exchange medium passes through the dry cooler 5, it first passes through the fourth heat exchanger 4 for PCS cooling, and then passes through the third heat exchanger 3 for condensation of the refrigeration module 6 In other embodiments, the heat exchanger may first pass through the third heat exchanger 3 and then pass through the fourth heat exchanger 4. In this embodiment, since the fourth heat exchanger 4 is used for cooling the PCS module and the calorific value of the PCS module is smaller than that of the energy storage battery, a second branch is provided to divert the heat exchange medium so that a part of the heat exchange medium passing through the dry cooler 5 flows through the fourth heat exchanger 4, and the other part directly flows through the second branch to the third heat exchanger 3 for condensation of the refrigeration module 6. With this arrangement, the distribution of the heat exchange medium is more reasonable, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] Optionally, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are partition-type heat exchangers, and the side of the partition-type heat exchanger connected to the compressor 61 is used to circulate the first heat exchange medium, and the side connected to the first valve member is used to circulate the second heat exchange medium; in the present embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are both plate heat exchangers, and the heat exchange mediums are water and ethylene glycol. In other embodiments, the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 can use coaxial tubes and other components that can achieve the same function.

[0076] Optionally, a temperature sensor is also included; the temperature sensor is used to collect ambient temperature, and the thermal management unit adjusts the working mode according to the collected temperature.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] The thermal management unit including embodiment 1 is different from the embodiment in that, optionally, the second branch includes a second valve component, the second valve component includes a check valve 73, the check valve 73 includes a first interface and a second interface, the check valve 73 flows into the first interface and flows out of the second interface, the first interface is connected to the dry cooler 5, and the second interface is connected to the third heat exchanger 3; in this embodiment, a check valve 73 is provided on the second branch to prevent the heat exchange medium from flowing in a disorderly direction after passing through the fourth heat exchanger 4, and a regulating valve can also be provided on the second branch to adjust the flow rate.

[0079] Example 3

[0080] The difference from Example 1 is that, optionally, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the inlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, and the outlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4; in this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 3 is arranged in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, and after the heat exchange medium is condensed by the dry cooler 5, it passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 at the same time. According to this arrangement, the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium in the second circuit is smaller, and the pump circulation pressure is smaller.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] A thermal management unit, comprising

[0083] A first circuit, the first circuit comprises a first heat exchanger 1 and a second heat exchanger 2, and the first heat exchanger 1 is connected to the second heat exchanger 2;

[0084] The second circuit includes a third heat exchanger 3, a fourth heat exchanger 4 and a dry cooler 5, and the third heat exchanger 3, the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the dry cooler 5 are connected;

[0085] a first valve member, the first valve member being capable of connecting the first circuit with the second circuit;

[0086] The refrigeration module 6 includes at least one compressor 61 and at least one throttling element 62. The at least one compressor 61 includes an intake side and an exhaust side. The intake side is connected to the first heat exchanger 1, and the exhaust side is connected to the third heat exchanger 3. The at least one throttling element 62 connects the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are both plate heat exchangers, the first heat exchanger 1 is an evaporation plate heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger 3 is a condensation plate heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are connected to the refrigeration module 6 for compression refrigeration, the second heat exchanger 2 is the evaporator of the first circuit, and is used to perform thermal management for the second load. In this embodiment, it is mainly refrigeration. In this embodiment, the first load is an energy storage battery. The heat exchanger is connected to the second heat exchanger 2 through a pipeline, and a heat exchange medium circulates inside; the fourth heat exchanger 4 is used as the evaporator of the second circuit. The second load is thermally managed. In this embodiment, it is mainly refrigeration. In this embodiment, the second load is a PCS module. One side of the fourth heat exchanger 4 is connected to the third heat exchanger 3, and the other side is connected to the dry cooler 5. The heat exchange medium flows inside. The dry cooler 5 performs heat exchange with the environment as a condenser. On the one hand, the dry cooler 5 provides thermal management for the fourth heat exchanger 4, and at the same time provides thermal management for the third heat exchanger 3, and provides condensation for the refrigeration module 6. The first valve can connect the first circuit and the second circuit, and can control the connection state of the first circuit and the second circuit, so that the first circuit The second circuit forms a passage, with the dry cooler 5 acting as a condenser, and providing condensation work for the second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4; with this arrangement, the thermal management unit can have more coordination space, and can flexibly select the right refrigeration module 6 for compression refrigeration or the dry cooler 5 for natural cooling according to different ambient temperatures and different refrigeration requirements. When the ambient conditions are good or the refrigeration demand is not large, all natural cooling is adopted, which has better overall economy, more energy saving, and higher thermal management efficiency; at the same time, the PCS module adopts liquid cooling for heat dissipation, which can fully meet the requirements of PCS system compared with air cooling for heat dissipation. Cold demand, better refrigeration effect; the evaporation and condensation of the refrigeration module 6 are both plate heat exchangers, one side of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the exhaust side of the compressor 61, the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is exchanged with the heat exchange medium on the other side of the third heat exchanger 3 on one side, and further, the heat exchange medium absorbs the heat of the refrigerant and transfers the heat to the ambient air in the dry cooler 5, forming secondary heat exchange, and the refrigeration effect is better. In addition, when multiple groups of compressors 61 work in parallel, there is no need to configure multiple conventional air-cooled condensers, the structure is simpler, and the ambient temperature difference of the dry cooler 5 can be fully utilized, and the efficiency is higher.

[0088] Optionally, in a first working mode, the refrigeration module 6 is turned on, the first valve member is in a first state, and the first circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit; in a second working mode, the refrigeration module 6 is closed, the first valve member is in a second state, the first circuit is connected with the second circuit, and the first circuit is connected with the second circuit in series; in this embodiment, two working modes are included. In the first working mode, the first valve member does not connect the first circuit with the second circuit. In the first circuit, the first heat exchanger 1 is a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 2 is an evaporator. The refrigeration module 6 is turned on to provide refrigeration for the first heat exchanger 1 through compression refrigeration. Further, the working medium flowing through the first heat exchanger 1 is cooled and flows to the second heat exchanger 2. Finally, Finally, the battery module is cooled; in the second circuit, the dry cooler 5 is a condenser, and the fourth heat exchanger 4 is an evaporator. The working medium flowing through the dry cooler 5 is cooled, and passes through the fourth heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 3 to provide cooling for the refrigeration module 6 and the PCS module; in the second working mode, the first valve is in the second state, the first circuit is connected to the second circuit, and the refrigeration module 6 is closed. At this time, in the entire thermal management unit, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 lose the heat exchange effect and only serve as a circulation channel for the heat exchange working medium. The second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 are evaporators, the dry cooler 5 is used as a condenser, the second heat exchanger 2 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 are connected in series, and all adopt natural cooling. With this arrangement, the management and control of the thermal management unit is more flexible, the system's refrigeration management of the energy storage battery and the PCS module is more sophisticated, and the overall system is more energy-efficient and economical. In other embodiments, in the second working mode, the first circuit and the second circuit can also be connected in parallel. The parallel first circuit and the second circuit can reduce the flow resistance of the thermal management unit, improve the efficiency of the heat exchange medium circulation, and reduce the pump pressure.

[0089] Optionally, the first valve component includes a first valve and a second valve, the first valve includes an interface A, an interface B, and an interface C, interface A and interface B are respectively connected to the first circuit, and interface C is connected to the second circuit; the second valve includes an interface D, an interface E, and an interface F, interface D and interface E are respectively connected to the second circuit, and interface F is connected to the first circuit, and in the first state of the first valve component, interface A is connected to interface B, interface C is closed, interface D is connected to interface E, and interface F is closed; in the second state of the first valve component, interface B is connected to interface C, interface A is closed, interface E is connected to interface F, and interface D is closed; in the present embodiment, the first valve component includes two three-way valves, the first circuit is driven by the first pump 71, and the second circuit is driven by the second pump 72 In the first state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first circuit is the first pump 71-first heat exchanger 1-interface A-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71; the flow direction of the medium in the second circuit is the second pump 72-dry cooler-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface E-second pump 72; in the second state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium is the dry cooler 5-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface C-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71-interface F-interface E-second pump 72-dry cooler 5, forming a series circulation loop; in other embodiments, one of the first pump or the second pump can be a two-way valve, which can simplify the pipeline and reduce the cost.

[0090] The third heat exchanger 3 is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the outlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, or the inlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, the second circuit includes a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel, the first branch includes the third heat exchanger 3, and the second branch is configured as a shunt branch; in this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger 4, after the heat exchange medium passes through the dry cooler 5, it first passes through the fourth heat exchanger 4 for PCS cooling, and then passes through the third heat exchanger 3 for condensation of the refrigeration module 6 In other embodiments, the heat exchanger may first pass through the third heat exchanger 3 and then pass through the fourth heat exchanger 4. In this embodiment, since the fourth heat exchanger 4 is used for cooling the PCS module and the calorific value of the PCS module is smaller than that of the energy storage battery, a second branch is provided to divert the heat exchange medium so that a part of the heat exchange medium passing through the dry cooler 5 flows through the fourth heat exchanger 4, and the other part directly flows through the second branch to the third heat exchanger 3 for condensation of the refrigeration module 6. With this arrangement, the distribution of the heat exchange medium is more reasonable, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0091] Optionally, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are partition-type heat exchangers, and the side of the partition-type heat exchanger connected to the compressor 61 is used to circulate the first heat exchange medium, and the side connected to the first valve member is used to circulate the second heat exchange medium; in the present embodiment, the first heat exchanger 1 and the third heat exchanger 3 are both plate heat exchangers, and the heat exchange mediums are water and ethylene glycol. In other embodiments, the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 can use coaxial tubes and other components that can achieve the same function.

[0092] Optionally, a temperature sensor is also included; the temperature sensor is used to collect ambient temperature, and the thermal management unit adjusts the working mode according to the collected temperature.

[0093] Example 5

[0094] The thermal management unit including embodiment 4 is different from the embodiment in that, optionally, the second branch includes a second valve component, the second valve component includes a check valve 73, the check valve 73 includes a first interface and a second interface, the check valve 73 flows into the first interface and flows out of the second interface, the first interface is connected to the dry cooler 5, and the second interface is connected to the third heat exchanger 3; in this embodiment, a check valve 73 is provided on the second branch to prevent the heat exchange medium from flowing in a disorderly direction after passing through the fourth heat exchanger 4, and a regulating valve can also be provided on the second branch to adjust the flow rate.

[0095] Example 6

[0096] The difference from Example 4 is that, optionally, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the third heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, the inlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4, and the outlet of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger 4; in this embodiment, the third heat exchanger 3 is arranged in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger 4, and the heat exchange medium passes through the third heat exchanger 3 and the fourth heat exchanger 4 at the same time after being condensed by the dry cooler 5. According to this arrangement, the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium in the second circuit is smaller, and the pump circulation pressure is smaller; the rest is the same as Example 4.

[0097] Example 7

[0098] The difference from Example 4 is that the positions of the first valve and the second valve of the first valve member of this embodiment are different, and the other parts are the same as Example 4. In this embodiment, in the first state of the first valve member, interface A is connected to interface B, interface C is closed, interface D is connected to interface E, and interface F is closed; in the second state of the first valve member, interface A is connected to interface C, interface B is closed, interface D is connected to interface F, and interface E is closed; in this embodiment, the first valve member includes two three-way valves, the first circuit is driven by the first pump 71, and the second circuit is driven by the second pump 72. In the first state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first circuit is that the first pump 7 1-first heat exchanger 1-interface A-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71; the working medium flow direction of the second circuit is second pump 72-dry cooler-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface E-second pump 72; in the second state, the flow direction of the heat exchange working medium is dry cooler 5-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface F-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71-interface A-interface C-second pump 72-dry cooler 5, forming a series circulation loop; in other embodiments, one of the first pump or the second pump can be a two-way valve, which can simplify the pipeline and reduce the cost. In other embodiments, the positions of the first pump and the second pump can be adjusted appropriately.

[0099] Example 8

[0100] The difference from Example 6 is that the positions of the first valve and the second valve of the first valve member of this embodiment are different, and the other parts are the same as Example 6; in this embodiment, in the first state of the first valve member, interface A is connected to interface B, interface C is closed, interface D is connected to interface E, and interface F is closed; in the second state of the first valve member, interface A is connected to interface C, interface B is closed, interface D is connected to interface F, and interface E is closed; in this embodiment, the first valve member includes two three-way valves, the first circuit is driven by the first pump 71, and the second circuit is driven by the second pump 72. In the first state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first circuit is that the first pump 7 1-first heat exchanger 1-interface A-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71; the working medium flow direction of the second circuit is second pump 72-dry cooler-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface E-second pump 72; in the second state, the flow direction of the heat exchange working medium is dry cooler 5-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface F-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71-interface A-interface C-second pump 72-dry cooler 5, forming a series circulation loop; in other embodiments, one of the first pump or the second pump can be a two-way valve, which can simplify the pipeline and reduce the cost. In other embodiments, the positions of the first pump and the second pump can be adjusted appropriately.

[0101] Example 9

[0102] The present invention also discloses an energy storage center, comprising any thermal management unit of the above-mentioned embodiment, and further comprising

[0103] The working compartment is equipped with an energy storage battery and a PCS module. The energy storage battery performs heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 2, and the PCS module performs heat exchange with the fourth heat exchanger 4;

[0104] The refrigeration module 6 of the thermal management unit is located outside the working compartment, and at least part of the first circuit extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery;

[0105] At least a portion of the second loop extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery and / or PCS module.

[0106] In this embodiment, the working mode of the thermal management unit can be flexibly adjusted according to the different ambient temperatures and cooling requirements. In summer, when the environmental conditions are poor, the dry cooler 5 can be used to perform liquid cooling for the PCS module to meet the cooling requirements of the PCS in the energy storage system. At the same time, the dry cooler 5 can provide condensation for the refrigeration module, while the refrigeration module 6 provides refrigeration for the energy storage battery. In winter or transitional seasons, the first valve is used to switch to the second working mode, and the refrigeration is uniformly performed through natural cooling by the dry cooler 5, which is more energy-saving and more economical.

[0107] Example 10

[0108] The present invention also discloses a control method for a thermal management unit, comprising the following steps:

[0109] Sense ambient temperature T;

[0110] The ambient temperature T is judged against the preset temperature T0. When T≥T0, the first valve component is controlled to be in the first state, the refrigeration module 6 is turned on, and the thermal management unit operates in the first working mode; when T<T0, the first valve component is controlled to be in the second state, the refrigeration module 6 is closed, and the thermal management unit operates in the second working mode.

[0111] Optionally, the judgment between the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T0 specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T0, the interface A of the first valve is connected to the interface B, and the interface C is closed; the interface D of the second valve is connected to the interface E, and the interface F is closed, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module 6 is turned on; when T<T0, the interface A of the first valve is closed, the interface C is connected to the interface B; the interface E of the second valve is connected to the interface F, and the interface D is closed, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module 6 is closed; the first valve component includes two three-way valves, the first circuit is driven by the first pump 71, and the second circuit is driven by the second pump 7 2 drive, in the first state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the first circuit is, the first pump 71-first heat exchanger 1-interface A-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71; the flow direction of the medium in the second circuit is, the second pump 72-dry cooler-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface D-interface E-second pump 72; in the second state, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium is, dry cooler 5-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface C-interface B-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71-interface F-interface E-second pump 72-dry cooler 5, forming a series circulation loop.

[0112] In this embodiment, two different refrigeration schemes are provided according to different ambient temperatures. The preset temperature T0 is different according to the thermal management requirements of the first load. The ambient temperature T is sensed by a temperature sensor and judged by the main control board. In the first working mode, the first circuit only performs thermal management for the energy storage battery, and the second circuit performs thermal management for the PCS module. The two are performed simultaneously without interfering with each other. In the second working mode, the first load and the second load are connected in series through the switching of the first valve component 3, and the dry cooler 5 of the second circuit will perform thermal management of the first load and the second load at the same time. At this time, the refrigeration module 6 can stop running. Through the flexible switching of the first valve component 3, the ambient temperature difference can be fully and flexibly utilized to perform thermal management for the first load and the second load, thereby ensuring that the PCS module can be fully cooled and that the first load is more energy-efficient and has higher economic benefits.

[0113] Embodiment 11

[0114] The present invention also discloses another control method of a thermal management unit, comprising the following steps:

[0115] The judgment of the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T0 specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T0, the interface G of the first valve component is connected to the interface H, the interface I is connected to the inlet J, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module 6 is turned on; when T<T0, the interface G of the first valve component is connected to the interface I, the interface J is connected to the interface H, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module 6 is closed; in the first state, the first circuit forms a circulation circuit of the first pump 71-interface G-interface H-first heat exchanger 1-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71, and the second circuit forms the second pump 72 and the dry cooler 5 module -The circulation loop of the fourth heat exchanger 4-the third heat exchanger 3-interface J-interface I-the second pump 72, in the first state, the first loop and the second loop are not connected, and circulate separately; in the second state, interface G is connected to interface I, and interface J is connected to interface H, forming a large circulation loop of the second pump 72-dry cooler 5-fourth heat exchanger 4-third heat exchanger 3-interface J-interface H-first heat exchanger 1-second heat exchanger 2-first pump 71-interface G-interface I-second pump 72; through the four-way valve solution to switch the working mode, the system is simpler, the management system is more simplified, and the efficiency is higher.

[0116] In this embodiment, two different refrigeration schemes are provided according to different ambient temperatures. The preset temperature T0 is different according to the thermal management requirements of the first load. The ambient temperature T is sensed by a temperature sensor and judged by the main control board. In the first working mode, the first circuit only performs thermal management for the energy storage battery, and the second circuit performs thermal management for the PCS module. The two are performed simultaneously without interfering with each other. In the second working mode, the first load and the second load are connected in series through the switching of the first valve component, and the dry cooler 5 module of the second circuit will perform thermal management of the first load and the second load at the same time. At this time, the refrigeration module 6 can stop running. Through the flexible switching of the first valve component, the ambient temperature difference can be fully and flexibly utilized to perform thermal management for the first load and the second load, thereby ensuring that the PCS module can be fully cooled and that the first load is more energy-efficient and has higher economic benefits.

[0117] Example 12

[0118] The present invention also discloses a control device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable by the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, any of the above control methods for the thermal management unit is implemented.

[0119] Embodiment 13

[0120] The present invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a controller, a control method for a thermal management unit as described above is implemented. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management unit, characterized in that: include: A first circuit, the first circuit comprising a first heat exchanger (1) and a second heat exchanger (2), the first heat exchanger (1) being in communication with the second heat exchanger (2); A second circuit, the second circuit comprising a third heat exchanger (3), a fourth heat exchanger (4) and a dry cooler (5), the third heat exchanger (3), the fourth heat exchanger (4) and the dry cooler (5) being connected; a first valve member capable of connecting the first circuit to the second circuit; A refrigeration module (6), the refrigeration module (6) comprising at least one compressor (61) and at least one throttling element (62), at least one of the compressors (61) comprising an intake side and an exhaust side, the intake side being connected to the first heat exchanger (1), the exhaust side being connected to the third heat exchanger (3), and at least one of the throttling elements (62) being connected to the first heat exchanger (1) and the third heat exchanger (3).

2. A thermal management unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a first working mode, the refrigeration module (6) is opened, the first valve component is in a first state, and the first circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit; in a second working mode, the refrigeration module (6) is closed, the first valve component is in a second state, the first circuit is connected to the second circuit, and the first circuit is connected in series with the second circuit.

3. A thermal management unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first valve component includes an interface G, an interface H, an interface I, and an interface J. The interface G and the interface H are respectively connected to the first circuit, and the interface I and the interface J are respectively connected to the second circuit. In the first state of the first valve component, the interface H is connected to the interface G, and the interface J is connected to the interface I; in the second state, the interface H is connected to the interface I, and the interface J is connected to the interface G.

4. A thermal management unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first valve component includes a first valve and a second valve, the first valve includes an interface A, an interface B, and an interface C, the interface A and the interface B are respectively connected to the first circuit, and the interface C is connected to the second circuit; the second valve includes an interface D, an interface E, and an interface F, the interface D and the interface E are respectively connected to the second circuit, and the interface F is connected to the first circuit, when the first valve component is in a first state, the interface A is connected to the interface B, the interface C is closed, the interface D is connected to the interface E, and the interface F is closed; when the first valve component is in a second state, the interface A is connected to the interface C, the interface A is closed, the interface D is connected to the interface F, and the interface D is closed.

5. A thermal management unit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The third heat exchanger (3) is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger (4), the third heat exchanger (3) is connected in parallel with the fourth heat exchanger (4), the inlet of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (4), and the outlet of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (4).

6. A thermal management unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third heat exchanger (3) is connected in series with the fourth heat exchanger (4); the outlet of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the inlet of the fourth heat exchanger (4), or the inlet of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the outlet of the fourth heat exchanger (4); the second circuit comprises a first branch and a second branch connected in parallel; the first branch comprises the third heat exchanger (3); and the second branch is configured as a shunt branch.

7. A thermal management unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second branch includes a second valve component, the second valve component includes a check valve (73), the check valve (73) includes a first interface and a second interface, the check valve (73) flows in from the first interface and flows out from the second interface, the first interface is connected to the dry cooler, and the second interface is connected to the third heat exchanger.

8. The thermal management unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger (1) and the third heat exchanger (2) are partition-type heat exchangers, and the side of the partition-type heat exchanger connected to the compressor (61) is used to circulate the first heat exchange medium, and the side connected to the first valve member is used to circulate the second heat exchange medium.

9. The thermal management unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is used to collect the ambient temperature.

10. An energy storage center, comprising the thermal management unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A working compartment is equipped with an energy storage battery and a PCS module, wherein the energy storage battery performs heat exchange with the second heat exchanger (2), and the PCS module performs heat exchange with the fourth heat exchanger (4); The refrigeration module (6) of the thermal management unit is located outside the working compartment, and at least part of the first circuit extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery; At least a portion of the second circuit extends into the working compartment to perform thermal management on the energy storage battery and / or the PCS module.

11. A control method for a thermal management unit, used to control the thermal management unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Sense ambient temperature T; Performing a judgment on the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T0, when T≥T0, controlling the first valve member to be in the first state, the refrigeration module (6) to be turned on, and the thermal management unit to operate in the first working mode; When T<T0, the first valve element is controlled to be in the second state, the refrigeration module (6) is closed, and the thermal management unit operates in the second working mode.

12. A control method for a thermal management unit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The judgment of the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T0 specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T0, the interface A of the first valve is connected to the interface B, and the interface C is closed; the interface D of the second valve is connected to the interface E, and the interface F is closed, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module (6) is turned on; when T<T0, the interface A of the first valve is closed, and the interface C is connected to the interface B; the interface E of the second valve is connected to the interface, and the interface D is closed, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module (6) is turned off.

13. The control method of a thermal management unit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The determination of the ambient temperature T and the preset temperature T0 specifically includes the following steps: when T≥T0, the interface G of the first valve component is connected to the interface H, the interface I is connected to the inlet J, the first valve component is in the first state, and the refrigeration module (6) is turned on; when T<T0, the interface G of the first valve component is connected to the interface I, the interface J is connected to the interface H, the first valve component is in the second state, and the refrigeration module (6) is turned off.

14. A control device, characterized in that: It comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable by the processor, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the control method of the thermal management unit as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 is implemented.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the controller, the control method of the thermal management unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13 is implemented.

Images