Thermal management system for battery pack and control method thereof, energy storage system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of energy storage, and particularly provides a heat management system for a battery pack, a control method thereof and an energy storage system, aiming at solving the problem of poor heat management effect caused by high energy consumption of the existing heat management system. The heat management system comprises a battery pack, a phase change heat pipe assembly and a liquid storage member. The phase change heat pipe assembly has a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end. The first heat exchange end is used for heat exchange with the battery pack. The liquid storage member has a liquid storage cavity for storing cooling liquid. At least a part of the second heat exchange end is immersed in the cooling liquid and exchanges heat with the cooling liquid. The liquid storage member can heat and cool the cooling liquid. The heat management system further comprises a temperature detection member which is communicatively connected with the liquid storage member. The present application can improve the safety of the heat management system, reduce the heat management energy consumption, make the heat management of the heat management system more intelligent, and greatly improve the heat management effect of the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing technologies, liquid cooling units are typically used for thermal management of battery packs. Specifically, a liquid cooling plate is placed at the bottom of the battery cell, and a coolant flow channel is set inside the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid cooling host through liquid cooling pipes to form a liquid cooling circuit. The coolant circulates in the liquid cooling circuit under the drive of the compressor. By controlling the temperature or flow rate of the coolant, heat exchange between the coolant and the battery cell is achieved, thereby indirectly controlling the temperature of the battery cell itself.

[0003] Because the liquid cooling unit uses the liquid cooling host as the power source for the thermal management system, the energy consumption is high. Furthermore, during the thermal management process, condensation is prone to occur at the contact points between the liquid cooling plate and the battery pack, which affects the safety of the battery pack and results in poor thermal management performance.

[0004] In addition, although liquid cooling units can effectively manage the thermal of battery packs, there is still a risk of fire caused by thermal runaway, resulting in poor safety of the energy storage system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems to at least a certain extent, that is, to solve the problem that the existing thermal management system has poor thermal management effect due to high energy consumption and low safety.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management system for a battery pack, the thermal management system comprising a battery pack, a phase change heat pipe assembly, and a liquid storage component. The phase change heat pipe assembly encapsulates a phase change working fluid and has a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end. The first heat exchange end is disposed adjacent to the battery pack and is used for heat exchange with the battery pack. The liquid storage component has a storage chamber for storing coolant. At least a portion of the second heat exchange end is immersed in the coolant and exchanges heat with the coolant. The liquid storage component has a heating mode and a cooling mode. The liquid storage component is configured to heat the coolant when it is in the heating mode and to cool the coolant when it is in the cooling mode. The thermal management system further includes a temperature detection component for detecting the temperature inside the battery pack and is communicatively connected to the liquid storage component.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described thermal management system for a battery pack, the liquid storage component further includes a heating element and a cooling element. The heating element is used to heat the coolant, and the cooling element is used to cool the coolant. The temperature detection component is communicatively connected to the heating element and the cooling element. And / or, the thermal management system further includes a spraying mechanism configured to spray the coolant in the liquid storage chamber onto the battery pack.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned thermal management system for battery pack, the spraying mechanism includes a nozzle, a spray pipe, and a pump body disposed on the spray pipe. One end of the spray pipe is connected to the nozzle, and the other end of the spray pipe is connected to the liquid storage chamber. The pump body is used to transport the coolant in the liquid storage chamber to the nozzle.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the thermal management system further includes a heat exchange plate and a cover. The heat exchange plate includes a first plate and a second plate connected together. The cover is connected to the first plate to form an accommodating space. The battery pack is disposed within the accommodating space. The phase change heat pipe assembly is disposed on the heat exchange plate. The first heat exchange end is formed on the first plate, and the second heat exchange end is formed on the second plate, with at least a portion of the second plate immersed in the coolant. The phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and / or a loop heat pipe.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and a loop heat pipe. The L-shaped heat pipe includes an L-shaped channel formed within the heat exchange plate and a first phase change working fluid encapsulated within the L-shaped channel. The heat exchange plate has a loop channel, and the loop heat pipe includes an annular pipe and a second phase change working fluid encapsulated within the annular pipe. The annular pipe passes through the loop channel, and the loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe. Alternatively, the loop heat pipe includes a first pipe segment, a second pipe segment, and a second phase change working fluid formed within the heat exchange plate. The first pipe segment and the second pipe segment are sequentially connected to form an annular pipe, and the second phase change working fluid is encapsulated within the annular pipe. The loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned thermal management system for a battery pack, the loop heat pipe further includes an evaporator, and the two ends of the loop pipe are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the evaporator to form a circulation loop. The evaporator is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate within the circulation loop; and / or, the loop heat pipe further includes a liquid wick disposed within the loop pipe, the liquid wick being used to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the loop pipe; and / or, the filling rate of the first phase change working fluid in the L-shaped channel is 40%~70%; and / or, the filling rate of the second phase change working fluid in the loop pipe is 50%~70%.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned thermal management system for a battery pack, the heat exchange plate further includes a bent plate disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein: the L-shaped channel includes an evaporation channel disposed in the first plate, a bent channel disposed in the bent plate, and a condensation channel disposed in the second plate; and / or, the loop channel includes a first channel, a bent clearance hole, and a second channel disposed in a one-to-one correspondence, the first channel being disposed in the first plate, the bent clearance hole being disposed in the bent plate, and the second channel being disposed in the second plate, and the number of loop channels is at least two; and / or, the number of L-shaped channels and loop channels is multiple, and the L-shaped channels and loop channels are alternately arranged sequentially on the heat exchange plate in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channels; and / or, a capillary wick structure is disposed within the L-shaped channel. The capillary wick structure includes protrusions disposed on the inner wall of the L-shaped channel, the protrusions extending along the axial direction of the L-shaped channel, and the number of protrusions being multiple, with the multiple protrusions arranged sequentially along the circumference of the L-shaped channel; or, the capillary wick structure includes a gas channel and a liquid channel, both of which extend along the length direction of the L-shaped channel, the number of liquid channels being multiple, and the multiple liquid channels being spaced apart along the circumference of the gas channels, the gas channels and liquid channels being connected through a perforation; and / or, the heat exchange plate is further provided with a weight-reducing channel, the number of which is multiple, and the L-shaped channel, the weight-reducing channel, and the loop channel are arranged alternately in sequence on the heat exchange plate in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channel; and / or, the flow area of ​​the weight-reducing channel on the heat exchange plate is larger than the flow area of ​​the L-shaped channel.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned thermal management system for a battery pack, the L-shaped channel includes an interconnected evaporation channel and a condensation channel. The evaporation channel and the first pipe segment are both disposed on the first plate, and the condensation channel and the second pipe segment are both disposed on the second plate. Specifically: the first pipe segment includes a plurality of first U-shaped tubes, and the second pipe segment includes a plurality of second U-shaped tubes. The first U-shaped tubes and the second U-shaped tubes are sequentially connected end-to-end. At least a portion of the evaporation channels of the L-shaped channel are disposed inside the first U-shaped tubes, and the condensation channels connected to them are disposed between two adjacent second U-shaped tubes. / Or, at least a portion of the evaporation channel of the L-shaped channel is disposed between two adjacent first U-shaped tubes and the condensation channel connected thereto is disposed inside the second U-shaped tube; and / or, the first tube segment is bent on the first plate to form a plurality of first U-shaped tubes connected end to end in sequence, the second tube segment is bent on the second plate to form a plurality of second U-shaped tubes connected end to end in sequence, the opening of the first U-shaped tube is opposite to the opening of the second U-shaped tube, the evaporation channel of the L-shaped channel is disposed inside the first U-shaped tube and the condensation channel connected thereto is disposed inside the second U-shaped tube.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the phase change heat pipe assembly further includes an adjustment component, which is disposed between the first heat exchange end and the second heat exchange end and is used to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end to the first heat exchange end.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a control method for a thermal management system, wherein the number of battery packs is multiple, and the thermal management system includes multiple phase change heat pipe assemblies and liquid storage components that are configured one-to-one with the battery packs. A first heat exchange end of each phase change heat pipe assembly is used to exchange heat with the corresponding battery pack, and each liquid storage component is used to exchange heat with a second heat exchange end of the corresponding phase change heat pipe assembly. The control method includes the following steps: obtaining the current temperature Tn of each battery pack; determining the maximum temperature Tmax of the battery pack based on the current temperature Tn; comparing the maximum temperature Tmax with a first preset temperature T1; and selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component based on the comparison result; wherein n≥2.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned thermal management system, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components according to the comparison results" specifically includes: if Tmax > T1, then adjusting the liquid storage components corresponding to all battery packs to the cooling mode; and / or, if Tmax ≤ T1, then further determining the minimum temperature Tmin of the battery pack according to the current temperature Tn; determining the temperature difference ΔT according to the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin; comparing the maximum temperature Tmax with the second preset temperature T2 and the third preset temperature T3 respectively, and recording it as the first comparison result; comparing the temperature difference ΔT with the preset temperature difference ΔT0, and recording it as the second comparison result; selectively adjusting the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result; wherein, 0 < T3 < T2 < T1.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned thermal management system, the step of "selectively adjusting the working mode of each of the liquid storage components according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes: if T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT > ΔT0, then determine the battery pack to be cooled based on the current temperature Tn and the lowest temperature Tmin; adjust the liquid storage component corresponding to the battery pack to be cooled to the cooling mode; and / or, if T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT ≤ ΔT0, then further obtain the coolant temperature Ty in the liquid storage chamber corresponding to each battery pack; determine the liquid storage chamber The system checks whether the internal coolant temperature Ty is less than the preset coolant temperature Ty0; based on the determination result, it selectively adjusts the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components; and / or, if Tmax≤T2 and ΔT>ΔT0, it determines the battery pack to be heated based on the current temperature Tn and the highest temperature Tmax; it adjusts the liquid storage component corresponding to the battery pack to be heated to the heating mode; and / or, if T3<Tmax≤T2 and ΔT≤ΔT0, it does not adjust the operating mode of all the liquid storage components; and / or, if Tmax≤T3 and ΔT≤ΔT0, it adjusts all the liquid storage components to the heating mode.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, the step of "determining the battery pack to be cooled based on the current temperature Tn and the maximum temperature Tmin" specifically includes: comparing the current temperature Ti of the i-th battery pack with Tmin + ΔT0; if Ti ≥ Tmin + ΔT0, then the i-th battery pack is determined as the battery pack to be cooled; where 0 < i ≤ n; and / or, the step of "determining the battery pack to be heated based on the current temperature Tn and the maximum temperature Tmax" specifically includes: comparing the current temperature Tj of the j-th battery pack with Tmax - ΔT0; if Tj ≤ Tmax - ΔT0, then the j-th battery pack is determined as the battery pack to be heated; where 0 < j ≤ n.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, the step of "selectively adjusting the working mode of each liquid storage component according to the judgment result" specifically includes: if the judgment result is "yes", then the working mode of the liquid storage component corresponding to the liquid storage cavity is not adjusted; and / or, if the judgment result is "no", then the liquid storage component corresponding to the liquid storage cavity is adjusted to the cooling mode.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, when the judgment result is "no", the control method further includes the following steps: further comparing the highest temperature Tmax with the fourth preset temperature T4 and the fifth preset temperature T5; determining the level of the cooling mode to be executed by the liquid storage component according to the comparison result; wherein, 0 < T2 < T5 < T4 < T1.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned thermal management system, the step of "determining the cooling mode setting of the liquid storage component based on the comparison results" specifically includes: if T4 < Tmax ≤ T1, then adjusting the cooling mode setting of the liquid storage component to a first preset setting; if T5 < Tmax ≤ T4, then adjusting the cooling mode setting of the liquid storage component to a second preset setting; if T2 < Tmax ≤ T5, then adjusting the cooling mode setting of the liquid storage component to a third preset setting; wherein, the cooling capacity of the first preset setting is greater than the cooling capacity of the second preset setting, and the cooling capacity of the second preset setting is greater than the cooling capacity of the third preset setting.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned thermal management system, the thermal management system further includes a spraying mechanism. Each spraying mechanism is configured to correspond one-to-one with a storage chamber and can spray the coolant from the storage chamber onto the corresponding battery pack. The thermal management system is also configured to issue a thermal runaway alarm when the battery pack experiences thermal runaway. The control method of the present invention further includes the following steps: obtaining the thermal runaway alarm level of the battery pack; and selectively controlling each spraying mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack according to the alarm level.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned thermal management system, the step of "selectively controlling each spray mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack according to the alarm level" specifically includes: if the alarm level is a first preset level, then controlling each spray mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack; if the alarm level is a second preset level, then further determining whether the location of the thermal runaway battery pack can be determined; based on the determination result, selectively controlling each spray mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack; wherein, the degree of thermal runaway at the first preset level is greater than the degree of thermal runaway at the second preset level.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the control method of the above-mentioned thermal management system, the step of "selectively controlling each of the spray mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack according to the judgment result" specifically includes: if the judgment result is "no", then controlling each of the spray mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack; and / or, if the judgment result is "yes", then controlling a set number of spray mechanisms around the thermal runaway battery pack to spray the corresponding battery pack.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention also provides an energy storage system comprising a thermal management system for a battery pack as described in any of the first aspects and a controller, the controller being configured to execute a control method for the thermal management system as described in any of the second aspects.

[0026] When adopting the above-mentioned preferred technical solution, the present invention can perform thermal management of the battery pack through the phase change heat pipe assembly, thereby reducing thermal management energy consumption. By setting up a liquid storage chamber and storing coolant in the liquid storage chamber, heat can be exchanged between the coolant in the liquid storage chamber and the second heat exchange end to cool or heat the second heat exchange end, thereby facilitating the cooling or heating of the battery pack. By setting the temperature detection component to communicate with the liquid storage component, on the one hand, when the temperature inside the battery pack is too high, the coolant can be cooled through the liquid storage component to cool the battery pack; on the other hand, when the temperature inside the battery pack is too low, the coolant can be heated through the liquid storage component to heat the battery pack, making the thermal management system for the battery pack's thermal management more intelligent.

[0027] Furthermore, by setting up a spraying mechanism and by setting up a liquid storage chamber and storing coolant in the liquid storage chamber, when the battery pack is working normally, heat can be exchanged between the coolant in the liquid storage chamber and the second heat exchange end to cool or heat the second heat exchange end, thereby facilitating the cooling or heating of the battery pack. When the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the spraying mechanism can also spray the coolant in the liquid storage component onto the battery pack, thereby cooling and extinguishing the thermal runaway battery pack.

[0028] Furthermore, by configuring the phase change heat pipe assembly to include an L-shaped heat pipe and a loop heat pipe, when the battery pack is in a high-temperature environment, the L-shaped heat pipe cools the battery pack. The first heat exchange end of the L-shaped heat pipe absorbs heat from the battery pack, causing the phase change working fluid to evaporate and flow to the second heat exchange end. The liquid phase change working fluid at the second heat exchange end can flow back to the first heat exchange end under the action of gravity, continuously cooling the battery pack without driving the flow of the phase change working fluid. When the battery pack is in a low-temperature environment, the loop heat pipe can heat the battery pack, making up for the disadvantage that the L-shaped heat pipe cannot heat the battery pack against gravity. Moreover, when cooling the battery pack, compared with the single heat pipe, the L-shaped heat pipe and the loop heat pipe can also serve as backups for each other, avoiding the inability to perform thermal management of the battery pack due to failure.

[0029] Furthermore, by setting up a bending plate, the phase change working fluid at the second heat exchange end can flow smoothly through the bending channel on the bending plate to the first heat exchange end under the action of gravity, avoiding the phase change working fluid from stagnating between the first and second plates and ensuring the heat exchange stability of the heat pipe assembly. By setting a bending clearance hole on the bending plate, the annular pipe can be allowed to pass through the bending clearance hole and then enter the second channel after exiting the first channel, so that the phase change working fluid at the second heat exchange end of the loop heat pipe can flow smoothly to the first heat exchange end. Setting the number of loop channels to at least two can ensure that the annular pipe is connected end to end to form a circulation loop.

[0030] Furthermore, by setting multiple L-shaped channels and loop channels, the L-shaped channels and loop channels can cover the entire area of ​​the heat exchange plate as much as possible, making the heat exchange temperature on the heat exchange plate more uniform. In addition, by alternately arranging L-shaped channels and loop channels on the heat exchange plate in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channels, the heat exchange in each area of ​​the heat exchange plate can be made more uniform as much as possible when the L-shaped heat pipe or the loop heat pipe works alone, thus improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack.

[0031] Furthermore, by setting a protruding structure inside the L-shaped channel, the contact area between the inner wall of the L-shaped channel and the phase change working fluid is increased. Therefore, the interaction between the inner wall of the L-shaped channel and the liquid phase change working fluid is enhanced, which can increase the flow rate of the phase change working fluid in the L-shaped channel. This, in turn, increases the rate at which the phase change working fluid travels from the first heat exchange end to the second heat exchange end to release heat and then returns to the first heat exchange end to absorb heat, which is beneficial to improving the overall cooling effect of the battery pack.

[0032] Furthermore, by setting a capillary wick structure within the L-shaped channel, the gaseous and liquid phase change working fluids can flow in different channels, thereby facilitating gas-liquid separation of the phase change working fluid and improving heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, setting the liquid channels to be circumferentially spaced along the gas channels allows the liquid channels to be closer to the pipe wall (lower temperature), which is more conducive to the condensation of the phase change medium, while keeping the gas channels further away from the pipe wall (higher temperature) helps prevent the condensation of the gaseous phase change working fluid, further enhancing the heat exchange capacity of the phase change heat pipe assembly.

[0033] Furthermore, by setting up weight-reduction channels, on the one hand, the weight of the heat exchange plates can be reduced, which helps to achieve a lightweight design of the energy storage system. On the other hand, the weight-reduction channels can also separate the L-shaped channels and the loop channels, preventing the phase change media in the L-shaped channels and the loop channels from affecting each other and thus affecting the heat exchange effect.

[0034] Furthermore, by setting an adjustment component between the first heat exchange end and the second heat exchange end, the flow rate of the phase change working fluid flowing from the second heat exchange end to the first heat exchange end can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the heat exchange capacity of the phase change heat exchange device and thus avoiding overcooling of the battery pack. In addition, when the external ambient temperature is high, it can also prevent the second heat exchange end from absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and releasing the heat to the first heat exchange end, thus preventing the battery pack from being overheated.

[0035] Furthermore, the control method for the thermal management system further provided by the present invention, based on the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs, possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs since it includes the thermal management system for battery packs. In addition, by comparing the highest temperature with a first preset temperature and selectively adjusting the working mode of each liquid storage component according to the comparison result, it is possible to avoid the battery pack temperature from becoming too high and causing thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of battery pack thermal management. It is also possible to avoid excessive temperature differences between individual battery packs, thereby improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack.

[0036] Furthermore, the energy storage system further provided by the present invention, based on the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs, possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs since it includes the thermal management system for battery packs. The energy storage system of the present invention is safer, has lower thermal management energy consumption, and provides better thermal management effect for battery packs. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the battery pack and thermal management system for the battery pack of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure behind the concealed liquid storage components and spray mechanism;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the battery pack and thermal management system for the battery pack of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the thermal management system for a battery pack of the present invention, showing a schematic diagram of the structure after concealing the liquid storage component and the spraying mechanism;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the heat exchange plate of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line CC shows the internal structure of one embodiment of the heat exchange plate.

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line CC shows an internal structural diagram of another embodiment of the heat exchange plate;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point D in the middle;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-section of another embodiment of the heat exchange plate of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange plate and phase change heat pipe assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange plate and phase change heat pipe assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange plate and phase change heat pipe assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a right-side structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the thermal management system for a battery pack of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the control method of the thermal management system of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the thermal management system of the present invention.

[0053] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0054] 1. Battery pack; 21. First heat exchange end; 22. Second heat exchange end; 23. Liquid wick; 24. Evaporator; 25. Annular pipeline; 251. First pipe section; 252. Second pipe section; 3. Liquid storage component; 31. Liquid storage chamber; 32. Coolant; 331. Nozzle; 332. Spray pipe; 333. Pump body; 334. Spray valve; 335. Branch pipe; 336. Control valve; 34. Radiator; 4. Heat exchange plate; 40. Accommodation space; 4 1. First plate; 411. Evaporation channel; 412. First channel; 42. Second plate; 421. Condensation channel; 422. Second channel; 43. Bending plate; 431. Bending channel; 432. Bending clearance hole; 44. L-shaped channel; 45. Loop channel; 46. Weight reduction channel; 471. Gas channel; 472. Liquid channel; 473. Channel; 48. Protruding structure; 5. Cover; 6. Adjustment component; 7. Liquid receiver. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In view of the problems mentioned in the background art regarding the poor thermal management effect of existing thermal management systems for battery packs due to high energy consumption and low safety, the present invention provides a thermal management system for battery packs in a first aspect.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the thermal management system for battery pack 1 of the present invention includes a phase change heat pipe assembly and a liquid storage component 3. The phase change heat management assembly is encapsulated with a phase change working fluid. The phase change heat pipe assembly has a first heat exchange end 21 and a second heat exchange end 22. The first heat exchange end 21 is arranged adjacent to the battery pack 1 and is used to exchange heat with the battery pack 1.

[0060] The liquid storage component 3 has a liquid storage chamber 31, which stores coolant 32. At least a portion of the second heat exchange end 22 is immersed in the coolant 32 and exchanges heat with the coolant 32.

[0061] The liquid storage component 3 has a heating mode and a cooling mode. The liquid storage component 3 is configured to heat the coolant 32 when it is in heating mode and to cool the coolant 32 when it is in cooling mode. The thermal management system also includes a temperature detection component (not shown in the figure). The temperature detection component is used to detect the temperature inside the battery pack 1. The temperature detection component is communicatively connected to the liquid storage component 3 so that the liquid storage component 3 can selectively heat or cool the coolant 32 according to the detection data of the temperature detection component.

[0062] With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can be thermally managed through the phase change heat pipe assembly, reducing thermal management energy consumption. By setting up a liquid storage chamber 31 and storing coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31, heat can be exchanged between the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31 and the second heat exchange end 22 to cool or heat the second heat exchange end 22, thereby facilitating the cooling or heating of the battery pack 1. By setting the temperature detection component to communicate with the liquid storage component 3, on the one hand, when the temperature inside the battery pack 1 is too high, the coolant 32 can be cooled through the liquid storage component 3 to cool the battery pack 1; on the other hand, when the temperature inside the battery pack 1 is too low, the coolant 32 can be heated through the liquid storage component 3 to heat the battery pack 1, making the thermal management system for the thermal management of the battery pack 1 more intelligent.

[0063] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific configuration type of the liquid storage component 3, as long as it can store the coolant 32 and immerse at least a portion of the second heat exchange end 22 in the coolant 32. For example, the liquid storage component 3 can be configured as a liquid storage tank, or as a liquid storage bucket, or even as a liquid storage pool, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration type of the liquid storage component 3 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0064] For example, the liquid storage component 3 is a liquid storage tank.

[0065] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific type of coolant 32, as long as it can exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22 and extinguish and cool the battery pack 1. For example, those skilled in the art can set the coolant 32 to water, or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or any other possible type, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of coolant 32 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the coolant 32 is water.

[0067] In some other embodiments, the coolant 32 is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0068] It should be noted that in practical applications, the second heat exchange end 22 can be completely immersed in the coolant 32, or a portion of the second heat exchange end 22 can be immersed in the coolant 32, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0069] For example, a portion of the second heat exchange end 22 is immersed in the coolant 32.

[0070] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the temperature detection component as a temperature sensor or thermometer, or as an infrared sensor, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration type of the temperature detection component do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0071] Preferably, the temperature detection component is a temperature sensor disposed within the battery pack 1.

[0072] Preferably, the liquid storage component 3 further includes a heating element and a cooling element. The heating element is used to heat the coolant 32, and the cooling element is used to cool the coolant 32. The temperature detection component is communicatively connected to the heating element and the cooling element.

[0073] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific type of heating element, as long as it can heat the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31. For example, the heating element can be an electric heater, or it can be an electromagnetic heating coil, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of heating element do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0074] Preferably, the heating element is an electric heater.

[0075] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific type of cooling element, as long as it can cool the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31. For example, the cooling element can be a semiconductor refrigeration element, or it can be a cooling element including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator 24, with the evaporator 24 used to cool the coolant 32. Alternatively, the cooling element can be a radiator 34 and a cooling fan, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of cooling element do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0076] For example, the cooling element includes a heat sink 34 and a cooling fan (not shown in the figure).

[0077] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the radiator 34 as an integral part of the outer wall of the liquid storage component 3, or the radiator 34 can be fixedly connected to the outer wall of the liquid storage component 3, or the radiator 34 can be bonded to the outer wall of the liquid storage component 3 with thermally conductive adhesive, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific connection method between the radiator 34 and the liquid storage component 3 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0078] Preferably, the radiator 34 and the liquid storage component 3 are integrally formed.

[0079] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the radiator 34 to have straight fins, or the radiator 34 to have wavy fins, or the radiator 34 to be configured in any other possible form, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0080] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heat sink 34 has flat fins.

[0081] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thermal management system of the present invention also includes a spraying mechanism, which is configured to spray the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31 onto the battery pack 1.

[0082] With this configuration, the battery pack 1 can be thermally managed through the phase change heat pipe assembly, reducing thermal management energy consumption. By setting up a liquid storage chamber 31 and storing coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31, on the one hand, the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31 can exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22 to cool or heat the second heat exchange end 22, thereby facilitating the cooling or heating of the battery pack 1. On the other hand, when the battery pack 1 experiences thermal runaway, the coolant 32 in the liquid storage component 3 can be sprayed onto the battery pack 1 through the spraying mechanism, thereby cooling and extinguishing the thermally runaway battery pack 1.

[0083] This approach reduces the thermal management energy consumption of the thermal management system while also storing fire-fighting water, avoiding the need to build fire-fighting water tanks within the energy storage system, thus reducing construction costs and saving construction space.

[0084] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the spraying mechanism of the present invention includes a nozzle 331, a spray pipe 332, and a pump body 333 disposed on the spray pipe 332. One end of the spray pipe 332 is connected to the nozzle 331, and the other end of the spray pipe 332 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 31. The pump body 333 is used to transport the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31 to the nozzle 331.

[0085] With this setup, when a cell in the battery pack 1 experiences thermal runaway, the pump 333 can deliver the coolant 32 from the reservoir 31 to the nozzle 331, and spray it onto the battery pack 1 through the nozzle 331 to cool down or extinguish the fire, prevent the thermal runaway of the cell from worsening, and improve the thermal management safety of the battery pack 1.

[0086] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific configuration type of the pump body 333. For example, the pump body 333 can be configured as a suction pump body 333, or it can be configured as a booster pump, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration type of the pump body 333 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0087] For example, pump body 333 is a booster pump.

[0088] It should be noted that in practical applications, the on / off state of the spray pipe 332 can be controlled by controlling the start and stop of the pump body 333, or a spray valve 334 can be installed on the spray pipe 332 to control the on / off state of the spray pipe 332, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0089] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, a spray valve 334 is provided on the spray pipe 332, and the spray valve 334 is used to control the on and off of the spray pipe 332.

[0090] It should be noted that in practical applications, the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific location of the nozzle 331, as long as it can spray onto the battery pack 1. For example, the nozzle 331 can be located above the battery pack 1, or it can be located on the side of the battery pack 1, or it can be located both above and on the side of the battery pack 1, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific location of the nozzle 331 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, as long as the coolant 32 can be sprayed onto the battery pack 1.

[0091] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, nozzle 331 is positioned above battery pack 1.

[0092] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the number of nozzles 331 to only one, or the number of nozzles 331 to two, or the number of nozzles 331 to multiple, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of nozzles 331 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0093] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple nozzles 331, and the multiple nozzles 331 are distributed at intervals above the battery pack 1.

[0094] By setting the number of nozzles 331 to multiple, the spraying area of ​​the spraying mechanism can be increased, thereby enabling more effective spraying of the thermally runaway battery pack 1.

[0095] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can directly install multiple nozzles 331 on the spray pipe 332, or they can install multiple branch pipes 335, each branch pipe 335 being equipped with a nozzle 331 and a control valve 336, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0096] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the spraying mechanism includes multiple branch pipes 335, each branch pipe 335 is equipped with a nozzle 331 and a control valve 336. The spraying mechanism also includes a detection element (not shown in the figure), which is used to detect the location of thermal runaway of the battery pack 1. The detection element is communicatively connected to the control valve 336 so as to adjust the opening and closing of the control valve 336 on each branch pipe 335 according to the detection result of the detection element.

[0097] By setting up a detection component, the specific location of thermal runaway in the battery pack 1 can be detected, thereby accurately locating the thermal runaway cell. By setting the detection component to communicate with the controller, the nozzle 331 located above the thermal runaway cell can accurately spray water onto the thermal runaway cell based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0098] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the detection element as a temperature detection sensor located inside the battery pack 1, or as an infrared temperature sensor, or as any other possible form, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the detection element do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0099] Preferably, the detection element is a temperature detection sensor disposed within the battery pack 1.

[0100] See next Figure 4 and Figure 5 The thermal management system of the present invention further includes a heat exchange plate 4 and a cover 5. The heat exchange plate 4 includes a first plate 41 and a second plate 42 connected together. The cover 5 is connected to the first plate 41 to form an accommodating space 40. The battery pack 1 is disposed in the accommodating space 40. The phase change heat pipe assembly is disposed on the heat exchange plate 4. The first heat exchange end 21 is formed on the first plate 41, and the second heat exchange end 22 is formed on the second plate 42. At least a portion of the second plate 42 is immersed in the coolant. The phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and / or a loop heat pipe.

[0101] With this configuration, where the first heat exchange end 21 is formed on the first plate 41 and the second heat exchange end 22 is formed on the second plate 42, the temperature of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 can be made more uniform, avoiding the thermal management effect of the battery pack 1 due to local overcooling or overheating of the first heat exchange end 21 or the second heat exchange end 22. Furthermore, by providing the cover 5, the cover 5 can be connected to the first plate 41 to form an accommodating space 40 for accommodating the battery pack 1, thereby protecting the battery pack 1.

[0102] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the phase change heat pipe assembly to include only L-shaped heat pipes, or to include only loop heat pipes, or to include both L-shaped heat pipes and loop heat pipes, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration type of the phase change heat pipe assembly do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0103] Preferably, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and a loop heat pipe.

[0104] With this configuration, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and a loop heat pipe. When the battery pack 1 is in a high-temperature environment, the L-shaped heat pipe cools the battery pack 1. The first heat exchange end 21 of the L-shaped heat pipe absorbs the heat from the battery pack 1, causing the phase change working fluid to evaporate and flow to the second heat exchange end 22. The liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 can flow back to the first heat exchange end 21 under the action of gravity, continuously cooling the battery pack 1 without driving the flow of the phase change working fluid. When the battery pack 1 is in a low-temperature environment, the loop heat pipe can heat the battery pack 1, making up for the disadvantage that the L-shaped heat pipe cannot heat the battery pack 1 against gravity. Furthermore, when cooling the battery pack 1, compared with a single heat pipe, the L-shaped heat pipe and the loop heat pipe can also serve as backups for each other, avoiding the inability to thermally manage the battery pack 1 due to a failure.

[0105] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific arrangement of the L-shaped heat pipe on the heat exchange plate 4. For example, the L-shaped heat pipe can be set as an L-shaped pipeline fixed on the heat exchange plate 4, wherein the first phase change working fluid is encapsulated in the L-shaped pipeline. Alternatively, the L-shaped heat pipe can be set as including an L-shaped channel 44 formed in the heat exchange plate 4 and a first phase change working fluid encapsulated in the L-shaped channel 44.

[0106] Preferably, such as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the L-shaped heat pipe is configured to include an L-shaped channel 44 formed in the heat exchange plate 4 and a first phase change working fluid encapsulated in the L-shaped channel 44.

[0107] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific type of the first phase change working medium filled in the L-shaped channel 44. For example, the first phase change working medium can be water, methanol, ethanol, liquid ammonia, acetone, fluorinated hydrocarbons, alkanes or any mixture of the above, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of the first phase change working medium do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0108] For example, the first phase change working fluid is liquid ammonia.

[0109] Preferably, the first phase change working fluid in the L-shaped channel 44 has a filling rate of 40% to 70%. This filling rate is the ratio of the volume of the first liquid working fluid to the total volume inside the L-shaped heat pipe.

[0110] It should be noted that the filling rate of the first phase change working fluid can be set to 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the filling rate of the first phase change working fluid is 40% to 70%.

[0111] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific arrangement of the loop heat pipe on the heat exchange plate 4. For example, the loop heat pipe can be configured to include an annular pipe 25, with a second phase change working fluid encapsulated within the annular pipe 25, and a heat exchange channel provided on the heat exchange plate 4, with the annular pipe 25 passing through the loop channel 45. Alternatively, the loop heat pipe can be configured as an annular pipe 25 formed on the heat exchange plate 4, wherein the second phase change working fluid is encapsulated within the annular pipe 25, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0112] The following two examples illustrate the concept of a loop heat pipe.

[0113] Example 1:

[0114] like Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, a loop channel 45 is provided inside the heat exchange plate 4. The loop heat pipe includes an annular pipe 25. A second phase change working fluid is encapsulated inside the annular pipe 25. The annular pipe 25 passes through the loop channel 45. The loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe 25.

[0115] Understandably, compared to L-type heat pipes, loop heat pipes have a more complex structure. By setting the loop heat pipe to include an annular pipe 25, which is inserted into the loop channel 45, the processing difficulty of the loop heat pipe can be reduced, making it easier to assemble the thermal management system.

[0116] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific type of the second phase change working medium filled in the annular pipeline 25. For example, the second phase change working medium can be water, methanol, ethanol, liquid ammonia, acetone, fluorinated hydrocarbons, alkanes or any mixture of the above, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of the second phase change working medium do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0117] For example, the working fluid for the second phase change is acetone.

[0118] Preferably, the second phase change working fluid in the annular pipe 25 has a filling rate of 50% to 70%. This filling rate is the ratio of the volume of the filled second liquid working fluid to the total volume within the annular pipe 25.

[0119] It should be noted that the filling rate of the second phase change working fluid can be set to a range of 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the filling rate of the second phase change working fluid is 50% to 70%.

[0120] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the heat exchange plate 4 to include only the first plate 41 and the second plate 42, or the heat exchange plate 4 can be configured to include the first plate 41, the bent plate and the second plate 42 connected in sequence, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration type of the heat exchange plate 4 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0121] Preferably, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchange plate 4 also includes a bent plate 43 disposed between the first plate body 41 and the second plate body 42. The L-shaped channel 44 includes an evaporation channel 411, a bent channel 431 and a condensation channel 421 connected in sequence. The evaporation channel 411 is disposed in the first plate body 41, the bent channel 431 is disposed in the bent plate 43, and the condensation channel 421 is disposed in the second plate body 42.

[0122] By setting the bending plate 43, the phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end 22 can flow smoothly through the bending channel 431 on the bending plate 43 to the first heat exchange end 21 under the action of gravity, avoiding the phase change working fluid from being stuck between the first plate 41 and the second plate 42, and ensuring the heat exchange stability of the heat pipe assembly.

[0123] Preferably, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the loop channel 45 includes a first channel 412, a bending clearance hole 432 and a second channel 422, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The first channel 412 is located in the first plate 41, the bending clearance hole 432 is located in the bending plate 43, and the second channel 422 is located in the second plate 42. The number of loop channels 45 is at least two.

[0124] With this configuration, namely by providing a bending clearance hole 432 on the bending plate 43, the annular pipe 25 can pass through the bending clearance hole 432 after exiting the first channel 412 and then enter the second channel 422, so that the phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end 22 of the loop heat pipe can flow smoothly to the first heat exchange end 21. Setting the number of loop channels 45 to at least two can ensure that the annular pipe 25 is connected end to end to form a loop.

[0125] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific bending angle of the bending plate 43. For example, the bending angle of the bending plate 43 can be set to 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bending angle of the bending plate 43 is 90°-170°.

[0126] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific number of L-shaped channels 44. For example, one L-shaped channel 44 may be set, or multiple L-shaped channels 44 may be set, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of L-shaped channels 44 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0127] It should also be noted that those skilled in the art can set the number of loop channels 45 to two, or the number of loop channels 45 to 2×N (where N≥2 and N is a positive integer), etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of loop channels 45 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0128] Preferably, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, there are multiple L-shaped channels 44 and loop channels 45. The L-shaped channels 44 and loop channels 45 are arranged alternately on the heat exchange plate 4 in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channels 44.

[0129] By setting multiple L-shaped channels 44 and loop channels 45, the L-shaped channels 44 and loop channels 45 can cover the entire area of ​​the heat exchange plate 4 as much as possible, making the heat exchange temperature on the heat exchange plate 4 more uniform. In addition, by alternately arranging the L-shaped channels 44 and loop channels 45 on the heat exchange plate 4 in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channels 44, the heat exchange of each area on the heat exchange plate 4 can be made more uniform as much as possible when the L-shaped heat pipe or the loop heat pipe works alone, thereby improving the thermal management effect of the battery pack 1.

[0130] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific configuration of the L-shaped channel 44. For example, the L-shaped channel 44 can be configured as a hollow tube, or a capillary wick structure can be provided inside the L-shaped channel 44, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the L-shaped channel 44 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0131] Preferably, a capillary wick structure is provided inside the L-shaped channel 44.

[0132] The following two scenarios will be discussed in detail.

[0133] Scenario 1:

[0134] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, the capillary core structure includes a protrusion structure 48 disposed on the inner wall of the L-shaped channel 44. The protrusion structure 48 extends along the axial direction of the L-shaped channel 44, and there are multiple protrusion structures 48 arranged sequentially along the circumference of the L-shaped channel 44.

[0135] By setting the protruding structure 48, the contact area between the inner wall of the L-shaped channel 44 and the phase change working fluid is increased, thus enhancing the interaction between the inner wall of the L-shaped channel 44 and the liquid phase change working fluid. If the inner wall of the L-shaped channel 44 is wetted by the phase change working fluid, the liquid molecules will be subject to stronger attraction from the solid molecules, resulting in a decrease in intermolecular distance and an expansion tendency, thereby promoting the spread of the liquid along the wall surface. Since the L-shaped channel 44 contains a gas-liquid two-phase mixture of phase change working fluid, the liquid phase change working fluid tends to flow along the inner wall of the L-shaped channel 44, causing the gaseous phase change working fluid to flow in the middle of the L-shaped channel 44. This arrangement can increase the flow rate of the phase change working fluid in the L-shaped channel 44, thereby increasing the rate at which the phase change working fluid travels from the first heat exchange end 21 to the second heat exchange end 22 for heat release and then back to the first heat exchange end 21 for heat absorption, which is beneficial to improving the overall cooling effect of the battery pack 1.

[0136] Preferably, the L-shaped channel 44 has a dimension of 8 mm in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 4. The thickness of the heat exchange plate 4 is 12 mm.

[0137] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the specific structural form of the protrusion structure 48. For example, the cross-section of the protrusion structure 48 can be set to an arc shape, or the cross-section of the protrusion structure 48 can be set to a triangle, or the cross-section of the protrusion structure 48 can be set to any other possible shape, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structural form of the protrusion structure 48 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0138] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, the cross-section of the protruding structure 48 is arc-shaped.

[0139] Scenario 2:

[0140] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the capillary wick structure includes a gas channel 471 and a liquid channel 472. Both the gas channel 471 and the liquid channel 472 extend along the length of the L-shaped channel 44. There are multiple liquid channels 472, and these multiple liquid channels 472 are distributed circumferentially along the gas channel 471. The gas channel 471 and the liquid channel 472 are connected through a hole 473.

[0141] This configuration allows the gaseous and liquid phase change working fluids within the L-shaped channel 44 to flow in different channels, facilitating gas-liquid separation of the phase change working fluid and improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, arranging the liquid channel 472 at circumferential intervals along the gas channel 471 allows it to be closer to the pipe wall (lower temperature), promoting condensation of the phase change medium, while keeping the gas channel 471 further away from the pipe wall (higher temperature), thus preventing condensation of the gaseous phase change working fluid and further enhancing the heat exchange capacity of the phase change heat pipe assembly.

[0142] It should be noted that although the present invention describes the L-shaped heat pipe in the above two scenarios, this is not limiting, and any other possible configuration does not depart from the principles and scope of the present invention.

[0143] It should also be noted that the annular pipe 25 may also be provided with a capillary wick structure as described in cases 1 and 2, which will not be elaborated here.

[0144] In some embodiments, the heat exchange plate 4 is further provided with a weight reduction channel 46. The number of weight reduction channels 46 is multiple, and the L-shaped channel 44, the weight reduction channel 46 and the loop channel 45 are arranged alternately on the heat exchange plate 4 in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channel 44.

[0145] By setting up the weight reduction channel 46, on the one hand, the weight of the heat exchange plate 4 can be reduced, which helps to achieve the lightweight design of the energy storage system. On the other hand, the weight reduction channel 46 can also separate the L-shaped channel 44 and the loop channel 45, preventing the phase change medium in the L-shaped channel 44 and the loop channel 45 from being affected by each other and thus affecting the heat exchange effect.

[0146] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the weight reduction channel 46 as a long channel extending along the direction of the L-shaped channel 44, or as multiple short channels spaced apart along the direction of the L-shaped channel 44, or as a combination of the aforementioned long and short channels, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the weight reduction channel 46 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0147] Preferably, the weight reduction channel 46 is a long channel extending in the direction of the L-shaped channel 44.

[0148] In some preferred embodiments, the weight reduction channel 46 is a closed channel to prevent foreign objects from entering the weight reduction channel 46 and increasing the weight of the heat exchange plate 4.

[0149] Preferably, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the flow area of ​​the weight-reducing channel 46 on the heat exchange plate 4 is larger than that of the L-shaped channel 44. This allows for more effective isolation between the L-shaped channel 44 and the loop channel 45. This not only prevents the phase change medium in the L-shaped channel 44 from undergoing a phase change due to the influence of the phase change working medium in the loop channel 45, thus avoiding a reduction in the cooling effect of the battery pack 1, but also prevents the phase change medium in the loop channel 45 from undergoing a phase change due to the influence of the phase change working medium in the L-shaped channel 44, thus avoiding an impact on the heating effect of the battery pack 1.

[0150] Example 2:

[0151] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the loop heat pipe includes a first pipe section 251, a second pipe section 252 and a second phase change working fluid formed in the heat exchange plate 4. The first pipe section 251 and the second pipe section 252 are connected in sequence to form an annular pipe 25. The second phase change working fluid is encapsulated in the annular pipe 25. The loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate in the annular pipe 25.

[0152] Preferably, such as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the L-shaped channel 44 includes an evaporation channel 411 and a condensation channel 421 connected together. The evaporation channel 411 and the first pipe section 251 are both disposed on the first plate 41, and the condensation channel 421 and the second pipe section 252 are both disposed on the second plate 42.

[0153] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any limitation on the formation of the L-shaped channel 44 and the annular pipe 25 on the heat exchange plate 4, as long as both the L-shaped channel 44 and the annular pipe 25 are formed on the heat exchange plate 4.

[0154] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first pipe section 251 includes multiple first U-shaped pipes, and the second pipe section 252 includes multiple second U-shaped pipes. The first U-shaped pipes and the second U-shaped pipes are connected end to end in sequence. At least a portion of the evaporation channel 411 of the L-shaped channel 44 is located inside the first U-shaped pipe, and the condensation channel 421 is located between two adjacent second U-shaped pipes. At least a portion of the evaporation channel 411 of the L-shaped channel 44 is located between two adjacent first U-shaped pipes, and the condensation channel 421 connected to it is located inside the second U-shaped pipe.

[0155] In another specific embodiment, the first pipe section 251 includes a plurality of first U-shaped pipes, and the second pipe section 252 includes a plurality of second U-shaped pipes. The first U-shaped pipes and the second U-shaped pipes are connected end to end in sequence. The evaporation channel 411 of the L-shaped channel 44 is disposed inside the first U-shaped pipe, and the condensation channel 421 is disposed between two adjacent second U-shaped pipes (not shown in the figure).

[0156] In another possible specific embodiment, the first pipe section 251 includes a plurality of first U-shaped pipes, the second pipe section 252 includes a plurality of second U-shaped pipes, the first U-shaped pipes and the second U-shaped pipes are connected end to end in sequence, the evaporation channel 411 of the L-shaped channel 44 is disposed between two adjacent first U-shaped pipes and the condensation channel 421 connected thereto is disposed inside the second U-shaped pipe (not shown in the figure).

[0157] In yet another possible embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first pipe segment 251 is bent on the first plate 41 to form a plurality of first U-shaped pipes connected end to end in sequence, and the second pipe segment 252 is bent on the second plate 42 to form a plurality of second U-shaped pipes connected end to end in sequence. The openings of the first U-shaped pipes and the openings of the second U-shaped pipes are arranged opposite to each other. The evaporation channel 411 of the L-shaped channel 44 is arranged inside the first U-shaped pipe and the condensation channel 421 is arranged inside the second U-shaped pipe.

[0158] It should be noted that, for the above Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the present invention does not limit the specific driving method for the second phase change working fluid to circulate in the annular pipe 25 driven by the loop heat pipe.

[0159] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the loop heat pipe also includes an evaporator 24. The two ends of the loop pipe 25 are connected to the inlet and outlet of the evaporator 24 respectively to form a loop. The evaporator 24 is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the loop.

[0160] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the loop heat pipe also includes a liquid wick 23 (not shown in the figure) disposed in the annular pipe 25. The liquid wick 23 is used to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe 25.

[0161] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific location of the liquid suction core 23, as long as it can drive the second phase change working medium to circulate within the annular pipe 25. For example, the liquid suction core 23 can be set on the entire annular pipe 25, or it can be set only on a portion of the annular pipe 25, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific location of the liquid suction core 23 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0162] Preferably, the liquid suction core 23 is only installed on a portion of the annular pipe 25.

[0163] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific structure of the wick 23. For example, the wick 23 can be configured to form a porous structure by sintering metal powder (such as copper, aluminum, nickel) or ceramic powder (such as alumina) through a sintering process (pressurizing at high temperature to fuse powder particles). Alternatively, the wick 23 can be configured to be formed by sintering multiple layers of metal mesh (such as copper mesh) to form a structure of "mesh holes + sintered pores". Alternatively, the wick 23 can be configured as a nanostructure, for example, by forming a nanoscale porous structure (such as nanopore array, nanogroove) on the inner wall of the metal through processes such as anodizing and chemical etching. In this way, the specific structure of the wick 23 is not limited, as long as it can transport the liquid phase change working fluid at the condensation end to the evaporation end.

[0164] It should be noted that although the present invention describes the formation of the L-shaped channel 44 and the annular pipe 25 on the heat exchange plate 4 using the above-described embodiments, this is not restrictive. Any other possible formation methods do not depart from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0165] It should also be noted that the type and filling rate of the second phase change working fluid in Example 1 are applicable to Example 2, the L-shaped channel 44 in Example 1 is also applicable to Example 2, and the structural form of the heat exchange plate 4 in Example 1 is also applicable to Example 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0166] Preferably, such as Figure 13 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly also includes an adjustment component 6, which is disposed between the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 and is used to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0167] With this configuration, namely by setting the regulating member 6 between the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22, the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 can be adjusted, thereby regulating the heat exchange capacity of the phase change heat exchange device. This helps to prevent the battery pack 1 from being over-cooled. In addition, when the external ambient temperature is high, it can also prevent the second heat exchange end 22 from absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and releasing the heat to the first heat exchange end 21, thus preventing the battery pack 1 from being overheated.

[0168] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can place the adjusting member 6 between the evaporation channel 411 and the condensation channel 421 of the L-shaped heat pipe, or between the first section 251 and the second section 252 of the loop heat pipe, or simultaneously between the evaporation channel 411 and the condensation channel 421 of the L-shaped heat pipe and between the first section 251 and the second section 252 of the loop heat pipe, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific placement of the adjusting member 6 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0169] Preferably, the regulating member 6 is simultaneously disposed between the evaporation channel 411 and the condensation channel 421 of the L-shaped heat pipe and between the first section 251 and the second section 252 of the loop heat pipe.

[0170] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the regulating component 6 as a regulating valve to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 by adjusting the flow area or flow resistance of the phase change working fluid. Alternatively, the regulating component 6 can be configured as a high-frequency switching valve to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 by adjusting the duty cycle of the high-frequency switching valve's on state. Furthermore, the regulating component 6 can be configured as a diaphragm valve to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the phase change working fluid's channel. Alternatively, the regulating component 6 can be configured as a solenoid valve to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 by adjusting the opening degree of the solenoid valve, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0171] Preferably, such as Figure 13 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly also includes a liquid reservoir 7, which is disposed on the side of the regulating member 6 away from the first heat exchange end 21. The liquid reservoir 7 is configured to enable gas-liquid separation of the phase change working fluid to prevent the gaseous phase change working fluid from flowing from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0172] By setting up the liquid reservoir 7, it is possible to facilitate the gas-liquid separation of the phase change working fluid. When the phase change working fluid flows from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21, it can prevent the gaseous phase change working fluid from flowing from the second heat exchange end 22 to the first heat exchange end 21 through the regulating component 6, thereby improving the regulating accuracy of the regulating component 6.

[0173] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a control method for the thermal management system described in the first aspect.

[0174] Specifically, the thermal management system includes multiple phase change heat pipe assemblies and liquid storage components 3 that are configured one-to-one with the battery pack 1. The first heat exchange end 21 of each phase change heat pipe assembly is used to exchange heat with the corresponding battery pack 1, and each liquid storage component 3 is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22 of the corresponding phase change heat pipe assembly.

[0175] Please see Figure 14 The control method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0176] S1: Obtain the current temperature Tn of each battery pack 1;

[0177] S2: Determine the maximum temperature Tmax of battery pack 1 based on the current temperature Tn;

[0178] S3: Compare the highest temperature Tmax with the first preset temperature T1;

[0179] S4: Based on the comparison results, selectively adjust the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3;

[0180] Where n≥2.

[0181] By setting the highest temperature to a first preset temperature and selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 based on the comparison result, the battery pack 1 can be prevented from overheating and causing thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of thermal management of the battery pack 1. It can also prevent excessive temperature differences between the various battery packs 1 and improve the thermal management effect of the battery pack 1.

[0182] It should be noted that when detecting the current temperature of each battery pack 1, only one detection point in each battery pack 1 can be detected as the current temperature, or multiple detection points in the battery pack 1 can be detected, and the current temperature can be determined based on the multiple detected values, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the number of detection points in each battery pack 1 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0183] Preferably, multiple detection points within the battery pack 1 are detected, and the current temperature is determined based on the multiple detected values.

[0184] Specifically, the steps of "determining the maximum temperature Tmax of battery pack 1 based on the current temperature Tn" include:

[0185] Among the current temperatures of each battery pack 1 detected, the current temperature of the battery pack 1 with the highest temperature is selected as the maximum temperature Tmax.

[0186] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 based on the comparison results" specifically includes:

[0187] S5: If Tmax > T1, then adjust the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to all battery packs 1 to the cooling mode.

[0188] With this setting, when Tmax > T1, it indicates that the temperature of battery pack 1 is high. At this time, adjusting all liquid storage components 3 to cooling mode can cool the second heat exchange end 22 with the coolant 32, thereby causing the phase change working medium in the second heat exchange end 22 to condense. The liquid phase change working medium is transported to the evaporation end and absorbs the heat of battery pack 1 to evaporate, thus effectively cooling battery pack 1 and avoiding thermal runaway caused by excessive temperature of battery pack 1.

[0189] Specifically, the step of "adjusting the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to all battery packs 1 to the cooling mode" includes:

[0190] The cooling element of the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to each battery pack 1 is activated.

[0191] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 based on the comparison results" specifically includes:

[0192] S61: If Tmax≤T1, then further determine the minimum temperature Tmin of battery pack 1 based on the current temperature Tn;

[0193] S62: Determine the temperature difference ΔT based on the highest temperature Tmax and the lowest temperature Tmin;

[0194] S63: Compare the highest temperature Tmax with the second preset temperature T2 and the third preset temperature T3 respectively, and record it as the first comparison result;

[0195] S64: Compare the temperature difference ΔT with the preset temperature difference ΔT0, and record it as the second comparison result;

[0196] Based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result, the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 is selectively adjusted;

[0197] Where 0 < T3 < T2 < T1.

[0198] With this setting, when Tmax≤T1, it indicates that the temperature of battery pack 1 is not significantly too high. At this time, by comparing the highest temperature with the second preset temperature T2 and the third preset temperature T3, and by comparing the temperature difference ΔT with the preset temperature difference ΔT0, the working mode of each liquid storage component 3 can be selectively adjusted according to the comparison results. This can avoid excessive temperature deviation between battery packs 1, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of battery pack 1.

[0199] Specifically, the steps of "determining the minimum temperature Tmin of battery pack 1 based on the current temperature Tn" include:

[0200] Among the current temperatures of each battery pack 1 detected, the current temperature of the battery pack 1 with the lowest temperature is selected as the minimum temperature Tmin.

[0201] Preferably, the step of "determining the temperature difference ΔT based on the highest temperature Tmax and the lowest temperature Tmin" specifically includes:

[0202] Calculate the temperature difference ΔT using the following formula:

[0203] △T = Tmax - Tmin.

[0204] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can determine the first preset temperature T1, the second preset temperature T2, the third preset temperature T3, and the preset temperature difference ΔT0 based on experience or experimentation.

[0205] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes:

[0206] S651: If T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT > ΔT0, then determine the battery pack to be cooled based on the current temperature Tn and the lowest temperature Tmin;

[0207] S652: Adjust the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the battery pack to be cooled to the cooling mode.

[0208] With this setting, under the condition that T2<Tmax≤T1 and △T>△T0, it indicates that the maximum temperature of battery pack 1 is too high and the temperature difference between each battery pack 1 is large. At this time, the battery pack to be cooled is selected, and the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the battery pack to be cooled is adjusted to the cooling mode, which can cool down the battery pack 1 with the high temperature, thereby making the temperature of each battery pack 1 more uniform.

[0209] Preferably, the step of "determining the battery pack to be cooled based on the current temperature Tn and the lowest temperature Tmin" specifically includes:

[0210] Compare the current temperature Ti of the i-th battery pack 1 with Tmin + ΔT0;

[0211] If Ti≥Tmin+△T0, then the i-th battery pack 1 is determined as the battery pack to be cooled;

[0212] Where 0 < i ≤ n.

[0213] By setting it up this way, the current temperature Ti of each battery pack 1 is compared with Tmin+△T0. If Ti≥Tmin+△T0, it means that the temperature of this battery pack 1 is higher than the set battery pack temperature, that is, the deviation between the battery pack 1 and the set battery pack temperature is large. Therefore, the battery pack 1 is identified as the battery pack to be cooled down.

[0214] It should be noted that the determination of the battery pack to be cooled is not limited to the above methods. For example, the battery pack 1 whose temperature exceeds the set battery pack temperature can also be determined as the battery pack to be cooled, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0215] Preferably, such as Figure 15As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes:

[0216] S661: If T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT ≤ ΔT0, then the coolant temperature Ty in the storage chamber 31 corresponding to each battery pack 1 is further obtained;

[0217] S662: Determine whether the coolant temperature Ty in the liquid storage chamber 31 is less than the preset coolant temperature Ty0;

[0218] Based on the judgment results, the working mode of each liquid storage component 3 is selectively adjusted.

[0219] With this setting, when T2 < Tmax ≤ T1, it indicates that the maximum temperature of battery pack 1 is too high and the temperature difference between each battery pack 1 is small. In other words, the temperature of all battery pack 1 is too high, and all battery pack 1 needs to be cooled down. At this time, the coolant temperature Ty in the liquid storage chamber 31 corresponding to each battery pack 1 is further obtained, and it is determined whether the coolant temperature Ty in the liquid storage chamber 31 is less than the preset coolant temperature Ty0. Based on the determination result, the working mode of each liquid storage component 3 is selectively adjusted. This can avoid continuing to cool the coolant 32 when the coolant temperature is low, which would cause the temperature of the coolant 32 to be too low and thus cause the temperature of the battery pack 1 to be too low. This helps to reduce the temperature difference between each battery pack 1.

[0220] Preferably, such as Figure 15 The steps described, "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 based on the judgment result," specifically include:

[0221] S663: If the judgment result is "yes", then the working mode of the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the liquid storage chamber 31 will not be adjusted;

[0222] S664: If the judgment result is "no", then adjust the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the liquid storage chamber 31 to the cooling mode.

[0223] With this setting, if the judgment result is "yes", it means that the temperature of the coolant in the reservoir 31 is low. At this time, there is no need to adjust the reservoir component 3 to the cooling mode, that is, do not adjust the working mode of the reservoir component 3 corresponding to the reservoir 31. If the judgment result is "no", it means that the temperature of the coolant in the reservoir 31 is high. At this time, it is necessary to adjust the corresponding reservoir component 3 to the cooling mode to cool the coolant 32, thereby cooling the corresponding battery pack 1 and avoiding excessive temperature difference between the battery packs 1.

[0224] Preferably, when the determination result is "no", the control method of the present invention further includes the following steps:

[0225] The maximum temperature Tmax is further compared with the fourth preset temperature T4 and the fifth preset temperature T5;

[0226] Based on the comparison results, the appropriate setting for the cooling mode of the liquid storage component 3 is determined.

[0227] Among them, T2 < T5 < T4 < T1.

[0228] With this setting, if the judgment result is "no", it means that the coolant temperature Ty in the liquid storage chamber 31 is greater than or equal to the preset coolant temperature Ty0. At this time, the highest temperature Tmax is further compared with the fourth preset temperature T4 and the fifth preset temperature T5. Based on the comparison result, the cooling mode level of the liquid storage component 3 is determined. This not only avoids the cooling efficiency being affected by the cooling level being too low, thus affecting the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1, but also avoids the cooling range being too large due to the cooling level being too high, thus affecting the temperature control accuracy of the battery pack 1.

[0229] Preferably, the step of "determining the cooling mode setting for the liquid storage component 3 based on the comparison results" specifically includes:

[0230] If T4 < Tmax ≤ T1, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component 3 will be adjusted to the first preset level.

[0231] If T5 < Tmax ≤ T4, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component 3 will be adjusted to the second preset level;

[0232] If T2 < Tmax ≤ T5, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component 3 will be adjusted to the third preset level;

[0233] The cooling capacity of the first preset setting is greater than that of the second preset setting, and the cooling capacity of the second preset setting is greater than that of the third preset setting.

[0234] With this setting, the cooling mode level of the liquid storage component 3 can be determined according to the range of the highest temperature of the battery pack 1, so as to cool the second heat exchange end 22 more accurately, and thus cool the battery pack 1 more accurately, avoiding excessive cooling and affecting the temperature control accuracy of the battery pack 1.

[0235] It should be noted that, in practical applications, this invention does not impose any limitations on the specific setting of the cooling capacity of each preset level. For example, the cooling frequency of the first preset level can be set to be greater than the cooling frequency of the second preset level, and the cooling frequency of the second preset level can be set to be greater than the cooling frequency of the third preset level. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the first preset level (such as the rotation speed of the cooling fan) can be set to be greater than the rotation speed of the second preset level, and the rotation speed of the second preset level can be set to be greater than the rotation speed of the third preset level, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of this invention and should all be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0236] For example, the cooling frequency of the first preset setting is greater than the cooling frequency of the second preset setting, and the cooling frequency of the second preset setting is greater than the cooling frequency of the third preset setting. For example, the cooling frequency of the first preset setting is 100%, the cooling frequency of the second preset setting is 70%, and the cooling frequency of the third preset setting is 30%.

[0237] It should also be noted that those skilled in the art can determine the specific values ​​of the cooling capacity of the first preset setting, the cooling capacity of the second preset setting, the cooling capacity of the third setting, and the fourth preset temperature T4 and the fifth preset temperature T5 based on experience or experiments.

[0238] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes:

[0239] S671: If Tmax≤T2 and ΔT>ΔT0, then determine the battery pack to be heated based on the current temperature Tn and the minimum temperature Tmax;

[0240] S672: Adjust the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the battery pack to be heated to the heating mode.

[0241] With this setting, when Tmax≤T2 and △T>△T0, it indicates that the highest temperature of battery pack 1 is low and the temperature difference between each battery pack 1 is large. At this time, only the battery pack 1 with the lower temperature is selected as the battery pack to be heated, and the liquid storage component 3 corresponding to the battery pack to be cooled is adjusted to the heating mode, which can heat the battery pack 1 with the lower temperature, thereby making the temperature of each battery pack 1 more uniform.

[0242] Preferably, the step of "determining the battery pack to be heated based on the current temperature Tn and the maximum temperature Tmax" specifically includes:

[0243] Compare the current temperature Tj of the j-th battery pack 1 with Tmax-ΔT0;

[0244] If Tj≤Tmax-△T0, then the j-th battery pack 1 is determined as the battery pack to be heated;

[0245] Where 0 < j ≤ n.

[0246] With this setting, the current temperature of each battery pack 1 is compared with Tmax-△T0. If the current temperature of the battery pack 1 is ≤ Tmax-△T0, it means that the current temperature of the battery pack 1 is significantly lower than the set temperature and needs to be heated. At this time, the battery pack 1 is determined as the battery pack to be heated.

[0247] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes:

[0248] S68: If T3 < Tmax ≤ T2 and △T ≤ △T0, then the working mode of all liquid storage components 3 shall not be adjusted.

[0249] With this setting, under the condition that T3<Tmax≤T2 and △T≤△T0, it means that the highest temperature of battery pack 1 is close to the set temperature of battery pack 1, and the temperature deviation of each battery pack 1 is also small. In other words, all battery packs 1 are at a relatively suitable temperature. At this time, without adjusting the working mode of all liquid storage components 3, energy can be saved and the temperature difference of battery pack 1 can be prevented from increasing.

[0250] Preferably, such as Figure 15 As shown, the step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each liquid storage component 3 according to the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes:

[0251] S69: If Tmax≤T3 and △T≤△T0, then adjust all liquid storage components 3 to heating mode.

[0252] With this setting, under the condition that Tmax≤T3 and △T≤△T0, it indicates that the maximum temperature of battery pack 1 is significantly lower, and the temperature difference between each battery pack 1 is not large. In other words, the temperature of all battery pack 1 is lower. At this time, adjusting all liquid storage components 3 to heating mode can heat all battery pack 1 and avoid affecting the normal operation of battery pack 1 due to the low temperature of battery pack 1.

[0253] Preferably, the thermal management system of the present invention further includes a spraying mechanism, which is configured one-to-one with the liquid storage chamber 31 and is capable of spraying the coolant 32 in the liquid storage chamber 31 onto the corresponding battery pack 1. The thermal management system is also configured to issue a thermal runaway alarm when the battery pack 1 experiences thermal runaway. The control method of the present invention further includes the following steps:

[0254] Obtain the thermal runaway alarm level for battery pack 1;

[0255] Based on the alarm level, each spray mechanism is selectively controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack 1.

[0256] With this setup, when the battery pack 1 experiences thermal runaway, the coolant 32 in the liquid storage component 3 can be sprayed onto the battery pack 1 through the spraying mechanism, thereby cooling and extinguishing the thermal runaway battery pack 1. Furthermore, the spraying can be performed on the battery pack 1 according to the thermal runaway alarm level, enabling precise cooling and extinguishing of the thermal runaway battery pack 1, further enhancing the safety of the thermal management system.

[0257] Preferably, the step of "selectively controlling each spray mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack 1 according to the alarm level" specifically includes:

[0258] If the alarm level is the first preset level, then control each spray mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack 1.

[0259] If the alarm level is the second preset level, then it is further determined whether the location of the thermal runaway battery can be determined.

[0260] Based on the judgment results, each spraying mechanism is selectively controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack 1;

[0261] Among them, the degree of thermal runaway in the first preset level is greater than that in the second preset level.

[0262] With this setup, when the thermal runaway is severe, each spray mechanism can be controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack 1, thereby more effectively controlling the thermal runaway battery pack 1 and preventing the thermal runaway from escalating and causing a fire. When the thermal runaway is mild, each spray mechanism can be selectively controlled to spray the battery pack 1 based on whether the location of the thermal runaway battery can be determined, thus preserving as many batteries as possible that have not yet experienced thermal runaway while ensuring safety.

[0263] It should be noted that an alarm module can be set on the thermal management system. When the battery experiences thermal runaway, the alarm level can be obtained by issuing an alarm through the alarm module. Alternatively, the alarm level can be obtained by comparing the image captured by the camera with a preset image. Or, the alarm level can be obtained by comparing the detected temperature of battery pack 1 with a set temperature, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific method of obtaining the alarm level do not deviate from the principles and scope of this invention and should all be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0264] Preferably, the step of "selectively controlling each spraying mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack 1 according to the judgment result" specifically includes:

[0265] If the judgment result is "no", then control each spraying mechanism to spray the corresponding battery pack 1;

[0266] If the judgment result is "yes", then a set number of spray mechanisms around the thermal runaway battery pack 1 will spray the corresponding battery pack 1.

[0267] With this setup, if the judgment result is "no," it means that the precise location of the thermal runaway battery pack 1 cannot be determined. In this case, controlling each spray mechanism to spray its corresponding battery pack 1 can control the thermal runaway battery and prevent the thermal runaway from escalating and causing a fire. If the judgment result is "yes," only a set number of spray mechanisms around the thermal runaway battery pack 1 are controlled to spray their corresponding battery packs 1. This can both control the thermal runaway battery pack 1 and prevent the thermal runaway from escalating and causing a fire, and also protect battery packs 1 that are farther away from the thermal runaway battery pack 1, reducing losses.

[0268] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the present invention does not impose any limitation on the specific value of the set quantity. For example, the set quantity can be set to one, that is, controlling the spray mechanism of one battery pack 1 around the thermal runaway battery pack 1 to spray the corresponding battery pack 1. Alternatively, the set quantity can be set to two, that is, controlling the spray mechanisms of two battery packs 1 around the thermal runaway battery pack 1 to spray the corresponding battery pack 1. Or, the set quantity can be set to any other possible value.

[0269] For example, the number is set to two, that is, the spraying mechanisms of the two battery packs 1 around the thermal runaway battery pack 1 are controlled to spray the corresponding battery packs 1.

[0270] In a third aspect, the present invention also provides an energy storage system comprising a thermal management system and a controller for a battery pack 1 as described in any of the first aspects, the controller being configured to perform a control method of the thermal management system as described in any of the second aspects.

[0271] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a battery pack (1), characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a battery pack (1), a phase change heat pipe assembly, and a liquid storage component (3). The phase change heat pipe assembly contains a phase change working fluid and has a first heat exchange end (21) and a second heat exchange end (22). The first heat exchange end (21) is arranged adjacent to the battery pack (1) and is used to exchange heat with the battery pack (1). The liquid storage component (3) has a liquid storage chamber (31) for storing coolant (32). At least a portion of the second heat exchange end (22) is immersed in the coolant (32) and exchanges heat with the coolant (32). The liquid storage component (3) has a heating mode and a cooling mode. The liquid storage component (3) is configured to heat the coolant (32) when it is in heating mode and to cool the coolant (32) when it is in cooling mode. The thermal management system further includes a temperature detection component, which is used to detect the temperature inside the battery pack (1) and is communicatively connected to the liquid storage component (3).

2. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage component (3) further includes a heating element and a cooling element. The heating element is used to heat the coolant (32), and the cooling element is used to cool the coolant (32). The temperature detection component is communicatively connected to the heating element and the cooling element. And / or, the thermal management system further includes a spraying mechanism configured to spray coolant (32) in the reservoir (31) onto the battery pack (1).

3. The thermal management system for the battery pack (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spraying mechanism includes a nozzle (331), a spray pipe (332), and a pump body (333) installed on the spray pipe (332). One end of the spray pipe (332) is connected to the nozzle (331), and the other end of the spray pipe (332) is connected to the liquid storage chamber (31). The pump body (333) is used to transport the coolant (32) in the liquid storage chamber (31) to the nozzle (331).

4. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a heat exchange plate (4) and a cover (5). The heat exchange plate (4) includes a first plate body (41) and a second plate body (42) connected together. The cover (5) is connected to the first plate body (41) to form an accommodating space (40). The battery pack (1) is disposed in the accommodating space (40). The phase change heat pipe assembly is disposed on the heat exchange plate (4). The first heat exchange end (21) is formed on the first plate body (41). The second heat exchange end (22) is formed on the second plate body (42), and at least a portion of the second plate body (42) is immersed in the coolant. The phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and / or a loop heat pipe.

5. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly includes an L-shaped heat pipe and a loop heat pipe. The L-shaped heat pipe includes an L-shaped channel (44) formed within the heat exchange plate (4) and a first phase change working fluid encapsulated within the L-shaped channel (44), wherein: The heat exchange plate (4) is provided with a loop channel (45). The loop heat pipe includes an annular pipe (25) and a second phase change working fluid encapsulated in the annular pipe (25). The annular pipe (25) passes through the loop channel (45). The loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate in the annular pipe (25). Alternatively, the loop heat pipe includes a first pipe section (251), a second pipe section (252), and a second phase change working fluid formed within the heat exchange plate (4). The first pipe section (251) and the second pipe section (252) are connected in sequence to form an annular pipe (25). The second phase change working fluid is encapsulated within the annular pipe (25). The loop heat pipe is configured to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe (25).

6. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The loop heat pipe also includes an evaporator (24). The two ends of the loop pipe (25) are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (24) to form a loop. The evaporator (24) is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the loop. And / or, the loop heat pipe further includes a liquid wick (23) disposed in the annular pipe (25), the liquid wick (23) being used to drive the second phase change working fluid to circulate within the annular pipe (25); And / or, the first phase change working fluid is filled in the L-shaped channel (44) at a rate of 40% to 70%; And / or, the second phase change working fluid is filled in the annular pipe (25) at a rate of 50% to 70%.

7. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange plate (4) further includes a bent plate (43) disposed between the first plate body (41) and the second plate body (42), wherein: The L-shaped channel (44) includes an evaporation channel (411) disposed in the first plate (41), a bend channel (431) disposed in the bend plate (43), and a condensation channel (421) disposed in the second plate (42). And / or, the loop channel (45) includes a first channel (412), a bending clearance hole (432) and a second channel (422) arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The first channel (412) is arranged in the first plate (41), the bending clearance hole (432) is arranged on the bending plate (43), and the second channel (422) is arranged in the second plate (42). The number of loop channels (45) is at least two. And / or, there are multiple L-shaped channels (44) and loop channels (45), and the L-shaped channels (44) and loop channels (45) are alternately arranged on the heat exchange plate (4) in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channels (44); And / or, a capillary wick structure is provided inside the L-shaped channel (44), the capillary wick structure includes a protrusion structure (48) provided on the inner wall of the L-shaped channel (44), the protrusion structure (48) extends along the axial direction of the L-shaped channel (44), the number of the protrusion structure (48) is multiple and the multiple protrusion structures (48) are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the L-shaped channel (44); or, the capillary wick structure includes a gas channel (471) and a liquid channel (472), the gas channel (471) and the liquid channel (472) both extend along the length direction of the L-shaped channel (44), the number of the liquid channels (472) is multiple and the multiple liquid channels (472) are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the gas channel (471), the gas channel (471) and the liquid channel (472) are connected through a channel (473); And / or, the heat exchange plate (4) is also provided with a weight reduction channel (46), the number of the weight reduction channel (46) is multiple, and the L-shaped channel (44), the weight reduction channel (46) and the loop channel (45) are alternately arranged on the heat exchange plate (4) in a direction perpendicular to the L-shaped channel (44); And / or, the flow area of ​​the weight reduction channel (46) on the heat exchange plate (4) is greater than the flow area of ​​the L-shaped channel (44).

8. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The L-shaped channel (44) includes an evaporation channel (411) and a condensation channel (421) connected together. The evaporation channel (411) and the first pipe section (251) are both disposed on the first plate (41), and the condensation channel (421) and the second pipe section (252) are both disposed on the second plate (42). The first pipe segment (251) includes a plurality of first U-shaped pipes, and the second pipe segment (252) includes a plurality of second U-shaped pipes. The first U-shaped pipes and the second U-shaped pipes are connected end to end in sequence. At least a portion of the evaporation channel (411) of the L-shaped channel (44) is located inside the first U-shaped pipe, and the condensation channel (421) connected thereto is located between two adjacent second U-shaped pipes; and / or, at least a portion of the evaporation channel (411) of the L-shaped channel (44) is located between two adjacent first U-shaped pipes, and the condensation channel (421) connected thereto is located inside the second U-shaped pipe; And / or, the first pipe segment (251) is bent on the first plate (41) to form a plurality of first U-shaped pipes connected end to end in sequence, the second pipe segment (252) is bent on the second plate (42) to form a plurality of second U-shaped pipes connected end to end in sequence, the opening of the first U-shaped pipe is opposite to the opening of the second U-shaped pipe, the evaporation channel (411) of the L-shaped channel (44) is located inside the first U-shaped pipe and the condensation channel (421) connected thereto is located inside the second U-shaped pipe.

9. The thermal management system for a battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly further includes an adjustment component (6), which is disposed between the first heat exchange end (21) and the second heat exchange end (22) and is used to adjust the flow rate of the phase change working fluid from the second heat exchange end (22) to the first heat exchange end (21).

10. A control method for a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The number of battery packs (1) is multiple. The thermal management system includes multiple phase change heat pipe assemblies and liquid storage components (3) that are arranged one-to-one with the battery packs (1). The first heat exchange end (21) of each phase change heat pipe assembly is used to exchange heat with the corresponding battery pack (1), and each liquid storage component (3) is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end (22) of the corresponding phase change heat pipe assembly. The control method includes the following steps: Obtain the current temperature Tn of each of the battery packs (1); Based on the current temperature Tn, determine the maximum temperature Tmax of the battery pack (1); Compare the highest temperature Tmax with the first preset temperature T1; Based on the comparison results, the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) is selectively adjusted; Where n≥2.

11. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) based on the comparison results" specifically includes: If Tmax > T1, then the liquid storage component (3) corresponding to all battery packs (1) will be adjusted to the cooling mode; And / or, if Tmax≤T1, then the minimum temperature Tmin of the battery pack (1) is further determined based on the current temperature Tn; The temperature difference ΔT is determined based on the highest temperature Tmax and the lowest temperature Tmin; The highest temperature Tmax is compared with the second preset temperature T2 and the third preset temperature T3 respectively, and recorded as the first comparison result; The temperature difference ΔT is compared with the preset temperature difference ΔT0, and recorded as the second comparison result; Based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result, the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) is selectively adjusted; Where 0 < T3 < T2 < T1.

12. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of "selectively adjusting the operating mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result" specifically includes: If T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT > ΔT0, then the battery pack to be cooled is determined based on the current temperature Tn and the lowest temperature Tmin. Adjust the liquid storage component (3) corresponding to the battery pack to be cooled to the cooling mode; And / or, if T2 < Tmax ≤ T1 and ΔT ≤ ΔT0, then the coolant temperature Ty in the reservoir (31) corresponding to each of the battery packs (1) is further obtained; Determine whether the coolant temperature Ty in the reservoir (31) is less than the preset coolant temperature Ty0; Based on the judgment result, the working mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) is selectively adjusted; And / or, if Tmax≤T2 and ΔT>ΔT0, then the battery pack to be heated is determined based on the current temperature Tn and the highest temperature Tmax; Adjust the liquid storage component (3) corresponding to the battery pack to be heated to the heating mode; And / or, if T3 < Tmax ≤ T2 and ΔT ≤ ΔT0, then the operating mode of all the liquid storage components (3) shall not be adjusted; And / or, if Tmax≤T3 and △T≤△T0, then all the liquid storage components (3) are adjusted to heating mode.

13. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of "determining the battery pack to be cooled based on the current temperature Tn and the highest temperature Tmin" specifically includes: Compare the current temperature Ti of the i-th battery pack (1) with Tmin + ΔT0; If Ti≥Tmin+△T0, then the i-th battery pack (1) is determined as the battery pack to be cooled; Where 0 < i ≤ n; And / or, the step of "determining the battery pack to be heated based on the current temperature Tn and the highest temperature Tmax" specifically includes: Compare the current temperature Tj of the j-th battery pack (1) with Tmax-ΔT0; If Tj≤Tmax-△T0, then the j-th battery pack (1) is determined as the battery pack to be heated; Where 0 < j ≤ n.

14. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of "selectively adjusting the working mode of each of the liquid storage components (3) according to the judgment result" specifically includes: If the judgment result is "yes", then the working mode of the liquid storage component (3) corresponding to the liquid storage chamber (31) will not be adjusted; And / or, if the judgment result is "no", the liquid storage component (3) corresponding to the liquid storage chamber (31) will be adjusted to the cooling mode.

15. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the judgment result is "no", the control method further includes the following steps: The highest temperature Tmax is further compared with the fourth preset temperature T4 and the fifth preset temperature T5; Based on the comparison results, determine the setting of the cooling mode for the liquid storage component (3); Where 0 < T2 < T5 < T4 < T1.

16. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The step of "determining the cooling mode setting of the liquid storage component (3) based on the comparison results" specifically includes: If T4 < Tmax ≤ T1, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component (3) is adjusted to the first preset level; If T5 < Tmax ≤ T4, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component (3) will be adjusted to the second preset level; If T2 < Tmax ≤ T5, then the cooling mode of the liquid storage component (3) will be adjusted to the third preset level; Wherein, the cooling capacity of the first preset setting is greater than the cooling capacity of the second preset setting, and the cooling capacity of the second preset setting is greater than the cooling capacity of the third preset setting.

17. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a spraying mechanism, which is configured one-to-one with the liquid storage chamber (31) and can spray the coolant (32) in the liquid storage chamber (31) onto the corresponding battery pack (1). The thermal management system is also configured to issue a thermal runaway alarm when the battery pack (1) experiences thermal runaway. The control method of the present invention further includes the following steps: Obtain the thermal runaway alarm level of the battery pack (1); According to the alarm level, each of the spray mechanisms is selectively controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack (1).

18. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of "selectively controlling each of the spray mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack (1) according to the alarm level" specifically includes: If the alarm level is the first preset level, then control each of the spray mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack (1); If the alarm level is the second preset level, then it is further determined whether the location of the thermal runaway battery pack (1) can be determined; Based on the judgment result, each of the spraying mechanisms is selectively controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack (1); Among them, the degree of thermal runaway in the first preset level is greater than that in the second preset level.

19. The control method for the thermal management system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of "selectively controlling each of the spraying mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack (1) according to the judgment result" specifically includes: If the judgment result is "no", then control each of the spraying mechanisms to spray the corresponding battery pack (1); And / or, if the judgment result is "yes", then a set number of the spray mechanisms around the thermal runaway battery pack (1) are controlled to spray the corresponding battery pack (1).

20. An energy storage system, characterized in that, The energy storage system includes a thermal management system for a battery pack (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and a controller, the controller being configured to perform a control method of the thermal management system as described in any one of claims 10 to 19.

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