Temperature adjustment system for power storage device

Abstract

Provided is a temperature adjustment system for a power storage device, which is capable of maintaining the power storage device at an appropriate temperature. A temperature adjustment system for an electricity storage device according to the present invention is provided with a cooling circuit in which a heat exchanger, a liquid feeding device, an electricity storage device, and a heat generating device are connected in a ring shape through a flow path through which a refrigerant flows, and is capable of adjusting the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the cooling circuit. When the temperature of the refrigerant is high and when the temperature of the refrigerant is low, the direction is opposite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature regulation system for an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a cooling system for cooling an energy storage device.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-026880 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the cooling system disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the temperature of the refrigerant becomes too low and the energy storage device is over-cooled.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a temperature regulation system for an energy storage device that can maintain the energy storage device at an appropriate temperature.

[0006] To solve the above problems and achieve the objectives, the temperature adjustment system of the energy storage device involved in the present invention has a cooling circuit that connects the heat exchanger, the liquid delivery device, the energy storage device and the heating device in a loop through a refrigerant flow path. In the temperature adjustment system of the energy storage device, the direction of the refrigerant flow in the cooling circuit is set to be opposite when the refrigerant temperature is high and when the refrigerant temperature is low.

[0007] Therefore, in the temperature regulation system of the energy storage device according to the present invention, the energy storage device can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0008] Furthermore, the above configuration can be as follows: the temperature regulation system of the energy storage device includes: a first flow path opening and closing component disposed between the heat exchanger and the liquid delivery device; a second flow path opening and closing component disposed between the liquid delivery device and the energy storage device; a first bypass flow path connecting the heat exchanger and the first flow path opening and closing component and the liquid delivery device and the second flow path opening and closing component; and a second bypass flow path connecting the first flow path opening and closing component and the liquid delivery device and the second flow path opening and closing component and the energy storage device.

[0009] Therefore, the flow path of the refrigerant can be switched to include a first bypass flow path and a second bypass flow path by means of the first opening and closing component and the second opening and closing component, thereby changing the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling circuit.

[0010] Furthermore, the above can be configured as follows: the first flow path opening and closing component and the second flow path opening and closing component are thermostats, wherein the thermostats are in an open state when the refrigerant temperature is high and in a closed state when the refrigerant temperature is low.

[0011] Therefore, the thermostat can be switched between open and closed states based on the refrigerant temperature, thereby changing the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling circuit.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] The temperature regulation system of the energy storage device involved in this invention can maintain the energy storage device at an appropriate temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system according to Embodiment 1 at high temperature. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature control system according to Embodiment 1 at low temperature.

[0015] Figure 2 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of a temperature regulation system with two batteries arranged in parallel cooling circuits. Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of a temperature regulation system with a cooling circuit consisting of two batteries connected in series.

[0016] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system according to Embodiment 2 in its normal state. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the countercurrent state in the temperature adjustment system according to Embodiment 2. Figure 3 (c) is a diagram showing the structure of the battery bypass state in the temperature regulation system according to Embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature control system according to Embodiment 3 in its normal state. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the flow path replacement state in the temperature adjustment system according to Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0018] (Implementation Method 1)

[0019] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1 is applicable, for example, to electric vehicles such as electric cars equipped with a motor that serves as a power source for driving the drive wheels.

[0020] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1 at high temperature. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1 at low temperature.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the temperature regulation system 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a cooling circuit 1 that circulates a liquid, insulating refrigerant to cool the battery 4 of the energy storage device, which is the object of temperature regulation. Furthermore, as the refrigerant, a long-life coolant (LLC) can be used, for example.

[0022] The temperature regulation system 100 includes a radiator 2 as a heat exchanger, an electric pump 3 as a refrigerant delivery device, a first heating element 5A, a second heating element 5B, a first thermostat 61, and a second thermostat 62. In the temperature regulation system 100, the radiator 2, electric pump 3, battery 4, first heating element 5A, second heating element 5B, first thermostat 61, and second thermostat 62 are connected by piping to form a cooling circuit 1. Furthermore, for example, the electric pump 3 is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted in the vehicle, causing the electric pump 3 to operate and thereby circulating refrigerant within the cooling circuit 1.

[0023] Furthermore, in a vehicle equipped with the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, for example, if a fuel cell is installed for supplying power to a motor that serves as a drive source, either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B includes a fuel cell.

[0024] Figure 1 The arrows, indicated by solid lines within the piping, represent the refrigerant flow path in cooling circuit 1. Figure 1 The cooling circuit 1 shown includes a first flow path 11 connecting the radiator 2 and the electric pump 3, a second flow path 12 connecting the electric pump 3 and the battery 4, a third flow path 13 connecting the battery 4 and the first heating device 5A, a fourth flow path 14 connecting the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, and a fifth flow path 15 connecting the second heating device 5B and the radiator 2.

[0025] A first thermostat 61 is installed midway through the first flow path 11, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outer air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path 11. When the first thermostat 61 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow between the radiator 2 and the electric pump 3 in the first flow path 11. Conversely, when the first thermostat 61 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow between the radiator 2 and the electric pump 3 in the first flow path 11.

[0026] A second thermostat 62 is provided midway through the second flow path 12, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outer air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path 12. When the second thermostat 62 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow between the electric pump 3 and the battery 4 in the second flow path 12. Conversely, when the second thermostat 62 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow between the electric pump 3 and the battery 4 in the second flow path 12.

[0027] In the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature regulation system 100, the first flow path 11 connecting the radiator 2 and the electric pump 3 branches into a first bypass flow path 121 between the first thermostat 61 and the radiator 2, and branches into a second bypass flow path 122 between the first thermostat 61 and the electric pump 3. Furthermore, the first bypass flow path 121 connects the second thermostat 62 of the second flow path 12 between the second thermostat 62 and the electric pump 3, and the second bypass flow path 122 connects the second thermostat 62 of the second flow path 12 between the second thermostat 62 and the battery 4.

[0028] In the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the flow path of refrigerant including the first bypass flow path 121 and the second bypass flow path 122 is switched by the first thermostat 61 and the second thermostat 62, so that the direction of refrigerant flow in the cooling circuit 1 is set to the opposite direction when the temperature of the refrigerant (the outside air temperature) is high and when the temperature of the refrigerant is low.

[0029] In the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, when the temperature of the refrigerant (outdoor air temperature) is high (at room temperature), such as Figure 1 As shown in (a), the first thermostat 61 and the second thermostat 62 are in the open state. Furthermore, by operating the electric pump 3 in this state, refrigerant can be directed through the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 into the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature control system 100. Figure 1 (a) indicates the positive direction of flow indicated by the arrow. Thus, in the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, when the temperature of the refrigerant (outdoor air temperature) is high (at room temperature), the refrigerant in a cooled state after the radiator 2 can flow into the battery 4, thereby cooling the battery 4.

[0030] On the other hand, when the refrigerant temperature (outdoor temperature) is low (at extremely low temperatures), such as Figure 1 As shown in (b), the first thermostat 61 and the second thermostat 62 are in the off state. Furthermore, by operating the electric pump 3 in this state, refrigerant can be directed through the first bypass flow path 121 and the second bypass flow path 122 into the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature control system 100. Figure 1(b) indicates the flow in the opposite direction indicated by the arrow. Thus, in the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the refrigerant that has been warmed from the radiator 2 via the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B can flow into the battery 4, thereby increasing the temperature of the battery 4, suppressing overcooling, and achieving temperature maintenance.

[0031] As described above, in the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the battery 4 can be maintained at an appropriate temperature whether the temperature of the refrigerant (outdoor temperature) is high or low.

[0032] Furthermore, when the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling circuit 1 is reversed, the temperature gradient of the battery in the refrigerant flow direction in the battery 4 is opposite to that when the direction of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling circuit 1 is positive. Therefore, the degradation caused by the battery temperature becoming high can be made uniform in the refrigerant flow direction within the battery 4. Therefore, the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is preferably configured such that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the battery 4 is the same in both the positive and negative flow directions.

[0033] In addition, Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 In (b), the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature regulation system 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes one battery 4, but more than one battery 4 can be provided in the cooling circuit 1. For example, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a), in the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to... Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b) Two batteries 4A and 4B are arranged side-by-side at the position of battery 4. Furthermore, as shown... Figure 2 As shown in (b), in the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature adjustment system 100 according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to... Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b) Two batteries 4A and 4B are connected in series at the position of battery 4.

[0034] Furthermore, in the cooling circuit 1 of the temperature regulation system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the method for switching the direction of refrigerant flow relative to the battery 4 is not limited to opening and closing the first thermostat 61 and the second thermostat 62 provided in the flow path. For example, a solenoid valve that can be opened and closed depending on whether it is energized can be provided in the middle of the flow path. By opening and closing the solenoid valve, the flow path of the refrigerant can be changed, thereby switching the direction of refrigerant flow relative to the battery 4. In addition, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve can be performed, for example, simply by setting a standard for the refrigerant and based on the detection result of the temperature sensor provided in the flow path. Furthermore, for example, the direction of refrigerant flow relative to the battery 4 can be switched by opening the solenoid valve when the power generated by the solar panel installed in the vehicle equipped with the temperature regulation system 100 according to Embodiment 1 is supplied to the solenoid valve, and closing the solenoid valve when the solar panel does not generate power and the solenoid valve is not supplied with power. As a result, the battery 4 can be cooled during the day when the outside temperature is relatively high, and the temperature of the battery 4 can be maintained at night when the outside temperature is relatively low.

[0035] Implementation Method 2

[0036] Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2 in its normal state. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the countercurrent state in the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 3 (c) is a diagram showing the structure of the battery bypass state in the temperature regulation system 200 according to Embodiment 2.

[0038] The temperature regulation system 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a cooling circuit 201 dedicated to the battery as an energy storage device. The temperature regulation system 200 according to Embodiment 2 includes a radiator 202, an electric pump 203, a first battery 204A, a second battery 204B, a first thermostat 261, a second thermostat 262, and a third thermostat 263. In the temperature regulation system 200, the radiator 202, the electric pump 203, the first battery 204A, the second battery 204B, the first thermostat 261, the second thermostat 262, and the third thermostat 263 are connected by piping to form the cooling circuit 201.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the electric pump 203 is operated by controlling the electric pump 203 via the ECU mounted in the vehicle, thereby circulating refrigerant within the cooling circuit 201. Additionally, Figure 3The arrows, indicated by solid lines within the piping, represent the flow paths of the refrigerant in cooling circuit 201. Figure 3 The cooling circuit 201 shown includes a first flow path 211 connecting the radiator 202 and the electric pump 203, a second flow path 212 connecting the electric pump 203 and the first battery 204A, a third flow path 213 connecting the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B, and a fourth flow path 214 connecting the second battery 204B and the radiator 202.

[0040] A first thermostat 261 is provided midway through the second flow path 212, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outer air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path 212. When the first thermostat 261 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow between the electric pump 203 and the first battery 204A in the second flow path 212. Conversely, when the first thermostat 261 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow between the electric pump 203 and the first battery 204A in the second flow path 212.

[0041] A second thermostat 262 is provided midway through the third flow path 213, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outer air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the third flow path 213. When the second thermostat 262 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow between the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B in the third flow path 213. Conversely, when the second thermostat 262 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow between the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B in the third flow path 213.

[0042] A third thermostat 263 is provided midway through the fourth flow path 214, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outer air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the fourth flow path 214. When the third thermostat 263 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow between the second battery 204B and the radiator 202 in the fourth flow path 214. Conversely, when the third thermostat 263 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow between the second battery 204B and the radiator 202 in the fourth flow path 214.

[0043] In the cooling circuit 201 of the temperature regulation system 200, the second flow path 212 branches into a first bypass flow path 221 between the electric pump 203 and the first thermostat 61, and branches into a second bypass flow path 222 and a third bypass flow path 223 between the first thermostat 61 and the first battery 204A. Furthermore, in the cooling circuit 201 of the temperature regulation system 200, the third flow path 213 branches into a fourth bypass flow path 224 between the first battery 204A and the second thermostat 262.

[0044] Furthermore, the first bypass flow path 221 connects the third thermostat 263 and the radiator 202 of the fourth flow path 214. The second bypass flow path 222 connects the second thermostat 262 and the second battery 204B of the third flow path 213. The third bypass flow path 223 connects the first battery 204A and the second thermostat 262 of the third flow path 213. The fourth bypass flow path 224 connects the third thermostat 263 and the radiator 202 of the fourth flow path 214.

[0045] In the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2, Figure 3 In the normal state shown in (a), the first thermostat 261, the second thermostat 262, and the third thermostat 263 are in the open state. Furthermore, in the cooling circuit 201 of the temperature adjustment system 200, the refrigerant is directed to the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B in sequence via the second flow path 212, the third flow path 213, and the fourth flow path 214, which serve as the main flow paths. Figure 3 (a) indicates the positive direction of flow indicated by the arrow.

[0046] Here, the higher the battery temperature of the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B, the more prone they are to degradation. Figure 3 In the cooling circuit 201 in its normal state shown in (a), the second battery 204B, located downstream in the refrigerant flow direction (positive direction), is cooled by the refrigerant that raises the temperature of the first battery 204A. Therefore, the cooling temperature of the second battery 204B, cooled by the refrigerant, becomes higher, and degradation of the second battery 204B (reduction in full charge capacity) is more likely to occur. Thus, in the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2, in Figure 3 In the cooling circuit 201 in its normal state as shown in (a), if a difference (e.g., 5%) in the full charge capacity is generated between the first battery 204A on the upstream side and the second battery 204B on the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction (positive direction), the flow of refrigerant in the cooling circuit 201 is reversed.

[0047] In the temperature control system 200 according to embodiment 2, when becoming Figure 3 In the counter-current state shown in (b), the first thermostat 261, the second thermostat 262, and the third thermostat 263 are set to the off state. Therefore, in the cooling circuit 201 of the temperature adjustment system 200, the refrigerant cooled by the radiator 202 circulates sequentially through the first flow path 211, the second flow path 212, the first bypass flow path 221, the fourth flow path 214, the second bypass flow path 222, the third flow path 213, the third bypass flow path 223, the third flow path 213, the fourth bypass flow path 224, and the fourth flow path 214. Thus, in the cooling circuit 201, as... Figure 3(b) As indicated by the arrow, to match Figure 3 (a) shows a direction opposite to the positive direction, causing the refrigerant to flow in the order of the second cell 204B and the first cell 204A.

[0048] Therefore, under the reverse flow state of the cooling circuit 201, the temperature distribution of the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B is reversed, reducing the difference in full-charge capacity between the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B. Furthermore, in the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2, when the difference in full-charge capacity between the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B becomes small (e.g., less than 5%), the cooling circuit 201 is restored to its normal state. Figure 3 (a) shows the normal state.

[0049] Furthermore, in the temperature adjustment system 200 according to Embodiment 2, when the temperature of the refrigerant is lower than the recommended operating temperature range (e.g., 10°C to 30°C) of the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B, it is set to a battery bypass state that prevents the refrigerant from flowing to the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B.

[0050] In the temperature control system 200 according to embodiment 2, when becoming Figure 3 In the battery bypass state shown in (c), the first thermostat 261 and the second thermostat 262 are set to the closed state, and the third thermostat 263 is set to the open state. Therefore, in the cooling circuit 201 of the temperature adjustment system 200, the refrigerant cooled by the radiator 202 circulates sequentially through the first flow path 211, the second flow path 212, the first bypass flow path 221, and the fourth flow path 214. Thus, in the cooling circuit 201 in the battery bypass state, as... Figure 3 As indicated by the arrow in (c), the refrigerant is prevented from flowing to the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B.

[0051] In the cooling circuit 201 in the battery bypass state, the refrigerant that has not flowed through the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B is heated by the heat released from the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B. Furthermore, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the cooling circuit 201 (the entire refrigerant) reaches the upper limit of the recommended operating temperature range of the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B, the cooling circuit 201 is restored to its normal operating temperature. Figure 3 (a) shows the normal state. Furthermore, by repeatedly switching the state of the cooling circuit 201 between the normal state and the battery bypass state according to the temperature of the refrigerant, the recommended operating temperature of the first battery 204A and the second battery 204B can be maintained.

[0052] (Implementation Method 3)

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiment 3 of the temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0054] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3 in its normal state. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the structure of the flow path replacement state in the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3.

[0055] The temperature control system 300 according to Embodiment 3 includes a cooling circuit 301 with two battery packs arranged in parallel for different uses (use A and use B). The temperature control system 300 according to Embodiment 3 includes a radiator 302, an electric pump 303, two first batteries 304A, two second batteries 304B, a first thermostat 361, a second thermostat 362, a third thermostat 363, and a fourth thermostat 364. In the temperature control system 300, the radiator 302, the electric pump 303, the two first batteries 304A, the two second batteries 304B, the first thermostat 361, the second thermostat 362, the third thermostat 363, and the fourth thermostat 364 are connected by piping to form the cooling circuit 301.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, the electric pump 303 is controlled and operated by the vehicle's ECU, thereby circulating refrigerant within the cooling circuit 301. Additionally, Figure 4 The arrows, indicated by solid lines within the piping, represent the flow paths of the refrigerant in cooling circuit 301. Figure 4 The cooling circuit 301 shown includes a first flow path 311, a second flow path 312, branch third flow paths 313A and 313B, branch fourth flow paths 314A and 314B, branch fifth flow paths 315A and 315B, branch sixth flow paths 316A and 316B, branch seventh flow paths 317A and 317B, an eighth flow path 318, a first bypass flow path 321, and a second bypass flow path 322.

[0057] In the cooling circuit 301 of the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3, a first battery pack with two first batteries 304A connected in series and a second battery pack with two second batteries 304B connected in series are arranged side by side.

[0058] A first thermostat 361 is provided midway through the fourth branch flow path 314A, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the fourth branch flow path 314A. When the first thermostat 361 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow from the third branch flow path 313A to the fourth branch flow path 314A. Conversely, when the first thermostat 361 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow from the third branch flow path 313A to the fourth branch flow path 314A.

[0059] A second thermostat 362 is provided midway through the fourth branch flow path 314B, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the fourth branch flow path 314B. When the second thermostat 362 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow from the third branch flow path 313B to the fourth branch flow path 314B. Conversely, when the second thermostat 362 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow from the third branch flow path 313B to the fourth branch flow path 314B.

[0060] The first bypass flow path 321 branches off from the third branch flow path 313A and connects between the second thermostat 362 and the second battery 304B in the fourth flow path 314B. A third thermostat 363 is provided midway through the first bypass flow path 321, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the first bypass flow path 321. When the third thermostat 363 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow from the third branch flow path 313A to the first bypass flow path 321. Conversely, when the third thermostat 363 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow from the third branch flow path 313A to the first bypass flow path 321.

[0061] Furthermore, the second bypass flow path 322 branches off from the third branch flow path 313B and connects between the first thermostat 361 and the first battery 304A in the third branch flow path 313A. A fourth thermostat 364 is provided midway through the second bypass flow path 322, capable of switching between an open and closed state based on the temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the refrigerant flowing in the second bypass flow path 322. When the fourth thermostat 364 is in the open state, refrigerant can flow from the third branch flow path 313B to the second bypass flow path 322. And when the fourth thermostat 364 is in the closed state, refrigerant cannot flow from the third branch flow path 313B to the second bypass flow path 322.

[0062] In the temperature adjustment system 300 according to embodiment 3, Figure 4In the normal state shown in (a), the first thermostat 361 and the second thermostat 362 are set to the open state, and the third thermostat 363 and the fourth thermostat 364 are set to the closed state. Thus, in the cooling circuit 301 of the temperature regulation system 300, refrigerant flows from the second flow path 312 into the first battery 304A through branch third flow path 313A and branch fourth flow path 314A, and refrigerant flows from the second flow path 312 into the second battery 304B through branch third flow path 313B and branch fourth flow path 314B.

[0063] In the cooling circuit 301 of the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3, since the first battery pack and the second battery pack are arranged side by side, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in is the same. On the other hand, the two first batteries 304A constituting the first battery pack and the two second batteries 304B constituting the second battery pack have different uses, and therefore generate different amounts of heat. Therefore, in the cooling circuit 301, the proportion (flow rate) of refrigerant flowing from the second flow path 312 into the branch third flow path 313A and the branch third flow path 313B are different. For example, compared with the branch third flow path 313B, the branch third flow path 313A has a higher proportion (flow rate) of refrigerant branching from the second flow path 312.

[0064] Since the refrigerant temperatures at the inlets of branch third flow path 313A and branch third flow path 313B are the same, the battery with greater heat generation (load) in the first battery 304A and the second battery 304B will have a higher temperature and be more prone to deterioration.

[0065] Therefore, in the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3, when there is a difference (e.g., 5%) in the full charge capacity of the first battery 304A and the second battery 304B, after changing the flow of refrigerant in the parallel circuit (after exchanging the flow rate of refrigerant in the first battery pack and the second battery pack), the uses of the first battery 304A and the second battery 304B are also interchanged.

[0066] In the temperature adjustment system 300 according to embodiment 3, when it becomes Figure 4 When the flow path is replaced as shown in (b), the first thermostat 361 and the second thermostat 362 are set to the closed state, and the third thermostat 363 and the fourth thermostat 364 are set to the open state. Thus, in the cooling circuit 301 of the temperature adjustment system 300, refrigerant flows from the second flow path 312 into the second battery 304B through the branch third flow path 313A and the first bypass flow path 321, and refrigerant flows from the second flow path 312 into the first battery 304A through the branch third flow path 313B and the second bypass flow path 322.

[0067] In the temperature adjustment system 300 according to Embodiment 3, when the difference in full charge capacity between the first battery 304A and the second battery 304B, which have different uses, becomes small (for example, less than 5%), the state of the cooling circuit 301 is restored to normal. Figure 4 (a) shows the normal state.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 to 3 described above. For example, it may be configured such that the flow path branches before and after the heat sink, and the temperature of the refrigerant is adjusted by changing the ratio of refrigerant flow relative to the heat sink. Also, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant may be adjusted by changing the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the heat sink or battery per unit time, based on the change in refrigerant properties such as viscosity due to temperature. Furthermore, the "high" and "low" temperatures of the refrigerant may be set to temperatures outside the recommended operating temperature range of the battery. For example, when using a lithium-ion battery, if the recommended operating temperature range is 10°C to 30°C, the temperature of the refrigerant may be set to "high" when the temperature exceeds 30°C, and "low" when the temperature of the refrigerant is below 10°C.

[0069] Symbol Explanation

[0070] 100, 200, 300 - Temperature regulation system; 1, 201, 301 - Cooling circuit; 2, 202, 302 - Radiator; 3, 203, 303 - Electric pump; 4, 4A, 4B - Battery; 5A - First heating element; 5B - Second heating element; 11, 211, 311 - First flow path; 12, 212, 312 - Second flow path; 13, 213, 313A, 313B - Third flow path; 14, 214, 314A, 314B - Fourth flow path; 15, 315A, 315B - Fifth flow path. 61, 261, 361 - First thermostat; 62, 262, 362 - Second thermostat; 121, 221, 321 - First bypass flow path; 122, 222, 322 - Second bypass flow path; 204A, 304A - First battery; 204B, 304B - Second battery; 223 - Third bypass flow path; 224 - Fourth bypass flow path; 263, 363 - Third thermostat; 316A, 316B - Sixth flow path; 317A, 317B - Seventh flow path; 318 - Eighth flow path; 364 - Fourth thermostat.

Claims

1. A temperature regulation system for an energy storage device, comprising a cooling circuit connecting a heat exchanger, a liquid delivery device, an energy storage device, and a heating device in a refrigerant flow path to form a ring, characterized in that... The direction of refrigerant flow in the cooling circuit is set to be opposite when the refrigerant temperature is high and when the refrigerant temperature is low.

2. The temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A first flow path opening and closing component is disposed between the heat exchanger and the liquid delivery device; A second flow path opening and closing component is disposed between the liquid delivery device and the energy storage device; A first bypass flow path connects the heat exchanger with the first flow path opening and closing component and the liquid delivery device with the second flow path opening and closing component; and The second bypass flow path connects the first flow path opening and closing component with the liquid delivery device and the second flow path opening and closing component with the energy storage device.

3. The temperature regulation system for the energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first flow path opening and closing component and the second flow path opening and closing component are thermostats. The thermostat is in the open state when the refrigerant temperature is high and in the closed state when the refrigerant temperature is low.

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