Multi-cluster energy storage temperature control direct cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-cluster energy storage temperature control direct cooling system which comprises a main refrigerant circulation loop formed by sequentially connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, a condenser, a throttling element and a cold plate unit through a refrigerant pipeline, the cold plate unit comprises a plurality of clusters of battery cold plate sets, and the throttling element is installed at the refrigeration inlet end of each cluster of battery cold plate set; the bypass branch is connected between the refrigerating outlet end of the condenser and the air suction end of the compressor, a flow adjusting device used for controlling the bypass flow of a refrigerant is connected to the bypass branch in series, and the action of the flow control device is controlled according to bypass conditions; the fluorine pump is connected to the refrigeration inlet end of the throttling element in series and used for providing power needed by flowing of the refrigerant. According to the invention, a temperature regulation function can be provided for multiple clusters of battery cold plate groups by using one machine, the system structure is simplified, the cost is reduced, the temperature regulation in a full temperature range can be realized, and the energy efficiency ratio of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy storage temperature control technology, and in particular to a multi-cluster energy storage temperature control direct cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, energy storage systems are increasingly being used in new energy, photovoltaic, and power station fields. Energy storage systems contain a large number of electronic components such as battery compartments and power storage inverters (PCS). During operation, both overcooling and overheating can cause malfunctions in energy storage systems.

[0003] Traditional energy storage systems primarily employ two cooling methods: air cooling and water cooling. Air cooling suffers from drawbacks such as low heat transfer coefficient between the battery and air, low energy density, uneven airflow distribution within the storage cabinet, and uneven battery cell temperature. Water cooling requires adding a liquid circulation system to the traditional refrigeration system, resulting in a more complex system structure, difficulty in achieving lightweight design, and higher investment costs.

[0004] To address these issues, some energy storage systems currently employ direct cooling, where refrigerant directly enters the battery cold plates to cool the batteries. While direct cooling simplifies the system structure and reduces costs, existing systems can only regulate the temperature of a single cluster of battery cold plates within the battery compartment. Furthermore, they only utilize compressor cooling and heating cycles, failing to simultaneously meet the cooling needs of low-temperature environments and the heating needs of high-temperature environments. Additionally, using direct cooling to cool the battery cold plates can cause them to become too cold, leading to condensation on their surfaces. To prevent condensation, a separate dehumidifier is required to control humidity within the compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a multi-cluster energy storage temperature control direct cooling system that can provide temperature regulation function for multi-cluster battery cold plate groups with a single machine, simplify the system structure, reduce costs, and achieve temperature regulation across the entire temperature range, thereby improving the system's energy efficiency ratio.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system includes:

[0008] The main refrigerant circulation loop is formed by sequentially connecting the compressor, four-way valve, condenser, throttling element and cold plate unit through refrigerant pipeline. The cold plate unit includes multiple clusters of battery cold plate groups, and the throttling element is installed at the refrigeration inlet end of each cluster of battery cold plate groups.

[0009] A bypass branch is connected between the condenser refrigeration outlet and the compressor suction end. A flow regulating device for controlling the refrigerant bypass flow is connected in series on the bypass branch. The operation of the flow regulating device is controlled according to the bypass conditions.

[0010] A refrigerant pump, connected in series at the refrigeration inlet of the throttling element, provides the power required for refrigerant flow.

[0011] Furthermore, the bypass condition is to start the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating working mode. When entering the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating working mode, the control unit controls the flow regulating device to operate.

[0012] Furthermore, the refrigerant pump is connected in parallel with an electronic control valve, which controls the electronic control valve to close and the refrigerant pump to start when entering the low-temperature refrigeration working mode, thereby using the refrigerant pump to provide the power required for refrigerant circulation.

[0013] Furthermore, the compressor is connected in parallel with an electronic check valve for short-circuiting the compressor. When entering the low-temperature refrigeration working mode, the electronic check valve is controlled to open, controlling the refrigerant at the compressor suction end to flow directly to the discharge end.

[0014] Furthermore, a dehumidifying evaporator is connected in series on the bypass branch, and a dehumidifying fan is installed corresponding to the dehumidifying evaporator to control the operation of the flow control device according to the dehumidification conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, the dehumidification condition is to activate the dehumidification working mode. When the dehumidification working mode is activated, the control unit controls the flow regulation device to operate.

[0016] Furthermore, a distributor is connected in series at the cooling inlet end of each cluster of battery cold plate groups. Different ports of the distributor are connected to different battery cold plates in the cluster. In the cooling working mode, the refrigerant after throttling is distributed to each battery cold plate after passing through the distributor.

[0017] Furthermore, the system also includes a regenerator, which includes a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel. The first refrigerant channel is connected between the inlet end of the bypass branch and the inlet end of the refrigerant pump, and the second refrigerant channel is connected between the battery cold plate assembly and the port of the four-way valve. The refrigerant flows in opposite directions in the first and second refrigerant channels.

[0018] Furthermore, the cold plate unit also includes a PCS cold plate, the refrigerant pump is installed between the PCS cold plate and the refrigeration inlet end of the throttling element, and the other end of the PCS cold plate is connected to the refrigeration outlet end of the first refrigerant channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the throttling element is a first electronic expansion valve.

[0020] Furthermore, a second electronic expansion valve is connected in series between the battery cold plate assembly and the port of the four-way valve.

[0021] Furthermore, after the refrigerant of the multiple clusters of battery cold plate groups is combined, it passes through the second electronic expansion valve and is throttled twice within the second electronic expansion valve. The second electronic expansion valve is configured to be fully open in the heating mode.

[0022] Furthermore, the flow regulating device is a third electronic expansion valve.

[0023] In summary, the multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0024] (1) The present invention utilizes a bypass branch to simultaneously realize the bypass function of unloading part of the refrigerant flow, adjusts the suction and discharge temperature and pressure of the compressor, and uses one compressor to simultaneously meet the cooling needs of low temperature environment and the heating needs of high temperature environment. This not only expands the range of ambient temperature that the system can be used for, but also further simplifies the system structure, saves the configuration of refrigerant flow path, and reduces system cost.

[0025] (2) The present invention connects a fluorine pump in series in the system. The fluorine pump provides the power required for refrigerant circulation after the low temperature refrigeration mode is started. That is, a relatively small pump drives the entire refrigerant circulation, which meets the cooling requirements of the battery cold plate and PCS plate. It also further expands the range of ambient temperature in which the system can be used, and can significantly improve the system's refrigeration efficiency ratio, which can be increased to more than 5.

[0026] (3) The present invention can simultaneously regulate the temperature of multiple power supply boards using a single compressor, which further simplifies the system structure and reduces the system cost.

[0027] (4) This invention connects a bypass branch between the refrigeration outlet end of the condenser and the suction end of the compressor, and connects a dehumidifying evaporator in series on the bypass branch. Using this system, not only can the cooling and heating functions of the cold plate unit be realized, but also the dehumidification function of the cabin can be realized. This system integrates multiple functions such as PCS cold plate cooling, battery cold plate cooling and heating, and cabin dehumidification. It eliminates the need for a separate dehumidifier to be installed for dehumidification in the prior art, greatly simplifies the system structure, saves on the configuration of the refrigerant flow path, and reduces the system cost.

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the cooling mode system of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the heating mode system of the present invention.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] Compressor 1, suction end 1a, discharge end 1b, four-way valve 2, condenser 3, refrigeration outlet end 3a, throttling element 4, first electronic expansion valve 41, second electronic expansion valve 42, cold plate unit 5, battery cold plate group 51, PCS cold plate 52, oil separator 6, condenser fan 7, regenerator 8, first refrigerant passage 81, second refrigerant passage 82, bypass branch 9, flow regulating device 10, third electronic expansion valve 101, dehumidifying evaporator 11, dehumidifying fan 12, distributor 13, refrigerant pump 14, electronic control valve 15, electronic check valve 16.

[0035] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and text description are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-cluster energy storage temperature control direct cooling system, applied to a direct expansion energy storage temperature control system integrating PCS cooling, battery PACK cooling, and heating. It is used to control the temperature of multiple battery compartments and at least one PCS within the energy storage cabinet. In this embodiment, an example with three battery compartments within the energy storage cabinet is used for illustration.

[0040] In this embodiment, the multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system includes a main refrigerant circulation loop, which is formed by sequentially connecting a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, a condenser 3, a throttling element 4, and a cold plate unit 5 through refrigerant pipelines. The cold plate unit 5 includes at least a multi-cluster battery cold plate assembly 51 installed in multiple battery compartments. For the multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system provided in this embodiment, the cold plate unit 5 also includes a multi-cluster battery cold plate assembly 51 in multiple battery compartments and at least one PCS cold plate 52.

[0041] In this embodiment, each battery cold plate group 51 includes 5 battery cold plates, which are connected in parallel. If multiple PCS cold plates 52 are installed in the cabinet, they are also connected in parallel. Refrigerant is used to cool or heat the PCS cold plates 52 and the 5 battery cold plates in the battery cold plate group 51. A condenser fan 7 is installed corresponding to the condenser 3, and an oil separator 6 is connected in series at the exhaust end 1b of the compressor 1.

[0042] In this embodiment, a throttling element 4 is installed at the cooling inlet end of each cluster of battery cold plates 51. In this way, a single compressor 1 can provide the required cooling or heating for the battery cold plates and PCS cold plates in multiple battery compartments, realizing the function of one main unit to regulate the temperature of multiple battery compartments.

[0043] In this embodiment, a bypass branch 9 is also included. One end of the bypass branch 9 is connected to the refrigeration outlet end 3a of the condenser 3, and the other end is connected to the suction end 1a of the compressor 1. A flow regulating device 10 for controlling the bypass flow of refrigerant is connected in series on the bypass branch 9.

[0044] In this embodiment, a dehumidifying evaporator 11 is also included. The dehumidifying evaporator 11 is connected in series on the bypass branch 9 and is located at the outlet end of the flow regulating device 10. A dehumidifying fan 12 is installed corresponding to the dehumidifying evaporator 11.

[0045] In this embodiment, the flow regulating device 10 preferably adopts a third electronic expansion valve 101. The opening degree of the third electronic expansion valve 101 is controlled by the control unit. The third electronic expansion valve 101 can control the bypass flow of refrigerant and can also be used as a throttling element before the dehumidifying evaporator 11.

[0046] The temperature-controlled direct cooling system also includes a control unit (not shown in the figure). The control unit is configured to adjust the operation of the flow regulating device 10 according to bypass conditions, that is, to adjust the refrigerant flow rate that needs to be bypassed and unloaded according to bypass conditions. At the same time, the control unit is also configured to adjust the operation of the flow regulating device 10 according to dehumidification conditions, that is, to adjust the refrigerant flow rate required during dehumidification.

[0047] The bypass condition is to activate the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating mode. When the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature (e.g., 10°C) and cooling is still required, the system enters the low-temperature cooling mode; when the ambient temperature is higher than the set temperature (e.g., -10°C) and heating is still required, the system enters the low-temperature heating mode. When the system enters the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating mode, the control unit controls the third electronic expansion valve 101 to open and adjusts the opening degree of the third electronic expansion valve 101 according to the difference between the set temperature and the actual temperature of the cold plate unit 5. This adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant that needs to be bypassed and unloaded, thereby regulating the suction and discharge temperature and pressure of the compressor 1, which helps to expand the operating range of the system's ambient temperature. In this embodiment, it is further preferred that when the system enters the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating mode, the control unit controls the dehumidifier fan 12 to operate at low speed or stop. During this process, the bypass branch 9 only serves to bypass and unload a portion of the refrigerant.

[0048] The dehumidification condition is to activate the dehumidification working mode. When the system enters the dehumidification working mode, the control unit also controls the third electronic expansion valve 101 to open. When the humidity inside the cabin reaches the set threshold, the system enters the dehumidification working mode, the third electronic expansion valve 101 opens, and the opening degree of the third electronic expansion valve 101 is adjusted according to the difference between the set threshold and the actual humidity inside the cabin, that is, the refrigerant flow rate required for dehumidification is adjusted.

[0049] The system is equipped with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (not shown in the figure). The temperature sensor is used to detect the cabin temperature and the ambient temperature, and the humidity sensor is used to detect the cabin humidity. The control unit has pre-stored the cooling set temperature, heating set temperature, upper limit value of the ambient set temperature, lower limit value of the ambient set temperature, and set humidity threshold, etc.

[0050] This system connects a bypass branch 9 between the refrigeration outlet 3a of the condenser 3 and the suction end 1a of the compressor 1, and connects a dehumidifying evaporator 11 in series on the bypass branch 9. This not only achieves the cooling and heating functions of the cold plate unit 5, but also the dehumidification function of the cabin. The system integrates multiple functions such as PCS cold plate cooling, battery cold plate cooling and heating, and cabin dehumidification, eliminating the need for a separate dehumidifier as required in existing technologies. Simultaneously, the bypass branch 9 also allows for the bypass function of unloading a portion of the refrigerant flow, regulating the suction and discharge temperatures and pressures of the compressor 1. By utilizing a single compressor 1, it simultaneously meets the cooling needs of low-temperature environments and the heating needs of high-temperature environments. This not only expands the system's usable ambient temperature range, but also greatly simplifies the system structure, saves on refrigerant flow path configuration, and reduces system costs.

[0051] In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the throttling element 4 connected in series in the main refrigerant circulation loop is a first electronic expansion valve 41. The first electronic expansion valve 41 is connected in series between the PCS cold plate 52 and the battery cold plate group 51, and one first electronic expansion valve 41 is installed at the refrigeration inlet end of each battery cold plate group 51. The first electronic expansion valve 41 is used to throttle the liquid refrigerant condensed by the condenser 3 in the cooling mode, so as to cool down the downstream multi-cluster battery cold plate group 51.

[0052] In this embodiment, and more preferably, a second electronic expansion valve 42 is connected in series between the multiple clusters of battery cold plate groups 51 and the port of the four-way valve 2. The refrigerant from all the battery cold plate groups 51 converges and then passes through the second electronic expansion valve 42. The second electronic expansion valve 42 is used in cooling mode to further throttle the refrigerant that has not completely evaporated after heat exchange with the battery cold plate groups 51, thereby improving the cooling efficiency ratio of the system. In heating mode, the second electronic expansion valve 42 is configured to be fully open.

[0053] In this embodiment, preferably, a regenerator 8 is connected in series in the main refrigerant circulation loop. The regenerator 8 includes two refrigerant channels, namely a first refrigerant channel 81 and a second refrigerant channel 82. The first refrigerant channel 81 is connected between the inlet end of the bypass branch 9 and the refrigeration inlet end of the throttling element 4, specifically between the inlet end of the third electronic expansion valve 101 of the bypass branch 9 and the refrigeration inlet end 51a of the PCS cold plate 52. The second refrigerant channel 82 is connected between the refrigeration outlet end of the cold plate unit 5 and the port of the four-way valve 2, specifically between the refrigeration outlet end of the battery cold plate group 51 and the port of the four-way valve 2. The refrigerant flows in opposite directions in the first refrigerant channel 81 and the second refrigerant channel 82, allowing for heat exchange between the refrigerants in the two channels.

[0054] For example, in cooling mode, such as Figure 1As shown, the liquid refrigerant condensed by the condenser 3 first passes through the first refrigerant channel 81 of the regenerator 8, where it continues to release heat, and then enters the PCS cold plate 52 to absorb heat, thereby cooling the PCS cold plate 52. The temperature of the condensed refrigerant is around 50°C, which is sufficient to meet the cooling requirements of the PCS cold plate 52.

[0055] After absorbing heat through the PCS cold plate 52, the refrigerant enters multiple first electronic expansion valves 41 for throttling. The throttled refrigerant then enters multiple battery cold plates in the corresponding battery cold plate group 51, exchanging heat with each plate to cool the battery. The refrigerant then merges and passes through the second electronic expansion valve 42, which performs a second throttling. After throttling, it enters the second refrigerant channel 82 of the regenerator 8. Here, the lower-temperature refrigerant in the second refrigerant channel 82 exchanges heat with the relatively higher-temperature refrigerant in the first refrigerant channel 81. This further reduces the temperature of the condensed refrigerant, cooling the PCS cold plate 52 and improving its cooling effect. It also facilitates further complete evaporation of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant channel 82.

[0056] In this embodiment, to ensure uniform distribution of refrigerant within the multiple battery cold plates of the cluster-type battery cold plate group 51, a further preferred embodiment includes a distributor 13 at the inlet end of each cluster-type battery cold plate group 51. This means the system has three distributors 13, with different ports of each distributor 13 connected to different battery cold plates within the battery cold plate group 51. During cooling, the refrigerant, after being throttled by the first electronic expansion valve 41, is distributed through the distributor 13 to the five parallel battery cold plates within the battery cold plate group 51, where it exchanges heat with each of the five cold plates. This distributor 13 can be the type used in existing multi-split air conditioning units.

[0057] In this embodiment, the system also includes a refrigerant pump 14, which is specifically connected in series at the refrigeration inlet end of the throttling element 4, that is, between the refrigeration outlet end of the PCS cold plate 52 and the first electronic expansion valve 41, to provide the power required for refrigerant flow.

[0058] In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the refrigerant pump 14 is connected in parallel with the electronic control valve 15. When entering the low-temperature refrigeration working mode, the refrigerant does not need a large compression amount. At this time, the control unit controls the electronic control valve 15 to close and the refrigerant pump 14 to start. The refrigerant pump 14 provides the power required for the refrigerant circulation, that is, a relatively small pump drives the entire refrigerant circulation.

[0059] In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the compressor 1 is connected in parallel with an electronic check valve 16 for short-circuiting the compressor 1. When entering the low-temperature refrigeration mode, that is, after the refrigerant pump 14 is started, the electronic check valve 16 is opened to short-circuit the compressor 1, and the refrigerant at the suction end 1a of the compressor 1 flows directly to the discharge end 1b. During this process, the compressor 1 does not need to do work. The refrigerant pump 14 only needs to provide the power required for the refrigerant circulation to meet the cooling requirements of the battery cold plate 51 and the PCS plate 52. This can greatly improve the cooling energy efficiency ratio of the system, which can be increased to more than 5.

[0060] In the normal temperature cooling and heating modes, the electronic control valve 15 is opened to short-circuit the refrigerant pump 14, and the electronic check valve 16 is disconnected to provide power using the compressor 1.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown below, the system operation process in cooling mode is described in detail. Figure 1 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0062] After being compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by compressor 1, the refrigerant passes through oil separator 6 and four-way valve 2 to condenser 3. In condenser 3, the refrigerant releases heat and condenses into a liquid state. The condensed refrigerant then flows into the first refrigerant channel 81 of regenerator 8, where it continues to release heat. It then absorbs heat from PCS cold plates 52, cooling them. After passing through multiple first electronic expansion valves 41 for throttling and pressure reduction, it enters the corresponding distributor 13 for gas-liquid two-phase separation. It then enters the five parallel battery cold plates in the cluster battery cold plate group 51 for heat absorption, cooling each battery. After heat exchange, the refrigerant merges and undergoes secondary throttling through second electronic expansion valve 42 before entering the second refrigerant channel 82 of regenerator 8. There, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first refrigerant channel 81. After absorbing heat, it is introduced into the suction end 1a of compressor 1 through four-way valve 2 and finally returns to compressor 1.

[0063] After the dehumidification mode is activated, part of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 3 enters the bypass branch 9, and after being throttled and depressurized by the third electronic expansion valve 101, it enters the dehumidification evaporator 11 to dehumidify the cabin. The evaporated refrigerant directly enters the suction end 1a of the compressor 1 and returns to the compressor 1.

[0064] After the low-temperature cooling mode is activated, that is, when the ambient temperature is lower than the set value and cooling is still required, the low-temperature cooling mode is activated. Similarly, the third electronic expansion valve 101 is opened and the opening degree is adjusted to control the refrigerant flow into the bypass branch 9, so as to realize the bypass function of unloading part of the refrigerant flow, thereby reducing the load and adjusting the suction and discharge temperature and pressure of the compressor 1. During this process, dehumidification is not required. The speed of the dehumidifying fan 12 can be reduced or the dehumidifying fan 12 can be turned off, which only serves the bypass function and adjusts the suction and discharge temperature and pressure.

[0065] After starting the low-temperature cooling mode, the electronic control valve 15 is closed and the refrigerant pump 14 is started, and the electronic check valve 16 is opened. The compressor 1 is short-circuited, and the refrigerant at the suction end 1a of the compressor 1 flows directly to the discharge end 1b. The cooling demand can be met by using the refrigerant pump 14 to provide power for the refrigerant circulation, without the compressor 1 needing to continue to work.

[0066] When starting the low-temperature cooling mode, the opening of the bypass branch 9 and the starting of the refrigerant pump 14 can be performed simultaneously, or different start-up set temperatures can be set. For example, when the ambient temperature is below 15°C, only the bypass branch 9 is opened, and the compressor 1 is still used for cooling. When the ambient temperature continues to be below 10°C, the refrigerant pump 14 is started at the same time as the bypass branch 9 is started, and the compressor 1 is short-circuited.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the system operation process in heating mode is described in detail below. Figure 2 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0068] After being compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 1, the refrigerant passes through the oil separator 6 and the four-way valve 2 to the first refrigerant channel 82 of the regenerator 8 to release heat and cool down. Then, it passes through the second electronic expansion valve 42 (which is fully open at this time) and enters the five parallel battery cold plates in the multi-cell cold plate group 51 to release heat and heat each battery cold plate. The refrigerant after heat exchange in each cluster is combined by the distributor 13. The refrigerant of the multi-cell cold plate group 51 is then throttled and depressurized by the first electronic expansion valve 41 and enters the PCS cold plate 52 to absorb heat and cool down. It then enters the first refrigerant channel 81 of the regenerator 8 to continue absorbing heat and enters the condenser 3 to continue absorbing heat and evaporating. Finally, it flows back to the suction end 1a of the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2 and returns to the compressor 1.

[0069] After starting the low-temperature heating mode, the third electronic expansion valve 101 is opened and its opening degree is adjusted to control the refrigerant flow into the bypass branch 9, thereby achieving the bypass function of unloading part of the refrigerant flow to reduce the load and adjust the suction and discharge temperature and pressure of the compressor 1. During this process, dehumidification is not required, and the speed of the dehumidifying fan 12 can be reduced or the dehumidifying fan 12 can be turned off, only serving the bypass function to adjust the suction and discharge temperature and pressure.

[0070] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0071] 1. This system utilizes bypass branch 9 to simultaneously achieve the bypass function of unloading part of the refrigerant flow, regulate the suction and discharge temperature and pressure of compressor 1, and use one compressor 1 to simultaneously meet the cooling needs of low-temperature environments and the heating needs of high-temperature environments. This not only expands the range of ambient temperatures that this system can operate in, but also further simplifies the system structure, saves on the configuration of refrigerant flow paths, and reduces system costs.

[0072] 2. A refrigerant pump 14 is connected in series in this system. After the low-temperature refrigeration mode is started, the refrigerant pump 14 provides the power required for refrigerant circulation. That is, a relatively small pump drives the entire refrigerant circulation, which meets the cooling requirements of the battery cold plate 51 and PCS plate 52. It also further expands the range of ambient temperature that this system can operate in, and can significantly improve the system's refrigeration efficiency ratio, which can be increased to more than 5.

[0073] 3. The system can simultaneously regulate the temperature of multiple power supply boards using a single compressor 1, which further simplifies the system structure and reduces system cost.

[0074] 4. This system connects a bypass branch 9 between the refrigeration outlet end 3a of the condenser 3 and the suction end 1a of the compressor 1, and connects a dehumidifying evaporator 11 in series on the bypass branch 9. Using this system, not only can the cooling and heating functions of the cold plate unit 5 be realized, but the dehumidification function of the cabin can also be realized. This system integrates multiple functions such as PCS cold plate cooling, battery cold plate cooling and heating, and cabin dehumidification. It eliminates the need for a separate dehumidifier to be installed for dehumidification in the prior art, greatly simplifies the system structure, saves on the configuration of the refrigerant flow path, and reduces the system cost.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system, characterized in that, include: The main refrigerant circulation loop is formed by connecting the compressor, four-way valve, condenser, throttling element and cold plate unit in sequence through refrigerant pipeline. The cold plate unit includes multiple clusters of battery cold plate groups, and the throttling element is installed at the refrigeration inlet end of each cluster of battery cold plate groups. A bypass branch is connected between the condenser refrigeration outlet and the compressor suction end. A flow regulating device for controlling the refrigerant bypass flow is connected in series on the bypass branch. The operation of the flow regulating device is controlled according to the bypass conditions. A refrigerant pump, connected in series at the refrigeration inlet of the throttling element, is used to provide the power required for refrigerant flow.

2. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bypass condition is to start the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating working mode. When the low-temperature cooling or low-temperature heating working mode is entered, the control unit controls the flow regulating device to operate.

3. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The refrigerant pump is connected in parallel with an electronic control valve. When entering the low-temperature refrigeration working mode, the electronic control valve is closed and the refrigerant pump is started, using the refrigerant pump to provide the power required for refrigerant circulation.

4. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The compressor is connected in parallel with an electronic check valve for short-circuiting the compressor. When entering the low-temperature refrigeration working mode, the electronic check valve is opened to control the refrigerant at the compressor suction end to flow directly to the discharge end.

5. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A dehumidifying evaporator is connected in series on the bypass branch, and a dehumidifying fan is installed corresponding to the dehumidifying evaporator. The operation of the flow control device is controlled according to the dehumidification conditions.

6. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The dehumidification condition is to start the dehumidification working mode. When the dehumidification working mode is entered, the control unit controls the flow regulation device to operate.

7. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each cluster of battery cold plate groups has a refrigerant distributor connected in series at its refrigeration inlet. Different ports of the refrigerant distributor are connected to different battery cold plates in the cluster. In refrigeration mode, the refrigerant, after being throttled, is distributed to each battery cold plate after passing through the refrigerant distributor.

8. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system also includes a regenerator, which includes a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel. The first refrigerant channel is connected between the inlet end of the bypass branch and the inlet end of the refrigerant pump, and the second refrigerant channel is connected between the battery cold plate assembly and the port of the four-way valve. The refrigerant flows in opposite directions in the first and second refrigerant channels.

9. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cold plate unit also includes a PCS cold plate, the refrigerant pump is installed between the PCS cold plate and the refrigeration inlet end of the throttling element, and the other end of the PCS cold plate is connected to the refrigeration outlet end of the first refrigerant channel.

10. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The throttling element is a first electronic expansion valve.

11. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 10, characterized in that: A second electronic expansion valve is also connected in series between the battery cold plate assembly and the port of the four-way valve.

12. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 11, characterized in that: After the refrigerant of the multiple battery cold plate groups is combined, it passes through the second electronic expansion valve and is throttled twice in the second electronic expansion valve. The second electronic expansion valve is configured to be fully open in the heating mode.

13. The multi-cluster energy storage temperature-controlled direct cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow regulating device is a third electronic expansion valve.

Images