Thermal management system, energy storage system and thermal management method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a heat management system, an energy storage system and a heat management method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of heat management. The heat management system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a power module, a second heat exchanger and a battery cooling module which are connected in series into a circulating loop. In the first working mode, the heat management system exchanges heat between the battery and the power module by using compression refrigeration. In the second working mode, the battery and the power module exchange heat by using liquid cooling heat exchange respectively. In the third working mode, the heat management system exchanges heat between the power module by using compression refrigeration and exchanges heat between the battery by using liquid cooling heat exchange. The integration of the power module and the battery cooling module can reduce the number of components, and the liquid cooling loop of the power module does not need to be arranged separately, so that the layout of the heat management system is more compact, the occupied space is reduced, and thus the cost, the operation loss and the refrigerant leakage risk can be reduced, and the stability and reliability of the heat management system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of thermal management technology, specifically relating to a thermal management system, an energy storage system, and a thermal management method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] The Power Conversion System (PCS), as a key control device in an energy storage system, is used to solve charge and discharge control problems. The stable operation of the energy storage battery system and the PCS is crucial to the entire energy storage system. With the deep coupling between the PCS and the energy storage battery system, the battery pack and PCS generate heat during operation. Common solutions include fully liquid-cooled solutions, separate liquid-cooled solutions for the PCS and batteries, and solutions with coupled liquid cooling for the PCS and batteries. However, all of these liquid-cooling solutions require the addition of a water pump on the PCS side, which poses risks such as high power consumption and refrigerant leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: This application provides a thermal management system, an energy storage system, and a thermal management method thereof, aiming to solve the technical problem that the water pump installed on the PCS side leads to increased power consumption and the risk of coolant leakage.

[0004] Technical solution: This application provides a thermal management system, including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a power module, a second heat exchanger, and a battery cooling module;

[0005] The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the power module, the second heat exchanger, and the battery cooling module are connected in series to form a circulation loop.

[0006] In some embodiments, the battery cooling module includes a radiator, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of a second heat exchanger, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of a compressor. The radiator is used for heat exchange with the battery.

[0007] In some embodiments, the battery cooling module includes a radiator, a third heat exchanger, and a first pump, wherein the radiator is used to exchange heat with the battery.

[0008] The first inlet end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger, and the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor.

[0009] The second outlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the radiator, the outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the first pump, and the outlet of the first pump is connected to the second inlet of the third heat exchanger.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes:

[0011] The first pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger and the power module respectively;

[0012] The second pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger respectively;

[0013] The first bypass pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and the second pipeline respectively;

[0014] The first valve body assembly is connected to the first heat exchanger, the power module and the third heat exchanger respectively, and is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline and the first bypass pipeline.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a second pump disposed on a first bypass line, the inlet of the second pump being connected to the outlet of a first heat exchanger, and the outlet of the second pump being connected to the first inlet of a third heat exchanger.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes:

[0017] The second bypass pipeline is connected to the first pipeline and the second pipeline respectively;

[0018] The second valve body assembly is connected to the power module, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger respectively. The second valve body assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline and the second bypass pipeline.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes:

[0020] The third bypass pipeline is connected in parallel with the compressor;

[0021] The first check valve is installed on the third bypass pipeline. The outlet end of the first check valve is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchanger, and the inlet end of the first check valve is connected to the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a throttling valve disposed on a second pipeline, with its inlet end connected to the outlet end of a second heat exchanger and its outlet end connected to the first inlet end of a third heat exchanger.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger is an air-cooled radiator or a water-cooled radiator;

[0024] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger is an air-cooled radiator or a water-cooled radiator.

[0025] Accordingly, this application provides an energy storage system including a battery and the aforementioned thermal management system, wherein the battery exchanges heat with the heat sink of the thermal management system.

[0026] Accordingly, this application provides a thermal management method for an energy storage system, including determining the current operating mode of the thermal management system when the system is detected to meet preset operating mode switching conditions; the operating mode is one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode.

[0027] When the working mode is the first working mode, compression cooling is used to exchange heat between the battery and the power module;

[0028] When the working mode is the second working mode, the battery and the power module respectively use liquid cooling heat exchange method for heat exchange;

[0029] When the operating mode is the third operating mode, compression cooling is used to exchange heat with the power module, and liquid cooling heat exchange is used to exchange heat with the battery.

[0030] Beneficial Effects: The thermal management system, energy storage system, and thermal management method of this application include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a power module, a second heat exchanger, and a battery cooling module; the compressor, first heat exchanger, power module, second heat exchanger, and battery cooling module are connected in series to form a loop. When the thermal management system is detected to meet preset operating mode switching conditions, the current operating mode of the thermal management system is determined; the operating mode is one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode; in the first operating mode, compression refrigeration is used to exchange heat between the battery and the power module; in the second operating mode, the battery and the power module respectively use liquid cooling heat exchange; in the third operating mode, compression refrigeration is used to exchange heat between the power module and liquid cooling heat exchange between the battery. Integrating the power module with the battery cooling module enables heat dissipation for both the battery and the power module in different modes. This reduces the number of components, eliminates the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module, and makes the thermal management system layout more compact, reducing space requirements. Consequently, it can reduce costs, operating losses, and the risk of refrigerant leakage, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sixth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seventh thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eighth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Compressor; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Power module; 4. Second heat exchanger; 5. Battery cooling module; 6. First pipeline; 7. Second pipeline; 8. First bypass pipeline; 9. First valve body assembly; 10. First solenoid valve; 11. Second solenoid valve; 12. Second pump; 13. Second bypass pipeline; 14. Third bypass pipeline; 15. First check valve; 16. Second valve body assembly; 17. Third solenoid valve; 18. Fourth solenoid valve; 19. Throttling valve; 20. Second check valve; 50. Radiator; 51. Third heat exchanger; 52. First pump; 53. Battery; 90. First valve port; 91. Second valve port; 92. Third valve port; 160. Fourth valve port; 161. Fifth valve port; 162. Sixth valve port. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, and "at least one" can mean one, two, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] The Power Conversion System (PCS), as a key control device in an energy storage system, is used to solve charge and discharge control problems. The stable operation of the energy storage battery system and the PCS is crucial to the entire energy storage system. With the deep coupling between the PCS and the energy storage battery system, the battery pack and PCS generate heat during operation. Common solutions include fully liquid-cooled solutions, separate liquid-cooled solutions for the PCS and batteries, and solutions with coupled liquid cooling for the PCS and batteries. However, all of these liquid-cooling solutions require the addition of a water pump on the PCS side, which poses risks such as high power consumption and refrigerant leakage.

[0044] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a thermal management system, an energy storage system, and a thermal management method thereof, including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a power module, a second heat exchanger, and a battery cooling module; the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the power module, the second heat exchanger, and the battery cooling module are connected in series to form a loop. When the thermal management system is detected to meet preset operating mode switching conditions, the current operating mode of the thermal management system is determined; the operating mode is one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode; in the first operating mode, compression refrigeration is used to exchange heat between the battery and the power module; in the second operating mode, the battery and the power module respectively use liquid cooling heat exchange methods for heat exchange; in the third operating mode, compression refrigeration is used to exchange heat between the power module and liquid cooling heat exchange methods for heat exchange between the battery and the power module. Integrating the power module with the battery cooling module enables heat dissipation for both the battery and the power module in different modes. This reduces the number of components, eliminates the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module, and makes the thermal management system layout more compact, reducing space requirements. Consequently, it can reduce costs, operating losses, and the risk of refrigerant leakage, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0045] The thermal management system, energy storage system, and thermal management method of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementation methods can be combined with each other.

[0046] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a first thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sixth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seventh thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the eighth thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 8 This application provides a thermal management system, including a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a power module 3, a second heat exchanger 4, and a battery cooling module 5. The compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, power module 3, second heat exchanger 4, and battery cooling module 5 are connected in series to form a circulation loop. The power module 3 includes a power control system (PCS). The battery cooling module 5 includes a battery 53. The thermal management system is used to control the temperature of the PCS and the battery 53. For example, the operating temperature of the battery 53 is between 10 and 20°C, and the operating temperature of the PCS is between 50 and 60°C. The outlet end of the compressor 1 is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchanger 2, the outlet end of the first heat exchanger 2 is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 4 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 1, the power module 3 is located between the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4, and the battery cooling module 5 is located between the second heat exchanger 4 and the compressor 1.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, power module 3, second heat exchanger 4, and battery cooling module 5 constitute a first liquid cooling circuit. After the refrigerant is compressed by compressor 1 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, the first heat exchanger 2 can be a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the first heat exchanger 2 through its inlet to dissipate heat to the outside. The refrigerant condenses into a liquid state, its temperature decreases, and it forms a two-phase refrigerant. Power module 3 is connected to the rear end of the first heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange. The two-phase refrigerant flows out through the outlet of the first heat exchanger 2 and passes through power module 3. Power module 3 includes a cold plate. The two-phase refrigerant passes through the cold plate to evaporate and absorb heat from the power module 3, causing part of the liquid refrigerant to convert into a gaseous refrigerant. The second heat exchanger 4 can be a subcooler. Two-phase refrigerant enters through the inlet of the second heat exchanger 4, where it condenses the refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant with a certain degree of subcooling. This liquid refrigerant undergoes heat exchange with the battery 53 via the battery cooling module 5. Finally, the refrigerant enters the compressor 1 through the inlet and is further compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, initiating a new refrigeration cycle. This configuration, integrating the power module 3 with the battery cooling module 5, reduces the number of components and eliminates the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module 3. This results in a more compact layout of the thermal management system, reducing space requirements, thereby lowering costs, reducing operating losses, minimizing the risk of refrigerant leakage, and improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0049] In some embodiments, the battery cooling module 5 includes a radiator 50, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, and the outlet end of the radiator 50 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 1. The radiator 50 is used to exchange heat with the battery 53.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiator 50 can be an evaporator, and the radiator 50 is in contact with the battery 53. Liquid refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the second heat exchanger 4 enters through the inlet of the radiator 50 to directly exchange heat with the battery 53, thus dissipating heat from the battery 53. This configuration is simple and eliminates the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module 3. By using the first heat exchanger 2, the second heat exchanger 4, and the radiator 50, the different temperature requirements of the battery 53 and the power module 3 can be met, making the thermal management system layout more compact and reducing space occupation. This reduces costs, operating losses, and the risk of refrigerant leakage, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0051] In other embodiments, the battery cooling module 5 includes a radiator 50, a third heat exchanger 51, and a first pump 52. The radiator 50 is used for heat exchange with the battery 53. The first inlet end of the third heat exchanger 51 is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, and the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger 51 is connected to the inlet end of the compressor 1. The second outlet end of the third heat exchanger 51 is connected to the inlet end of the radiator 50, the outlet end of the radiator 50 is connected to the inlet end of the first pump 52, and the outlet end of the first pump 52 is connected to the second inlet end of the third heat exchanger 51.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiator 50, the third heat exchanger 51, and the first pump 52 constitute the second liquid cooling circuit. The radiator 50 and the third heat exchanger 51 can be evaporators. The radiator 50 is in contact with the battery 53 for heat exchange. The refrigerants in the first and second liquid cooling circuits are not interconnected. The third heat exchanger 51 is connected to both the first and second liquid cooling circuits. The liquid refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit exits through the outlet of the second heat exchanger 4 and enters through the first inlet of the third heat exchanger 51 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby removing some of the heat from the refrigerant in the second liquid cooling circuit. Specifically, the refrigerant in the second liquid cooling circuit is pumped through the first pump 52 through the second inlet of the third heat exchanger 51 to exchange heat with the outside environment, achieving cooling of the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant then directly exchanges heat with the battery 53 through the radiator 50, achieving heat dissipation from the battery 53. The fact that the refrigerants in the first and second liquid cooling circuits are not interconnected enhances the independence and controllability of the thermal management system. This configuration allows for more precise fulfillment of the different temperature requirements of battery 53 and power module 3, improving the flexibility and accuracy of temperature regulation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a first pipe 6, a second pipe 7, and a first bypass pipe 8. The first pipe 6 is connected to a first heat exchanger 2 and a power module 3, respectively. The second pipe 7 is connected to a second heat exchanger 4 and a third heat exchanger 51, respectively. The first bypass pipe 8 is connected to both the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the thermal management system includes a first valve body assembly 9, which is connected to a first heat exchanger 2, a power module 3, and a third heat exchanger 51. The first valve body assembly 9 is used to control the on / off state of a first pipeline 6 and a first bypass pipeline 8. Exemplarily, the first valve body assembly 9 includes a first three-way valve, which is disposed on the first pipeline 6, and the first bypass pipeline 8 is connected to the first pipeline 6 through the first three-way valve. (Reference) Figures 5 to 8The first three-way valve includes a first valve port 90, a second valve port 91, and a third valve port 92. The first valve port 90 is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchanger 2, the second valve port 91 is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, the power module 3 is located between the second valve port 91 and the second heat exchanger 4, and the third valve port 92 is connected to the first inlet end of the third heat exchanger 51. The first three-way valve is used to switch between the first pipeline 6 and the first bypass pipeline 8 and to distribute flow. This design is simple and effectively reduces the number of components.

[0055] In other embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first valve body assembly 9 includes a first solenoid valve 10 and a second solenoid valve 11. The first solenoid valve 10 is disposed on the first pipeline 6 and connected to the first heat exchanger 2 and the power module 3, respectively. The second solenoid valve 11 is disposed on the first bypass pipeline 8 and connected to the first heat exchanger 2 and the third heat exchanger 51, respectively. The first solenoid valve 10 controls the on / off connection between the first heat exchanger 2 and the power module 3, while the second solenoid valve 11 controls the on / off connection of the first bypass pipeline 8. This configuration allows for more precise control of the opening and closing time and flow rate of each pipeline.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a second bypass pipe 13, which is connected to a first pipe 6 and a second pipe 7; and a second valve body assembly 16, which is connected to a power module 3, a second heat exchanger 4, and a third heat exchanger 51, and is used to control the on / off state of the first pipe 6 and the second bypass pipe 13. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second valve body assembly 16 includes a second three-way valve, which is disposed on the second pipeline 7. The second bypass pipeline 13 is connected to the second pipeline 7 through the second three-way valve. (Reference) Figures 5 to 8 The second three-way valve includes a fourth valve port 160, a fifth valve port 161, and a sixth valve port 162. The fourth valve port 160 is connected to the first inlet end of the third heat exchanger 51, the fifth valve port 161 is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, and the sixth valve port 162 is connected to the inlet end of the second heat exchanger 4. The power module 3 is located between the sixth valve group and the second heat exchanger 4. The second three-way valve is used to switch between the second pipeline 7 and the second bypass pipeline 13 and to distribute flow. This design is simple and effectively reduces the number of parts.

[0057] In other embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the second valve body assembly 16 includes a third solenoid valve 17 and a fourth solenoid valve 18. The third solenoid valve 17 is disposed on the second pipeline 7 and connected to the second heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 51 respectively. The fourth solenoid valve 18 is disposed on the second bypass pipeline 13 and connected to the second heat exchanger 4 and the power module 3 respectively. The third solenoid valve 17 controls the on / off connection between the second heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 51, and the fourth solenoid valve 18 controls the on / off connection of the second bypass pipeline 13. This configuration allows for more precise control of the opening and closing time and flow rate of each pipeline.

[0058] exist Figures 2 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system includes a third bypass line 14 and a first check valve 15. The third bypass line 14 is connected in parallel with the compressor 1. The first check valve 15 is disposed on the third bypass line 14, with its outlet end connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchanger 2 and its inlet end connected to the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger 51. A second check valve 20 is disposed on the second bypass line 13.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a throttling valve 19, which is disposed on the second pipeline 7. The inlet end of the throttling valve 19 is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger 4, and the outlet end of the throttling valve 19 is connected to the first inlet end of the third heat exchanger 51. In the embodiments of this application, the second heat exchanger 4 can be a subcooler, and the third heat exchanger 51 can be an evaporator. The throttling valve 19, located between the subcooler and the evaporator, can significantly reduce the refrigerant pressure, preparing for the evaporation of the refrigerant in the evaporator. Simultaneously, it allows for precise adjustment of the refrigerant flow rate to control the cooling capacity and flexibly meet different cooling needs. Furthermore, the reduced pressure will further lower the refrigerant temperature, enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat more efficiently after entering the evaporator, thereby achieving a cooling effect on the battery 53.

[0060] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, when both battery 53 and PCS require cooling under high-temperature conditions, compression refrigeration is used to dissipate heat from both. Specifically, in this mode, the first valve port 90 and the second valve port 91 of the first three-way valve are open, and the third valve port 92 is closed. The fourth valve port 160 and the fifth valve port 161 of the second three-way valve are open, and the sixth valve port 162 is closed. The refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, first valve port 90, second valve port 91, power module 3, second heat exchanger 4, fifth valve port 161, fourth valve port 160, and third heat exchanger 51 before returning to compressor 1, thus dissipating heat from the PCS. The refrigerant in the second liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through first pump 52, third heat exchanger 51, and radiator 50 before returning to first pump 52, thus dissipating heat from battery 53.

[0061] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, when both battery 53 and PCS require cooling under high-temperature conditions, compression refrigeration is used to dissipate heat from both. The first solenoid valve 10 and the third solenoid valve 17 are opened, while the second solenoid valve 11 and the fourth solenoid valve 18 are closed. The refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit sequentially passes through compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, first solenoid valve 10, power module 3, second heat exchanger 4, third solenoid valve 17, and third heat exchanger 51 before returning to compressor 1, thus dissipating heat from the PCS. Similarly, the refrigerant in the second liquid cooling circuit sequentially passes through first pump 52, third heat exchanger 51, and radiator 50 before returning to first pump 52, thus dissipating heat from the battery 53.

[0062] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, when both battery 53 and PCS require cooling in a low-temperature environment, a gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode can be used to dissipate heat from both batteries 53 and PCS. Exemplarily, the gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode refers to a method of heat dissipation that utilizes the low-temperature conditions of the natural environment and the inherent properties of the refrigerant, without requiring compressor 1 to operate. Specifically, in this mode, compressor 1 is turned off, the first valve port 90 and the third valve port 92 of the first three-way valve are open, the second valve port 91 is closed, the fifth valve port 161 and the sixth valve port 162 of the second three-way valve are open, and the fourth valve port 160 is closed. A portion of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit sequentially passes through the first one-way valve 15, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve port 90, the third valve port 92, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the first one-way valve 15, thereby cooling battery 53. In the first liquid cooling circuit, a portion of the refrigerant passes sequentially through power module 3, second heat exchanger 4, fifth valve port 161, sixth valve port 162, and second check valve 20 before returning to power module 3, thus cooling the PCS. In low-temperature environments, compressor 1 does not need to operate; heat dissipation is achieved using natural conditions and the refrigerant's own properties, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0063] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, when both battery 53 and PCS require cooling in a low-temperature environment, a gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode can be used to dissipate heat from both. Exemplarily, the gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode refers to a method of heat dissipation that utilizes the low-temperature conditions of the natural environment and the inherent properties of the refrigerant, eliminating the need for compressor 1 to operate. Specifically, in this mode, the second solenoid valve 11 and the fourth solenoid valve 18 are opened, while the first solenoid valve 10 and the third solenoid valve 17 are closed. A portion of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the first one-way valve 15, the first heat exchanger 2, the second solenoid valve 11, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the first one-way valve 15, thus cooling battery 53. Similarly, a portion of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the power module 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the fourth solenoid valve 18, and the second one-way valve 20 before returning to the power module 3, thus cooling PCS. This configuration eliminates the need for compressor 1 to operate in low-temperature environments, utilizing natural conditions and the inherent properties of the refrigerant to achieve heat dissipation, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, when the PCS requires cooling but the battery 53 does not, a compression refrigeration cycle can be run to allow some refrigerant to flow through the power module 3 to cool the PCS, while some refrigerant is used to maintain the temperature of the battery 53. Specifically, in this mode, the compressor 1 is turned on, and the first valve port 90, the second valve port 91, and the third valve port 92 of the first three-way valve are all open. The fourth valve port 160 and the fifth valve port 161 of the second three-way valve are open, while the sixth valve port 162 is closed. Part of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve port 90, the second valve port 91, the power module 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the fifth valve port 161, the fourth valve port 160, the throttle valve 19, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the compressor 1, thus cooling the PCS. The remaining refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, third valve port 92, and third heat exchanger 51 before returning to compressor 1. The high-temperature refrigerant enters the third heat exchanger 51 as a load, which can be used to maintain the temperature of battery 53 in the second liquid cooling circuit between 10 and 20°C. This configuration enables flexible control of the thermal management system, allowing refrigerant to be allocated according to the cooling needs of battery 53 and PCS. By adjusting the refrigerant flow rate at the second and third valve ports 91 and 92, the cooling needs of battery 53 and PCS can be met, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system and improving its adaptability and reliability.

[0065] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, when the PCS requires cooling but the battery 53 does not, a compression refrigeration cycle can be run to allow part of the refrigerant to flow through the power module 3 to cool the PCS, while the remaining refrigerant is used to maintain the temperature of the battery 53. Specifically, in this mode, the compressor 1 is turned on, the first solenoid valve 10, the second solenoid valve 11, and the third solenoid valve 17 are open, and the fourth solenoid valve 18 is closed. Part of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the first solenoid valve 10, the power module 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the third solenoid valve 17, the throttle valve 19, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the compressor 1, thus cooling the PCS. The remaining refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the second solenoid valve 11, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the compressor 1. The high-temperature refrigerant enters the third heat exchanger 51 as a load, which can be used to maintain the temperature of the battery 53 in the second liquid cooling circuit between 10 and 20°C. This configuration enables flexible control of the thermal management system, allowing it to allocate refrigerant according to the cooling needs of the battery 53 and the PCS. By precisely controlling the refrigerant flow in the first solenoid valve 10 and the second solenoid valve 11, the cooling needs of the battery 53 and the PCS can be met, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system and improving its adaptability and reliability.

[0066] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal management system includes a second pump 12, which is mounted on a first bypass pipe 8. The inlet of the second pump 12 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 2, and the outlet of the second pump 12 is connected to the first inlet of the third heat exchanger 51. The second pump 12 is a refrigerant pump, which can pump the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit from the first heat exchanger 2 into the third heat exchanger 51 for vaporization and heat absorption in a low-temperature environment, thereby cooling the battery 53 in the second liquid cooling circuit. The refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 51 returns to the first heat exchanger 2 and the second pump 12 through a first one-way valve 15 for the next cycle. By using the second pump 12, the cooling efficiency can be effectively improved and energy consumption reduced.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4 can be air-cooled radiators. Air-cooled radiators have a simple structure, occupy little space, require no additional liquid circulation system, and are relatively easy to install and maintain. The first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4 can also be water-cooled radiators. Water-cooled radiators generally have higher heat dissipation efficiency, can more effectively handle the dissipation of high heat, have relatively lower noise during operation, and provide more precise temperature control. This application does not limit the type of heat dissipation.

[0068] Accordingly, this application provides an energy storage system including a battery 53 and the aforementioned thermal management system, wherein the battery exchanges heat with the heat sink of the thermal management system. Integrating the power module 3 with the battery cooling module 5 enables heat dissipation for the battery 53 and the power module 3 in different modes, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module 3. This makes the layout of the thermal management system more compact, reducing space occupation, thereby reducing costs, operating losses, and the risk of refrigerant leakage, and improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0069] Accordingly, this application provides a thermal management method for an energy storage system, including determining the current operating mode of the thermal management system when the system is detected to meet preset operating mode switching conditions; the operating mode is one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode.

[0070] When the operating mode is the first operating mode, compression cooling is used to exchange heat between battery 53 and power module 3. (Reference) Figure 1 The radiator 50 can be an evaporator, and it is in contact with the battery 53. Liquid refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the second heat exchanger 4 enters the radiator 50 through the inlet to directly exchange heat with the battery 53, thus dissipating heat from the battery 53. This configuration is simple and eliminates the need for a separate liquid cooling circuit for the power module 3. By using the first heat exchanger 2, the second heat exchanger 4, and the radiator 50, the different temperature requirements of the battery 53 and the power module 3 can be met, making the thermal management system layout more compact and reducing space requirements. This reduces costs, operating losses, and the risk of refrigerant leakage, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0071] When operating in the second mode, battery 53 and power module 3 respectively use liquid cooling heat exchange for heat exchange. (Reference) Figure 6When both battery 53 and PCS require cooling in a low-temperature environment, a gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode can be used to dissipate heat from both. For example, the gravity heat pipe natural cooling source mode utilizes the low-temperature conditions of the natural environment and the properties of the refrigerant itself to achieve heat dissipation, without requiring compressor 1 to operate. Specifically, in this mode, compressor 1 is turned off, the first valve port 90 and the third valve port 92 of the first three-way valve are open, the second valve port 91 is closed, the fifth valve port 161 and the sixth valve port 162 of the second three-way valve are open, and the fourth valve port 160 is closed. Part of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the first one-way valve 15, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve port 90, the third valve port 92, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the first one-way valve 15, thus cooling battery 53. Part of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the power module 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the fifth valve port 161, the sixth valve port 162, and the second one-way valve 20 before returning to the power module 3, thus cooling PCS. In low-temperature environments, there is no need for compressor 1 to work. Heat dissipation is achieved by utilizing natural conditions and the properties of the refrigerant itself, which can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the thermal management system.

[0072] In the third operating mode, compression refrigeration is used for heat exchange with power module 3, and liquid cooling is used for heat exchange with battery 53. (Reference) Figure 7 When the PCS requires cooling but the battery 53 does not, a compression refrigeration cycle can be run to allow some refrigerant to flow through the power module 3 to cool the PCS, while some refrigerant is used to maintain the temperature of the battery 53. Specifically, in this mode, the compressor 1 is turned on, and the first valve port 90, the second valve port 91, and the third valve port 92 of the first three-way valve are all open. The fourth valve port 160 and the fifth valve port 161 of the second three-way valve are open, while the sixth valve port 162 is closed. Part of the refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the first valve port 90, the second valve port 91, the power module 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the fifth valve port 161, the fourth valve port 160, the expansion valve 19, and the third heat exchanger 51 before returning to the compressor 1, thus cooling the PCS. The remaining refrigerant in the first liquid cooling circuit passes sequentially through compressor 1, first heat exchanger 2, third valve port 92, and third heat exchanger 51 before returning to compressor 1. The high-temperature refrigerant enters the third heat exchanger 51 as a load, which can be used to maintain the temperature of battery 53 in the second liquid cooling circuit between 10 and 20°C. This configuration enables flexible control of the thermal management system, allowing refrigerant to be allocated according to the cooling needs of battery 53 and PCS. By adjusting the refrigerant flow rate at the second and third valve ports 91 and 92, the cooling needs of battery 53 and PCS can be met, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the thermal management system and improving its adaptability and reliability.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0074] The above provides a detailed description of a thermal management system, energy storage system, and thermal management method provided in the embodiments of this application, and uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the technical solutions and core ideas of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, It includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a power module, a second heat exchanger, and a battery cooling module; The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the power module, the second heat exchanger, and the battery cooling module are connected in series to form a circulation loop.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cooling module includes a radiator, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet end of which is connected to the inlet end of the compressor. The radiator is used for heat exchange with the battery.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cooling module includes a radiator, a third heat exchanger and a first pump, wherein the radiator is used to exchange heat with the battery. The first inlet end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger, and the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the compressor. The second outlet end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the radiator, the outlet end of the radiator is connected to the inlet end of the first pump, and the outlet end of the first pump is connected to the second inlet end of the third heat exchanger.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: The first pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger and the power module respectively; The second pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger respectively; The first bypass pipeline is connected to both the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The first valve body assembly is connected to the first heat exchanger, the power module and the third heat exchanger respectively, and the first valve body assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline and the first bypass pipeline.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a second pump, which is disposed on the first bypass pipeline. The inlet end of the second pump is connected to the outlet end of the first heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the second pump is connected to the first inlet end of the third heat exchanger.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: The second bypass pipeline is connected to both the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The second valve body assembly is connected to the power module, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger respectively, and the second valve body assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline and the second bypass pipeline.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: A third bypass pipeline is connected in parallel with the compressor. A first check valve is installed on the third bypass pipeline. The outlet end of the first check valve is connected to the inlet end of the first heat exchanger, and the inlet end of the first check valve is connected to the first outlet end of the third heat exchanger.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a throttling valve, which is installed on the second pipeline. The inlet end of the throttling valve is connected to the outlet end of the second heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the throttling valve is connected to the first inlet end of the third heat exchanger; and / or The first heat exchanger is an air-cooled radiator or a water-cooled radiator; and / or The second heat exchanger is either an air-cooled radiator or a water-cooled radiator.

9. An energy storage system, characterized in that, Includes a battery and a thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The battery exchanges heat with the heat sink of the thermal management system.

10. A thermal management method for an energy storage system, characterized in that, This includes determining the current operating mode of the thermal management system when the preset operating mode switching conditions of the thermal management system are detected; the operating mode is one of a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode. When the operating mode is the first operating mode, compression refrigeration is used to exchange heat between the battery and the power module; When the operating mode is the second operating mode, the battery and the power module respectively use liquid cooling heat exchange method for heat exchange; When the operating mode is the third operating mode, the power module is subjected to heat exchange by compression refrigeration, and the battery is subjected to heat exchange by liquid cooling.

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