Energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an energy storage system which comprises at least one energy storage device, each energy storage device comprises an energy storage box body and a heat exchange part arranged in the energy storage box body, at least one battery is stored in the energy storage box body, and the heat exchange parts are used for exchanging heat with the batteries; the heat exchange device comprises a first heat exchange assembly and a second heat exchange assembly, the first heat exchange assembly comprises a first circulation loop, the second heat exchange assembly communicates with the heat exchange pieces to form a second circulation loop, and the second circulation loop exchanges heat with the first circulation loop. Through the application, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to an energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy technology, energy storage devices have become one of the more important research directions in the field of new energy. Usually, energy storage devices are equipped with heat exchange devices for heat exchange. At present, higher requirements are put forward for the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchange devices. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an energy storage system with high heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] This application is implemented through the following technical solutions.

[0005] The present application provides an energy storage system, comprising: at least one energy storage device, each of the energy storage devices comprising an energy storage box and a heat exchange element arranged in the energy storage box, the energy storage box accommodating at least one battery, and the heat exchange element being used to exchange heat with the battery; a heat exchange device, the heat exchange device comprising a first heat exchange component and a second heat exchange component, the first heat exchange component comprising a first circulation loop, the second heat exchange component being connected to the heat exchange element and forming at least one second circulation loop, and the second circulation loop exchanges heat with the first circulation loop.

[0006] By exchanging heat with the battery through the second circulation loop, and with the first circulation loop, the heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop can be cooled or heated in a timely manner, so that the heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop can efficiently exchange heat with the battery at a basically unchanged temperature, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second circulation loop and the first circulation loop are arranged close to each other for heat exchange.

[0008] The first circulation loop and the second circulation loop are close to each other, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between them.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange component includes: a circulation pump and a liquid pipeline, and the circulation pump is connected to the heat exchange element through the liquid pipeline.

[0010] A second circulation loop can be formed by a circulation pump, a liquid pipeline and a heat exchange element. The liquid circulates in the second circulation loop, taking away the heat of the battery and exchanging heat with the first circulation loop in time, thereby continuously and efficiently exchanging heat for the battery and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange component includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger which are sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline.

[0012] The first circulation loop can not only realize timely cooling of the second circulation loop, but also timely heating, thereby realizing efficient cooling and heating of the battery, improving heat exchange efficiency while simplifying the structure of the heat exchange device and reducing costs.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heat exchange element of each energy storage device is connected to a plurality of heat exchange plates, the heat exchange plates are connected in parallel, and each heat exchange plate exchanges heat with its own battery respectively.

[0014] Multiple heat exchange plates connected in parallel can reduce the mutual influence of temperature between the heat exchange plates and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant circulation circuit through the first flow channel, and the second flow channel is connected to the liquid pipeline.

[0016] Heat exchange between two circulation loops is achieved by using the first heat exchanger with two flow channels. The two circulation loops are closer to each other, the heat exchange efficiency is higher, and the structure can be simplified.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are provided, and the heat exchange device is located outside the energy storage box.

[0018] By placing the heat exchange device on the outside of the energy storage box, it does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage box, and more batteries can be placed in each energy storage box, thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage device; through two sets of circulation loops (first circulation loop and second circulation loop), one heat exchange device can simultaneously and efficiently exchange heat for multiple energy storage devices, thus simplifying the overall structure, reducing costs, and increasing the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system. At the same time, the heat exchange device located outside the energy storage device is more convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0019] In some embodiments, the liquid pipeline includes a main pipeline and a plurality of branches connected to the main pipeline, and the heat exchange elements of each of the energy storage devices are connected in parallel with each other through the branches.

[0020] The heat exchange components of each energy storage device are connected in parallel through branches, which can reduce the adverse effects of the heat exchange components on the heat exchange temperature of the battery and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the heat exchange components includes a supply pipeline and a return pipeline, the supply pipeline includes a liquid supply port and a first port connected to each of the heat exchange plates, the return pipeline includes a liquid return port and a second port connected to each of the heat exchange plates, and each of the energy storage boxes is provided with a liquid inlet joint and a liquid return joint, the liquid inlet joint is connected to the liquid supply port, and the liquid return joint is connected to the liquid return port.

[0022] In some embodiments, the branch includes a liquid inlet branch and a liquid return branch, the liquid inlet branch is detachably connected to the liquid inlet joint, and the liquid return branch is detachably connected to the liquid return joint.

[0023] A liquid inlet joint and a liquid return joint are arranged on the outside of the energy storage box, and are detachably connected to each branch, so that installation and maintenance are convenient and assembly efficiency is improved.

[0024] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet connector is connected to the liquid inlet branch by means of snap-fitting, hot melting or threads; and / or, the liquid return connector is connected to the liquid return branch by means of snap-fitting, hot melting or threads.

[0025] The above-mentioned method allows for detachable connection, which facilitates disassembly and assembly and improves assembly efficiency.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat exchange device is disposed on the top of the energy storage box of at least one of the energy storage devices.

[0027] The heat exchange device can be set on the top of the energy storage box to reduce the floor space and improve land utilization. More energy storage devices can be arranged to improve the energy density of the energy storage system.

[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged around the heat exchange device with the heat exchange device as the center.

[0029] As a result, the lengths of the branches connecting the heat exchange device and the energy storage devices can be reduced, and the lengths of the branches are substantially the same, thereby shortening the circulation time of the heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop and improving the heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange uniformity.

[0030] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row.

[0031] Along a direction intersecting the first direction, the heat exchange device is located at one side of the energy storage device row; or, the heat exchange device is located between any two of the energy storage devices along the first direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row, and a plurality of energy storage device rows are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the heat exchange device is located on one side of the energy storage device along any one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the energy storage device includes an energy storage container and / or an energy storage cabinet.

[0034] Utility model effect:

[0035] Through the present application, the heat exchange efficiency of the energy storage system can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. Moreover, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage system provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 A top view of an energy storage system provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 6 A simplified structural diagram of an energy storage system provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage system provided for other embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 8-Figure 10 Schematic diagrams of different arrangements of energy storage devices and heat exchange devices of energy storage systems provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0045] Description of Reference Numerals

[0046] 1-battery cell; 2-bottom plate; 3-vertical plate; 4-cover;

[0047] 100-energy storage device; 110-energy storage box; 120-battery; 121-heat exchange plate; 130-communication interface; 140-power transmission interface; 150-heat exchange element; 161-liquid inlet connector; 162-liquid return connector;

[0048] 200-heat exchange device; 210a-first circulation loop; 211-compressor; 212-first heat exchanger; 212a-first flow channel; 212b-second flow channel; 213-expansion valve; 214-second heat exchanger; 215-four-way valve; 220a-second circulation loop; 221-circulation pump; 222-liquid pipeline; 2221-main pipeline; 2222-branch pipeline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, and are therefore only used as examples, and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" in the specification of this application and the above-mentioned drawings and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0052] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientation or position relationship indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", and "circumferential" are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and may be direct contact or contact through an intermediate medium layer. It may be contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or it may be contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0057] Below, this application is described in detail.

[0058] With the rapid development of new energy technologies, energy storage devices have become one of the more important research directions in the field of new energy. Usually, a heat exchange device is configured inside the box of each energy storage device. The heat exchange device exchanges heat with the battery inside the box through a liquid circulation pipeline, thereby performing thermal management on the battery. The temperature of the liquid in the liquid circulation pipeline changes during the heat exchange process with the battery. If the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange device is insufficient, it cannot be cooled down in a timely and effective manner, which is not conducive to the cooling of the battery.

[0059] In addition, since the heat exchange device is arranged inside the box, it occupies a large amount of battery storage space, which is not conducive to improving the energy density of the energy storage device. It also increases the volume and weight of the energy storage device, which is not conducive to the transportation of the integrated energy storage device. Since one heat exchange device can only perform thermal management on one energy storage device, it increases energy consumption and is costly.

[0060] In this regard, the present application designs an energy storage system, including: at least one energy storage device, each energy storage device includes an energy storage box and a heat exchange element arranged in the energy storage box, the energy storage box accommodates at least one battery, and the heat exchange element is used to exchange heat with the battery; a heat exchange device, including a first heat exchange component and a second heat exchange component, the first heat exchange component includes a first circulation loop, the second heat exchange component is connected to each heat exchange component and forms a second circulation loop, and the second circulation loop exchanges heat with the first circulation loop.

[0061] By exchanging heat with the battery through the second circulation loop, and the second circulation loop exchanging heat with the first circulation loop, the first circulation loop can timely cool down or heat up the second circulation loop, so that the heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop can efficiently exchange heat with the battery at a basically unchanged temperature, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0062] The energy storage system of the present application can be applied to renewable energy storage fields such as electric power storage, photovoltaic energy storage and wind power storage, and can also be applied to fields such as electric vehicle charging.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 , the energy storage device 100 may include an energy storage box 110 and at least one battery 120 stored in the energy storage box 110. The energy storage device 100 may also include a communication interface 130 and an electric energy transmission interface 140 disposed in the energy storage box 110. In some embodiments, the interior of the energy storage box 110 may be divided into a battery compartment and an electrical compartment, the battery 120 is usually placed in the battery compartment, the electric control device, the communication device, etc. are usually arranged in the electrical compartment, and the communication interface 130 and the electric energy transmission interface 140 may be electrically connected to the electric control device, the communication device, etc. in the electrical compartment.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery 120 mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may be a battery cell 1 .

[0065] The battery cell 1 may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0066] The battery cell 1 can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead storage battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0067] The battery cell 1 generally includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and removed back and forth between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator is arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to prevent the positive and negative electrodes from short-circuiting, while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0068] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, and the positive electrode sheet may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0069] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive electrode active material is disposed on either or both of the two facing surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0070] As an example, the positive electrode current collector may be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium, etc., treated with silver surface, may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0071] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, examples of lithium-containing phosphates may include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and a composite material of lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon.

[0072] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a foamed metal. The foamed metal may be a nickel foam, a copper foam, an aluminum foam, an alloy foam, or a carbon foam. When the foamed metal is used as the positive electrode, the positive electrode active material may not be provided on the surface of the foamed metal, but of course, the positive electrode active material may also be provided. As an example, a lithium source material, potassium metal or sodium metal may also be filled or / and deposited in the foamed metal, and the lithium source material is lithium metal and / or a lithium-rich material.

[0073] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0074] As an example, the negative electrode current collector may be a metal foil, a foamed metal or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, aluminum or stainless steel treated with silver, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel or titanium, etc. may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base and a metal layer. The foamed metal may be a nickel foam, a copper foam, an aluminum foam, an alloy foam, or carbon foam, etc. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). In some embodiments, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the material of the negative electrode current collector may be copper.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0076] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator. The present application has no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having good chemical stability and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0077] As an example, the main material of the isolation membrane can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramics.

[0078] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte, which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and serves to transmit ions and isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0079] In some embodiments, the battery cell 1 further includes an electrolyte, which plays a role in conducting ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The present application has no specific restrictions on the type of electrolyte, which can be selected according to needs. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel or solid.

[0080] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a wound structure, wherein the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into a wound structure.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a laminate structure.

[0082] As an example, a plurality of positive electrode sheets and a plurality of negative electrode sheets may be provided respectively, and the plurality of positive electrode sheets and the plurality of negative electrode sheets may be alternately stacked.

[0083] As an example, a plurality of positive electrode sheets may be provided, and the negative electrode sheet may be folded to form a plurality of stacked folded segments, with a positive electrode sheet being sandwiched between adjacent folded segments.

[0084] As an example, both the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are folded to form a plurality of folded sections that are stacked.

[0085] As an example, a plurality of separators may be provided, each of which is provided between any adjacent positive electrode sheets or negative electrode sheets.

[0086] As an example, the separator may be disposed continuously, and may be disposed between any adjacent positive electrode sheets or negative electrode sheets by folding or winding.

[0087] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0088] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs, which can lead current out of the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0089] In some embodiments, the battery cell 1 may include a battery housing. The battery housing is used to encapsulate components such as electrode assemblies and electrolytes. The battery housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (such as polypropylene), a composite metal housing (such as a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0090] As an example, the battery cell 1 can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft-pack battery cell or a battery cell of other shapes. The prismatic battery cell includes a square shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, a polygonal battery, such as a hexagonal battery, etc. There is no special limitation in this application.

[0091] In some embodiments, the battery housing includes an end cap and a battery casing, the battery casing is provided with an opening, and the end cap closes the opening to form a closed space for accommodating substances such as an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The battery casing may be provided with one or more openings. One or more end caps may also be provided.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal is disposed on the battery housing, and the electrode terminal is electrically connected to the tab. The electrode terminal may be directly connected to the tab, or indirectly connected to the tab through a transition component. The electrode terminal may be disposed on the end cap, or on the battery housing.

[0093] In some embodiments, a pressure relief mechanism is provided on the battery housing, and is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a battery module, which includes one or more battery cells 1 to provide a single physical module with higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells 1, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, in parallel or in mixed connection through a busbar. Multiple battery cells 1 are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0095] Reference Figure 2The battery 120 mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may be a battery pack, which includes a battery box and at least one battery cell 1, and the battery cell 1 is accommodated in the battery box. The battery box may include a bottom plate 2, a vertical plate 3 and a cover 4, and the cover 4 is arranged above the bottom plate 2 and the vertical plate 3, so that the bottom plate 2, the vertical plate 3 and the cover 4 together form a storage space for accommodating the battery cell 1.

[0096] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 10 Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail.

[0097] The present application provides an energy storage system, including at least one energy storage device 100 and a heat exchange device 200. The heat exchange device 200 may sometimes also be referred to as a heat exchange unit.

[0098] Each energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage box 110 and a heat exchange element 150 disposed in the energy storage box 110 (see Figure 6 ), the energy storage box 110 accommodates at least one battery 120, and the heat exchange component 150 is used to exchange heat with the battery 120; the heat exchange device 200 includes a first heat exchange component and a second heat exchange component, the first heat exchange component includes a first circulation loop 210a, the second heat exchange component is connected to each heat exchange component 150 and forms a second circulation loop 220a, and the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the first circulation loop 210a.

[0099] Each energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage box 110 having a receiving space for accommodating at least one battery 120 .

[0100] The heat exchange element 150 is used to exchange heat with the battery 120 in the energy storage box 110. The heat exchange element 150 can cool or heat the battery 120, thereby achieving thermal management of the battery 120. The heat exchange medium can circulate in the second circulation loop 220a formed by the heat exchange element 150 and the second heat exchange component, thereby taking away the heat generated by the battery 120 or heating the battery.

[0101] The heat exchanger 150 may be a component with a cavity, such as a heat exchange tube. The heat exchanger 150 may be made of a metal or metal alloy with a certain thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

[0102] The first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a are two independent circulation loops. The first heat exchange medium in the first circulation loop 210a circulates in the first circulation loop 210a, and the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a circulates in the second circulation loop 220a. The first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium can be the same or different, and can be gas, liquid, or a medium that converts heat through gas-liquid phase. In some specific examples, the first heat exchange medium is a refrigerant, such as Freon, and the second heat exchange medium is a coolant, such as ethylene glycol or water.

[0103] The first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a exchange heat, and the first heat exchange medium in the first circulation loop 210a may cool or heat the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a.

[0104] Taking the second circulation loop 220a cooling the battery 120 and the second heat exchange medium being liquid as an example, the circulating liquid in the second circulation loop 220a takes away the heat generated by the battery 120. At this time, the temperature of the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a will rise. Since the first circulation loop 210a can cool the second circulation loop 220a in time, the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a can basically maintain a low temperature to exchange heat with the battery 120, thereby continuously and efficiently cooling the battery in the energy storage device 100.

[0105] By exchanging heat between the second circulation loop 220a and the battery 120, and between the second circulation loop 220a and the first circulation loop 210a, the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a can be cooled or heated in a timely manner, and the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a can efficiently exchange heat with the battery 120 at a substantially constant temperature, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a are disposed close to each other.

[0107] The close arrangement may be that the first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a are in contact with each other for heat exchange, and the contact heat exchange may be direct contact or indirect contact. Alternatively, the first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a are not in contact with each other but are close to each other in space to the extent that they can exchange heat with each other for heat exchange.

[0108] The first circulation loop 210a and the second circulation loop 220a that are close to each other improve the heat exchange efficiency between them.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange assembly includes a circulation pump 221 and a liquid pipeline 222 , and the circulation pump 221 is connected to the heat exchange element 150 of the energy storage device 100 through the liquid pipeline 222 .

[0110] The circulation pump 221 is used to circulate the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a in the liquid pipeline 222, the heat exchange element 150 and the heat exchange plate 121 (described later).

[0111] A second circulation loop 220a can be formed by the circulation pump 221, the liquid pipeline 222 and the heat exchange element 150 (including each heat exchange plate 121 when the heat exchange element 150 is connected to multiple heat exchange plates 121). The second heat exchange medium circulates in the second circulation loop 220a, takes away the heat of the battery, and exchanges heat with the first circulation loop 210a in time, thereby continuously and efficiently exchanging heat for the battery and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0112] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The first heat exchange assembly includes a compressor 211, a first heat exchanger 212, an expansion valve 213, and a second heat exchanger 214 which are sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline, wherein the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the compressor 211, the first heat exchanger 212, the expansion valve 213, and the second heat exchanger 214 constitute a first circulation loop 210a. Here, the refrigerant is used as the first heat exchange medium.

[0113] The first heat exchanger 212 may be an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger 214 may be a condenser. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger 212 may be a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 214 may be an evaporator. The refrigerant in the first circulation loop 210a may be, for example, Freon.

[0114] The heat exchange device 200 can be used as a cooling unit to cool the energy storage device 100. Specifically, the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipeline 222, so that the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is continuously cooled by the evaporator, and then the batteries in the energy storage device 100 are efficiently cooled by the second circulation loop 220a.

[0115] The heat exchange device 200 can be used as a heating unit to heat the energy storage device 100. Specifically, the second circulation loop 220a can exchange heat with the condenser through the liquid pipeline 222, so that the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is continuously heated through the condenser, and then the battery in the energy storage device 100 is efficiently heated through the second circulation loop 220a.

[0116] The first heat exchanger 212 may be an evaporator at some times and a condenser at other times, and the second heat exchanger 214 may be a condenser at some times and an evaporator at other times, depending on the flow state of the refrigerant in the first circulation loop 210a.

[0117] That is, the heat exchange device 200 can switch between the cooling unit and the heating unit, that is, the heat exchange device 200 can be used as a cooling unit to cool the energy storage device 100 and can be used as a heating unit to heat the energy storage device 100. Specifically, the second circulation loop 220a can exchange heat with the first heat exchanger 212 through the liquid pipeline 222, and the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first circulation loop 210a can be changed through the four-way valve 215, so that the first heat exchanger 212 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 214 is a condenser, or the first heat exchanger 212 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 214 is an evaporator. When the first heat exchanger 212 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 214 is a condenser, the second circulation loop 220a can exchange heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipeline 222, and the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is timely cooled by the evaporator, and then the battery in the energy storage device 100 is efficiently cooled by the second circulation loop 220a; when the first heat exchanger 212 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 214 is an evaporator, the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the condenser, so that the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is timely heated by the condenser, and then the battery in the energy storage device 100 is continuously and efficiently heated by the second circulation loop 220a.

[0118] The first circulation loop 210a can be used to timely cool and heat the second circulation loop 220a, thereby achieving continuous and efficient cooling and heating of the batteries in the energy storage device 100, improving heat exchange efficiency while simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 212 includes a first flow channel 212 a and a second flow channel 212 b . The first heat exchanger 212 is connected to the first circulation loop through the first flow channel 212 a , and the second flow channel 212 b is connected to the liquid pipeline 222 .

[0120] The first heat exchanger 212 can be a plate heat exchanger, which is a stacked body composed of multiple layers of plates with two flow channels. The first flow channel 212a is used to circulate refrigerant as part of the first circulation loop, and the second flow channel 212b is used to circulate the second heat exchange medium as part of the second circulation loop. The second heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 212 when passing through the second flow channel.

[0121] Heat exchange between two circulation loops is achieved through the first heat exchanger 212 having two flow channels, and no additional connectors are required, which reduces heat loss, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and simplifying the structure.

[0122] In some embodiments, a plurality of energy storage devices 100 are provided, and the heat exchange device 200 is located outside the energy storage box 110 .

[0123] The multiple energy storage devices 100 may include energy storage containers and / or energy storage cabinets. For example, all of the multiple energy storage devices 100 are energy storage containers. Alternatively, all of the multiple energy storage devices 100 are energy storage cabinets. Alternatively, a portion of the multiple energy storage devices 100 are energy storage containers, and another portion are energy storage cabinets.

[0124] The heat exchange device 200 is located outside the energy storage box 110. The heat exchange device 200 and the energy storage box 110 are two independent structures. The heat exchange device 200 does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage box 110. Therefore, more batteries can be placed inside the energy storage box 110, thereby improving the energy density of the energy storage device 100.

[0125] The heat exchange elements 150 of each energy storage device 100 may be connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0126] Taking the second circulation loop 220a cooling the battery 120 and the second heat exchange medium being liquid as an example, the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a takes away the heat generated by the battery 120, and at the same time the temperature of the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a will rise. Since the first circulation loop 210a can cool the second circulation loop 220a, the liquid in the second circulation loop 220a can be cooled in time and maintained at a low temperature, so that the batteries in each energy storage device 100 can be continuously and efficiently cooled, and the temperature flowing through each heat exchange component 150 is relatively balanced, so there is no need to set too many monitoring elements (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) and control elements (such as flow controllers, etc.) on each heat exchange component 150, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0127] By placing the heat exchange device 200 on the outside of the energy storage box 110, it does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage box 110, and more batteries 120 can be placed in each energy storage box 110, thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage device; through two sets of circulation loops (first circulation loop 210a, second circulation loop 220a), one heat exchange device 200 can simultaneously and continuously and efficiently exchange heat for multiple energy storage devices, thereby simplifying the overall structure, reducing costs, and increasing the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system. At the same time, the heat exchange device located outside the energy storage device 100 is more convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0128] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The liquid pipeline 222 may include a main pipeline 2221 and a plurality of branch pipelines 2222 communicating with the main pipeline 2221 , and the heat exchange elements 150 of each energy storage device 100 are connected in parallel with each other through the branch pipelines 2222 .

[0129] The circulation pump 221 is disposed on the main pipe 2221 , and the main pipe 2221 is in communication with the second flow channel 212 b of the first heat exchanger 212 .

[0130] The heat exchange elements 150 of each energy storage device 100 are connected in parallel via branches, which can reduce the adverse effect on the heat exchange temperature of the battery and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0131] In some embodiments, the heat exchange element 150 of each energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates 121, each heat exchange plate 121 is connected in parallel, and each heat exchange plate 121 exchanges heat with its own battery. Each heat exchange plate 121 can be arranged inside the battery pack as a part of the battery pack. The heat exchange plate 121 can be in contact with or close to each battery cell in the battery pack so as to exchange heat with the battery cell. One heat exchange plate 121 can be arranged in each battery pack, or multiple heat exchange plates 121 can be arranged.

[0132] The energy storage box 110 can accommodate multiple batteries, and each battery 120 can be provided with a heat exchange plate 121 . The heat exchange plates 121 are connected in parallel, so that multiple parallel circulation loops are formed in one energy storage device 100 .

[0133] The heat exchange element 150 is connected with a plurality of heat exchange plates 121 in parallel, which can reduce the adverse effect on the heat exchange temperature of the battery and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0134] In some embodiments, each heat exchanger 150 includes a supply pipeline and a return pipeline, the supply pipeline includes a liquid supply port and a first port connected to each heat exchange plate 121, the return pipeline includes a liquid return port and a second port connected to each heat exchange plate 121, and each energy storage box 110 is provided with a liquid inlet joint 161 and a liquid return joint 162, the liquid inlet joint 161 is connected to the liquid supply port, and the liquid return joint 162 is connected to the liquid return port. Thus, each heat exchange plate 121 is connected in parallel with each other.

[0135] In some embodiments, the branch 2222 includes a liquid inlet branch and a liquid return branch. The liquid inlet branch is detachably connected to the liquid inlet connector 161 , and the liquid return branch is detachably connected to the liquid return connector 162 .

[0136] A liquid inlet connector 161 and a liquid return connector 162 are arranged outside the energy storage box 110 and are detachably connected to each branch circuit, so installation and maintenance are convenient and assembly efficiency is improved.

[0137] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet connector 161 is connected to the liquid inlet branch by means of snap-fitting, hot melting or threads; and / or the liquid return connector 162 is connected to the liquid return branch by means of snap-fitting, hot melting or threads.

[0138] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 The heat exchange device 200 is disposed on the top of the energy storage box 110 of at least one energy storage device 100 .

[0139] The heat exchange device 200 may be disposed on the top of one energy storage box 110 ; or on the top of multiple energy storage boxes 110 , that is, multiple energy storage boxes 110 jointly support the heat exchange device 200 .

[0140] The heat exchange device 200 can be disposed on the top of the energy storage box 110, thereby reducing the floor space and improving land utilization. More energy storage devices can be arranged to improve the energy density of the energy storage system.

[0141] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged around the heat exchange device 200 with the heat exchange device 200 as the center.

[0142] The center here is not necessarily a geometric center in a strict sense, and includes the situation where the energy storage devices 100 are arranged around the heat exchange device 200 at a certain interval from each other.

[0143] Thus, the length of each branch connecting the heat exchange device 200 and each energy storage device 100 can be reduced, and the length of each branch is substantially the same, thereby shortening the circulation time of the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop and improving the heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange uniformity.

[0144] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 , a plurality of energy storage devices 100 are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row, and along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the heat exchange device 200 is located on one side of the energy storage device row. Alternatively, see Fig.10 , the heat exchange device 200 is located between any two energy storage devices along the first direction.

[0145] In some embodiments, see Fig. 9 A plurality of energy storage devices 100 are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row, and a plurality of energy storage device rows are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the heat exchange device 200 is located on one side of the energy storage device 100 along any one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0146] Next, a specific example of the present application is described.

[0147] See also Figure 4-Figure 6 An embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage system, including a plurality of energy storage devices 100 and a heat exchange device 200 .

[0148] Each energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage box 110 and a heat exchange element 150 disposed in the energy storage box 110 (see Figure 6 ), each heat exchange component 150 is connected in parallel with each other, the energy storage box 110 accommodates the battery 120, and the heat exchange component 150 is used to exchange heat with the battery 120.

[0149] The heat exchange device 200 is located outside the energy storage box 110. The heat exchange device 200 includes a first heat exchange component and a second heat exchange component. The second heat exchange component includes a liquid pipeline 222 and a circulation pump 221. The liquid pipeline 222, the circulation pump 221 and each heat exchange element 150 constitute a plurality of second circulation loops 220a connected in parallel with each other. Specifically, the liquid pipeline 222 includes a main pipeline 2221 and a plurality of branches 2222. Each heat exchange element 150 is connected in parallel with the main pipeline 2221 through a plurality of branches 2222. Specifically, each energy storage box 110 is provided with a liquid inlet joint 161 and a liquid return joint 162, and the liquid inlet joint 161 and the liquid return joint 162 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange element 150; a circulation pump 221 is provided on the main line 2221, and the liquid outlet of the main line 2221 is respectively connected to the liquid inlet joint 161 of each energy storage box 110 through each branch 2222, and the liquid return port of the main line 2221 is respectively connected to the liquid return joint 162 of each energy storage box 110 through each branch 2222, so that the liquid pipeline 222, the circulation pump 221 and each heat exchange element 150 constitute a plurality of second circulation loops 220a connected in parallel with each other.

[0150] The first heat exchange assembly includes a compressor 211, a first heat exchanger 212, an expansion valve 213, and a second heat exchanger 214 which are sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline, wherein the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the compressor 211, the first heat exchanger 212, the expansion valve 213, and the second heat exchanger 214 constitute a first circulation loop 210a, and the liquid pipeline 222 and the first heat exchanger 212 are arranged close to each other, so that the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 212 through the liquid pipeline 222. The refrigerant in the first circulation loop 210a can be, for example, Freon.

[0151] The heat exchange device 200 can be used as a cooling unit to cool down each energy storage device 100 and can also be used as a heating unit to heat up each energy storage device 100. Specifically, the second circulation loop 220a can exchange heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipeline 222, and the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first circulation loop 210a can be changed through the four-way valve 215, so that the first heat exchanger 212 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 214 is a condenser, or the first heat exchanger 212 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 214 is an evaporator. When the first heat exchanger 212 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 214 is a condenser, the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipeline 222, and the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is timely cooled by the evaporator, and then the batteries in each energy storage device 100 are efficiently cooled by the heat exchange element 150 of the second circulation loop 220a; when the first heat exchanger 212 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 214 is an evaporator, the second circulation loop 220a exchanges heat with the condenser through the liquid pipeline 222, so that the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop 220a is timely heated by the condenser, and then the batteries in each energy storage device 100 are continuously and efficiently heated by the heat exchange element 150 of the second circulation loop 220a.

[0152] Thus, by placing the heat exchange device 200 on the outside of the energy storage box 110, it does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage box 110, and more batteries 120 can be placed in each energy storage box 110, thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage device; through two sets of circulation loops (first circulation loop 210a, second circulation loop 220a), one heat exchange device 200 can simultaneously and continuously and efficiently exchange heat for multiple energy storage devices, thereby simplifying the overall structure, reducing costs, and increasing the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system. At the same time, the heat exchange device located outside the energy storage device 100 is more convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0153] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application is described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized in that: include: At least one energy storage device, each of the energy storage devices comprising an energy storage box and a heat exchanger disposed in the energy storage box, the energy storage box accommodating at least one battery, and the heat exchanger being used for exchanging heat with the battery; A heat exchange device, comprising a first heat exchange component and a second heat exchange component, wherein the first heat exchange component comprises a first circulation loop, the second heat exchange component is connected to the heat exchange element and forms at least one second circulation loop, and the second circulation loop exchanges heat with the first circulation loop.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second circulation loop and the first circulation loop are arranged close to each other.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second heat exchange component includes a circulation pump and a liquid pipeline, and the circulation pump is connected to the heat exchange element through the liquid pipeline.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first heat exchange component includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger which are sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline, and the second flow channel is connected to the liquid pipeline.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The energy storage device is provided in plurality, and the heat exchange device is located outside the energy storage box.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid pipeline includes a main pipeline and a plurality of branches connected to the main pipeline, and the heat exchange components of each energy storage device are connected in parallel through the branches.

8. The energy storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heat exchange element of each energy storage device is connected to a plurality of heat exchange plates, the heat exchange plates are connected in parallel, and each heat exchange plate exchanges heat with its own battery respectively.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the heat exchange components comprises a supply pipeline and a return pipeline, wherein the supply pipeline comprises a liquid supply port and a first port communicating with each of the heat exchange plates, and the return pipeline comprises a liquid return port and a second port communicating with each of the heat exchange plates. Each of the energy storage boxes is provided with a liquid inlet joint and a liquid return joint, wherein the liquid inlet joint is connected to the liquid supply port, and the liquid return joint is connected to the liquid return port.

10. The energy storage system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The branch comprises a liquid inlet branch and a liquid return branch, the liquid inlet branch is detachably connected to the liquid inlet joint, and the liquid return branch is detachably connected to the liquid return joint.

11. The energy storage system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The liquid inlet connector is connected to the liquid inlet branch by means of snap connection, hot melting or threading; and / or, The liquid return joint is connected to the liquid return branch by means of clamping, hot melting or threading.

12. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The heat exchange device is disposed on the top of the energy storage box of at least one of the energy storage devices; or, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged around the heat exchange device with the heat exchange device as the center.

13. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: A plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row, Along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the heat exchange device is located at one side of the energy storage device row; or, the heat exchange device is located between any two of the energy storage devices along the first direction.

14. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: A plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form an energy storage device row, and a plurality of the energy storage device rows are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The heat exchange device is located on one side of the energy storage device along any one of the first direction and the second direction.

15. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The energy storage device includes an energy storage container and / or an energy storage cabinet.

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