Heat exchanger, temperature control system and energy storage equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a heat exchanger, a temperature control system comprising the heat exchanger and energy storage equipment comprising the temperature control system, and relates to the technical field of heat exchange equipment. The radiator comprises a first current collector and a second current collector which are distributed in the first direction, the first current collector and the second current collector extend in the second direction, the first current collector is internally provided with a first cavity and a second cavity which are distributed in the first direction, and the second current collector is internally provided with a third cavity and a fourth cavity which are distributed in the first direction. The heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of flow guide pipes arranged at intervals in the second direction, fins are arranged between every two adjacent flow guide pipes, one part of the flow guide pipes communicate with the first cavity and the fourth cavity, and the other part of the flow guide pipes communicate with the second cavity and the third cavity. At least two working media can exchange heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger, the number of heat exchange devices is reduced, the installation cost and time of the heat exchanger are saved, and efficient utilization of equipment or system space is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat exchange equipment, and in particular to a heat exchanger, a temperature control system and an energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] Improving the quality of the temperature control system of energy storage equipment is an important direction to enhance the competitiveness of energy storage equipment. With the continuous improvement of the power density of energy storage equipment, the temperature control system of energy storage equipment has gradually evolved from air cooling to liquid cooling.

[0003] In the related art, after cooling the battery, the coolant in the temperature control system can exchange heat with the refrigerant. After cooling the coolant, the refrigerant will pass through a compressor and then flow to a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser) to exchange heat with the external environment. In addition, after cooling the battery, the coolant can also flow to another heat exchanger (e.g., a radiator) to exchange heat with the external environment.

[0004] That is, in the temperature control system of the related art, there are multiple heat exchangers, and the multiple heat exchangers are discretely arranged, which makes the installation of the temperature control system complicated and takes a long time, and fails to reasonably utilize the space of the energy storage device. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application provides a heat exchanger, a temperature control system including the heat exchanger, and an energy storage device including the temperature control system, so that at least two working fluids can exchange heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger, reducing the number of heat exchange devices (devices used for heat exchange), saving the installation cost and time of the heat exchanger, and also facilitating the efficient use of equipment or system space.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect of the present application, a heat exchanger is provided, which includes a first collector and a second collector distributed in a first direction, the first collector and the second collector both extending along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction, the first collector having a first chamber and a second chamber distributed in the first direction, the second collector having a third chamber and a fourth chamber distributed in the first direction, the heat exchanger also including a plurality of flow guide tubes arranged at intervals along the second direction, a fin being provided between two adjacent flow guide tubes, a portion of the plurality of flow guide tubes connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber, and another portion of the flow guide tubes connecting the second chamber and the third chamber.

[0008] The heat exchanger of the present application can make at least two working fluids exchange heat with the external environment, for example, the refrigerant and the coolant can exchange heat with the external environment separately or simultaneously. When the refrigerant needs to exchange heat with the external environment, the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger, and the coolant flows in the first chamber, the fourth chamber, and the guide tube connecting the two. The refrigerant in the guide tube exchanges heat with the external environment through the fins, that is, the guide tube transfers heat to the fins. The contact area between the fins and the external environment is large, which increases the heat dissipation efficiency. The refrigerant after heat dissipation flows into the next device. When the coolant needs to exchange heat with the external environment, the coolant is introduced into the heat exchanger, and the coolant flows in the second chamber, the third chamber, and the guide tube connecting the two. The coolant in the guide tube exchanges heat with the external environment through the fins. The coolant after heat exchange with the external environment flows into the next device.

[0009] The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from each other, and the third chamber and the fourth chamber are separated from each other. Different working fluids can simultaneously exchange heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger of the present application. In addition, since the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber and the fourth chamber are distributed along the first direction, the size of the heat exchanger in the third direction (the first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the third direction) can be made smaller, which is conducive to the installation of the heat exchanger. The use of the heat exchanger of the present application reduces the number of heat exchange components in the system, is conducive to the efficient use of space, saves the installation cost of the heat exchanger, and reduces the complexity of the installation of the heat exchanger.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the first chamber is located on a side of the second chamber away from the second current collector, and the fourth chamber is located on a side of the third chamber away from the first current collector.

[0011] Among the four chambers of the heat exchanger of the present application, the first chamber and the fourth chamber are located on the outside, and the second chamber and the third chamber are located on the inside. This design is more in line with the installation requirements of the heat exchanger and is also convenient for arranging the external pipes connected to the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger is installed, the pipes are more easily connected to the corresponding chambers, which provides convenience for the installation and connection of the heat exchanger.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, each flow guide tube connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber has one end extending into the first collector and passing through the second chamber to be connected to the first chamber, and the other end extending into the second collector and passing through the third chamber to be connected to the fourth chamber; each flow guide tube connecting the second chamber and the third chamber is located between the first collector and the second collector.

[0013] The flow guide pipe connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber passes through the second chamber and the third chamber, so that the flow guide pipe can be arranged between the first chamber and the fourth chamber, so that the flow guide pipe connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber can be a straight pipe, and the flow guide pipe with a straight pipe structure is easier to obtain and is also convenient for assembly and processing. The flow guide pipe connecting the second chamber and the third chamber is arranged between the first collecting pipe and the second collecting pipe, that is, between the second chamber and the third chamber, and the flow guide pipe with a straight pipe structure can also connect the second chamber and the third chamber. The flow guide pipes of the present application are all straight pipes, which reduces the difficulty of obtaining, producing and installing the flow guide pipes. In addition, the flow guide pipe is located between the two chambers connected by itself, and the flow guide pipe will not bend outward, reducing the volume of the heat exchanger.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the first current collector includes a first current collector and a second current collector connected, the first current collector encloses a first chamber, the second current collector encloses a second chamber, and the second current collector includes a third current collector and a fourth current collector connected, the third current collector encloses a third chamber, and the fourth current collector encloses a fourth chamber.

[0015] The first current collector and the second current collector may be two independent pipes, the third current collector and the fourth current collector may be two independent pipes, the first current collector is connected with the second current collector to form a first current collector, and the third current collector is connected with the fourth current collector to form a second current collector. The corresponding current collector is formed by splicing a plurality of current collectors, which facilitates the production, assembly and processing of the first current collector and the second current collector.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the multiple flow pipes connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber include a first flow pipe, a first diversion port is provided on the side wall of the first collecting pipe facing the fourth collecting pipe, and a fourth diversion port is provided on the side wall of the fourth collecting pipe facing the first collecting pipe, and one end of the first flow pipe is connected to the first diversion port, and the other end is connected to the fourth diversion port.

[0017] The two ends of the first flow guide tube are connected to the first flow diversion port and the fourth flow diversion port respectively. The working medium can flow between the first header and the first flow guide tube through the first flow diversion port, and the working medium can also flow between the first flow guide tube and the fourth header through the fourth flow diversion port, and finally flow out of the heat exchanger and enter the next device. This design method realizes the circulation of the working medium between the first header, the first flow guide tube and the fourth header.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the second collecting pipe has two side walls back to back in the first direction with first mounting openings, the third collecting pipe has two side walls back to back in the first direction with second mounting openings, and the first guide pipe passes through the two first mounting openings and the two second mounting openings.

[0019] The first and fourth manifolds are arranged on the outside, the second and third manifolds are arranged on the inside, the first flow guide pipe is connected to the first and fourth manifolds, and the first flow guide pipe needs to pass through the second and third manifolds, and the first installation port and the second installation port are for the first flow guide pipe to pass through. That is, one end of the first flow guide pipe is connected to the first diversion port on the first manifold, and the other end passes through the two first installation ports on the second manifold, and then passes through the two second installation ports on the third manifold, and is connected to the fourth diversion port on the fourth manifold. This assembly method is convenient for the production and processing of the heat exchanger.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the portion of the second header forming the two first installation openings and the portion of the third header forming the two second installation openings are both sealedly connected to the tube wall of the first flow guiding tube.

[0021] The first flow guide pipe is sealed and connected to the two first installation ports, which reduces the possibility of the working fluid in the second header flowing out from the two first installation ports. The first flow guide pipe is sealed and connected to the two second installation ports, which reduces the possibility of the working fluid in the third header flowing out from the two second installation ports. A sealing structure is provided at the opening connection to improve the sealing effect of the heat exchanger and reduce the possibility of leakage of the working fluid.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the multiple flow pipes connecting the second chamber and the third chamber include a second flow pipe, a second diversion port is provided on the side wall of the second collecting pipe facing the third collecting pipe, a third diversion port is provided on the side wall of the third collecting pipe facing the second collecting pipe, and one end of the second flow pipe is connected to the second diversion port, and the other end is connected to the third diversion port.

[0023] The two ends of the second flow guide tube are connected to the second flow diversion port and the third flow diversion port respectively. The working medium can flow between the second header and the second flow guide tube through the second flow diversion port, and the working medium can also flow between the second flow guide tube and the third header through the third flow diversion port, and finally flow out of the heat exchanger and enter the next device. This design method realizes the circulation of the working medium between the second header, the second flow guide tube and the third header.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, a flow guide pipe connecting the second chamber and the third chamber is provided between the two flow guide pipes connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber.

[0025] The flow guide pipe connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber is staggered with the flow guide pipe connecting the second chamber and the third chamber, that is, two adjacent flow guide pipes are used to pass different working fluids. Fins are arranged between two adjacent flow guide pipes, and the two flow guide pipes passing two working fluids share the fins between the two. When any working fluid flows through the corresponding flow guide pipe, all fins can assist the flow guide pipe passing the working fluid to dissipate heat, so that the heat dissipation effect of each working fluid is improved, and the fins can be fully utilized, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0026] In an optional implementation, the dimensions of each flow guide tube in the first direction and in the third direction are both larger than its own dimension in the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] Each guide tube is relatively thin, so that the guide tube has a larger area in contact with the fins on the side, which is beneficial for the working fluid in the guide tube to dissipate heat through the fins, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger of the present application.

[0028] In a second aspect of the present application, a temperature control system is provided, which includes a liquid cooling plate and the above-mentioned heat exchanger, wherein one of the first chamber and the fourth chamber is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate, and the other is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate.

[0029] After cooling the structure that needs to be cooled (for example, a battery), the coolant in the liquid cooling plate will flow into the heat exchanger, and when flowing through the guide tube, it will exchange heat with the external environment through the fins, that is, the coolant flows into the heat exchanger for cooling, so that the temperature of the coolant is reduced, and then the coolant returns from the heat exchanger to the liquid cooling plate. The temperature of the coolant flowing back to the liquid cooling plate is lower, which can cool the structure in contact with the liquid cooling plate. In addition, other working fluids can also be passed into the second chamber, the third chamber, and the guide tube connecting the two, and exchange heat with the external environment when flowing through the guide tube. The temperature control system adopts the heat exchanger of the present application, which can enable at least two working fluids to exchange heat with the external environment, reducing the number of heat exchange components. In addition, the temperature control system provided by the present application includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger, so the temperature control system provided by the present application and the heat exchanger of the above-mentioned technical solution can solve the same technical problems and have the same technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, the temperature control system also includes a heat exchange device, a compressor, an expansion valve and a multi-way valve, and a first flow channel and a second flow channel are formed in the heat exchange device; the inlet of the compressor is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel, one of the second chamber and the third chamber is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other is connected to the inlet of the expansion valve; the multi-way valve includes a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the first interface, the second interface is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate, and the third interface is connected to the first chamber or the fourth chamber.

[0031] When the external environment temperature is high, the compressor refrigeration method can be used to cool the coolant. For example, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the compressor, and then enters the corresponding chamber of the heat exchanger, and condenses and dissipates heat in the heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, the temperature of the refrigerant continues to decrease, and is gradually condensed into a normal temperature and high-pressure steam, and further cooled into a liquid. Then the high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the heat exchanger will flow out and flow into the first flow channel of the heat exchange device through the expansion valve (which has the function of throttling and reducing pressure). The coolant in the liquid cold plate can flow into the second flow channel through the first interface and the second interface of the multi-way valve. The refrigerant in the first flow channel absorbs the heat of the coolant in the second flow channel, which not only reduces the temperature of the coolant, but also turns itself into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange device will return to the compressor again, and the cooled coolant can flow back to the liquid cold plate. Repeat the above process to continuously cool the coolant.

[0032] When the external ambient temperature is low, natural cooling can be used to cool the coolant. That is, the coolant in the liquid cooling plate enters the corresponding chamber of the heat exchanger through the first interface and the third interface of the multi-way valve, and directly exchanges heat with the outside world in the guide pipe for cooling. The cooled coolant then flows back to the liquid cooling plate.

[0033] When the ambient temperature is within a certain range, both compressor cooling and natural cooling can be used to cool the coolant, that is, the heat exchanger has both refrigerant and coolant exchanging heat with the outside environment. In this mode, natural cooling shares part of the cooling load, which is more energy efficient than using a single compressor cooling method.

[0034] A third aspect of the present application provides an energy storage device, which includes a battery and the above-mentioned temperature control system, and the battery is in contact with a liquid cooling plate.

[0035] By dissipating heat from the battery through the liquid cooling plate, the risk of thermal runaway of the battery is reduced, the charging and discharging efficiency and safety of the battery are improved, and the life of the battery can also be extended. In addition, the energy storage device provided by the present application includes the above-mentioned temperature control system, so the energy storage device provided by the present application and the temperature control system of the above-mentioned technical solution can solve the same technical problems and have the same technical effects, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Magnified view at A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Magnified view at B in the middle;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of another heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 100-Energy storage device; 101-Battery;

[0044] 200-temperature control system; 201-liquid cooling plate; 202-heat exchange device; 203-compressor; 204-expansion valve; 205-multi-way valve; 2051-first interface; 2052-second interface; 2053-third interface; 206-heating device; 207-gas-liquid separator; 208-water pump; 209-fan;

[0045] 300-heat exchanger;

[0046] 1-first collector; 11-first chamber; 12-second chamber; 13-first collector; 131-first flow diversion port; 14-second collector; 141-first installation port; 142-second flow diversion port;

[0047] 2-second current collector; 21-third chamber; 22-fourth chamber; 23-third current collector; 231-second installation port; 232-third flow diversion port; 24-fourth current collector; 241-fourth flow diversion port;

[0048] 3- flow guide pipe; 31- first flow guide pipe; 32- second flow guide pipe;

[0049] 4- fins;

[0050] 5- Connecting pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0052] In this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes to distinguish one element from another, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Moreover, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" 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 it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances. In addition, when describing the channel, the "connected" and "connected" used in this application have the meaning of conduction. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0054] In addition, in this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0055] In the drawings of the embodiments of the present application, solid structures such as components and assemblies are represented by guide lines; hollow structures such as openings, holes, spaces, and cavities are represented by guide lines with arrows.

[0056] An energy storage device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 1The partial structure of an energy storage device 100 is shown exemplarily, and the energy storage device 100 can be used in energy storage power stations, electric vehicles or charging devices, etc. The energy storage device 100 includes a battery 101 (for example, a battery pack) and a temperature control system 200 (also called a stability control system).

[0057] The temperature control system 200 is used to adjust the temperature of the battery 101 according to demand. For example, when the temperature of the battery 101 is too high, the temperature control system 200 can cool the battery 101 to reduce the risk of thermal runaway or even explosion of the battery 101. For another example, when the battery 101 needs to be started quickly in winter, the temperature control system 200 can also heat the battery 101.

[0058] The present application provides a temperature control system 200, referring to Figure 1 The exemplary temperature control system 200 includes a liquid cooling plate 201, which is in contact with the battery 101 and has a working fluid similar to a coolant (e.g., an ethylene glycol aqueous solution) in the liquid cooling plate 201. The coolant can cool the battery 101 in the liquid cooling plate 201. During the cooling process, the coolant will absorb (or take away) the heat of the battery 101, causing the temperature of the battery 101 to drop, but the temperature of the coolant will rise, so it is necessary to dissipate heat and cool the coolant.

[0059] The coolant that takes away the temperature of the battery 101 can exchange heat with the external environment to dissipate the heat. The temperature control system 200 of the present application also includes a heat exchanger 300. The coolant can be passed into the heat exchanger 300 to exchange heat with the outside world, and then flow back to the liquid cooling plate 201 to continue to cool the battery 101, thereby achieving cyclic cooling of the battery 101. This method of cooling the coolant can be called a natural cooling method.

[0060] However, when the outside temperature is high, the coolant directly exchanges heat with the outside, which cannot achieve a good cooling effect, so a special refrigeration device is required to cool the coolant. The temperature control system 200 may also include a heat exchange device 202, a compressor 203 and an expansion valve 204 (for example, an electronic expansion valve), that is, the coolant may be cooled by the refrigeration method of the compressor 203.

[0061] Among them, the heat exchange device 202 is a device that performs heat exchange, but is not the same device as the heat exchanger 300 of the present application. A first flow channel and a second flow channel are formed in the heat exchange device 202, and the working fluid in the first flow channel can exchange heat with the working fluid in the second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel can be flow channels formed by different serpentine tubes, or can be flow channels formed by other structures capable of heat exchange. The drawings only mark two flow channels for example, which is only used to explain the present application, and does not limit the structure of the heat exchange device 202 of the present application.

[0062] The compressor 203 is used to cool the coolant. Figure 1 , the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 203, compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the compressor 203, and then enters the heat exchanger 300 to condense and dissipate heat. The temperature of the refrigerant continues to decrease, and it is gradually condensed into a normal temperature and high-pressure steam, and further cooled into a liquid. Then the high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the heat exchanger 300 will flow into the first flow channel of the heat exchange device 202 through the expansion valve 204. The coolant in the liquid cooling plate 201 can flow into the second flow channel. The refrigerant in the first flow channel absorbs the heat of the coolant in the second flow channel, which not only reduces the temperature of the coolant, but also turns itself into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas. The refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange device 202 will return to the compressor 203 again, and the cooled coolant can flow back to the liquid cooling plate 201. Repeating the above process, the coolant can be continuously cooled by the refrigerant, and the coolant can also continuously cool the battery.

[0063] It can be understood that there are at least two flow paths in the heat exchanger 300, and the refrigerant and the coolant flow independently in their respective flow paths, that is, the refrigerant and the coolant are not in the same flow path.

[0064] For example, the heat exchanger 300 includes a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the coolant can flow in the first flow path of the heat exchanger 300, and the refrigerant can flow in the second flow path of the heat exchanger 300. The inlet of the compressor 203 is connected to the outlet of the first flow path, the outlet of the compressor 203 is connected to the inlet of the second flow path of the heat exchanger 300, the outlet of the second flow path is connected to the inlet of the expansion valve 204, and the outlet of the expansion valve 204 is connected to the inlet of the first flow path, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle of the compressor.

[0065] In order to facilitate the control of both natural cooling and refrigeration by the compressor 203, the temperature control system 200 of the present application may further include a multi-way valve 205, wherein the multi-way valve 205 may include a first interface 2051, a second interface 2052, and a third interface 2053. The liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate 201 is connected to the first interface 2051, the second interface 2052 is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate 201, the third interface 2053 is connected to the inlet of the first flow path of the heat exchanger 300, and the outlet of the first flow path is connected back to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate 201 through a pipeline.

[0066] By controlling the on-off of the multi-way valve 205, switching between the natural cooling mode and the refrigeration mode of the compressor 203 is achieved. One of the two modes can be operated independently, or the two modes can be operated simultaneously.

[0067] The liquid cooling plate 201 of the present application can not only cool down the battery 101, but also heat the battery 101 when necessary. The exemplary temperature control system 200 can also include a heating device 206, such as a thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient, PTC) heater, and the heating device 206 is used to heat the liquid (e.g., coolant) flowing through, and heat the coolant before the coolant flows back to the liquid cooling plate 201, so that the coolant with a higher temperature after heating is returned to the liquid cooling plate 201, thereby heating the battery 101.

[0068] In summary, the temperature control system 200 of the present application may include the following four modes.

[0069] In the first mode, the external environment temperature is relatively high (for example, the environment temperature is ≥ 25° C.), and the cooling liquid can be cooled by only the refrigeration method of the compressor 203 .

[0070] In the second mode, the external environment temperature is low (for example, the environment temperature is ≤10°C), and only natural cooling can be used to cool the coolant. In some examples, the efficiency of natural cooling can be increased by 3 to 5 times compared with the cooling method using compressor 203.

[0071] In the third mode, when the ambient temperature is within a certain range (for example, 10°C < ambient temperature < 25°C), the above-mentioned compressor 203 refrigeration and natural cooling can be performed simultaneously, that is, the heat exchanger 300 has both refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with the ambient environment. In this mode, natural cooling shares part of the cooling load, and compared with the single compressor 203 refrigeration method, the energy efficiency is higher.

[0072] In the fourth mode, the coolant may be heated by the heating device 206 to heat the battery 101 .

[0073] As the ambient temperature changes with seasons, the temperature control system 200 can switch to different operating modes to control the target temperature of the battery 101 to be near the optimal temperature (eg, 25° C.).

[0074] In addition, in order to make the system operate normally, the temperature control system 200 of the present application may also include a gas-liquid separator 207 disposed between the compressor 203 and the heat exchange device 202, a water pump 208 driving the circulation of the coolant, a fan 209 assisting the heat exchanger 300 in heat exchange, etc. The above-mentioned devices may adopt any suitable structure and be disposed at any suitable position, and the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0075] In order to facilitate the smooth heat exchange of various working fluids, the present application also provides a heat exchanger 300. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 The external structure of the heat exchanger 300 is shown as an example. Figure 3 The internal structure of the heat exchanger 300 is shown as an example. The heat exchanger 300 includes a first collector 1 and a second collector 2 distributed in a first direction, and the first collector 1 and the second collector 2 both extend along a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction. The accompanying drawings show that the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. In other examples, the first direction and the second direction may only intersect but not be perpendicular.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 The first collector 1 has a first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12 distributed in the first direction, and the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 are separated from each other; the second collector 2 has a third chamber 21 and a fourth chamber 22 distributed in the first direction, and the third chamber 21 and the fourth chamber 22 are separated from each other. In order to connect different chambers, the heat exchanger 300 also includes a plurality of flow guide pipes 3 arranged at intervals along the second direction. Among the plurality of flow guide pipes 3, a part (one or more) of the flow guide pipes 3 connects the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22, and another part (one or more) of the flow guide pipes 3 connects the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21.

[0077] That is, the multiple flow pipes 3 in the heat exchanger 300 include one or more flow pipes 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22, and one or more flow pipes 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21. The first chamber 11, the fourth chamber 22, and the flow pipes 3 connecting the two constitute the first flow path of the heat exchanger 300, and the second chamber 12, the third chamber 21, and the flow pipes 3 connecting the two constitute the second flow path of the heat exchanger 300.

[0078] The heat exchanger 300 of the present application can allow at least two working fluids to exchange heat with the external environment simultaneously or separately, wherein one working fluid can be introduced into the first flow path of the heat exchanger 300 and the other working fluid can be introduced into the second flow path of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0079] For example, return reference Figure 1 In the temperature control system 200 provided in the present application, the refrigerant and the coolant can exchange heat with the external environment separately or simultaneously. Among them, one of the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 is connected to the third interface 2053, and the other is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate 201. The accompanying drawings show that the first chamber 11 is connected to the third interface 2053, and the fourth chamber 22 is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate 201. One of the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 203, and the other is connected to the inlet of the expansion valve 204. The accompanying drawings show that the third chamber 21 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 203, and the second chamber 12 is connected to the inlet of the expansion valve 204.

[0080] When the coolant needs to exchange heat with the external environment, the coolant is introduced into the first chamber 11, the fourth chamber 22, and the guide tube 3 therebetween, the coolant flows in the first flow path of the heat exchanger 300, the coolant in the guide tube 3 exchanges heat with the external environment, and the coolant after heat dissipation flows from the heat exchanger 300 into the liquid cooling plate 201. When the refrigerant needs to exchange heat with the external environment, the refrigerator is introduced into the second chamber 12, the third chamber 21, and the guide tube 3 therebetween, the refrigerant flows in the second flow path of the heat exchanger 300, the refrigerant in the guide tube 3 exchanges heat with the external environment, and then flows into the next device.

[0081] Each working medium can exchange heat with the external environment separately in the heat exchanger 300 of the present application. For example, only the coolant exchanges heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger 300, or only the refrigerant exchanges heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger 300. Two working mediums can also exchange heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger 300 at the same time, that is, multiple working mediums exchange heat with the external environment in the heat exchanger 300 at the same time.

[0082] In addition, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Since the first chamber 11, the second chamber 12, the third chamber 21 and the fourth chamber 22 are distributed along the first direction, the size of the heat exchanger 300 in the third direction (the first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the third direction) can be smaller, which is beneficial to the installation of the heat exchanger 300.

[0083] The use of the heat exchanger 300 of the present application reduces the number of heat exchange devices (devices used for heat exchange) in the system, is conducive to efficient use of space, saves installation costs, reduces the complexity of installation, and is conducive to standardized design.

[0084] In order to further improve the heat exchange efficiency, a fin 4 may be provided between two adjacent guide tubes 3. The guide tube 3 transfers heat to the fin 4, and heat is exchanged with the external environment through the fin 4. The contact area between the fin 4 and the external environment is large, which increases the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat exchanger 300. The fin 4 may adopt any suitable structure, for example, the fin 4 may be a straight fin, a louver fin, a corrugated fin, etc.

[0085] In one example, a flow pipe 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 is provided between the two flow pipes 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22. That is, the flow pipe 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 and the flow pipe 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 are staggered, and two adjacent flow pipes 3 are respectively used to pass different working fluids. Since fins 4 are provided between the two adjacent flow pipes 3, the two flow pipes 3 passing different working fluids share the fins 4. When any working fluid flows through the corresponding flow pipe 3, all fins 4 can assist the flow pipe 3 passing the working fluid to dissipate heat, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of each working fluid, and making full use of the fins 4, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 300.

[0086] In another example, a plurality of flow guide tubes 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 are disposed adjacent to each other, and a plurality of flow guide tubes 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0087] Regarding the structure of the first current collector 1, in one example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first current collector 1 includes a first current collector 13 and a second current collector 14 connected to each other. The first current collector 13 encloses a first chamber 11, and the second current collector 14 encloses a second chamber 12. The first current collector 13 and the second current collector 14 are distributed in the first direction, and the first current collector 13 and the second current collector 14 both extend along the second direction. The first current collector 13 and the second current collector 14 can be square tubes, round tubes, etc., and this application does not impose specific restrictions on this. The first current collector 1 is formed by splicing the first current collector 13 and the second current collector 14, which facilitates the production and processing of the first current collector 1.

[0088] In other examples, the first collector 1 includes a pipe and a partition, wherein both the pipe and the partition extend along the second direction, the partition is disposed in the pipe, and divides the inner space of the pipe into a first chamber 11 and a second chamber 12 distributed in the first direction.

[0089] Regarding the structure of the second current collector 2, in one example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second current collector 2 includes a third current collector 23 and a fourth current collector 24 connected to each other, the third current collector 23 encloses a third chamber 21, the fourth current collector 24 encloses a fourth chamber 22, the third current collector 23 and the fourth current collector 24 are distributed in the first direction, and the third current collector 23 and the fourth current collector 24 both extend along the second direction. The third current collector 23 and the fourth current collector 24 can be square tubes, round tubes, etc., and this application does not make specific restrictions on this. The second current collector 2 is formed by splicing the third current collector 23 and the fourth current collector 24, which facilitates the production and processing of the second current collector 2.

[0090] In other examples, the second collector 2 includes a pipe and a partition, wherein both the pipe and the partition extend along the second direction, the partition is disposed in the pipe, and divides the inner space of the pipe into a third chamber 21 and a fourth chamber 22 distributed in the first direction.

[0091] The positions of the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 can be set as required, and similarly, the positions of the third chamber 21 and the fourth chamber 22 can also be set as required. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first chamber 11 is located on a side of the second chamber 12 away from the second current collector 2 , and the fourth chamber 22 is located on a side of the third chamber 21 away from the first current collector 1 .

[0092] That is, in the heat exchanger 300, the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 are located on the outside, and the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 are located on the inside. This design is more in line with the installation requirements of the heat exchanger 300, and is also convenient for arranging the external pipes connected to the heat exchanger 300. When the heat exchanger 300 is installed, the pipes are more easily connected to the corresponding chambers, which provides convenience for the installation and connection of the heat exchanger 300.

[0093] In the example where the four chambers are arranged in the above manner, one end of each flow guide tube 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 extends into the first collector 1 and passes through the second chamber 12 to communicate with the first chamber 11, and the other end extends into the second collector 2 and passes through the third chamber 21 to communicate with the fourth chamber 22. That is, the flow guide tube 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 passes through the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21, so that the flow guide tube 3 can be arranged between the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22, so that the flow guide tube 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 can be a straight tube, and the flow guide tube 3 with a straight tube structure is easier to obtain and is also convenient for assembly and processing.

[0094] Each flow guide pipe 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 is located between the first collector 1 and the second collector 2. That is, the flow guide pipe 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 is arranged between the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21, and the flow guide pipe 3 can also adopt a straight pipe structure. In the present application, all the flow guide pipes 3 are straight pipes, which makes the flow guide pipes 3 easier to produce and obtain, and reduces the difficulty of installation and processing. In addition, the flow guide pipe 3 is located between the two chambers connected by itself, and the flow guide pipe 3 will not bend outward, which reduces the volume of the heat exchanger 300.

[0095] Reference Figure 3In the example where the second current collector 2 includes the third current collector 23 and the fourth current collector 24, the first current collector 13 and the fourth current collector 24 may be located on the outside, and the second current collector 14 and the third current collector 23 may be located on the inside.

[0096] The plurality of flow pipes 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 include a first flow pipe 31, one end of which is connected to the first header 13, and the other end of which passes through the second header 14 and the third header 23 and is connected to the fourth header 24. The plurality of flow pipes 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21 include a second flow pipe 32, which is located between the second header 14 and the third header 23, and one end of which is connected to the second header 14, and the other end of which is connected to the third header 23.

[0097] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connection between the first flow guide tube 31 and the second flow guide tube 32 and the first current collector 1 and the second current collector 2 is exemplarily shown by partial enlargement. In the example, the first flow guide tube 31 and the second flow guide tube 32 are arranged adjacent to each other, and a fin 4 is arranged between the first flow guide tube 31 and the second flow guide tube 32.

[0098] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first flow dividing port 131 is disposed on the side wall of the first current collector 13 facing the fourth current collector 24, or in other words, the first flow dividing port 131 is disposed on the side wall of the first current collector 1 facing the second current collector 14. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The side wall of the fourth manifold 24 facing the first manifold 13 is provided with a fourth diversion port 241, or the fourth diversion port 241 is provided on the side wall of the fourth manifold 24 facing the third manifold 23. One end of the first flow guide pipe 31 is connected to the first diversion port 131, and the other end is connected to the fourth diversion port 241.

[0099] The two ends of the first flow guide tube 31 are connected to the first diversion port 131 and the fourth diversion port 241 respectively. The working medium can flow between the first header 13 and the first flow guide tube 31 through the first diversion port 131, and the working medium can also flow between the first flow guide tube 31 and the fourth header 24 through the fourth diversion port 241, and finally flow out of the heat exchanger 300 and enter the next device. With this design, the working medium can flow between the first header 13, the first flow guide tube 31 and the fourth header 24.

[0100] In order to allow the first flow guide pipe 31 to pass through the second header 14 and the third header 23, refer to Figure 4The second manifold 14 has two side walls that are back-to-back in the first direction, each of which is provided with a first mounting opening 141. Figure 5 The second installation openings 231 are provided on two side walls of the third manifold 23 which are back-to-back in the first direction. The two first installation openings 141 and the two second installation openings 231 are for the first flow guide pipe 31 to pass through. One end of the first flow guide pipe 31 is connected with the first flow diversion opening 131 on the first manifold 13, and the other end passes through the two first installation openings 141 on the second manifold 14, and then passes through the two second installation openings 231 on the third manifold 23, and is connected with the fourth flow diversion opening 241 on the fourth manifold 24.

[0101] It can be understood that after the first flow guide tube 31 passes through the second header 14 and the third header 23, there is a gap between the first flow guide tube 31 and the inner wall surface of the second header 14, and there is also a gap between the first flow guide tube 31 and the inner wall surface of the third header 23. That is, the first flow guide tube 31 will not affect the flow of the working medium in the second header 14 and the third header 23.

[0102] In order to reduce the possibility of leakage of the working fluid in the heat exchanger 300, refer to Figure 4 The second header 14 forms two first installation openings 141 and is sealed and connected to the wall of the first flow guide tube 31. For example, the second header 14 is sealed and welded to the first flow guide tube 31 at the first installation openings 141, which reduces the possibility of the working fluid in the second header 14 flowing out from the two first installation openings 141. Figure 5 The part of the third header 23 forming the two second installation openings 231 is sealed and connected to the tube wall of the first flow guide tube 31. For example, the third header 23 is sealed and welded to the first flow guide tube 31 at the second installation openings 231, which reduces the possibility of the working fluid in the third header 23 flowing out from the two second installation openings 231. This makes the sealing effect of the heat exchanger 300 better, so that the working fluid in the heat exchanger 300 will not leak out.

[0103] The second flow guide pipe 32 is connected between the second header 14 and the third header 23. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the side wall of the second manifold 14 facing the third manifold 23 is provided with a second flow diversion port 142; Figure 3 and Figure 5, the third manifold 23 is provided with a third diverter port 232 on the side wall facing the second manifold 14. One end of the second flow guide tube 32 is connected to the second diverter port 142, and the other end is connected to the third diverter port 232. The working medium can flow between the second manifold 14 and the second manifold 32 through the second diverter port 142, and the working medium can also flow between the second manifold 32 and the third manifold 23 through the third diverter port 232, and finally flow out of the heat exchanger 300 and enter the next device. With this design, the working medium can flow between the second manifold 14, the second flow guide tube 32 and the third manifold 23.

[0104] The above-mentioned assembly method facilitates the connection of multiple headers with the corresponding flow guide pipes 3 , and also facilitates the production and processing of the heat exchanger 300 , thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0105] In other examples, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The internal structure of another heat exchanger 300 is shown as an example, wherein the first chamber 11 is located on the side of the second chamber 12 away from the second collector 2, and the third chamber 21 is located on the side of the fourth chamber 22 away from the first collector 1. In this example, the flow guide pipe 3 connecting the first chamber 11 and the fourth chamber 22 is the same length as the flow guide pipe 3 connecting the second chamber 12 and the third chamber 21, which facilitates the unified production and use of the flow guide pipes 3.

[0106] In addition, in order to facilitate the connection of the heat exchanger 300 to the outside, the heat exchanger 300 further includes four connecting pipes 5, and each of the first chamber 11, the second chamber 12, the third chamber 21 and the fourth chamber 22 is connected to a connecting pipe 5. Figure 2 The first header 13, the second header 14, the third header 23 and the fourth header 24 are each connected to a connecting pipe 5. The external device can be connected to different chambers of the heat exchanger 300 by connecting to the corresponding connecting pipe 5.

[0107] The present application does not limit the specifications of the flow guide tube 3. In one example, refer to Figure 2 The guide tube 3 is a flat tube, and the size of each guide tube 3 in the first direction and the size in the third direction are both larger than the size of the guide tube 3 in the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction can be perpendicular to each other. That is, each guide tube 3 is thinner in the second direction, so that the guide tube 3 has a larger area to contact the fins 4 on the side (the upper and lower fins 4 in the figure), which is conducive to the working medium in the guide tube 3 to dissipate heat through the fins 4, so that the heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger 300 of the present application is better.

[0108] In other examples, the flow guide tube 3 may also be a multi-porous microchannel flat tube, a single-hole aluminum flat tube, a round tube, a square tube, etc.

[0109] In other examples, the first current collector 1 may include three or more chambers arranged along the first direction, and the second current collector 2 may also include three or more chambers arranged along the first direction. The multiple chambers in the first current collector 1 and the multiple chambers in the second current collector 2 are arranged one by one, and the two corresponding chambers in the first current collector 1 and the second current collector 2 may be connected through one or more flow guide tubes 3.

[0110] In other examples, multiple heat exchangers 300 of the present application can be arranged along a third direction, and the multiple heat exchangers 300 arranged along the third direction can be fixedly connected to each other to form a heat exchanger that can pass more different working fluids, so that more working fluids can exchange heat with the external environment independently or simultaneously.

[0111] The heat exchanger 300 of the present application can also be used in any suitable system or equipment, and any suitable working fluid can be introduced into the heat exchanger 300 .

[0112] The temperature control system 200 of the present application can also be used in any equipment that requires temperature control or regulation.

[0113] The external environment described in the present application includes but is not limited to the environment outside the heat exchanger 300 , the environment outside the temperature control system 200 , and the environment outside the energy storage device 100 .

[0114] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: comprising a first current collector and a second current collector distributed in a first direction, wherein the first current collector and the second current collector both extend along a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction, The first current collector has a first chamber and a second chamber distributed in the first direction, and the second current collector has a third chamber and a fourth chamber distributed in the first direction. The heat exchanger further includes a plurality of flow guide tubes spaced apart along the second direction, a fin being provided between two adjacent flow guide tubes, a portion of the plurality of flow guide tubes being connected to the first chamber and the fourth chamber, and another portion of the flow guide tubes being connected to the second chamber and the third chamber.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first chamber is located on a side of the second chamber away from the second current collector, and the fourth chamber is located on a side of the third chamber away from the first current collector.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the flow guide tubes communicating with the first chamber and the fourth chamber has one end extending into the first current collector and passing through the second chamber to communicate with the first chamber, and the other end extending into the second current collector and passing through the third chamber to communicate with the fourth chamber; Each of the flow guide pipes communicating with the second chamber and the third chamber is located between the first current collector and the second current collector.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first current collector includes a first current collector and a second current collector connected to each other, the first current collector forms the first chamber, and the second current collector forms the second chamber. The second current collector includes a third current collector and a fourth current collector which are connected. The third current collector forms the third chamber, and the fourth current collector forms the fourth chamber.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multiple flow guide tubes connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber include a first flow guide tube, the first collecting tube is provided with a first diversion port on the side wall facing the fourth collecting tube, the fourth collecting tube is provided with a fourth diversion port on the side wall facing the first collecting tube, one end of the first flow guide tube is connected to the first diversion port, and the other end is connected to the fourth diversion port.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The second header has two side walls back to back in the first direction each having a first mounting opening, the third header has two side walls back to back in the first direction each having a second mounting opening, and the first flow guide pipe passes through two of the first mounting openings and two of the second mounting openings.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that The part of the second header forming the two first installation openings and the part of the third header forming the two second installation openings are both sealed and connected to the tube wall of the first flow guiding tube.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The multiple flow guide pipes connecting the second chamber and the third chamber include a second flow guide pipe, the second collecting pipe is provided with a second diversion port on the side wall facing the third collecting pipe, the third collecting pipe is provided with a third diversion port on the side wall facing the second collecting pipe, one end of the second flow guide pipe is connected to the second diversion port, and the other end is connected to the third diversion port.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: A flow guide pipe communicating with the second chamber and the third chamber is arranged between the two flow guide pipes communicating with the first chamber and the fourth chamber.

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The size of each flow guide tube in the first direction and the size in the third direction are both larger than the size of each flow guide tube in the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

11. A temperature control system, characterized in that: A heat exchanger comprising a liquid cooling plate and any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one of the first chamber and the fourth chamber is connected to a liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate, and the other is connected to a liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate.

12. The temperature control system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The temperature control system also includes: A heat exchange device, wherein a first flow channel and a second flow channel are formed in the heat exchange device; A compressor and an expansion valve, wherein the inlet of the compressor is communicated with the outlet of the first flow channel, the outlet of the expansion valve is communicated with the inlet of the first flow channel, one of the second chamber and the third chamber is communicated with the outlet of the compressor, and the other is communicated with the inlet of the expansion valve; A multi-way valve, the multi-way valve includes a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the first interface, the second interface is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel, the outlet of the second flow channel is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate, and the third interface is connected to the first chamber or the fourth chamber.

13. An energy storage device, characterized in that: It comprises a battery and the temperature control system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the battery is in contact with the liquid cooling plate.

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