Energy storage system with integrated thermal management module

Abstract

The utility model discloses an energy storage system with an integrated heat management module, the integrated heat management module comprises a main machine and a condensation heat dissipation module, the main machine adopts a floor type installation mode and comprises a shell frame, a compressor, an evaporator and a throttling element, and the compressor, the evaporator and the throttling element are arranged in the shell frame. The condensation heat dissipation module and the host are integrally designed, and the first end of the condensation heat dissipation module is connected to the top of the shell frame through the metal plate frame to form an inverted-L-shaped structure with the host. The condensation heat dissipation module comprises a condenser, the inlet end of the condenser communicates with an exhaust port of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser communicates with an inlet of the throttling element. The integrated design can avoid on-site fire welding, vacuumizing, refrigerant filling and other operations, and meanwhile, the integrated design can shorten the pipeline path, so that the cost is reduced, and invalid heat transfer is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to an energy storage system with an integrated thermal management module. Background Technology

[0002] The primary function of thermal management / temperature control is to maintain the temperature of energy storage systems within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of system degradation and thermal runaway. It plays a crucial role in the safety, efficiency, lifespan, and performance of energy storage. The modules requiring thermal management in energy storage systems mainly include batteries and converters. Current main technologies for energy storage thermal management include air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change cooling. Air cooling systems, however, suffer from low heat dissipation efficiency, poor temperature difference control, and large footprint, limiting their applicability. As the scale and energy density of individual energy storage projects continue to increase, air cooling systems are increasingly unable to meet system requirements in terms of heat dissipation efficiency. Liquid cooling systems offer superior heat dissipation capabilities and lower life-cycle costs. The coolant has a higher heat transfer coefficient and specific heat capacity and is unaffected by factors such as altitude and air pressure. Therefore, liquid cooling systems possess stronger heat dissipation capabilities than air cooling systems and are better suited to the trend of large-scale, high-energy-density energy storage projects.

[0003] Most existing liquid cooling systems are floor-mounted, with the condenser module installed inside the main unit. For better heat dissipation, the condenser module typically requires a fan to draw outside air into its fins for heat exchange. In existing liquid cooling systems, the fan is usually located on the side or back of the main unit, using a side-exhaust method, which results in poor airflow and inefficient heat exchange. Furthermore, existing liquid cooling systems often require on-site connection of the condenser module to the main unit, necessitating on-site welding, vacuuming, and refrigerant charging, making the installation process complex and posing certain safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address some or all of the problems in the prior art, the first aspect of this utility model provides an energy storage system with an integrated thermal management module, wherein the integrated thermal management module is configured to perform thermal management on the energy storage system, and the integrated thermal management module includes:

[0005] The main unit, which is floor-mounted, includes a housing frame, and a compressor, evaporator, and throttling element housed within the housing frame; and

[0006] The condensing and heat dissipation module is integrated with the main unit. The first end of the condensing and heat dissipation module is connected to the top of the outer shell frame through a sheet metal frame, forming a "┐" shaped structure with the main unit. The condensing and heat dissipation module includes a condenser. The inlet end of the condenser is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet of the throttling element.

[0007] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet ends of the condenser are respectively welded to the exhaust port of the compressor and the inlet of the throttling element via copper pipes.

[0008] Furthermore, the condenser includes an air inlet, which is disposed on a second side and / or a third side of the condenser, wherein the second side and the third side are perpendicular to the first end.

[0009] Furthermore, there is an angle of no more than 90° between the air inlet and the bottom of the condenser.

[0010] Furthermore, the condensation heat dissipation module also includes a first fan.

[0011] Furthermore, the first fan is located on top of the condenser.

[0012] Furthermore, the energy storage thermal management system also includes a first natural heat dissipation module, a first side of which is connected to a fourth side of the condensation heat dissipation module, wherein the fourth side refers to the side opposite to the first side of the condensation heat dissipation module. The first natural heat dissipation module is connected to a first water pump in the host through a chuck and is used to realize the natural heat dissipation of the coolant of the first module.

[0013] Furthermore, the first natural heat dissipation module includes:

[0014] A radiator, comprising an air inlet obliquely disposed on a second side and / or a third side of the radiator, wherein the second side and the third side are perpendicular to the first side; and

[0015] The second fan is located on top of the heat sink.

[0016] Furthermore, the energy storage thermal management system also includes a second natural heat dissipation module, which is connected to the fourth side of the first natural heat dissipation module, wherein the fourth side refers to the side opposite to the first side of the first natural heat dissipation module. The second natural heat dissipation module is connected to the second water pump in the host through a chuck and is used to realize the natural heat dissipation of the coolant of the second module.

[0017] This utility model provides an energy storage system with an integrated thermal management module. The main unit of the thermal management module and the condenser heat dissipation component are designed as a single unit, thus avoiding on-site operations such as hot welding, vacuuming, and refrigerant charging. The integrated design also shortens the piping path, reducing costs and avoiding ineffective heat transfer. Furthermore, the condenser heat dissipation component is located at the top, resulting in a better airflow compared to side-discharge systems, which is beneficial for improving the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser. The inclined air inlet design also increases the airflow area of ​​the condenser and heat exchanger, further enhancing the heat exchange effect. In addition, the airflow of the condenser heat dissipation component is completely independent of that of the individual radiator components, without interference or superimposed heat effects. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the various embodiments of the present invention, a more specific description of the various embodiments of the present invention will be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope. In the drawings, for clarity, the same or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0019] Figure 1 This diagram shows a structural schematic of an integrated energy storage thermal management module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the connection between the condensation and heat dissipation assembly and the host frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a condensation and heat dissipation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the connection relationship of the internal components of an integrated energy storage thermal management module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] List of reference numerals

[0024] 101 Main Unit, 102 Condensation and Heat Dissipation Module, 103 First Natural Heat Dissipation Module, 104 Second Natural Heat Dissipation Module, 201 Outer Frame, 202 Sheet Metal Frame, 211-216 Mounting Holes, 301 Condenser, 311 Air Inlet, 302 First Fan, 001 First Module to be Heat Dissipated, 401 Compressor, 421 Condenser, 422 First Fan, 403 Throttling Element, 404 Evaporator, 405 First Water Pump, 406 First Three-Way Valve, 471 First Radiator, 472 Second Fan Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific details or with other alternatives and / or additional methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the inventive aspects of the present invention. Similarly, for illustrative purposes, specific quantities, materials, and configurations are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific details. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] In this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "this embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to all of the same embodiment.

[0027] In the embodiments of this utility model, the throttling element, including the first throttling element, the second throttling element, etc., refers to a device or element used to reduce gas pressure to achieve evaporation, such as an expansion valve, capillary tube, throttling tube, etc.

[0028] To simplify the installation process of energy storage thermal management systems and improve their heat exchange efficiency, this invention provides an energy storage system with an integrated thermal management module. The main unit and condenser module of this integrated thermal management module are designed as a single unit, eliminating the need for on-site welding, vacuuming, and refrigerant charging. Furthermore, the integrated thermal management module allows for simultaneous upward loading of refrigerant and coolant, improving airflow and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments.

[0030] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an integrated thermal management module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, an integrated thermal management module includes a main unit 101 and a condensation and heat dissipation module 102. The main unit 101 is floor-mounted, and the condensation and heat dissipation module 102 is integrated with the main unit 101. Specifically, the first end of the condensation and heat dissipation module 102 is fixed to the top of the main unit 101, forming a "┐" shaped structure. The "┐" shaped structure means that the condensation and heat dissipation module 102 and the main unit 101 form a bent structure with a horizontal part and a vertical part. The condensation and heat dissipation module 102 forms the horizontal part of the bent structure, and the main unit 101 forms the vertical part of the bent structure. The included angle between the horizontal part and the vertical part is 60° to 120°, preferably 80° to 95°, and most preferably 90°.

[0031] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the connection between the condensation and heat dissipation assembly and the main unit frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the host 101 includes a housing frame 201, and the condensation and heat dissipation module 102 includes a sheet metal frame 202. The bottom end of the sheet metal frame 202 is fixed to the top of the housing frame 201 by means of threaded connection or other methods. Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, for ease of installation, a plurality of lifting holes are respectively provided on the outer shell frame 201 and the sheet metal frame 202. For example, two lifting holes 211 and 212 can be provided on the top of the outer shell frame 201, two lifting holes 213 and 214 can be provided on the bottom of the sheet metal frame near the host, and two lifting holes 215 and 216 can be provided on the top of the sheet metal frame away from the host. During the lifting process, the weight can be weighed through the lifting holes 211 to 214, and the lifting angle can be adjusted through the lifting holes 215 and 216. It should be understood that, as needed, a plurality of lifting holes can also be added on the bottom side of the sheet metal frame 202 away from the host and / or on the top side of the sheet metal frame 202 near the host.

[0032] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a condensation and heat dissipation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the condensation and heat dissipation assembly includes a condenser 301 and a first fan 302, wherein the first fan 302 is disposed on the top of the condenser 301 and adopts an upward air outlet method, which has a better airflow and better heat exchange efficiency compared to side air outlet. Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser 301 includes an air inlet 311, which is disposed on a second side and / or a third side of the condenser 301 perpendicular to its first end. To increase the frontal area and further improve the heat exchange effect, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet 311 is inclined, i.e., there is an angle of no more than 90° between it and the bottom of the condenser 301, making the overall cross-section of the condensing heat dissipation assembly approximately trapezoidal.

[0033] Back Figure 1 In some embodiments of this invention, the integrated thermal management module further includes at least one natural heat dissipation module. This natural heat dissipation module can directly cool the coolant naturally when the external ambient temperature is low, without the need for mechanical cooling via a compressor, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the system.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the natural heat dissipation module is connected to the fourth side of the condensation heat dissipation module opposite to its first side. Similarly, the natural heat dissipation module also includes a sheet metal frame, so it can be connected to the condensation heat dissipation module by means of screws or other threaded connections. When multiple natural heat dissipation modules are included, such as the first natural heat dissipation module 103 and the second natural heat dissipation module 104, they can be connected sequentially. That is, the first side of the first natural heat dissipation module 103 is connected to the fourth side of the condensation heat dissipation module, the second natural heat dissipation module 104 is connected to the fourth side of the first natural heat dissipation module 103 opposite to its first side, and so on.

[0035] The structure of the natural heat dissipation module is similar to that of the condensation heat dissipation module. Each natural heat dissipation module includes a radiator and a fan. Similarly, the radiator includes an inclined air inlet to increase the airflow area of ​​the heat exchanger and improve the heat exchange effect. The air inlet is located on the second and / or third side of the natural heat dissipation module, perpendicular to its first side. Therefore, the airflow between each natural heat dissipation module, and between the natural heat dissipation module and the condensation heat dissipation module, is completely independent, does not interfere with each other, and has no superimposed heat effect.

[0036] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the connection relationship of the internal components of an integrated thermal management module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4As shown, the integrated thermal management module includes a compressor 401, a condenser 421, a throttling element 403, and an evaporator 404 to form a refrigerant cycle. The compressor 401 compresses the refrigerant. The discharge port of the compressor 401 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 421, and the outlet of the condenser 421 is connected to the inlet of the throttling element 403. The outlet of the throttling element 403 is connected to the first inlet of the evaporator 404, and the first outlet of the evaporator 404 is connected to the air inlet of the compressor 401. After being compressed by the compressor 401, the refrigerant enters the condenser 421 to exchange heat with the outside air. It then enters the throttling element 403, which throttles the refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant rapidly expands and evaporates. The expanded refrigerant then enters the evaporator 404 to exchange heat with the circulating coolant. After heat exchange, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 401.

[0037] In one embodiment of this utility model, the compressor 401, the throttling element 403, and the evaporator 404 are disposed within the outer casing frame of the main unit, and the condenser 421, a component of the condensation and heat dissipation module, is disposed within the sheet metal frame. As mentioned above, the condensation and heat dissipation module is designed and installed integrally with the main unit. Therefore, during manufacturing, the pipelines between the condenser and the compressor and the throttling element are directly fixedly connected. Specifically, in one embodiment of this utility model, the inlet and outlet of the condenser are welded to the exhaust port of the compressor and the inlet of the throttling element via copper pipes.

[0038] The coolant circulation includes a first water pump 405, which powers the coolant to flow through the first heat-dissipating module 001 to remove heat emitted by the module. The first water pump 405 is located inside the outer frame. As mentioned earlier, in one embodiment of this invention, when the external ambient temperature is low, the coolant can bypass the evaporator and directly undergo natural heat dissipation, i.e., heat exchange with the air is achieved through the first natural heat dissipation module. To achieve this, a first three-way valve 406 can be installed in the coolant circulation. The first end of the first three-way valve 406 is connected to the first heat-dissipating module 001, the second end is connected to the second inlet of the evaporator 404, and the third end is connected to the first radiator 471 of the first natural heat dissipation module. By controlling the first three-way valve 406, when the external ambient temperature is lower than a preset value, the coolant in the coolant circulation can directly enter the first radiator 471 for natural cooling after flowing through the first heat-dissipating module 001, without the need for a compressor, thus achieving energy saving and consumption reduction. In one embodiment of this utility model, the first radiator 471 is connected to the coolant circulation in the host via a chuck, such as the interface of the water pump and / or the three-way valve.

[0039] In addition, the condenser 421 and the first radiator 471 are respectively provided with first and second fans 422 and 472 to introduce air into the air inlet and improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0040] The integrated thermal management module can include multiple parallel coolant circulation paths to manage the thermal performance of different modules, such as battery packs and power exchange modules (PCS). Each coolant circulation path can exchange heat with a refrigerant circulation path and / or a natural heat dissipation module. The coolant circulation paths can share a refrigerant circulation path. Each coolant circulation path and a natural heat dissipation module can be configured in a one-to-one correspondence to improve heat exchange efficiency. Alternatively, natural heat dissipation modules can be shared using valves or other means to reduce the overall system size.

[0041] As mentioned earlier, the integrated thermal management module is more convenient to install than existing thermal management systems. Specifically, during installation, the main unit and condenser module are first hoisted to the designated location using the hoisting holes. The main unit is then fixed to the ground. If a natural cooling module is included, after fixing the main unit and condenser module, the natural cooling module is further secured to one side of the condenser module using screws. The inlet and outlet water pipes of the natural cooling module are then connected to the water circuit inside the main unit using clamps. The installation of the natural cooling module and the condenser module follows the same procedure. It can be seen that the entire installation process only requires screw connections and water circuit clamp connections, eliminating the need for welding, vacuuming, or refrigerant charging.

[0042] When the integrated thermal management module is applied to an energy storage system, the overall airflow is better and the heat dissipation efficiency is higher because the refrigerant and coolant are both on the top.

[0043] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various combinations, modifications, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments disclosed above, but should be defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy storage system with an integrated thermal management module, characterized in that, The integrated thermal management module is configured to perform thermal management on the energy storage system, and the integrated thermal management module includes: The main unit, which is floor-mounted, includes a housing frame, and a compressor, evaporator, and throttling element housed within the housing frame; and The condensing and heat dissipation module is integrated with the main unit. The first end of the condensing and heat dissipation module is connected to the top of the outer shell frame through a sheet metal frame, forming a "┐" shaped structure with the main unit. The condensing and heat dissipation module includes a condenser. The inlet end of the condenser is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the outlet end of the condenser is connected to the inlet of the throttling element.

2. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet ends of the condenser are respectively welded to the exhaust port of the compressor and the inlet of the throttling element via copper pipes.

3. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser includes an air inlet, which is located on a second side and / or a third side of the condenser perpendicular to its first end.

4. The energy storage system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, There is an angle of no more than 90° between the air inlet and the bottom of the condenser.

5. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation heat dissipation module also includes a first fan, which is located on top of the condenser.

6. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated thermal management module also includes a first natural heat dissipation module. The first side of the first natural heat dissipation module is connected to the fourth side of the condensation heat dissipation module opposite to its first end. The first natural heat dissipation module is connected to the first water pump in the host through a chuck and is configured to realize the natural heat dissipation of the coolant of the first module.

7. The energy storage system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first natural heat dissipation module includes: A radiator, comprising an air inlet obliquely disposed on a second side and / or a third side of the radiator, wherein the second side and the third side are perpendicular to the first side; and The second fan is located on top of the heat sink.

8. The energy storage system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The integrated thermal management module also includes a second natural heat dissipation module, which is connected to the fourth side of the first natural heat dissipation module opposite to its first side. The second natural heat dissipation module is connected to the second water pump in the host through a chuck and is configured to realize the natural heat dissipation of the coolant in the second module.

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