Energy storage system adopting centralized heat management

Abstract

The utility model discloses an energy storage system adopting centralized thermal management, which comprises a plurality of energy storage cabinets and a centralized thermal management module, and each energy storage cabinet comprises a battery cell and a power exchange module. The centralized heat management module comprises a refrigeration module, a first cooling module and a second cooling module, the refrigeration module comprises a compressor, a condenser, a first throttling element and an evaporator and is used for circulation of refrigerants, and the first cooling module is coupled to the refrigeration module through the evaporator and comprises a plurality of first cooling liquid branches arranged in parallel; the first cooling module is coupled to the refrigeration module through a condenser and comprises a plurality of first cooling liquid branches which are arranged in parallel, each first cooling liquid branch dissipates heat for a battery cell of one energy storage cabinet, the second cooling module is coupled to the refrigeration module through the condenser and comprises a plurality of second cooling liquid branches which are arranged in parallel, and each second cooling liquid branch dissipates heat for a power exchange module of one energy storage cabinet. The same heat management system is arranged for different to-be-cooled modules in the energy storage system, the overall size of the heat management system can be reduced, operation is simplified, and the system stability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Containerized energy storage systems (CESS) are complex integrated power units that combine battery cabinets, battery management systems (BMS), power switching systems (PCS), energy management systems (EMS), and containerized environmental monitoring systems according to specific application requirements. Using containers as carriers, energy storage containers offer advantages such as simplified infrastructure construction costs, small footprint, short construction periods, high modularity, and ease of transportation and installation. They are suitable for applications in thermal, wind, and solar power plants, as well as in islands, residential communities, schools, research institutions, factories, and large load centers.

[0003] To improve the performance, lifespan, and safety of energy storage systems, thermal management is required. Thermal management refers to the management and control of the temperature of the overall system, individual components, or their environment, with the aim of maintaining the normal operation of each component or improving its performance or lifespan. For containerized energy storage systems, the battery cabinets and power switching devices generate a significant amount of heat during operation, necessitating heat dissipation.

[0004] Existing containerized energy storage systems typically employ separate thermal management systems for the battery cabinets and power exchange units. For example, one liquid cooling system might be installed at the battery cell level, while another additional liquid cooling system is configured at the power exchange unit, resulting in a complex and costly system. Furthermore, given the large size of existing compressor assemblies, two liquid cooling systems would further increase the overall size of the integrated energy storage thermal management unit, reducing the available space for the energy storage batteries. Moreover, the traditional positive displacement compressors used in current energy storage thermal management products cannot achieve enthalpy enhancement through gas replenishment, hindering further energy efficiency improvements. Additionally, most existing energy storage thermal management systems operate on a one-to-one cooling system configuration. When dealing with multiple energy storage cabinets, each cabinet requires a separate liquid cooling system, leading to higher instability and posing a challenge to the system's safe operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address some or all of the problems in the existing technology, this utility model provides an energy storage system employing centralized thermal management, comprising:

[0006] Multiple energy storage cabinets, each of which includes battery cells and a power switching module; and

[0007] A centralized thermal management module, comprising:

[0008] A refrigeration module, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a first throttling element, and an evaporator, wherein the refrigeration module is used for the flow of refrigerant;

[0009] A first cooling module, which is coupled to the refrigeration module via the evaporator,

[0010] The first cooling module includes multiple parallel-connected first coolant branches, each first coolant branch serving to dissipate heat from the battery cells of one energy storage cabinet; and

[0011] The second cooling module is coupled to the refrigeration module through the condenser. The second cooling module includes multiple parallel second coolant branches, each of which dissipates heat from the power exchange module of an energy storage cabinet.

[0012] Furthermore, the compressor is an air-float centrifugal refrigeration compressor, which includes:

[0013] An electric motor, comprising:

[0014] The shell has a first chamber and a second chamber respectively provided at its ends; and

[0015] A rotor having a first groove, wherein the rotor, when rotating, introduces gas into the first groove to form a gas film in order to form a grooved air-floating radial bearing.

[0016] An impeller is arranged at the end of the rotor and located within the first chamber and / or the second chamber;

[0017] An air inlet, which is connected to the air inlet of the first chamber;

[0018] An exhaust port, which communicates with the exhaust port of the second chamber; and

[0019] The connecting pipe has its two ends connected to the air outlet of the first chamber and the air inlet of the second chamber, respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, the first throttling element includes an electronic expansion valve.

[0021] Furthermore, the refrigeration module also includes a bypass valve, the inlet of which is connected to the exhaust port of the air-float centrifugal compressor, and the outlet of which is connected to the air inlet of the air-float centrifugal compressor.

[0022] Furthermore, the cooling module also includes:

[0023] An economizer, its main inlet connected to the outlet of the condenser, its main outlet connected to the inlet of the first throttling element, and its auxiliary outlet connected to the gas supply inlet of the compressor; and

[0024] The second throttling element has its inlet connected to the main outlet of the economizer, and its outlet connected to the auxiliary inlet of the economizer.

[0025] Furthermore, any first coolant branch includes:

[0026] The first water pump has its outlet connected to the second inlet of the evaporator via a one-way valve. The first water pump is used to provide power for the first coolant. The first coolant flows through the evaporator and the battery cell in sequence and then returns to the first water pump to form a first coolant branch.

[0027] Furthermore, any second coolant branch includes:

[0028] A heat exchanger, the inlet of which is connected to the second outlet of the condenser, and the outlet connected to a second water pump; and

[0029] The second water pump has its outlet connected to the second inlet of the condenser. The second water pump is used to provide power for the second coolant. The second coolant flows sequentially through the condenser, the heat exchanger, and the power exchange module before returning to the second water pump to form a second coolant branch.

[0030] Furthermore, the centralized thermal management module also includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one pressure sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor are disposed at the exhaust port, and / or intake port, and / or make-up air inlet, and / or the first and second coolant circuits of the compressor.

[0031] Furthermore, the centralized thermal management module also includes a fan, which is located at the heat exchanger and is used to introduce ambient temperature air into the heat exchanger to achieve heat exchange.

[0032] This utility model provides an energy storage system employing centralized thermal management. It integrates a single thermal management system for different modules requiring heat dissipation, such as battery cells and power exchange devices. This reduces the overall size of the thermal management system, thus minimizing its space requirements within a single containerized energy storage system, lowering costs, and simplifying operation. Furthermore, the centralized thermal management system can include multiple branches, enabling simultaneous thermal management of multiple energy storage cabinets with simple and efficient control. It also utilizes a vapor injection enthalpy-enhancing compressor system design, resulting in a high compressor power density while reducing the compressor's size and weight. Based on this compressor, various system designs are possible, including air-cooled, liquid-cooled, gas-fueled, bypass, multi-unit, and centralized systems, making it widely applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This diagram shows a structural schematic of a centralized energy storage thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of a centralized energy storage thermal management system with a bypass valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a centralized energy storage thermal management system with a bypass valve and an economizer, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] Figures 4a-4e The diagram shows the structural schematics of the compressor in different embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 001 Cooling Module

[0040] 002 First Cooling Module

[0041] 003 Second Cooling Module

[0042] 101 Compressor

[0043] 111 Air bearing

[0044] 112 Impeller

[0045] 113 Rotor

[0046] 114 Thrust Plate

[0047] 115 Thrust Bearing

[0048] 102 Condenser

[0049] 103 First throttling element

[0050] 104 Evaporator

[0051] 105 Bypass Valve

[0052] 106 Economic Instruments

[0053] 107 Second throttling element

[0054] 2011, 2012, ..., 201n First module to be cooled

[0055] 2021, 2022, ..., 202n First Water Pump

[0056] 2031, 2032, ..., 203n check valves

[0057] 3011, 3012, ..., 301m heat exchangers

[0058] 3021, 3022, ..., 302m Second modules to be cooled

[0059] 3031, 3032, ..., 303m Second Water Pump

[0060] 3041, 3042, ..., 304m fans Detailed Implementation

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] To address the shortcomings of existing energy storage thermal management products, this invention utilizes a single thermal management system to simultaneously regulate the heat dissipation of different heat-generating modules within an energy storage system, such as power exchange modules and battery cells. This centralized thermal management system effectively reduces the space occupied by the thermal management system in a single box-type energy storage system. Furthermore, the entire thermal management system boasts a simple structure, easy and efficient operation, and low cost. In addition, the energy storage thermal management system employs a jet enthalpy-enhancing compressor system design, which further enhances the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments.

[0066] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of a centralized energy storage thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a centralized energy storage thermal management system includes a refrigeration module 001, a first cooling module 002, and a second cooling module 003. The refrigeration module 001 is used for the circulation of refrigerant, i.e., it circulates compressed and condensed refrigerant. The first cooling module 002 is coupled to the refrigeration module 001 via an evaporator 104. The first cooling module 002 includes a first coolant circuit, mainly used for dissipating heat from a first module 201 to be cooled, such as a battery cell. The first coolant circuit exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the refrigeration module through the evaporator 104. The second cooling module 003 is coupled to the refrigeration module 001 via a condenser 102. The second cooling module 003 includes a second coolant circuit, mainly used for dissipating heat from a second module 302 to be cooled, such as a power exchange module. The second coolant circuit exchanges heat with the refrigerant of the refrigeration module through the condenser 102.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration module 001 includes a compressor 101, a condenser 102, a first throttling element 103, and an evaporator 104. The compressor 101 compresses the refrigerant. The exhaust port of the compressor 101 is connected to the first inlet of the condenser 102, and the outlet of the condenser 102 is connected to the inlet of the first throttling element 103. The outlet of the first throttling element 103 is connected to the first inlet of the evaporator 104, and the first outlet of the evaporator 104 is connected to the air inlet of the compressor 101. After being compressed by the compressor 101, the refrigerant enters the condenser 102 and exchanges heat with the second coolant of the second cooling module 003. It then enters the first throttling element 103, which throttles the refrigerant. The throttled refrigerant rapidly expands and evaporates. The expanded refrigerant then enters the evaporator 104 and exchanges heat with the first coolant of the first cooling module 002. The refrigerant after heat exchange returns to the compressor 101.

[0068] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2As shown, a bypass valve 105 can also be installed between the air inlet and the air outlet of the compressor 101. Thus, when the centralized energy storage thermal management system is operating, if the bypass valve 105 is open, a small portion of high-temperature, high-pressure gas will be throttled by the bypass valve 105 into low-temperature, low-pressure gas and flow to the air inlet of the compressor 101, merging with the system's compressor return gas and flowing back into the compressor 101, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 101.

[0069] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the refrigeration module 001 further includes a gas supply assembly, which includes an economizer 106 and a second throttling element 107. The economizer 106 includes a main inlet, a main outlet, an auxiliary inlet, and an auxiliary outlet. The main inlet is connected to the outlet of the condenser 102, the main outlet is connected to the inlet of the first throttling element 103, the auxiliary inlet is connected to the outlet of the second throttling element 107, and the auxiliary outlet is connected to the gas supply inlet of the compressor 101. The inlet of the second throttling element 107 is connected to the main outlet of the economizer 106. When the centralized energy storage and thermal management system is working, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas discharged from the compressor 101 is condensed into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid in the condenser 102. Upon passing through the economizer 106, it first exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the auxiliary circuit to further increase the subcooling, ensuring that both are liquid refrigerants. Simultaneously, a new branch circuit is drawn from the main circuit. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid first passes through the second throttling element 107 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid, and then passes through the auxiliary circuit of the economizer 106 to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the main circuit, evaporating into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, which then flows to the main circuit. At the gas inlet of the compressor 101, the remaining high-temperature and high-pressure liquid in the main circuit is further throttled into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid in the first throttling element 103 and flows to the evaporator 104 to exchange heat with the first coolant to form a high-temperature and low-pressure gas. Finally, it flows back to the compressor 101 to be compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. When the bypass valve is open, a small portion of the high-temperature and low-pressure gas will pass through the bypass valve and be throttled into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flow to the gas inlet of the compressor 101, and merge with the compressor return gas of the system and flow back to the compressor 101.

[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, the compressor 101 includes a motor, an impeller, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a connecting pipe. The motor includes a rotor system, a stator, and a housing.

[0071] Figures 4a to 4eThe diagram illustrates the structure of the compressor in different embodiments of this invention. As shown, the rotor system of the motor includes a radial air-bearing bearing 111. When the motor shaft rotates, the radial air-bearing bearing draws in gas, forming an air film that supports the high-speed rotation of the rotor. Simultaneously, the thrust bearing (if present) also forms an air film, ensuring no contact between the thrust shaft and the bearing, resulting in almost no wear on the bearing and significantly reducing or even eliminating mechanical losses and noise. As shown, the impeller 112 is located at the end of the rotor 113 and is used to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator to form a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas that is discharged into the condenser. Here, the terms "radial" and "axial" refer to the radial and axial directions of the rotor or its rotation axis. In an embodiment of this invention, the rotor system 113 includes two radial bearings with a certain distance between them, and they can be symmetrically distributed on the rotor. In one embodiment of this invention, the radial bearing is a foil-type dynamic pressure air-bearing bearing. When gas is introduced into the bearing position, an air film can be formed, thereby achieving an air-bearing effect.

[0072] To withstand the axial thrust generated during compressor operation, in one embodiment of this invention, the rotor system further includes a thrust disk 114 and a thrust bearing 115. The thrust disk and thrust bearing are optional. The thrust disk can be located at any end of the rotor, or one thrust disk can be located at each end of the rotor. When only one thrust disk is provided, a thrust bearing can be located on each side of the thrust disk, with the working surfaces of both thrust bearings facing the thrust disk, thus allowing them to withstand axial thrust in different directions. Specifically, the two thrust bearings can withstand axial thrust in opposite directions. When two thrust disks are provided, a thrust bearing can be located on opposite sides of the two thrust disks, or on opposite sides, with the working surfaces of both thrust bearings facing the thrust disk, thus allowing them to withstand axial thrust in different directions. Specifically, the two thrust bearings can withstand axial thrust in opposite directions. In one embodiment of this utility model, the thrust bearing is a foil-type dynamic pressure air bearing. When gas is introduced into the bearing position, an air film can be formed, thereby achieving the air flotation effect.

[0073] Furthermore, in different embodiments of this utility model, single-stage, double-stage, or multi-stage impellers can be provided according to actual needs. Specifically, when only a single-stage impeller is provided, the impeller 112 can be located at any end of the rotor, and the side with the impeller can be designated as the high-pressure side, while the side without the impeller can be designated as the low-pressure side. When two-stage impellers are provided, the two impellers can be located at both ends of the rotor, or both can be located at any end of the rotor. When they are located at both ends of the rotor, the side with the preceding impeller can be designated as the low-pressure side, while the side with the following impeller can be designated as the high-pressure side. When both are located at one end of the rotor, the side with the impeller can be designated as the high-pressure side, while the side without the impeller can be designated as the low-pressure side. Similarly, when multiple impellers are provided, the multiple impellers can be equally or unequally distributed at both ends of the rotor, or all can be distributed at any one end of the rotor. When they are distributed at both ends of the rotor, the side with the preceding impeller can be designated as the low-pressure side, and the side with the following impeller as the high-pressure side. When all impellers are distributed at one end of the rotor, the side with the impellers can be designated as the high-pressure side, and the side without impellers as the low-pressure side. Based on this, as shown in the figure, when the rotor rotates, a portion of the high-pressure gas compressed by the impellers in the main air path will enter the radial bearing on the high-pressure side under pressure, then pass through the air gap between the motor stator and rotor into the radial bearing on the low-pressure side, and return to the main air path. When a thrust disc and thrust bearing are provided, the high-pressure gas will also form a gas film through the thrust bearing, bearing axial thrust. To effectively reduce the axial thrust on the thrust bearing, in one embodiment of this invention, the impeller on the low-pressure side and the impeller on the high-pressure side are arranged back-to-back, thereby ensuring that the axial thrust directions of the impellers on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides are opposite and cancel each other out. In one embodiment of this invention, the impeller is a closed impeller. In one embodiment of this invention, the impeller is fixed to the rotor by a locking nut.

[0074] The housing has a first chamber and a second chamber at its two ends, with the impeller disposed within the first chamber and / or the second chamber. The inlet of the first chamber is connected to the inlet of the compressor; that is, the inlet is the inlet of the first chamber. A connecting pipe connects the first and second chambers. Gas flows out of the outlet of the first chamber, enters the connecting pipe, and then enters the second chamber through the inlet. The outlet of the second chamber is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor; that is, the exhaust port is the outlet of the second chamber. In an embodiment of this invention, a first end cap and a second end cap are respectively provided at the outlets of the first and second chambers. Gaps exist between the first and second end caps and the rotor and impeller, allowing gas to pass through these gaps from the main air path into the air bearing or from the air bearing back into the main air path. Furthermore, pressure shells are respectively provided on the outer sides of both ends of the motor, and a sealing ring is provided between the pressure shell and the impeller. The sealing ring can significantly reduce the backflow effect from the impeller outlet to the inlet, which can further improve the compressor efficiency. In order to reduce the compression power consumption of the impeller, in one embodiment of this utility model, a gas inlet is also provided on the connecting pipe to receive the exhaust gas from the economizer and cool the gas, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the compression power consumption of the impeller and improving the efficiency of the system.

[0075] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first cooling module 002 adopts a liquid cooling mode. As shown in the figure, the first cooling module 002 includes a first water pump 2021. The outlet of the first water pump 2021 is connected to the second inlet of the evaporator 104. The first water pump 2021 provides power to the first coolant, so that the first coolant flows sequentially through the evaporator 104 and the first module to be cooled 2011 before returning to the first water pump 2021, thus forming a first coolant circuit. The first coolant exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 104 to form a coolant at a lower temperature, and absorbs heat generated by the first module to be cooled 2011, such as the battery cell, when flowing through it, thus dissipating heat.

[0076] In one embodiment of this utility model, as shown in the figure, the first cooling module 002 can be configured with a multi-branch cold source scheme, that is, the first coolant circuit may include multiple first coolant branches, each first coolant branch is arranged in parallel, each first coolant branch is used to cool a first module 2011 to 201n, such as heat dissipation of battery cells, and each first coolant branch includes a first water pump 2021 to 202n, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the evaporator 104 through one-way valves 2031 to 203n.

[0077] In one embodiment of this utility model, the second cooling module 003 adopts a liquid cooling mode. As shown in the figure, the second cooling module 003 includes a heat exchanger 3011 and a second water pump 3031. The inlet of the heat exchanger 3011 is connected to the second outlet of the condenser 102, and the outlet is connected to the second water pump 3031. The outlet of the second water pump 3031 is connected to the second inlet of the condenser 102. The second water pump 3031 is used to provide power for the second coolant. The second coolant flows sequentially through the condenser 102, the heat exchanger 3011, and the second module to be cooled 3021 before returning to the second water pump 3031, thus forming a second coolant circuit. The second coolant undergoes a first heat exchange with the coolant compressed by the compressor 101 in the condenser 102, and then enters the heat exchanger 3011 for a second heat exchange with the surrounding air, further reducing its temperature. It then flows through the power exchange module 3021, absorbing heat dissipated by the second module to be cooled (such as the power exchange module), and finally returns to the second water pump 3031 for pumping out again. In one embodiment of this invention, to improve the efficiency of heat exchange, a fan 3041 can be installed at the heat exchanger 3011 to better and faster introduce ambient temperature air into the heat exchanger for heat exchange.

[0078] In one embodiment of this utility model, as shown in the figure, the second cooling module 003 can be configured with a multi-branch cold source scheme, that is, the second coolant circuit may include multiple second coolant branches, each second coolant branch is arranged in parallel, each second coolant branch is used to dissipate heat for a second module to be cooled 3021 to 302m, such as a power exchange module, and each first coolant branch includes a heat exchanger 3011 to 301m and a second water pump 3031 to 303m.

[0079] To calculate the system's cooling demand and thus control the operating status of various devices or modules, as well as to protect the system's operation, in one embodiment of this utility model, a temperature sensor T and a pressure sensor P are also provided in the thermal management system. As shown in the figure, the temperature sensor T and the pressure sensor P can be located, for example, at the compressor's exhaust port, and / or intake port, and / or makeup air inlet, and / or the evaporator's inlet, and / or outlet, and / or the condenser's inlet, and / or outlet, and / or the heat exchanger's inlet, and / or outlet, etc.

[0080] In one embodiment of this utility model, the opening and closing of the compressor, and / or the opening degree of each throttling element, and / or the speed of the fan, and / or the opening degree of the water pump, and / or the opening degree of the bypass valve and check valve can be controlled according to the temperature of the target equipment, and / or the pressure and temperature of the gas entering the compressor, and / or the pressure and temperature of the gas discharged from the compressor, and / or the pressure and temperature of the first and second coolants, thereby ensuring the quality of thermal management.

[0081] Based on the centralized energy storage thermal management system described above, this utility model also provides an energy storage system, which includes, for example, multiple energy storage cabinets, each of which includes multiple modules requiring cooling, such as a set of battery cells and a power exchange module. The containerized energy storage system is equipped with the centralized energy storage thermal management system described above, wherein the number of first coolant branches is the same as the number of battery cells, and the number of second coolant branches is the same as the number of power exchange modules. The first coolant branches provide heat dissipation for the battery cells, and the second coolant branches provide heat dissipation for the power exchange modules.

[0082] By integrating the power exchange module with the heat source management system on both sides of the battery cell, and combining this with the ultra-small size of the compressor, the overall size of the liquid-cooled unit can be greatly reduced. At the same time, this multi-module approach significantly reduces the space required for the liquid-cooled unit in each energy storage container within such a large-capacity energy storage power station, enabling centralized and efficient control of the entire power station.

[0083] 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 employing centralized thermal management, characterized in that, include: Multiple energy storage cabinets, each of which includes battery cells and a power switching module; as well as A centralized thermal management module, comprising: A refrigeration module, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a first throttling element, and an evaporator, is configured for the flow of refrigerant; A first cooling module, coupled to the refrigeration module via the evaporator, includes multiple parallel-connected first coolant branches, each configured to dissipate heat from the battery cells of an energy storage unit; and The second cooling module is coupled to the refrigeration module through the condenser. The second cooling module includes multiple parallel second coolant branches, each of which is configured to dissipate heat from the power exchange module of an energy storage cabinet.

2. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor is an air-float centrifugal refrigeration compressor, which includes: An electric motor, comprising: The shell has a first chamber and a second chamber respectively provided at its ends; and A rotor having a first groove, wherein the rotor, when rotating, introduces gas into the first groove to form a gas film in order to form a grooved air-floating radial bearing. An impeller is arranged at the end of the rotor and located within the first chamber and / or the second chamber; An air inlet, which is connected to the air inlet of the first chamber; An exhaust port, which communicates with the exhaust port of the second chamber; and The connecting pipe has its two ends connected to the air outlet of the first chamber and the air inlet of the second chamber, respectively.

3. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first throttling element includes an electronic expansion valve.

4. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration module also includes a bypass valve, the inlet of which is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the outlet of which is connected to the intake port of the compressor.

5. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration module also includes: An economizer, its main inlet connected to the outlet of the condenser, its main outlet connected to the inlet of the first throttling element, and its auxiliary outlet connected to the gas supply inlet of the compressor; and The second throttling element has its inlet connected to the main outlet of the economizer, and its outlet connected to the auxiliary inlet of the economizer.

6. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Any first coolant branch includes: A first water pump, the outlet of which is connected to the second inlet of the evaporator via a one-way valve, is configured to power a first coolant, which flows sequentially through the evaporator and the battery cell before returning to the first water pump to form a first coolant branch.

7. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Any second coolant branch includes: A heat exchanger, the inlet of which is connected to the second outlet of the condenser, and the outlet connected to a second water pump; and The second water pump has its outlet connected to the second inlet of the condenser. The second water pump is configured to power the second coolant, which flows sequentially through the condenser, the heat exchanger, and the power exchange module before returning to the second water pump to form a second coolant branch.

8. The energy storage system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a fan, located at the heat exchanger, which is configured to introduce ambient air into the heat exchanger to achieve heat exchange.

9. The energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The centralized energy storage thermal management system further includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one pressure sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and / or pressure sensor are disposed at the exhaust port, and / or intake port, and / or make-up air inlet, and / or the first and second coolant branches of the compressor.

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