Thermal management system, power utilization device and energy storage device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thermal management system, a power utilization device and an energy storage device. The heat management system comprises a temperature control loop and a defrosting branch. The temperature control loop comprises a compressor, a switching pipeline, a first expansion valve, a first evaporator and a first sensor assembly which are sequentially arranged. Wherein the switching pipeline is used for being connected with a battery device, and the first sensor assembly is at least used for detecting the pressure intensity of a heat exchange medium at the output end of the first evaporator; one end of the defrosting branch is connected to the input end of the switching pipeline, the other end of the defrosting branch is connected to the output end of the first expansion valve, and a defrosting valve is arranged in the defrosting branch. The reliability of the thermal management system is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a thermal management system, a power utilization device and an energy storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Battery devices are widely used in power utilization devices such as electric vehicles, ships, spacecraft, etc., or energy storage devices such as charging piles, battery swap stations, etc. With the improvement of technology, the thermal management technology of battery devices is becoming more and more important. However, the evaporator surface of the thermal management system of the battery device is prone to frost, which reduces the reliability of the thermal management system. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system, a power utilization device and an energy storage device, which can improve the reliability of the thermal management system of the battery device.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system, which comprises a temperature control loop and a defrosting branch. The temperature control loop comprises a compressor, a switching pipeline, a first expansion valve, a first evaporator and a first sensor assembly arranged in sequence. The switching pipeline is used to connect with a battery device. The first sensor assembly is used to detect at least the pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the first evaporator. One end of the defrosting branch is connected to the input end of the switching pipeline, and the other end of the defrosting branch is connected to the output end of the first expansion valve. A defrosting valve is arranged in the defrosting branch.

[0005] In the above scheme, when the first sensor assembly detects that the pressure of the heat exchange medium flowing out of the output end of the first evaporator is less than the minimum pressure threshold, the first expansion valve is controlled to be closed, and the defrosting valve is opened. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor enters the first evaporator through the defrosting branch. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium can melt the frost on the surface of the evaporator, so that the performance of the first evaporator is restored, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly comprises a first sensor, and the first sensor is arranged close to the output end of the first evaporator.

[0007] In the above scheme, arranging the first sensor close to the output end of the first evaporator can improve the accuracy of the first sensor in detecting the pressure of the heat exchange medium flowing out of the first evaporator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly further comprises a second sensor, and the second sensor is arranged close to the input end of the compressor. The second sensor is used to detect the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor.

[0009] In the scheme, the second sensor detects the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor, so that the heat exchange medium entering the compressor is ensured to be at a proper pressure and / or temperature to a certain extent, thereby protecting the compressor and prolonging the service life of the compressor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first expansion valve and the first evaporator form a first heat exchange branch, and the temperature control circuit further includes a second heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch including a second expansion valve and a second evaporator, and the first heat exchange branch and the second heat exchange branch are connected in parallel.

[0011] In the scheme, when the first expansion valve is closed and the first evaporator is defrosted, the second expansion valve can be opened to circulate the heat exchange medium through the second heat exchange branch, so that the temperature control circuit can be operated through the second heat exchange branch, and the battery device can continue to be heat exchanged.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second evaporator is a PTC evaporator, and the first evaporator is an air-cooled evaporator.

[0013] In the scheme, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the first evaporator can be used for heat exchange; when the ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, the second evaporator with higher heating efficiency and less frost can be used. By selecting different evaporators for heat exchange according to different ambient temperatures, the power consumption can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes an overheating cooler, the overheating cooler being arranged between the compressor and the switching pipeline, and the first heat exchange branch and / or the second heat exchange branch being connected to the overheating cooler.

[0015] In the scheme, when the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium discharged from the compressor passes through the overheating cooler, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange branch and / or the second heat exchange branch, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device is not too high.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a third sensor, the third sensor being arranged at an input end of the switching pipeline, and the third sensor being configured to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device.

[0017] In the scheme, the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device is detected by the third sensor, so that the operation of the overheating cooler can be adjusted, and the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device is ensured to be within a proper range to a certain extent.

[0018] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a four-way valve, the four-way valve being connected to an input end of the compressor and an output end of the compressor.

[0019] The pipeline entering the compressor is merged with the pipeline flowing out of the compressor, one four-way valve is used for control, two valves are not needed, the structure is simplified, and the control of the temperature control loop is more convenient.

[0020] In some embodiments, the adapter pipeline includes a plurality of input sub-pipes and a plurality of output sub-pipes, the plurality of input sub-pipes are respectively connected to the plurality of battery devices one by one, and the plurality of output sub-pipes are respectively connected to the plurality of battery devices one by one.

[0021] In the above scheme, through the arrangement of the plurality of input sub-pipes and the plurality of output sub-pipes, the temperature control loop can simultaneously perform heat exchange on the plurality of battery devices, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a distributor, and the plurality of output sub-pipes are respectively connected to the distributor.

[0023] In the above scheme, the heat exchange medium of the plurality of output sub-pipes is merged and flows into one pipeline through the distributor, which can reduce the complexity of the pipeline, simplify the structure, and reduce the cost.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a fourth sensor, and the fourth sensor is arranged between the adapter pipeline and the first expansion valve.

[0025] In the above scheme, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the adapter pipeline are detected by the fourth sensor to verify whether the heat exchange on the battery device is successful.

[0026] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application also provide a power consumption device, which includes a battery device and the thermal management system of any of the above embodiments, and the thermal management system is used to adjust the temperature of the battery device.

[0027] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present application also provide an energy storage device, which includes a battery device and the thermal management system of any of the above embodiments, and the thermal management system is used to adjust the temperature of the battery device.

[0028] The above description is only a summary of the technical solutions of the present application, in order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, the specific embodiments of the present application can be implemented according to the content of the description, and in order to make the above and other purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the following will specifically describe the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creating laborious work.

[0030] Figure 1 Structure diagram of a vehicle for some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 Structure diagram of an energy storage device for some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 Structure diagram of a thermal management system for some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 Structure diagram of a thermal management system for some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 Structure diagram of a thermal management system for some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 Structure diagram of a thermal management system for some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 Structure diagram of a thermal management system for some embodiments of the present application.

[0037] Explanation of reference signs:

[0038] 1000, vehicle; 110, battery device; 100, battery cell; 200, controller; 300, motor; 400, thermal management system; 500, energy storage device; S1, temperature control loop; S2, defrosting branch; S3, first heat exchange branch; S4, second heat exchange branch; 10, compressor; 20, switching pipeline; 21, input sub-pipeline; 22, output sub-pipeline; 31, first expansion valve; 32, second expansion valve; 41, first evaporator; 42, second evaporator; 50, first sensor assembly; 51, first sensor; 52, second sensor; 53, third sensor; 54, fourth sensor; 60, defrosting valve; 70, superheating cooler; 80, four-way valve; 90, distributor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and therefore only serve as examples, and cannot limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of the present application and the above description of drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "first", "second" and the like are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited.

[0042] In this paper, the reference to "embodiments" means that the specific features, structures or properties described in conjunction with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms "mounting", "connection", "connection", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanical connection, or it can be electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be used continuously by activating the active material through charging after discharging the battery cell.

[0048] The battery cell can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0049] The battery cell generally includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) are inserted and extracted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and can prevent the positive and negative electrodes from short-circuiting while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0050] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be a positive electrode sheet, which can include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0051] As an example, the positive electrode current collector has two opposite surfaces in the thickness direction thereof, and the positive electrode active material is disposed on either one or both of the opposite surfaces of the positive electrode current collector.

[0052] As an example, the positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, silver surface-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, a carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. can be used. The composite current collector can include a high molecular material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a high molecular material base material (such as a base material of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0053] As an example, the positive electrode active material can include at least one of the following materials: lithium-containing phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, the present application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as battery positive electrode active materials can also be used. These positive electrode active materials can be used alone or in combination with two or more. Among them, examples of lithium-containing phosphates can include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and a composite material of lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon.

[0054] In some embodiments, the negative electrode can be a negative electrode sheet, which can include a negative electrode current collector.

[0055] As an example, the negative current collector can employ a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, silver surface-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, a carbon electrode, or the like can be employed. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon +, etc. The composite current collector can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material base material (such as a base material of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0056] As an example, the negative electrode sheet can include a negative current collector and a negative active material disposed on at least one surface of the negative current collector.

[0057] As an example, the negative current collector has two opposite surfaces in the thickness direction thereof, and the negative active material is disposed on any one or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative current collector.

[0058] As an example, the negative active material can employ a negative active material for a battery cell known in the art. As an example, the negative active material can include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, a silicon-based material, a tin-based material, and lithium titanate, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the material of the negative current collector can be copper.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0061] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator film. The type of the separator film is not particularly limited in the present application, and any known porous structure separator film having good chemical stability and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0062] As an example, the main material of the separator film can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic.

[0063] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid-state electrolyte. The solid-state electrolyte is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and simultaneously functions as ion transmission and separation of the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery cell further includes an electrolyte, which functions as ion conduction between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The type of the electrolyte is not particularly limited in the present application, and can be selected according to the needs. The electrolyte can be in a liquid state, a gel state, or a solid state.

[0065] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is in a jelly-roll structure. The positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into the jelly-roll structure.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is in a stack structure.

[0067] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can have a shape of a cylinder, a flat, or a polygonal prism, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs. The tabs can lead current out of the electrode assembly. The tabs include positive tabs and negative tabs.

[0069] In some embodiments, the battery cell can include a housing. The housing is used to package components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The housing can be a steel case, an aluminum case, a plastic case (such as polypropylene), a composite metal case (such as a copper-aluminum composite case), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the housing can be provided with functional components such as electrode terminals. The electrode terminals can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly for outputting or inputting electrical energy of the battery cell.

[0071] In some embodiments, the housing can be provided with current collecting members. The electrode assembly can be electrically connected to the electrode terminals on the housing through the current collecting members.

[0072] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes, and the prismatic battery cell includes a square battery cell, a blade battery cell, a polygonal prism battery cell such as a hexagonal prism battery cell, etc.

[0073] The battery referred to in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery module. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0075] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery pack. The battery pack includes a box body and battery cells or battery modules, which are accommodated in the box body.

[0076] In some embodiments, the box body can be part of the chassis structure of a vehicle. For example, part of the box body can be at least part of the floor of the vehicle, or part of the box body can be at least part of the cross beam and the longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0077] The battery device can cause severe internal chemical reaction at high temperature environment or large current charging and discharging, generate a large amount of heat, and may even explode. In order to improve the working efficiency and safety of the battery device, it is necessary to ensure that the battery device works in a suitable temperature range. With the continuous increase of the power density of the battery device, and under the background of the development of high-power fast charging technology, the design of the thermal management system of the battery device becomes particularly critical. When the heat exchange medium passes through the evaporator for heat exchange, it will take away a large amount of heat of the evaporator, causing the surface of the evaporator to easily frost, reducing the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0078] In order to solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the present application provides a thermal management system. When the first sensor assembly detects that the pressure of the heat exchange medium flowing out of the output end of the first evaporator is less than the minimum pressure threshold, the first expansion valve is controlled to be closed, and the defrosting valve is opened. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor enters the first evaporator through the defrosting branch. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium can melt the frost on the surface of the evaporator, so that the performance of the first evaporator is restored, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0079] The technical solution described in the embodiment of the present application is applicable to an electric device using a battery monomer. The electric device may be, for example, a vehicle, a ship, a spacecraft, etc. The vehicle may be, for example, a fuel automobile, a gas automobile or a new energy automobile. The spacecraft may be, for example, an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spacecraft, etc.

[0080] The battery monomer described in the embodiment of the present application is not only limited to the above-described electric device, but for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are described taking an electric vehicle as an example.

[0081] Figure 1 The structure of the vehicle of some embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 1. Please refer to FIG. 1. Figure 1 The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel automobile, a gas automobile or a new energy automobile. The new energy automobile may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle or an extended range vehicle, etc. The vehicle 1000 can be provided with a battery monomer 100 and a thermal management system, for example, at the bottom, the front or the rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery monomer 100 can be used for power supply of the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery monomer 100 can be used as the operating power supply of the vehicle 1000. The thermal management system can adjust the temperature of the battery monomer 100. Here, the temperature adjustment includes but is not limited to cooling treatment of the battery monomer 100, and can also include heating treatment of the battery monomer 100.

[0082] The vehicle 1000 can further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, for example, for controlling the power supply of the battery to the motor 300. The battery can be used for starting, navigation, etc. of the vehicle 1000, and of course, the battery monomer 100 can also be used to drive the vehicle 1000 to run, instead of or partially instead of fuel or natural gas to provide driving for the vehicle 1000.

[0083] In addition, the thermal management system provided by the embodiments of the present application is also applicable to the energy storage device.

[0084] Figure 2 The structural schematic diagram of the energy storage device of some embodiments of the present application.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 2 The energy storage device 900 includes a battery monomer 100 and a thermal management system 400, wherein the energy storage device 500 can include a plurality of separately arranged battery devices 110, and each battery device 110 includes a plurality of battery monomers 100. The thermal management system 400 is a processing system for thermal management of the battery monomer 100. The thermal management system 400 can be connected with at least part of the battery monomers 100 through pipelines to achieve thermal management of the battery monomers 100.

[0086] The energy storage device 500 can be a container type energy storage system, or other structural form of energy storage system, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments. The battery monomer 100 and the thermal management system 400 can be arranged in an integrated manner, for example, integrated on a box body of a container, or arranged in a split manner, and connected through pipelines.

[0087] Next, the specific structure of the thermal management system will be described in detail in combination with the drawings.

[0088] Figure 3 The structural schematic diagram of the thermal management system of some embodiments of the present application.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3 , in a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a thermal management system 400, which includes a temperature control loop S1 and a defrosting branch S2. The temperature control loop S1 includes a compressor 10, a switching pipeline 20, a first expansion valve 31, a first evaporator 41 and a first sensor assembly 50 arranged in sequence. The switching pipeline 20 is used to be connected with a battery device 110, and the first sensor assembly 50 is used to detect at least the pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the first evaporator 41. One end of the defrosting branch S2 is connected to the input end of the switching pipeline 20, and the other end of the defrosting branch S2 is connected to the output end of the first expansion valve 31. The defrosting branch S2 is provided with a defrosting valve 60.

[0090] The thermal management system 400 is a loop system that regulates and controls the temperature or temperature difference of an electrical device or energy storage device 500 using at least one means of heating or cooling, according to the actual needs of the device. Depending on the specific circumstances, the thermal management system 400 can control different forms of circulating loop flow.

[0091] It should be noted that in this application, "input end" and "output end" refer to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the thermal management system 400 during heating. (The attached text is incomplete and requires further context.) Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the heat exchange medium when the thermal management system 400 is heating. The thermal management system 400 includes a temperature control loop S1, which contains a piping structure for supplying the heat exchange medium. For example, the heat exchange medium can be refrigerant. The temperature control loop S1 includes a compressor 10, a transfer pipe 20, a first expansion valve 31, a first evaporator 41, and a first sensor assembly 50. The transfer pipe 20 is used to connect to the battery device 110, allowing the heat exchange medium to circulate among the compressor 10, the battery device 110, the first expansion valve 31, and the first evaporator 41. For example, when a low ambient temperature is detected, requiring heating of the battery device 110, the compressor 10 starts, outputting a high-temperature, high-pressure heat exchange medium. This medium flows to the battery device 110 through the transfer pipe 20, heating the battery device 110. The high-temperature, high-pressure heat exchange medium releases heat, transforming into a liquid heat exchange medium or a combination of both. It then passes through the first expansion valve 31 for throttling, and then through the first evaporator 41 to absorb heat, transforming into a low-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium. Finally, it returns to the compressor 10 through the first sensor assembly 50. It can be understood that when the ambient temperature is high, requiring cooling of the battery device 110, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium is opposite to the aforementioned heating path.

[0092] The compressor 10 compresses the low-pressure heat exchange medium at the output of the first evaporator 41, transforming it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. When this high-temperature, high-pressure heat exchange medium enters the battery device 110 through the transfer pipe 20, it effectively transfers heat to the battery device 110, achieving temperature control of the battery device 110. For example, when the battery device 110 requires heating, the compressor 10 operates to deliver the high-temperature heat exchange medium to the battery device 110, raising its temperature and ensuring that the battery device 110 operates within a suitable operating temperature range.

[0093] The transfer pipe 20 can connect to a battery device 110 and be used in electrical devices such as a vehicle 1000; it can also connect to multiple battery devices 110 and be used in an energy storage device 500.

[0094] The first expansion valve 31 can throttle the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium, so that the pressure is reduced, and the heat exchange medium is converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase state of liquid and gas mixture, so as to create a suitable pressure condition for the subsequent heat exchange process in the first evaporator 41. In addition, the first expansion valve 31 can also adjust the flow of the heat exchange medium according to the actual needs of the thermal management system 400. For example, when more cold energy is needed to reduce the battery device 110, the first expansion valve 31 can appropriately increase the flow of the heat exchange medium. Conversely, when the cold energy needs to be reduced, the flow can be reduced. By precisely adjusting the flow, the thermal management system 400 can ensure stable temperature control under different working conditions to a certain extent.

[0095] The first evaporator 41 can be a direct air-cooled evaporator, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) evaporator, etc. When the thermal management system 400 heats the battery device 110, the first evaporator 41 can absorb external heat so that the heat exchange medium flowing through it becomes gaseous.

[0096] The first sensor assembly 50 can include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a temperature and pressure sensor that combines pressure and temperature detection.

[0097] The first expansion valve 31 and the defrosting valve 60 can be solenoid valves, electrically controlled valves, etc. The defrosting branch S2 is connected in parallel with the first expansion valve 31. When the first expansion valve 31 is closed, the defrosting valve 60 can be opened to make the defrosting branch S2 conductive.

[0098] In the above scheme, when the first sensor assembly 50 detects that the pressure of the heat exchange medium flowing out of the output end of the first evaporator 41 is less than the minimum pressure threshold, the first expansion valve 31 is closed, and the defrosting valve 60 is opened. The high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium flowing from the compressor 10 enters the first evaporator 41 through the defrosting branch S2, and the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium can melt the frost on the surface of the evaporator, so that the performance of the first evaporator 41 is restored, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system 400.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly 50 includes a first sensor 51, and the first sensor 51 is arranged close to the output end of the first evaporator 41.

[0100] The first sensor 51 can be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a temperature and pressure sensor that combines pressure and temperature detection.

[0101] In the above scheme, arranging the first sensor 51 close to the output end of the first evaporator 41 can improve the accuracy of the first sensor 51 in detecting the pressure of the heat exchange medium flowing out of the first evaporator 41.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly 50 further includes a second sensor 52 located near the input end of the compressor 10. The second sensor 52 is used to detect the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor 10.

[0103] Similarly, the second sensor 52 can be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a temperature and pressure sensor that combines pressure and temperature detection.

[0104] In the above scheme, the second sensor 52 can detect the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor 10, which can ensure that the heat exchange medium entering the compressor 10 is at a suitable pressure and / or temperature to a certain extent, so as to protect the compressor 10 and extend the life of the compressor 10.

[0105] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to other embodiments of this application.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first expansion valve 31 and the first evaporator 41 form a first heat exchange branch S3, and the temperature control circuit S1 also includes a second heat exchange branch S4. The second heat exchange branch S4 includes a second expansion valve 32 and a second evaporator 42, and the first heat exchange branch S3 and the second heat exchange branch S4 are connected in parallel.

[0107] The second expansion valve 32 and the defrosting valve 60 can be valves such as solenoid valves and electric regulating valves.

[0108] The second evaporator 42 can be a direct air-cooled evaporator, a PTC evaporator, etc.

[0109] In the above scheme, when the first expansion valve 31 is closed and the first evaporator 41 is defrosted, the second expansion valve 32 can be opened to allow the heat exchange medium to flow through the second heat exchange branch S4, so that the temperature control circuit S1 can be operated through the second heat exchange branch S4 and continue to exchange heat with the battery device 110.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second evaporator 42 is a PTC evaporator and the first evaporator 41 is an air-cooled evaporator.

[0111] An air-cooled evaporator works by having outside air blown onto its surface by a fan, allowing the air to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium inside the evaporator.

[0112] The PTC evaporator core component is a PTC heater. PTC is a kind of ceramic semiconductor material, which has a positive temperature coefficient characteristic, that is, when the external temperature decreases, the resistance of the PTC material decreases. In the circuit, the voltage conduction generates current, and when the current passes through the PTC resistor, heat will be generated due to the existence of the resistor. The PTC evaporator uses the heat generated by the PTC heater to heat the heat exchange medium. The PTC material can generate heat rapidly after being powered on, and the temperature rising speed is fast, which can reach a high temperature in a short time to meet the demand of rapid heating. Therefore, in the case of low ambient temperature, the second evaporator 42 of the second heat exchange branch S4 can be used to realize rapid heating.

[0113] In the above scheme, when the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the first evaporator 41 can be used for heat exchange; when the ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, the second evaporator 42 with higher heating efficiency and less frost formation can be used. By selecting different evaporators for heat exchange according to different ambient temperatures, the power consumption can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0114] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0115] As shown in Figure 5 some embodiments, the thermal management system 400 further comprises an overheating cooler 70, which is arranged between the compressor 10 and the switching pipeline 20, and the first heat exchange branch S3 and / or the second heat exchange branch S4 is connected to the overheating cooler 70.

[0116] The overheating cooler 70 can be connected only to the second heat exchange branch S4. When the second expansion valve 32 is opened, the heat exchange medium flowing through the second heat exchange branch S4 can exchange heat with the heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor 10. Of course, the overheating cooler 70 can also be connected only to the first heat exchange branch S3, or connected to both the first heat exchange branch S3 and the second heat exchange branch S4.

[0117] The heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor 10 may have a very high temperature. If the temperature is too high, it will have a negative impact on the performance of the battery device 110. When the high-temperature heat exchange medium enters the overheating cooler 70 from the compressor 10, the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange branch S3 and / or the second heat exchange branch S4 is lower, so the overheating cooler 70 exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange branch S3 and / or the second heat exchange branch S4, and the temperature of the high-temperature heat exchange medium is reduced.

[0118] In the above scheme, when the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium flowing out of the compressor 10 passes through the overheating cooler 70, it exchanges heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange branch S3 and / or the second heat exchange branch S4, so that the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device will not be too high.

[0119] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0120] As shown in Figure 6 some embodiments, the thermal management system 400 further comprises a third sensor 53 disposed at the input end of the adapter pipe 20, which is configured to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device.

[0121] The third sensor 53 can be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a temperature-pressure sensor that combines pressure and temperature detection. When the third sensor 53 detects that the temperature of the heat exchange medium flowing into the battery device 110 is too high, the overheating cooler 70 can be activated.

[0122] In the above scheme, the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device is detected by the third sensor 53, which facilitates the adjustment of the operation of the overheating cooler 70 and ensures that the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device is within an appropriate range to a certain extent.

[0123] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 400 further comprises a four-way valve 80 connected to the input end of the compressor 10 and the output end of the compressor 10, respectively.

[0124] The four-way valve 80 is a control valve with four oil ports, which is a key component for switching between cooling and heating modes in the thermal management system 400. For example, in the heating mode, the four-way valve 80 allows the heat exchange medium to circulate in the system according to the path in Figure 1 ; while in the heating mode, the four-way valve 80 switches the flow direction of the heat exchange medium.

[0125] In the above scheme, the pipe entering the compressor 10 is combined with the pipe flowing out of the compressor 10, and a four-way valve 80 is used for control, without the need to set two valves, which simplifies the structure and makes it more convenient for the temperature control circuit S1 to control.

[0126] In some embodiments, the adapter pipe 20 comprises a plurality of input sub-pipes 21 and a plurality of output sub-pipes 22, the plurality of input sub-pipes 21 are respectively connected to the plurality of battery devices 110 one by one, and the plurality of output sub-pipes 22 are respectively connected to the plurality of battery devices 110 one by one.

[0127] In the above scheme, by providing the plurality of input sub-pipes 21 and the plurality of output sub-pipes 22, the temperature control circuit S1 can simultaneously perform heat exchange on the plurality of battery devices 110, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0128] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 400 further comprises a distributor 90, and the plurality of output sub-pipes 22 are respectively connected to the distributor 90.

[0129] When the heat management system 400 is in the heating mode, the heat exchange medium flowing out of the multiple output sub-pipes 22 converges at the distributor 90, and then flows to the first heat exchange branch S3 or the second heat exchange branch S4. When the heat management system 400 is in the cooling mode, the distributor 90 is used for distribution, so that the heat exchange medium can flow to each battery device 110.

[0130] In the above scheme, the heat exchange medium of the multiple output sub-pipes 22 is converged by the distributor 90 and flows into one pipe, which can reduce the complexity of the pipe, simplify the structure, and reduce the cost.

[0131] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a heat management system according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the heat management system 400 further includes a fourth sensor 54, which is arranged between the adapter pipe 20 and the first expansion valve 31. Figure 7 The fourth sensor 54 can be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a temperature and pressure sensor.

[0133] In the above scheme, the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the adapter pipe 20 is detected by the fourth sensor 54, so as to verify whether the heat exchange of the battery device 110 is successful.

[0134] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide an electric device, which includes the battery device 110 and the heat management system 400 according to any of the above embodiments, and the heat management system 400 is used for adjusting the temperature of the battery device 110.

[0135] In the third aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide an energy storage device 500, which includes the battery device 110 and the heat management system 400 according to any of the above embodiments, and the heat management system 400 is used for adjusting the temperature of the battery device 110.

[0136]

[0137] ​According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a heat management system 400, the heat management system 400 comprising a temperature control loop S1 and a defrosting branch S2, the temperature control loop S1 comprising a compressor 10, a switching pipeline 20, a first expansion valve 31, a first evaporator 41 and a first sensor assembly 50 arranged in sequence; wherein the switching pipeline 20 is configured to be connected to a battery device 110, and the first sensor assembly 50 is configured to detect at least a pressure of a heat exchange medium at an output end of the first evaporator 41; one end of the defrosting branch S2 is connected to an input end of the switching pipeline 20, and the other end of the defrosting branch S2 is connected to an output end of the first expansion valve 31, and the defrosting branch S2 is provided with a defrosting valve 60. The first expansion valve 31 and the first evaporator 41 form a first heat exchange branch S3, and the temperature control loop S1 further comprises a second heat exchange branch S4, the second heat exchange branch S4 comprising a second expansion valve 32 and a second evaporator 42, and the first heat exchange branch S3 and the second heat exchange branch S4 are connected in parallel.

[0138] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacement to part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should be covered in the scope of the claims and the specification of the present application. Especially, as long as there is no structural conflict, each technical feature mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized by, The application relates to a heat management system for a battery device. The heat management system comprises a temperature control loop, a defrosting branch, and a first sensor assembly. The temperature control loop comprises, in sequence, a compressor, a switching pipeline, a first expansion valve, a first evaporator, and the first sensor assembly.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The switching pipeline is used for connecting with the battery device.

3. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein, The first sensor assembly is used for detecting the pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the first evaporator.

4. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The first sensor assembly further comprises a second sensor, which is arranged close to the input end of the compressor and is used for detecting the pressure and / or temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor.

5. The thermal management system of claim 4, wherein, The first expansion valve and the first evaporator form a first heat exchange branch, and the temperature control loop further comprises a second heat exchange branch.

6. The thermal management system of claim 4, wherein, The second heat exchange branch comprises a second expansion valve and a second evaporator.

7. The thermal management system of claim 6, wherein, The second evaporator is a PTC evaporator, and the first evaporator is an air-cooled evaporator.

8. The thermal management system of claim 4, wherein, The heat management system further comprises an overheating cooler, which is arranged between the compressor and the switching pipeline.

9. The thermal management system of any of claims 1-8, wherein, The heat management system further comprises a third sensor, which is arranged at the input end of the switching pipeline and is used for detecting the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the battery device.

10. The thermal management system of claim 9, wherein, The heat management system further comprises a four-way valve, which is connected with the input end of the compressor and the output end of the compressor respectively.

11. The thermal management system of any of claims 1-8, wherein, The switching pipeline comprises a plurality of input sub-pipelines and a plurality of output sub-pipelines.

12. An electrical device, characterized by The heat management system further comprises a distributor, and the plurality of output sub-pipelines are connected with the distributor respectively.

13. An energy storage device, characterized by, The heat management system further comprises a fourth sensor, which is arranged between the switching pipeline and the first expansion valve and is used for detecting the temperature and / or pressure of the heat exchange medium at the output end of the switching pipeline. The application relates to a battery device and a heat management system for adjusting the temperature of the battery device. The application relates to a battery device and a heat management system for adjusting the temperature of the battery device.

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