Air-cooled energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air-cooled energy storage system, which comprises a box body, a battery rack, a heat dissipation device and a plurality of battery modules, the battery rack is arranged in the box body and is provided with a plurality of battery cavities, the plurality of battery cavities are arranged at intervals along a first direction, the first direction is vertical to the vertical direction, the battery cavities are provided with a plurality of battery mounting positions which are arranged up and down, and the heat dissipation device is arranged on the battery mounting positions. An air inlet channel extending in the vertical direction is formed in the position, between every two adjacent battery cavities, of the battery rack, and each air inlet channel at least communicates with the multiple battery mounting positions on one side of the air inlet channel; each battery module is correspondingly arranged at one battery mounting position; the heat dissipation device is provided with an air supply outlet which is communicated with the upper end of the air inlet channel. According to the technical scheme, the heat dissipation uniformity can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to an air-cooled energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] In energy storage systems, a cooling system is typically included to quickly dissipate the heat generated during operation. Common cooling methods include air cooling and liquid cooling. When using air cooling, the air conditioning unit is usually placed at the top of the enclosure, with air ducts formed between the battery rack and the enclosure on opposite sides (e.g., front and rear). The air conditioner's outlet is connected to one side, and its inlet to the other, allowing airflow to move from one side of the battery rack to the other, thus carrying away heat from the battery packs. However, when the battery rack is wide, airflow tends to concentrate at the outlet, leaving the battery packs further away with less airflow, resulting in poor heat dissipation for those sections. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose an air-cooled energy storage system that aims to improve the uniformity of heat dissipation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an air-cooled energy storage system, comprising:

[0005] Box;

[0006] A battery rack is disposed inside the housing and has multiple battery cavities. The multiple battery cavities are arranged at intervals along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each battery cavity has multiple battery mounting positions arranged vertically. The battery rack forms an air inlet channel extending vertically between two adjacent battery cavities. Each air inlet channel is connected to at least one of the multiple battery mounting positions on its side.

[0007] A battery module, each battery module being disposed in a corresponding battery mounting position; and a heat dissipation device having an air outlet, the air outlet being connected to the upper end of the air inlet channel.

[0008] Optionally, the housing has a door on the opening side corresponding to the battery cavity, and an installation cavity is provided between the top of the battery rack and the top of the housing. The installation cavity is open on the side facing the door. The air-cooled energy storage system also includes multiple air guide shells, which are detachably installed in the installation cavity and arranged along the first direction. Each air guide shell has an inlet and multiple outlets. The multiple outlets are located at the bottom of the air guide shell, and each outlet corresponds to one air inlet channel.

[0009] Optionally, each of the air guide shells is disposed above two adjacent battery cavities, and the outlets on the two adjacent air guide shells that are close to each other are configured to correspond to the same air inlet channel. The inlet is located in the middle of the air guide shell in the first direction.

[0010] Optionally, the heat dissipation device is located on the door of the enclosure, and the inlet is located on the side of the air guide shell facing the door.

[0011] Optionally, the heat dissipation device further includes an air inlet and a heat exchange channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, and a return air channel between the battery rack and the door, so that the air inlet channel, the battery cavity, the return air channel and the heat exchange channel form a circulating air duct.

[0012] Optionally, the battery module includes a housing and a battery pack disposed within the housing. The side of the housing is provided with a heat dissipation inlet communicating with the air intake channel, and the side of the housing facing the door is provided with a heat dissipation outlet.

[0013] Optionally, the battery module further includes a cooling fan located at the heat dissipation outlet to direct airflow from the housing to the return air channel.

[0014] Optionally, a partition structure is provided between each battery cavity and the air inlet channel. In the partition structures on both sides of each air inlet channel, at least one partition structure is provided with multiple hollow areas. The multiple hollow areas correspond one-to-one with multiple battery mounting positions of the corresponding battery cavity. The hollow area of ​​the multiple hollow areas generally increases from top to bottom.

[0015] Optionally, the partition structure includes multiple independent partitions, each partition corresponding to a battery mounting position and having a hollowed-out area.

[0016] Optionally, at least a portion of the hollowed-out area is provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0017] This invention provides an air inlet channel extending vertically between adjacent battery compartments in the battery rack, ensuring that each air inlet channel connects to at least one of the multiple battery mounting positions on one side. Compared to allowing airflow to freely enter multiple battery compartments from one side of the battery rack, this method ensures more uniform airflow into each air inlet channel and battery compartment, effectively preventing most of the airflow from concentrating in one or a few battery compartments and improving the heat dissipation uniformity across the multiple battery compartments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air-cooled energy storage system of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of a wind-cooled energy storage system;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central air guide shell;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a wind-cooled energy storage system;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 100. Cabinet; 110. Cabinet door; 120. Return air duct; 200. Battery rack; 210. Battery cavity; 220. Air inlet duct; 300. Heat dissipation device; 310. Air outlet; 320. Air inlet; 400. Battery module; 410. Heat dissipation inlet; 420. Heat dissipation outlet; 430. Cooling fan; 500. Air guide shell; 510. Inlet; 520. Outlet; 600. Partition structure; 610. Hollowed-out area; 611. First ventilation opening; 612. Second ventilation opening.

[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0032] This utility model proposes an air-cooled energy storage system.

[0033] In the embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the air-cooled energy storage system includes a housing 100, a battery rack 200, a heat dissipation device 300, and multiple battery modules 400. The battery rack 200 is disposed inside the housing 100 and has multiple battery cavities 210. The multiple battery cavities 210 are arranged along a first direction (refer to...). Figure 2 The battery cells 210 are arranged at intervals (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow X), with the first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The battery cells 210 have multiple battery mounting positions arranged vertically. The battery rack 200 forms an air inlet channel 220 extending vertically between two adjacent battery cells 210. Each air inlet channel 220 connects to at least one of the multiple battery mounting positions on its side. Each battery module 400 is correspondingly located in one battery mounting position. The heat dissipation device 300 has an air outlet 310, which is connected to the upper end of the air inlet channel 220.

[0034] One heat dissipation device 300 can be set for each air inlet channel 220, or one heat dissipation device 300 can be set for every two or three air inlet channels 220 (that is, the air outlet 310 of the heat dissipation device 300 is connected to two or three air inlet channels 220 at the same time), or only one heat dissipation device 300 can be set, and the airflow delivered from the air outlet 310 can be evenly distributed to multiple air inlet channels 220 through the diversion channel.

[0035] When the airflow flows through the air inlet channel 220 to the battery mounting position, the airflow can exchange heat with the battery module 400, thereby carrying away the heat of the battery module 400 when it flows out of the battery cavity 210, thus achieving heat dissipation.

[0036] This invention provides an air inlet channel 220 extending vertically between adjacent battery chambers 210 of the battery rack 200, ensuring that each air inlet channel 220 connects to at least one of the multiple battery mounting positions on its side. Compared to allowing airflow to freely enter the multiple battery chambers 210 from one side of the battery rack 200, this method ensures more uniform airflow into each air inlet channel 220 and battery chamber 210, effectively preventing most of the airflow from concentrating in one or a few battery chambers 210, and improving the heat dissipation uniformity of the multiple battery chambers 210.

[0037] In some embodiments, a door 110 is provided on the opening side of the housing 100 corresponding to the battery cavity 210, and an installation cavity is provided between the top of the battery rack 200 and the top of the housing 100. The installation cavity is open on the side facing the door 110. The air-cooled energy storage system also includes a plurality of air guide shells 500. The plurality of air guide shells 500 are detachably installed in the installation cavity and arranged along a first direction. The air guide shell 500 has an inlet 510 and a plurality of outlets 520. The plurality of outlets 520 are located at the bottom of the air guide shell 500, and each outlet 520 corresponds to an air inlet channel 220.

[0038] Specifically, the upper end of the air inlet channel 220 is through-type. After the air guide shell 500 is inserted into the mounting cavity, the outlet 520 at the bottom of the air guide shell 500 corresponds to the upper end of the air inlet channel 220. This allows the airflow to flow more evenly to each battery cavity 210, improving the heat dissipation uniformity of each battery cavity 210. Since the airflow can flow fully to the air inlet channel 220 and the battery cavity 210 after exiting from the outlet 520, the airflow is less likely to flow into the gap between the edges of the air guide shell 500 and the air inlet channel 220. When the bottom surface of the air guide shell 500 and the top surface of the battery rack 200 are relatively flat, the usage requirements can be met. There is no need to set a sealing ring between the air guide shell 500 and the battery rack 200, which simplifies the assembly structure between the air guide shell 500 and the battery rack 200, simplifies the structure of the air-cooled energy storage system, and facilitates maintenance. Even if some airflow flows into the gap between the air guide shell 500 and the edge of the air inlet channel 220, it is still within the housing 100, and its loss is very small, far less than the impact of the external ambient temperature on the housing 100.

[0039] During operation, the heat dissipation device 300 delivers airflow into the air guide shell 500, and then distributes it from multiple outlets 520 to the corresponding air inlet channels 220. This avoids the need to set up an air guide structure for each air inlet channel 220, which can reduce the number of air guide shells 500 and heat dissipation devices 300 and simplify the structure of the air-cooled energy storage system.

[0040] In some embodiments, each air guide shell 500 is disposed above two adjacent battery chambers 210. The outlets 520 on two adjacent air guide shells 500 that are close to each other are disposed in the same air inlet channel 220. The inlet 510 is located in the middle of the air guide shell 500 in the first direction. Specifically, there are three outlets 520 on the air guide shell 500. The outlet 520 located in the middle corresponds to the air inlet channel 220 between the two battery chambers 210 below it, while the outlets 520 located on the side and the outlets 520 located on the side of the adjacent air guide shell 500 together correspond to the adjacent air inlet channel 220. When airflow enters a single air guide shell 500 from the inlet 510, a relatively large portion of the airflow will first flow to the middle outlet 520, while a relatively small portion will be diverted to the outlets 520 on both sides. Since the outlets 520 on two adjacent air guide shells 500 are close to each other and correspond to the same air intake channel 220 (i.e., the air intake channel 220 between two adjacent air guide shells 500), the air intake volume of the air intake channel 220 between two adjacent air guide shells 500 is close to the air intake volume of the air intake channel 220 corresponding to the middle outlet 520 of the air guide shell 500. This makes the air intake volume of each air intake channel 220 more uniform, thereby improving the heat dissipation uniformity of each battery cavity 210.

[0041] In some embodiments, there are multiple heat dissipation devices 300, and each heat dissipation device 300 corresponds to one of multiple air guide shells 500 to ensure that sufficient cold air is delivered to each air inlet channel 220 and improve the heat dissipation effect. Of course, in other embodiments, only one heat dissipation device 300 may be provided, for example, the heat dissipation device 300 may be located in the middle or at one end of the housing 100 in the first direction, and the airflow may be diverted to each air guide shell 500 through the air guide pipe.

[0042] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation device 300 is disposed on the door 110, and the inlet 510 is located on the side of the air guide shell 500 facing the door 110. This allows the heat dissipation device 300 to be installed using the door 110, which, compared to placing the heat dissipation device 300 on the top of the enclosure 100, reduces the height of the enclosure 100 or allows full utilization of the height space of the enclosure 100 for the battery module 400. Simultaneously, it allows the heat dissipation device 300 to be closer to the air guide shell 500, shortening the airflow path and reducing energy loss.

[0043] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation device 300 further includes an air inlet 320 and a heat exchange channel connecting the air inlet 320 and the air outlet 310. A return air channel 120 is provided between the battery rack 200 and the door 110, so that the air inlet channel 220, the battery cavity 210, the return air channel 120, and the heat exchange channel form a circulating airflow. Specifically, the heat dissipation device 300 has a fan that drives airflow from the air inlet 320 to the heat exchange airflow channel during operation, and finally from the air outlet back to the air inlet channel 220. When the airflow flows through the heat exchange airflow channel, it exchanges heat with the cold end of the heat dissipation device 300, resulting in a low-temperature cold airflow flowing towards the air inlet channel 220. When the low-temperature cold airflow flows through the battery module 400, it carries away the heat from the battery module 400, forming a hot airflow, which then flows back to the air inlet 320 to achieve circulation. This allows for airflow circulation within the enclosure 100, reducing the impact of external environmental factors (such as high temperatures in summer) on the internal airflow, improving heat dissipation efficiency, and reducing energy loss. The heat dissipation device 300 can employ compression refrigeration technology or other refrigeration technologies.

[0044] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the upper end of the air inlet channel 220 can be connected to an external heat dissipation device to cool the battery module 400. Alternatively, a fan assembly can be installed on the housing 100 to drive external airflow from the air inlet channel 220 to the battery module 400 and then discharge it, thereby dissipating heat from the battery module 400 through the flowing airflow.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery module 400 includes a housing and a battery pack disposed within the housing. The housing has a heat dissipation inlet 410 communicating with the air intake channel 220 on its side, and a heat dissipation outlet 420 on the side of the housing facing the door 110. Specifically, the battery pack includes multiple individual cells, which are arranged along a second direction (refer to...). Figure 2 The components (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow Y) are arranged sequentially, with the second direction perpendicular to the first and vertical directions. This means that when the cold air enters the casing through the heat dissipation inlet 410, it can directly pass over the surface of the battery pack (individual cells), thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. Optionally, heat dissipation inlets 410 are provided on opposite sides of the casing.

[0046] In some embodiments, the battery module 400 further includes a cooling fan 430, which is located at the heat dissipation outlet 420 to direct airflow from the housing to the return air channel 120. This allows airflow to pass quickly through the battery module 400, improving heat dissipation efficiency and accelerating airflow circulation within the housing 100, thus enhancing heat dissipation. Of course, in other embodiments, the cooling fan 430 may not be included, and airflow circulation may be driven solely by a fan within the heat dissipation device 300.

[0047] In some embodiments, a partition structure 600 is provided between each battery cavity 210 and the air inlet channel 220. In each partition structure 600 on both sides of the air inlet channel 220, at least one partition structure 600 is provided with multiple hollow areas 610. The multiple hollow areas 610 correspond one-to-one with multiple battery mounting positions of the corresponding battery cavity 210. The hollow area of ​​the multiple hollow areas 610 generally increases from top to bottom.

[0048] Specifically, in the two partition structures 600 on opposite sides of the air inlet channel 220, only one partition structure 600 may have multiple hollow areas 610, so that each air inlet channel 220 corresponds to one battery cavity 210; alternatively, both partition structures 600 may have multiple hollow areas 610. The hollow area of ​​the multiple hollow areas 610 generally increases from top to bottom. This includes cases where the hollow area of ​​the multiple hollow areas 610 increases sequentially from top to bottom (i.e., the hollow area of ​​any hollow area 610 is greater than the hollow area of ​​the hollow area 610 above it), and cases where the hollow areas of some adjacent hollow areas 610 in the vertical direction are the same (for example, when there are six hollow areas 610, the hollow areas of the six hollow areas 610 from top to bottom are: A, B, B, C, C, D or A, B, C, C, D, E, etc., where A... <B<C<D<E)。

[0049] This design limits the ventilation volume of the upper perforated area 610, i.e., limits the air intake of the upper battery mounting position. This ensures that the cool airflow from the air intake channel 220 flows sufficiently downwards, preventing most or all of the cool airflow from entering the upper battery mounting position and thus reducing the amount entering the lower battery mounting position. This guarantees a more balanced flow of cool air into multiple battery mounting positions within the same mounting cavity, improving heat dissipation uniformity. The perforated area of ​​each perforated area 610 can be set according to actual needs; this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0050] In some embodiments, the partition structure 600 includes multiple independent partitions, each partition corresponding to a battery mounting position and having a cutout area 610. This allows multiple partitions to be installed independently, resulting in a smaller size for each partition and easier assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, the partition structure 600 can be a single plate.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hollowed-out area 610 is provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings 611, which are spaced apart. Specifically, providing a plurality of first ventilation openings 611 allows the openings to be distributed throughout the hollowed-out area 610, enabling airflow to be dispersed into the battery mounting position and quickly distributed to various areas of the battery mounting position, thus improving heat dissipation uniformity. Optionally, the upper hollowed-out area 610 is provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings 611.

[0052] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of hollow areas 610 near the bottom of the housing 100 are provided with a second vent 612. For example, one or two hollow areas 610 near the bottom of the housing 100 may be provided with only one second vent 612, and the area of ​​the second vent 612 is larger than the total area of ​​the plurality of first vents 611 of any hollow area 610 above it. This arrangement allows for a larger hollow area in the bottom hollow area 610 and simplifies the structure of this partition structure 600 (partition).

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An air-cooled energy storage system, characterized in that, include: Box; A battery rack is disposed inside the housing and has multiple battery cavities. The multiple battery cavities are arranged at intervals along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each battery cavity has multiple battery mounting positions arranged vertically. The battery rack forms an air inlet channel extending vertically between two adjacent battery cavities. Each air inlet channel is connected to at least one of the multiple battery mounting positions on its side. Each battery module is provided with a corresponding battery mounting position; as well as The heat dissipation device has an air outlet, which is connected to the upper end of the air inlet channel.

2. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a door on the side corresponding to the opening of the battery compartment. An installation cavity is provided between the top of the battery rack and the top of the housing. The installation cavity is open on the side facing the door. The air-cooled energy storage system also includes multiple air guide shells. The multiple air guide shells are detachably installed in the installation cavity and arranged along the first direction. The air guide shell has an inlet and multiple outlets. The multiple outlets are located at the bottom of the air guide shell, and each outlet corresponds to one air inlet channel.

3. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the air guide shells is located above two adjacent battery chambers. The outlets on the two adjacent air guide shells that are close to each other are set with the same air inlet channel. The inlet is located in the middle of the air guide shell in the first direction.

4. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The heat dissipation device is located on the door of the enclosure, and the inlet is located on the side of the air guide shell facing the door.

5. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The heat dissipation device also has an air inlet and a heat exchange channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet. A return air channel is provided between the battery rack and the door, so that the air inlet channel, the battery cavity, the return air channel and the heat exchange channel form a circulating air duct.

6. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The battery module includes a housing and a battery pack disposed inside the housing. The side of the housing is provided with a heat dissipation inlet communicating with the air intake channel, and the side of the housing facing the door is provided with a heat dissipation outlet.

7. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The battery module also includes a cooling fan, which is located at the heat dissipation outlet to direct the airflow inside the casing to the return air channel.

8. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Each battery cavity and the air inlet channel are provided with a partition structure. In each partition structure on both sides of the air inlet channel, at least one partition structure is provided with multiple hollow areas. The multiple hollow areas correspond one-to-one with the multiple battery mounting positions of the corresponding battery cavity. The hollow area of ​​the multiple hollow areas generally increases from top to bottom.

9. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The partition structure includes multiple independent partitions, each partition corresponding to a battery mounting position and having a hollowed-out area.

10. The air-cooled energy storage system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, At least part of the hollowed-out area is provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings, which are spaced apart from each other.

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