Energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model relates to an energy storage system. The energy storage system comprises at least two battery modules which are arranged up and down; the liquid supply pipe comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the first pipe section is configured to guide cooling liquid to flow from top to bottom, the second pipe section is connected to the first pipe section, the second pipe section is configured to guide the cooling liquid to flow from bottom to top, and the second pipe section is connected with the liquid inlets of the at least two battery modules respectively. The cooling liquid firstly flows from top to bottom and then flows from bottom to top, so that the temperature gradient of the cooling liquid can be reduced, the temperature of the cooling liquid entering each battery module is more uniform and consistent, the consistency of temperature control of each battery module is realized, and potential safety hazards caused by overlarge temperature difference are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Battery modules in energy storage systems generate heat, making heat dissipation and temperature field consistency control crucial. This impacts battery module safety and charge / discharge control. In some related technologies, uneven coolant flow rates among the battery modules can lead to excessive temperature differences, posing safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0003] Some embodiments of this utility model propose an energy storage system to alleviate the problem of uneven coolant flow.

[0004] In one aspect of this utility model, an energy storage system is provided, comprising:

[0005] At least two battery modules arranged vertically;

[0006] The coolant supply pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The first pipe section is configured to guide coolant to flow from top to bottom. The second pipe section is connected to the first pipe section and is configured to guide coolant to flow from bottom to top. The second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the at least two battery modules respectively.

[0007] In some embodiments, the supply pipe further includes a third pipe segment, which connects the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment, and the third pipe segment extends in a horizontal direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes at least two first branches, which are connected in parallel to the second pipe section, and the at least two first branches are also connected one-to-one with the liquid inlet of the at least two battery modules.

[0009] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first branch is smaller than the diameter of the supply pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second pipe segment extends vertically, and the upper end of the second pipe segment is provided with an exhaust port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a return pipe connected to the liquid outlet of each of the at least two battery modules.

[0012] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes at least two second branches, which are connected in parallel to the return pipe, and are also connected one-to-one with the liquid outlets of the at least two battery modules.

[0013] In some embodiments, the return pipe extends vertically, and a drain port is provided at the lower end of the return pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the diameter of the second branch is smaller than the diameter of the return pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the diameter of the return pipe is equal to the diameter of the supply pipe.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] In some embodiments, the energy storage system includes at least two battery modules arranged vertically and a liquid supply pipe. The liquid supply pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The coolant first enters the first pipe section and flows from top to bottom under the guidance of the first pipe section. Then it enters the second pipe section and flows from bottom to top under the guidance of the second pipe section. Finally, it enters each battery module through the liquid inlet of each battery module to cool the battery module. The way the coolant flows from top to bottom and then from bottom to top can reduce the temperature gradient of the coolant, making the temperature of the coolant entering each battery module more uniform and consistent, achieving consistent temperature control of each battery module, and avoiding safety hazards caused by excessive temperature difference. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0021] 100 - Battery module; 1 - Liquid supply pipe; 11 - First pipe section; 12 - Second pipe section; 13 - Third pipe section; 14 - Fourth pipe section; 2 - Liquid return pipe; 21 - Fifth pipe section; 22 - Sixth pipe section; 3 - First branch; 4 - Second branch; 5 - Vent port; 6 - Drain port; 71 - First connector; 72 - Second connector; 73 - Third connector; 74 - Fourth connector.

[0022] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0024] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0025] In this invention, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not exist between the specific device and the first or second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediary device, or it may not be directly connected to the other devices but may have an intermediary device.

[0026] All terms used in this invention (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0027] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the energy storage system according to this utility model. (Reference) Figure 1 In some embodiments, the energy storage system includes at least two battery modules 100 arranged vertically and an liquid supply pipe 1.

[0029] The coolant supply pipe 1 includes a first pipe section 11 and a second pipe section 12. The first pipe section 11 is configured to guide the coolant to flow from top to bottom. The second pipe section 12 is connected to the first pipe section 11 and is configured to guide the coolant to flow from bottom to top. The second pipe section 12 is connected to the inlet of at least two battery modules 100 respectively.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the coolant first enters the first pipe section 11 and flows from top to bottom under the guidance of the first pipe section 11. Then it enters the second pipe section 12 and flows from bottom to top under the guidance of the second pipe section 12. Finally, it enters each battery module 100 through the inlet of each battery module 100. The way the coolant flows from top to bottom and then from bottom to top can reduce the temperature gradient of the coolant, making the temperature of the coolant entering each battery module 100 more uniform. This achieves consistent temperature control of each battery module 100, alleviates the problem of uneven heat dissipation of the battery modules 100, and avoids excessive local temperature differences in the energy storage system, which could lead to safety hazards.

[0031] In some embodiments, the battery module 100 is provided with a cooling pipe, and the coolant supplied by the liquid supply pipe 1 is delivered to the cooling pipe. The coolant flows along the cooling pipe to cool and dissipate heat inside the battery module 100, preventing safety hazards caused by excessive temperature inside the battery module 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least two battery modules 100 arranged vertically form a battery pack, and the energy storage system may include multiple battery packs.

[0033] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet of the battery module 100 can be the liquid inlet of a cooling pipe.

[0034] In some embodiments, the liquid supply pipe 1 further includes a third pipe section 13, which connects the first pipe section 11 and the second pipe section 12, and the third pipe section 13 extends in a horizontal direction.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the coolant first enters the first pipe section 11 and flows from top to bottom under the guidance of the first pipe section 11. Then it enters the third pipe section 13 and flows horizontally along the third pipe section 13. Then it enters the second pipe section 12 and flows from bottom to top under the guidance of the second pipe section 12. Finally, it enters each battery module 100 through the inlet of each battery module 100. The coolant first flows from top to bottom, then flows horizontally, then flows from bottom to top, and finally enters the battery module 100 to cool the battery module 100. The coolant flows along a multi-segment flow path, which can reduce the temperature gradient of the coolant, make the temperature of the coolant entering the battery module 100 more uniform, reduce the temperature difference of the coolant entering the upper and lower battery modules 100, and make the coolant better cover each battery module 100, avoiding the problem of insufficient local cooling, achieving the consistency of temperature control of each battery module 100, and alleviating the problem of uneven heat dissipation of the battery module 100.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first pipe section 11 extends vertically, and coolant is introduced into the upper end of the first pipe section 11, with the coolant flowing from top to bottom along the first pipe section 11.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second pipe segment 12 extends vertically, and coolant is introduced into the lower end of the second pipe segment 12. The coolant flows from bottom to top along the second pipe segment 12 and then enters the battery module 100.

[0038] In some embodiments, the supply pipe 1 further includes a fourth pipe segment 14, which extends in a horizontal direction.

[0039] In some embodiments, the coolant supply pipe 1 includes a first pipe section 11, a second pipe section 12, a third pipe section 13, and a fourth pipe section 14. The first pipe section 11 and the second pipe section 12 extend vertically. The third pipe section 13 and the fourth pipe section 14 extend horizontally. One end of the fourth pipe section 14 is connected to a coolant supply device, and the other end of the fourth pipe section 14 is connected to the upper end of the first pipe section 11. The lower end of the first pipe section 11 is connected to one end of the third pipe section 13, and the other end of the third pipe section 13 is connected to the lower end of the second pipe section 12. The second pipe section 12 extends upward and is connected to the coolant inlet of each battery module 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a first connector 71, which is located at the end of the fourth pipe section 14 that connects to the coolant supply device. The first connector 71 is used to enable quick connection or disconnection of the fourth pipe section 14 from the coolant supply device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes at least two first branches 3, which are connected in parallel to the second pipe section 12, and the at least two first branches 3 are also respectively connected to the liquid inlets of at least two battery modules 100.

[0042] In the above embodiment, multiple first branches 3 are arranged in parallel on the second pipe section 12, and the liquid inlet of each battery module 100 is connected to the second pipe section 12 through a first branch 3. The coolant in the second pipe section 12 is introduced into the corresponding battery module 100 through the first branch 3 to cool the inside of the battery module 100, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of each battery module 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first branch 3 is smaller than the diameter of the liquid supply pipe 1.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the liquid supply pipe 1 is used to supply coolant to each battery module 100. Each battery module 100 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 1 through the first branch 3. The diameter of the liquid supply pipe 1 is larger than the diameter of the first branch 3 so as to provide sufficient coolant, so that each first branch 3 introduces sufficient coolant, so that the coolant flow rate entering each battery module 100 is uniform, and so that each battery module 100 can be fully cooled, thereby improving the consistency of the cooling effect.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second pipe segment 12 extends vertically, and the upper end of the second pipe segment 12 is provided with an exhaust port 5.

[0046] In the above embodiment, an exhaust port 5 is provided at the uppermost end of the second section 12 of the liquid supply pipe 1. When filling or replenishing the system with coolant, an external hose can be connected to the exhaust port 5 to discharge the gas in the pipeline system and prevent the presence of gas in the pipeline from affecting the filling of coolant.

[0047] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a return pipe 2, which is connected to the liquid outlet of at least two battery modules 100.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the coolant first enters the first pipe section 11 and flows from top to bottom under the guidance of the first pipe section 11. Then it enters the second pipe section 12 and flows from bottom to top under the guidance of the second pipe section 12. Finally, it enters each battery module 100 through the inlet of each battery module 100. The way the coolant flows from top to bottom and then from bottom to top can reduce the temperature gradient of the coolant, making the temperature of the coolant entering the battery module 100 more uniform and achieving consistent temperature control of each battery module 100. The coolant after cooling the battery module 100 is connected to the return pipe 2 through the outlet of the battery module 100. The return pipe 2 collects and discharges the coolant in each battery module 100, realizing the circulation of the coolant.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the arrangement of the supply pipe 1 and the return pipe 2 allows the coolant to flow downwards and then upwards, and then converge after passing through the battery module 100. Without using throttling and flow equalization devices, the flow direction of the coolant can be made more uniform, ultimately achieving uniform and consistent internal temperature of each battery module.

[0050] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes at least two second branches 4, which are connected in parallel to the return pipe 2, and are also respectively connected to the outlets of at least two battery modules 100.

[0051] In the above embodiment, multiple second branches 4 are arranged in parallel on the return pipe 2. The outlet of each battery module 100 is connected to the return pipe 2 through a second branch 4. The return pipe 2 collects the coolant in each battery module 100, so that the coolant after dissipating heat from the battery module 100 can be discharged in time, thereby cooling the inside of the battery module 100 and achieving uniform temperature in each battery module 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the return pipe 2 extends vertically, and the lower end of the return pipe 2 is provided with a drain port 6.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a drain port 6 is provided at the lower end of the return pipe 2. When system maintenance and inspection require draining the coolant from the cooling system, the drain port 6 can be opened or a hose can be connected for draining, improving the convenience of system maintenance.

[0054] In some embodiments, the return pipe 2 includes a fifth pipe section 21 and a sixth pipe section 22. The fifth pipe section 21 extends vertically, and each of the second branches 4 is arranged vertically and connected to the fifth pipe section 21. The sixth pipe section 22 extends horizontally, with one end connected to the upper end of the fifth pipe section 21 and the other end used to connect to the coolant recovery device.

[0055] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a second connector 72, which is located at the end of the sixth pipe section 22 that connects to the coolant recovery device. The second connector 72 is used to enable quick connection or disconnection of the sixth pipe section 22 from the coolant recovery device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the diameter of the second branch 4 is smaller than the diameter of the return pipe 2.

[0057] The return pipe 2 is used to recover the coolant after heat dissipation in each battery module 100. Each battery module 100 is connected to the return pipe 2 through the second branch 4. The diameter of the return pipe 2 needs to be larger than the diameter of the second branch 4 in order to have sufficient capacity to accommodate the coolant led out from each second branch 4, so that the coolant in each battery module 100 flows smoothly and uniformly, so that each battery module 100 can be fully cooled and the consistency of cooling effect is improved.

[0058] In some embodiments, the diameter of the return pipe 2 is equal to the diameter of the supply pipe 1.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the diameter of the return pipe 2 is the same as that of the supply pipe 1, which allows the flow rates of coolant entering and leaving the battery module 100 to match, avoiding uneven flow and helping to maintain stable heat exchange efficiency, thus ensuring stable cooling performance within the battery module 100. Furthermore, the matching diameter of the return pipe 2 and the supply pipe 1 also helps maintain smooth fluid flow, reducing turbulence and consequently lowering noise and vibration. The resistance encountered by the fluid when entering and exiting the system is more balanced, avoiding pressure imbalance caused by differences in pipe diameter.

[0060] In some embodiments, the diameters of the first branch 3 and the second branch 4 are the same.

[0061] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a third connector 73, which is used to enable quick connection or disconnection between the first branch 3 and the liquid inlet of the battery module 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the energy storage system further includes a fourth connector 74 for enabling quick connection or disconnection of the second branch 4 from the outlet of the battery module 100.

[0063] The energy storage system provided in this embodiment of the utility model can achieve a basic balance in the flow of coolant in each battery module 100 and the flow rate into each battery module 100 by setting up and controlling the supply pipe 1, return pipe 2, and corresponding first branch 3 and second branch 4 of the battery module 100, thereby achieving a basic consistency in the temperature difference of the cells in each battery module 100.

[0064] The following is based on Figure 1 This section provides a detailed description of some specific embodiments of the energy storage system.

[0065] In some specific embodiments, the energy storage system includes multiple battery modules 100 arranged vertically and a cooling device. The cooling device includes a liquid supply pipe 1, a liquid return pipe 2, a first branch line 3 and a second branch line 4, as well as cooling pipes disposed within the battery modules 100.

[0066] The coolant supply pipe 1 includes a first pipe section 11, a second pipe section 12, a third pipe section 13, and a fourth pipe section 14. The first pipe section 11 and the second pipe section 12 extend vertically. The third pipe section 13 and the fourth pipe section 14 extend horizontally. One end of the fourth pipe section 14 is connected to the coolant supply device via a first connector 71, and the other end of the fourth pipe section 14 is connected to the upper end of the first pipe section 11. The lower end of the first pipe section 11 is connected to one end of the third pipe section 13, and the other end of the third pipe section 13 is connected to the lower end of the second pipe section 12. The second pipe section 12 extends upward, and multiple first branches 3 are arranged side by side on the second pipe section 12. Each first branch 3 is connected to the inlet of a battery module 100 via a third connector 73.

[0067] The return pipe 2 includes a fifth pipe section 21 and a sixth pipe section 22. The fifth pipe section 21 extends vertically, and each second branch 4 is arranged vertically and connected to the fifth pipe section 21. Each second branch 4 is connected to the outlet of a battery module 100 through a fourth connector 74. The sixth pipe section 22 extends horizontally, with one end connected to the upper end of the fifth pipe section 21 and the other end connected to the coolant recovery device through a second connector 72.

[0068] In the above embodiment, regarding the liquid supply pipeline, a first connector 71 (quick connector, such as NW26) is provided at the connection between the liquid supply pipe 1 and the coolant supply device, which can quickly and easily connect the liquid supply pipe 1 and the coolant supply device. After the liquid supply pipe 1 is bent downwards, it extends laterally and finally extends upwards, with the coolant flowing from bottom to top into the first branch 3, which can make the coolant in the pipeline flow more evenly to each battery module 100. The diameter of the first branch 3 is smaller than that of the liquid supply pipe 1 (for example, the diameter of the liquid supply pipe 1 is 28mm, while the diameter of the first branch 3 is 16mm). A third connector 73 (quick connector) is provided at the connection between the first branch 3 and the inlet of the battery module 100, which can be directly and quickly plugged into and unplugged into the battery module 100.

[0069] In the above embodiments, regarding the return pipeline, a second connector 72 (quick connector, such as NW26) is provided at the connection between the return pipeline 2 and the coolant recovery device, which allows for quick and convenient connection between the return pipeline 2 and the coolant recovery device. A fourth connector 74 (quick connector) is provided at the connection between the second branch 4 and the outlet of the battery module 100. After the coolant dissipates heat from the battery module 100, it flows from the second branch 4 to the return pipeline 2 and finally returns to the coolant recovery device. The diameter of the return pipeline 2 is the same as the diameter of the supply pipeline 1; the diameter of the first branch 3 is the same as the diameter of the second branch 4.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the number of the first branch 3 and the second branch 4 can be expanded according to the number of battery modules 100. Uniform cooling of the battery modules 100 is achieved through pipeline and flow channel design.

[0071] Based on the above embodiments of the present invention, in the absence of explicit denial or conflict, the technical features of one embodiment can be advantageously combined with one or more other embodiments.

[0072] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized in that, include: At least two battery modules (100) arranged vertically. The coolant supply pipe (1) includes a first pipe section (11) and a second pipe section (12). The first pipe section (11) is configured to guide the coolant to flow from top to bottom. The second pipe section (12) is connected to the first pipe section (11) and is configured to guide the coolant to flow from bottom to top. The second pipe section (12) is connected to the inlet of the at least two battery modules (100) respectively.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply pipe (1) also includes a third pipe section (13), which connects the first pipe section (11) and the second pipe section (12) and extends in the horizontal direction.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least two first branches (3), which are connected in parallel to the second pipe section (12), and the at least two first branches (3) are also connected one-to-one with the liquid inlet of the at least two battery modules (100).

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the first branch (3) is smaller than the diameter of the liquid supply pipe (1).

5. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipe section (12) extends vertically, and the upper end of the second pipe section (12) is provided with an exhaust port (5).

6. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a return pipe (2), which is connected to the outlet of the at least two battery modules (100).

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes at least two second branches (4), which are connected in parallel to the return pipe (2), and the at least two second branches (4) are also connected one-to-one with the outlet of the at least two battery modules (100).

8. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The return pipe (2) extends vertically, and the lower end of the return pipe (2) is provided with a drain port (6).

9. The energy storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the second branch (4) is smaller than the diameter of the return pipe (2).

10. The energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the return pipe (2) is equal to the diameter of the supply pipe (1).

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