Battery pack thermal management system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery packs, and discloses a battery pack thermal management system, which is assembled on a battery pack and comprises a semiconductor refrigerator and a control valve group, the semiconductor refrigerator comprises a refrigerating side and a heating side, the refrigerating side is connected with the battery pack to form a first loop, the heating side is connected with the battery pack to form a second loop, and the control valve group is connected with the semiconductor refrigerator. The first loop and the second loop are connected in parallel, and the control valve group comprises a first control valve arranged on the first loop and a second control valve arranged on the second loop; when the first control valve is connected and the second control valve is disconnected, the first loop is connected and the second loop is disconnected, and when the first control valve is disconnected and the second control valve is connected, the first loop is disconnected and the second loop is connected. The battery pack heat management system provided by the utility model is simple in structure, high in energy utilization rate, low in manufacturing cost and capable of rapidly switching a refrigerating mode and a heating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of battery pack technology, and specifically relates to a battery pack thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature management is crucial for the efficient operation of battery packs, as overheating or overcooling can shorten cycle life, reduce charge and discharge efficiency, and increase safety risks. Traditional battery pack thermal management systems rely on air conditioning for cooling, but in extreme temperatures, air conditioning may fail to provide sufficient cooling or heating, or even experience frequency reduction, resulting in poor cooling or complete failure, affecting the overall performance of the battery pack and equipment.

[0003] To address these issues, existing technologies have proposed using semiconductor coolers (TECs) for both cooling and heating of the battery pack. When connected to the battery pack, existing TECs are typically designed as two independent loops: one for cooling and the other for heating. This design physically separates the cooling and heating loops, preventing heat transfer from the heating side to the cooling side and thus improving efficiency. However, this design also has some drawbacks: when switching from cooling to heating mode, or vice versa, one loop must be shut down before starting the other, which may result in slow temperature regulation, especially when battery temperature changes rapidly. Furthermore, the two independent loops increase the overall system complexity, cost, and size, and the inability to effectively recover and utilize heat may lead to energy waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by providing a battery pack thermal management system that is simple in structure, has high energy utilization, low manufacturing cost, and can quickly switch between cooling and heating modes.

[0005] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: a battery pack thermal management system, assembled on a battery pack, includes a semiconductor cooler and a control valve assembly. The semiconductor cooler includes a cooling side and a heating side. The cooling side is connected to the battery pack to form a first circuit, and the heating side is connected to the battery pack to form a second circuit. The first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel. The control valve assembly includes a first control valve disposed on the first circuit and a second control valve disposed on the second circuit. When the first control valve is connected and the second control valve is disconnected, the first circuit is conductive and the second circuit is disconnected. When the first control valve is disconnected and the second control valve is connected, the first circuit is disconnected and the second circuit is conductive.

[0006] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a heat dissipation component is included. The heat dissipation component is connected to the heating side to form a third circuit, and the third circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit. When the first control valve is connected and the second control valve is disconnected, the first circuit and the third circuit are connected, and the second circuit is disconnected.

[0007] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, the first control valve includes a first control valve and a second control valve, wherein the first control valve is located at the water inlet end of the cooling side, and the second control valve is located at the water outlet end of the cooling side.

[0008] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, the second control valve includes a third control valve and a fourth control valve, wherein the third control valve is located between the water inlet on the heating side and the first circuit, and the fourth control valve is located between the water outlet on the heating side and the first circuit.

[0009] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a first water pump is provided on the first circuit, and a second water pump is provided on the third circuit.

[0010] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a fifth control valve is also provided on the first circuit, and the fifth control valve is located between the first water pump and the second control valve; when the first control valve, the second control valve, the third control valve, and the fourth control valve are all connected, and the fifth control valve is disconnected, the first circuit is disconnected.

[0011] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a heating element is provided on the cooling side.

[0012] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, the heat dissipation components include a heat sink and a cooling fan.

[0013] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a liquid replenishment valve is also provided on the first circuit.

[0014] In the aforementioned battery pack thermal management system, a filter is also provided on the first circuit.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By connecting the cooling side to the battery pack to form a first circuit, and connecting the heating side to the battery pack to form a second circuit, and connecting the first and second circuits in parallel, and by installing a first control valve on the first circuit and a second control valve on the second circuit, the first and second circuits can operate independently while quickly switching between cooling and heating modes, ensuring that the battery pack is always at its optimal operating temperature. Compared with traditional independent circuits, this invention effectively simplifies the system structure and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the liquid flow direction in the cooling mode of this utility model embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the liquid flow direction in the heating mode of this utility model embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the liquid flow direction during the adjustment mode in this embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically: 100, semiconductor cooler; 110, cooling side; 120, heating side; 200, first control valve; 210, first control valve; 220, second control valve; 300, second control valve; 310, third control valve; 320, fourth control valve; 400, heat dissipation assembly; 410, radiator; 420, cooling fan; 500, first water pump; 510, second water pump; 600, fifth control valve; 700, heating element; 710, replenishment valve; 720, filter; 800, battery pack; 900, temperature sensor; 910, expansion tank. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0022] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a thermal management system for a battery pack 800, assembled on the battery pack 800, includes a semiconductor cooler 100 and a control valve assembly. The semiconductor cooler 100 includes a cooling side 110 and a heating side 120. The cooling side 110 is connected to the battery pack 800 to form a first circuit, and the heating side 120 is connected to the battery pack 800 to form a second circuit. The first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel. The control valve assembly includes a first control valve 200 disposed on the first circuit and a second control valve 300 disposed on the second circuit. When the first control valve 200 is open and the second control valve 300 is closed, the first circuit is on and the second circuit is off. When the first control valve 200 is off and the second control valve 300 is open, the first circuit is off and the second circuit is on. Because the cooling side 110 and the heating side 120 circuits operate in parallel, the independence of the two modes is ensured, and switching modes does not require waiting for one circuit to be completely closed before starting the other circuit. By controlling the rapid opening and closing of the valve, the system can switch between cooling and heating modes in a very short time, ensuring that the 800 battery pack can quickly adapt to temperature changes, especially during high-power charging and discharging, where it can promptly regulate the temperature to protect battery performance. Furthermore, the parallel circuit design reduces the number of pipes and connection points, not only lowering system complexity and manufacturing and maintenance costs, but also making the entire system more compact and suitable for scenarios with strict space requirements.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the thermal management system of the battery pack 800 is mounted on the battery pack 800, and mainly regulates the temperature of the battery pack 800 by cooling or heating the battery pack 800.

[0025] In this embodiment, the semiconductor cooler 100 includes a cooling side 110 and a heating side 120. The inlet and outlet of the cooling side 110 are connected to the battery pack 800 via pipes to form a first circuit, responsible for cooling the battery pack 800. The inlet and outlet of the heating side 120 are connected to the battery pack 800 via pipes to form a second circuit, responsible for heating the battery pack 800. The first and second circuits are connected in parallel via pipes. By separating these two functions into different circuits, the temperature of the battery pack 800 can be controlled more precisely. When cooling is required, only the first circuit is activated, avoiding unnecessary heat transfer to the battery pack 800; when heating is required, only the second circuit is activated, ensuring that heat is directly transferred to the battery. Furthermore, this design allows the first and second circuits to share a section of pipe, effectively saving pipe layout space and making the overall system structure more compact.

[0026] To achieve independent control of the first and second circuits, this embodiment also includes a control valve group comprising a first control valve 200 and a second control valve 300. The first control valve 200 is located in the first circuit, and the second control valve 300 is located in the second circuit. When the first control valve 200 is open and the second control valve 300 is closed, the first circuit is connected, the second circuit is disconnected, and the system cools the battery pack 800. When the first control valve 200 is closed and the second control valve 300 is open, the first circuit is disconnected, the second circuit is connected, and the system heats the battery pack 800. This design separates the cooling and heating functions, allowing the system to quickly switch operating modes according to real-time needs without waiting for adjustments to the entire cycle system. This enables the system to respond more quickly to temperature changes, especially during high-power charging and discharging of the battery, rapidly stabilizing the battery temperature and protecting battery performance.

[0027] Since the cooling side 110 and the heating side 120 are activated simultaneously when the thermoelectric cooler 100 is working, this will affect the cooling or heating effect of the battery pack 800 to some extent. Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat dissipation assembly 400 is also provided. The heat dissipation assembly 400 is connected to the heating side 120 to form a third circuit, and the third circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit. When the first control valve 200 is connected and the second control valve 300 is disconnected, the first circuit and the third circuit are connected, and the second circuit is disconnected. By introducing the heat dissipation assembly 400 and the third circuit, and making them cooperate with the first control valve 200 and the second control valve 300, the first circuit and the third circuit work synchronously in the cooling mode. This not only effectively enhances the cooling capacity of the system and ensures the cooling effect, but also reduces the accumulation of heat during heating, thereby extending the service life of the thermoelectric cooler 100.

[0028] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation component 400 includes a radiator 410 and a cooling fan 420. The combination of the two can more effectively dissipate the heat generated at the hot end, ensuring stable system operation. Especially in high-temperature environments, the heat dissipation component 400 can significantly enhance the system's cooling capacity and prevent overheating.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first control valve 200 includes a first control valve 210 and a second control valve 220, with the first control valve 210 located at the inlet end of the cooling side 110 and the second control valve 220 located at the outlet end of the cooling side 110. This design allows for precise control of the liquid at both ends of the cooling side 110, ensuring that the liquid in the cooling side 110 is restricted before entering the common pipeline, thereby guaranteeing the effectiveness of switching between cooling and heating modes.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second control valve 300 includes a third control valve 310 and a fourth control valve 320. The third control valve 310 is located between the water inlet of the heating side 120 and the first circuit, and the fourth control valve 320 is located between the water outlet of the heating side 120 and the first circuit. This design allows for precise control of the liquid at both ends of the heating side 120, ensuring that the liquid in the heating side 120 is restricted before entering the common pipe, thereby guaranteeing the effectiveness of switching between cooling and heating modes.

[0031] Preferably, in this embodiment, control valve 210, control valve 220, control valve 310, control valve 320, and control valve 600 are solenoid valves or electric valves. These types of control valves have a fast response speed and can complete opening and closing actions in a very short time, ensuring rapid switching of liquids within the pipeline.

[0032] In this embodiment, a first water pump 500 is provided in the first loop, and a second water pump 510 is provided in the third loop. The first water pump 500, located in the first loop, provides sufficient pressure and flow to ensure that the liquid in the cooling side 110 can efficiently absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack 800. Simultaneously, due to the parallel design of the first and second loops, the first water pump 500 can also provide some auxiliary power to the second loop, ensuring the stability of the water flow throughout the system. This design not only improves the cooling effect but also enhances the overall system response speed. Especially when a rapid switching of cooling modes is required, the first water pump 500 can quickly adjust the water flow, ensuring timely and accurate temperature regulation. The second water pump 510 provides sufficient pressure and flow to the third loop, ensuring that the liquid in the heating side 120 can efficiently transfer heat to the heat dissipation component 400 and ultimately dissipate it into the external environment. This not only improves heat dissipation efficiency but also ensures temperature stability in the heating side 120 and the entire system. Especially in high-temperature environments, the second water pump 510 can ensure the continuous flow of liquid on the heating side 120, avoid heat accumulation, prevent the system from overheating, and thus protect the safe operation of the battery pack 800.

[0033] In this embodiment, a fifth control valve 600 is also provided on the first loop, and the fifth control valve 600 is located between the first water pump 500 and the second control valve 220. When the first control valve 210, the second control valve 220, the third control valve 310, and the fourth control valve 320 are all connected, and the fifth control valve 600 is disconnected, the first loop is disconnected. This design allows the system to restore its cooling function by introducing a mixed liquid that has passed through the heating side 120 to the cooling side 110 when the temperature on the cooling side 110 is too low and cannot exchange heat with the environment. On the one hand, this solves the problem of traditional systems being prone to failure in extreme low-temperature environments, improves the system's stability, response speed, and energy efficiency, and ensures that the battery pack 800 is always within its optimal operating temperature range. On the other hand, it can also effectively utilize the heat generated at the hot end, reduce energy waste, and further improve the system's energy efficiency. This heat recovery and utilization design not only improves the overall efficiency of the system but also extends its service life.

[0034] Because the cooling side 110 may freeze or become too cold in low-temperature environments, affecting the normal operation of the battery pack 800, a heating element 700 is also provided on the cooling side 110 in this embodiment. Preferably, the heating element 700 is a heating film that is detachably wrapped around the cooling side 110. The addition of the heating element 700 can quickly raise the temperature of the cooling side 110 in low-temperature environments, ensuring the normal operation of the battery pack 800. Especially when starting up in a cold environment, the heating element 700 can quickly heat up, preventing the cooling side 110 from freezing, protecting the system from damage, and effectively extending the service life of the semiconductor cooler 100 and the system. It is worth noting that the heating element 700 can be used flexibly as needed. For example, when the temperature of the cooling side 110 is too low but has not yet reached the point where heat exchange is impossible, that is, when the heating side 120 is heating the battery pack 800, the heating element 700 can be used to raise the temperature of the cooling side 110 to ensure the heating effect of the battery pack 800. When the system is unable to exchange heat with the environment due to extreme low temperature, the cooling side 110 can be preheated by the heating element 700 to ensure that the mixed liquid can flow smoothly to the cooling side 110.

[0035] In this embodiment, a replenishing valve 710 is also provided on the first circuit. This replenishing valve 710 can be a manual valve or an electric valve; preferably, it is an electric valve, which can automatically replenish liquid to the first circuit, ensuring the normal operation of the system and reducing the need for manual maintenance. Especially during long-term operation or in high-temperature environments, the replenishing valve 710 can replenish liquid in a timely manner, preventing temperature runaway due to insufficient liquid.

[0036] In this embodiment, a filter 720 is also provided in the first loop. This design can effectively remove impurities from the liquid, prevent pipe blockage, and ensure stable system operation. Especially during long-term use or in harsh environments, the filter 720 can effectively protect the system from the effects of impurities.

[0037] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first circuit is further provided with two sets of temperature sensors 900, and the two sets of temperature sensors 900 are located on both sides close to the battery pack 800. This design can provide real-time feedback on temperature changes on both sides of the battery pack 800, allowing the control system to quickly adjust the cooling or heating mode according to actual needs.

[0038] Because liquids expand or contract in volume due to temperature changes during operation, especially at high temperatures where the liquid volume increases significantly and at low temperatures where it decreases, an expansion tank 910 is also provided in the first loop in this embodiment. This expansion tank 910 not only provides a buffer space for the liquid, compensating for volume changes caused by temperature variations and preventing damage to pipes and equipment due to excessively high or low pressure, but also maintains stable internal system pressure, avoiding pressure fluctuations caused by liquid volume changes. This improves system stability, extends the service life of pipes and equipment, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the figure, the battery pack 800 thermal management system provided in this embodiment of the present invention has a cooling mode, a heating mode and an adjustment mode. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, when the system is in cooling mode, control valves 210, 220, and 600 are connected, while control valves 310 and 320 are disconnected. The first water pump 500 and the second water pump 510 are also activated. At this time, liquid flows in both the first and third circuits, achieving the cooling function for the battery pack 800. To further ensure the cooling effect, the heat dissipation component 400 is simultaneously activated to cool the heating side 120.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, when the system is in heating mode, control valve 210 and control valve 220 are disconnected, control valve 310, control valve 320 and control valve 600 are connected, and the first water pump 500 is turned on, while the second water pump 510 and heat dissipation component 400 are turned off. At this time, there is liquid flow only in the second circuit, which realizes the heating function of battery pack 800.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, when the system is in regulation mode, control valves 210, 220, 310, and 320 are connected, control valve 600 is disconnected, and the first water pump 500 and the heat dissipation component 400 are turned off, while the second water pump 510 is turned on. At this time, the liquid flows in the cooling side 110 and the third circuit, so that the liquid flowing out of the second water pump 510 first passes through the cooling side 110 and the heating side 120 respectively, and then flows out from the cooling side 110 and the heating side 120 to mix, and then re-enters the cooling side 110 and the heating side 120, thereby regulating the temperature of the cooling side 110.

[0043] It is worth noting that when the first water pump 500 is shut off and control valve 600 is disconnected, a significant resistance is generated in the first circuit, causing the water in the second water pump 510 to flow towards the lower-pressure control valve 210 after passing through control valve 310. Similarly, when control valve 210 and control valve 220 are disconnected and the second water pump 510 is shut off, a significant resistance is generated in the third circuit, causing the water in the first water pump 500 to flow back towards the lower-pressure heating side 120 after passing through control valve 310.

[0044] It should be noted that in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal connection of two elements or the interaction between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0046] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack thermal management system, assembled on a battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a thermoelectric cooler and a control valve assembly. The thermoelectric cooler includes a cooling side and a heating side. The cooling side is connected to the battery pack to form a first circuit, and the heating side is connected to the battery pack to form a second circuit. The first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel. The control valve assembly includes a first control valve disposed on the first circuit and a second control valve disposed on the second circuit. When the first control valve is open and the second control valve is closed, the first circuit is connected and the second circuit is closed. When the first control valve is closed and the second control valve is open, the first circuit is closed and the second circuit is connected.

2. The battery pack thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a heat dissipation component, which is connected to the heating side to form a third circuit, and the third circuit is connected in parallel with the second circuit; when the first control valve is connected and the second control valve is disconnected, the first circuit and the third circuit are connected, and the second circuit is disconnected.

3. The battery pack thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first control valve includes a first control valve and a second control valve, with the first control valve located at the water inlet on the cooling side and the second control valve located at the water outlet on the cooling side.

4. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second control valve includes a third control valve and a fourth control valve, wherein the third control valve is located between the water inlet on the heating side and the first circuit, and the fourth control valve is located between the water outlet on the heating side and the first circuit.

5. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first circuit is equipped with a first water pump, and the third circuit is equipped with a second water pump.

6. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first circuit is also equipped with a No. 5 control valve, which is located between the first water pump and the No. 2 control valve. When the No. 1 control valve, the No. 2 control valve, the No. 3 control valve, and the No. 4 control valve are all connected, and the No. 5 control valve is disconnected, the first circuit is disconnected.

7. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heating element is provided on the cooling side.

8. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation components include a radiator and a cooling fan.

9. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first circuit is also equipped with a replenishing valve.

10. A battery pack thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter is also provided on the first loop.

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