Air conditioner and energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air conditioner and an energy storage system. A first heat exchanger is provided with a first refrigerant channel and a first cold water channel; the second heat exchanger is provided with a second refrigerant channel and a second cold water channel; the third heat exchanger is provided with a third refrigerant channel; the third refrigerant channel is connected with the second refrigerant channel in parallel; the first control valve group controls the connection and disconnection of the second refrigerant channel and the third refrigerant channel; and the second control valve group controls whether the first cold water channel and the second cold water channel are communicated with the cooling liquid pipeline of each energy storage device or not. In the refrigeration mode, the compressor is started, the second refrigerant channel is opened, and the third refrigerant channel is closed; the first cold water channel is communicated with a cooling liquid pipeline of energy storage equipment with a refrigeration requirement and is used for cooling the energy storage equipment; the second cold water channel communicates with a cooling liquid pipeline of the energy storage equipment with the heating requirement to heat the energy storage equipment. The technical problem that in the prior art, the refrigerating and heating requirements of energy storage equipment cannot be met at the same time is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to an air conditioning and energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, an energy storage cabinet contains multiple battery packs, and larger containerized energy storage cabinets may contain dozens of battery packs. The coolant for each battery pack is connected in parallel to the main coolant circuit.

[0003] When an energy storage air conditioner manages multiple parallel energy storage cabinets or multiple battery packs in a single cabinet, the air conditioner can only cool or heat at any given time. Therefore, the battery packs connected to the energy storage air conditioner can only cool or heat simultaneously, which leads to the following problem:

[0004] (1) It is impossible to accurately control the cooling / heating according to the actual working conditions of each battery pack. Some battery packs that do not require cooling / heating are subjected to cooling / heating.

[0005] (2) If only a few battery packs are working, all battery packs will be cooling / heating at the same time, which is a waste of energy.

[0006] (3) It cannot heat and cool at the same time. At the same time, when a normal energy storage air conditioner is cooling, the condenser dissipates heat to the outside, and this part of the energy is completely wasted.

[0007] Currently, most methods for improving the energy efficiency of energy storage air conditioners are natural heat dissipation, that is, water circulation does not cool through the air conditioning system in winter, but dissipates heat directly in the low-temperature air through the radiator, or the air conditioning system dissipates heat naturally through the circulation of refrigerant pumps without using a compressor; another method is heat recovery, mainly for the additional heat dissipation of components such as compressors, which is carried out by connecting a heat recovery unit in series. The recovery efficiency is generally relatively low, and it is mainly used for producing domestic hot water near residential areas.

[0008] Therefore, current air conditioners cannot simultaneously cool and heat energy storage cabinets, and cannot meet the cooling and heating needs of energy storage cabinets at the same time. Moreover, the heat recovery efficiency of air conditioners is relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This utility model provides an air conditioner, which solves the technical problem that the existing technology cannot simultaneously meet the cooling and heating needs of energy storage devices.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] Air conditioning, including:

[0012] compressor;

[0013] Four-way valve;

[0014] Throttling device;

[0015] The first heat exchanger has a first refrigerant passage and a first cold water passage;

[0016] The second heat exchanger has a second refrigerant passage and a second cold water passage;

[0017] A third heat exchanger has a third refrigerant channel; the third refrigerant channel is connected in parallel with the second refrigerant channel.

[0018] The first control valve assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the second and third refrigerant passages;

[0019] The second control valve group is used to control whether the first cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device, and to control whether the second cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device.

[0020] When the second refrigerant passage is open, the compressor, four-way valve, first refrigerant passage, throttling device, and second refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop;

[0021] When the third refrigerant passage is open, the compressor, four-way valve, first refrigerant passage, throttling device, and third refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the second control valve group includes a plurality of first three-way valves and a plurality of second three-way valves;

[0023] The outlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the first main outlet pipe, the first main outlet pipe is connected to multiple first branch outlet pipes, and the multiple branch outlet pipes are connected to the first ports of multiple first three-way valves one by one.

[0024] The outlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the second main outlet pipe, the second main outlet pipe is connected to multiple second branch outlet pipes, and the multiple branch outlet pipes are connected to the second ports of multiple first three-way valves one by one.

[0025] The third ports of multiple first three-way valves are connected one-to-one with the liquid inlets of multiple energy storage devices;

[0026] The return water inlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the first return water main, the first return water main is connected to multiple first return water branch pipes, and the multiple first return water branch pipes are connected to the first ports of multiple second three-way valves one by one.

[0027] The return water inlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the second return water main pipe, the second return water main pipe is connected to multiple second return water branch pipes respectively, and the multiple second return water branch pipes are connected to the second ports of multiple second three-way valves one by one.

[0028] The third ports of multiple second three-way valves are connected one-to-one with the liquid outlets of multiple energy storage devices.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the first control valve assembly includes:

[0030] The first shut-off valve assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the second refrigerant passage;

[0031] The second shut-off valve assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the third refrigerant passage.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the first shut-off valve assembly includes two shut-off valves;

[0033] One of the shut-off valves is located at the first inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant passage;

[0034] Another shut-off valve is installed at the second inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant channel.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the second shut-off valve assembly includes two shut-off valves;

[0036] One of the shut-off valves is located at the first inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage;

[0037] Another shut-off valve is located at the second inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the first heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, a first expansion tank is provided on the first water outlet main pipe; and a second expansion tank is provided on the second water outlet main pipe.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, temperature sensors are respectively provided at the outlet and return outlet of the first cold water channel;

[0041] Temperature sensors are installed at the outlet and return outlet of the second cold water channel.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, temperature sensors are respectively installed at the inlet and outlet of the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device.

[0043] Based on the above air conditioner design, this utility model also proposes an energy storage system, including:

[0044] The air conditioner mentioned above;

[0045] Multiple energy storage devices;

[0046] An energy storage controller that sends control commands to the air conditioner.

[0047] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows: The air conditioning and energy storage system of this utility model is designed with a first heat exchanger having a first refrigerant channel and a first cold water channel; a second heat exchanger having a second refrigerant channel and a second cold water channel; and a third heat exchanger having a third refrigerant channel; the third refrigerant channel is connected in parallel with the second refrigerant channel; a first control valve group is used to control the on / off state of the second and third refrigerant channels; and a second control valve group is used to control whether the first cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device, and whether the second cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device. In air conditioning cooling mode, the compressor starts, the second refrigerant channel is opened, and the third refrigerant channel is closed; the first cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device with cooling needs, cooling the energy storage device; and the second cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device with heating needs, heating the energy storage device. Therefore, the air conditioner of the present invention can simultaneously meet the cooling and heating needs of energy storage devices, solving the technical problem in the prior art that it cannot simultaneously meet the cooling and heating needs of energy storage devices.

[0048] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0049] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the air conditioner proposed in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0052] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] The air conditioner in this embodiment includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a throttling device (such as an electronic expansion valve Val), a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a first control valve assembly, a second control valve assembly, etc. (See also...) Figure 1 As shown.

[0056] The first heat exchanger has a first refrigerant passage and a first cold water passage. The liquid in the first refrigerant passage exchanges heat with the liquid in the first cold water passage. The first cold water passage is connected to the coolant pipelines of multiple energy storage devices.

[0057] The second heat exchanger has a second refrigerant passage and a second cold water passage. The liquid in the second refrigerant passage exchanges heat with the liquid in the second cold water passage. The second cold water passage is connected to the coolant pipelines of multiple energy storage devices.

[0058] The third heat exchanger has a third refrigerant passage. The third refrigerant passage is connected in parallel with the second refrigerant passage.

[0059] The first control valve assembly controls the on / off state of the second and third refrigerant passages. The air conditioning controller controls the operation of the first control valve assembly, thereby controlling the on / off state of the second and third refrigerant passages.

[0060] The second control valve assembly controls the connection between the first chilled water passage and the coolant lines of each energy storage device, as well as the connection between the second chilled water passage and the coolant lines of each energy storage device. The air conditioning controller controls the operation of the second control valve assembly, thereby controlling the connection between the first chilled water passage, the second chilled water passage, and the coolant lines of each energy storage device.

[0061] The second and third refrigerant channels are not connected at the same time.

[0062] When the second refrigerant passage is open, the compressor, four-way valve, first refrigerant passage, throttling device, and second refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0063] When the third refrigerant passage is open, the compressor, four-way valve, first refrigerant passage, throttling device, and third refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop. When the third refrigerant passage is open, the fan located on one side of the third heat exchanger starts, accelerating the heat exchange between the third heat exchanger and the surrounding environment.

[0064] The energy storage device consists of an energy storage unit and coolant piping. The energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy and to charge or discharge it. The coolant piping is used to heat or cool the energy storage unit. The coolant piping has an outlet and an inlet.

[0065] In this embodiment, the energy storage device is an electrical cabinet or a battery pack. Multiple energy storage devices are connected in parallel.

[0066] Air conditioners are used to meet the cooling and heating needs of multiple electrical cabinets or multiple battery packs connected in parallel.

[0067] The coolant pipelines of multiple energy storage devices are connected in parallel. The coolant pipeline of each energy storage device is connected to a first cold water channel and a second cold water channel, respectively. By designing a second control valve group, it is possible to control whether the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device is connected to the first cold water channel, the second cold water channel, or neither of the first and second cold water channels.

[0068] When the air conditioner is cooling, the first heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and the second or third heat exchanger acts as a condenser. The flow of refrigerant through the second or third heat exchanger is controlled by a first control valve assembly. When the air conditioner is heating, the first heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the second or third heat exchanger acts as an evaporator.

[0069] When the energy storage device requires heating (heating or preheating), the air conditioner enters heating mode, the compressor starts, and the first control valve group shuts off the second refrigerant passage and opens the third refrigerant passage. Simultaneously, the second control valve group connects the first chilled water passage to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device. That is, the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device is connected to the first chilled water passage, but not to the second chilled water passage. Specifically, the outlet of the first chilled water passage is connected to the inlet of the energy storage device, and the return outlet of the first chilled water passage is connected to the outlet of the energy storage device.

[0070] Therefore, in heating mode, the compressor, four-way valve, first refrigerant passage, throttling device, and third refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant in the first refrigerant passage exchanges heat with the water in the first cold water passage to increase the water temperature in the first cold water passage. The first cold water passage is connected to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device, forming a water circulation loop to heat (or preheat) the energy storage unit of the energy storage device.

[0071] When the first energy storage device has a cooling (cooling) requirement, and the second energy storage device has a heating (heating or preheating) requirement, the air conditioner enters cooling mode, the compressor starts, and the first control valve group controls the opening of the second refrigerant passage and the closing of the third refrigerant passage. Furthermore, the second control valve group controls the connection between the first chilled water passage and the coolant pipeline of the first energy storage device, and the second chilled water passage and the coolant pipeline of the second energy storage device. That is, the outlet of the first chilled water passage is connected to the inlet of the first energy storage device, and the return outlet of the first chilled water passage is connected to the outlet of the first energy storage device. Similarly, the outlet of the second chilled water passage is connected to the inlet of the second energy storage device, and the return outlet of the second chilled water passage is connected to the outlet of the second energy storage device.

[0072] Therefore, in refrigeration mode, the compressor, four-way valve, second refrigerant passage, throttling device, and first refrigerant passage form a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0073] The refrigerant in the first refrigerant passage exchanges heat with the water in the first cold water passage to lower the water temperature in the first cold water passage. The first cold water passage is connected to the coolant pipeline of the first energy storage device, forming a water circulation loop to cool the energy storage unit of the first energy storage device.

[0074] The refrigerant in the second refrigerant channel exchanges heat with the water in the second cold water channel to increase the water temperature in the second cold water channel. The second cold water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of the second energy storage device to form a water circulation loop, which heats (or preheats) the energy storage units of the second energy storage device.

[0075] Therefore, in air conditioning cooling mode, both the cooling and heating needs of the energy storage equipment are met.

[0076] The air conditioner in this embodiment is designed with a first heat exchanger having a first refrigerant channel and a first chilled water channel; a second heat exchanger having a second refrigerant channel and a second chilled water channel; and a third heat exchanger having a third refrigerant channel. The third refrigerant channel is connected in parallel with the second refrigerant channel. A first control valve group is used to control the on / off state of the second and third refrigerant channels. A second control valve group is used to control whether the first chilled water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device, and whether the second chilled water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device. In the air conditioning cooling mode, the compressor starts, the second refrigerant channel is opened, and the third refrigerant channel is closed. The first chilled water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device with cooling needs, cooling the energy storage device; the second chilled water channel is connected to the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device with heating needs, heating the energy storage device. Therefore, the air conditioner in this embodiment can simultaneously meet the cooling and heating needs of the energy storage device, solving the technical problem in the prior art that it cannot simultaneously meet the cooling and heating needs of the energy storage device.

[0077] The air conditioner in this embodiment can cool one energy storage device while simultaneously heating others, meeting both cooling and heating needs of the energy storage devices at the same time. This solves the technical problem in existing technologies where energy storage devices cannot be cooled and heated simultaneously. Furthermore, heat is recovered and reused through a second heat exchanger to heat other energy storage devices, improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0078] The outlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the inlet of multiple energy storage devices via a first outlet pipe; the return outlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the outlet of multiple energy storage devices via a first return pipe. The first outlet pipe includes a first main outlet pipe L1 and multiple first outlet branch pipes. The first return pipe includes a first main return pipe L2 and multiple first return branch pipes.

[0079] The outlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the inlet of multiple energy storage devices via a second outlet pipe; the return outlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the outlet of multiple energy storage devices via a second return pipe. The second outlet pipe includes a second main outlet pipe L3 and multiple second branch outlet pipes. The second return pipe includes a second main return pipe L4 and multiple second branch return pipes.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, a first water pump is provided on the first water outlet pipe. The first water pump is specifically installed on the first main water outlet L1 to provide power for the flow of water in the first water outlet pipe.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, a second water pump is provided on the second water outlet pipe. Specifically, the second water pump is installed on the second main water outlet L3 to provide power for the flow of water in the second water outlet pipe.

[0082] In some embodiments of this application, in order to facilitate the control of whether the first cold water channel, the second cold water channel and the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device are connected, the second control valve group includes a plurality of first three-way valves and a plurality of second three-way valves.

[0083] The outlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the first main outlet L1. The first main outlet L1 is connected to multiple first branch outlet pipes, and the multiple branch outlet pipes are connected to the first ports of multiple first three-way valves in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0084] The outlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the second main outlet L3. The second main outlet L3 is connected to multiple second branch outlet pipes, and the multiple branch outlet pipes are connected to the second ports of multiple first three-way valves one by one.

[0085] The third ports of multiple first three-way valves are connected one-to-one with the liquid inlets of multiple energy storage devices.

[0086] The return water inlet of the first cold water channel is connected to the first return water main L2. The first return water main L2 is connected to multiple first return water branch pipes, and the multiple first return water branch pipes are connected to the first ports of multiple second three-way valves one by one.

[0087] The return water inlet of the second cold water channel is connected to the second return water main L4. The second return water main L4 is connected to multiple second return water branch pipes, and the multiple second return water branch pipes are connected to the second ports of multiple second three-way valves one by one.

[0088] The third ports of multiple second three-way valves are connected one-to-one with the liquid outlets of multiple energy storage devices.

[0089] Therefore, each energy storage device is equipped with a first three-way valve at the liquid inlet and a second three-way valve at the liquid outlet.

[0090] The air conditioning controller controls each first three-way valve and each second three-way valve respectively, so as to control the coolant pipeline of each energy storage device to be connected to the first cold water channel, or connected to the second cold water channel, or not connected to either the first cold water channel or the second cold water channel.

[0091] For example, see Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner can cool or heat four parallel energy storage devices.

[0092] The inlet of the energy storage device 1 is connected to the third port of the first three-way valve V11. The first port of the first three-way valve V11 is connected to the first main outlet L1 through the corresponding first outlet branch pipe. The second port of the first three-way valve V11 is connected to the second main outlet L3 through the corresponding second outlet branch pipe.

[0093] The outlet of the energy storage device 1 is connected to the third port of the second three-way valve V21. The first port of the second three-way valve V21 is connected to the first return water main L2 through the corresponding first return water branch pipe. The second port of the second three-way valve V21 is connected to the second return water main L4 through the corresponding second return water branch pipe.

[0094] The air conditioning controller controls the first three-way valve V11 and the second three-way valve V21, so that the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device 1 is connected to the first cold water channel, or connected to the second cold water channel, or not connected to either of the two cold water channels.

[0095] The inlet of the energy storage device 2 is connected to the third port of the first three-way valve V12. The first port of the first three-way valve V12 is connected to the first main outlet L1 through the corresponding first outlet branch pipe. The second port of the first three-way valve V12 is connected to the second main outlet L3 through the corresponding second outlet branch pipe.

[0096] The outlet of the energy storage device 2 is connected to the third port of the second three-way valve V22. The first port of the second three-way valve V22 is connected to the first return water main L2 through the corresponding first return water branch pipe. The second port of the second three-way valve V22 is connected to the second return water main L4 through the corresponding second return water branch pipe.

[0097] The air conditioning controller controls the first three-way valve V12 and the second three-way valve V22, so that the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device 2 is connected to the first cold water channel, or connected to the second cold water channel, or not connected to either of the two cold water channels.

[0098] The inlet of the energy storage device 3 is connected to the third port of the first three-way valve V13. The first port of the first three-way valve V13 is connected to the first main outlet L1 through the corresponding first outlet branch pipe. The second port of the first three-way valve V13 is connected to the second main outlet L3 through the corresponding second outlet branch pipe.

[0099] The outlet of the energy storage device 3 is connected to the third port of the second three-way valve V23. The first port of the second three-way valve V23 is connected to the first return water main L2 through the corresponding first return water branch pipe. The second port of the second three-way valve V23 is connected to the second return water main L4 through the corresponding second return water branch pipe.

[0100] The air conditioning controller controls the first three-way valve V13 and the second three-way valve V23, so that the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device 3 is connected to the first cold water channel, or connected to the second cold water channel, or not connected to either of the two cold water channels.

[0101] The inlet of the energy storage device 4 is connected to the third port of the first three-way valve V14. The first port of the first three-way valve V14 is connected to the first main outlet L1 through the corresponding first outlet branch pipe. The second port of the first three-way valve V14 is connected to the second main outlet L3 through the corresponding second outlet branch pipe.

[0102] The outlet of the energy storage device 4 is connected to the third port of the second three-way valve V24. The first port of the second three-way valve V24 is connected to the first return water main L2 through the corresponding first return water branch pipe. The second port of the second three-way valve V24 is connected to the second return water main L4 through the corresponding second return water branch pipe.

[0103] The air conditioning controller controls the first three-way valve V14 and the second three-way valve V24, so that the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device 4 is connected to the first cold water channel, or connected to the second cold water channel, or not connected to either of the two cold water channels.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, in order to facilitate the control of the opening and closing of the second refrigerant passage and the third refrigerant passage, the first control valve assembly includes a first shut-off valve assembly and a second shut-off valve assembly.

[0105] The first shut-off valve assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the second refrigerant passage.

[0106] The second shut-off valve assembly is used to control the opening and closing of the third refrigerant passage.

[0107] The air conditioning controller controls the operation of the first shut-off valve assembly, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the second refrigerant passage.

[0108] The air conditioning controller controls the operation of the second shut-off valve assembly, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the third refrigerant passage.

[0109] In some embodiments of this application, to facilitate the control of the opening and closing of the second refrigerant passage, the first shut-off valve assembly includes two shut-off valves: shut-off valve V31 and shut-off valve V32. One shut-off valve V31 is located at the first inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant passage; the other shut-off valve V32 is located at the second inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant passage. When both shut-off valves V31 and V32 are open, the second refrigerant passage is open.

[0110] In some embodiments of this application, to facilitate the control of the opening and closing of the third refrigerant passage, the second shut-off valve assembly includes two shut-off valves: shut-off valve V33 and shut-off valve V34. One shut-off valve V33 is located at the first inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage; the other shut-off valve V34 is located at the second inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage. When both shut-off valves V33 and V34 are open, the third refrigerant passage is open.

[0111] In some embodiments of this application, the first heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger, which has high heat exchange efficiency and low heat loss.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, the second heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger, which has high heat exchange efficiency and low heat loss.

[0113] In some embodiments of this application, a first expansion tank is provided on the first water outlet pipe. The first expansion tank is specifically installed on the first main water outlet L1. The first expansion tank is used to accommodate water expansion, avoid water pressure fluctuations, and also serves to replenish water, ensuring the safety and reliability of the air conditioner operation.

[0114] In some embodiments of this application, a second expansion tank is provided on the second water outlet pipe. Specifically, the second expansion tank is installed on the second main water outlet pipe L3. The second expansion tank is used to accommodate water expansion, preventing water pressure fluctuations, and also serves to replenish water, ensuring the safety and reliability of the air conditioner operation.

[0115] In some embodiments of this application, temperature sensors are respectively installed at the outlet and return outlet of the first cold water channel to facilitate the collection of the temperature at the outlet and return outlet of the first cold water channel. The temperature sensors send the collected temperature signals to the air conditioning controller.

[0116] In some embodiments of this application, temperature sensors are respectively installed at the outlet and return outlet of the second cold water channel to facilitate the collection of the temperature at the outlet and return outlet of the second cold water channel. The temperature sensors send the collected temperature signals to the air conditioning controller.

[0117] In some embodiments of this application, temperature sensors are respectively installed at the inlet and outlet of the coolant pipeline of the energy storage device to facilitate the collection of the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the energy storage device. The temperature sensors send the collected temperature signals to the air conditioning controller.

[0118] The working process of an air conditioner will be explained in detail below.

[0119] In winter, the energy storage device (energy storage unit is a battery) is too cold to charge and discharge directly. It needs to be heated first to raise the battery temperature before charging and discharging can begin. During this time, the air conditioner needs to be in heating mode. In heating mode, the refrigerant circulation path is: compressor → first heat exchanger → electronic expansion valve → third heat exchanger → compressor. The first heat exchanger heats the energy storage device. At this time, the valve group of the second heat exchanger (stop valves V31 and V32) is closed, and the valve group of the third heat exchanger (stop valves V33 and V34) is open.

[0120] For example, if only energy storage device 1 needs to be put into operation, then control three-way valves V11 and V21 to connect the coolant pipeline of energy storage device 1 to the first cold water channel of the first heat exchanger, but not to the second cold water channel of the second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger then heats energy storage device 1. All other shut-off valves are closed, and the device is in a shutdown state.

[0121] When the energy storage device's temperature rises, it generates heat during charging and discharging. At this time, the air conditioner needs to operate in cooling mode. In cooling mode, the refrigerant circulation path is: compressor → second heat exchanger → electronic expansion valve → first heat exchanger → compressor. During this time, the valve group (stop valves V31 and V32) of the second heat exchanger is open, and the valve group (stop valves V33 and V34) of the third heat exchanger is closed. The second heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the heat it generates preheats the remaining energy storage devices. The corresponding three-way valve of the energy storage device requiring preheating opens, connecting to the second cold water channel of the second heat exchanger, which then preheats the energy storage device. When the energy storage device is needed (during charging and discharging), it can be directly put into use. After being put into use, the energy storage device generates heat during charging and discharging, and the three-way valve of this energy storage device switches to connect to the first cold water channel of the first heat exchanger, which then cools the energy storage device.

[0122] For example, if all three-way valves V12, V22, V13, V23, V14, and V24 are connected to the second cold water channel of the second heat exchanger, then energy storage devices 2, 3, and 4 are in a preheating state. When energy storage device 2 is put into use, its initial temperature is low, and heating will continue for a period of time. When the heat generated by charging and discharging becomes large, three-way valves V12 and V22 will switch to connect to the first cold water channel of the first heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger will begin to cool energy storage device 2. Energy storage devices 3 and 4 will still be in a preheating state. If any energy storage device is taken out of use at this time, its corresponding three-way valve will also switch from connecting to the first cold water channel to connecting to the second cold water channel, entering the preheating state.

[0123] This allows for switching between heating and cooling needs of any energy storage device, enabling different energy storage devices to operate simultaneously in both modes. For example, energy storage devices 1 and 2 can cool, while devices 3 and 4 can heat, preventing all devices from operating only one mode at a time. The heat from the second heat exchanger is fully recovered and utilized, preventing waste. The battery management system of the energy storage devices also offers greater flexibility, allowing for the selection of which device operates based on actual conditions. Simultaneous operation is not required; instead, the system can determine in real-time whether heating or cooling is needed based on the temperature of each battery and open the corresponding three-way valve.

[0124] The air conditioner of this application recovers and utilizes heat through a second heat exchanger for heating and preheating of other energy storage devices, improving energy utilization efficiency and avoiding the waste of heat dissipated by the condenser in traditional heat pump cycles. In traditional heat pump air conditioners, the heat dissipated by the condenser equals the heat absorbed by the evaporator plus the compressor power during cooling, resulting in complete waste of this heat. However, in this application, the heat dissipated by the condenser is converted into heating capacity. This application is equivalent to two traditional heat pumps, one for cooling and the other for heating.

[0125] When the energy storage device is not started, the condenser is used to preheat the energy storage device; when the energy storage device is running, usually when it is just started up and the battery heats up little and the temperature is still low, the condenser is used to heat the energy storage device; in both cases, the condenser is actually used to heat the energy storage device.

[0126] The air conditioner in this embodiment can achieve the following: (1) One air conditioner can meet the needs of simultaneous heating and cooling. (2) Each energy storage device has three states: cooling, heating, and shutdown. The cooling / heating of each energy storage device can be controlled independently. When the energy storage device is shut down, this flow path can also be in a shutdown state. At the same time, different energy storage devices can be in the three states of heating, cooling, and shutdown respectively, without all energy storage devices needing to cool or heat at the same time. (3) The heat from the second heat exchanger in the cooling mode can be reused, improving the energy efficiency.

[0127] The air conditioner in this embodiment helps improve the precision control of the battery thermal management system. It can collect real-time data of each battery through the battery management system, thereby achieving precise control of the battery cabinet.

[0128] The air conditioner in this embodiment recovers and utilizes almost 100% of the condensation heat, which can still be used in the energy storage device. It can also be adjusted according to the specific operating conditions of a single energy storage device, achieving high utilization rate, no need to transfer to other industries, high precision control, and simultaneous cooling and heating by a single air conditioner.

[0129] Example 2

[0130] Based on the air conditioner design in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 proposes an energy storage system, including the air conditioner, multiple energy storage devices, and an energy storage controller.

[0131] The energy storage controller controls the charging and discharging of multiple energy storage devices. It communicates with the air conditioner, sending control commands to it.

[0132] By designing the aforementioned air conditioner into the energy storage system, the heating and cooling needs of the energy storage device can be met simultaneously, ensuring the smooth charging and discharging of the energy storage device.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: Comprises: a compressor; a four-way valve; a throttling device; a first heat exchanger having a first refrigerant passage, a first cooling water passage; a second heat exchanger having a second refrigerant passage, a second cooling water passage; a third heat exchanger having a third refrigerant passage; the third refrigerant passage is in parallel with the second refrigerant passage; a first control valve group for controlling the on-off of the second refrigerant passage and the third refrigerant passage; a second control valve group for controlling the communication of the first cooling water passage with the cooling liquid pipeline of each energy storage device and for controlling the communication of the second cooling water passage with the cooling liquid pipeline of each energy storage device; wherein when the second refrigerant passage is turned on, the compressor, the four-way valve, the first refrigerant passage, the throttling device, and the second refrigerant passage form a circulating loop of refrigerant; when the third refrigerant passage is turned on, the compressor, the four-way valve, the first refrigerant passage, the throttling device, and the third refrigerant passage form a circulating loop of refrigerant.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: the second control valve group comprises a plurality of first three-way valves and a plurality of second three-way valves; an outlet of the first cooling water passage is connected with a first outlet main pipe, the first outlet main pipe is respectively connected with a plurality of first outlet branch pipes, and the plurality of first outlet branch pipes are respectively connected with the first ports of the plurality of first three-way valves in one-to-one correspondence; an outlet of the second cooling water passage is connected with a second outlet main pipe, the second outlet main pipe is respectively connected with a plurality of second outlet branch pipes, and the plurality of second outlet branch pipes are respectively connected with the second ports of the plurality of first three-way valves in one-to-one correspondence; the third ports of the plurality of first three-way valves are respectively connected with the liquid inlets of the plurality of energy storage devices in one-to-one correspondence; a return of the first cooling water passage is connected with a first return main pipe, the first return main pipe is respectively connected with a plurality of first return branch pipes, and the plurality of first return branch pipes are respectively connected with the first ports of the plurality of second three-way valves in one-to-one correspondence; a return of the second cooling water passage is connected with a second return main pipe, the second return main pipe is respectively connected with a plurality of second return branch pipes, and the plurality of second return branch pipes are respectively connected with the second ports of the plurality of second three-way valves in one-to-one correspondence; the third ports of the plurality of second three-way valves are respectively connected with the liquid outlets of the plurality of energy storage devices in one-to-one correspondence.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first control valve group comprises: a first stop valve assembly for controlling the on-off of the second refrigerant passage; a second stop valve assembly for controlling the on-off of the third refrigerant passage.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: the first stop valve assembly comprises two stop valves; one of the stop valves is arranged at a first inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant passage; the other stop valve is arranged at a second inlet and outlet of the second refrigerant passage.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: the second stop valve assembly comprises two stop valves; one of the stop valves is arranged at a first inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage; the other stop valve is arranged at a second inlet and outlet of the third refrigerant passage.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; and the second heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

7. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein: A first expansion tank is arranged on the first water outlet main pipe; and a second expansion tank is arranged on the second water outlet main pipe.

8. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein: Temperature sensors are arranged on the water outlet and return water inlets of the first cold water channel, respectively; Temperature sensors are arranged on the water outlet and return water inlets of the second cold water channel, respectively.

9. The air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Temperature sensors are arranged on the liquid inlet and outlet of the cooling liquid pipeline of the energy storage device, respectively.

10. An energy storage system characterized by: The air conditioner of any one of claims 1 to 9; A plurality of energy storage devices; An energy storage controller that sends control instructions to the air conditioner. ​

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