Thermal management system, battery pack and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a thermal management system, a battery pack and electric equipment, the thermal management system comprises a plurality of heat exchange assemblies, and at least part of the heat exchange assemblies comprise a plurality of heat exchange units; the multiple heat exchange assemblies are connected in series, and the multiple heat exchange units are connected in parallel. Or the multiple heat exchange assemblies are connected in parallel, and the multiple heat exchange units are connected in series. Through series-parallel combination of the heat exchange assemblies and the heat exchange units, partial series connection and partial parallel connection of the heat exchange units are achieved, too large system flow resistance and too large heat exchange effect difference during full series connection are avoided, insufficient flow distribution during full parallel connection is avoided, the heat exchange medium circulation efficiency can be improved, and the temperature difference can be reduced; and efficient heat dissipation and temperature control of the battery pack are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to thermal management systems, battery packs, and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the thermal management system of a battery pack, the design of the liquid cooling pipeline is a key aspect of achieving effective heat dissipation and temperature control of the battery modules. When a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each module is typically equipped with a corresponding liquid cooling plate. These liquid cooling plates are connected in series or in parallel through liquid cooling pipelines to achieve effective thermal management.

[0003] However, when these liquid cooling plates are connected in series via liquid cooling pipes, the flow resistance of the entire system increases significantly, leading to low circulation efficiency of the heat exchange medium. Simultaneously, because the heat exchange medium flows sequentially from upstream to downstream through each liquid cooling plate, there is a significant difference in heat exchange efficiency between the upstream and downstream plates, resulting in increased temperature differences between battery modules and affecting battery performance and lifespan. Furthermore, when these liquid cooling plates are connected in parallel via liquid cooling pipes, the total flow is distributed to each individual plate, leading to insufficient flow within a single plate and consequently increasing the temperature difference within each battery module. Utility Model Content

[0004] Embodiments of this utility model provide a thermal management system, a battery pack, and electrical equipment that can improve the circulation efficiency of the heat exchange medium and reduce the temperature difference, thereby at least partially solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a thermal management system, including a plurality of heat exchange components, at least some of which include a plurality of heat exchange units;

[0006] The heat exchange components are connected in series, and the heat exchange units in the heat exchange components are connected in parallel; or, the heat exchange components are connected in parallel, and the heat exchange units in the heat exchange components are connected in series.

[0007] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes:

[0008] The pipeline has a main inlet, a main outlet, a first connecting port, and a second connecting port, with both ends of the plurality of heat exchange components respectively connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port; and,

[0009] A flow direction switching device is installed in the pipeline. When the flow direction switching device is in the first state, it connects the main liquid inlet and the first connecting port, and also connects the second connecting port and the main liquid outlet. When the flow direction switching device is in the second state, it connects the main liquid inlet and the second connecting port, and also connects the first connecting port and the main liquid outlet.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flow direction switching device includes a four-way valve, the four ports of which are respectively connected to the main inlet, the main outlet, the first connecting port, and the second connecting port.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least two heat exchange components are provided, and each heat exchange unit has two liquid inlets that are in communication with each other;

[0012] The pipeline includes two liquid collection pipe groups, which are arranged corresponding to the two heat exchange components. Each liquid collection pipe group includes a first liquid collection pipe and a second liquid collection pipe. The first liquid collection pipe has a first liquid collection port and a plurality of first diversion ports, and the second liquid collection pipe has a second liquid collection port and a plurality of second diversion ports.

[0013] The two first liquid collection ports are respectively connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port, the second liquid collection ports in the two liquid collection pipe groups are connected to each other, and the two liquid inlets of each heat exchange unit in the same heat exchange assembly are respectively connected to the first diversion port and the second diversion port in the same liquid collection pipe group.

[0014] In one embodiment, two heat exchange components are arranged along a first direction, and a plurality of heat exchange units in each heat exchange component are arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0015] Both the first liquid collection tube and the second liquid collection tube extend along the second direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the second direction, the first liquid collection port is located in the middle of the first liquid collection tube; and / or, the second liquid collection port is located in the middle of the second liquid collection tube.

[0017] In one embodiment, two collection tube groups are arranged along a second direction, with the first collection tube and the second collection tube in each collection tube group arranged along the second direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the second direction, the two first liquid collection tubes are located between the two second liquid collection tubes, or the two second liquid collection tubes are located between the two first liquid collection tubes.

[0019] In one embodiment, each second liquid collecting pipe is provided with a plurality of second liquid collecting ports, and the plurality of second liquid collecting ports are evenly distributed in the second liquid collecting pipe along the extension direction of the second liquid collecting pipe. The pipe also includes a plurality of connecting pipes, and the two ends of each connecting pipe are respectively connected to two second liquid collecting ports in two second liquid collecting pipes.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat exchange unit includes a liquid cooling plate having channels for the flow of a heat exchange medium.

[0021] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes:

[0022] A temperature detection device is used to detect the temperature of the battery module; and,

[0023] A control device is connected to the temperature detection device and the flow direction switching device respectively, and is used to control the operation of the flow direction switching device according to the detection result of the temperature detection device.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack, comprising:

[0025] Multiple battery modules;

[0026] And, as described in any of the above thermal management systems, the heat exchange unit performs heat exchange on the battery module.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of this utility model provide an electrical device, including the battery pack described above.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model are as follows:

[0029] In embodiments of this utility model, the thermal management system includes multiple heat exchange components, at least some of which contain multiple heat exchange units. Two unique configurations are formed through series and parallel connections of the heat exchange components and units. In the first configuration, the heat exchange components are connected in series, and the heat exchange medium flows sequentially through each component, effectively solving the problem of insufficient heat exchange medium distribution within a single heat exchange component due to parallel connections. The heat exchange units within each heat exchange component are connected in parallel. This design increases the flow path of the heat exchange medium, reduces the overall flow resistance of the system, and reduces the difference in heat exchange effect between different heat exchange units within the same heat exchange component caused by series connections. In the second configuration, the heat exchange components are connected in parallel, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow through multiple components simultaneously. This significantly reduces the overall flow resistance of the system and effectively alleviates the difference in heat exchange effect between different heat exchange components caused by series connections. Simultaneously, the heat exchange units within each heat exchange component are connected in series, avoiding the problem of insufficient heat exchange medium flow within a single heat exchange unit caused by parallel connections. In summary, by combining heat exchange components and heat exchange units in series and parallel, a partial series and partial parallel connection of heat exchange units is achieved. This connection method effectively avoids the excessive system flow resistance and differences in heat exchange performance caused by a fully series connection, while also solving the problem of insufficient flow distribution in a fully parallel connection. This improves the circulation efficiency of the heat exchange medium, reduces the temperature difference, and achieves efficient heat dissipation and temperature control of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermal management system in another state;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the battery pack structure;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of part of the thermal management system structure;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the thermal management system.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1000, Battery Pack; 100, Thermal Management System; 1, Heat Exchange Component; 11, Heat Exchange Unit; 111, Liquid Inlet; 2, Pipeline; 21, Main Liquid Inlet; 22, Main Liquid Outlet; 23, First Connecting Port; 24, Second Connecting Port; 25, Liquid Collection Pipe Assembly; 251, First Liquid Collection Pipe; 2511, First Liquid Collection Port; 2512, First Diverting Port; 252, Second Liquid Collection Pipe; 2521, Second Liquid Collection Port; 2522, Second Diverting Port; 26, Connecting Pipe; 27, Diverting Pipe; 3, Flow Direction Switching Device; 31, Four-Way Valve; 200, Battery Module. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0041] This application proposes a thermal management system. Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are some embodiments of this application.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 or Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management system 100 includes a plurality of heat exchange components 1, at least some of which include a plurality of heat exchange units 11; wherein the plurality of heat exchange components 1 are connected in series, and the plurality of heat exchange units 11 in the heat exchange components 1 including the plurality of heat exchange units 11 are connected in parallel (as shown in the example). Figure 1 or Figure 2(as shown); or, multiple heat exchange components 1 are connected in parallel, and multiple heat exchange units 11 in a heat exchange component 1 including multiple heat exchange units 11 are connected in series.

[0043] In the technical solution of this application, the thermal management system 100 includes multiple heat exchange components 1, at least some of which contain multiple heat exchange units 11. Two unique configurations are formed through series and parallel connections of the heat exchange components 1 and heat exchange units 11. In the first configuration, the heat exchange components 1 are connected in series, and the heat exchange medium flows sequentially through each heat exchange component 1, effectively solving the problem of insufficient heat exchange medium distribution within a single heat exchange component 1 caused by parallel connections. The heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 are connected in parallel. This design increases the flow path of the heat exchange medium, reduces the overall flow resistance of the system, and reduces the difference in heat exchange effect between different heat exchange units 11 within the heat exchange component 1 caused by series connections. In the second configuration, the heat exchange components 1 are connected in parallel, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow through multiple heat exchange components 1 simultaneously, thereby significantly reducing the overall flow resistance of the system and effectively mitigating the difference in heat exchange effect between different heat exchange components 1 caused by series connections. Meanwhile, the heat exchange units 11 within the heat exchange assembly 1 are connected in series. This design avoids the problem of insufficient heat exchange medium flow rate within a single heat exchange unit 11 caused by parallel connections. In summary, through the series-parallel combination of the heat exchange assembly 1 and the heat exchange units 11, partial series and partial parallel connections of the heat exchange units 11 are achieved. This connection method effectively avoids the excessive system flow resistance and differences in heat exchange effect caused by a fully series connection, and also solves the problem of insufficient flow distribution in a fully parallel connection. Thus, the heat exchange medium circulation efficiency can be improved, the temperature difference reduced, and efficient heat dissipation and temperature control of the battery pack 1000 can be achieved.

[0044] In some embodiments, each heat exchange component 1 includes multiple heat exchange units 11, and the number of heat exchange units 11 in each heat exchange component 1 is the same. In these embodiments, each heat exchange component 1 includes multiple heat exchange units 11, and the number of heat exchange units 11 in each heat exchange component 1 is the same. If the heat exchange components 1 are connected in parallel, the heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 are connected in series, and the number of heat exchange units 11 in each heat exchange component 1 is the same. As long as the flow rate entering each heat exchange component 1 is uniform, the flow rate of all heat exchange units 11 can be guaranteed to be consistent. This means that by ensuring that each parallel heat exchange component 1 receives an equal amount of heat exchange medium, the consistency of the flow rate among the heat exchange units 11 connected in series within each heat exchange component 1 can be achieved, thereby avoiding the problem of uneven heat dissipation caused by insufficient flow rate in a single heat exchange unit 11, and improving the thermal management efficiency and temperature consistency of the entire system. On the other hand, if the heat exchange components 1 are connected in series, the heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 are connected in parallel, and the number of heat exchange units 11 in each heat exchange component 1 is the same, then the flow rate of all heat exchange units 11 is consistent. The number of heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 is consistent. As long as the flow rate of each heat exchange component 1 is uniform when it is distributed to each heat exchange unit 11, the flow rate of all heat exchange units 11 can be guaranteed to be consistent. This indicates that when heat exchange components 1 are connected in series, by optimizing the design of the flow distribution mechanism within each heat exchange component 1, ensuring that the flow rate of the heat exchange medium allocated to each parallel heat exchange unit 11 is the same, it is possible to effectively prevent local overheating and improve the overall heat dissipation performance and stability of the system. Thus, whether the flow control is external (entering each heat exchange component 1) or internal (between the heat exchange units 11 within the heat exchange component 1), the goal is to ensure that all heat exchange units 11 receive sufficient heat exchange medium to achieve optimal heat dissipation and temperature balance, ultimately achieving efficient heat dissipation and temperature control of the battery pack 1000. Furthermore, the consistency in the number of heat exchange units 11 makes the aforementioned uniform flow control easier to implement.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thermal management system 100 further includes a pipe 2 and a flow direction switching device 3. The pipe 2 has a total liquid inlet 21, a total liquid outlet 22, a first connecting port 23, and a second connecting port 24. The two ends of the plurality of heat exchange components 1 are respectively connected to the first connecting port 23 and the second connecting port 24. That is, the first connecting port 23 and the second connecting port 24 are respectively connected to the two ends of the plurality of heat exchange components 1 connected in series (as shown in the figure). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (as shown), or the first connecting port 23 is connected to one end of a plurality of parallel heat exchange components 1, and the second connecting port 24 is connected to the other end of a plurality of parallel heat exchange components 1; the flow direction switching device 3 is provided in the pipe 2, and when the flow direction switching device 3 is in the first state, it connects the total liquid inlet 21 and the first connecting port 23, and connects the second connecting port 24 and the total liquid outlet 22 (see...). Figure 1When the flow direction switching device 3 is in the second state, it connects the main inlet 21 and the second connecting port 24, and also connects the first connecting port 23 and the main outlet 22 (see...). Figure 2 In these embodiments, the main inlet 21 is responsible for introducing the heat exchange medium into the entire thermal management system 100, ensuring that the heat exchange medium can flow through each heat exchange component 1 along a predetermined path, thereby achieving effective heat dissipation for the battery module 200. The main outlet 22 is used to discharge the heat exchange medium after heat exchange from the system, completing one cycle. Through the main inlet 21 and the main outlet 22, the heat exchange medium can continuously circulate in the system, carrying away heat and maintaining the temperature of the battery module 200 within a suitable range, ensuring the normal operation of the system. The first connecting port 23 and the second connecting port 24 are respectively connected to both ends of a plurality of heat exchange components 1 connected in series, or the first connecting port 23 is respectively connected to one end of a plurality of heat exchange components 1 connected in parallel, and the second connecting port 24 is respectively connected to the other end of a plurality of heat exchange components 1 connected in parallel (this will not affect the series and parallel connection of the plurality of heat exchange components 1). This design, in conjunction with the flow direction switching device 3, can realize the switching of the upstream and downstream positions of the heat exchange components 1 or the heat exchange units 11. That is, when the heat exchange components 1 are connected in series and the heat exchange units 11 are connected in parallel, the heat exchange component 1 originally located upstream can be changed to downstream through flow direction switching (such as from upstream to downstream). Figure 1 Switch to Figure 2 When the heat exchange component 1 located at the top of the diagram switches from upstream to downstream, and vice versa; when the heat exchange components 1 are connected in parallel and the heat exchange units 11 are connected in series, the heat exchange unit 11 originally located upstream can be switched to downstream. In this way, whether it is through the upstream and downstream switching of the heat exchange components 1 or the upstream and downstream switching of the heat exchange units 11 themselves, the position of the heat exchange unit 11 can be changed, avoiding the problem of poor heat exchange effect caused by always being downstream. By periodically or as needed adjusting the upstream and downstream positions of each heat exchange component 1 and heat exchange unit 11, each heat exchange unit 11 can have the opportunity to be in a more effective cooling position, thereby achieving a more uniform heat exchange effect, improving the efficiency and reliability of the entire thermal management system 100, and extending the service life of the heat exchange components 1 and the battery module 200.

[0046] This application does not limit the type of flow direction switching device 3. For example, the flow direction switching device 3 can be a combination of an electric three-way valve and a check valve. The switching of fluid flow direction is achieved through the joint action of components such as the electric three-way valve, the check valve and the solenoid valve.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2The flow direction switching device 3 includes a four-way valve 31, whose four ports are respectively connected to the main inlet 21, the main outlet 22, the first connecting port 23, and the second connecting port 24. In these embodiments, the four ports of the four-way valve 31 are respectively connected to the main inlet 21, the main outlet 22, the first connecting port 23, and the second connecting port 24. By adjusting the flow direction of the heat exchange medium through the four-way valve 31, compared with using multiple three-way ball valves or other combinations, the four-way valve 31 can complete all the necessary flow channel switching within a single valve, eliminating the need for complex multi-valve combinations. This design significantly reduces the number of connection points in the pipe 2, thereby simplifying the piping layout of the entire system, reducing the risk of leakage due to excessive connection points, and improving the overall reliability of the system. The four-way valve 31 typically only requires one operation to complete the flow direction switching, while using multiple sets of three-way ball valves requires multiple adjustments, which not only increases the complexity of operation but may also lead to operational errors. In contrast, the four-way valve 31 can quickly change the flow direction of the cooling medium, improving the system's response speed and adaptability. Furthermore, the single four-way valve 31 has a simple structure, low failure rate, and is easier and quicker to maintain. Compared to complex multi-valve combination systems, the four-way valve 31 has lower maintenance costs, reducing the workload and costs of maintenance during long-term operation. In summary, using the four-way valve 31 as the flow direction switching device 3 can significantly simplify pipeline design, simplify operation, enhance system flexibility, and reduce maintenance costs, thereby improving the overall performance and maintainability of the system.

[0048] In some embodiments, see Figures 5 to 7The heat exchange assembly 1 is provided with at least two, and each heat exchange unit 11 has two interconnected liquid inlets 111; the pipe 2 includes two liquid collection pipe groups 25, which are arranged corresponding to the two heat exchange assemblies 1. Each liquid collection pipe group 25 includes a first liquid collection pipe 251 and a second liquid collection pipe 252. The first liquid collection pipe 251 has a first liquid collection port 2511 and a plurality of first diversion ports 2512, and the second liquid collection pipe 252 has a second liquid collection port 2521 and a plurality of second diversion ports 2522. The two first liquid collection ports 2511 are respectively connected to the first connecting port 23 and the second connecting port 24. The second liquid collection ports 2521 in the two liquid collection pipe groups 25 are interconnected. The two liquid inlets 111 of each heat exchange unit 11 in the same heat exchange assembly 1 are respectively connected to the first diversion port 2512 and the second diversion port 2522 in the same liquid collection pipe group 25. In these examples, two heat exchange components 1 are connected in series and multiple heat exchange units 11 in each heat exchange component 1 are connected in parallel through two liquid collection pipe groups 25. Specifically, taking the case where the main liquid inlet 21 is connected to the second connecting port 24 and the first connecting port 23 is connected to the main liquid outlet 22 as an example, after the heat exchange medium enters the system from the main liquid inlet 21, it passes through the second connecting port 24 and a first liquid collection port 2511 in sequence, and enters the first liquid collection pipe 251 in a liquid collection pipe group 25. Subsequently, the heat exchange medium is diverted to multiple heat exchange units 11 in the corresponding heat exchange component 1 through multiple first diversion ports 2512 of the first liquid collection pipe 251. After completing the heat exchange, the heat exchange medium is collected into the second liquid collection pipe 252 in the liquid collection pipe group 25 through multiple second diversion ports 2522, and flows into the second liquid collection pipe 252 of another liquid collection pipe group 25 through interconnected second liquid collection ports 2521. After entering another liquid collection pipe group 25, the heat exchange medium is again diverted to multiple heat exchange units 11 through multiple second diversion ports 2522 of the second liquid collection pipe 252. Finally, it is collected through multiple first diversion ports 2512 of the first liquid collection pipe 251 of the liquid collection pipe group 25, and flows to the first connecting port 23 through the first liquid collection port 2511, and finally flows out from the total liquid outlet 22. Through this design of the liquid collection pipe group 25, the orderly flow of the heat exchange medium between the two heat exchange components 1 and the uniform distribution within each heat exchange component 1 are achieved.

[0049] In some examples, see Figure 6 and Figure 7The pipe 2 also includes multiple branch pipes 27. The two liquid inlets 111 of each heat exchange unit 11 are connected to the first branch port 2512 and the second branch port 2522 in the same liquid collection pipe group 25 via the two branch pipes 27. Specifically, the heat exchange medium flows from the first branch port 2512 of the first liquid collection pipe 251 into the heat exchange unit 11 through the branch pipes 27 from one liquid inlet 111. After heat exchange, it flows out from the other liquid inlet 111 of the heat exchange unit 11 and flows through another branch pipe 27 to the second branch port 2522 of the second liquid collection pipe 252. This design, by connecting the heat exchange unit 11 to the liquid collection pipe group 25 via the branch pipes 27, ensures that the heat exchange medium can be accurately distributed to each heat exchange unit 11 and efficiently collected and returned after heat exchange.

[0050] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 Two heat exchange components 1 are arranged along a first direction, and multiple heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 are arranged along a second direction, with the first and second directions intersecting. A first liquid collecting pipe 251 and a second liquid collecting pipe 252 both extend along the second direction. In these embodiments, the arrangement of the two heat exchange components 1 along the first direction and the multiple heat exchange units 11 within each heat exchange component 1 along the second direction, with the first and second directions intersecting, makes the arrangement of the heat exchange components 1 and heat exchange units 11 more rational, fully utilizing limited space and improving the system's compactness. Simultaneously, since the liquid collecting pipe extends along the second direction, consistent with the arrangement direction of the heat exchange units 11, this helps simplify pipe connections, reduce bends and lengths in the pipes 2, thereby reducing flow resistance and improving the flow efficiency of the heat exchange medium. Furthermore, this arrangement also facilitates system maintenance and repair, as the more regular layout of the heat exchange units 11 and the liquid collecting pipe makes inspection and maintenance easier for operators. In some examples, the first and second directions are perpendicular, and this perpendicular arrangement enables efficient space utilization and a simplified pipe design. In some other examples, the first and second directions intersect obliquely, that is, they form an angle that is not 90 degrees.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 7In the second direction, the first liquid collecting port 2511 is located in the middle of the first liquid collecting pipe 251; and / or, the second liquid collecting port 2521 is located in the middle of the second liquid collecting pipe 252. In these embodiments, in the second direction, the first liquid collecting port 2511 is located in the middle of the first liquid collecting pipe 251; and / or, the second liquid collecting port 2521 is located in the middle of the second liquid collecting pipe 252. This design allows the heat exchange medium to be distributed more evenly to each heat exchange unit 11, and also helps to collect the heat exchange medium after heat exchange more efficiently. Setting the liquid collecting port (first liquid collecting port 2511 or second liquid collecting port 2521) in the middle of the liquid collecting pipe (first liquid collecting pipe 251 or second liquid collecting pipe 252) can reduce the flow distance of the heat exchange medium in the liquid collecting pipe when flowing to the branch port (first branch port 2512 or second branch port 2522), reduce the flow resistance, and improve the thermal management efficiency of the system. At the same time, this layout can further optimize the parallel connection effect of the heat exchange units 11, ensuring that each heat exchange unit 11 can obtain a relatively uniform flow rate, thereby improving the heat exchange performance and temperature uniformity of the entire system.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 Two manifold groups 25 are arranged along a second direction, with the first manifold 251 and the second manifold 252 in each group 25 also arranged along the second direction. In these embodiments, the two manifold groups 25 are arranged along the second direction, and the first manifold 251 and the second manifold 252 in each group 25 are also arranged along the second direction. This layout makes the entire thermal management system 100 more regular and compact, facilitating efficient heat exchange within a limited space. By arranging the manifold groups 25 along the second direction, the path of the heat exchange medium entering and exiting the heat exchange component 1 is ensured to be smoother, reducing unnecessary detours and resistance, thereby improving the system's flow efficiency. At the same time, this arrangement also simplifies pipe connections, reduces system complexity, and improves system reliability and maintainability.

[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 7In the second direction, two first liquid collecting pipes 251 are located between two second liquid collecting pipes 252, or two second liquid collecting pipes 252 are located between two first liquid collecting pipes 251. In these embodiments, the two second liquid collecting pipes 252 are used for mutual communication between the liquid collecting pipe groups 25, and the two first liquid collecting pipes 251 are used for communication between the liquid collecting pipe groups 25 and the first connecting port 23 and the second connecting port 24. In the second direction, the two first liquid collecting pipes 251 are located between two second liquid collecting pipes 252, or two second liquid collecting pipes 252 are located between two first liquid collecting pipes 251. The flow distribution and collection paths of the heat exchange medium in the two liquid collecting pipe groups 25 are more symmetrical and balanced, thereby reducing the problem of uneven flow distribution caused by flow channel asymmetry. This design not only ensures that each heat exchange unit 11 can obtain a relatively uniform heat exchange medium flow rate, but also reduces the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium in the liquid collecting pipes, and improves the overall circulation efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the symmetrical layout results in a more compact system structure, saving space, simplifying piping design, reducing leakage risk, and facilitating installation and maintenance. Ultimately, this arrangement contributes to more efficient heat dissipation and temperature consistency, providing the battery pack 1000 with a reliable, stable, and easy-to-maintain thermal management system 100, ensuring battery safety and long-term operation.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each second liquid collecting pipe 252 is provided with multiple second liquid collecting ports 2521 (two are shown in the figure). The pipe 2 also includes multiple connecting pipes 26 (two are shown in the figure). The two ends of each connecting pipe 26 are respectively connected to two second liquid collecting ports 2521 in the two second liquid collecting pipes 252. In these embodiments, the connecting pipes 26 connect the two second liquid collecting pipes 252 to realize the series connection of the two heat exchange components 1. It is understood that a single connecting pipe 26 can also accomplish this function, but this may lead to the flow path of the heat exchange medium being too concentrated, which may cause problems such as excessively high local flow resistance and potential decrease in heat dissipation efficiency. Therefore, by setting multiple connecting pipes 26, with the two ends of each connecting pipe 26 respectively connected to two second liquid collecting ports 2521 in the two second liquid collecting pipes 252, multiple connection paths are provided between the two liquid collecting pipes, reducing the overall flow resistance inside the system, reducing the pressure loss caused by excessively concentrated flow channels, and improving the circulation efficiency of the heat exchange medium.

[0055] In some examples, see Figure 6 and Figure 7Multiple second liquid collection ports 2521 are evenly distributed along the extension direction of the second liquid collection pipe 252. This design makes the connection between the two second liquid collection pipes 252 more balanced, ensuring that the heat exchange medium can flow efficiently between the two heat exchange components 1. By connecting the connecting pipe 26 with the evenly distributed second liquid collection ports 2521, the flow path of the heat exchange medium can be effectively avoided from being too concentrated, reducing local flow resistance problems, thereby improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency and temperature consistency of the system, and enhancing the reliability and stability of the system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 11 includes a liquid cooling plate having channels for the flow of a heat exchange medium. In these embodiments, the heat exchange unit 11 includes a liquid cooling plate that allows the liquid heat exchange medium to flow through its internal channel design, thereby achieving effective heat exchange capability.

[0057] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the operation of the flow direction switching device 3. In some embodiments, the flow direction switching device 3 is configured to automatically switch the flow direction once after a preset time period. This timed switching mechanism ensures that the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange component 1 can be changed periodically, thereby achieving a more uniform heat distribution and a more efficient heat dissipation effect. In this way, the system can actively optimize the heat exchange process without relying on real-time temperature feedback, improving the overall performance and reliability of the system. For example, the flow direction switching device 3 can be switched every 5 minutes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the thermal management system 100 further includes a temperature detection device and a control device. The temperature detection device is used to detect the temperature of the battery module 200; the control device is connected to both the temperature detection device and the flow direction switching device 3, and is used to control the operation of the flow direction switching device 3 based on the detection result of the temperature detection device. In these embodiments, the control device is connected to both the temperature detection device and the flow direction switching device 3, and is used to control the operation of the flow direction switching device 3 based on the detection result of the temperature detection device. This design allows the thermal management system 100 to dynamically adjust the flow direction of the heat exchange medium according to the actual temperature of the battery module 200, thereby achieving more precise and efficient temperature control. For example, when the temperature of a battery module 200 is high, the control device can switch the flow direction, causing the heat exchange medium to flow through a path that provides better heat exchange effect for the heat exchange unit 11 that heats the battery module 200, thereby quickly reducing the temperature of the battery module 200. This intelligent control method not only improves the adaptability and flexibility of the system, but also enhances the reliability and stability of the system, ensuring that the battery module 200 is always within a suitable operating temperature range and extending its service life.

[0059] In some examples, at least two temperature detection devices are provided, each used to detect the temperature of one of the two battery modules 200. These two battery modules 200 exchange heat with two heat exchange units 11 located in different heat exchange components 1, which are connected in series. When the temperature difference between the two battery modules 200 detected by the two temperature detection devices reaches a preset value, the control device triggers the flow direction switching device 3 to switch the flow direction once, thereby switching the upstream and downstream positions of the two heat exchange components 1. This design can dynamically adjust the flow direction of the heat exchange medium according to the actual temperature difference of the battery modules 200, optimize the heat exchange effect, and ensure the temperature uniformity of the battery modules 200.

[0060] In some examples, the temperature detection device includes two sets, each detecting one of the two sets of battery modules 200. Each set of battery modules 200 exchanges heat with one of the two sets of heat exchange components 1. Each set of temperature detection devices includes multiple temperature sensors, each detecting the temperature of each battery module 200 within its corresponding set. By processing the temperature data of each set of battery modules 200 (including calculating the average, median, weighted average, or other statistical methods), the overall temperature of that set of battery modules 200 is obtained. When the overall temperature difference between the two sets of battery modules 200 reaches a preset value, the control device triggers the flow direction switching device 3 to switch the flow direction once, thereby switching the upstream and downstream positions of the two heat exchange components 1. This design, through multi-point temperature detection and comprehensive processing, can more comprehensively reflect the temperature state of the battery modules 200, thus achieving more precise flow direction control. Taking a battery module 200 consisting of eighteen modules divided into two groups of nine modules each as an example, these two groups of battery modules 200 exchange heat with two sets of heat exchange components 1. Each heat exchange component 1 contains nine heat exchange units 11, and each battery module 200 exchanges heat with one heat exchange unit 11. Each group of temperature detection devices includes at least nine temperature detection devices, which detect the temperature of each battery module 200 in the corresponding group of battery modules 200. By processing the temperature data of each group of battery modules 200, such as calculating the average value, the overall temperature of that group of battery modules 200 is obtained. Specifically, for each group of battery modules 200, the temperature values ​​of the nine battery modules 200 are added together and then divided by nine to obtain the average temperature of that group of battery modules 200. When the average temperature difference between the two groups of battery modules 200 reaches a preset value (e.g., 3°C), the control device will trigger the flow direction switching device 3 to switch the flow direction once, thereby switching the upstream and downstream positions of the two heat exchange components 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, a single battery module 200 is equipped with multiple temperature detection devices to detect the temperature at multiple locations within the battery module 200. When the temperature difference between multiple locations within the battery module 200 reaches a preset value, it is determined that the internal temperature difference of the battery module 200 is too large, resulting in poor cooling. At this time, the control device will trigger the operation of the flow direction switching device 3, placing the heat exchange unit 11 that exchanges heat for the battery module 200 upstream of the heat exchange medium flow path to improve the temperature difference within the battery module 200. This design can dynamically adjust for temperature non-uniformity within a single battery module 200, optimize local heat exchange effects, and ensure the overall performance and lifespan of the battery module 200.

[0062] This application also proposes a battery pack 1000, which includes a thermal management system 100, the structure of which is as described above. Since this battery pack 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it at least possesses the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0063] This application also proposes an electrical device, which includes a battery pack 1000, the structure of which is as described above. Since this electrical device employs all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it at least possesses the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0064] Electrical equipment can be vehicles, energy storage power supplies, consumer electronics, medical equipment, or smart cities, etc., and this disclosure does not make any specific limitations.

[0065] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, It includes multiple heat exchange components, and at least some of the heat exchange components include multiple heat exchange units; The heat exchange components are connected in series, and the heat exchange units in the heat exchange components are connected in parallel; or, the heat exchange components are connected in parallel, and the heat exchange units in the heat exchange components are connected in series.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system also includes: The pipeline has a main inlet, a main outlet, a first connecting port, and a second connecting port, with both ends of the plurality of heat exchange components respectively connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port; and, A flow direction switching device is installed in the pipeline. When the flow direction switching device is in the first state, it connects the main liquid inlet and the first connecting port, and also connects the second connecting port and the main liquid outlet. When the flow direction switching device is in the second state, it connects the main liquid inlet and the second connecting port, and also connects the first connecting port and the main liquid outlet.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow direction switching device includes a four-way valve, the four ports of which are respectively connected to the main inlet, the main outlet, the first connecting port, and the second connecting port.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two heat exchange components are provided, and each heat exchange unit has two liquid inlets that are interconnected with each other. The pipeline includes two liquid collection pipe groups, which are arranged corresponding to the two heat exchange components. Each liquid collection pipe group includes a first liquid collection pipe and a second liquid collection pipe. The first liquid collection pipe has a first liquid collection port and a plurality of first diversion ports, and the second liquid collection pipe has a second liquid collection port and a plurality of second diversion ports. The two first liquid collection ports are respectively connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port, the second liquid collection ports in the two liquid collection pipe groups are connected to each other, and the two liquid inlets of each heat exchange unit in the same heat exchange assembly are respectively connected to the first diversion port and the second diversion port in the same liquid collection pipe group.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two heat exchange components are arranged along a first direction, and a plurality of heat exchange units in each heat exchange component are arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect. Both the first liquid collection tube and the second liquid collection tube extend along the second direction.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the second direction, the first liquid collection port is located in the middle of the first liquid collection tube; and / or, the second liquid collection port is located in the middle of the second liquid collection tube.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two collection tube groups are arranged along the second direction, and the first collection tube and the second collection tube in each collection tube group are arranged along the second direction.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the second direction, the two first collecting tubes are located between the two second collecting tubes, or the two second collecting tubes are located between the two first collecting tubes.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each second liquid collecting pipe is provided with a plurality of second liquid collecting ports, which are evenly distributed along the extension direction of the second liquid collecting pipe. The pipe also includes a plurality of connecting pipes, and the two ends of each connecting pipe are respectively connected to two second liquid collecting ports in two second liquid collecting pipes.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit includes a liquid cooling plate having a liquid channel for the flow of the heat exchange medium.

11. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The thermal management system also includes: A temperature detection device is used to detect the temperature of the battery module; and, A control device is connected to the temperature detection device and the flow direction switching device respectively, and is used to control the operation of the flow direction switching device according to the detection result of the temperature detection device.

12. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery modules; and, The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heat exchange unit performs heat exchange on the battery module.

13. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in claim 12.

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