Modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet

Abstract

This utility model relates to a modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet, belonging to the field of energy storage technology. It includes a cabinet housing, within which at least one energy storage unit and a thermal blocking module are installed on the outside of the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit and the thermal blocking module are tightly fitted together. The thermal blocking module includes an exchange block for exchanging heat between the energy storage unit and the energy storage unit. The exchange block has multiple sets of honeycomb cavities and bonding cavities inside. The bonding cavities are heat exchange layers on the surface adjacent to the energy storage unit. The bonding cavities and honeycomb cavities are filled with phase change material. This utility model suppresses thermal runaway through the phase change material within the thermal blocking module, and the honeycomb cavity and bonding cavity structure isolate and suppress the occurrence and spread of thermal runaway, reducing the risk of fire and explosion. Combined with improved heat conduction efficiency, it ensures that the battery module operates within the optimal temperature range, extends battery life, and improves charge and discharge efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage technology, specifically to a modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of renewable energy and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, energy storage technology is playing an increasingly important role in modern energy systems. Battery energy storage systems, due to their high energy density, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness, are widely used in grid peak shaving, distributed power generation, and electric vehicles. However, batteries generate a significant amount of heat during charging and discharging. If this heat cannot be dissipated effectively and promptly, it can cause the battery temperature to rise, affecting battery performance and lifespan, and even triggering thermal runaway, leading to serious safety accidents such as fires or explosions. Therefore, an efficient and safe battery thermal management system is crucial for the stable operation and widespread application of battery energy storage systems.

[0003] Currently, mainstream battery thermal management technologies mainly include air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change material cooling. Air cooling technology has a simple structure and low cost, but its cooling efficiency is limited, making it difficult to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-power, high-energy-density battery systems. Liquid cooling technology removes heat through a liquid medium, offering higher cooling efficiency, but the system is complex, costly, and carries the risk of leakage. Phase change materials...

[0004] (PCM) cooling technology utilizes the property of phase change materials to absorb or release a large amount of latent heat during the phase change process, which can effectively absorb the heat generated by the battery and control the battery temperature within a suitable range. However, single phase change material cooling also has limitations such as low thermal conductivity and fixed phase change temperature, making it difficult to cope with extreme situations during battery thermal runaway.

[0005] While existing technologies include research and patents on thermal management of energy storage cabinets—for example, CN112072211A discloses a distributed large-scale battery energy storage thermal management system that manages thermal through a temperature control board and a liquid circulation loop—it primarily focuses on temperature regulation under normal operating conditions, offering limited ability to prevent and suppress thermal runaway. CN116780034B proposes a fully immersed, non-circulating liquid-cooled battery energy storage thermal management system, which improves heat dissipation efficiency, but its system complexity is high, and it may still face the risk of thermal runaway propagation under extreme conditions. Furthermore, some patents mention the application of phase change materials in electronic component temperature control or battery thermal management, such as CN207885074U, but these solutions typically lack structural isolation and modular design, making it difficult to effectively prevent the rapid propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet. Utility Model Content

[0007] This utility model aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet body, in which at least one energy storage unit and a thermal blocking module on the outside of the energy storage unit are installed, wherein one energy storage unit and one thermal blocking module are tightly fitted together;

[0010] The heat blocking module includes an exchange block for exchanging heat from the energy storage unit. The exchange block has multiple sets of honeycomb cavities and bonding cavities inside. The bonding cavity is a surface heat exchange layer that is bonded to the energy storage unit. The bonding cavity and the honeycomb cavity are filled with phase change material.

[0011] Preferably, the energy storage unit integrates one or more battery cells or battery modules.

[0012] Preferably, the melting point of the phase change material is in the range of 50-60℃.

[0013] Preferably, the energy storage unit has a size of 20×20cm.

[0014] Preferably, the outer side of the energy storage unit is provided with a flame-retardant layer and an insulating layer.

[0015] Preferably, the phase change material is paraffin or fatty acid ester.

[0016] Preferably, the honeycomb cavity has a regular hexagonal structure with a pore size of 5mm-10mm.

[0017] Preferably, the energy storage cabinet is equipped with ventilation ducts for the circulation of cooling air or cooling medium.

[0018] Preferably, the ventilation duct adopts an "L" or "U" shaped structure, and the ventilation duct has an air outlet on the surface near the energy storage unit. Cooling air can enter from the bottom of the cabinet, flow through the air outlet across the surface of each energy storage unit, and be discharged from the top of the cabinet.

[0019] With the above structure, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0020] This invention suppresses thermal runaway by using phase change materials within the thermal blocking module. The honeycomb cavity and bonding cavity structures isolate and inhibit the occurrence and spread of thermal runaway, reducing the risk of fire and explosion. Combined with improved heat conduction efficiency, it ensures the battery module operates within its optimal temperature range, extending battery life and improving charge / discharge efficiency.

[0021] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the thermal blocking module of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an internal diagram of the practical cabinet.

[0026] As shown in the figure: 1. Cabinet; 2. Energy storage unit; 3. Heat blocking module; 4. Honeycomb cavity; 5. Fitting cavity; 6. Opening and closing door; 7. Connecting column; 8. Protective cover; 9. Heat dissipation vent; 10. Bracket; 11. Mounting plate; 12. U-shaped limit plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail in conjunction with the full text.

[0030] Combined with appendix Figure 1 and Figure 2A modular thermal blocking energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet body 1. At least one energy storage unit 2 and a thermal blocking module 3 are installed inside the cabinet body 1, with the energy storage unit 2 and the thermal blocking module 3 tightly fitted together. Each energy storage unit 2 measures 20×20cm and integrates one or more battery cells or battery modules, tightly fitted to the composite thermal blocking module 1. The outer shell of the energy storage unit 2 is made of flame-retardant and insulating materials and features standardized connection interfaces for easy assembly and disassembly with other energy storage units 2. Each energy storage unit 2 can also have a built-in temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the battery module in real time and transmit the data to an intelligent thermal management system. When an energy storage unit 2 malfunctions or requires maintenance, it can be quickly removed from the energy storage cabinet for replacement or repair without affecting the operation of the entire energy storage system.

[0031] In specific implementation of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the cabinet 1 has a hinged door 6 on its front side. A connecting column 7 is connected to the top of the cabinet 1, and a protective cover 8 is installed on the upper end of the connecting column 7. The protective cover 8 has ventilation openings 9. Four sets of brackets 10 are installed on both sides of the interior of the cabinet 1. Multiple sets of U-shaped limiting plates 12 are installed on each bracket 10 on the same side. An installation plate 11 for storing energy storage units 2 is slidably installed between two U-shaped limiting plates 12. Space is left between the U-shaped limiting plates 12 and the cabinet 1 to facilitate the installation of ventilation ducts. The energy storage units 2 are connected to the installation plates 11 by bolts or clips. The installation plates 11 are slidably connected between two U-shaped limiting plates 12. Multiple sets of installation plates 11 are provided, and the installation plates 11 can be installed according to the number of energy storage units 2.

[0032] The heat blocking module 3 includes an exchange block for exchanging heat from the energy storage unit 2. The exchange block has multiple sets of honeycomb cavities 4 and bonding cavities 5 inside. The bonding cavity 5 is a surface heat exchange layer that is bonded to the energy storage unit 2. The bonding cavity 5 and the honeycomb cavity 4 are filled with phase change material, and the specific phase change material filling rate is ≥95%.

[0033] The thermal blocking module 3 is made of aluminum alloy with excellent thermal conductivity. Phase change material is embedded within the honeycomb cavity 4 and the bonding cavity 5 to form a composite thermal blocking module. The high thermal conductivity of the honeycomb aluminum plate compensates for the low thermal conductivity of the phase change material, improving overall thermal management efficiency. Simultaneously, the honeycomb structure physically separates the phase change material, effectively limiting the spread of heat within a single battery module or between adjacent modules during thermal runaway, thus providing structural isolation. Furthermore, the bonding cavity 5 is U-shaped, and the lateral surface of the honeycomb cavity 4 contacts the bonding cavity 5, maximizing the contact area between the phase change material and the energy storage unit 2 within the honeycomb cavity 4. Normally, the energy storage unit 2 is bonded with a hexagonal cross-section, resulting in less contact area and lower heat exchange efficiency.

[0034] Dual protection mechanism in case of thermal runaway: When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the embedded phase change material (melting point 50-60℃) will rapidly melt and absorb a large amount of latent heat, effectively delaying further rise in battery temperature and buying valuable time for system response and personnel evacuation. Simultaneously, the structural isolation effect of the honeycomb aluminum panel can physically block the lateral spread of heat and flames, preventing thermal runaway from spreading from one battery module to the entire energy storage cabinet, significantly improving the intrinsic safety of the energy storage cabinet.

[0035] In this embodiment, the heat-blocking module uses a honeycomb aluminum plate as the substrate, with paraffin wax filling the pores as a phase change material. The honeycomb aluminum plate is made of aluminum alloy with excellent thermal conductivity, and its honeycomb pore size can be designed according to actual needs. For example, regular hexagonal honeycomb pores with a side length of 5mm-10mm can be used. The melting point of the paraffin wax is selected between 50-60℃, for example, paraffin wax with a melting point of 55℃ can be used. In the preparation process, the honeycomb aluminum plate is first cut into 20×20cm sizes, and then molten paraffin wax is injected into the honeycomb pores. After the paraffin wax cools and solidifies, a composite structure is formed in which the phase change material and the honeycomb aluminum plate are tightly bonded. This composite structure not only provides a good heat conduction path, ensuring that the heat generated by the battery module can be quickly transferred to the phase change material, but also the honeycomb pore walls physically constrain the paraffin wax, preventing it from flowing in the molten state and ensuring the structural stability of the module.

[0036] In a specific implementation of this invention, the energy storage unit 2 integrates one or more individual battery cells or battery modules. The cabinet 1 comprises multiple energy storage units 2 and a thermal blocking module 3 assembled in a modular manner. Each energy storage unit 2 is fixed together by a connecting structure, such as by bolt groups and spacers, ensuring physical isolation between units. The modular design allows the capacity of the energy storage cabinet to be flexibly configured according to needs, and also facilitates the rapid replacement and maintenance of faulty units.

[0037] Energy storage unit 2 can use lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4), with a capacity of 100-3800Ah (suitable for different scenarios), a voltage of 48-51.2V (single module), a system voltage of 480-1500V (modular series), and a cycle life of ≥8000 cycles (80% capacity retention).

[0038] The melting point range of phase change materials is 50-60℃. Latent heat of phase change: 200-250 J / g (typical value for paraffin wax).

[0039] Thermal conductivity: 0.2-0.3 W / (m・K) (pure paraffin), increased to 0.505 W / (m・K) after adding 0.02% graphene oxide (GO), stability: latent heat of phase change decay <5% after 1000 cycles.

[0040] The energy storage unit 2 measures 20×20cm.

[0041] The outer side of the energy storage unit 2 is provided with a flame-retardant layer and an insulating layer.

[0042] The phase change material is paraffin or fatty acid ester.

[0043] The parameters of the thermal blocking module are as follows:

[0044] Material: Aluminum alloy (such as 3003H24 or 5052AH14), thickness: 30cm, length: 20cm, honeycomb cavity 4 has a regular hexagonal structure with a pore size of 5mm-10mm, thermal conductivity: 0.104-0.130W / (m・K), elastic modulus: 4×10 4 MN / m², density: 5.3kg / m³, fire rating: B1 (GB8624-2012)

[0045] In a specific implementation of this invention, a ventilation duct for the circulation of cooling air or cooling medium is installed inside the energy storage cabinet. The ventilation duct adopts an "L" or "U" shaped structure, with an air outlet near the surface of the energy storage unit 2. Cooling air enters the ventilation duct from the bottom of the cabinet 1, flows through the air outlet across the surface of each energy storage unit 2, and exits from the top of the cabinet 1 through the ventilation duct outlet. The ventilation duct layout allows for natural convection or forced convection cooling, ensuring that cooling air or cooling medium flows evenly across each energy storage unit 2. The ventilation duct can use natural convection or forced convection (such as fan assistance) for cooling as needed. In the event of thermal runaway, the ventilation duct also serves as a channel for the exhaust of heat and flue gas, preventing heat accumulation inside the cabinet.

[0046] The ventilation duct design fully considers factors such as airflow resistance and heat dissipation uniformity. Through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation optimization, it ensures that each battery module receives sufficient cooling airflow during normal operation. In the event of thermal runaway, the ventilation duct can also serve as a rapid exhaust channel for flue gas and heat. By installing exhaust fans or exhaust valves, high-temperature flue gas can be quickly discharged outside the cabinet, reducing the temperature and pressure inside the cabinet and preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0047] Specifically, the ventilation duct layout is as follows: an "L" or "U" shaped main air duct plus a riser, with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.02-0.04 m² / unit and an air velocity of 2-5 m / s (natural convection) or 5-10 m / s (forced convection).

[0048] Air outlet uniformity: velocity dispersion coefficient ≤ 0.08 (optimized by CFD), smoke exhaust duct cross-sectional area: ≥ 0.1 m² (maximum exhaust flow rate 500 m³ / h during thermal runaway).

[0049] In a specific implementation of this invention, the energy storage cabinet also includes an intelligent thermal management system for real-time monitoring of the temperature of the energy storage unit 2 and for initiating corresponding cooling strategies based on temperature changes. When the intelligent thermal management system detects an abnormal rise in the battery module temperature, it activates strategies such as enhanced ventilation, auxiliary cooling, or faulty unit isolation, while simultaneously monitoring parameters such as temperature and voltage of each energy storage unit 2. When the system detects an abnormal rise in the battery module temperature, the thermal management system will activate corresponding cooling strategies, such as enhanced ventilation or activation of auxiliary cooling devices. When the temperature reaches the melting point of the phase change material, the phase change material begins to melt and absorb heat, further delaying the temperature rise.

[0050] Specifically, the intelligent thermal management system integrates data from temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and the BMS (Battery Management System) to monitor the operating status inside the energy storage cabinet in real time. When the system detects an abnormal temperature rise in a battery module, but before reaching the melting point of the phase change material, the system will initiate a first-level response, such as increasing the speed of the ventilation fan or activating the auxiliary cooling device.

[0051] (Such as a small air conditioner or liquid cooling cycle). When the temperature rises further and reaches the melting point of the phase change material (50-60℃), the system will activate the second-level response. The phase change material begins to melt and absorb heat, slowing down the rate of temperature rise. Simultaneously, the system will issue an alarm and, according to preset strategies, isolate the faulty unit or cut off the power supply to prevent the spread of thermal runaway. If thermal runaway progresses further, the system will activate the third-level response, for example, triggering automatic fire suppression systems and forcibly venting smoke from the cabinet to ensure personnel safety and minimize property damage.

[0052] Specifically, the sensor type is a thermocouple (accuracy ±0.5℃) + infrared thermometry (accuracy ±1℃); the monitoring point density is 3-5 monitoring points per module (cell surface, thermal blocking module, ventilation duct); and the data refresh rate is 100ms / time.

[0053] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the embodiments shown throughout the text are only one of the embodiments of the present invention. The actual structure is not limited to this. In conclusion, if a person skilled in the art is inspired by this description and designs a similar structure and embodiment without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such design should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular thermal break energy storage tank, characterized by, Includes a cabinet (1), in which at least one energy storage unit (2) and a heat blocking module (3) are installed, and one energy storage unit (2) and one heat blocking module (3) are tightly fitted together; The heat blocking module (3) includes an exchange block for exchanging heat between the energy storage unit (2). The exchange block has multiple sets of honeycomb cavities (4) and bonding cavities (5) inside. The bonding cavity (5) is a surface heat exchange layer that is bonded to the energy storage unit (2). The bonding cavity (5) and the honeycomb cavity (4) are filled with phase change material. The cabinet (1) has a hinged door (6) on the front side. The top of the cabinet (1) is connected to a connecting column (7). A protective cover (8) is installed on the upper end of the connecting column (7). A heat dissipation vent (9) is provided on the protective cover (8).

2. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The energy storage unit (2) integrates one or more battery cells or battery modules.

3. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The melting point range of the phase change material is 50-60℃.

4. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The size of the energy storage unit (2) is 20×20cm.

5. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The energy storage unit (2) is provided with a flame-retardant layer and an insulating layer on its outer side.

6. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The phase change material is paraffin or fatty acid ester.

7. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The honeycomb cavity (4) has a regular hexagonal structure with a pore size of 5mm-10mm.

8. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 1, wherein: The energy storage cabinet is equipped with ventilation ducts for the circulation of cooling air or cooling medium.

9. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 8, wherein: The ventilation duct adopts an "L" or "U" shaped structure. The ventilation duct has an air outlet on the surface near the energy storage unit (2). Cooling air can enter the inlet of the ventilation duct from the bottom of the cabinet (1), flow through the air outlet across the surface of each energy storage unit (2), and be discharged from the top of the cabinet (1) through the outlet of the ventilation duct.

10. The modular thermal blocking energy storage tank of claim 9, wherein: Four sets of brackets (10) are installed on both sides of the cabinet (1). Multiple sets of U-shaped limiting plates (12) are installed on the brackets (10) on the same side. An installation plate (11) for storing energy storage unit (2) is slidably installed between two U-shaped limiting plates (12).

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