Thermal management system for battery pack and energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of energy storage, and specifically provides a heat management system for battery pack and energy storage system, and aims to solve the problem of poor heat management effect caused by high energy consumption, high cost and low safety of the existing heat management system. The heat management system of the application comprises a phase change heat pipe assembly and a temperature adjusting assembly, the phase change heat pipe assembly is encapsulated with a phase change working medium and has a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end, the first heat exchange end is used for heat exchange with the battery pack, and the temperature adjusting assembly is used for heat exchange with the second heat exchange end; the number of temperature adjusting assemblies is at least two, and the at least two temperature adjusting assemblies are located on the two sides of the second heat exchange end. The phase change heat pipe assembly is arranged to manage the heat of the battery pack, which can reduce the heat management energy consumption and cost, prolong the service life of the heat management system, the temperature adjusting assembly is arranged, which can improve the cooling efficiency or heating efficiency of the battery pack and improve the heat management effect of the heat management system.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing technologies, liquid cooling units are typically used for thermal management of battery packs. Specifically, a liquid cooling plate is placed at the bottom of the battery cell, and a coolant flow channel is set inside the liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid cooling host through liquid cooling pipes to form a liquid cooling circuit. The coolant circulates in the liquid cooling circuit under the drive of the compressor. By controlling the temperature or flow rate of the coolant, heat exchange between the coolant and the battery cell is achieved, thereby indirectly controlling the temperature of the battery cell itself.

[0003] However, since the liquid cooling unit uses the liquid cooling host as the power source for the thermal management system to manage the battery pack, it is costly and energy-intensive. Furthermore, the liquid cooling host and the liquid cooling plates are connected by hierarchical pipelines, and coolant leakage or seepage is prone to occur at the pipeline joints, which can lead to a decrease in the insulation level of the battery pack and even serious safety risks such as battery short circuits, resulting in poor thermal management of the battery. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems to at least a certain extent, that is, to solve the problem that the existing thermal management system has poor thermal management effect due to high energy consumption, high cost and low safety.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal management system for a battery pack, the thermal management system comprising a phase change heat pipe assembly and a temperature regulating assembly, wherein the phase change heat pipe assembly is encapsulated with a phase change working fluid, the phase change heat pipe assembly having a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end, the first heat exchange end being disposed adjacent to the battery pack and used for heat exchange with the battery pack, and the temperature regulating assembly being disposed adjacent to the second heat exchange end and used for heat exchange with the second heat exchange end; wherein the number of temperature regulating assemblies is at least two, and at least two temperature regulating assemblies are respectively located on both sides of the second heat exchange end.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described thermal management system for a battery pack, the temperature regulation component includes a semiconductor element and a heat sink. The semiconductor element is disposed adjacent to the second heat exchange end and is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end. The heat sink is disposed on the side of the semiconductor element away from the second heat exchange end and is used to dissipate heat from the semiconductor element.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described thermal management system for a battery pack, the heat sink is provided with a mounting groove adapted to the semiconductor element, and the semiconductor element is installed in the mounting groove; and / or, the number of semiconductor elements is multiple and the multiple semiconductor elements are spaced apart along the length direction of the second heat exchange end; and / or, the heat sink is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the second heat exchange end; and / or, thermally conductive adhesive is provided between the heat sink and the second heat exchange end, and the heat sink and the second heat exchange end are connected by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the thermal management system further includes a cooling fan, which is disposed above the second heat exchange end and is used to accelerate the airflow around the second heat exchange end.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned thermal management system for battery pack, the phase change heat pipe assembly can only cool the battery pack. The phase change heat pipe assembly includes a heat pipe and a phase change working fluid encapsulated in the heat pipe. The two ends of the heat pipe respectively form a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end. The phase change heat pipe assembly is configured to allow the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end to flow to the first heat exchange end. The temperature regulating component is used to cool the second heat exchange end.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned thermal management system for a battery pack, the vertical projection of the second heat exchange end is higher than the vertical projection of the first heat exchange end, so that the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end flows to the first heat exchange end; and / or, a liquid wick is provided in the heat pipe, the liquid wick being used to drive the liquid phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end to flow to the first heat exchange end.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the phase change heat pipe assembly is configured to cool the battery pack when it is in a first operating state and to heat the battery pack when it is in a second operating state; wherein, the temperature regulating assembly is configured to cool the second heat exchange end when the phase change heat pipe assembly is in the first operating state and to heat the second heat exchange end when the phase change heat pipe assembly is in the second operating state.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes an evaporator, a circulation pipeline, and a phase change working fluid. Both ends of the circulation pipeline are connected to both ends of the evaporator to form a circulation loop. The phase change working fluid is encapsulated within the circulation loop. A portion of the circulation pipeline forms the first heat exchange end, and another portion forms the second heat exchange end. The evaporator is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive its circulation within the circulation loop. Alternatively, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes a circulation pipeline, a wick, and a phase change working fluid encapsulated within the circulation pipeline. The beginning and end of the circulation pipeline are connected sequentially to form a circulation loop. The wick is disposed within the circulation pipeline and is used to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate within the circulation loop. A portion of the circulation pipeline forms the first heat exchange end, and another portion forms the second heat exchange end.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the thermal management system for the battery pack described above, the phase change heat pipe assembly further includes a first heat spreader and a second heat spreader. The first heat spreader is disposed adjacent to the battery pack, and the second heat spreader is disposed adjacent to the temperature regulating assembly. The circulation pipeline includes multiple first pipe segments and multiple second pipe segments, wherein the first pipe segments and the second pipe segments are sequentially connected end-to-end. The multiple first pipe segments are disposed within the first heat spreader and form the first heat exchange end, and the multiple second pipe segments are disposed within the second heat spreader and form the second heat exchange end. Alternatively, the circulation pipeline includes connected first and second pipe segments, wherein the first pipe segment is bent on the first heat spreader and forms the first heat exchange end, and the second pipe segment is bent within the second heat spreader and forms the second heat exchange end.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an energy storage system, the energy storage system comprising a battery pack and a thermal management system for the battery pack as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] When the above-mentioned preferred technical solution is adopted, by setting a temperature regulating component, heat exchange can be carried out with the second heat exchange end, thereby facilitating the first heat exchange end to cool or heat the battery pack. By placing at least two temperature regulating components on both sides of the second heat exchange end, the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange end is improved, thereby improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the first heat exchange end on the battery pack, and thus improving the thermal management effect of the thermal management system.

[0016] Furthermore, by setting the temperature regulation component as a semiconductor element and a heat sink, the structure of the temperature regulation component can be made simpler and the operation more convenient. The switching between heating and cooling of the second heat exchange end can be achieved simply by switching the energizing direction of the semiconductor element.

[0017] Furthermore, by installing a cooling fan, the airflow around the second heat exchange end can be accelerated, thereby facilitating heat exchange between the temperature regulation components and the second heat exchange end. This further improves the heating or cooling efficiency of the thermal management system for the battery. Moreover, placing the cooling fan above the second heat exchange end helps to dissipate heat from the two temperature regulation components on both sides of the second heat exchange end, thus reducing the number of cooling fans required. On the other hand, it avoids placing the cooling fan on the side of the second heat exchange end close to the battery pack, thereby preventing heat transfer to the battery pack and further improving the cooling effect on the battery pack.

[0018] Furthermore, by configuring the phase change heat pipe assembly to cool the battery pack in its first operating state and heat the battery pack in its second operating state, on the one hand, the phase change heat pipe assembly can cool the battery pack, reducing the risk of thermal runaway due to excessively high battery pack temperature; on the other hand, it can also heat the battery pack, preventing the battery from operating normally due to excessively low battery pack temperature. In addition, when the phase change heat pipe assembly cools the battery pack, the temperature regulation component can dissipate heat to the second heat exchange end, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the phase change heat pipe assembly for the battery pack. When the phase change heat pipe assembly heats the battery pack, the temperature regulation component can also heat the second heat exchange end, thereby accelerating the heating efficiency of the phase change heat pipe assembly for the battery pack.

[0019] Furthermore, the energy storage system further provided by this invention, based on the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs, possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs because it includes the aforementioned thermal management system for battery packs. The energy storage system of this invention has better thermal management effect and higher safety for batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery pack and the thermal management system for the battery pack according to this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery pack and the thermal management system for the battery pack according to this utility model. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic with the cooling fan concealed.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulating component and the second heat exchange end of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the phase change heat pipe assembly of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the phase change heat pipe assembly of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another possible embodiment of the phase change heat pipe assembly of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the phase change heat pipe assembly of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of point C.

[0031] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0032] 1. Battery pack; 2. Phase change heat pipe assembly; 21. First heat exchange end; 22. Second heat exchange end; 23. Heat pipe pipeline; 24. Evaporator; 251. First pipe section; 252. Second pipe section; 261. First heat spreader; 262. Second heat spreader; 27. Liquid absorber; 31. Semiconductor element; 32. Heat sink; 321. Mounting slot; 4. Cooling fan. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction 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.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermal management system for battery pack 1 of this utility model includes a phase change heat pipe assembly 2 and a temperature regulating assembly. The phase change heat pipe assembly 2 is encapsulated with a phase change working fluid. The phase change heat pipe assembly 2 has a first heat exchange end 21 and a second heat exchange end 22. The first heat exchange end 21 is arranged adjacent to the battery pack 1 and is used to exchange heat with the battery pack 1. The temperature regulating assembly is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchange end 22 and is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22. The number of temperature regulating assemblies is at least two, and at least two temperature regulating assemblies are respectively located on both sides of the second heat exchange end 22.

[0037] By setting temperature regulating components, heat exchange can be carried out with the second heat exchange end 22, thereby facilitating the cooling or heating of the battery pack 1 by the first heat exchange end 21. By placing at least two temperature regulating components on both sides of the second heat exchange end 22, the heat exchange efficiency between the temperature regulating components and the second heat exchange end 22 is improved, thereby improving the cooling or heating efficiency of the battery pack 1 by the first heat exchange end 21, and thus enhancing the thermal management effect of the thermal management system.

[0038] Furthermore, this invention uses the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 to perform thermal management of the battery pack, eliminating the need for a liquid cooling system, thereby reducing the cost of battery pack thermal management, preventing coolant leakage, and improving the safety of battery pack use.

[0039] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 to only cool the battery pack 1, and correspondingly, configure the temperature regulating component to dissipate heat from the second heat exchange end 22. Alternatively, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 can be configured to only heat the battery pack 1. Or, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 can be configured to cool the battery pack 1 when it is in the first working state and to heat the battery pack 1 when it is in the second working state, and correspondingly, configure the temperature regulating component to dissipate heat from the second heat exchange end 22 when it is in the first working state and to heat the second heat exchange end 22 when it is in the second working state, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0040] The phase change heat pipe assembly of this utility model will be described below in two scenarios.

[0041] Scenario 1:

[0042] Preferably, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 can only cool the battery pack 1. The phase change heat pipe assembly 2 includes a heat pipe 23 and a phase change working fluid encapsulated in the heat pipe 23. The two ends of the heat pipe 23 form a first heat exchange end 21 and a second heat exchange end 22, respectively. The phase change heat pipe assembly 2 is configured to allow the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 to flow to the first heat exchange end 21. The temperature regulating component is used to cool the second heat exchange end 22.

[0043] It should be noted that this utility model does not limit the specific implementation of the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 to allow the liquid phase change working medium in the second heat exchange end 22 to flow to the first heat exchange end 21, as long as the liquid phase change working medium in the second heat exchange end 22 can flow to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the projection of the second heat exchange end 22 in the vertical direction is higher than the projection of the first heat exchange end 21 in the vertical direction, so that the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 flows to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0045] Specifically, the phase change working fluid in the first heat exchange end 21 absorbs heat from the battery pack 1 and vaporizes. The gaseous phase change working fluid flows to the second heat exchange end 22. Since the second heat exchange end 22 is adjacent to the temperature regulation component, the temperature regulation component can absorb heat from the second heat exchange end 22, causing the gaseous phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 to liquefy. Since the height of the second heat exchange end 22 is higher than that of the first heat exchange end 21, the liquefied phase change working fluid can flow back to the first heat exchange end 21, thereby continuously cooling the battery pack 1.

[0046] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific arrangement of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22, as long as the height of the second heat exchange end 22 is higher than that of the first heat exchange end 21 and the liquid phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end 22 can flow to the first heat exchange end 21. For example, the heat pipe 23 can be set in an L-shape, or the number of second heat exchange ends 22 can be set to two, with both second heat exchange ends 22 being higher than the first heat exchange end 21, i.e., the heat pipe 23 is in a "U" shape, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific arrangement of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0047] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the heat pipe is L-shaped.

[0048] In another specific embodiment, a liquid wick (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the heat pipe 23. The liquid wick is used to drive the liquid phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end 22 to flow to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0049] In another possible embodiment, the vertical projection of the second heat exchange end 22 is higher than the vertical projection of the first heat exchange end 21, so that the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 flows to the first heat exchange end 21, and a liquid suction core is provided in the heat pipe 23, which is used to drive the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 to flow to the first heat exchange end 21.

[0050] Scenario 2:

[0051] Preferably, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 is configured to cool the battery pack 1 when it is in a first working state and to heat the battery pack 1 when it is in a second working state. The temperature regulation assembly is configured to cool the second heat exchange end 22 when the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 is in the first working state and to heat the second heat exchange end 22 when the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 is in the second working state.

[0052] With this configuration, on the one hand, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 can cool down the battery pack 1, reducing the risk of thermal runaway due to excessive temperature of the battery pack 1; on the other hand, it can also heat the battery pack 1, preventing the battery from operating normally due to excessively low temperature of the battery pack 1. In addition, when the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 cools down the battery pack 1, the temperature regulation component can cool down the second heat exchange end 22, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 on the battery pack 1. When the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 heats the battery pack 1, the temperature regulation component can also heat the second heat exchange end 22, thereby accelerating the heating efficiency of the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 on the battery pack 1.

[0053] Specifically, when it is necessary to cool down the battery pack 1, the liquid phase change working fluid in the first heat exchange end 21 absorbs the heat generated by the battery pack 1 and vaporizes. The gaseous phase change working fluid flows to the second heat exchange end 22, and the temperature regulation component can cool down the second heat exchange end 22, thereby accelerating the condensation of the gaseous phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22, and further accelerating the flow of the condensed liquid working fluid to the battery pack 1 to cool down the battery pack 1, thus improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1.

[0054] When the battery pack 1 needs to be heated, the temperature regulating component can heat the liquid working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 and cause the liquid working fluid to vaporize. The vaporized liquid working fluid flows to the first heat exchange end 21 and condenses in the first heat exchange end 21, releasing a large amount of heat to heat the battery pack 1. Therefore, the heat exchange between the temperature regulating component and the second heat exchange end 22 can improve the heating efficiency of the battery pack 1.

[0055] It should be noted that, in practical applications, this utility model does not impose any restrictions on the specific configuration type of the phase change heat pipe assembly 2, as long as it can cool the battery pack 1 when it is in the first working state and heat the battery pack 1 when it is in the second working state.

[0056] The phase change heat pipe assembly in scenario 2 is described below with reference to the following two embodiments.

[0057] Example 1:

[0058] Preferably, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 of this utility model includes an evaporator 24, a circulation pipeline, and a phase change working fluid. The two ends of the circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the two ends of the evaporator 24 to form a circulation loop. The phase change working fluid is encapsulated in the circulation loop. A part of the circulation pipeline forms a first heat exchange end 21, and the other part of the circulation pipeline forms a second heat exchange end 22. The evaporator 24 is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the circulation loop.

[0059] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific height of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22. For example, the vertical projection of the first heat exchange end 21 can be set higher than the vertical projection of the second heat exchange end 22, or the vertical projection of the first heat exchange end 21 can be set lower than the vertical projection of the second heat exchange end 22, or the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 can be set at the same height, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific height of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0060] Preferably, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the projection of the first heat exchange end 21 in the vertical direction is set to be lower than the projection of the second heat exchange end 22 in the vertical direction.

[0061] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, this utility model does not impose any restrictions on the specific laying method of the circulation pipeline.

[0062] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly also includes a first heat exchange plate 261 and a second heat exchange plate 262. The first heat exchange plate 261 is arranged adjacent to the battery pack 1, and the second heat exchange plate 262 is arranged adjacent to the temperature regulation component. The circulation pipeline includes multiple first pipe sections 251 and multiple second pipe sections 252, wherein the first pipe sections 251 and the second pipe sections 252 are connected end to end in sequence. The multiple first pipe sections 251 are arranged in the first heat exchange plate 261 and form a first heat exchange end 21, and the multiple second pipe sections 252 are arranged in the second heat exchange plate 262 and form a second heat exchange end 22.

[0063] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly also includes a first heat exchange plate 261 and a second heat exchange plate 262. The first heat exchange plate 261 is disposed adjacent to the battery pack 1, and the second heat exchange plate 262 is disposed adjacent to the temperature regulation assembly. The circulation pipeline includes a first pipe segment 251 and a second pipe segment 252 connected to each other. The first pipe segment 251 is bent on the first heat exchange plate 261 and forms a first heat exchange end 21. The second pipe segment 252 is bent on the second heat exchange plate 262 and forms a second heat exchange end 22.

[0064] By setting the first pipe section 251 inside the first heat exchange plate 261, the heat exchange area between the first pipe section 251 and the battery pack 1 can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the first heat exchange end 21 and the battery pack 1. At the same time, by setting the second pipe section 252 inside the second heat exchange plate 262, the heat exchange area between the second pipe section 252 and the temperature regulation component can also be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the second heat exchange end 22 and the temperature regulation component, further improving the thermal management effect of the thermal management system.

[0065] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the bending configuration of the first pipe segment 251 and / or the second pipe segment 252. For example, both the first pipe segment 251 and / or the second pipe segment 252 can be configured as a loop bend, or they can be configured as a U-shaped bend, or they can be configured as a reciprocating bend, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0066] Preferably, both the first pipe segment 251 and the second pipe segment 252 are configured to be reciprocated and bent so that the first pipe segment 251 and the second pipe segment 252 form a serpentine pipe structure.

[0067] It should be noted that although this embodiment describes the specific setting of the circulation pipeline in the above two situations, it is not restrictive. The circulation pipeline can also be set up in any other possible laying method, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0068] Example 2:

[0069] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly includes a circulation pipe, a wick 27 disposed in the circulation pipe, and a phase change working fluid encapsulated in the circulation pipe. The beginning and end of the circulation pipe are connected in sequence to form a circulation loop. The wick 27 is configured to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the circulation loop. At least a part of the circulation pipe forms a first heat exchange end 21, and another part of the circulation pipe forms a second heat exchange end 22.

[0070] With this setup, the phase change working fluid can be driven to circulate in the circulation loop by the liquid wick 27 in the circulation pipeline, eliminating the need for an evaporator 24. This simplifies the structure of the phase change heat pipe assembly and saves installation space.

[0071] It should be noted that, in practical applications, this utility model does not impose any restrictions on the specific laying method of the circulation pipeline.

[0072] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the phase change heat pipe assembly also includes a first heat exchange plate 261 and a second heat exchange plate 262. The first heat exchange plate 261 is arranged adjacent to the battery pack 1, and the second heat exchange plate 262 is arranged adjacent to the temperature regulation component. The circulation pipeline includes multiple first pipe sections 251 and multiple second pipe sections 252, wherein the first pipe sections 251 and the second pipe sections 252 are connected end to end in sequence. The multiple first pipe sections 251 are arranged in the first heat exchange plate 261 and form a first heat exchange end 21, and the multiple second pipe sections 252 are arranged in the second heat exchange plate 262 and form a second heat exchange end 22.

[0073] In another specific embodiment, the phase change heat pipe assembly further includes a first heat exchange plate 261 and a second heat exchange plate 262 (not shown in the figure). The first heat exchange plate 261 is disposed adjacent to the battery pack 1, and the second heat exchange plate 262 is disposed adjacent to the temperature regulation component. The circulation pipeline includes a first pipe segment 251 and a second pipe segment 252 connected to each other. The first pipe segment 251 is disposed within the first heat exchange plate 261 and is bent within the first heat exchange plate 261, forming a first heat exchange end 21. The second pipe segment 252 is disposed within the second heat exchange plate 262 and is bent within the second heat exchange plate 262, forming a second heat exchange end 22.

[0074] It should be noted that in practical applications, this utility model does not limit the specific location of the suction core 27. For example, the suction core 27 can be set in the entire circulation pipeline, or the suction core 27 can be set only at the end of the first pipe section 251 and the second pipe section 252, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific location of the suction core 27 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0075] Preferably, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the suction core 27 is located at the end of the first tube section 251 and the second tube section 252.

[0076] That is, the liquid suction core 27 is set at a position where the first tube section 251 and the second tube section 252 are far apart from each other.

[0077] It should be noted that although the present invention is described using the above three embodiments to illustrate the phase change heat pipe assembly of the present invention, this is not limiting. For example, the phase change heat pipe assembly 2 can also include a heat pipe 23, a liquid wick disposed within the heat pipe 23, and a phase change working fluid encapsulated within the heat pipe 23. The two ends of the heat pipe 23 respectively form a first heat exchange end 21 and a second heat exchange end 22. One of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 is a condensation end, and the other of the first heat exchange end 21 and the second heat exchange end 22 is an evaporation end. The liquid wick 27 is configured to allow the gaseous phase change working fluid at the evaporation end to flow to the condensation end and the liquid phase change working fluid at the condensation end to flow to the evaporation end, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0078] It should be noted that this utility model does not impose any limitations on the specific structure of the liquid wick 27. For example, the liquid wick 27 can be configured as a porous structure formed by sintering metal powder (such as copper, aluminum, nickel) or ceramic powder (such as alumina) through a sintering process (pressurizing at high temperature to fuse powder particles). Alternatively, the liquid wick 27 can be configured as a structure of "mesh holes + sintered pores" formed by stacking and sintering multiple layers of metal mesh (such as copper mesh). Alternatively, the liquid wick 27 can be configured as a nanostructure, for example, by forming a nanoscale porous structure (such as nanopore array, nanogroove) on the inner wall of the metal through processes such as anodizing and chemical etching. In this way, no limitations are imposed on the specific structure of the liquid wick 27, as long as it can transport the liquid phase change working fluid at the condensation end to the evaporation end.

[0079] It should also be noted that this utility model does not limit the specific type of phase change working fluid filled in the phase change heat pipe. For example, the phase change working fluid can be water, methanol, ethanol, liquid ammonia, acetone, fluorinated hydrocarbons, alkanes, or a mixture of any two of the above, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific type of phase change working fluid do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model and should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0080] For example, the phase change working fluid is water.

[0081] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art do not impose any limitations on the specific configuration of the temperature regulating component, as long as it can exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22. For example, the temperature regulating component can be configured as a semiconductor element 31 and a heat sink 32, with the semiconductor element 31 heating or dissipating heat to the second heat exchange end 22. Alternatively, the temperature regulating component can be configured as a liquid cooling unit and a liquid cooling plate, with the liquid cooling plate heating or dissipating heat to the second heat exchange end 22. Or, the temperature regulating component can be configured as a coolant, directly immersing the second heat exchange end 22 in the coolant for heating or dissipating heat, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the temperature regulating component do not deviate from the principles and scope of this utility model and should all be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0082] Preferably, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the temperature regulation assembly includes a semiconductor element 31 and a heat sink 32. The semiconductor element 31 is disposed adjacent to the second heat exchange end 22 and is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end 22. The heat sink 32 is disposed on the side of the semiconductor element 31 away from the second heat exchange end 22 and is used to dissipate heat from the semiconductor element 31.

[0083] By setting the temperature control component to be a semiconductor element 31 and a heat sink 32, the structure of the temperature control component can be made simpler and the operation more convenient. The switching between heating and cooling of the second heat exchange end 22 can be achieved simply by switching the energizing direction of the semiconductor element 31.

[0084] Specifically, the semiconductor element 31 has a cold end and a hot end. When the battery pack 1 needs to be cooled, when the semiconductor element 31 is forward-energized, the side of the semiconductor element 31 closer to the second heat exchange end 22 is the cold end, and the side of the semiconductor element 31 closer to the heat sink 32 is the hot end. When the semiconductor element 31 is forward-energized, the cold end of the semiconductor element 31 absorbs the surrounding heat, which lowers the temperature of the second heat exchange end 22. The heat sink 32 promptly dissipates the large amount of heat generated by the hot end, preventing heat accumulation that could reduce the cooling efficiency of the semiconductor element 31. This also helps the gaseous phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 to condense, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the phase change heat pipe assembly for the battery pack 1.

[0085] When the battery needs to be heated, when the semiconductor element 31 is energized in reverse, the side of the semiconductor element 31 closer to the second heat exchange end 22 is the hot end, and the side of the semiconductor element 31 closer to the heat sink 32 is the cold end. The cold end of the semiconductor element 31 absorbs the heat from the surroundings and conducts the heat out through the hot end, thereby heating the second heat exchange end 22 by the hot end of the semiconductor element 31. This helps the phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end 22 to vaporize. The gaseous phase change working fluid flows to the first heat exchange end 21 and condenses there, transferring heat to the battery pack 1, thus facilitating the heating of the battery pack 1.

[0086] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can configure the semiconductor element 31 to be mounted on the heat sink 32, or the semiconductor element 31 can be mounted on the surface of the second heat exchange end 22, or the semiconductor element 31 can be mounted between the heat sink 32 and the second heat exchange end 22, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific mounting method between the semiconductor element 31 and the second heat exchange end 22 of the heat sink 32 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0087] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the heat sink 32 is provided with a mounting slot 321 that is compatible with the semiconductor element 31, and the semiconductor element 31 is installed in the mounting slot 321.

[0088] This configuration facilitates the installation and fixation of the semiconductor element 31, thereby improving the installation stability of the semiconductor element 31.

[0089] It should be noted that this utility model does not limit the specific installation method of the semiconductor element 31 in the mounting groove 321. For example, the semiconductor element 31 can be set to be pasted in the mounting groove 321 with thermally conductive adhesive, or the semiconductor element 31 can be set to be clipped in the mounting groove 321, or the semiconductor element 31 can be set to be fixed in the mounting groove 321 with fasteners, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific installation method of the semiconductor element 31 in the mounting groove 321 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0090] For example, the semiconductor element 31 is bonded to the mounting groove 321 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0091] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the number of semiconductor elements 31 to only one, or the number of semiconductor elements 31 to two, or the number of semiconductor elements 31 to multiple, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of semiconductor elements 31 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0092] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and 4 As shown, there are multiple semiconductor elements 31, and the multiple semiconductor elements 31 are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the second heat exchange end 22.

[0093] By setting the number of semiconductor elements 31 to multiple, heat exchange with different positions of the second heat exchange end 22 can be achieved more effectively, avoiding the deterioration of the heat exchange effect between the first heat exchange end 21 and the battery pack 1 due to uneven heat exchange with the second heat exchange end 22.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the number of semiconductor elements 31 is five.

[0095] It should be noted that in practical applications, this utility model does not impose any restrictions on the connection method between the radiator 32 and the second heat exchange end 22, as long as the radiator 32 can be fixed on the second heat exchange end 22.

[0096] In one specific embodiment, the radiator 32 is fixedly connected to the second heat exchange end 22.

[0097] Specifically, the radiator 32 can be fixedly connected to the second heat exchange end 22 by fasteners, or the radiator 32 can be snap-fitted or plugged into the second heat exchange end 22.

[0098] In another specific embodiment, the radiator 32 is integrally disposed with the second heat exchange end 22.

[0099] In another possible embodiment, thermally conductive adhesive is also provided between the radiator 32 and the second heat exchange end 22, and the radiator 32 and the second heat exchange end 22 are bonded together by the thermally conductive adhesive.

[0100] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature regulation component of this utility model also includes a heat dissipation fan 4, which is used to accelerate the airflow around the second heat exchange end 22.

[0101] By setting up the cooling fan 4, the airflow around the second heat exchange end 22 can be accelerated, which facilitates heat exchange between the temperature regulation component and the second heat exchange end 22, and further improves the heating efficiency or cooling efficiency of the thermal management system for the battery.

[0102] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can place the cooling fan 4 on the side of the second heat exchange end 22, or above the second heat exchange end 22, or below the second heat exchange end 22, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific location of the second heat exchange end 22 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0103] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling fan 4 is positioned above the second heat exchange end 22.

[0104] With this setup, on the one hand, it helps to dissipate heat from the two temperature regulating components on both sides of the second heat exchange end 22, thereby reducing the number of cooling fans 4; on the other hand, it avoids placing the cooling fans 4 on the side of the second heat exchange end 22 close to the battery pack 1, thereby preventing heat from being transferred to the battery pack 1 and further improving the cooling effect on the battery pack 1.

[0105] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the number of cooling fans 4 to only one, or the number of cooling fans 4 to two, or the number of cooling fans 4 to multiple, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of cooling fans 4 do not deviate from the principle and scope of this utility model, and should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0106] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple cooling fans 4, and the multiple cooling fans 4 are spaced apart along the length direction of the second heat exchange end 22.

[0107] With this setup, different locations of the second heat exchange end 22 can effectively exchange heat with the surrounding environment, thereby improving heat exchange uniformity and further enhancing the thermal management effect of the battery pack 1.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are four cooling fans 4.

[0109] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an energy storage system, which includes the thermal management system for a battery pack described in any of the preceding claims.

[0110] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a battery pack, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a phase change heat pipe assembly (2) and a temperature regulation assembly. The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) is encapsulated with a phase change working fluid. The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) has a first heat exchange end (21) and a second heat exchange end (22). The first heat exchange end (21) is arranged adjacent to the battery pack (1) and is used to exchange heat with the battery pack (1). The temperature regulation component is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchange end (22) and is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end (22). The number of temperature regulating components is at least two, and at least two temperature regulating components are located on both sides of the second heat exchange end (22).

2. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulation assembly includes a semiconductor element (31) and a heat sink (32). The semiconductor element (31) is disposed adjacent to the second heat exchange end (22) and is used to exchange heat with the second heat exchange end (22). The heat sink (32) is disposed on the side of the semiconductor element (31) away from the second heat exchange end (22) and is used to dissipate heat from the semiconductor element (31).

3. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat sink (32) is provided with a mounting slot (321) adapted to the semiconductor element (31), and the semiconductor element (31) is installed in the mounting slot (321); And / or, the number of semiconductor elements (31) is multiple and the multiple semiconductor elements (31) are spaced apart along the length direction of the second heat exchange end (22); And / or, the radiator (32) is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the second heat exchange end (22); And / or, a thermally conductive adhesive is provided between the radiator (32) and the second heat exchange end (22), and the radiator (32) and the second heat exchange end (22) are connected by the thermally conductive adhesive.

4. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a cooling fan (4), which is positioned above the second heat exchange end (22) and is used to accelerate the airflow around the second heat exchange end (22).

5. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) can only cool the battery pack (1). The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) includes a heat pipe (23) and a phase change working fluid encapsulated in the heat pipe (23). The two ends of the heat pipe (23) form a first heat exchange end (21) and a second heat exchange end (22), respectively. The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) is configured to allow the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end (22) to flow to the first heat exchange end (21). The temperature regulating component is used to cool the second heat exchange end (22).

6. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The projection of the second heat exchange end (22) in the vertical direction is higher than the projection of the first heat exchange end (21) in the vertical direction, so that the liquid phase change working fluid in the second heat exchange end (22) flows to the first heat exchange end (21); And / or, a liquid wick is provided inside the heat pipe (23), the liquid wick being used to drive the liquid phase change working fluid of the second heat exchange end (22) to flow to the first heat exchange end (21).

7. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) is configured to cool the battery pack (1) when it is in a first working state and to heat the battery pack (1) when it is in a second working state; wherein, the temperature regulating assembly is configured to cool the second heat exchange end (22) when the phase change heat pipe assembly (2) is in the first working state and to heat the second heat exchange end (22) when the phase change heat pipe assembly (2) is in the second working state.

8. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) includes an evaporator (24), a circulation pipeline, and a phase change working fluid. The two ends of the circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the two ends of the evaporator (24) to form a circulation loop. The phase change working fluid is encapsulated in the circulation loop. A part of the circulation pipeline forms the first heat exchange end (21), and the other part of the circulation pipeline forms the second heat exchange end (22). The evaporator (24) is used to vaporize the phase change working fluid to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the circulation loop. Alternatively, the phase change heat pipe assembly (2) includes a circulation pipe, a wick (27), and a phase change working fluid encapsulated in the circulation pipe. The beginning and end of the circulation pipe are connected in sequence to form a circulation loop. The wick (27) is disposed in the circulation pipe and is used to drive the phase change working fluid to circulate in the circulation loop. A portion of the circulation pipe forms the first heat exchange end (21), and another portion of the circulation pipe forms the second heat exchange end (22).

9. The thermal management system for a battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that, The phase change heat pipe assembly (2) further includes a first heat spreader (261) and a second heat spreader (262). The first heat spreader (261) is disposed adjacent to the battery pack (1), and the second heat spreader (262) is disposed adjacent to the temperature regulation assembly. The circulation pipeline includes multiple first pipe sections (251) and multiple second pipe sections (252), wherein the first pipe sections (251) and the second pipe sections (252) are connected end to end in sequence, the multiple first pipe sections (251) are arranged in the first heat exchange plate (261) and form the first heat exchange end (21), and the multiple second pipe sections (252) are arranged in the second heat exchange plate (262) and form the second heat exchange end (22); Alternatively, the circulation pipeline includes a first pipe section (251) and a second pipe section (252) connected together, wherein the first pipe section (251) is bent on the first heat exchange plate (261) and forms the first heat exchange end (21), and the second pipe section (252) is bent on the second heat exchange plate (262) and forms the second heat exchange end (22).

10. An energy storage system, characterized in that, The energy storage system includes a battery pack (1) and a thermal management system for the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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