energy storage cabinet

Abstract

The application provides an energy storage cabinet, which comprises a cabinet body, a plurality of energy storage modules arranged in the cabinet body, and a plurality of heat dissipation structures arranged between adjacent energy storage modules. The energy storage modules are arranged in a first direction and comprise a first end portion and a second end portion arranged opposite to each other in a second direction. The energy storage modules further comprise a plurality of energy storage units arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the tabs of the plurality of energy storage units are located at the first end portion. The heat dissipation structure comprises an air inlet, an air outlet and a first air duct. The air inlet is located close to the first end portion, and the air outlet is located close to the second end portion. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The air inlet of the heat dissipation structure is located close to the tabs, thereby preferentially dissipating heat from the tabs, which helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and more specifically, to an energy storage cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of energy storage technology, energy storage cabinets are being used more and more widely. The energy storage modules within these cabinets generate a significant amount of heat during operation, necessitating the use of heat dissipation structures. However, the heat dissipation structures provided by certain technologies can lead to uneven temperatures among the energy storage modules within the cabinet. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an energy storage cabinet to improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage modules in the cabinet.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, an energy storage cabinet provided in this application includes: a cabinet body; multiple energy storage modules disposed within the cabinet body and stacked along a first direction, each energy storage module including a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, each energy storage module further including multiple energy storage units disposed between the first end and the second end, and the tabs of the multiple energy storage units being located at the first end; a heat dissipation structure disposed between two adjacent energy storage modules, the heat dissipation structure including an air inlet, an air outlet, and a first air duct located between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the air inlet is located near the first end and the air outlet is located near the second end; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0005] As one possible implementation, the heat dissipation structure includes multiple enclosing surfaces that form the first air duct; multiple support columns are disposed inside the multiple enclosing surfaces, the support columns extend along the first direction, and the multiple support columns are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0006] As one possible implementation, the plurality of support columns include first support columns and second support columns arranged alternately along the third direction, wherein the dimension of the second support column along the third direction is greater than the dimension of the first support column along the third direction.

[0007] As one possible implementation, the plurality of support columns further includes a third support column, which is disposed in the middle region of the heat dissipation structure along the third direction; the dimension of the third support column along the third direction is greater than the dimension of the second support column along the third direction.

[0008] As one possible implementation, the first air duct includes a first air duct section and a second air duct section. The first air duct section is located near the air inlet, and the second air duct section is located near the air outlet. The distribution density of the support columns in the first air duct section is greater than the distribution density of the support columns in the second air duct section.

[0009] As one possible implementation, the dimension of the first air duct segment along the second direction is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the dimension of the first air duct along the second direction.

[0010] As one possible implementation, the heat dissipation structure further includes a second air duct, which is stacked with the first air duct along the first direction. The first air duct is connected to the air inlet, and the second air duct is connected to the air outlet. A partition is provided between the first air duct and the second air duct, the partition surface of which is perpendicular to the first direction, and the partition is provided with a plurality of air holes connecting the first air duct and the second air duct.

[0011] As one possible implementation, the baffle includes a first guide section and a second guide section, the first guide section being located near the air inlet and the second guide section being located near the air outlet, wherein the distribution density of the air holes on the first guide section is greater than the distribution density of the air holes on the second guide section.

[0012] As one possible implementation, the side of the second air duct away from the first air duct has a window area.

[0013] As one possible implementation, a plurality of heat dissipation structures are provided between two adjacent energy storage modules. Each heat dissipation structure includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, and a plurality of support columns are provided between the first support plate and the second support plate. The plurality of heat dissipation structures include a first heat dissipation structure and a second heat dissipation structure, with the first heat dissipation structure located near the first end and the second heat dissipation structure located near the second end.

[0014] As one possible implementation, the plurality of heat dissipation structures further include at least one third heat dissipation structure disposed between the first heat dissipation structure and the second heat dissipation structure.

[0015] As one possible implementation, the first air duct includes multiple sub-air ducts, the cross-sectional shape of which along the direction perpendicular to the second direction is rectangular, rhomboid, or arched.

[0016] As one possible implementation, a heat-conducting structure is provided between the energy storage module and the heat dissipation structure. The projection of the heat-conducting structure in the first direction is smaller than the projection of the heat dissipation structure in the first direction. The heat-conducting structure has a first heat-conducting part and a second heat-conducting part. The first heat-conducting part is located near the air inlet, and the second heat-conducting part is located near the air outlet. The heat-conducting area of ​​the first heat-conducting part is larger than the heat-conducting area of ​​the second heat-conducting part.

[0017] As one possible implementation, the first heat-conducting portion is located in a first heat-conducting area near the first end, and the second heat-conducting portion is located in a second heat-conducting area near the second end; the first heat-conducting portion covers the first heat-conducting area, and / or the second heat-conducting portion is arranged alternately with the air layer along the airflow direction in the first air duct.

[0018] As one possible implementation, the energy storage module includes a tab connection portion, which is connected to the tabs of a plurality of energy storage units. The heat dissipation structure or the energy storage module is provided with ventilation holes, which are arranged toward the tab connection portion.

[0019] As one possible implementation, the ventilation hole is disposed on the side wall of the heat dissipation structure and is connected to the air inlet of the first air duct; or, the energy storage module further includes a cover plate, the cover plate is connected to the first end of the energy storage module and is spaced apart from the tabs in the energy storage module, and the ventilation hole is disposed on the cover plate.

[0020] As one possible implementation, the energy storage cabinet further includes: an air conditioning component having an air supply outlet and a return air outlet; an air inlet baffle, the air inlet baffle forming a third air duct with the inner wall of the cabinet, the air supply outlet of the air conditioning component communicating with the air inlet of the third air duct, the air inlet baffle having multiple openings, and the positions of the multiple openings corresponding one-to-one with the positions of the air inlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures, and the return air outlet of the air conditioning component communicating with the air outlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures.

[0021] As one possible implementation, the cabinet has a first inner wall and a second inner wall disposed opposite to each other along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the energy storage cabinet further includes a first return air baffle and a second return air baffle, the first return air baffle being disposed between the air inlet baffle and the first inner wall, and the second return air baffle being disposed between the air inlet baffle and the second inner wall.

[0022] As the gas flows, the temperature rises and the gas's heat dissipation efficiency decreases. Considering that the electrode in the energy storage module generates a lot of heat, this embodiment sets the air inlet of the heat dissipation structure near the electrode (i.e., near the first end). This allows the gas to dissipate heat to the electrode first when the gas temperature is low. After the temperature rises, the gas is then used to dissipate heat to the area away from the electrode (the area with lower temperature). This helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage cabinet provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage module provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy storage unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the energy storage component from one perspective.

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the energy storage components from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of a heat dissipation structure provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 6B for Figure 6A Side view of the heat dissipation structure shown.

[0030] Figure 6C for Figure 6A The heat dissipation structure shown is along Figure 6B The cross-sectional view shown in the AA direction.

[0031] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of a heat dissipation structure provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 7B for Figure 7A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heat dissipation structure.

[0033] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the heat dissipation structure and energy storage unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 8B for Figure 8A The diagram shows the assembly structure from another perspective.

[0035] Figure 8C for Figure 8A A schematic diagram of the partition in the heat dissipation structure shown.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a heat dissipation structure provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple energy storage modules provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 10B for Figure 10A A schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure.

[0039] Figure 11 An example diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the heat dissipation structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the heat-conducting structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple energy storage modules provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple energy storage modules provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 15 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the energy storage cabinet from another perspective.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 17 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the energy storage module from another perspective.

[0046] Figure label:

[0047] Energy storage cabinet 1, cabinet body 10, first inner wall 101, second inner wall 102, energy storage component 2, energy storage module 21, first end 211, second end 212, energy storage unit 213, electrode tab 2131, electrode tab connection 214, cover plate 215, ventilation hole 2151, end cap 217, strap 218, heat dissipation structure 3, first heat dissipation structure 3a, second heat dissipation structure 3b, air inlet 31, air outlet 32, support column 33, first support column 33a, second support column 33b, third support column 33c, ventilation hole 34, first air duct 35, first air duct section 35a, second air duct Section 35b, first surface 351, second surface 352, third surface 353, fourth surface 354, first support plate 36a, second support plate 36b, second air duct 37, window area 371, rib plate 372, partition plate 38, air hole 381, first guide section 382, ​​second guide section 383, heat conduction structure 4, first heat conduction part 41, second heat conduction part 42, first heat conduction zone 43, second heat conduction zone 44, air conditioning component 5, air supply outlet 51, return air outlet 52, air inlet baffle 6, opening 61, third air duct 7, first return air baffle 81, second return air baffle 82, flow equalization structure 9. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0049] See Figure 1 The energy storage cabinet 1 provided in this embodiment includes a cabinet body 10. One or more energy storage components 2 are disposed inside the cabinet body 10. Each energy storage component 2 includes multiple energy storage modules 21, and the multiple energy storage modules 21 are stacked along a first direction. The energy storage components 2 and energy storage modules 21 mentioned herein can also be referred to as battery clusters and battery packs, respectively. Furthermore, the first direction mentioned herein may refer, for example, to the height direction of the cabinet body 10, or to the stacking direction of the multiple energy storage modules 21.

[0050] See Figure 2 The energy storage module 21 includes a first end 211 and a second end 212 disposed opposite to each other along a second direction (the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction). Furthermore, the energy storage module 21 also includes a plurality of energy storage units 213 (or cells) disposed between the first end 211 and the second end 212. The energy storage units 213 can also be referred to as cells, and the energy storage units 213 can be stacked or arranged along a third direction, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions mentioned above.

[0051] See Figure 2 and Figure 3The energy storage unit 213 can be, for example, shaped like a cuboid. This cuboid can include six sides. These six sides include large faces and small faces. Large faces refer to... Figure 3 The side face perpendicular to the z-direction in the diagram refers to the facet. Figure 3 The side perpendicular to the x-direction. The large surfaces of multiple energy storage units 213 in the energy storage module 21 can be placed in close contact. In addition, the energy storage unit 213 has tabs 2131 (including positive tabs and negative tabs), and the tabs 2131 are disposed on the small surface.

[0052] from Figure 2 It is clear that the tabs 2131 of multiple energy storage units 213 are all located at the first end 211 of the energy storage module 21. The heat generation at different locations of the energy storage units 213 is often different. The heat generation at the location near the tab in the energy storage unit 213 is usually greater. In some cases, the heat generation on the side where the tab 2131 is located may even be 3.7 times that on the opposite side. This structure of the energy storage module 21 results in a relatively high temperature at the location near the first end 211 and a relatively low temperature at the location near the second end 212 (the opposite end of the first end 211), thus causing uneven temperature distribution throughout the energy storage module 21.

[0053] Uneven temperature distribution in the energy storage module 21 can cause numerous problems. For example, localized overheating of the energy storage module 21 may lead to thermal runaway. Furthermore, uneven temperature distribution in the energy storage module 21 may also result in uneven charging and discharging, thereby accelerating the aging of the energy storage module 21.

[0054] To improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module 21, this embodiment of the application provides a heat dissipation structure between two adjacent energy storage modules 21. This heat dissipation structure can have one or more air ducts inside, with air entering from near the electrode and exiting from away from the electrode. This allows the gas (which can also be other types of cooling media, such as phase change cooling media; the following description mainly uses gas as an example) to first cool the higher-temperature areas in the energy storage module 21, and then cool the lower-temperature areas. It is understood that as the gas flows and the heat dissipation process proceeds, the gas temperature gradually increases. Therefore, by entering air near the electrode and exiting from away from the electrode, it is equivalent to using cooler air to preferentially dissipate heat from the higher-temperature areas, and then using the heated gas to dissipate heat from the lower-temperature areas, thereby making the temperature of different areas as uniform as possible and improving the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module.

[0055] The heat dissipation structure provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] See Figure 4 and Figure 5The heat dissipation structure 3 provided in this application embodiment includes an air inlet 31 (see...) Figure 4 ) and air outlet 32 ​​(see Figure 5 The air inlet 31 is located near the first end 211, and the air outlet 32 ​​is located near the second end 212. Further, the heat dissipation structure 3 may have a first air duct 35 (i.e., the portion between the air inlet 31 and the air outlet 32), which extends from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32 ​​along a second direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the airflow direction in the first air duct 35 is parallel to the second direction, and the airflow direction points from the air inlet 31 to the air outlet 32.

[0057] By positioning the air inlet 31 near the first end 211 and the air outlet 32 ​​near the second end 212, the gas can first dissipate heat from the hotter first end 211 (the end where the tabs are located) of the energy storage module 21, and then dissipate heat from the cooler second end 212. It is understood that as the gas flows and the heat dissipation process proceeds, the gas temperature will gradually increase. Therefore, this structure is equivalent to using cooler air to preferentially dissipate heat from the hotter areas, and then dissipating heat from the cooler areas after the gas temperature rises, thereby making the temperature of different areas as uniform as possible and improving the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module.

[0058] There are multiple ways to implement the heat dissipation structure 3. The components of the heat dissipation structure 3 will be illustrated in more detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0059] See Figure 6A The heat dissipation structure 3 includes multiple enclosing surfaces (including...) Figure 6A The first surface 351, the second surface 352, the third surface 353, and the fourth surface 354 are included. These multiple enclosing surfaces form a first air duct 35. The heat dissipation structure 3 formed by these multiple enclosing surfaces can also be called an air duct plate. This air duct plate structure has a good cold air gathering effect, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. See also Figure 6B and Figure 6C Multiple support columns 33 are arranged within the multiple enclosing surfaces. The support columns 33 extend along a first direction, and the multiple support columns 33 are arranged along a third direction. Since the heat dissipation structure 3 is located between adjacent energy storage modules 21, the arrangement of multiple support columns 33 can provide support for the energy storage modules 21. In addition to their supporting function, the support columns 33 also have a heat dissipation function. Therefore, by setting multiple support columns 33 within the multiple enclosing surfaces, the heat dissipation area of ​​the heat dissipation structure 3 can be increased, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation structure 3.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support pillars 33 inside the heat dissipation structure 3 can be locally thickened. For example, in some embodiments, see... Figures 6B to 6C The plurality of support columns 33 may include first support columns 33a and second support columns 33b, and the first support columns 33a and second support columns 33b are arranged alternately along a third direction. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the alternate arrangement of the first support columns 33a and second support columns 33b along a third direction. For example, multiple first support columns 33a and one second support column 33b may be arranged alternately, or multiple first support columns 33a and multiple second support columns 33b may be arranged alternately. The first support column 33a can be called a basic rib, and the second support column 33b can be called a reinforcing rib. The thickness (dimension along the third direction) of the second support column 33b is greater than the thickness (dimension along the third direction) of the first support column 33a. Locally thickening the support columns 33 inside the heat dissipation structure 3 can enhance the strength of the heat dissipation structure 3, improve the reliability of the heat dissipation structure 3, and thus improve the support performance of the heat dissipation structure 3 for the energy storage module 21.

[0061] For example, the thickness of the first support column 33a can be about 2-4 mm, and the thickness of the second support column 33b can be 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times the thickness of the first support column 33a. In addition, one, two, or three second support columns 33b can be set at intervals (e.g., approximately every two energy storage units 213).

[0062] In addition to the first support column 33a and the second support column 33b mentioned above, in some embodiments, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6B and Figure 6C The multiple support columns 33 may also include a third support column 33c. The thickness of the third support column 33c (dimension along the third direction) is greater than the thickness of the second support column 33c. For example, the thickness of the third support column 33c may be twice the thickness of the second support column 33b. The third support column 33c may be located in the middle region along the third direction of the heat dissipation structure 3. The middle region along the third direction of the heat dissipation structure 3 is a region with high stress. Setting a thicker third support column 33c in this region can alleviate stress concentration, thereby increasing the reliability of the heat dissipation structure 3.

[0063] See Figures 7A to 7B In some embodiments, the first air duct 35 may include a first air duct section 35a and a second air duct section 35b. The first air duct section 35a is located near the air inlet 31, and the second air duct section 35b is located near the air outlet 32. Figure 7BIt is clear that the distribution density of the support columns 33 in the first air duct section 35a is greater than that in the second air duct section 35b (or, the average spacing between adjacent support columns 33 in the first air duct section 35a is smaller than that in the second air duct section 35b). Therefore, the heat dissipation area of ​​the first air duct section 35a is larger than that of the second air duct section 35b. As described above, the temperature is higher near the air inlet 31 and lower near the air outlet 32. Therefore, using the first air duct section 35a with its larger heat dissipation area to cool the higher-temperature areas and the second air duct section 35b with its smaller heat dissipation area to cool the lower-temperature areas helps improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module 21.

[0064] In some embodiments, the dimension of the first air duct section 35a along the second direction may be 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the dimension of the first air duct 35 along the second direction, thereby covering the area of ​​the energy storage unit 213 with a large amount of heat generation as much as possible.

[0065] This application embodiment does not specifically limit the spacing between the support columns 33 in the first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b, as long as the spacing between adjacent support columns 33 in the first air duct section 35a is less than the spacing between adjacent support columns 33 in the second air duct section 35b. For example, the spacing between adjacent support columns 33 in the first air duct section 35a can be 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the spacing between adjacent support columns 33 in the second air duct section 35b.

[0066] Furthermore, this application embodiment does not specifically limit the assembly relationship between the first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b. The first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b can be integrally formed. Or, as... Figure 7A or Figure 7B As shown, the first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b are two independent parts, and the first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b can be spliced ​​together by means of positioning and mounting pins 39, etc.

[0067] In some embodiments, both the first air duct section 35a and the second air duct section 35b can adopt a harmonica tube structure. Accordingly, the first air duct section 35a can be called a close-fitting harmonica tube, and the second air duct section 35b can be called a wide-fitting harmonica tube. That is to say, the embodiments of this application can adopt a combination design of close-fitting and wide-fitting harmonica tubes to improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module 21.

[0068] In addition to the first air duct 35 mentioned above, see also Figures 8A to 8CThe heat dissipation structure 3 may further include a second air duct 37. The second air duct 37 and the first air duct 35 may be stacked along a first direction. The first air duct 35 is connected to the air inlet 31, and the second air duct 37 is connected to the air outlet 32. A partition 38 is provided between the first air duct 35 and the second air duct 37 (see...). Figure 8C The partition surface of the partition 38 (the partition surface refers to the surface with the largest surface area of ​​the partition, i.e.) Figure 8C The partition 38 (shown as a surface) is perpendicular to the first direction. This partition 38 can be the top wall of the first air duct 35 and the bottom plate of the second air duct 37, or it can be the bottom plate of the first air duct 35 and the top plate of the second air duct 37. The partition 38 is provided with multiple air holes 381 connecting the first air duct 35 and the second air duct 37. In practical applications, gas first enters the first air duct 35 through the air inlet 31, and then flows to the second air duct 37 through the multiple air holes 381 on the partition 38. Because the gas flow area of ​​the air holes 381 is small, the gas velocity increases after passing through the air holes 381, causing the gas flow state to change from laminar to turbulent, thereby forming forced convection. The high-speed airflow formed by the impact jet then carries away the heat of the energy storage module located on one side of the second air duct (therefore, the air holes 381 can also be called impact holes, and the second air duct 37 can also be called an impact chamber). Next, the gas in the second air duct 37 flows towards the direction of the air outlet 32, and finally is discharged through the air outlet 32. By using impact and convection to dissipate heat from the energy storage module 21, the heat dissipation efficiency of the energy storage module 21 can be improved.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8C As shown, the baffle 38 may include a first guide section 382 and a second guide section 383. The first guide section 382 is located near the air inlet 31, and the second guide section 383 is located near the air outlet 32. The distribution density of the pores 381 on the first guide section 382 is greater than that on the second guide section 383; therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency of the first guide section 382 is greater than that of the second guide section 383. For example, the spacing between the multiple exhaust pores 381 near the air inlet 31 is d1, and the spacing between the multiple exhaust pores 381 near the air outlet 32 ​​is d2, where d2 can be equal to 2 or 3 times d1.

[0070] As described above, the temperature is higher near the air inlet 31 (i.e., the location of the first guide section 382) and lower near the air outlet 32 ​​(i.e., the location of the second guide section 383). Therefore, using the first guide section 382 with higher heat dissipation efficiency to dissipate heat from the higher-temperature location and using the second guide section 383 with lower heat dissipation efficiency to dissipate heat from the lower-temperature location helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module 21.

[0071] In some embodiments, see Figure 9The second air duct 37 has a window area 371 on the side away from the first air duct 35. The window area 371 can be formed in various ways. For example, the side of the second air duct 37 away from the first air duct 35 may not have a sidewall, thus forming the aforementioned window area 371. In this case, the bottom plate of the adjacent energy storage module 21 of the second air duct 37 can serve as an enclosure surface of the second air duct 37. Alternatively, a sidewall may be provided on the side of the second air duct 37 away from the first air duct 35, and an opening may be provided on this sidewall, thus forming the aforementioned window area 371. Providing a window area 371 on the side of the second air duct 37 away from the first air duct 35 allows airflow (such as cold air) to directly blow onto the energy storage module 21, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation structure 3.

[0072] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 Multiple ribs 372 can be installed inside the second air duct 37 to serve as the load-bearing structure of the energy storage module 21, thereby enhancing the overall load-bearing capacity of the heat dissipation structure 3.

[0073] A heat dissipation structure 3 can be provided between two adjacent energy storage modules 21. Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, multiple heat dissipation structures 3 can also be arranged between two adjacent energy storage modules 21. Each heat dissipation structure 3 includes a first support plate 36a and a second support plate 36b arranged opposite each other along a first direction, with multiple support columns 33' arranged between the first support plate 36a and the second support plate 36b. The multiple heat dissipation structures 3 include a first heat dissipation structure 3a and a second heat dissipation structure 3b. The first heat dissipation structure 3a is located near the first end 211, and the second heat dissipation structure 3b is located near the second end 312. Both the first heat dissipation structure 3a and the second heat dissipation structure 3b are hollow structures, thus forming the aforementioned first air duct 35. This type of heat dissipation structure has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0074] In addition to the first heat dissipation structure 3a and the second heat dissipation structure 3b, in some embodiments, the plurality of heat dissipation structures 3 may also include at least one third heat dissipation structure (not shown in the figure), which may be disposed between the first heat dissipation structure 3a and the second heat dissipation structure 3b, thereby better supporting the energy storage module 21.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first air duct 35 mentioned above may include multiple sub-air ducts. For example, see Figure 6C The area between two adjacent support columns 33 constitutes a sub-ventilation duct. See also... Figure 10B The area between two adjacent support columns 33' constitutes a sub-duct. The cross-sectional shape of the sub-duct perpendicular to the second direction can be rectangular, rhomboid, or arched (see [reference]). Figure 11The rhombus or arch shape has a deformation rebound function. If the energy storage module 21 expands during use, the rhombus or arch structure can rebound, thereby reducing the overall deformation of the energy storage module 21. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the sub-duct along the direction perpendicular to the second direction can also be other shapes such as I-shaped or triangular.

[0076] The heat dissipation structure 3 has been described in detail above. In addition to the heat dissipation structure 3, in some embodiments, a heat-conducting structure can also be provided between the heat dissipation structure 3 and the energy storage module 21. The projection of the heat-conducting structure in the first direction can be smaller than the projection of the heat dissipation structure 3 in the first direction. Based on the heat-conducting structure, the heat from the energy storage module 21 can be quickly guided to the heat dissipation structure 3 for cooling. The heat-conducting structure includes, but is not limited to, thermally conductive adhesive, thermally conductive pads, or thermally conductive sheets.

[0077] Furthermore, to further reduce the temperature difference between different locations within the energy storage module 21, the heat-conducting structure can be zoned according to the heat generation at different locations within the energy storage module 21. For example, the heat-conducting structure can be designed so that its heat-conducting area gradually decreases along the airflow direction, resulting in higher heat conduction efficiency near the electrode and lower efficiency further away. Since the area near the electrode has a higher temperature, this arrangement of the heat-conducting structure helps improve the heat dissipation efficiency in high-temperature areas, thus making the overall temperature distribution of the energy storage module 21 more balanced.

[0078] For example, see Figure 12 The heat-conducting structure 4 may include a first heat-conducting portion 41 and a second heat-conducting portion 42. The first heat-conducting portion 41 is located near the air inlet 31, and the second heat-conducting portion 42 is located near the air outlet 32. The heat-conducting area of ​​the first heat-conducting portion 41 is larger than the heat-conducting area of ​​the second heat-conducting portion 42.

[0079] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first heat-conducting portion 41 is located in the first heat-conducting region 43, and the second heat-conducting portion 42 is located in the second heat-conducting region 44. The first heat-conducting region 43 is located near the first end 211 of the energy storage module 21 (i.e., near the tab), and the second heat-conducting region 44 is located near the second end 212 of the energy storage module 21 (i.e., away from the tab). The first heat-conducting portion 41 is arranged to cover the first heat-conducting region 43, and / or the second heat-conducting portion 42 is arranged alternately with the air layer 45 along the airflow direction within the second heat-conducting region 44, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of areas with high heat generation and improving the temperature uniformity of the energy storage module 21.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the heat-conducting structure 4 adopts the partitioned design mentioned above, the heat dissipation structure 3 may not require special treatment. For example, the support columns or vents inside the heat dissipation structure 3 can be evenly arranged (e.g., the heat dissipation structure 3 can be designed as a harmonica tube with equal tooth spacing), thereby simplifying the implementation of the heat dissipation structure 3 and reducing its cost.

[0081] Alternatively, in other embodiments, when the heat-conducting structure 4 employs the partitioned heat dissipation design mentioned above, the heat dissipation structure 3 can also adopt a special design. For example, the heat dissipation structure 3 can adopt... Figure 7A As shown in the design, the heat dissipation structure 3 has support columns of varying densities in different sections of the first air duct. Alternatively, the heat dissipation structure 3 can also employ... Figure 8C The design shown involves setting pores of different densities in different flow guide sections of the partition.

[0082] See Figure 13 Multiple energy storage units 213 can be connected by tabs 2131 via tab connectors 214 (or connecting pieces, such as connecting copper busbars), thereby achieving series and / or parallel connection of the energy storage units 213. Tab connectors 214 are also areas with significant heat generation in the energy storage units 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, ventilation holes are also provided on the heat dissipation structure 3 or the energy storage module 21. These ventilation holes can be arranged towards the tab connectors 214 to dissipate heat from the tab connectors 214.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, ventilation holes 34 can be provided on the side wall of the heat dissipation structure 3. This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the ventilation holes 34; they can be... Figure 13 The small slit shown (such as a slit with a width of about 2 mm) can also be a hole or other arbitrary shape. The ventilation hole 34 can be located near the tab 2131. The inlet of the ventilation hole 34 communicates with the air inlet 31 of the heat dissipation structure 3, and the outlet of the ventilation hole 34 is set towards the tab connection 214. In this way, part of the gas entering the air inlet 31 will flow towards the air outlet 32, and the other part of the gas will be blown towards the tab connection 214 under the guidance of the ventilation hole 34, thereby dissipating heat from the tab connection 214. The solution of opening the ventilation hole 34 on the heat dissipation structure 3 eliminates the need to introduce additional heat dissipation components for the tab connection 214, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing costs.

[0084] For example, see also Figure 14The energy storage module 21 also includes a cover plate 215, which is connected to the first end 211 of the energy storage module 21. The cover plate 215 is spaced apart from the tabs 2131 in the energy storage module 21 (which are blocked by the cover plate 215). The cover plate 215 is provided with ventilation holes 2151 (for example, multiple rows of ventilation holes 2151) facing the tab connection portion 214, so as to guide airflow to the tab connection portion 214 and thus assist the tab connection portion 214 in heat dissipation. In addition, the cover plate 215 can also prevent operators from accidentally touching the tabs 2131, thereby avoiding safety accidents.

[0085] This application embodiment does not specifically limit the diameter of the ventilation holes 2151, the spacing between adjacent ventilation holes 2151, or the number of rows of ventilation holes 2151. For example, the design can be based on the shape or size of the energy storage module 21 and / or the tab connection portion 214. Exemplarily, the diameter of the ventilation holes 2151 can be 5-10 mm. The shape of the ventilation holes 2151 can be circular, rectangular, triangular, or other irregular shapes. Furthermore, the spacing between the ventilation holes 2151 can be equal to the spacing between the tabs 2131 of two adjacent energy storage units 213. The number of rows of ventilation holes 2151 can be 2, 3, or 4.

[0086] The ventilation holes mentioned above (including) Figure 13 Ventilation holes 34 and Figure 14 The ventilation hole 2151 can be combined with the heat dissipation structure 3 mentioned in any of the preceding embodiments. For example, the heat dissipation structure 3 can be... Figures 6A to 7B The heat dissipation structure shown, or heat dissipation structure 3, can be... Figures 8A to 9 The multi-duct combination structure shown.

[0087] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the energy storage cabinet 1 further includes an air conditioning component 5. The air conditioning component 5 can be disposed on the top of the cabinet 10. Alternatively, the air conditioning component 5 can also be disposed on the side wall or inside the cabinet 10. The air conditioning component 5 can be used to supply gas (cold air) for heat dissipation into the cabinet 10. The air conditioning component 5 has an air supply vent 51 and a return air vent 52. Figure 15The energy storage cabinet 10 shown has two air outlets 51 inside, which supply air to the two energy storage components 2 (battery clusters) respectively. The air output from the air conditioning component 5 is sent out through the air outlets 51, passes through multiple heat dissipation structures 3 (located between adjacent energy storage modules 21) to dissipate heat from the energy storage modules 21, and is recovered by the air conditioning component 5 through the return air outlet 52, thus completing one cycle. It can be understood that along the first direction (the height direction of the cabinet 10), the different heat dissipation structures 3 are distributed at different heights. If a system-level air duct structure is not set inside the cabinet 10, the air output from the air outlets 51 of the air conditioning component 5 may not be evenly distributed to the air inlets of each heat dissipation structure 3, resulting in poor temperature uniformity among the energy storage modules 21 inside the cabinet 10.

[0088] Therefore, see Figure 15 and Figure 16 This embodiment of the application also introduces an air inlet baffle 6 into the cabinet 10. This air inlet baffle 6 can form a third air duct 7 (or air supply channel) with the inner wall of the cabinet 10. The air outlet 51 of the air conditioning unit is connected to the third air duct 7, thereby enabling the gas output from the air outlet 51 to be transported to the third air duct 7. Figure 15 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the fluid within the third air duct. The air inlet baffle 6 has multiple openings 61, and the positions of these openings 61 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the air inlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures 3 (or, in other words, the positions of the openings 61 coincide with the positions of the air inlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures 3), thereby evenly distributing the airflow in the third air duct 7 to the air inlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures 3. The air outlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures 3 are connected to the return air inlet 52 of the air conditioning unit, thereby recovering high-temperature gas.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the cabinet 10 has a first inner wall 101 and a second inner wall 102 arranged opposite to each other along a third direction. The energy storage cabinet 1 also includes a first return air baffle 81 and a second return air baffle 82. Figure 16The portion within the dashed frame is the return air baffle. The first return air baffle 81 is positioned between the inlet baffle 6 and the first inner wall 101, and the second return air baffle 82 is positioned between the inlet baffle 6 and the second inner wall 102. The return air baffles 81 and 82 can be integrally formed with the inlet baffle 6 or can be separated from each other. If the return air baffles 81 and 82 are separate components from the inlet baffle 6, they can be fixed together in a certain way, and the connection can be sealed. Furthermore, the return air baffles 81 and 82 can also contact and seal with the top and bottom surfaces of the cabinet 10. The return air baffles 81 and 82 can prevent backflow of the exhaust air (i.e., the cold air output from the air outlet 51 of the air conditioning component 5 flows directly back to the return air outlet 52 without cooling the energy storage module 21), thereby avoiding turbulent flow within the energy storage cabinet 1 and affecting the temperature uniformity of the entire system. In addition, the return air baffles 81 and 82 can also seal the third air duct 7 to prevent gas leakage.

[0090] The air supplied by the air outlet 51 of the air conditioning component 5 has a relatively high initial flow velocity. If it is directly supplied to the third air duct 7, it may cause uneven airflow (uneven gas velocity or pressure) near the interior of the third air duct 7. This will also lead to uneven gas flow into the air inlet of the heat dissipation structure 3. Therefore, see Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, a flow equalization structure 9 may be provided between the air outlet 51 of the air conditioning component 5 and the third air duct 7. One end of the flow equalization structure 9 is connected to the air outlet 51, and the other end is connected to the third air duct 7. The flow equalization structure 9 can equalize the flow of gas output from the air outlet 51 of the air conditioning component 5, thereby reducing the gas velocity output from the air outlet 51 and making the gas velocity entering the third air duct 7 as uniform as possible. The shape of the flow equalization structure 9 may be, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 15 Or the funnel shape shown in 16; of course, the flow equalization structure 9 can also be constructed in any other suitable shape.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 17 As shown, the energy storage module 21 may include two end caps 217 (such as metal end caps) disposed opposite each other along a third direction, thereby supporting, fixing, and protecting the energy storage unit 213. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown, the first end 211 and / or the second end 212 of the energy storage module 21 may be provided with straps 218 (such as steel strips). Figure 17 The arrangement of the straps 218 at the second end 212 is shown (the arrangement of the straps at the first end 211 is similar), thereby fixing the multiple energy storage units 213.

[0092] The energy storage unit 213 mentioned in this application embodiment can be a short-blade laminated battery cell. Short-blade laminated batteries have high energy density and are therefore widely used. Using this application embodiment for heat dissipation of an energy storage module based on short-blade laminated batteries can further improve the performance of the short-blade laminated batteries.

[0093] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage cabinet, characterized in that, include: Cabinet; Multiple energy storage modules are disposed in the cabinet and stacked along a first direction. Each energy storage module includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along a second direction. Each energy storage module also includes multiple energy storage units disposed between the first end and the second end, and the tabs of the multiple energy storage units are all located at the first end. A heat dissipation structure is disposed between two adjacent energy storage modules. The heat dissipation structure includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a first air duct located between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet is located near the first end, and the air outlet is located near the second end. Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation structure includes multiple enclosing surfaces, and the multiple enclosing surfaces form the first air duct; Multiple support columns are provided inside the multiple enclosing surfaces. The support columns extend along the first direction and are arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

3. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of support columns include first support columns and second support columns arranged alternately along the third direction, wherein the dimension of the second support column along the third direction is greater than the dimension of the first support column along the third direction.

4. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of support columns also include a third support column, which is disposed in the middle region of the heat dissipation structure along the third direction; The dimension of the third support column along the third direction is greater than the dimension of the second support column along the third direction.

5. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first air duct includes a first air duct section and a second air duct section. The first air duct section is located near the air inlet, and the second air duct section is located near the air outlet. The distribution density of the support columns in the first air duct section is greater than the distribution density of the support columns in the second air duct section.

6. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 5, characterized in that, The dimension of the first air duct section along the second direction is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the dimension of the first air duct along the second direction.

7. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation structure further includes a second air duct, which is stacked with the first air duct along the first direction. The first air duct is connected to the air inlet, and the second air duct is connected to the air outlet. A partition is provided between the first air duct and the second air duct. The partition surface is perpendicular to the first direction, and the partition is provided with a plurality of air holes that connect the first air duct and the second air duct.

8. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 7, characterized in that, The partition includes a first guide section and a second guide section. The first guide section is located near the air inlet, and the second guide section is located near the air outlet. The distribution density of the air holes on the first guide section is greater than the distribution density of the air holes on the second guide section.

9. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side of the second air duct away from the first air duct has a window area.

10. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple heat dissipation structures are provided between two adjacent energy storage modules. Each heat dissipation structure includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged opposite to each other along the first direction. Multiple support columns are provided between the first support plate and the second support plate. The plurality of heat dissipation structures include a first heat dissipation structure and a second heat dissipation structure, wherein the first heat dissipation structure is disposed near the first end and the second heat dissipation structure is disposed near the second end.

11. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 10, characterized in that, The plurality of heat dissipation structures further include at least one third heat dissipation structure, which is disposed between the first heat dissipation structure and the second heat dissipation structure.

12. The energy storage cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first air duct includes multiple sub-air ducts, and the cross-sectional shape of the sub-air ducts along the direction perpendicular to the second direction is rectangular, rhomboid, or arched.

13. The energy storage cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, A heat-conducting structure is provided between the energy storage module and the heat dissipation structure. The projection of the heat-conducting structure in the first direction is smaller than the projection of the heat dissipation structure in the first direction. The heat-conducting structure has a first heat-conducting part and a second heat-conducting part. The first heat-conducting part is located near the air inlet, and the second heat-conducting part is located near the air outlet. The heat-conducting area of ​​the first heat-conducting part is larger than the heat-conducting area of ​​the second heat-conducting part.

14. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first heat-conducting portion is located in a first heat-conducting region near the first end, and the second heat-conducting portion is located in a second heat-conducting region near the second end; The first heat-conducting portion covers the first heat-conducting area, and / or the second heat-conducting portion is arranged alternately with the air layer along the airflow direction in the first air duct.

15. The energy storage cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The energy storage module includes a tab connection part, which is connected to the tabs of multiple energy storage units. The heat dissipation structure or the energy storage module is provided with ventilation holes, which are arranged facing the tab connection part.

16. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 15, characterized in that, The ventilation holes are located on the side wall of the heat dissipation structure, and the ventilation holes are connected to the air inlet of the first air duct; or, The energy storage module also includes a cover plate, which is connected to the first end of the energy storage module and is spaced apart from the tabs in the energy storage module. The ventilation holes are located on the cover plate.

17. The energy storage cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The energy storage cabinet also includes: An air conditioning unit with an air supply vent and an air return vent; An air inlet baffle is provided, which forms a third air duct with the inner wall of the cabinet. The air outlet of the air conditioning component is connected to the air inlet of the third air duct. The air inlet baffle has multiple openings, and the positions of the multiple openings correspond one-to-one with the positions of the air inlets of the multiple heat dissipation structures. The return air outlet of the air conditioning component is connected to the air outlet of the multiple heat dissipation structures.

18. The energy storage cabinet according to claim 17, characterized in that, The cabinet has a first inner wall and a second inner wall arranged opposite each other along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; The energy storage cabinet also includes a first return air baffle and a second return air baffle. The first return air baffle is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the first inner wall, and the second return air baffle is disposed between the air inlet baffle and the second inner wall.

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