Liquid cooling system and energy storage device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a liquid cooling system and an energy storage device. The liquid cooling system includes: a circulation pipeline and a plurality of liquid cooling plates spaced apart along a first direction. An assembly space for accommodating a battery pack is formed between adjacent liquid cooling plates. The liquid cooling plates form flow channels for supplying coolant. The circulation pipeline is disposed beside the plurality of liquid cooling plates and extends along the first direction, communicating with the flow channels, and the circulation pipeline and the plurality of flow channels are connected in parallel. Its purpose is to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the temperature difference between the cooling plates and effectively control the system pressure drop in a liquid cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling system and energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In power battery thermal management systems, liquid cooling solutions are widely used due to their high heat exchange efficiency and good temperature control accuracy. Existing integrated liquid cooling systems typically employ a fully series arrangement, where the coolant flows sequentially through multiple module cold plates to dissipate heat from the battery modules. However, in this series structure, the coolant is heated as it flows through the first cold plate, leading to a decrease in the cooling capacity of the subsequent cold plates. This results in significant temperature differences between different modules, affecting the overall consistency and safety of the battery pack. Simultaneously, the series path causes a gradual accumulation of flow resistance between the cold plates, and the total system pressure drop increases significantly with the number of cold plates. This not only increases the load on the circulating pump and energy consumption but may also lead to uneven coolant flow distribution. Utility Model Content

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a liquid cooling system and energy storage device, which aims to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the temperature difference between cold plates and effectively control the system pressure drop in a liquid cooling system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a solution as follows: a liquid cooling system, characterized in that it includes: a circulation pipeline and a plurality of liquid cooling plates spaced apart along a first direction, an assembly space for accommodating a battery pack is formed between adjacent liquid cooling plates, and the liquid cooling plates form flow channels for supplying coolant; the circulation pipeline is disposed beside the plurality of liquid cooling plates and extends along the first direction, the circulation pipeline is connected to the flow channels, and the circulation pipeline and the plurality of flow channels are connected in parallel.

[0005] Optionally, there are two circulation pipes, and the liquid cooling plate also includes an inlet and an outlet. The flow channel is connected to the first circulation pipe through the inlet and to the second circulation pipe through the outlet.

[0006] Optionally, the liquid inlets of the multiple liquid cooling plates are arranged along the first direction, and the flow channels of the multiple liquid cooling plates are connected in parallel with the first circulation pipeline through the corresponding liquid inlets; The liquid outlets of multiple liquid cooling plates are arranged along the first direction, and the flow channels of multiple liquid cooling plates are connected in parallel with the second circulation pipeline through the corresponding liquid outlets.

[0007] Optionally, the liquid inlet extends through the liquid cooling plate along the first direction, and the first circulation pipeline is connected to both ends of the liquid inlet along the first direction; The liquid outlet extends through the liquid cooling plate along the first direction, and the second circulation pipeline connects to both ends of the liquid outlet along the first direction.

[0008] Optionally, the circulation pipeline includes a first base and a sub-pipe; The sub-tube is connected between the liquid inlet or liquid outlet of the adjacent liquid cooling plate, and the sub-tube is provided with a first retaining groove; The first base includes a base body and a first locking block connected to the base body. The first base body is connected between the sub-tube and the liquid cooling plate. The first locking block and the first locking slot are engaged.

[0009] Optionally, the substrate has a first channel, at least a portion of the sub-tubes are inserted into the first channel, a first locking block is disposed in the first channel, and the first locking block engages with a first locking groove on the sub-tube inserted into the first channel.

[0010] Optionally, the circulation pipeline also includes a second base for connecting the substrate and the liquid cooling plate, the second base having a second channel and a second slot; The first base also includes a second card block connected to the base body, at least a portion of the first base is inserted into the second channel, and the second card slot and the second card block cooperate.

[0011] Optionally, the base has a clearance groove, which is nested outside the first channel. The second locking block is disposed on the side of the base near the clearance groove. At least part of the second base is inserted into the clearance groove. The second locking slot is disposed on the side of the second base facing the second channel. The second locking slot and the second locking block cooperate. The circulation pipeline includes a first sealing part, which is disposed in a relief groove and sandwiched between the base and the second base.

[0012] Optionally, the sub-tube and the substrate are jointly enclosed to form a sealed channel; The circulation pipeline includes a second sealing part, which is disposed in the sealing channel and sandwiched between the sub-pipe and the base.

[0013] Optionally, the sub-tube includes multiple rigid segments and at least one flexible segment, with the rigid segments connected between the flexible segment and the first base.

[0014] Optionally, the two circulation lines are located on the same side of the multiple liquid cooling plates and are arranged side by side along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] In a second aspect, an energy storage device includes a plurality of battery packs and a liquid cooling system as described in any of the first aspects, wherein the plurality of battery packs are spaced apart along a first direction, the battery packs are disposed in an assembly space, and the battery packs are connected to a liquid cooling plate.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: An energy storage device, multiple battery packs and a liquid cooling system, wherein the multiple battery packs are spaced apart along a first direction.

[0017] Specifically, the liquid cooling system includes: a circulation pipeline and a plurality of liquid cooling plates spaced apart along a first direction, an assembly space for accommodating a battery pack is formed between adjacent liquid cooling plates, the battery pack is disposed in the assembly space and connected to the liquid cooling plates, the liquid cooling plates are formed with flow channels for supplying coolant, the circulation pipeline is disposed beside the plurality of liquid cooling plates and extends along the first direction, the circulation pipeline is connected to the flow channels, and the circulation pipeline and the plurality of flow channels are connected in parallel.

[0018] In practical applications, the circulation pipeline extends along the first direction and adopts a straight arrangement, which reduces the number of bends and transitions in the pipeline structure. This makes the flow path of the coolant within the circulation pipeline smoother, thereby reducing energy loss and additional resistance caused by local bends, reducing overall flow resistance, and improving the flow efficiency of the coolant. Simultaneously, the circulation pipeline is connected in parallel with the flow channels of multiple liquid cooling plates, allowing the coolant to enter multiple liquid cooling plates simultaneously for heat exchange, rather than flowing serially between the plates. This avoids the problem of temperature difference accumulation caused by gradual temperature increases before and after the cold plates, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution across the liquid cooling plates and improving the overall cooling consistency of the battery pack. Furthermore, the parallel structure ensures that the system's pressure drop is primarily determined by the flow channel of a single cold plate, rather than accumulating layer by layer with the increase in the number of cold plates. Therefore, it can significantly reduce the overall pressure drop of the liquid cooling system, improve the efficiency of the circulation pump, and reduce energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the liquid cooling system provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the liquid cooling system provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a circulation pipeline provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the internal structure of the circulation pipeline provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second base provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first base provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first base provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sub-tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers: 20. Liquid cooling plate; 21. Flow channel; 22. Liquid inlet; 23. Liquid outlet; 30. Circulation pipeline; 31. First base; 311. Base; 3111. First channel; 3112. Relief groove; 312. First locking block; 313. Second locking block; 32. Second base; 321. Second slot; 322. Second channel; 33. Sub-tube; 331. First slot; 332. Rigid section; 333. Flexible section; 34. First sealing part; 35. Second sealing part; 36. Sealing channel; 40. Assembly space; 50. First direction; 60. Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the liquid cooling system provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] This utility model provides an energy storage device, multiple battery packs and a liquid cooling system, wherein the multiple battery packs are arranged at intervals of 50° along a first direction.

[0025] Specifically, the liquid cooling system includes: a circulation pipe 30 and a plurality of liquid cooling plates 20 spaced apart along a first direction 50. An assembly space 40 for accommodating a battery pack is formed between adjacent liquid cooling plates 20. The battery pack is disposed in the assembly space 40 and connected to the liquid cooling plates 20. The liquid cooling plates 20 have flow channels 21 for supplying coolant. The circulation pipe 30 is disposed beside the plurality of liquid cooling plates 20 and extends along the first direction 50. The circulation pipe 30 is connected to the flow channels 21 and the circulation pipe 30 and the plurality of flow channels 21 are connected in parallel.

[0026] In practical applications, the circulation pipe 30 extends along the first direction 50 and adopts a straight arrangement, which reduces the number of bends and transitions in the circulation pipe 30. This makes the flow path of the coolant within the circulation pipe 30 smoother, thereby reducing energy loss and additional resistance caused by local bends, reducing overall flow resistance, and improving the flow efficiency of the coolant. Simultaneously, the circulation pipe 30 is connected in parallel with the flow channels 21 of multiple liquid cooling plates 20, allowing the coolant to simultaneously enter multiple liquid cooling plates 20 for heat exchange, rather than flowing serially between the plates. This avoids the problem of temperature difference accumulation caused by the gradual increase in temperature before and after the cold plates, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution across the liquid cooling plates 20 and improving the overall cooling consistency of the battery pack. Furthermore, the parallel structure ensures that the system's pressure drop is mainly determined by the flow channel 21 of a single cold plate, rather than accumulating layer by layer with the increase in the number of cold plates. Therefore, it can significantly reduce the overall pressure drop of the liquid cooling system, improve the working efficiency of the circulation pump, and reduce energy consumption.

[0027] Further, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 There are two circulation pipes 30. The liquid cooling plate 20 also includes an inlet 22 and an outlet 23. The flow channel 21 is connected to the first circulation pipe 30 through the inlet 22 and to the second circulation pipe 30 through the outlet 23.

[0028] In practical applications, this creates clearly defined inflow and outflow channels for the coolant. This dual-pipe arrangement ensures a more stable and controllable flow direction of the coolant as it flows through the liquid cooling plate 20, avoiding flow interference or backflow caused by a single-pipe structure.

[0029] Further, see Figure 1 The liquid inlets 22 of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are arranged along the first direction 50, and the flow channels 21 of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are connected in parallel with the first circulation pipeline 30 through the corresponding liquid inlets 22. The outlets 23 of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are arranged along the first direction 50, and the flow channels 21 of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are connected in parallel with the second circulation pipeline 30 through the corresponding outlets 23.

[0030] In practical applications, the inlets 22 of multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are arranged along the first direction 50, and the flow channels 21 of these liquid cooling plates 20 are connected in parallel with the first circulation pipe 30 through their respective inlets 22, so that the coolant can be simultaneously distributed to the multiple liquid cooling plates 20. Correspondingly, the outlets 23 of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 are also arranged along the first direction 50, and are connected in parallel with another circulation pipe 30 through their respective outlets 23, so that the coolant can be simultaneously collected into the outlet pipe after passing through the flow channels 21 of each liquid cooling plate 20.

[0031] This parallel pipe design, with inlet 22 and outlet 23 arranged along the first direction 50, allows for a more balanced distribution and collection of coolant, avoiding the temperature difference accumulation problem caused by the fluid passing through multiple liquid cooling plates 20 in the traditional series configuration. Through parallel connection, the coolant can enter different liquid cooling plates 20 almost simultaneously, reducing the inlet temperature difference between each liquid cooling plate 20 and thus ensuring more consistent cooling performance across the battery module.

[0032] Optionally, see Figure 2 The liquid inlet 22 passes through the liquid cooling plate 20 along the first direction 50, and the first circulation pipe 30 is connected to both ends of the liquid inlet 22 along the first direction 50. The liquid outlet 23 passes through the liquid cooling plate 20 along the first direction 50, and the second circulation pipe 30 is connected to both ends of the liquid outlet 23 along the first direction 50.

[0033] In practical applications, the through design allows the inlet 22 or outlet 23 to be directly connected to other inlets 22 or outlets 23 on both sides via a straight pipe. Compared to the method that requires multiple bends, this significantly reduces the bending parts in the circulation pipeline 30, thereby reducing fluid flow resistance and pressure drop.

[0034] Optionally, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The circulation pipeline 30 includes a first base 31 and a sub-pipe 33; The sub-tube 33 is connected between the liquid inlet 22 or the liquid outlet 23 of the adjacent liquid cooling plate 20, and the sub-tube 33 is provided with a first slot 331; The first base 31 includes a base 311 and a first locking block 312 connected to the base 311. The first base 31 is connected between the sub-tube 33 and the liquid cooling plate 20. The first locking block 312 and the first locking groove 331 cooperate.

[0035] In practical applications, the cooperation between the first slot 331 and the first block 312 achieves reliable mechanical fixation. Since the first block 312 has a certain elastic deformation capability, when the sub-pipe 33 is subjected to fluid pressure and thermal expansion and contraction, the first block 312 and the first slot 331 will not break or fail due to rigid connection, thus maintaining reliable mechanical fixation and reducing the risk of leakage in the circulation pipeline 30 during long-term operation.

[0036] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5The base 311 has a first channel 3111, at least part of the sub-tube 33 is inserted into the first channel 3111, and a first locking block 312 is disposed in the first channel 3111. The first locking block 312 cooperates with the first locking groove 331 on the sub-tube 33 inserted into the first channel 3111.

[0037] In practical applications, the first sub-tube 33 is stably fixed by the cooperation of the first locking block 312 and the first locking groove 331, preventing the first sub-tube 33 from shifting or loosening under liquid flow or external force, while maintaining the sealing and stability of the liquid cooling system. The first channel 3111 of the base 311 provides guidance and constraint for the first sub-tube 33, making the installation operation simpler.

[0038] Optionally, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The circulation pipeline 30 also includes a second base 32 for connecting the base 311 and the liquid cooling plate 20. The second base 32 has a second channel 322 and a second slot 321. The first base 31 also includes a second card block 313 connected to the base 311. At least a portion of the first base 31 is inserted into the second channel 322, and the second card slot 321 and the second card block 313 cooperate.

[0039] In practical applications, the first base 31 is fixed by the cooperation of the second locking block 313 and the second locking slot 321, achieving a stable positioning of the first base 31 relative to the second base 32 and the liquid cooling plate 20. This ensures that the connection between the first sub-tube 33 and the liquid inlet 22 or outlet 23 of the liquid cooling plate 20 is accurate and reliable. The second channel 322 provides guidance and installation constraints for the first base 31, making the installation operation smoother.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second base 32 is welded to the liquid cooling plate 20, and the second channel 322 is connected to the liquid inlet 22 or the liquid outlet 23. Then, the portion of the first base 31 with the second locking block 313 is inserted into the second channel 322, so that the second locking block 313 and the second locking groove 321 cooperate to connect the first base 31 and the second base 32. Then, the portion of the sub-tube 33 with the first locking groove 331 is inserted into the first channel 3111, so that the first locking groove 331 and the first locking block 312 cooperate to connect the sub-tube 33 and the first base 31.

[0041] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The base 311 has a clearance groove 3112, which is nested outside the first channel 3111. The second locking block 313 is disposed on the side of the base 311 near the clearance groove 3112. At least part of the second base 32 is inserted into the clearance groove 3112. The second locking groove 321 is opened on the side of the second base 32 facing the second channel 322. The second locking groove 321 and the second locking block 313 cooperate. The circulation pipeline 30 includes a first sealing part 34, which is disposed in the relief groove 3112 and sandwiched between the base 311 and the second base 32.

[0042] In practical applications, the first sealing part 34 forms a reliable seal between the base 311 and the second base 32, preventing coolant leakage and improving the overall sealing performance and operational safety of the liquid cooling system.

[0043] In this embodiment, when connecting the first base 31 and the second base 32, the first sealing part 34 is first placed in the relief groove 3112, and then the first base 31 is moved toward the second base 32, so that the second base 32 is inserted into the relief groove 3112 of the base 311 of the first base 31, and at the same time the first base 31 is inserted into the second channel 322 of the second base 32, until the second locking block 313 and the second locking groove 321 are engaged and connected.

[0044] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 The sub-tube 33 and the base 311 together form a sealed channel 36; The circulation pipeline 30 includes a second sealing part 35, which is disposed in the sealing channel 36 and sandwiched between the sub-pipe 33 and the base 311.

[0045] In practical applications, the combination of the sub-tube 33 and the base 311 forms a sealed channel 36, which is supplemented by a second sealing part 35. The liquid cooling system can still maintain a reliable seal under the pressure of coolant and vibration, ensuring smooth liquid flow and safe system operation, thereby improving the overall liquid cooling efficiency and long-term durability.

[0046] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 The sub-tube 33 includes a plurality of rigid segments 332 and at least one flexible segment 333, wherein the rigid segments 332 are connected between the flexible segments 333 and the first base 31.

[0047] In practical applications, the rigid section 332 provides structural support and positioning, ensuring that the sub-tube 33 remains stably arranged in the circulation pipeline 30 and that the coolant flows smoothly; the flexible section 333 gives the sub-tube 33 a certain degree of adjustability and buffering capacity to adapt to small displacements or assembly errors between the liquid cooling plate 20 and the base, reducing stress concentration and the risk of connection failure.

[0048] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 Two circulation pipes 30 are located on the same side of multiple liquid cooling plates 20 and are arranged side by side along a second direction 60, which is perpendicular to the first direction 50.

[0049] In practical applications, the two circulation pipes 30 are located on the same side of the multiple liquid cooling plates 20 and arranged side by side along the second direction 60, which is perpendicular to the first direction 50. The parallel side-by-side structure reduces pipe crossings and interference, allowing the circulation pipes 30 to be arranged compactly and occupy less space.

[0050] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0051] It should also be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be connected to an intermediary component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component through an intermediary component.

[0052] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system, characterized by, include: A plurality of liquid cooling plates are spaced apart along the first direction, and an assembly space for accommodating a battery pack is formed between adjacent liquid cooling plates. The liquid cooling plates are formed with flow channels for supplying coolant. A circulation pipeline is disposed beside the plurality of liquid cooling plates and extends along the first direction. The circulation pipeline is connected to the flow channel and is connected in parallel with the plurality of flow channels.

2. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The number of circulation pipes is two, and the liquid cooling plate also includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The flow channel is connected to the first circulation pipe through the liquid inlet, and the flow channel is connected to the second circulation pipe through the liquid outlet.

3. The liquid cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid inlets of the plurality of liquid cooling plates are arranged along the first direction, and the flow channels of the plurality of liquid cooling plates are connected in parallel with the first circulation pipeline through the corresponding liquid inlets; The liquid outlets of the plurality of liquid cooling plates are arranged along the first direction, and the flow channels of the plurality of liquid cooling plates are connected in parallel with the second circulation pipeline through the corresponding liquid outlets.

4. The liquid cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid inlet extends through the liquid cooling plate along the first direction, and the first circulation pipe is connected to both ends of the liquid inlet along the first direction. The liquid outlet extends through the liquid cooling plate along the first direction, and the second circulation pipeline connects to both ends of the liquid outlet along the first direction.

5. The liquid cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline includes a first base and a sub-pipe; The sub-tube is connected between the liquid inlet or liquid outlet of the adjacent liquid cooling plate, and the sub-tube is provided with a first retaining groove; The first base includes a base body and a first locking block connected to the base body. The first base body is connected between the sub-tube and the liquid cooling plate. The first locking block and the first locking slot are engaged.

6. The liquid cooling system of claim 5, wherein, The substrate has a first channel, at least a portion of the sub-tubes are inserted into the first channel, the first locking block is disposed in the first channel, and the first locking block cooperates with the first locking groove on the sub-tube inserted into the first channel.

7. The liquid cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline also includes a second base for connecting the substrate and the liquid cooling plate, the second base having a second channel and a second slot; The first base also includes a second locking block connected to the base body, at least a portion of the first base is inserted into the second channel, and the second locking slot and the second locking block cooperate.

8. The liquid cooling system of claim 7, wherein, The base has a clearance groove, which is nested outside the first channel. The second locking block is disposed on the side of the base near the clearance groove. At least a portion of the second base is inserted into the clearance groove. The second locking slot is opened on the side of the second base facing the second channel. The second locking slot and the second locking block cooperate. The circulation pipeline includes a first sealing part, which is disposed in the relief groove and sandwiched between the base and the second base.

9. The liquid cooling system of claim 5, wherein, The sub-tube and the substrate together form a sealed channel; The circulation pipeline includes a second sealing part, which is disposed in the sealing channel and sandwiched between the sub-pipe and the base.

10. The liquid cooling system of claim 5, wherein, The sub-tube includes multiple rigid segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein the rigid segments are connected between the flexible segments and the first base.

11. The liquid cooling system of claim 2, wherein, The two circulation pipes are located on the same side of the plurality of liquid cooling plates and are arranged side by side along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

12. An energy storage device, characterized by include: A plurality of battery packs and a liquid cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the plurality of battery packs are spaced apart along a first direction, the battery packs are disposed in the assembly space, and the battery packs are connected to the liquid cooling plate.

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