Heat management system and battery swap station

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a heat management system and a battery swap station. The heat management system comprises a carrier refrigerant circuit, at least two refrigerant circuits, and an evaporator. The carrier refrigerant circuit is used to transport carrier refrigerant, the carrier refrigerant is used to exchange heat with a battery device of the battery swap station, and the carrier refrigerant in the carrier refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with refrigerant in any one of the refrigerant circuits through the evaporator. The heat management system and the battery swap station of the embodiments of the present application are provided with at least two refrigerant circuits. In the case that a part of the refrigerant circuits fails, another part of the refrigerant circuits can be enabled, thereby reducing the risk of heat management failure. In addition, the multiple refrigerant circuits can also run simultaneously to improve the effectiveness of heat management under extreme pipe diameters. In summary, the use reliability of the heat management system can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of battery swapping technology, and more particularly to a thermal management system and a battery swapping station. Background Technology

[0002] Battery swapping stations need to store a large number of battery devices and charge them. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control the temperature of each battery device in the battery swapping station to reduce the probability of accidents.

[0003] The thermal management system used for thermal management of battery devices in battery swapping stations needs to have high reliability and the ability to operate continuously around the clock. The thermal management systems provided in related technologies are difficult to meet these requirements. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of this application aim to provide a thermal management system and a battery swapping station with high reliability.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a thermal management system for use in a battery swapping station. The thermal management system includes: a refrigerant circuit for transporting refrigerant, the refrigerant being used to exchange heat with the battery device of the battery swapping station; at least two refrigerant circuits for compressing, condensing, and transporting refrigerant; and an evaporator, wherein the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the refrigerant in any one of the refrigerant circuits through the evaporator.

[0006] In the thermal management system of this application embodiment, at least two refrigerant circuits that can operate independently or together are provided. This provides a high degree of redundancy. In the event of a failure in one of the refrigerant circuits, another refrigerant circuit can be activated, reducing the risk of thermal management failure. Furthermore, multiple refrigerant circuits can operate simultaneously to improve thermal management effectiveness under extreme pipe diameters. In summary, this enhances the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0007] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, and a throttle valve connected in sequence, with the inlet of the compressor and the outlet of the throttle valve connected to the evaporator.

[0008] In this way, the refrigerant circuit can compress, condense, and transport the refrigerant.

[0009] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit further includes: an oil separator disposed between the outlet of the compressor and the condenser; an oil return line connecting the outlet of the oil separator and the oil return port of the compressor; and an oil return valve disposed in the oil return line.

[0010] In this embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned oil return structure, it is helpful to improve the oil return efficiency of the compressor, especially in low-temperature seasons, which helps to maintain the amount of lubricating oil in the compressor, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit further includes an oil temperature sensor disposed in the oil tank of the oil separator, and the oil return valve is electrically connected to the oil temperature sensor.

[0012] In this embodiment, the return oil valve is electrically connected to the oil temperature sensor, so that the opening and closing of the return oil valve can be controlled according to the oil temperature detected by the oil temperature sensor. This ensures that the lubricating oil has good fluidity and / or good compatibility with the refrigerant during oil return, thereby helping to improve the success rate of oil return.

[0013] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit further includes: a receiver disposed between the outlet of the condenser and the expansion valve; a bypass line, the inlet end of which is connected between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the condenser, and the outlet end of which is connected to the receiver; and a bypass valve disposed in the bypass line.

[0014] In this embodiment, by setting a bypass pipeline and a bypass valve, it is helpful to flexibly adjust the condensing temperature, reduce the probability of triggering low-pressure protection due to excessively low compressor discharge pressure, and thus improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bypass valve is configured to have an adjustable opening.

[0016] This allows for precise control of the refrigerant flow in the bypass line, further enhancing the flexibility of condensing temperature adjustment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station, and the bypass valve is electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor.

[0018] In this embodiment, by electrically connecting the bypass valve to the ambient temperature sensor, the refrigerant flow rate in the bypass pipeline can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station, thereby achieving precise control of the refrigerant flow rate in the condenser and further improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit further includes a discharge pressure sensor for detecting the discharge pressure of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and the bypass valve is electrically connected to the discharge pressure sensor.

[0020] In this embodiment, the opening degree of the bypass valve can be adjusted according to the condensation temperature, which helps to maintain the condensation temperature within a suitable range and improve the energy efficiency, service life and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a plurality of refrigerant branches arranged in parallel, each of which corresponds to a different battery device.

[0022] In this embodiment, multiple refrigerant branches corresponding to different battery devices are provided. When no battery device is placed at the corresponding location, the corresponding refrigerant branch can be shut down and / or the operating parameters of the corresponding refrigerant circuit can be adjusted, thereby helping to improve the energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a controller connected to the refrigerant circuit to control the operation of the refrigerant circuit.

[0024] In this embodiment, setting a controller helps to further improve the operational stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller includes a frequency regulator for adjusting the frequency of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit.

[0026] In this embodiment, the controller includes a frequency regulator for adjusting the frequency of the compressor, thereby enabling variable frequency operation of the refrigerant circuit, which helps to improve thermal management and reduce energy consumption.

[0027] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes an outflow temperature sensor disposed on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator, and the frequency regulator is electrically connected to the outflow temperature sensor.

[0028] In this embodiment, the frequency regulator is electrically connected to the outflow temperature sensor. It can be understood that the refrigerant outflow temperature detected by the outflow sensor can reflect the heat load of the battery swapping station. The frequency regulator, which is electrically connected to the sensor, can adjust the compressor frequency according to the heat load of the battery swapping station, thereby improving the reliability of thermal management and saving energy.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller includes a subcooling detector electrically connected to the frequency regulator, the subcooling detector being used to acquire the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit.

[0030] In this embodiment, the frequency regulator is further electrically connected to the subcooling detector, thereby enabling the frequency of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit to be adjusted according to the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit. This helps to maintain the refrigerant circuit at a suitable subcooling level and improve the energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the controller includes a frequency detector and a parallelizer electrically connected to the frequency detector, the frequency detector being used to acquire the frequency of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit, and the parallelizer being configured to selectively operate multiple refrigerant circuits simultaneously based on the signal acquired by the frequency detector.

[0032] In this embodiment, by setting up a parallelizer, multiple refrigerant circuits can be operated simultaneously, thereby better meeting the thermal management requirements and improving the reliability of thermal management when the heat load of the battery swapping station is high.

[0033] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a plurality of refrigerant branches arranged in parallel, the controller includes a branch detector and a limiter electrically connected to the branch detector, the branch detector is used to acquire the number of the refrigerant branches that are open, and the limiter is configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of the plurality of the refrigerant circuits based on the signal acquired by the branch detector.

[0034] In this embodiment, a branch detector and a limiter with electrical connection are provided, which can limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits according to the number of refrigerant branches that are open. This can prevent the refrigerant outlet temperature from dropping too quickly, which would cause the compressor to start and stop frequently, reduce the probability of compressor damage, and improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes an ambient temperature sensor, and the controller includes a limiter electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor, the limiter being configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits based on signals acquired by the ambient temperature sensor.

[0036] In this embodiment, a limiter electrically connected to an ambient temperature sensor is provided, which enables the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits to be limited according to the ambient temperature. This avoids the refrigerant outlet temperature from dropping too quickly, which could lead to frequent compressor start-stop, reducing the probability of compressor damage and improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes: a first protection switch for selectively stopping the operation of a corresponding refrigerant circuit based on the compressor discharge pressure of the refrigerant circuit; a second protection switch for selectively stopping the operation of a corresponding refrigerant circuit based on the compressor suction pressure of the refrigerant circuit; the controller further includes: a switcher electrically connected to the first protection switch and the second protection switch, the switcher being used to operate the other refrigerant circuit when one of the refrigerant circuits stops operating.

[0038] In this embodiment, a switch electrically connected to the first protection switch and the second protection switch is provided, so that if one refrigerant circuit stops operating due to the triggering of the first protection switch or the second protection switch, it can switch to another refrigerant circuit, reducing the possibility of complete failure of thermal management and improving the reliability of thermal management.

[0039] A second aspect of this application provides a battery swapping station, which includes the thermal management system described in the first aspect of this application.

[0040] The battery swapping station of this application embodiment has all the advantages of the thermal management system described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system according to an embodiment of this application, in which only the specific structure of one refrigerant circuit is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the controller structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0044] 1. Refrigerant circuit; 11. Refrigerant branch; 2. Refrigerant circuit; 201. Compressor; 202. Condenser; 203. Throttling valve; 204. Gas-liquid separator; 205. Superheat temperature sensor; 206. Evaporator pressure sensor; 207. Suction temperature sensor; 208. Suction pressure sensor; 209. Discharge temperature sensor; 210. Discharge pressure sensor; 211. Subcooling temperature sensor; 212. Subcooling pressure sensor; 213. First protection switch; 214. Second protection switch; 215. Oil separator; 216. Oil return line; 217. Oil return valve; 218. Oil 219. Temperature sensor; 220. Filter; 221. First sight glass; 222. Check valve; 223. Liquid receiver; 224. Bypass line; 225. Bypass valve; 226. Dryer filter; 227. Second sight glass; 228. Vibration damper; 229. Shut-off valve; 220. Refrigerant injection port; 3. Evaporator; 4. Inflow temperature sensor; 5. Outflow temperature sensor; 6. Liquid pump; 7. Ambient temperature sensor; 8. Controller; 81. Frequency regulator; 82. Subcooling detector; 83. Frequency detector; 84. Parallel circuit; 85. Branch detector; 86. Limiter; 87. Switcher. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0046] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features can form different embodiments and technical solutions. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in this application will not be described separately.

[0047] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely to distinguish different objects and do not indicate that the objects have the sameness or relationship. It should be understood that the directional descriptions "above," "below," "outside," and "inside" refer to the orientation under normal use conditions, while "left" and "right" refer to the left and right directions shown in the corresponding diagrams, which may or may not be the left and right directions under normal use conditions.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. "A plurality of" means two or more.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0051] Currently, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, as a type of new energy vehicle, have gained widespread popularity in recent years. Electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles use onboard battery devices as their power source, at least partially. The battery devices used in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles can be reused. Accordingly, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles can maintain their range through charging (fast charging, slow charging) or battery swapping.

[0052] Battery swapping stations are facilities that provide battery replacement services for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other electrical equipment that use battery devices. At the same time, battery swapping stations can centrally store, charge, and distribute a large number of battery devices.

[0053] Battery devices (such as those installed in battery swapping stations) need to be kept within a relatively constant temperature range during charging. To meet this requirement, thermal management systems are typically installed in battery swapping stations, and these systems are required to operate continuously around the clock. This places high demands on the reliability of the thermal management system, which is difficult for existing technologies to meet.

[0054] To address the aforementioned problems, this application proposes a thermal management system. This thermal management system is applied to a battery swapping station and includes a refrigerant circuit, at least two refrigerant circuits, and an evaporator. The refrigerant circuit is used to transport refrigerant, which exchanges heat with the battery devices in the battery swapping station. The refrigerant circuits are used to compress, condense, and transport refrigerant. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can exchange heat with the refrigerant in any of the refrigerant circuits through the evaporator.

[0055] In the thermal management system of this application embodiment, at least two refrigerant circuits that can operate independently or together are provided. This provides a high degree of redundancy. In the event of a failure in one of the refrigerant circuits, another refrigerant circuit can be activated, reducing the risk of thermal management failure. Furthermore, multiple refrigerant circuits can operate simultaneously to ensure the effectiveness of thermal management under extreme conditions. In summary, this improves the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thermal management system of this application embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit 1, at least two refrigerant circuits 2, and an evaporator 3. The refrigerant circuit 1 is used to transport refrigerant, which is used to exchange heat with the battery device of the battery swapping station. The refrigerant circuits 2 are used to compress, condense, and transport refrigerant. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in any one of the refrigerant circuits 2 through the evaporator 3.

[0057] Here, the specific structural form of the refrigerant circuit 1 can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual storage method of the battery devices in the battery swapping station, and there are no restrictions on it.

[0058] Cooling agents include, but are not limited to, water, aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, aqueous solutions of calcium chloride, etc.

[0059] The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 can be pumped to the heat exchange structure located in the battery storage mechanism and / or the heat exchange structure located inside the battery device, thereby achieving heat exchange with the battery device.

[0060] Refrigerant circuit 2 is used for compressing, condensing, and transporting refrigerant. See, for example, [reference needed]. Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a compressor 201, a condenser 202, and a throttle valve 203 connected in sequence.

[0061] The inlet end of compressor 201 is connected to evaporator 3, the outlet end of compressor 201 is connected to the inlet end of condenser 202, the outlet end of condenser 202 is connected to the inlet end of throttle valve 203, and the outlet end of throttle valve 203 is connected to evaporator 3.

[0062] Taking refrigeration as an example, after the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled in the evaporator 3, it vaporizes into low-temperature, low-pressure steam. It is then drawn into the compressor 201, compressed into high-pressure, high-temperature steam, and discharged into the condenser 202. In the condenser 202, it releases heat to the cooling medium (water or air) and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. After being throttled by the expansion valve 203, it becomes a low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant and re-enters the evaporator 3 to absorb heat and vaporize, thus achieving the purpose of cyclic refrigeration.

[0063] The specific structural form of compressor 201 is not limited, such as it can be a piston compressor 201, screw compressor 201, scroll compressor 201, etc.

[0064] The specific structure of the condenser 202 is not limited, such as a water-cooled condenser or an air-cooled condenser. In a specific embodiment, the condenser 202 is a microchannel air-cooled condenser. Here, microchannel specifically refers to a channel with an equivalent diameter of 10-1000μm. The advantage of using a microchannel air-cooled condenser is that it has higher condensation efficiency and lower pollution.

[0065] The specific structural form of the throttle valve 203 is not limited; for example, it can be an electronic expansion valve.

[0066] The specific structure of the evaporator 3 is not limited. For example, it can be a plate heat exchanger, such as a brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE), which has the advantages of compact structure and high energy efficiency.

[0067] The number of refrigerant circuits 2 can be two or more, and those skilled in the art can determine the specific number according to actual usage requirements. In this embodiment, two refrigerant circuits 2 will be used as an example for description.

[0068] The structures of each refrigerant circuit 2 can be completely identical, or they can be different or not completely identical, and there is no limitation on this. Preferably, each refrigerant circuit 2 is configured to have completely identical structures (that is, the specific connection methods, equipment models, parameters, etc. of each device in each refrigerant circuit 2 are completely identical) in order to achieve basically seamless switching between each refrigerant circuit 2.

[0069] The refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 1 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in any refrigerant circuit 2 through evaporator 3.

[0070] As an example, the evaporator 3 can be set up one-to-one with the refrigerant circuit 2. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 can flow through each evaporator 3 in sequence, thereby achieving heat exchange with the refrigerant in any one of the refrigerant circuits 2.

[0071] As another example, multiple refrigerant circuits 2 are connected in parallel to the same evaporator 3, thereby enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant in one refrigerant circuit 2 and the refrigerant in any other refrigerant circuit 2.

[0072] It is understood that compared with the evaporator 3, condenser 202, expansion valve 203 and other equipment in refrigerant circuit 2, the failure rate of evaporator 3 is lower. Therefore, it is preferable that multiple refrigerant circuits 2 are connected in parallel to the same evaporator 3. This helps to reduce costs without affecting the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0073] It is understandable that, since the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 2 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in any other refrigerant circuit 2, each refrigerant circuit 2 can operate independently or jointly to meet the thermal management requirements of the battery swapping station. In other words, only one refrigerant circuit 2 can operate, or multiple refrigerant circuits 2 can operate simultaneously.

[0074] In this embodiment, the specific control method of each refrigerant circuit 2 in the actual process is not limited.

[0075] Taking two refrigerant circuits 2 as an example, when the heat load of the battery swapping station is low, only one refrigerant circuit 2 can be opened. If the refrigerant circuit 2 fails, it can be switched to the other refrigerant circuit 2, thereby reducing the risk of thermal management failure. When the heat load of the battery swapping station is high, both refrigerant circuits 2 can be opened simultaneously, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of thermal management under extreme conditions.

[0076] The specific control methods for each refrigerant circuit 2 will be described in more detail in the relevant sections below, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] In the thermal management system of this application embodiment, at least two refrigerant circuits 2 that can operate independently or together are provided. This provides a high degree of redundancy. If one part of the refrigerant circuit 2 fails, the other part of the refrigerant circuit 2 can be activated, reducing the risk of thermal management failure. Furthermore, multiple refrigerant circuits 2 can operate simultaneously to improve thermal management effectiveness under extreme pipe diameters. In summary, this improves the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0078] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system also includes an inflow temperature sensor 4 and an outflow temperature sensor 5. The inflow temperature sensor 4 is located on the refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 3, and the outflow temperature sensor 5 is located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 3.

[0079] Here, the inflow temperature sensor 4 is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 3, and the outflow temperature sensor 5 is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 3.

[0080] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the thermal management system may include multiple evaporators 3. In such embodiments, an inflow temperature sensor 4 and an outflow temperature sensor 5 may be provided in each evaporator 3, or an inflow temperature sensor 4 may be provided only on the refrigerant inlet side of the upstream evaporator 3 and an outflow temperature sensor 5 may be provided only on the refrigerant outlet side of the downstream evaporator 3.

[0081] In this embodiment, by setting inflow temperature sensor 4 and outflow temperature sensor 5, the inflow and outflow temperatures of the refrigerant can be measured. In actual use, each refrigerant circuit 2 can be controlled based on the inflow and outflow temperatures, thereby further improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0082] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system also includes a liquid pump 6 disposed in the refrigerant circuit 1. Here, the liquid pump 6 can provide power for the flow of the refrigerant and control the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least one of the inflow temperature sensor 4 and the outflow temperature sensor 5 is configured as a temperature-flow rate composite sensor, thereby enabling it to detect not only temperature but also the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1. In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a flow rate sensor disposed in the refrigerant circuit 1.

[0084] In some embodiments, refer toFigure 1 The refrigerant circuit 1 includes multiple refrigerant branches 11 connected in parallel, each of which corresponds to a different battery device.

[0085] Here, the coolant branch 11 can be configured one-to-one with the battery device, or one coolant branch can correspond to multiple battery devices, without limitation.

[0086] The parallel arrangement of multiple refrigerant branches 11 means that in actual use, only some of the refrigerant branches 11 can be turned on while others are turned off.

[0087] In this embodiment, multiple refrigerant branches 11 corresponding to different battery devices are provided. When no battery device is placed at the corresponding position, the corresponding refrigerant branch 11 can be shut down and / or the operating parameters of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 can be adjusted, thereby helping to improve the energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0088] In some embodiments, specifically, the liquid pump 6 is configured to adjust its frequency according to the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are turned on. For example, the liquid pump 6 is configured to have a frequency approximately proportional to the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are turned on, or the correspondence between the frequency of the liquid pump 6 and the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are turned on can be determined by a lookup table.

[0089] In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the refrigerant circuit 2 includes a compressor 201, a condenser 202, and a throttle valve 203 connected in sequence, with the inlet end of the compressor 201 and the outlet end of the throttle valve 203 connected to the evaporator 3. This enables the refrigerant circuit 2 to compress, condense, and transport the refrigerant.

[0090] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a gas-liquid separator 204, a superheat temperature sensor 205, an evaporation pressure sensor 206, a suction temperature sensor 207, and a suction pressure sensor 208. The gas-liquid separator 204 is located between the inlet end of the compressor 201 and the evaporator 3. The superheat temperature sensor 205 and the evaporation pressure sensor 206 are located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 3. The suction temperature sensor 207 and the suction pressure sensor 208 are located on the inlet side of the compressor 201.

[0091] It is understandable that, in the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant at the outlet of evaporator 3 should ideally be superheated vapor. However, in actual operation (such as during startup, sudden load changes, improper adjustment of throttle valve 203, uneven heat exchange in evaporator 3, etc.), incompletely evaporated liquid refrigerant or a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant may be drawn into the suction pipe of compressor 201. The function of gas-liquid separator 204 is to separate the liquid substances in the refrigerant vapor at the outlet of evaporator 3, thereby reducing the probability of the above situations occurring.

[0092] The specific structural form of the gas-liquid separator 204 is not limited.

[0093] Evaporation pressure sensor 206 is used to detect the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of evaporator 3, which can reflect the state of the refrigerant inside evaporator 3.

[0094] The superheat temperature sensor 205 is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 3. This temperature can be used to calculate the superheat, which can be used to adjust the throttle valve 203 to reduce the probability of liquid refrigerant backflow.

[0095] The suction pressure sensor 208 is used to detect the suction pressure of the compressor 201. This suction pressure can be used to calculate the evaporation temperature, which can be used to determine the load on the evaporator 3, refrigerant leakage, or blockage.

[0096] The suction temperature sensor 207 is used to detect the suction temperature of the compressor 201. This suction temperature can characterize the superheat of the refrigerant vapor entering the compressor 201, and thus can serve as a basis for judging whether there are liquid substances in the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 201 and / or whether the evaporator 3 is sufficient.

[0097] In this embodiment, an overheat temperature sensor 205 and an evaporation pressure sensor 206 are installed upstream of the gas-liquid separator 204, and a suction temperature sensor 207 and a suction pressure sensor 208 are installed downstream. Thus, in practical applications, the specific operating parameters of the evaporator 3 and / or the refrigerant circuit 2 can be controlled based on the parameters obtained from the above sensors, thereby helping to further reduce the probability of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor 201, and thus helping to better utilize the maximum heat exchange performance of the evaporator 3 and improve the thermal management efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0098] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes an exhaust temperature sensor 209 and an exhaust pressure sensor 210, which are located on the outlet side of the compressor 201; and / or a subcooling temperature sensor 211 and a subcooling pressure sensor 212, which are located on the inlet side of the throttle valve 203.

[0099] The exhaust temperature sensor 209 is used to detect the exhaust temperature of the compressor 201. The exhaust temperature can reflect the operating status of the compressor 201 and can also be used as a basis for judging conditions such as insufficient cooling, insufficient refrigerant, and system abnormalities.

[0100] The exhaust pressure sensor 210 is used to detect the exhaust pressure of the compressor 201. The exhaust pressure can be used to calculate the condensing temperature and can provide early warning of system overpressure.

[0101] The subcooling temperature sensor 211 is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 202, that is, the condensing temperature. The condensing temperature can be used to calculate the subcooling degree, which can provide a basis for adjusting the opening of the throttle valve 203, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0102] The subcooling pressure sensor 212 is used to detect the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 202, that is, the condensing pressure. The condensing pressure and condensing temperature can provide a basis for adjusting the operating parameters of the condenser 202 (such as the fan speed of the air-cooled condenser and the water pump speed of the liquid-cooled condenser), thereby helping to reduce energy consumption.

[0103] In summary, installing the aforementioned sensors helps improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0104] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system includes a first protection switch 213 and a second protection switch 214. The first protection switch 213 is used to selectively stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 according to the compressor discharge pressure of the refrigerant circuit. For example, the first protection switch 213 is used to stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 when the discharge pressure of the compressor 201 is greater than or equal to the first protection value.

[0105] The second protection switch 214 is used to selectively stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 according to the compressor suction pressure of the refrigerant circuit. For example, the second protection switch 214 is used to stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 when the suction pressure of the compressor 201 is less than or equal to the second protection value, wherein the first protection value is greater than the second protection value.

[0106] Here, the specific structural form of the first protection switch 213 and the second protection switch 214 is not limited, as long as their trigger state changes so that the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 can stop operating.

[0107] Here, the specific values ​​of the first and second protection values ​​can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the parameters of each device in the actual refrigerant circuit. For example, the first protection value is 3.8-4.2 MPa, such as 3.8 MPa, 3.9 MPa, 4.0 MPa, 4.1 MPa, etc. The second protection value is 0.1-0.4 MPa, such as 0.1 MPa, 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa, etc.

[0108] In this embodiment, by setting the first protection switch 213 and the second protection switch 214, it is helpful to shorten the control link when the refrigerant circuit 2 is shut down under abnormal operating conditions of the compressor 201, thereby protecting the compressor 201 as much as possible and reducing its probability of damage.

[0109] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes an oil separator 215, an oil return line 216, and an oil return valve 217. The oil separator 215 is located between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the condenser 202. The oil return line 216 connects the outlet of the oil separator 215 and the oil return port of the compressor 201. The oil return valve 217 is located in the oil return line 216.

[0110] Here, the oil separator 215 is used to separate the lubricating oil entrained in the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 201. Its specific structural form is not limited, and it may include mechanical centrifugal structure and / or filter adsorption structure, etc.

[0111] The return oil valve 217 can open or close the return oil line 216. When the return oil line 216 is open, the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 215 can return to the compressor 201 through the return oil line 216 to replenish the lubricating oil of the compressor 201.

[0112] The specific structure of the return valve 217 is not limited. As an example, the return valve 217 is a pulse solenoid valve, which can not only control the opening and closing of the return line 216, but also provide power for the flow of lubricating oil in the return line 216.

[0113] In this embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned oil return structure, it is helpful to improve the oil return efficiency of the compressor 201, especially in low-temperature seasons, which helps to maintain the amount of lubricating oil in the compressor 201, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0114] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes an oil temperature sensor 218, which is installed in the oil tank of the oil separator 215, and the oil return valve 217 is electrically connected to the oil temperature sensor 218.

[0115] The oil temperature sensor 218 is specifically used to detect the oil temperature of the lubricating oil in the oil tank of the oil separator 215. This oil temperature can be used as the basis for controlling the opening or closing of the oil return valve, thereby ensuring that the lubricating oil has good fluidity and / or good compatibility with the refrigerant during oil return, thus helping to improve the success rate of oil return.

[0116] The return valve 217 is electrically connected to the oil temperature sensor 218, so that the opening and closing of the return valve 217 can be controlled according to the oil temperature detected by the oil temperature sensor 218.

[0117] In some embodiments, specifically, if the oil temperature detected by the oil temperature sensor 218 is greater than or equal to the set return oil temperature, the return oil valve 217 is opened. Here, the set return oil temperature can be specifically determined according to the type of lubricating oil, the type of refrigerant, etc. For example, the set return oil temperature is 65°C.

[0118] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the specific implementation of the electrical connection between the oil temperature sensor 218 and the return valve 217 is not limited. As an example, the oil temperature sensor 218 and the return valve 217 can be electrically connected through the controller 8 described below. Specifically, the signal detected by the oil temperature sensor 218 is sent to the controller 8, and the controller 8 sends a corresponding control signal to the return valve 217 so that the return valve 217 can complete the above-mentioned action.

[0119] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a filter 219 installed in the oil return line.

[0120] Here, filter 219 is used to filter impurities in the lubricating oil of the return oil line, and the specific structural form of filter 219 is not limited.

[0121] In this embodiment, a filter 219 is further added to the return oil line, which helps to reduce the probability of impurities in the lubricating oil clogging the return oil line and / or the return oil valve.

[0122] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a first sight glass 220 installed in the oil return line.

[0123] Here, the first sight glass 220 specifically refers to a mirror structure capable of observing the internal liquid condition of the return oil pipeline. The specific structural form of the first sight glass 220 is not limited, and it can be a combined sight glass, a welded sight glass, a connected sight glass, etc.

[0124] In this embodiment, by setting a first sight glass 220 in the return oil line, it is helpful to more accurately grasp the state of the lubricating oil in the return oil line, thereby further reducing the probability of blockage in the return oil line and / or the return oil valve.

[0125] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a one-way valve 221, which is located between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the inlet of the oil separator 215.

[0126] Here, the one-way valve 221 only allows refrigerant to flow unidirectionally from the compressor 201 to the oil separator 215, while preventing refrigerant from flowing from the oil separator 215 to the compressor 201. The specific structural form of the one-way valve 221 is not limited, as long as it can achieve the above function.

[0127] In this embodiment, by setting a one-way valve 221, the probability of refrigerant backflow is reduced, and the reliability of the thermal management system is improved.

[0128] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a liquid receiver 222, a bypass line 223, and a bypass valve 224. The liquid receiver 222 is located between the outlet of the condenser 202 and the throttle valve 203. The inlet end of the bypass line 223 is connected between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the inlet of the condenser 202, and the outlet end of the bypass line 223 is connected to the liquid receiver 222. The bypass valve 224 is located in the bypass line 223.

[0129] Here, the receiver 222 refers to a container used to hold refrigerant, and its specific structural form is not limited. The installation of the receiver 222 helps to improve the refrigerant regulation and control margin, thereby ensuring that the heat exchange area of ​​the condenser 202 is fully utilized.

[0130] It is understandable that since the inlet end of the bypass pipe 223 is connected between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the inlet of the condenser 202, and the outlet end is connected to the liquid receiver 222, it is possible to allow the refrigerant to bypass the condenser 202 and flow directly to the liquid receiver 222.

[0131] The bypass valve 224 is used to open or close the bypass line 223. The specific structure of the bypass valve 224 is not limited. As an example, the bypass valve 224 is configured as a solenoid valve. In this way, the bypass line 223 can be opened or closed while providing the power for the refrigerant to flow in the bypass line 223.

[0132] When the bypass valve 224 opens the bypass line 223, the refrigerant will flow in two separate streams. One stream flows to the receiver 222 after being condensed by the condenser 202, and the other stream flows to the receiver 222 via the bypass line 223. Since the receiver 222 in the bypass line 223 does not require condensation and cooling, it can quickly flow to the expansion valve 203, thereby enabling a high-pressure environment to be quickly established between the compressor outlet 201 and the expansion valve 203, and increasing the condensing temperature.

[0133] In practical use, the bypass valve 224 can be opened or closed according to the condensing pressure and the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow in the condenser 202 and thus flexibly adjusting the condensing temperature. Optional control methods will be described in the relevant sections below and will not be repeated here.

[0134] In this embodiment, by setting a bypass pipe 223 and a bypass valve 224, it is helpful to flexibly adjust the condensing temperature, reduce the probability of triggering low-pressure protection due to excessively low discharge pressure of compressor 201, and thus improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0135] In some embodiments, the bypass valve 224 is configured to have an adjustable opening. This facilitates precise control of the refrigerant flow in the bypass line 223, further enhancing the flexibility of condensing temperature adjustment.

[0136] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes an ambient temperature sensor 7, which is used to detect the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station. The bypass valve 224 is electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor 7.

[0137] In this embodiment, by electrically connecting the bypass valve 224 to the ambient temperature sensor 7, the refrigerant flow rate in the bypass pipeline 223 can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station, thereby achieving precise control of the refrigerant flow rate in the condenser 202 and further improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0138] As an example, the bypass valve 224 is configured to open when the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor is less than or equal to a first set temperature. Here, the first set temperature can be specifically determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual parameters and type of the compressor 201 and the condenser 202; as an example, the first set temperature is 3°C.

[0139] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes an exhaust pressure sensor 210, and a bypass valve 224 is electrically connected to the exhaust pressure sensor 210, so that the opening of the bypass valve 224 can be adjusted according to the exhaust pressure detected by the exhaust pressure sensor 210.

[0140] It is understandable that the exhaust pressure detected by the exhaust pressure sensor 210 can be converted into condensation temperature, and the bypass valve 224 can be specifically set to increase the opening degree if the condensation temperature is high and decrease the opening degree if the condensation temperature is low.

[0141] In this embodiment, the opening degree of the bypass valve 224 can be adjusted according to the condensation temperature, which helps to maintain the condensation temperature within a suitable range and improve the energy efficiency, service life and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0142] In some embodiments, specifically, the bypass valve 224 is configured to increase its opening by a first set amount every first set time interval if the condensing temperature is less than the first condensing temperature; maintain its current opening if the condensing temperature is greater than or equal to the first condensing temperature and less than or equal to the second condensing temperature; and decrease its opening by a second set amount every second set time interval if the condensing temperature is greater than the second condensing temperature.

[0143] Here, the specific meanings of parameters such as the first condensing temperature, the second condensing temperature, the first set time, the first set amount, the second set time, and the second set amount can be determined by those skilled in the art based on actual usage requirements.

[0144] In one specific embodiment, the bypass valve 224 is specifically configured such that if the condensing temperature is less than 18°C, the opening degree increases by 5% every 15 seconds; if the condensing temperature is greater than or equal to 18°C ​​and less than or equal to 20°C, the current opening degree is maintained; and if the condensing temperature is greater than 20°C, the opening degree decreases by 5% every 15 seconds.

[0145] In this embodiment, the adjustment range of the bypass valve 224 opening is further divided according to the condensation temperature, and the opening of the bypass valve 224 is adjusted at a fixed frequency, which helps to improve the flexibility and stability of the condensation temperature adjustment.

[0146] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the bypass valve 224 being electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor 7 and the exhaust pressure sensor 210 is not limited. As an example, the bypass valve 224 can be electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor 7 and the exhaust pressure sensor 210 through the controller 8 described below. The signals detected by the ambient temperature sensor 7 and the exhaust pressure sensor 210 can be sent to the controller 8, and the controller 8 sends corresponding control commands to the bypass valve 224 to make the bypass valve 224 complete the above actions.

[0147] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a liquid receiver 222, a dryer filter 225, and a second sight glass 226. The liquid receiver 222 is located between the outlet of the condenser 202 and the throttle valve 203. The dryer filter 225 is located downstream of the liquid receiver, and the second sight glass 226 is located downstream of the dryer filter 225.

[0148] Here, the dryer filter 225 is used to adsorb moisture in the refrigerant, filter impurities, and prevent corrosion from acidic substances. The specific structural form of the dryer filter 225 is not limited.

[0149] The second sight glass 226 is used to observe the state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 2. The specific structure of the second sight glass 226 is not limited, such as a combined sight glass, a welded sight glass, a connected sight glass, etc.

[0150] In this embodiment, by setting a dryer filter 225, it is helpful to remove moisture and impurities from the refrigerant. A second sight glass 226 is set downstream of the dryer filter 225 to help determine the cleanliness and / or subcooling of the refrigerant, thereby improving the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0151] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes vibration damping pipes 227 disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the compressor 201. Specifically, the vibration damping pipe 227 refers to a structure installed on the suction / discharge pipe of the compressor 201 that has the function of suppressing vibration transmission. As an example, the vibration damping pipe 227 can be a flexible metal hose. In this embodiment, by providing the vibration damping pipe 227, the vibration of the compressor 201 during use can be suppressed, thereby extending its service life.

[0152] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes one or more shut-off valves 228. These shut-off valves 228 are used to cut off the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, regulate the flow rate, and can also be used as maintenance interfaces for the refrigerant circuit 2. The specific location of the shut-off valves 228 can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual usage requirements, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0153] As an example, a shut-off valve 228 is installed at least one of the following locations: the inlet side of the condenser 202, the outlet side of the condenser 202, the inlet side of the dryer filter 225, the inlet side of the electronic expansion valve, and upstream and / or downstream of the return valve in the return line.

[0154] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes one or more refrigerant injection ports 229, which are used to replenish refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit 2. The specific location of the refrigerant injection port 229 is not limited. As an example, at least one of the following locations is provided for the refrigerant injection port 229: the inlet side of the gas-liquid separator 204, the inlet side of the compressor 201, the outlet side of the compressor 201, and downstream of the dryer filter 225.

[0155] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The number of refrigerant circuits 2 is two. In this embodiment, setting the number of refrigerant circuits 2 to two helps to reduce costs and control difficulty while ensuring the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0156] In some embodiments, refer toFigure 1 The thermal management system also includes an ambient temperature sensor 7, which is used to detect the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station.

[0157] Here, the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 7 helps to provide a basis for judging the start-up and shutdown of the refrigerant circuit 2 and / or the start-up and shutdown of the bypass flow path of the refrigerant circuit 2, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0158] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 2 The thermal management system also includes a controller 8, which is connected to the refrigerant circuit 2 to control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0159] Here, the specific structure of the controller 8 is not limited, as long as it can control the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0160] Here, the controller 8 controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit 2, including but not limited to controlling the opening and closing of the refrigerant circuit 2, controlling the frequency of the compressor 201 in the refrigerant circuit 2, and the opening and closing of one or more valves (such as the oil return valve, bypass valve 224, etc.).

[0161] In this embodiment, the use of controller 8 helps to further improve the operational stability and reliability of the thermal management system.

[0162] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The controller 8 includes a frequency regulator 81, which is used to regulate the frequency of the compressor 201 in the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0163] Here, the frequency regulator 81 is configured to adjust the frequency of the compressor 201 in any one of the refrigerant circuits 2.

[0164] The frequency regulator 81 can be specifically configured to adjust the frequency of the compressor 201 in the refrigerant circuit 2 according to the heat load of the battery swapping station. The specific configuration method will be described in detail in the relevant section below, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] In this embodiment, the controller 8 includes a frequency regulator 81 for adjusting the frequency of the compressor 201, thereby enabling variable frequency operation of the refrigerant circuit 2, which helps improve thermal management and reduce energy consumption. Of course, in some other embodiments, the controller 8 may not include the frequency regulator 81, and the compressor 201 in the refrigerant circuit 2 may be set to operate at a fixed frequency.

[0166] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1The thermal management system includes an inflow temperature sensor 4 located on the refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 3 and an outflow temperature sensor 5 located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 3. The frequency regulator 81 is electrically connected to the inflow temperature sensor 4 and the outflow temperature sensor 5.

[0167] Here, the frequency regulator 81 is electrically connected to the outflow temperature sensor 5. It can be understood that the outflow temperature of the refrigerant detected by the outflow sensor can reflect the heat load of the battery swapping station. The frequency regulator 81, which is electrically connected to it, can adjust the frequency of the compressor 201 according to the heat load of the battery swapping station, thereby improving the reliability of thermal management and saving energy.

[0168] As an example, the frequency regulator 81 can be specifically configured to control the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 based on the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature and the set outlet temperature. Here, the set outlet temperature can be specifically determined according to the actual thermal management requirements of the battery device.

[0169] The specific control method for controlling the frequency of the compressor 201 in the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 based on the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature and the set outlet temperature is not limited. For example, proportional-derivative-integral control (PID control) or other adaptive setting methods can be used.

[0170] As an example, the frequency regulator 81 is configured to increase the frequency of compressor 201 when the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature and the set outlet temperature is greater than 0.5°C, decrease the frequency of compressor 201 when the difference is less than -0.5°C, and maintain the current frequency of compressor 201 when the difference is less than or equal to 0.5°C and greater than or equal to -0.5°C.

[0171] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The thermal management system includes an inflow temperature sensor 4 located on the refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 3, and a frequency regulator 81 electrically connected to the inflow temperature sensor 4.

[0172] It is understood that the outflow temperature sensor 5 may malfunction during actual use. Once a malfunction occurs, it may lead to the inability to meet the thermal management requirements of the battery device. Therefore, in this embodiment, the frequency regulator 81 is further electrically connected to the inflow temperature sensor 4, so that the frequency regulator 81 can also adjust the frequency of the compressor 201 according to the refrigerant inflow temperature detected by the inflow temperature sensor 4, thereby improving the reliability of thermal management.

[0173] As an example, the frequency regulator 81 can be specifically configured to control the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 based on the difference between the corrected temperature and the refrigerant inlet temperature. Here, the corrected temperature is the sum of the set outlet temperature and the set correction amount. The specific value of the set correction amount can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual cooling capacity of the refrigerant circuit 2, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0174] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1 The controller 8 includes a subcooling detector 82 electrically connected to the frequency regulator 81, which is used to obtain the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0175] Here, the subcooling detector 82 is configured to acquire the subcooling of any refrigerant circuit 2. The specific implementation method of the subcooling detector 82 to acquire the subcooling is not limited. Some specific implementation methods will be given in the relevant sections below, and will not be elaborated here.

[0176] In this embodiment, the frequency regulator 81 is further electrically connected to the subcooling detector 82, thereby enabling the frequency of the compressor 201 of the refrigerant circuit 2 to be adjusted according to the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit 2, thereby helping to maintain the refrigerant circuit 2 at a suitable subcooling and improving the energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0177] As an example, the frequency regulator 81 can be specifically configured to control the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 based on the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature and the set outlet temperature if the subcooling is greater than the first set value, and to control the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 based on the subcooling if the subcooling is less than or equal to the first set value.

[0178] Here, the specific value of the first setpoint can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the model of the condenser 202 and the compressor 201 actually used. Taking the condenser 202 of the refrigerant circuit 2 as an air-cooled condenser 202 as an example, the first setpoint can be 3°C.

[0179] The specific setting method for controlling the frequency of compressor 201 based on subcooling is not limited. As an example, when the subcooling is less than the first set value, that is, when the subcooling is low, the frequency of compressor 201 can be reduced, thereby reducing the refrigerant flow in refrigerant circuit 2 and increasing the subcooling.

[0180] In some embodiments, the frequency regulator 81 is specifically configured to maintain the current frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 if the subcooling is less than or equal to a first set value and greater than a second set value, and to reduce the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 if the subcooling is less than the second set value.

[0181] Here, the specific meanings of the first setting value and the second setting value can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the model of the condenser 202 and the compressor 201 actually used. Taking the condenser 202 of the refrigerant circuit 2 as an air-cooled condenser 202 as an example, the first setting value is 3°C and the second setting value is 1°C.

[0182] Maintaining the current frequency of the compressor 201 in the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 specifically means keeping the compressor 201 at its current operating frequency without change.

[0183] The frequency reduction strategy for reducing the frequency of compressor 201 in the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 is not limited. As an example, compressor 201 could be reduced at a certain rate; specifically, the frequency of compressor 201 could be reduced by a certain value at regular intervals, for example, by 2Hz every 10 seconds. Of course, other strategies can also be used to reduce the frequency of compressor 201, such as directly reducing the frequency of compressor 201 by a set amount.

[0184] In this embodiment, when controlling the frequency of compressor 201 according to the subcooling, the control range is further subdivided. The frequency of compressor 201 is maintained in the range with relatively high subcooling, and the frequency of compressor 201 is reduced in the range with relatively low subcooling. In this way, the frequency of compressor 201 is reduced while maintaining subcooling, which helps to further improve energy efficiency and extend the service life of compressor 201.

[0185] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 2 The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a subcooling pressure sensor 212 and a subcooling temperature sensor 211. The subcooling detector 82 is configured to be electrically connected to the subcooling pressure sensor 212 and the subcooling temperature sensor 211, thereby enabling the subcooling detector 82 to obtain the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0186] Specifically, the supercooling pressure sensor 212 can detect supercooling pressure, the supercooling temperature sensor 211 can detect supercooling temperature, the supercooling pressure can be converted into cold saturation temperature, and the difference between the cold saturation temperature and the supercooling temperature is the degree of supercooling.

[0187] In some embodiments, the frequency regulator 81 is further configured to adjust the frequency of the compressor 201 during the start-up and / or shutdown of the compressor 201.

[0188] As an example, the frequency regulator 81 is configured to maintain the compressor 201 at a starting step frequency (which can be specifically determined by those skilled in the art based on the compressor model and other actual functions) for a period of time (e.g., 10s) when the compressor 201 starts, and then adjust the compressor frequency to a set starting frequency (e.g., 60Hz) in a first set step (e.g., 1Hz). After the compressor frequency reaches the set starting frequency, the compressor starts up and then the compressor frequency can be adjusted according to the method mentioned above.

[0189] During the compressor 201 shutdown process, the frequency regulator 81 is set to reduce the compressor from the current frequency to the set shutdown power (e.g., 30Hz) by a second set step size, and then directly shut down the compressor instead of continuing to reduce the frequency. Here, the second set step size is larger than the first set step size. For example, if the first set step size is 1Hz / s, the second set step size can be 3Hz / s.

[0190] Furthermore, the frequency regulator 81 is configured to adjust the compressor frequency according to a second set step size in the adjustment scenario described above. The third set step size is larger than the first set step size. For example, if the first set step size is 1Hz / s, the third set step size can be 3Hz / s.

[0191] Setting the frequency regulator 81 to control the frequency of the compressor 201 during startup and / or shutdown in the manner described above helps to ensure smooth startup and shutdown of the compressor 201, thereby helping to extend the service life of the compressor 201.

[0192] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The controller 8 includes a frequency detector 83 for acquiring the frequency of the compressor 201 of the refrigerant circuit 2. The controller 8 also includes a parallelizer 84 electrically connected to the frequency detector 83, which is configured to selectively operate multiple refrigerant circuits 2 simultaneously based on the signal acquired by the frequency detector 83.

[0193] As an example, the frequency detector 83 can be electrically connected to the frequency regulator 81 and / or the compressor 201 to obtain the frequency of the compressor 201.

[0194] In this embodiment, by setting up a parallel circuit 84, multiple refrigerant circuits 2 can operate together, thereby better meeting the thermal management requirements and improving the reliability of thermal management when the heat load of the battery swapping station is high.

[0195] As an example, the parallel processor 84 is specifically configured to start another refrigerant circuit 2 if the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 reaches a set frequency. Here, the set frequency can be determined by those skilled in the art according to actual usage requirements; as an example, the set frequency is the maximum frequency of the compressor 201.

[0196] Furthermore, the parallel device 84 is also configured to shut down a portion of the refrigerant circuits 2 when multiple refrigerant circuits 2 are operating simultaneously and the heat load of the battery swapping station is low.

[0197] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and 2 The refrigerant circuit 1 includes multiple refrigerant branches 11 arranged in parallel. The controller 8 includes a branch detector 85 and a limiter 86 electrically connected to the branch detector 85. The branch detector 85 is used to obtain the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are open. The limiter 86 is configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 according to the signal obtained by the branch detector 85.

[0198] The specific configuration of the refrigerant branch 11 can be found in the description of the relevant section above, and will not be repeated here.

[0199] Here, limiting the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 specifically means that only one refrigerant circuit 2 is allowed to operate. It can be understood that the limiter 86 has a higher priority than the parallelizer 84. For example, even if the frequency of the compressor 201 of the currently operating refrigerant circuit 2 has reached the set frequency, another refrigerant circuit 2 will not be started. Furthermore, if there are multiple currently operating refrigerant circuits 2, only one of them will be kept running while the others will be shut down.

[0200] It is understood that the number of refrigerant branch 11 that is open can directly reflect the heat load of the battery swapping station (including the current heat load and the heat load that may be reached in the future if the number of refrigerant branch 11 that is open remains unchanged). If the number of refrigerant branch 11 that is open is small, even if the triggering condition of the parallel device 84 is met at present, the triggering condition of the parallel device 84 may no longer be met in a short period of time. Therefore, in this embodiment, a branch detector 85 and a limiter 86 with electrical connection are set up so as to limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 according to the number of refrigerant branch 11 that is open. This can prevent the refrigerant outlet temperature from dropping too quickly, which would cause the compressor 201 to start and stop frequently, reduce the probability of compressor 201 damage, and improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0201] As an example, the limiter 86 can be specifically configured to restrict the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 if the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are opened is less than a set amount. Here, the set amount can be specifically determined by those skilled in the art based on the total number of refrigerant branches 11 and the total number of refrigerant circuits 2. Taking the number of refrigerant circuits 2 as an example, the set amount can be 1 / 2 of the total number of refrigerant branches 11.

[0202] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1 The thermal management system includes an ambient temperature sensor 7, and the controller 8 includes a limiter 86 electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor 7. The limiter 86 is configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 based on the signal obtained by the ambient temperature sensor 7.

[0203] Similarly, when the ambient temperature is low, even if the triggering condition of the parallel circuit 84 is met, it may not be met again in a short period of time. Therefore, in this embodiment, a limiter 86 electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor 7 is provided, so as to limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 according to the ambient temperature. This can prevent the refrigerant outlet temperature from dropping too quickly, which would cause the compressor 201 to start and stop frequently, reduce the probability of compressor 201 damage, and improve the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0204] As an example, limiter 86 can be specifically configured to restrict the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 if the ambient temperature is lower than a second set temperature.

[0205] The specific value of the second set temperature is not limited, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual usage requirements. As an example, the second set temperature is 3°C.

[0206] In some embodiments, the limiter 86 may be further configured to maintain the number of currently operating refrigerant circuits 2 if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second set temperature and less than the third set temperature; and to allow multiple refrigerant circuits 2 to operate simultaneously if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the third set temperature.

[0207] Here, "maintaining the number of currently operating refrigerant circuits 2" specifically means keeping the number of currently operating refrigerant circuits 2 unchanged.

[0208] Here, the specific value of the third set temperature is not limited. Taking the second set temperature as 3℃ as an example, the third set temperature can be 5℃.

[0209] In this embodiment, three control ranges are further set for the ambient temperature. In the range where the ambient temperature is relatively low, multiple refrigerant circuits 2 are restricted from operating simultaneously. In the range where the ambient temperature is relatively moderate, the number of currently operating refrigerant circuits 2 remains unchanged. In the range where the ambient temperature is relatively high, multiple refrigerant circuits 2 are allowed to operate simultaneously. This control method helps to avoid frequent start-stop of the compressor 201 while ensuring the effectiveness of thermal management.

[0210] It should be noted that the limiter 86 can be electrically connected to both the ambient temperature sensor 7 and the aforementioned branch detector 85 simultaneously, or it can be electrically connected to only one of them; there is no restriction on this.

[0211] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a first protection switch 213 and a second protection switch 214. The first protection switch 213 is used to selectively stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 according to the discharge pressure of the compressor 201 of the refrigerant circuit 2. The second protection switch 214 is used to selectively stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 according to the suction pressure of the compressor 201 of the refrigerant circuit 2. The controller 8 also includes a switch 87, which is electrically connected to the first protection switch 213 and the second protection switch 214. The switch 87 is used to start the other refrigerant circuit 2 when one of the refrigerant circuits 2 stops operating.

[0212] The specific configuration of the first protective switch 213 and the second protective switch 214 can be found in the descriptions in the relevant sections above, and will not be repeated here.

[0213] In this embodiment, a switch 87 electrically connected to the first protection switch 213 and the second protection switch 214 is provided, so that when one of the refrigerant circuits 2 stops operating due to the triggering of the first protection switch 213 or the second protection switch 214, it can switch to another refrigerant circuit 2, thereby reducing the possibility of complete failure of thermal management and improving the reliability of thermal management.

[0214] The thermal management system mentioned above will be described in more detail below with reference to a specific embodiment.

[0215] Reference Figure 2 and ​ The thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit 1, two refrigerant circuits 2, and an evaporator 3.

[0216] The refrigerant circuit 1 is used to transport refrigerant, which is used to exchange heat with the battery devices in the battery swapping station. The refrigerant circuit 1 includes multiple refrigerant branches 11 connected in parallel, each corresponding to a different battery device.

[0217] Refrigerant circuit 2 is used for compressing, condensing and transporting refrigerant, and the two refrigerant circuits 2 have the same structure.

[0218] Two refrigerant circuits 2 are connected in parallel to the same evaporator 3, so that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 1 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in either refrigerant circuit 2 through the evaporator 3.

[0219] The thermal management system also includes an inflow temperature sensor 4 located on the refrigerant inlet side of the evaporator 3, an outflow temperature sensor 5 located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 3, and a liquid pump 6 located on the refrigerant branch 11.

[0220] The thermal management system also includes an ambient temperature sensor 7 and a controller 8.

[0221] The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a gas-liquid separator 204, a compressor 201, an oil separator 215, a condenser 202, a liquid receiver 222, a dryer filter 225, and a throttle valve 203 connected in sequence.

[0222] The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a superheat temperature sensor 205 and an evaporation pressure sensor 206 located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator 3, a suction temperature sensor 207 and a suction pressure sensor 208 located on the inlet side of the compressor 201, a discharge temperature sensor 209 and a discharge pressure sensor 210 located on the outlet side of the compressor 201, and a subcooling temperature sensor 211 and a subcooling pressure sensor 212 located on the inlet side of the throttle valve 203.

[0223] The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a first protection switch 213 and a second protection switch 214. The first protection switch 213 is used to stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 when the discharge pressure of the compressor 201 is greater than or equal to a first protection value. The second protection switch 214 is used to stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit 2 when the suction pressure of the compressor 201 is less than or equal to a second protection value. The first protection value is greater than the second protection value.

[0224] The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a one-way valve 221 disposed between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the inlet of the oil separator 215, an oil return line 216 connecting the outlet of the oil separator 215 and the oil return port of the compressor 201, and an oil return valve 217, a first sight glass 220 and a filter 219 disposed in the oil return line 216.

[0225] The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a bypass line 223 and a bypass valve 224 disposed on the bypass line 223. The inlet end of the bypass line 223 is connected between the outlet of the compressor 201 and the inlet of the condenser 202, and the outlet end of the bypass line 223 is connected to the liquid receiver 222. The bypass valve 224 is configured to have an adjustable opening.

[0226] The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a second sight glass 226 located downstream of the dryer filter 225.

[0227] The controller 8 includes a frequency regulator 81, a subcooling detector 82, a frequency detector 83, a parallelizer 84, a branch detector 85, and a switcher 87.

[0228] The frequency regulator 81 is used to regulate the frequency of the compressor 201 in the refrigerant circuit 2. The frequency regulator 81 is electrically connected to the outlet temperature sensor 5.

[0229] The subcooling detector 82 is used to obtain the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit 2, and the subcooling detector 82 is electrically connected to the frequency regulator 81.

[0230] Frequency detector 83 is electrically connected to parallel processor 84. Frequency detector 83 is used to obtain the frequency of compressor 201 of refrigerant circuit 2. Parallel processor 84 is configured to selectively make multiple refrigerant circuits 2 operate simultaneously according to the signal obtained by frequency detector 83.

[0231] Limiter 86 is electrically connected to branch detector 85, which is used to obtain the number of refrigerant branches 11 that are open. Limiter 86 is configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 based on the signal obtained by branch detector 85.

[0232] Limiter 86 is also electrically connected to ambient temperature sensor 7, and limiter 86 is also configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits 2 based on the signal obtained by ambient temperature sensor 7.

[0233] The switch 87 is electrically connected to the first protection switch 213 and the second protection switch 214. The switch 87 is used to operate the other refrigerant circuit 2 when one of the refrigerant circuits 2 stops operating.

[0234] Embodiments of this application also provide a battery swapping station, which includes a thermal management system as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0235] The battery swapping station of this application embodiment has all the advantages of the thermal management system described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples.

[0237] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system applied in a battery swapping station, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: A refrigerant circuit is used to transport refrigerant, which is used to exchange heat with the battery device of the battery swapping station; At least two refrigerant circuits are used for compression, condensation, and refrigerant delivery; The evaporator allows the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to exchange heat with any refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, and a throttle valve connected in sequence, with the compressor inlet and the throttle valve outlet connected to the evaporator.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes: An oil separator is disposed between the outlet of the compressor and the condenser; The oil return line connects the outlet of the oil separator and the oil return port of the compressor; and A return valve is installed in the return oil pipeline.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes an oil temperature sensor, which is installed in the oil tank of the oil separator, and the oil return valve is electrically connected to the oil temperature sensor.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes: A liquid receiver is disposed between the outlet of the condenser and the throttle valve; A bypass line, the inlet end of which is connected between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the condenser, and the outlet end of which is connected to the liquid receiver; and A bypass valve is installed in the bypass pipeline.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bypass valve is configured to have an adjustable opening.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal management system also includes an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the battery swapping station, and the bypass valve is electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes a discharge pressure sensor for detecting the discharge pressure of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and the bypass valve is electrically connected to the discharge pressure sensor.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes multiple refrigerant branches connected in parallel, each of which corresponds to a different battery device.

10. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The thermal management system also includes a controller connected to the refrigerant circuit to control the operation of the refrigerant circuit.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The controller includes a frequency regulator for adjusting the frequency of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes an outflow temperature sensor located on the refrigerant outlet side of the evaporator, and the frequency regulator is electrically connected to the outflow temperature sensor.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The controller includes a subcooling detector electrically connected to the frequency regulator, the subcooling detector being used to acquire the subcooling of the refrigerant circuit.

14. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The controller includes a frequency detector and a parallel circuit electrically connected to the frequency detector. The frequency detector is used to acquire the frequency of the compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and the parallel circuit is configured to selectively operate multiple refrigerant circuits simultaneously based on the signal acquired by the frequency detector.

15. The thermal management system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes multiple refrigerant branches connected in parallel. The controller includes a branch detector and a limiter electrically connected to the branch detector. The branch detector is used to obtain the number of refrigerant branches that are open. The limiter is configured to selectively restrict the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits based on the signals obtained by the branch detector.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes an ambient temperature sensor, and the controller includes a limiter electrically connected to the ambient temperature sensor, the limiter being configured to selectively limit the simultaneous operation of multiple refrigerant circuits based on signals acquired by the ambient temperature sensor.

17. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes: The first protection switch is used to selectively stop the operation of the corresponding refrigerant circuit based on the compressor discharge pressure of the refrigerant circuit. A second protection switch is used to selectively stop the corresponding refrigerant circuit from operating based on the compressor suction pressure of the refrigerant circuit; the controller further includes: A switch, electrically connected to the first protection switch and the second protection switch, is used to operate the other refrigerant circuit when one of the refrigerant circuits stops operating.

18. A battery swapping station, characterized in that, The battery swapping station includes the thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1-17.

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