A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems

Abstract

This utility model discloses a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems, comprising an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and a battery thermal management circuit, both of which include plate heat exchangers. Through this structure, the integration of the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit reduces system complexity and cost, while also reducing space requirements and maintenance costs. The battery thermal management system utilizes the plate heat exchanger to form a heat exchange with the air conditioning refrigerant circuit, effectively dissipating the heat absorbed from the energy storage battery module through the air conditioning system. The air conditioning refrigerant circuit dynamically adjusts the refrigerant distribution to regulate the heat exchange distribution between the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit. The battery thermal management circuit includes a phase change thermal storage unit connected in parallel with the plate heat exchanger, releasing stored heat / cold energy during charging and discharging intervals, reducing the frequent start-stop of the compressor and PTC heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of energy storage technology and battery thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, energy storage systems are widely used in power generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization, leveraging their charging and discharging advantages to address issues such as power supply-demand imbalances and renewable energy integration. Containerized energy storage systems have become the preferred choice due to their ease of installation, adaptability to different scenarios, and equipment integration capabilities. Therefore, a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems needs to be developed.

[0003] Existing containerized energy storage systems typically use separate air conditioning and battery thermal management systems to regulate the ambient temperature of the entire container and the temperature of the energy storage battery modules, respectively. There is no effective energy recovery and utilization between the two, resulting in energy waste.

[0004] Independently operated air conditioning systems and battery thermal management systems each require their own compressors, water pumps, and heat exchangers, leading to equipment redundancy and functional duplication, which increases the overall operating cost of the system.

[0005] Traditional energy storage systems have independent air conditioning and battery thermal management systems that cannot be coordinated and adjusted, lack grid response capabilities, and cannot meet the flexibility requirements of new power systems, resulting in low thermal management efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems. The air conditioning system and the battery thermal management system in the containerized energy storage system are thermally coupled. Through the integration of the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit, the battery thermal management system uses a plate heat exchanger to form a heat exchange with the air conditioning refrigerant circuit.

[0007] This utility model also provides a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems, including an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and a battery thermal management circuit. The air conditioning refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a gas-liquid separator, an outdoor heat exchanger, a container interior environment heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a four-way valve, a first electric diverter valve, a second electric diverter valve, a first flow sensor, and a second flow sensor. The battery thermal management circuit includes a liquid cooling plate, an energy storage battery module, a variable frequency circulating pump, an electrically controlled valve, a three-way valve, a phase change thermal storage unit, and a PTC heater. Plate heat exchangers are included between the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit.

[0008] According to the present invention, a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems is provided, wherein the A end of the four-way valve is connected to the compressor outlet, the B end of the four-way valve is connected to the I end of the second electric diverter valve, the C end of the four-way valve is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the D end of the four-way valve is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0009] According to the present invention, a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems is provided, wherein the first electric diversion valve and the second electric diversion valve are respectively connected to the container internal environment heat exchanger and the plate heat exchanger.

[0010] According to the present invention, a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems is provided, wherein one end of the expansion valve is connected to an outdoor heat exchanger, and the other end of the expansion valve is connected to port I of a first electric diversion valve.

[0011] According to the present invention, a thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems is provided, wherein the phase change thermal storage unit is connected to the II end of the three-way valve, and the plate heat exchanger is connected to the III end of the three-way valve.

[0012] Beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. By integrating the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit, the two circuits share key components such as the compressor, expansion valve, and outdoor heat exchanger, avoiding the equipment redundancy that occurs when the air conditioning and battery cooling systems are independent in traditional systems. This reduces system complexity and cost, while also reducing space occupation and maintenance costs.

[0014] 2. The battery thermal management system utilizes a plate heat exchanger to form a heat exchange with the air conditioning refrigerant circuit. It can effectively dissipate the heat absorbed from the energy storage battery module through the air conditioning system, thereby improving the overall thermal management efficiency of the system and further enhancing energy efficiency through heat recovery.

[0015] 3. By dynamically adjusting the refrigerant distribution, the air conditioning refrigerant circuit of this system can regulate the heat exchange distribution of the refrigerant in the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit. In addition to controlling the ambient temperature inside the container, the air conditioning system can also serve as an auxiliary energy storage air-cooling system for the energy storage battery. The system can set a reasonable refrigerant distribution based on the grid frequency regulation and peak and valley electricity prices to improve thermal management efficiency and maximize energy efficiency.

[0016] 4. The battery thermal management circuit is equipped with a phase change thermal storage unit connected in parallel with the plate heat exchanger. During grid frequency regulation or high-rate charging and discharging, it absorbs instantaneous thermal shocks and reduces the peak load of the plate heat exchanger. During charging and discharging intervals, it releases stored heat / cold energy, reducing the frequent start-stop of the compressor and PTC heater. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of the containerized energy storage system of this technology;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of the containerized energy storage system of this technology in cooling mode;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system of the containerized energy storage system of this technology in heating mode;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control method for the thermal management system of the containerized energy storage system of this technology.

[0022] Legend:

[0023] 101. Compressor; 102. Four-way valve; 103. Outdoor heat exchanger; 104. Expansion valve; 105. First electric diverter valve; 106. First flow sensor; 107. Container interior environment heat exchanger; 108. Plate heat exchanger; 109. Second flow sensor; 110. Second electric diverter valve; 111. Gas-liquid separator; 201. Variable frequency circulating pump; 202. Electrically controlled valve; 203. Liquid cooling plate; 204. Energy storage battery module; 205. PTC heater; 206. Three-way valve; 207. Phase change thermal energy storage unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present utility model. The preferred embodiments of the present utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present utility model, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0025] Reference Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a thermal management system applicable to a containerized energy storage system, which includes an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and a battery thermal management circuit. The air conditioning refrigerant circuit includes a compressor 101, a gas-liquid separator 111, an outdoor heat exchanger 103, a container interior environment heat exchanger 107, an expansion valve 104, a four-way valve 102, a first electric diversion valve 105, a second electric diversion valve 110, a first flow sensor 106, and a second flow sensor 109. The battery thermal management circuit includes a liquid cooling plate 203, an energy storage battery module 204, a variable frequency circulating pump 201, an electrically controlled valve 202, a three-way valve 206, a phase change thermal storage unit 207, and a PTC heater 205. A plate heat exchanger 108 is included between the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit.

[0026] Specifically, the first flow sensor 106, the second flow sensor 109, the first electric diverter valve 105, and the second electric diverter valve 110 together form the dynamic refrigerant distribution module.

[0027] The four-way valve 102A is connected to the outlet of the compressor 101, the four-way valve 102B is connected to the I end of the second electric diverter valve 110, the four-way valve 102C is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 111, and the four-way valve 102D is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 103.

[0028] The first electric diversion valve 105 and the second electric diversion valve 110 are respectively connected to the container internal environment heat exchanger 107 and the plate heat exchanger 108.

[0029] One end of the expansion valve 104 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 103, and the other end of the expansion valve 104 is connected to port I of the first electric diverter valve 105.

[0030] The three-way valve 206II is connected to the phase change heat storage unit 207, and the three-way valve 206III is connected to the plate heat exchanger 108.

[0031] When the thermal management system of a containerized energy storage system is in cooling mode, the schematic diagram of the thermal management system of the energy storage system is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioning system provides air cooling for the energy storage battery module 204, while the battery thermal management system provides liquid cooling for the battery module. In the air conditioning refrigerant circuit, terminals A and D of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and terminals B and C are connected. The air conditioning refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 101, flows in from terminal A of the four-way valve 102, and flows out from terminal D of the four-way valve 102 to the outdoor heat exchanger 103. After exchanging heat with the outside environment, it releases heat and becomes liquid. After flowing through the expansion valve 104, it flows into port I of the first electric diversion valve 105. The refrigerant is diverted through ports II and III of the first electric diversion valve 105 to the container interior environment heat exchanger 107 and the plate heat exchanger 108. A first flow sensor 106 is installed between the container interior environment heat exchanger 107 and the first electric diversion valve 105 to monitor the flow of the two branches. The refrigerant absorbs heat and turns into a gas in the heat exchanger. The container's internal environment heat exchanger 107 blows cold air into the container to lower the temperature. The plate heat exchanger 108 exchanges heat with the coolant in the battery thermal management circuit. Then, the refrigerant flows through ports II and III of the second electric diversion valve 110 to port I, then flows in from end B of the four-way valve 102, and from end C of the four-way valve 102 into the gas-liquid separator 111, flowing back to the compressor 101 to form a cycle. In the battery thermal management circuit, the coolant is driven by the variable frequency circulating pump 201, flows through the electronically controlled valve 202 into the liquid cooling plate 203, and after absorbing heat from the energy storage battery module 204, it is divided into two paths by the diversion three-way valve 206:

[0032] Main circuit: Coolant flows directly into plate heat exchanger 108 to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant circuit for cooling;

[0033] Branch circuit: Coolant enters phase change heat storage unit 207 and releases latent heat through phase change material;

[0034] The two coolant streams eventually merge and return to the variable frequency circulating pump unit 201 to form a closed loop.

[0035] When the thermal management system of the containerized energy storage system is in heating mode, the schematic diagram of the thermal management system of the energy storage system is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning system and the battery thermal management system simultaneously heat the energy storage battery module 204. Terminals A and B of the four-way valve 102 are connected, as are terminals C and D. The air conditioning refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 101, flowing into the four-way valve 102 from terminal A and from terminal B to port I of the second electric diversion valve 110. The coolant is diverted through ports II and III of the second electric diversion valve 110 to the container's internal environmental heat exchanger 107 and plate heat exchanger 108. A second flow sensor 109 is installed between the plate heat exchanger 108 and the second electric diversion valve 110 to monitor the flow rate of the two branches. The refrigerant releases heat and becomes liquid within the heat exchanger. The container's internal environment heat exchanger 107 blows hot air into the container to raise the internal temperature. The plate heat exchanger 108 exchanges heat with the coolant in the battery thermal management circuit. Then, the refrigerant merges with port I through ports II and III of the first electric diversion valve 105. The refrigerant then flows through expansion valve 104 into the outdoor heat exchanger 103, where it absorbs heat and turns into gas after exchanging heat with the outside. It then flows into the gas-liquid separator 111 from port D of the four-way valve 102, and finally back into the compressor 101, forming a cycle. In the battery thermal management circuit, the coolant is driven by the variable frequency circulating pump 201, flows through the electronically controlled valve 202 into the liquid cooling plate 203, and releases heat to the energy storage battery module 204. Afterward, it is divided into two paths by the diversion three-way valve 206.

[0036] Main circuit: Coolant flows directly into plate heat exchanger 108 and exchanges heat with air conditioning refrigerant circuit to raise temperature;

[0037] Branch circuit: Coolant enters phase change heat storage unit 207 and absorbs latent heat through phase change material;

[0038] The two coolant streams eventually converge and return to the variable frequency circulating pump unit 201, forming a closed loop. The battery thermal management circuit is also equipped with a PTC heater 205, which can provide emergency heating when the low-temperature coolant cannot provide sufficient heat.

[0039] Working principle: The battery thermal management circuit forms a closed heat exchange link with the air conditioning refrigerant circuit through the plate heat exchanger 108. The coolant is driven by the variable frequency circulating pump 201. The battery thermal management circuit also includes a phase change thermal storage unit 207. The coolant is divided into two paths through the plate heat exchanger 108 and the phase change thermal storage unit 207 by a three-way valve 206. During grid frequency regulation or high-rate charging and discharging, it absorbs instantaneous thermal shock and reduces the peak load of the plate heat exchanger 108. The energy storage battery modules 204 in the energy storage system are connected in parallel and cooled by liquid cooling plates 203. In addition, each energy storage battery module 204 is equipped with a PTC heater 205 for emergency heating, and each energy storage battery module 204 has an electronically controlled valve 202 installed on its independent cooling circuit to control the coolant flow rate on the independent battery cooling circuit.

[0040] A control method for the thermal management system of this containerized energy storage system is further provided. This method dynamically adjusts the first electric diversion valve 105, the second electric diversion valve 110, and the three-way valve 206 based on grid frequency regulation status, peak and off-peak electricity prices, and battery operating load. The system monitors the temperature T of the energy storage battery module 204. bat Container interior temperature T env When temperature T bat When the temperature is higher or lower than the preset value, the cooling / heating mode is activated. The initial flow distribution q1 of the first electric diversion valve 105 and the second electric diversion valve 110 (q1 is the proportion of refrigerant flow to the plate heat exchanger 108) is set based on the real-time temperature deviation ΔT between the battery and the environment and the preset temperature. The initial flow distribution q2 of the three-way valve 206 (q2 is the proportion of coolant flow to the plate heat exchanger 108) is set based on the heat exchange capacity of the plate heat exchanger 108 and the remaining capacity of the phase change heat storage unit 207. If the power grid is under frequency regulation, in cooling mode, the system prioritizes the distribution of refrigerant to the plate heat exchanger 108 to ensure battery cooling. In heating mode, the refrigerant flow distribution to the plate heat exchanger 108 is appropriately reduced, and the branch of the phase change heat storage unit 207 is activated to assist the plate heat exchanger 108 in heat exchange, reducing thermal fluctuations caused by power grid frequency regulation. If the system is in a period of low electricity prices, the system increases the coolant flow rate of the plate heat exchanger 108 and uses the surplus heat / cold energy to fill the phase change thermal storage unit 207 for use during peak electricity periods; if the system is in a period of high electricity prices, the refrigerant distribution ratio of the plate heat exchanger 108 is reduced and the system mainly relies on the phase change thermal storage unit 207.

[0041] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems, comprising an air conditioning refrigerant circuit and a battery thermal management circuit, characterized in that: The air conditioning refrigerant circuit includes a compressor (101), a gas-liquid separator (111), an outdoor heat exchanger (103), a container interior environment heat exchanger (107), an expansion valve (104), a four-way valve (102), a first electric diverter valve (105), a second electric diverter valve (110), a first flow sensor (106), and a second flow sensor (109). The battery thermal management circuit includes a liquid cooling plate (203), an energy storage battery module (204), a variable frequency circulating pump (201), an electric control valve (202), a three-way valve (206), a phase change thermal storage unit (207), and a PTC heater (205). A plate heat exchanger (108) is included between the air conditioning refrigerant circuit and the battery thermal management circuit.

2. A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The A end of the four-way valve (102) is connected to the outlet of the compressor (101), the B end of the four-way valve (102) is connected to the I end of the second electric diverter valve (110), the C end of the four-way valve (102) is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator (111), and the D end of the four-way valve (102) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (103).

3. A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electric diversion valve (105) and the second electric diversion valve (110) are respectively connected to the container internal environment heat exchanger (107) and the plate heat exchanger (108).

4. A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the expansion valve (104) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (103), and the other end of the expansion valve (104) is connected to the I port of the first electric diversion valve (105).

5. A thermal management system suitable for containerized energy storage systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve (206) II end is connected to the phase change heat storage unit (207), and the three-way valve (206) III end is connected to the plate heat exchanger (108).

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