Energy storage device cooling system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of energy storage thermal management technology and discloses a cooling system for energy storage equipment, including: a water tank; a water-cooled unit connected to the water tank via a cooling circuit, wherein a first water pump is installed on the cooling circuit; and an energy storage device connected to the water tank via a cooling circuit, wherein a second water pump is installed on the cooling circuit. This utility model divides the energy storage equipment cooling system into two independent circuits, both of which are connected to the water tank. Each circuit is equipped with a water pump. The flow rate of the first water pump in the cooling circuit is the same as that of the water-cooled unit, and the flow rate of the second water pump in the cooling circuit is the same as the required flow rate of the energy storage device, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous development of energy storage technology, the energy density of existing energy storage systems is increasing, as is the heat generated. Currently, the most mature technologies for energy storage thermal management are air cooling and liquid cooling. Liquid cooling solutions offer significant advantages in terms of thermal management performance, safety, heat dissipation efficiency, and noise reduction, and are therefore widely used in the energy storage field. However, while the cooling capacity of water-cooled units meets the cooling requirements of energy storage devices, the maximum flow rate of these units cannot meet the flow rate requirements of the devices, thus affecting the cooling effect. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a cooling system for energy storage equipment to solve the problem in the prior art that the cooling capacity of the water-cooled unit meets the cooling requirements of the energy storage equipment, but the maximum flow rate of the water-cooled unit cannot meet the flow rate requirements of the energy storage equipment, thus affecting the cooling effect on the energy storage equipment.

[0004] This utility model provides a cooling system for an energy storage device, comprising: a water tank; a water-cooled unit connected to the water tank via a cooling circuit, wherein a first water pump is installed on the cooling circuit; and an energy storage device connected to the water tank via a cooling circuit, wherein a second water pump is installed on the cooling circuit.

[0005] Beneficial effects: The cooling system of the energy storage device is divided into two independent loops, both of which are connected to the water tank. Each loop is equipped with a water pump. The flow rate of the first water pump in the cooling loop is the same as that of the water-cooled unit, and the flow rate of the second water pump in the cooling loop is the same as that required by the energy storage device, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the energy storage device.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the two ends of the cooling circuit are connected to the water tank to form a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet, the cooling inlet being higher than the cooling outlet. The energy storage device cooling system further includes a first guide plate, which is disposed inside the water tank and located between the cooling inlet and the cooling outlet.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the two ends of the cooling circuit are connected to the water tank to form a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet, the cooling inlet being higher than the cooling outlet. The energy storage device cooling system further includes a second guide plate, which is disposed inside the water tank and located between the cooling inlet and the cooling outlet.

[0008] Beneficial effects: By setting the first guide plate and the second guide plate, the low-temperature coolant in the cooling circuit and the high-temperature coolant in the cooling circuit can be mixed evenly, thereby improving the mixing effect of the high and low temperature coolants.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the water tank is provided with an injection port.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By setting up a liquid injection port, liquid can be added to the water tank to ensure that there is enough coolant in the cooling system of the energy storage equipment, thus ensuring the normal operation of the water-cooled unit.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the water tank is connected to an air vent valve.

[0012] Beneficial effect: The air vent on the water tank can easily expel air brought into the circuit.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the energy storage device cooling system further includes a liquid level detection unit disposed on the top wall of the water tank; and / or,

[0014] The bottom of the water tank is connected to a first drain valve.

[0015] Beneficial effects: By setting up a liquid level detection unit, the liquid level of coolant in the water tank can be detected. When the liquid level is not within the set range, a signal can be sent to remind the user to add liquid through the injection port or drain liquid through the first drain valve.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the cooling circuit is connected to a second drain valve; and / or,

[0017] The cooling circuit is connected to a third drain valve.

[0018] Beneficial effects: By setting a second drain valve, the coolant in the cooling circuit can be drained; by setting a third drain valve, the coolant in the cooling circuit can be drained.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, a first filter is provided on the cooling circuit, the first filter being located between the cooling outlet and the water-cooled unit; and / or,

[0020] A second filter is provided on the cooling circuit, and the second filter is located between the cooling outlet and the energy storage device.

[0021] Beneficial effects: By setting up the first filter, the coolant in the cooling circuit can be filtered to prevent impurities from entering the water-cooled unit and the first water pump, thereby protecting the components such as the water-cooled unit and the first water pump in the cooling circuit.

[0022] By setting up a second filter, the coolant in the cooling circuit can be filtered to prevent impurities from entering the liquid cooling plate and the second water pump of the energy storage device, thereby protecting components such as the liquid cooling plate and the second water pump in the cooling circuit.

[0023] In one optional embodiment, a first switching valve is provided on the cooling circuit, and the first switching valve is located near the cooling outlet; and / or,

[0024] A second switching valve is provided on the cooling circuit, and the second switching valve is located near the cooling outlet.

[0025] Beneficial effects: By setting the first switching valve, the cooling circuit can be cut off, and by setting the second switching valve, the cooling circuit can be cut off. Therefore, when the first water pump and the second water pump are overhauled, it is not necessary to drain the coolant from the entire system, which is simpler and more convenient.

[0026] In one optional embodiment, a first water flow detection unit is provided on the cooling circuit; and / or,

[0027] A second water flow detection unit is installed on the cooling circuit.

[0028] Beneficial effects: By setting up a first water flow detection unit, the flow of coolant in the cooling circuit can be detected, preventing the first water pump from running dry;

[0029] By setting up a second water flow detection unit, the flow of coolant in the cooling circuit can be detected, preventing the second water pump from running dry. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of a cooling system for an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1. Water tank; 101. Liquid inlet; 2. Water-cooled unit; 3. Cooling circuit; 31. Cooling inlet; 32. Cooling outlet; 4. First water pump; 5. Energy storage device; 6. Cooling circuit; 61. Cooling inlet; 62. Cooling outlet; 7. Second water pump; 8. First guide plate; 9. Second guide plate; 10. Exhaust valve; 11. Liquid level detection unit; 12. First drain valve; 13. Second drain valve; 14. Third drain valve; 15. First filter; 16. Second filter; 17. First switch valve; 18. Second switch valve; 19. First water flow detection unit; 20. Second water flow detection unit. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] The following is combined Figure 1 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system for an energy storage device is provided, comprising: a water tank 1; a water-cooled unit 2, which is connected to the water tank 1 via a cooling circuit 3, wherein a first water pump 4 is provided on the cooling circuit 3; and an energy storage device 5, which is connected to the water tank 1 via a cooling circuit 6, wherein a second water pump 7 is provided on the cooling circuit 6.

[0037] The energy storage device cooling system of this embodiment is divided into two independent loops, both of which are connected to the water tank 1. Each loop is equipped with a water pump. The flow rate of the first water pump 4 in the cooling loop 3 is the same as that of the water-cooled unit 2, and the flow rate of the second water pump 7 in the cooling loop 6 is the same as that required by the energy storage device 5, thereby ensuring the cooling effect of the energy storage device 5.

[0038] It is worth noting that in related technologies, the maximum circulating flow rate of the coolant in the water-cooled unit 2 is much smaller than the actual flow rate required by the energy storage device 5 (e.g., battery cluster), resulting in a mismatch between the flow rate of the water-cooled unit 2 and the flow rate of the water pump. Therefore, a water pump with a larger flow rate is usually used, and a bypass valve is added at the pump outlet. The flow rate of the coolant entering the water-cooled unit 2 is adjusted by regulating the opening of the bypass valve. This method increases the complexity of the piping, as the bypass valve opening needs to be calculated and adjusted. The calculation is complex, the adjustment is inconvenient, and it can also lead to uneven mixing of the high and low temperature coolants.

[0039] In this embodiment, by setting up a water tank 1 and two independently operating loops, and matching the water pump on each loop with the required flow rate of the corresponding loop, that is, the first water pump 4 and the second water pump 7 can be water pumps with different flow rates, the water-cooled unit 2 cools the mixed high and low temperature coolant and then flows it into the water tank 1. The second water pump 7 sends the mixed high and low temperature coolant in the water tank 1 into the battery cluster to cool the battery cells and ensure the healthy operation of the battery cells. The high temperature coolant that has been heated by the battery cluster enters the water tank 1 again and mixes with the low temperature coolant cooled by the water-cooled unit 2 in the water tank 1.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the two ends of the cooling circuit 3 are connected to the water tank 1 to form a cooling inlet 31 and a cooling outlet 32. The cooling inlet 31 is higher than the cooling outlet 32. The energy storage device cooling system also includes a first guide plate 8, which is set in the water tank 1 and located between the cooling inlet 31 and the cooling outlet 32.

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling circuit 6 is connected to the water tank 1 at both ends to form a cooling inlet 61 and a cooling outlet 62. The cooling inlet 61 is higher than the cooling outlet 62. The energy storage equipment cooling system also includes a second guide plate 9, which is set in the water tank 1 and located between the cooling inlet 61 and the cooling outlet 62.

[0042] By setting the first guide plate 8 and the second guide plate 9, the low-temperature coolant in the cooling circuit 3 and the high-temperature coolant in the cooling circuit 6 can be mixed evenly, thereby improving the mixing effect of the high and low temperature coolants.

[0043] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 1 As shown, the upper ends of the first guide plate 8 and the second guide plate 9 are connected to the inner walls of both sides of the water tank 1, respectively, and the lower ends of the first guide plate 8 and the second guide plate 9 are arranged close to each other.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, water tank 1 is equipped with a liquid injection port 101. By providing the liquid injection port 101, liquid can be added to water tank 1 to ensure that there is sufficient coolant in the cooling system of the energy storage device, thus ensuring the normal operation of the water-cooled unit 2.

[0045] It's worth noting that the energy storage device's cooling system is a closed system. Over time, coolant will be lost, and insufficient coolant will affect the normal operation of the water-cooled unit 2, thus requiring frequent replenishment. In related technologies, an expansion tank is added at the highest point of the pipeline for gravity-based replenishment, with a one-way valve on the pipeline connecting to the tank to prevent coolant backflow into the expansion tank. However, because the one-way valve has an opening pressure, gravity-based replenishment is not very effective. Furthermore, the tank's location at the highest point causes it to protrude from the equipment, affecting aesthetics. Additionally, the high position of the expansion tank makes it difficult to observe the coolant level, necessitating additional branches and increasing the complexity of the entire piping system.

[0046] In this embodiment, by setting an injection port 101 at the top of the water tank 1, liquid can be replenished to the entire system. The overall structure is simple and easy to operate.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, water tank 1 is connected to an air vent valve 10. The air vent valve 10 on water tank 1 can easily release air brought into the circuit.

[0048] It is worth noting that in related technologies, the entire liquid cooling pipeline of the cooling system is relatively complex. During the initial liquid replenishment, a large amount of air will be generated, requiring the addition of an vent valve 10 to expel the air. Typically, the vent valve 10 is set at the highest point of the energy storage device 5. The vent valve 10 can effectively expel air from the liquid cooling plate of the battery cluster. However, the complex piping around the water pump makes it difficult for the gas in the pipes on both sides of the water pump to be expelled through the vent valve 10, resulting in an unsatisfactory venting effect.

[0049] In this embodiment, the exhaust valve 10 is installed in the water tank 1, which allows air to enter the water tank 1 during the coolant circulation process and then be discharged from the exhaust valve 10. This facilitates the discharge of air from both the cooling circuit 3 and the cooling circuit 6. In addition, by installing the first guide plate 8 and the second guide plate 9, air bubbles in the coolant flowing into the water tank 1 can be separated, facilitating the discharge of gas.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device cooling system also includes a liquid level detection unit 11, which is located on the top wall of the water tank 1.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first drain valve 12 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 1.

[0052] By setting up a liquid level detection unit 11, the liquid level of the coolant in the water tank 1 can be detected. When the liquid level is not within the set range, a signal can be sent to remind the user to add liquid through the filling port 101 or to drain liquid through the first drain valve 12. This ensures that the coolant level in the water tank 1 is within the set range.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection unit 11 is a liquid level switch.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling circuit 3 is connected to a second drain valve 13, and the cooling circuit 6 is connected to a third drain valve 14. By providing the second drain valve 13, the coolant in the cooling circuit 3 can be drained; by providing the third drain valve 14, the coolant in the cooling circuit 6 can be drained.

[0055] It is worth noting that when the entire cooling system needs to be cleaned or maintained, the coolant in the water tank 1 can be drained through the first drain valve 12, the coolant in the cooling circuit 3 can be drained through the second drain valve 13, and the coolant in the cooling circuit 6 can be drained through the third drain valve 14.

[0056] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, several second drain valves 13 can be installed on the cooling circuit 3, and several third drain valves 14 can be installed on the cooling circuit 6.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first filter 15 is installed on the cooling circuit 3, located between the cooling outlet 32 ​​and the water-cooled unit 2. A second filter 16 is installed on the cooling circuit 6, located between the cooling outlet 62 and the energy storage device 5. By installing the first filter 15, the coolant in the cooling circuit 3 can be filtered to prevent impurities from entering the water-cooled unit 2 and the first water pump 4, thus protecting the components such as the water-cooled unit 2 and the first water pump 4 on the cooling circuit 3. By installing the second filter 16, the coolant in the cooling circuit 6 can be filtered to prevent impurities from entering the liquid-cooled plate and the second water pump 7 of the energy storage device 5, thus protecting the components such as the liquid-cooled plate and the second water pump 7 on the cooling circuit 3.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first switching valve 17 is installed on the cooling circuit 3, located near the cooling outlet 32. A second switching valve 18 is installed on the cooling circuit 6, located near the cooling outlet 62. By installing the first switching valve 17, the cooling circuit 3 can be shut off. By installing the second switching valve 18, the cooling circuit 6 can be shut off. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the first water pump 4 and the second water pump 7, it is not necessary to drain the coolant from the entire system, making the process simpler and more convenient.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, both the first switching valve 17 and the second switching valve 18 are manual ball valves.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first water flow detection unit 19 is installed on the cooling circuit 3, and a second water flow detection unit 20 is installed on the cooling circuit 6. By installing the first water flow detection unit 19, the flow of coolant in the cooling circuit 3 can be detected to prevent the first water pump 4 from running dry; by installing the second water flow detection unit 20, the flow of coolant in the cooling circuit 6 can be detected to prevent the second water pump 7 from running dry.

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, both the first water flow detection unit 19 and the second water flow detection unit 20 are water-cooled switches.

[0062] When using the energy storage device cooling system of this embodiment, the first water pump 4 sends the coolant in the water tank 1 to the water-cooled unit 2, which cools the coolant and then sends the low-temperature coolant back into the water tank 1; the second water pump 7 sends the coolant in the water tank 1 to the energy storage device 5, and exchanges heat with the battery cells of the energy storage device 5 to cool the battery cells, and then sends the heated high-temperature coolant back into the water tank 1; the low-temperature coolant and the high-temperature coolant can be mixed evenly in the water tank 1.

[0063] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device cooling system, characterized by, include: Water tank (1); A water-cooled unit (2) is connected to the water tank (1) via a cooling circuit (3), and a first water pump (4) is installed on the cooling circuit (3); The energy storage device (5) is connected to the water tank (1) through a cooling circuit (6), and a second water pump (7) is installed on the cooling circuit (6).

2. The energy storage device cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (3) has a cooling inlet (31) and a cooling outlet (32) at the connection between its two ends and the water tank (1). The cooling inlet (31) is higher than the cooling outlet (32). The energy storage device cooling system also includes a first guide plate (8), which is disposed in the water tank (1) and located between the cooling inlet (31) and the cooling outlet (32).

3. The energy storage device cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) has a cooling inlet (61) and a cooling outlet (62) at the connection between its two ends and the water tank (1). The cooling inlet (61) is higher than the cooling outlet (62). The energy storage device cooling system also includes a second guide plate (9), which is disposed in the water tank (1) and located between the cooling inlet (61) and the cooling outlet (62).

4. The energy storage device cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The water tank (1) is equipped with a liquid injection port (101).

5. The energy storage device cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The water tank (1) is connected to an air vent valve (10).

6. The energy storage device cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The energy storage device cooling system further includes a liquid level detection unit (11), which is disposed on the top wall of the water tank (1); and / or, The bottom of the water tank (1) is connected to a first drain valve (12).

7. The energy storage device cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (3) is connected to a second drain valve (13); and / or, The cooling circuit (6) is connected to a third drain valve (14).

8. The energy storage device cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first filter (15) is provided on the cooling circuit (3), and the first filter (15) is located between the cooling outlet (32) and the water-cooled unit (2); and / or, A second filter (16) is provided on the cooling circuit (6), and the second filter (16) is located between the cooling outlet (62) and the energy storage device (5).

9. The energy storage device cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first switching valve (17) is provided on the cooling circuit (3), and the first switching valve (17) is located near the cooling outlet (32); and / or, A second switching valve (18) is provided on the cooling circuit (6), and the second switching valve (18) is located near the cooling outlet (62).

10. The energy storage device cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A first water flow detection unit (19) is provided on the cooling circuit (3); and / or, A second water flow detection unit (20) is provided on the cooling circuit (6).

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