A liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology and discloses a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function, comprising: a cabinet; battery modules, several battery modules arranged from top to bottom within the cabinet, wherein a gap is provided between every two battery modules; a liquid cooling mechanism, disposed on the outer wall of the cabinet, and containing a compressor; liquid cooling pipes, both ends of which are connected to the liquid cooling mechanism and disposed within the cabinet, located between every two battery modules; a cleaning box, disposed on the outer wall of the cabinet, containing cleaning fluid; a cleaning pipe, one end of which is inserted into the cleaning box, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet end of the liquid cooling pipe; and a wastewater pipe, one end of which is connected to the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the bottom of the cleaning box. This utility model improves the long-term operating capability and reliability of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and more specifically, to a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous increase in the power density of electronic devices, especially the widespread application of battery modules in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the heat dissipation of batteries has become increasingly important. Traditional heat dissipation methods, such as air cooling systems, are no longer sufficient to meet the heat dissipation requirements in high-power-density environments. Therefore, liquid cooling technology has become a mainstream high-efficiency heat dissipation solution. Liquid cooling systems effectively transfer heat from the heat source to the heat sink through the high thermal conductivity of liquids, resulting in higher heat dissipation efficiency than air cooling systems.

[0003] However, liquid cooling systems face certain challenges during long-term use, particularly regarding coolant contamination and scale buildup within the pipes. The internal structure of liquid cooling pipes often suffers from reduced heat dissipation efficiency due to the accumulation of impurities such as scale, minerals, and microorganisms, potentially leading to pipe blockage and system malfunction. Therefore, regular cleaning of the liquid cooling system is crucial for ensuring its stable operation and efficient heat dissipation. Existing liquid cooling systems typically rely on manual, periodic maintenance for pipe cleaning and coolant replacement; however, this method not only increases maintenance costs but also carries the risks of incomplete cleaning and operational inconvenience.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function to solve the problems of incomplete cleaning and inconvenient operation of existing liquid-cooled structures. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function, aiming to solve the problems of incomplete cleaning and inconvenient operation of existing liquid-cooled structures.

[0006] This utility model provides a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function, including:

[0007] Cabinet;

[0008] A battery module, wherein several battery modules are arranged from top to bottom in the cabinet, wherein a gap is provided between every two battery modules;

[0009] A liquid cooling mechanism is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet, and a compressor is installed inside the liquid cooling mechanism;

[0010] The liquid cooling pipe is connected to the liquid cooling mechanism at both ends, and the liquid cooling pipe is installed inside the cabinet and located between every two battery modules;

[0011] A cleaning box is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet, and the cleaning box contains cleaning solution;

[0012] A cleaning tube, one end of which is inserted into the cleaning box, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet end of the liquid cooling tube;

[0013] The sewage pipe is connected at one end to the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe and at the other end to the bottom of the cleaning tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function also includes:

[0015] A pressure regulating valve is installed on the liquid cooling pipe, and the pressure regulating valve is used to control the pressure of the liquid in the liquid cooling pipe;

[0016] The first switching valve is disposed on the cleaning pipe and located between the pressure regulating valve and the liquid cooling mechanism;

[0017] A second switching valve is installed on the sewage pipe;

[0018] The third switching valve is located at the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe.

[0019] Furthermore, the cleaning box includes:

[0020] The box body has a receiving cavity inside, which contains cleaning fluid, and a discharge port is provided on the outer wall of the box body;

[0021] A filter element is horizontally arranged inside the housing, and the side wall of the filter element is connected to the inner side wall of the housing.

[0022] A pump body is mounted on the housing and is also connected to the cleaning pipe.

[0023] Furthermore, the cleaning box also includes:

[0024] A transparent window is provided on the outer wall of the cleaning box.

[0025] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function also includes:

[0026] The tray is grid-shaped, and several trays are provided. The trays are located inside the cabinet and at the bottom of the battery module.

[0027] A clip is fixed to the tray, and the clip is used to fix the battery module.

[0028] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function also includes:

[0029] The heat dissipation unit is located on the outer wall of the cabinet.

[0030] Furthermore, the heat dissipation unit includes:

[0031] Ventilation holes are provided on the outer wall of the cabinet.

[0032] A horizontal plate is provided above the air vent.

[0033] A vertical plate is disposed at the lower part of the horizontal plate, and the vertical plate is also disposed on the side of the horizontal plate away from the vent hole.

[0034] Furthermore, the liquid cooling pipe is arranged in a serpentine shape inside the cabinet.

[0035] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention lie in its effective improvement of operating efficiency and maintenance convenience. Firstly, the gaps between battery modules provide sufficient space for the liquid cooling pipes, enhancing cooling performance and fluid flow, ensuring good heat dissipation even under high loads. The integrated design of the liquid cooling pipes with the cleaning tank and wastewater pipes not only achieves continuous circulating cooling but also enables a self-cleaning function when necessary, keeping the pipes and coolant clean, preventing the accumulation of dirt or deposits, and reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance required by traditional liquid-cooled heat exchangers. Furthermore, the flushing function of the cleaning fluid effectively reduces the failure rate and extends the service life of the heat exchanger. With the closed-loop design of the cleaning fluid and wastewater pipes, wastewater can be efficiently recycled and transported to the cleaning tank, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution while improving energy utilization. Overall, this design not only enhances the stability of battery heat dissipation but also optimizes the automated cleaning process, improving the long-term operational capability and reliability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid-cooled heat exchanger with self-cleaning function provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cleaning box provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0040] In the diagram: 100, cabinet; 200, battery module; 300, liquid cooling mechanism; 400, liquid cooling pipe; 500, cleaning box; 510, cabinet body; 511, discharge port; 520, filter element; 530, pump body; 540, transparent window; 600, cleaning pipe; 700, sewage pipe; 810, pressure regulating valve; 820, first switching valve; 830, second switching valve; 840, third switching valve; 910, tray; 920, retaining strip; 1000, heat dissipation unit; 1010, vent; 1020, horizontal plate; 1030, vertical plate. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0043] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] See Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function, including a cabinet 100;

[0046] Battery module 200, several battery modules 200 are arranged from top to bottom inside the cabinet 100, with a gap between every two battery modules 200;

[0047] The liquid cooling mechanism 300 is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet 100, and a compressor is installed inside the liquid cooling mechanism 300;

[0048] The liquid cooling pipe 400 is connected to the liquid cooling mechanism 300 at both ends, and the liquid cooling pipe 400 is installed inside the cabinet 100 and located between every two battery modules 200.

[0049] The cleaning box 500 is located on the outer wall of the cabinet 100, and the cleaning box 500 contains cleaning solution.

[0050] The cleaning tube 600 is inserted into the cleaning box 500 at one end, and the other end of the cleaning tube 600 is connected to the inlet end of the liquid cooling tube 400.

[0051] Wastewater pipe 700 is connected at one end to the outlet end of liquid cooling pipe 400, and at the other end to the bottom of cleaning tank 500.

[0052] Understandably, this invention effectively improves operational efficiency and ease of maintenance. Firstly, the gaps between the battery modules 200 provide sufficient space for the liquid cooling pipes 400, enhancing cooling performance and fluid flow, ensuring good heat dissipation even under high loads. The coordinated design of the liquid cooling pipes 400 with the cleaning tank 500 and wastewater pipes 700 not only achieves continuous circulating cooling but also enables a self-cleaning function when necessary, keeping the pipes and coolant clean, preventing the accumulation of dirt or deposits, and reducing the need for frequent manual maintenance required by traditional liquid-cooled heat exchangers. Furthermore, the flushing function of the cleaning fluid effectively reduces the failure rate and extends the lifespan of the heat exchanger. With the closed-loop design of the cleaning fluid and wastewater pipes 700, wastewater can be efficiently recycled and transported to the cleaning tank 500, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution while improving energy utilization. Overall, this design not only enhances the stability of battery heat dissipation but also optimizes the automated cleaning process, improving the long-term operational capability and reliability of the equipment.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function further includes:

[0054] Pressure regulating valve 810 is installed on liquid cooling pipe 400. Pressure regulating valve 810 is used to control the pressure of liquid in liquid cooling pipe 400.

[0055] The first switching valve 820 is installed on the cleaning pipe 600 and is located between the pressure regulating valve 810 and the liquid cooling mechanism 300;

[0056] The second switch valve 830 is installed on the sewage pipe 700;

[0057] The third switching valve 840 is located at the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe 400.

[0058] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the design incorporating a pressure regulating valve 810 and multiple switching valves significantly improves the self-cleaning function and control flexibility of the liquid-cooled heat exchanger. The pressure regulating valve 810 can precisely control the pressure of the liquid within the liquid-cooled pipe 400, ensuring the liquid-cooling system operates under stable conditions and preventing pipe damage or impaired liquid flow due to pressure fluctuations. Preferably, the pressure valve can control the pressure of the cleaning fluid, thereby facilitating the increase of the cleaning fluid pressure to clean the dirt within the liquid-cooled pipe 400. Simultaneously, the arrangement of the first switching valve 820, the second switching valve 830, and the third switching valve 840 makes the system more efficient and intelligent during the cleaning process. The first switching valve 820 controls the inflow of the cleaning fluid, ensuring that the cleaning fluid is precisely injected into the liquid-cooled pipe 400 as needed; the second and third switching valves 840 control the discharge of wastewater and the unobstructed flow of the liquid-cooled pipe 400 outlet, thereby avoiding cross-contamination of the liquid during cleaning and improving the system's self-cleaning effect. Through this flexible valve configuration, the cleaning process can be adjusted according to different operating conditions, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while improving the maintenance efficiency and reliability of the liquid-cooling system.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, the cleaning box 500 includes:

[0060] The box 510 has a receiving cavity inside, which contains cleaning fluid, and a discharge port 511 is provided on the outer side wall of the box 510.

[0061] The filter element 520 is horizontally installed inside the housing 510, and the side wall of the filter element 520 is connected to the inner side wall of the housing 510.

[0062] Pump body 530 is mounted on housing 510 and is also connected to cleaning pipe 600.

[0063] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the design of the cleaning tank 500 optimizes the storage and circulation process of the cleaning fluid, improving the efficiency and controllability of the self-cleaning function. The receiving cavity within the tank 510 effectively stores the cleaning fluid, and the periodic discharge of the cleaning fluid is achieved through the discharge port 511, preventing liquid stagnation and contamination accumulation. The horizontal arrangement of the filter element 520 and its connection to the inner wall of the tank 510 help filter impurities in the cleaning fluid, ensuring that the cleaning fluid remains clean during use, effectively improving the cleaning effect and extending the service life of the liquid cooling system. Simultaneously, the arrangement of the pump body 530 and its connection to the cleaning pipe 600 allow the cleaning fluid to flow and circulate efficiently within the liquid cooling system, ensuring the continuity and uniformity of the cleaning process. This design reduces system maintenance requirements, improves automated cleaning efficiency, and lowers the cost of manual intervention.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the cleaning box 500 further includes:

[0065] A transparent window 540 is located on the outer wall of the cleaning box 500.

[0066] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the design of the cleaning tank 500 with a transparent window 540 provides a convenient visual inspection function. Through the transparent window 540, users can intuitively observe the state of the cleaning fluid, the effect of the cleaning process, and the cleaning status of the filter element 520, promptly detecting any abnormalities or malfunctions and avoiding problems during the cleaning process. Simultaneously, the transparent window 540 helps monitor the consumption of the cleaning fluid, determining whether it needs to be replaced or replenished, further optimizing maintenance management and reducing unnecessary manual intervention.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function further includes:

[0068] The tray 910 is grid-shaped, and several trays 910 are provided. The trays 910 are installed inside the cabinet 100 and located at the bottom of the battery module 200.

[0069] The clip 920 is fixed on the tray 910 and is used to fix the battery module 200.

[0070] Understandably, the design of the tray 910 and the retaining strip 920 improves the stability of the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure and the safety of the battery module 200. The grid-like tray 910 provides uniform support, ensuring that each battery module 200 remains stable within the cabinet 100. Positioned at the bottom of the battery module 200, the tray 910 further strengthens the fixation of the battery module 200, effectively preventing damage to the equipment caused by vibration or external impact during operation. The retaining strip 920 ensures that the battery module 200 is firmly fixed to the tray 910, preventing loosening or misalignment, enhancing the long-term stable operation and ease of maintenance of the liquid cooling system. This not only improves the mechanical stability of the system but also optimizes battery heat dissipation, contributing to increased overall equipment reliability and lifespan.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with self-cleaning function further includes:

[0072] The heat dissipation unit 1000 is located on the outer wall of the cabinet 100.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, the heat dissipation unit 1000 includes:

[0074] Ventilation hole 1010 is located on the outer wall of cabinet 100;

[0075] A horizontal plate 1020 is set above the vent 1010;

[0076] The vertical plate 1030 is located at the lower part of the horizontal plate 1020, and the vertical plate 1030 is also located on the side of the horizontal plate 1020 away from the vent 1010.

[0077] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the design of the heat dissipation unit 1000 optimizes the heat dissipation performance and airflow effect of the liquid-cooled heat exchanger. The vent 1010 ensures that air can circulate outside the cabinet 100, helping heat to be effectively dissipated from the battery module 200 and the liquid cooling system. The horizontal plate 1020 and the vertical plate 1030 prevent dust from entering the cabinet 100.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid cooling pipe 400 is arranged in a serpentine pattern inside the cabinet 100.

[0079] Understandably, the serpentine arrangement of the liquid cooling pipes 400 within the cabinet 100 effectively improves the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling system. The serpentine layout increases the contact area of ​​the liquid cooling pipes 400, allowing for more thorough heat exchange between the coolant and the battery module 200, thus optimizing heat conduction. Furthermore, the serpentine arrangement maximizes the length of the cooling pipes within a limited space, enhancing heat dissipation capacity. This design not only improves the heat dissipation effect of the liquid cooling pipes 400 but also contributes to the uniformity of liquid flow, preventing localized overheating and effectively ensuring the stable operation of the battery module 200. This serpentine layout enhances the overall performance of the liquid cooling system, enabling it to maintain efficient heat dissipation for longer periods under high loads.

[0080] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The liquid cooling pipe 400 is connected to the liquid cooling mechanism 300. The coolant flowing inside the liquid cooling pipe 400 effectively removes the heat generated by the battery module 200. The cleaning tank 500 contains cleaning fluid. Combined with the design of the filter element 520 and the pump body 530, it ensures that the cleaning fluid can flow into the liquid cooling pipe 400 through the cleaning pipe 600 for cleaning when needed, while simultaneously discharging wastewater, which flows back to the cleaning tank 500 through the wastewater pipe 700. The addition of the pressure regulating valve 810 and the on / off valve allows for precise control of the cleaning process, ensuring stable liquid pressure and preventing cross-contamination between the cleaning fluid and wastewater. The tray 910 and the clamping strip 920 are designed to fix the battery module 200, improving stability and ensuring heat dissipation. The heat dissipation unit 1000 further enhances heat exchange efficiency. The serpentine layout of the liquid cooling pipe 400 increases the contact area and optimizes the heat dissipation process.

[0081] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function, characterized by, include: Cabinet; A battery module, wherein several battery modules are arranged from top to bottom in the cabinet, wherein a gap is provided between every two battery modules; A liquid cooling mechanism is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet, and a compressor is installed inside the liquid cooling mechanism; The liquid cooling pipe is connected to the liquid cooling mechanism at both ends, and the liquid cooling pipe is installed inside the cabinet and located between every two battery modules; A cleaning box is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet, and the cleaning box contains cleaning solution; A cleaning tube, one end of which is inserted into the cleaning box, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet end of the liquid cooling tube; The sewage pipe is connected at one end to the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe and at the other end to the bottom of the cleaning tank.

2. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized by, The self-cleaning liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure also includes: A pressure regulating valve is installed on the liquid cooling pipe, and the pressure regulating valve is used to control the pressure of the liquid in the liquid cooling pipe; The first switching valve is disposed on the cleaning pipe and located between the pressure regulating valve and the liquid cooling mechanism; A second switching valve is installed on the sewage pipe; The third switching valve is located at the outlet end of the liquid cooling pipe.

3. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized by, The cleaning box includes: The box body has a receiving cavity inside, which contains cleaning fluid, and a discharge port is provided on the outer wall of the box body; A filter element is horizontally arranged inside the housing, and the side wall of the filter element is connected to the inner side wall of the housing. A pump body is mounted on the housing and is also connected to the cleaning pipe.

4. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 3, characterized by, The cleaning box also includes: A transparent window is provided on the outer wall of the cleaning box.

5. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized by, The self-cleaning liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure also includes: The tray is grid-shaped, and several trays are provided. The trays are located inside the cabinet and at the bottom of the battery module. A clip is fixed to the tray, and the clip is used to fix the battery module.

6. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized by, The self-cleaning liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure also includes: The heat dissipation unit is located on the outer wall of the cabinet.

7. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure having a self-cleaning function according to claim 6, characterized by, The heat dissipation unit includes: Ventilation holes are provided on the outer wall of the cabinet. A horizontal plate is provided above the air vent. A vertical plate is disposed at the lower part of the horizontal plate, and the vertical plate is also disposed on the side of the horizontal plate away from the vent hole. 8.The liquid-cooled heat exchanger structure with a self-cleaning function according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid cooling pipes are arranged in a serpentine pattern inside the cabinet.

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