A thermal management replenishment water tank for energy storage

Abstract

This utility model discloses an energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank, relating to the field of liquid storage tank structures. The tank includes a tank body, a liquid level sensing device, and a one-way discharge device. A receiving cavity is formed within the tank body, and the receiving cavity stores liquid. The liquid level sensing device is vertically arranged within the receiving cavity and detects the liquid level height within the receiving cavity. The one-way discharge device is located on the tank body and connects to the receiving cavity. Liquid in the receiving cavity is discharged unidirectionally from the tank body through the one-way discharge device. The liquid level sensing device and the one-way discharge device can control the height of the coolant within the tank and prevent coolant backflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid storage tank structure, and in particular to a liquid replenishment tank for energy storage thermal management. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal management refers to the management and control of the temperature of the overall system, individual components, or their environment, with the aim of maintaining the normal operation of each component, improving its performance, or extending its lifespan. Currently, thermal management is commonly required in fields such as electrochemical energy storage, and it has a significant impact on the performance, lifespan, and safety of energy storage systems. Because liquid-cooled thermal management systems have strong heat exchange capabilities, allowing cell temperature differences to be within 3°C, liquid cooling can significantly extend the lifespan of energy storage systems compared to air-cooled systems. Therefore, liquid-cooled systems are currently widely used in the energy storage field.

[0003] For coolant circulation, during operation, coolant inevitably evaporates and leaks over time. To ensure cooling performance, timely replenishment is necessary. Currently, common replenishment methods are manual replenishment or automatic replenishment via a built-in replenishment tank. However, existing replenishment functions are limited and require additional information on liquid level and pressure. Direct connection to the thermal management unit's coolant piping can lead to coolant pressure loss and leakage, making operation cumbersome and labor-intensive. Even with automatic replenishment via a built-in replenishment tank, risks such as coolant pressure loss and leakage on the unit's circulation side may still occur.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a replenishment tank specifically for energy storage thermal management systems. It should have high-precision and high-reliability real-time liquid level monitoring capabilities, effectively prevent backflow of coolant when not replenishing, and also have excellent sealing performance, structural stability, and ease of maintenance to meet the long-term, high-reliability, maintenance-free or easy-to-maintain operation requirements of energy storage systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides an energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank, comprising:

[0006] A housing, wherein a receiving cavity is formed within the housing, and the receiving cavity stores liquid;

[0007] A liquid level sensing device is disposed in the accommodating cavity, the liquid level sensing device is vertically disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the liquid level sensing device detects the liquid level height in the accommodating cavity;

[0008] A one-way discharge device is installed on the housing, the one-way discharge device is connected to the receiving cavity, and the liquid in the receiving cavity is discharged from the housing in one direction through the one-way discharge device.

[0009] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, the liquid level sensing device includes:

[0010] The mounting bracket is vertically installed on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, with its bottom connected to the bottom of the accommodating cavity and its top connected to the top of the accommodating cavity.

[0011] A liquid level block is mounted on the mounting frame, the liquid level block is limited by the mounting frame, and the liquid level block floats on the liquid;

[0012] The liquid level block and the mounting bracket are electrically connected.

[0013] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, the mounting bracket includes at least one vertically arranged guide rod, the liquid level block is slidably sleeved on the guide rod, and the liquid level block moves axially along the guide rod.

[0014] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, a magnetic element is provided on the liquid level block, the magnetic element is electrically connected to the guide rod, the guide rod is connected to a power supply and a liquid level display, the guide rod, the magnetic element, the power supply and the liquid level display are electrically connected to form a circuit, and the magnetic element moves on the guide rod to change the resistance value of the circuit;

[0015] The guide rod is a metal guide rod.

[0016] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, the one-way discharge device includes:

[0017] The valve body has a channel inside, the valve body is connected to the housing, and the channel communicates with the receiving cavity;

[0018] A stop is provided in the channel, and a through hole is provided on the stop in the direction corresponding to the setting direction of the channel;

[0019] An abutment is disposed within the channel, the abutment is located on the side of the stop member facing the receiving cavity, the abutment is configured as a hollow structure, and the abutment abuts against the valve body at a position away from the stop member;

[0020] An elastic element is disposed on the abutting member, and the elastic element pushes the abutting member to abut against the valve body;

[0021] When the valve body is opened, liquid flows into the channel, and the liquid pushes the abutment to move toward the stop. The liquid flows out unidirectionally through the hollow structure of the abutment and through the through hole.

[0022] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, a first flow area and a second flow area are provided in the channel, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow area, a first abutting surface is formed between the first flow area and the second flow area, and a second abutting surface is formed on the abutting member corresponding to the position of the first abutting surface, and the second abutting surface on the abutting member abuts against the first abutting surface through the elastic member;

[0023] When the first contact surface abuts against the second contact surface, the first flow area is isolated from the second flow area; when the first contact surface leaves the second contact surface, the first flow area is connected to the second flow area.

[0024] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, both the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are obliquely arranged in the channel, and the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface have the same inclination angle.

[0025] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, the elastic element is configured as a spring, and the spring is covered with a waterproof material.

[0026] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, a liquid level observation tube is provided on one side of the box body. The liquid level observation tube is vertically arranged, with its upper end connected to the upper end of the accommodating cavity and its lower end connected to the lower end of the accommodating cavity.

[0027] Preferably, in this embodiment of the application, the housing is provided with air holes, and the air holes are connected to the accommodating cavity.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0029] 1. The magnetic liquid level block structure with guide rod limiting allows the liquid level block to move stably only along the axial direction of the guide rod, effectively overcoming measurement interference caused by liquid fluctuations or turbulence and improving the stability of liquid level detection.

[0030] 2. Based on the guide rod as the resistive body, the resistive measurement circuit composed of the sliding magnetic element changing the resistance value can output a continuous and accurate liquid level height signal, meeting the energy storage system's need for fine monitoring of liquid level status.

[0031] 3. The inclined contact surface sealing design of the one-way discharge device, through the pre-tightening force of the elastic element, makes the first contact surface and the second contact surface form a rigid seal when not actively replenishing the coolant. This strictly blocks the reverse flow of coolant from the circulation pipeline to the water tank.

[0032] 4. When liquid replenishment is required, open the valve, and the system pressure drives the liquid to flow in the forward direction. The liquid pressure overcomes the pre-tightening force of the elastic element, pushing the abutment to move away from the sealing surface. The liquid flows smoothly into the circulation pipeline through the hollow structure of the abutment and the through hole of the stop element. This process requires no manual intervention and strictly ensures that the liquid is only output in one direction. The liquid replenishment operation itself will not disrupt the original pressure balance of the system, significantly improving the level of automation and system safety. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the replenishment water tank structure for energy storage thermal management provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the replenishment water tank structure for energy storage thermal management provided by this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a replenishment water tank for energy storage thermal management provided by this utility model;

[0037] Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of the one-way discharge device provided by this utility model;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 100, housing; 110, accommodating cavity; 120, liquid level observation tube; 130, vent; 200, liquid level sensing device; 210, mounting bracket; 220, liquid level block; 300, one-way discharge device; 310, valve body; 311, channel; 3111, first flow zone; 3112, second flow zone; 320, stop; 321, through hole; 330, abutment; 331, first abutment surface; 340, elastic element; 350, second abutment surface. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, an energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank provided by this utility model includes a tank body 100, in which a receiving cavity 110 is provided. The receiving cavity 110 stores liquid, which is configured as a coolant required for energy storage in this embodiment of the application. The coolant is injected into the receiving cavity 110 through a liquid injection pipe.

[0043] After the coolant is stored in the accommodating cavity 110, it is necessary to detect the amount of coolant in the accommodating cavity 110. This detection is performed by the liquid level sensor 200, specifically as follows:

[0044] The liquid level sensing device 200 mainly includes a mounting bracket 210, which is disposed in the accommodating cavity 110. The mounting bracket 210 is vertically disposed in the accommodating cavity 110. Specifically, the bottom position of the mounting bracket 210 is connected to the bottom of the accommodating cavity 110, and the top position of the mounting bracket 210 is connected to the top position of the accommodating cavity 110. A liquid level block 220 is disposed on the mounting bracket 210. The liquid level block 220 is limited by the position of the mounting bracket 210, so that the liquid level block 220 can only move up and down along the mounting position of the mounting bracket 210.

[0045] In this embodiment, a magnetic element is provided on the liquid level block 220, and the liquid level block 220 and the magnetic element are floated on the liquid, so that the liquid level block 220 is lifted by the liquid.

[0046] Mounting bracket 210 is configured as a guide rod, with at least one guide rod and potentially multiple guide rods depending on the situation. Liquid level block 220 is slidably fitted onto the guide rod, allowing it to move axially along the guide rod. During this movement, the guide rod and the magnetic element on the liquid level block 220 remain electrically connected. The guide rod is made of metal and acts as a resistor; the sliding of the magnetic element on the guide rod changes the resistance value of the entire circuit. The guide rod is connected to a power supply and a liquid level display. The guide rod, magnetic element, power supply, and liquid level display are electrically connected to form a circuit. When the liquid level block 220 rises or falls with the liquid level, the magnetic element slides on the guide rod, thereby changing the resistance value of the entire circuit. The liquid level display shows the liquid level height in real time based on the change in resistance value.

[0047] A one-way discharge device 300 is provided on the housing 100. The one-way discharge device 300 is located at the bottom of the housing 100 and is connected to the accommodating cavity 110, so that the coolant in the accommodating cavity 110 can be discharged one-way through the one-way discharge device 300.

[0048] The one-way discharge device 300 includes a valve body 310, which has a channel 311. The valve body 310 is connected to the housing 100, and the channel 311 is connected to the receiving cavity 110. A baffle 320 is vertically arranged in the channel 311, and a through hole 321 is opened on the baffle 320 corresponding to the direction of the channel 311. The diameter of the through hole 321 is smaller than the diameter of the channel 311. When the coolant passes through the channel 311, it needs to flow out through the through hole 321 on the baffle 320.

[0049] Furthermore, an abutment 330 is provided within the channel 311. The abutment 330 is located on the side of the stop 320 facing the receiving cavity 110. The abutment 330 is a hollow structure, and its position away from the stop 320 abuts against the valve body 310. An elastic member 340 is provided on the abutment 330. The elastic member 340 pushes the abutment 330 to abut against the valve body 310, so that a seal is formed between the abutment 330 and the valve body 310 in the non-refilling state, preventing the backflow of coolant.

[0050] When coolant replenishment is needed, the valve body 310 is opened, allowing coolant to flow into channel 311. The liquid, under its own pressure, pushes the abutment member 330 towards the stop member 320, thus releasing the contact between the abutment member 330 and the valve body 310. At this time, the liquid flows out unidirectionally through the hollow structure of the abutment member 330 and the through hole 321 on the stop member 320. After replenishment is complete, the valve body 310 is closed, and the elastic member 340 pushes the abutment member 330 to re-abut against the valve body 310, forming a seal, ready for the next replenishment operation.

[0051] In the above structure, specifically:

[0052] The channel 311 is provided with a first flow zone 3111 and a second flow zone 3112. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow zone 3111 is larger than that of the second flow zone 3112. This design allows for more effective isolation of the first flow zone 3111 and the second flow zone 3112 when the second abutting surface 350 on the abutting member 330 abuts against the first abutting surface 331, preventing the backflow of coolant. Simultaneously, a first abutting surface 331 is formed between the first flow zone 3111 and the second flow zone 3112, connecting them. The abutting member 330 has a second abutting surface 350 corresponding to the position of the first abutting surface 331. Both the first abutting surface 331 and the second abutting surface 350 are obliquely arranged within the channel 311 at the same angle, ensuring that the second abutting surface 350 on the abutting member 330 abuts against the first abutting surface 331 through the elastic member 340 without shifting.

[0053] Specifically, when the first contact surface 331 contacts the second contact surface 350, the first flow area 3111 is isolated from the second flow area 3112; when the first contact surface 331 leaves the second contact surface 350, the first flow area 3111 is connected to the second flow area 3112.

[0054] This design not only enhances the sealing effect of the contact surface, but also allows the contact part 330 to move more smoothly when subjected to liquid pressure, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the liquid replenishment process.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic element 340 is configured as a spring, and the spring is covered with a waterproof material, which in this application is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating. This design ensures the elasticity of the spring while preventing it from rusting or being damaged due to prolonged contact with coolant, thereby extending the service life of the entire coolant tank. The preload of the spring can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure that a tight seal is formed between the contact element 330 and the valve body 310 in the non-coolant replenishment state.

[0056] In practical applications, when the energy storage system needs to be replenished with coolant, the operator simply opens the valve body 310, and the system pressure drives the coolant to flow in the forward direction. The coolant enters the one-way discharge device 300 through channel 311. The liquid pressure overcomes the preload of the spring, pushing the contact member 330 to move and disengage from the sealing surface. At this time, the coolant smoothly flows into the circulation pipeline in one direction through the hollow structure of the contact member 330 and the through hole 321 on the stop member 320, completing the replenishment operation. After replenishment is completed, the valve body 310 is closed, and the spring pushes the contact member 330 to re-engage with the valve body 310, forming a seal, awaiting the next replenishment operation. The entire process requires no manual intervention and strictly ensures that the coolant is output in only one direction. The replenishment operation itself does not disrupt the original pressure balance of the system, significantly improving the level of automation and system safety.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, a liquid level observation tube 120 is further provided on the basis of the above structure. The liquid level observation tube 120 is vertically arranged, with the upper end of the liquid level observation tube 120 connected to the upper end of the accommodating cavity 110 and the lower end of the liquid level observation tube 120 connected to the lower end of the accommodating cavity 110.

[0058] In this embodiment of the application, the housing 100 is provided with an air hole 130, which is connected to the accommodating cavity 110. The air hole 130 can maintain the liquid level change in the accommodating cavity 110 without causing the air pressure change.

[0059] In summary, the energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank provided by this utility model has high-precision and high-reliability real-time liquid level monitoring capability, can effectively prevent coolant backflow in non-replenishment state, and also has excellent sealing performance, structural stability and maintenance convenience, meeting the long-term, high-reliability, maintenance-free or easy-to-maintain operation requirements of energy storage systems.

[0060] The above-disclosed embodiments are only a few specific examples of the present utility model. However, the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited thereto. Any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A thermal management replenishment water tank for energy storage, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein a receiving cavity is formed within the housing, and the receiving cavity stores liquid; A liquid level sensing device is disposed in the accommodating cavity, the liquid level sensing device is vertically disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the liquid level sensing device detects the liquid level height in the accommodating cavity; A one-way discharge device is installed on the housing, the one-way discharge device is connected to the receiving cavity, and the liquid in the receiving cavity is discharged from the housing in one direction through the one-way discharge device.

2. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level sensing device includes: The mounting bracket is vertically installed on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, with its bottom connected to the bottom of the accommodating cavity and its top connected to the top of the accommodating cavity. A liquid level block is mounted on the mounting frame, the liquid level block is limited by the mounting frame, and the liquid level block floats on the liquid; The liquid level block and the mounting bracket are electrically connected.

3. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes at least one vertically arranged guide rod, the liquid level block is slidably sleeved on the guide rod, and the liquid level block moves axially along the guide rod.

4. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, A magnetic element is provided on the liquid level block. The magnetic element is electrically connected to the guide rod. The guide rod is connected to a power supply and a liquid level display. The guide rod, the magnetic element, the power supply, and the liquid level display are electrically connected to form a circuit. The magnetic element moves on the guide rod to change the resistance value of the circuit. The guide rod is a metal guide rod.

5. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way discharge device includes: The valve body has a channel inside, the valve body is connected to the housing, and the channel communicates with the receiving cavity; A stop is provided in the channel, and a through hole is provided on the stop in the direction corresponding to the setting direction of the channel; An abutment is disposed within the channel, the abutment is located on the side of the stop member facing the receiving cavity, the abutment is configured as a hollow structure, and the abutment abuts against the valve body at a position away from the stop member; An elastic element is disposed on the abutting member, and the elastic element pushes the abutting member to abut against the valve body; When the valve body is opened, liquid flows into the channel, and the liquid pushes the abutment to move toward the stop. The liquid flows out unidirectionally through the hollow structure of the abutment and through the through hole.

6. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The channel is provided with a first flow area and a second flow area. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow area is larger than that of the second flow area. A first abutting surface is formed between the first flow area and the second flow area. A second abutting surface is formed on the abutting member corresponding to the position of the first abutting surface. The second abutting surface on the abutting member abuts against the first abutting surface through the elastic member. When the first contact surface abuts against the second contact surface, the first flow area is isolated from the second flow area; when the first contact surface leaves the second contact surface, the first flow area is connected to the second flow area.

7. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are inclined in the channel, and the inclination angles of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are the same.

8. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element is configured as a spring, and the spring is covered with a waterproof material.

9. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid level observation tube is provided on one side of the box. The liquid level observation tube is vertically arranged. The upper end of the liquid level observation tube is connected to the upper end of the accommodating cavity, and the lower end of the liquid level observation tube is connected to the lower end of the accommodating cavity.

10. The energy storage thermal management replenishment water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with air holes, which are connected to the accommodating cavity.

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