Thermal management system and energy storage device

Abstract

The application discloses a thermal management system and an energy storage device, which comprises a first liquid circulation loop, a second liquid circulation loop, a refrigerant loop and a coupling device. The coupling device is coupled with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the refrigerant loop through switching the coupling position, the second liquid circulation loop is coupled with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the first liquid circulation loop is coupled with the second liquid circulation loop, so as to meet the heat exchange demand of the battery module and the electric energy conversion module of the energy storage device, select the corresponding coupling connection according to the heat exchange demand, meet the working demand of the battery module and the electric energy conversion module with more economical energy consumption, and help to reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Energy storage devices generally include battery modules and power conversion modules. The battery modules and power conversion modules have different temperature tolerances. If both use the same heat exchange method, such as a refrigerant circuit with high heat dissipation efficiency, it will lead to high overall power consumption of the thermal management system. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application proposes a thermal management system and energy storage device to solve the problem of high overall energy consumption of thermal management systems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a thermal management system applied to an energy storage device. The thermal management system includes:

[0006] The first liquid circulation loop adjusts the temperature of the battery modules in the energy storage device;

[0007] The second liquid circulation loop adjusts the temperature of the power conversion module of the energy storage device.

[0008] The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger;

[0009] The coupling device is connected to the first liquid circulation loop, the second liquid circulation loop, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger, respectively. The coupling device achieves coupling connection between the first liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the first liquid circulation loop and the second liquid circulation loop by switching the coupling position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first liquid circulation loop includes a first circulation pipeline, a first circulation pump, a first heat exchange structure, and a heater. The first circulation pump, the first heat exchange structure, and the heater are connected in series on the first circulation pipeline. The first circulation pipeline is connected to a coupling device, and the first heat exchange structure exchanges heat with the battery module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second liquid circulation loop includes a second circulation pipeline, a second circulation pump, a second heat exchange structure, and a first air cooler. The second circulation pump, the second heat exchange structure, and the first air cooler are connected in series on the second circulation pipeline. The second circulation pipeline is connected to a coupling device, and the second heat exchange structure exchanges heat with the power conversion module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a liquid receiver, a first expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger, arranged in series.

[0013] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit further includes a second expansion valve and a second air cooler arranged in series, which are arranged in parallel with a second heat exchanger and a first expansion valve arranged in series.

[0014] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes a first coupling position, a second coupling position, and a third coupling position. In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger. In the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop, the second heat exchanger, the second liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, a first coupling line, a second coupling line, a third coupling line, and a fourth coupling line. The first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are connected to a first liquid circulation loop, a second liquid circulation loop, and a refrigerant loop through the first coupling line, the second coupling line, the third coupling line, and the fourth coupling line.

[0016] In some embodiments, a third liquid circulation loop is also included, which is connected to the coupling device to be connected in series with the first liquid circulation loop or the second liquid circulation loop;

[0017] The third liquid circulation loop includes a third circulation pipeline and a third air cooler, with the third air cooler connected in series on the third circulation pipeline.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes a first coupling position, a second coupling position, and a third coupling position. In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger are connected in series, and the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger are connected in series.

[0019] In some embodiments, the coupling device includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, a third four-way valve, a first coupling line, a second coupling line, a third coupling line, and a fourth coupling line. The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve are connected to a first liquid circulation loop, a second liquid circulation loop, a third liquid circulation loop, and a refrigerant loop through the first coupling line, the second coupling line, the third coupling line, and the fourth coupling line.

[0020] In some embodiments, the coupling device is in a first coupling position, where the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop and the second heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger in series; the coupling device is in a second coupling position, where the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop and the third liquid circulation loop to the second heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger in series; and the coupling device is in a third coupling position, where the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger in series.

[0021] In some embodiments, the thermal management system satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the thermal management system is in a first operating mode, the coupling device is in a first coupling position, the compressor, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the first air cooler, the second air cooler, and the third air cooler are all running, and the heater is off;

[0022] The thermal management system is in the second working mode, the coupling device is in the first coupling position, the compressor, the first expansion valve, the first air cooler and the third air cooler are all open, and the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all closed.

[0023] The thermal management system is in the third operating mode, the coupling device is in the second coupling position, and the compressor, the second expansion valve, the first air cooler, the second air cooler and the third air cooler are all on, while the first expansion valve and the heater are all off.

[0024] The thermal management system is in the fourth operating mode, the coupling device is in the second coupling position, the first air cooler and the third air cooler are both on, and the compressor, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all off;

[0025] The thermal management system is in the fifth operating mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, and the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the third air cooler are all on, while the heater is off;

[0026] The thermal management system is in the sixth working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve and the third air cooler are all open, and the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all closed;

[0027] The thermal management system is in the seventh working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the third air cooler and the heater are all on, and the second expansion valve and the second air cooler are all off.

[0028] The thermal management system is in the eighth working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, and the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler, the third air cooler, and the heater are all turned on.

[0029] The thermal management system is in the ninth operating mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, and the heater is turned on; the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler, and the third air cooler are all turned off.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a controller that controls the operation of the coupling device, compressor, first air cooler, first expansion valve, second expansion valve, second air cooler, third air cooler, and heater to switch between different operating modes.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a first flow channel plate, and a first circulation pipe, a second circulation pipe, a third circulation pipe, a first coupling pipe, a second coupling pipe, a third coupling pipe, and a fourth coupling pipe are all formed on the first flow channel plate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first circulation pump, the second circulation pump, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve are all disposed on the first flow channel plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first flow channel plate includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface, wherein the first and second interfaces are connected in series in the first circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange structure; the third and fourth interfaces are connected in series in the second circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchange structure; and the fifth and sixth interfaces are connected in series in the third circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the third air cooler.

[0034] In some embodiments, a replenishment tank is also included, which is connected to a first circulation line, a second circulation line, and a third circulation line.

[0035] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a second flow channel plate, on which the compressor, liquid receiver, second air cooler, first heat exchanger, and second heat exchanger are all arranged. The second flow channel plate is used to form a flow channel for accommodating the refrigerant.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second flow channel plate and the first flow channel plate are stacked.

[0037] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an energy storage device, including: a battery module and a power conversion module; and a thermal management system as described in any of the above embodiments, used to adjust the temperature of the battery module and the power conversion module.

[0038] As can be seen from the above technical solution, in this thermal management system, the first liquid circulation loop is used to adjust the temperature of the battery module, and the second liquid circulation loop is used to adjust the temperature of the power conversion module. The coupling device can achieve coupling connection between the first liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the first liquid circulation loop and the second liquid circulation loop by switching the coupling position. Based on the coupling connection, the heat exchange requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module of the energy storage device can be met, and the corresponding coupling connection can be selected according to the heat exchange requirements. It can meet the working requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module with more economical energy consumption, which helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort, and this application can be applied to other similar scenarios based on the provided drawings. Unless obvious from the linguistic context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figures 2 to 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the thermal management system under different operating modes.

[0042] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figures 12 to 20 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the thermal management system under different operating modes.

[0044] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of a third thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a fourth thermal management system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] In the diagram: 1-First liquid circulation loop; 2-Second liquid circulation loop; 3-Refrigerant loop; 4-Coupled device; 5-Third liquid circulation loop; 6-Controller; 7-First flow channel plate; 8-Second flow channel plate;

[0047] 11-First circulation pipeline; 12-First circulation pump; 13-First heat exchange structure; 14-Heater;

[0048] 21-Second circulation pipeline; 22-Second circulation pump; 23-Second heat exchange structure; 24-First air cooler;

[0049] 31-Compressor; 32-First heat exchanger; 33-Liquid receiver; 34-First expansion valve; 35-Second heat exchanger; 36-Second expansion valve; 37-Second air cooler;

[0050] 41-First four-way valve; 42-Second four-way valve; 43-First coupling line; 44-Second coupling line; 45-Third coupling line; 46-Fourth coupling line; 47-Third four-way valve;

[0051] 51 - Third circulation piping; 52 - Third air cooler;

[0052] 71-First interface; 72-Second interface; 73-Third interface; 74-Fourth interface; 75-Fifth interface; 76-Sixth interface; 77-Reservoir; 78-Drain port. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. The described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0054] To address the issue of high overall energy consumption in thermal management systems, this application provides a detailed description of the structure of the thermal management system in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0055] See Figures 1 to 20 This application discloses the following technical solutions:

[0056] A thermal management system is applied to an energy storage device. The thermal management system includes: a first liquid circulation loop 1, a second liquid circulation loop 2, a refrigerant loop 3, and a coupling device 4, wherein: the first liquid circulation loop 1 adjusts the temperature of the battery module of the energy storage device; the second liquid circulation loop 2 adjusts the temperature of the power conversion module of the energy storage device; the refrigerant loop 3 includes a first heat exchanger 32 and a second heat exchanger 35; the coupling device 4 is connected to the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, the first heat exchanger 32, and the second heat exchanger 35 respectively, and the coupling device 4 achieves coupling connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 35, the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 35, and the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second liquid circulation loop 2 by switching the coupling position. For example, by switching the coupling position, the coupling device 4 can realize the series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32, or the series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second heat exchanger 35, or the series connection between the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32, or the series connection between the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the second heat exchanger 35, or the series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second liquid circulation loop 2, so as to realize heat exchange between the battery module and the power conversion module.

[0057] Furthermore, by switching the coupling position, the coupling device 4 can achieve a series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32, and simultaneously achieve a series connection between the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the second heat exchanger 35, so as to achieve heat exchange for the battery module and the power conversion module; or, it can achieve a series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second heat exchanger 35, and simultaneously achieve a series connection between the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32, so as to achieve heat exchange for the battery module and the power conversion module; or, it can achieve a series connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 35, so as to achieve heat exchange for the battery module and the power conversion module.

[0058] For example, assuming the current ambient temperature is high, since the battery module and the power conversion module have different temperature tolerances, the battery module needs a lower temperature to work. Therefore, a refrigerant heat exchange method can be used to heat the battery module, while an air-cooled heat exchange method can be used to heat the power conversion module. At this point, by switching the coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second heat exchanger 35 (as an evaporator) can be connected in series, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32 (as a condenser) can be connected in series. This allows the second heat exchanger 35 in the refrigerant loop 3 to absorb the heat from the liquid in the first liquid circulation loop 1, and the cooled liquid in the first liquid circulation loop 1 can then be used to exchange heat with the battery module. At the same time, the first heat exchanger 32 in the refrigerant loop 3 releases heat to the second liquid circulation loop 2. Since the power conversion module can operate normally at relatively high temperatures, i.e., it has strong temperature tolerance, the liquid in the second liquid circulation loop 2 can be used to exchange heat with the air, achieving air-cooled heat exchange for the power conversion module. Furthermore, since the liquid in the second liquid circulation loop 2 can absorb the heat released by the first heat exchanger 32 and release it into the air, the refrigerant loop 3 can operate normally, achieving refrigerant heat exchange for the battery module. Compared to the battery module and the power conversion module, which both use refrigerant heat exchange, this eliminates the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant circuit 3 to heat the power conversion module. Furthermore, by using the second liquid circulation circuit 2 to heat the first heat exchanger 32, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 can be reduced, thus reducing the power of the refrigerant circuit 3 and consequently lowering the overall power consumption.

[0059] For other situations, detailed explanations are provided with examples later, and will not be elaborated on here.

[0060] In this thermal management system, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is used to adjust the temperature of the battery module, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 is used to adjust the temperature of the power conversion module. The coupling device 4 can achieve coupling connection between the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 35, the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 35, and the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second liquid circulation loop 2 by switching the coupling position. Therefore, it can meet the heat exchange requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module of the energy storage device, and can select the corresponding coupling connection according to the heat exchange requirements. It can meet the working requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module with more economical energy consumption, which helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the thermal management system, while reducing the operating cost of the loop, significantly increasing the revenue, and shortening the investment payback period.

[0061] It should be noted that the aforementioned power conversion modules include, but are not limited to, energy storage converters.

[0062] Of the aforementioned first heat exchanger 32 and second heat exchanger 35, one is the cold side of the refrigerant circuit 3, and the other is the hot side of the refrigerant circuit 3. That is, under the action of the coupling device 4, the first liquid circulation circuit 1 can be connected in series with either the cold or hot side of the refrigerant circuit 3, and the second liquid circulation circuit 2 can be connected in series with either the cold or hot side of the refrigerant circuit 3, or the first liquid circulation circuit 1 and the second liquid circulation circuit 2 can be connected in series with either the cold or hot side of the refrigerant circuit 3. The following examples in this application only illustrate the case where the first heat exchanger 32 is the hot side and the second heat exchanger 35 is the cold side.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is used to adjust the temperature of the battery module. It may include a first circulation pipe 11, a first circulation pump 12, a first heat exchange structure 13, and a heater (PTC) 14. The first circulation pump 12, the first heat exchange structure 13, and the heater 14 are connected in series on the first circulation pipe 11. The first circulation pipe 11 is connected to the coupling device 4. The first heat exchange structure 13 exchanges heat with the battery module. It should be noted that the first heat exchange structure 13 can exchange heat with the battery module directly or indirectly.

[0064] The second liquid circulation loop 2 is used to adjust the temperature of the power conversion module. It may include a second circulation pipe 21, a second circulation pump 22, a second heat exchange structure 23, and a first air cooler 24. The second circulation pump 22, the second heat exchange structure 23, and the first air cooler 24 are connected in series on the second circulation pipe 21. The second circulation pipe 21 is connected to the coupling device 4. The second heat exchange structure 23 exchanges heat with the power conversion module. It should be noted that the second heat exchange structure 23 can exchange heat directly or indirectly with the power conversion module.

[0065] The refrigerant circuit 3 utilizes refrigerant to make one heat exchanger a condenser and the other an evaporator, and adjusts its coupling with the first heat exchanger 32 or the second heat exchanger 35 according to specific usage requirements. This refrigerant circuit 3 may include a compressor 31, a first heat exchanger 32, a liquid receiver 33, a first expansion valve 34, and a second heat exchanger 35, arranged in series. When the compressor 31 is turned on, it compresses the low-pressure refrigerant vapor into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas releases heat in the first heat exchanger 32 (acting as a condenser), condensing into a liquid. The condensed liquid is depressurized by the liquid receiver 33 and the first expansion valve 34, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid flows through the second heat exchanger 35 (acting as an evaporator) and absorbs heat there, evaporating into a gas, thereby lowering the ambient temperature.

[0066] For dehumidification, the refrigerant circuit 3 also includes a second expansion valve 36 and a second air cooler 37 arranged in series. The second expansion valve 36 and the second air cooler 37 are arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger 35 and the first expansion valve 34, which are also arranged in series. Dehumidification can be achieved when refrigerant flows through the second expansion valve 36 and the second air cooler 37.

[0067] The coupling device 4 in this embodiment is used to couple the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, and the refrigerant loop 3 to perform heat exchange. The coupling device 4 includes a first coupling position, a second coupling position, and a third coupling position. In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the second heat exchanger 35, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the first heat exchanger 32. In the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second heat exchanger 35, the second liquid circulation loop 2, and the first heat exchanger 32 are connected in series. In the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the first heat exchanger 32, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the second heat exchanger 35.

[0068] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the coupling device 4 includes a first four-way valve 41, a second four-way valve 42, a first coupling pipe 43, a second coupling pipe 44, a third coupling pipe 45, and a fourth coupling pipe 46. The first four-way valve 41 and the second four-way valve 42 connect the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, the first heat exchanger 32, and the second heat exchanger 35 through the first coupling pipe 43, the second coupling pipe 44, the third coupling pipe 45, and the fourth coupling pipe 46.

[0069] Specifically: Port A1 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to the first external circulation port of the second heat exchanger 35 through the first coupling pipe 43; Port A2 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to one end of the first circulation pipe 11; Port A3 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to the second external circulation port of the first heat exchanger 32 through the second coupling pipe 44; Port A4 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to one end of the second circulation pipe 21; when the first four-way valve 41 is in the first position, Port A1 and Port A2 are connected, and Port A3 and Port A4 are connected; when the first four-way valve 41 is in the second position, Port A1 and Port A4 are connected, and Port A2 and Port A3 are connected.

[0070] The B1 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the other end of the second circulation pipeline 21. The B2 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the second external circulation port of the second heat exchanger 35 through the fourth coupling pipeline 46. The B3 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the other end of the first circulation pipeline 11. The B4 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the first external circulation port of the first heat exchanger 32 through the third coupling pipeline 45. When the second four-way valve 42 is in the first position, the B1 port and the B2 port are connected, and the B3 port and the B4 port are connected. When the second four-way valve 42 is in the second position, the B1 port and the B4 port are connected, and the B2 port and the B3 port are connected.

[0071] When the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the first four-way valve 41 and the second four-way valve 42 realize the series connection of the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second heat exchanger 35, and the series connection of the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32; when the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, the first four-way valve 41 and the second four-way valve 42 realize the series connection of the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second heat exchanger 35, the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32; when the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the first four-way valve 41 and the second four-way valve 42 realize the series connection of the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32, and the series connection of the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the second heat exchanger 35.

[0072] When the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the first four-way valve 41 is in the first position and the second four-way valve 42 is in the second position; when the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, both the first four-way valve 41 and the second four-way valve 42 are in the first position; when the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the second four-way valve 42 is in the first position and the first four-way valve 41 is in the second position.

[0073] See Table 1:

[0074] Devices First working mode Second working mode Third working mode Fourth working mode Fifth working mode Sixth Working Mode Seventh working mode Eighth working mode Ninth Working Mode First four-way valve 41 First position First position First position First position Second position Second position Second position Second position Second position Second four-way valve 42 Second position Second position First position First position First position First position First position First position First position Compressor 31 Open Open Open closure Open Open Open Open closure First expansion valve 34 Open Open closure closure Open Open Open Open closure Second expansion valve 36 Open closure Open closure Open closure closure Open closure Second air cooler 37 Open closure Open closure Open closure closure Open closure Heater 14 closure closure closure closure closure closure Open Open Open First air cooler 24 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open closure

[0075] See Figure 2The thermal management system is in its first operating mode, with coupling device 4 in its first coupling position. Compressor 31, first expansion valve 34, second expansion valve 36, first air cooler 24, and second air cooler 37 are all operating, while heater 14 is off. This first operating mode corresponds to high-temperature cooling and dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 uses the cooling capacity provided by the second heat exchanger 35 to cool the battery module, while the second liquid circulation loop 2 exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 to cool the power conversion module. Because the battery module and power conversion module are cooled separately, the power required for heat exchange with the power conversion module using refrigerant loop 3 is eliminated. Furthermore, the second liquid circulation loop 2 can also reduce the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32, reducing the operating power of compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. In addition, the operation of the second air cooler 37 can dehumidify the interior of the thermal management system, reducing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0076] See Figure 3 The thermal management system is in the second operating mode, the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the compressor 31, the first expansion valve 34, and the first air cooler 24 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37, and the heater 14 are all closed; the second operating mode corresponds to high-temperature cooling. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 uses the cooling capacity provided by the second heat exchanger 35 to cool the battery module, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 to cool the power conversion module. Since the battery module and the power conversion module are cooled separately, the power required for heat exchange of the power conversion module using the refrigerant loop 3 is eliminated, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 can also reduce the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 and reduce the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption.

[0077] See Figure 4 The thermal management system is in its third operating mode, with coupling device 4 in its second coupling position. Compressor 31, second expansion valve 36, first air cooler 24, and second air cooler 37 are all open, while first expansion valve 34 and heater 14 are closed. This third operating mode corresponds to medium-temperature cooling and dehumidification. At this time, the cold side of refrigerant circuit 3 (second heat exchanger 35), first liquid circulation circuit 1, second liquid circulation circuit 2, and the hot side of refrigerant circuit 3 (first heat exchanger 32) are connected in series and exchange heat. Simultaneously, first air cooler 24 and second air cooler 37 exchange heat with the environment. The cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through first heat exchange structure 13, the power conversion module through second heat exchange structure 23, and the first heat exchanger 32, thus reducing the operating power of compressor 31 and overall power consumption. Furthermore, the operation of second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate within the thermal management system, minimizing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0078] See Figure 5The thermal management system is in the fourth operating mode, the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, the first air cooler 24 is turned on, and the compressor 31, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37, and the heater 14 are all turned off; the fourth operating mode corresponds to medium-temperature cooling. At this time, the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant circuit 3, the first liquid circulation circuit 1, the second liquid circulation circuit 2, and the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant circuit 3 are connected in series and exchange heat. At the same time, the first air cooler 24 exchanges heat with the environment. The cold energy carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13 and the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23. At this time, cooling the battery module and the power conversion module through the first air cooler 24 can reduce power consumption.

[0079] See Figure 6 The thermal management system is in the fifth operating mode, the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36 and the second air cooler 37 are all open, and the heater 14 is closed; the fifth operating mode corresponds to low temperature heat pump & dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. This eliminates the power required to use the refrigerant loop 3 to provide heat for the power conversion module and reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. In addition, the operation of the second air cooler 37 can reduce the generation of condensate inside the thermal management system, thereby reducing the impact of condensate generation on the equipment.

[0080] See Figure 7The thermal management system is in the sixth operating mode, the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24 and the first expansion valve 34 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37 and the heater 14 are all closed; the sixth operating mode corresponds to a low-temperature heat pump. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. This eliminates the power required to use the refrigerant loop 3 to provide heat for the power conversion module and reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption.

[0081] See Figure 8 The thermal management system is in the seventh working mode, the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34 and the heater 14 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36 and the second air cooler 37 are all closed; the seventh working mode corresponds to a lower temperature heat pump & PTC. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13. The second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. This eliminates the power required to heat the power conversion module by using the refrigerant loop 3 to provide heat, and can reduce the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. The PTC auxiliary heating can also reduce the operating power of the compressor 31 and reduce the overall power consumption.

[0082] See Figure 9The thermal management system is in the eighth working mode, the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, and the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37 and the heater 14 are all turned on; the eighth working mode corresponds to low temperature heat pump & PTC & dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13. The second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. This eliminates the power required for heat exchange between the power conversion module and the refrigerant loop 3, and also reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. The PTC auxiliary heating also reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, further reducing power consumption. In addition, the operation of the second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate in the thermal management system, reducing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0083] See Figure 10 The thermal management system is in its ninth operating mode, with coupling device 4 in its third coupling position and heater 14 turned on. Compressor 31, first air cooler 24, first expansion valve 34, second expansion valve 36, and second air cooler 37 are all turned off. The ninth operating mode corresponds to extremely low temperature PTC. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second liquid circulation loop 2 are connected in series and exchange heat. Simultaneously, the PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13 and the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23.

[0084] In addition, the thermal management system also includes a controller 6, which controls the operation of the coupling device 4, compressor 31, first air cooler 24, first expansion valve 34, second expansion valve 36, second air cooler 37 and heater 14 to switch between different operating modes.

[0085] See Figures 11 to 20 The thermal management system also includes a third liquid circulation loop 5, which is connected to a coupling device 4 to be connected in series with either the first liquid circulation loop 1 or the second liquid circulation loop 2. Figure 11 The third liquid circulation loop 5 includes a third circulation pipe 51 and a third air cooler 52, with the third air cooler 52 connected in series with the third circulation pipe 51. The third liquid circulation loop 5 is mainly used for energy storage.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the second heat exchanger 35, and the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the first heat exchanger 32 are connected in series; in the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the second heat exchanger 35 are connected in series, and the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32 are connected in series; in the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32 are connected in series, and the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the second heat exchanger 35 are connected in series.

[0087] In this example, the coupling device 4 includes a first four-way valve 41, a second four-way valve 42, a third four-way valve 47, a first coupling pipe 43, a second coupling pipe 44, a third coupling pipe 45, and a fourth coupling pipe 46. The first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42, and the third four-way valve 47 connect the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, the first heat exchanger 32, and the second heat exchanger 35 through the first coupling pipe 43, the second coupling pipe 44, the third coupling pipe 45, and the fourth coupling pipe 46.

[0088] Specifically: Port A1 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to the first external circulation port of the second heat exchanger 35 through the first coupling pipe 43; Port A2 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to one end of the first circulation pipe 11; Port A3 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to the second external circulation port of the first heat exchanger 32 through the second coupling pipe 44; Port A4 of the first four-way valve 41 is connected to one end of the second circulation pipe 21; when the first four-way valve 41 is in the first position, Port A1 and Port A2 are connected, and Port A3 and Port A4 are connected; when the first four-way valve 41 is in the second position, Port A1 and Port A4 are connected, and Port A2 and Port A3 are connected.

[0089] The B1 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to one end of the third circulation pipe 51. The B2 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the second external circulation port of the second heat exchanger 35 through the fourth coupling pipe 46. The B3 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the C4 port of the third four-way valve 47. The B4 port of the second four-way valve 42 is connected to the first external circulation port of the first heat exchanger 32 through the third coupling pipe 45. When the second four-way valve 42 is in the first position, the B1 port and the B2 port are connected, and the B3 port and the B4 port are connected. When the second four-way valve 42 is in the second position, the B1 port and the B4 port are connected, and the B2 port and the B3 port are connected.

[0090] The C1 port of the third four-way valve 47 is connected to the other end of the first circulation pipeline 11, the C2 port of the third four-way valve 47 is connected to the other end of the third circulation pipeline 51, and the C3 port of the third four-way valve 47 is connected to the other end of the second circulation pipeline 21. When the third four-way valve 47 is in the first position, the C1 port and the C2 port are connected, and the C3 port and the C4 port are connected. When the third four-way valve 47 is in the second position, the C1 port and the C4 port are connected, and the C2 port and the C3 port are connected.

[0091] In some embodiments, when the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42, and the third four-way valve 47 connect the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the second heat exchanger 35 in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5, and the first heat exchanger 32 in series; when the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, the first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42, and the third four-way valve 47 connect the first liquid circulation loop 1, the third liquid circulation loop 5, and the second heat exchanger 35 in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the first heat exchanger 32 in series; when the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42, and the third four-way valve 47 connect the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the first heat exchanger 32 in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5, and the second heat exchanger 35 in series.

[0092] Specifically, when the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the first four-way valve 41 is in the first position, and the second four-way valve 42 and the third four-way valve 47 are both in the second position; when the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, the first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42 and the third four-way valve 47 are all in the first position; when the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the second four-way valve 42 is in the first position, and the first four-way valve 41 and the third four-way valve 47 are both in the second position.

[0093] See Table 2:

[0094] Devices First working mode Second working mode Third working mode Fourth working mode Fifth working mode Sixth Working Mode Seventh working mode Eighth working mode Ninth Working Mode First four-way valve 41 First position First position First position First position Second position Second position Second position Second position Second position Second four-way valve 42 Second position Second position First position First position First position First position First position First position First position Third four-way valve 47 Second position Second position First position First position Second position Second position Second position Second position Second position Compressor 31 Open Open Open closure Open Open Open Open closure First expansion valve 34 Open Open closure closure Open Open Open Open closure Second expansion valve 36 Open closure Open closure Open closure closure Open closure Second air cooler 37 Open closure Open closure Open closure closure Open closure Heater 14 closure closure closure closure closure closure Open Open Open First air cooler 24 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open closure Third air cooler 52 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open closure

[0095] See Figure 12The thermal management system is in the first operating mode (high temperature and humidity environment), the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, and the compressor 31, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the first air cooler 24, the second air cooler 37 and the third air cooler 52 are all running, while the heater 14 is off; the first operating mode corresponds to high temperature cooling & dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and cools the power conversion module on the other hand through the second heat exchange structure 23; the second air cooler 37 is running to dehumidify the interior of the thermal management system.

[0096] In this mode, the cooling requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are relatively large. Connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series improves the cooling capacity of the power conversion module. Furthermore, the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant loop 3 to exchange heat with the power conversion module is eliminated. The series-connected second and third liquid circulation loops 2 and 5 lower the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32, which reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. In addition, the operation of the second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate within the thermal management system, minimizing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0097] See Figure 13 The thermal management system is in the second operating mode (high temperature environment), the coupling device 4 is in the first coupling position, the compressor 31, the first expansion valve 34, the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37 and the heater 14 are all closed; the second operating mode corresponds to high temperature cooling. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The cold energy carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The cold energy carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and cools the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand.

[0098] In this mode, the cooling requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are relatively large. The second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series to improve the cooling capacity of the power conversion module. In addition, the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant loop 3 to exchange heat with the power conversion module is eliminated. Furthermore, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 can be reduced by connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series. The reduction in the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 can reduce the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption.

[0099] See Figure 14 The thermal management system is in the third operating mode (medium-temperature and humid environment), and the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position. The compressor 31, the second expansion valve 36, the first air cooler 24, the second air cooler 37, and the third air cooler 52 are all open, while the first expansion valve 34 and the heater 14 are closed. The third operating mode corresponds to medium-temperature cooling and dehumidification. At this time, the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the first liquid circulation loop 1, the third liquid circulation loop 5, and the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series. The third air cooler 52 exchanges heat with the environment, and the cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13. The second liquid circulation loop 2 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24. The cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the power conversion module and the first heat exchanger 32 through the second heat exchange structure 23. The second air cooler 37 operates to dehumidify the interior of the thermal management system.

[0100] In this mode, the cooling requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are reduced compared to the first and second modes. Cooling the battery module via the second air cooler 52 reduces the operating power of the compressor 31. The temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 is lowered by the series-connected second liquid circulation loop 2 and refrigerant loop 3 on their hot sides. This reduction in the temperature of the first heat exchanger 32 further reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus lowering power consumption. Furthermore, the operation of the second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate within the thermal management system, minimizing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0101] See Figure 15The thermal management system is in the fourth operating mode (medium temperature environment), the coupling device 4 is in the second coupling position, the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52 are both turned on, and the compressor 31, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37 and the heater 14 are all turned off; the fourth operating mode corresponds to medium temperature cooling. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series, the third air cooler 52 exchanges heat with the environment, and the cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2 exchanges heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24, and the cooling capacity carried by the internal circulating liquid cools the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23.

[0102] In this mode, the cooling requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are reduced compared to the first mode and the second mode. The cooling of the battery module and the power conversion module can be achieved by the first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 52 without the need for the compressor 31 to work.

[0103] See Figure 16 The thermal management system is in the fifth operating mode (low temperature and humid environment), and the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position. The compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37, and the third air cooler 52 are all turned on, and the heater 14 is turned off. The fifth operating mode corresponds to low temperature heat pump & dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13. The cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3, the second liquid circulation loop 2, and the third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. The second air cooler 37 is running to dehumidify the interior of the thermal management system.

[0104] In this mode, the battery module and the power conversion module have high heat exchange requirements. Connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series improves the heating capacity of the power conversion module. Furthermore, the heat exchange power required for the power conversion module via the refrigerant loop 3 is eliminated. The series-connected second and third liquid circulation loops 2 and 5 raise the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35, which reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus lowering power consumption. Additionally, the operation of the second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate within the thermal management system, minimizing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0105] See Figure 17The thermal management system is in the sixth operating mode (low temperature environment), the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34 and the third air cooler 52 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37 and the heater 14 are all closed; the sixth operating mode corresponds to a low temperature heat pump. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand.

[0106] In this mode, the heat exchange requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are relatively large. The second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series to improve the heating capacity of the power conversion module. In addition, the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant loop 3 to heat the power conversion module is eliminated. Moreover, the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35 can be increased by connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series. The increase in the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35 can reduce the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption.

[0107] See Figure 18 The thermal management system is in the seventh operating mode (lower temperature environment), the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position, the compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34, the third air cooler 52 and the heater 14 are all open, and the second expansion valve 36 and the second air cooler 37 are all closed; the seventh operating mode corresponds to the lower temperature heat pump & PTC. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. At the same time, the PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13; the second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5 and the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand.

[0108] In this mode, the heat exchange requirements of the battery module and the power conversion module are relatively large. The second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series to improve the heating capacity of the power conversion module. In addition, the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant loop 3 to heat the power conversion module is eliminated. Moreover, the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35 can be increased by connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series. The increase in the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35 can reduce the operating power of the compressor 31, thus reducing power consumption. With PTC auxiliary heating, the operating power of the compressor 31 can be reduced, further reducing power consumption.

[0109] See Figure 19 The thermal management system is in the eighth operating mode (lower temperature and humidity environment), and the coupling device 4 is in the third coupling position. The compressor 31, the first air cooler 24, the first expansion valve 34, the second expansion valve 36, the second air cooler 37, the third air cooler 52, and the heater 14 are all turned on. The eighth operating mode corresponds to low temperature heat pump & PTC & dehumidification. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1 is connected in series with the hot side (first heat exchanger 32) of the refrigerant loop 3 and exchanges heat. At the same time, the PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13. The second liquid circulation loop 2, the third liquid circulation loop 5, and the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 are connected in series and exchange heat with the environment through the first air cooler 24 and the third air cooler 52. The heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the cold side (second heat exchanger 35) of the refrigerant loop 3 on the one hand, and heats the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23 on the other hand. The second air cooler 37 is running to dehumidify the interior of the thermal management system.

[0110] In this mode, the battery module and the power conversion module have high heat exchange requirements. Connecting the second liquid circulation loop 2 and the third liquid circulation loop 5 in series improves the heating capacity of the power conversion module. Furthermore, the heat exchange power required for the refrigerant loop 3 to heat the power conversion module is eliminated. The series-connected second and third liquid circulation loops 2 and 5 raise the temperature of the second heat exchanger 35, which reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, thus lowering power consumption. PTC auxiliary heating further reduces the operating power of the compressor 31, further reducing power consumption. Additionally, the operation of the second air cooler 37 reduces the generation of condensate within the thermal management system, minimizing the impact of condensate on the equipment.

[0111] See Figure 20The thermal management system is in its ninth operating mode (extremely low temperature environment), with coupling device 4 in its third coupling position and heater 14 turned on; compressor 31, first air cooler 24, first expansion valve 34, second expansion valve 36, second air cooler 37, and third air cooler 52 are all turned off. The ninth operating mode corresponds to extremely low temperature PTC. At this time, the first liquid circulation loop 1, second liquid circulation loop 2, and third liquid circulation loop 5 are connected in series and exchange heat. Simultaneously, the PTC heats the internal circulating liquid, and the heat carried by the internal circulating liquid heats the battery module through the first heat exchange structure 13 and the power conversion module through the second heat exchange structure 23.

[0112] In addition, the thermal management system also includes a controller 6, which controls the operation of the coupling device 4, compressor 31, first air cooler 24, first expansion valve 34, second expansion valve 36, second air cooler 37, third air cooler 52, and heater 14 to switch between different operating modes. Automatic control via the controller 6 reduces the workload of personnel and improves the reliability of the thermal management system.

[0113] See Figure 21 and Figure 22 To reduce the size requirements of the thermal management system, the thermal management system of this application also includes a first flow channel plate 7, and a first circulation pipe 11, a second circulation pipe 21, a third circulation pipe 51, a first coupling pipe 43, a second coupling pipe 44, a third coupling pipe 45, and a fourth coupling pipe 46 are all formed on the first flow channel plate 7. By integrating each pipe on the first flow channel plate 7, the space occupied by arranging the pipes can be reduced.

[0114] To further improve the integration of the thermal management system, the first circulation pump 12, the second circulation pump 22, the first four-way valve 41, the second four-way valve 42 and the third four-way valve 47 are all installed on the first flow channel plate 7.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first flow channel plate 7 includes a first interface 71, a second interface 72, a third interface 73, a fourth interface 74, a fifth interface 75, and a sixth interface 76. The first interface 71 and the second interface 72 are connected in series in the first circulation pipe 11 and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange structure 13; the third interface 73 and the fourth interface 74 are connected in series in the second circulation pipe 21 and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchange structure 23; the fifth interface 75 and the sixth interface 76 are connected in series in the third circulation pipe 51 and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the third air cooler 52. By setting the aforementioned first interface 71, second interface 72, third interface 73, fourth interface 74, fifth interface 75, and sixth interface 76, the connection difficulty between the first heat exchange structure 13, the second heat exchange structure 23, and the third air cooler 52 and the first flow channel plate 7 can be reduced.

[0116] To enable real-time liquid replenishment, the thermal management system of this embodiment may further include a liquid storage tank 77 for replenishing the first liquid circulation loop 1, the second liquid circulation loop 2, and the third liquid circulation loop 5. Furthermore, to improve the integration of the heat pipe system, the liquid replenishment tank 77 is disposed on the first flow channel plate 7.

[0117] In addition, the liquid storage tank 77 is also equipped with a drain port 78 for easy drainage.

[0118] The thermal management system of this application embodiment may further include a second flow channel plate 8. The compressor 31, liquid storage tank 33, second air cooler 37, first heat exchanger 32 and second heat exchanger 35 are all arranged on the second flow channel plate 8. The second flow channel plate 8 is used to form a flow channel for accommodating the refrigerant.

[0119] The arrangement of the first flow channel plate 7 and the second flow channel plate 8 is not specifically limited. The arrangement of the first flow channel plate 7 and the second flow channel plate 8 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the first flow channel plate 7 and the second flow channel plate 8 can be stacked to further reduce the volume occupied.

[0120] In the above examples of this application, by arranging the first flow channel plate 7 and the second flow channel plate 8, a pipeline-free design can be achieved, which can greatly reduce the module size and improve the system energy density.

[0121] This application provides an energy storage device, including a battery module, a power conversion module, and a thermal management system as described above. Since the aforementioned thermal management system has the above-mentioned beneficial effects, the energy storage device including this thermal management system has corresponding effects, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0122] The aforementioned first heat exchange structure 13 can be arranged around the battery module.

[0123] The aforementioned power conversion module can be an inverter, converter, frequency converter, or grid simulator, etc. A second heat exchange structure 23 can be arranged in the power conversion module to exchange heat with the power devices of the power conversion module.

[0124] In the above context, 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.

[0125] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0126] It should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the application are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0127] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed, and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. The scope of this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described application concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system applied to energy storage devices, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes: The first liquid circulation loop adjusts the temperature of the battery module of the energy storage device. The second liquid circulation loop adjusts the temperature of the power conversion module of the energy storage device. The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; The coupling device is connected to the first liquid circulation loop, the second liquid circulation loop, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger, respectively. The coupling device achieves coupling connection between the first liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the first liquid circulation loop and the second liquid circulation loop by switching the coupling position.

2. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid circulation loop includes a first circulation pipeline, a first circulation pump, a first heat exchange structure, and a heater. The first circulation pump, the first heat exchange structure, and the heater are connected in series on the first circulation pipeline. The first circulation pipeline is connected to the coupling device, and the first heat exchange structure exchanges heat with the battery module.

3. The thermal management system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second liquid circulation loop includes a second circulation pipeline, a second circulation pump, a second heat exchange structure, and a first air cooler. The second circulation pump, the second heat exchange structure, and the first air cooler are connected in series on the second circulation pipeline. The second circulation pipeline is connected to the coupling device, and the second heat exchange structure exchanges heat with the power conversion module.

4. The thermal management system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a liquid receiver, a first expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger, which are arranged in series.

5. The thermal management system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes a second expansion valve and a second air cooler arranged in series, and the second expansion valve and the second air cooler arranged in series are arranged in parallel with the second heat exchanger and the first expansion valve arranged in series.

6. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The coupling device includes a first coupling position, a second coupling position, and a third coupling position. In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger. In the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop, the second heat exchanger, the second liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger.

7. The thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The coupling device includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, a first coupling pipeline, a second coupling pipeline, a third coupling pipeline, and a fourth coupling pipeline. The first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are connected to the first liquid circulation loop, the second liquid circulation loop, and the refrigerant loop through the first coupling pipeline, the second coupling pipeline, the third coupling pipeline, and the fourth coupling pipeline.

8. The thermal management system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a third liquid circulation loop, which is connected to the coupling device to be connected in series with the first liquid circulation loop or the second liquid circulation loop; The third liquid circulation loop includes a third circulation pipeline and a third air cooler, with the third air cooler connected in series on the third circulation pipeline.

9. The thermal management system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The coupling device includes a first coupling position, a second coupling position, and a third coupling position. In the first coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the second heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the second coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger are connected in series, and the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger are connected in series. In the third coupling position, the first liquid circulation loop is connected in series with the first heat exchanger, and the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger are connected in series.

10. The thermal management system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The coupling device includes a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve, a third four-way valve, a first coupling pipeline, a second coupling pipeline, a third coupling pipeline, and a fourth coupling pipeline. The first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve are connected to the first liquid circulation loop, the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the refrigerant loop through the first coupling pipeline, the second coupling pipeline, the third coupling pipeline, and the fourth coupling pipeline.

11. The thermal management system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When the coupling device is in the first coupling position, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop and the second heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the first heat exchanger in series. When the coupling device is in the second coupling position, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger in series. When the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve connect the first liquid circulation loop and the first heat exchanger in series, as well as the second liquid circulation loop, the third liquid circulation loop, and the second heat exchanger in series.

12. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The thermal management system satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The thermal management system is in the first operating mode, the coupling device is in the first coupling position, the compressor, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the first air cooler, the second air cooler and the third air cooler are all running, and the heater is off; The thermal management system is in the second operating mode, the coupling device is in the first coupling position, the compressor, the first expansion valve, the first air cooler and the third air cooler are all open, and the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all closed; The thermal management system is in the third working mode, the coupling device is in the second coupling position, the compressor, the second expansion valve, the first air cooler, the second air cooler and the third air cooler are all turned on, and the first expansion valve and the heater are all turned off. The thermal management system is in the fourth operating mode, the coupling device is in the second coupling position, the first air cooler and the third air cooler are both turned on, and the compressor, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all turned off. The thermal management system is in the fifth operating mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the third air cooler are all turned on, and the heater is turned off; The thermal management system is in the sixth working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve and the third air cooler are all open, and the second expansion valve, the second air cooler and the heater are all closed; The thermal management system is in the seventh working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the third air cooler and the heater are all turned on, and the second expansion valve and the second air cooler are both turned off; The thermal management system is in the eighth working mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, and the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler, the third air cooler, and the heater are all turned on. The thermal management system is in the ninth operating mode, the coupling device is in the third coupling position, and the heater is turned on; the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler, and the third air cooler are all turned off.

13. The thermal management system as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a controller that controls the operation of the coupling device, the compressor, the first air cooler, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, the second air cooler, the third air cooler, and the heater to switch between different operating modes.

14. The thermal management system as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a first flow channel plate, and the first circulation pipe, the second circulation pipe, the third circulation pipe, the first coupling pipe, the second coupling pipe, the third coupling pipe and the fourth coupling pipe are all formed on the first flow channel plate.

15. The thermal management system as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first circulating pump, the second circulating pump, the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the third four-way valve are all mounted on the first flow channel plate.

16. The thermal management system as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first flow channel plate includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface. The first interface and the second interface are connected in series in the first circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange structure. The third interface and the fourth interface are connected in series in the second circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the second heat exchange structure. The fifth interface and the sixth interface are connected in series in the third circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the third air cooler.

17. The thermal management system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a replenishment tank, which is connected to the first circulation pipeline, the second circulation pipeline and the third circulation pipeline.

18. The thermal management system as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a second flow channel plate, on which the compressor, the liquid storage tank, the second air cooler, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are all arranged. The second flow channel plate is used to form a flow channel for accommodating the refrigerant.

19. The thermal management system as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second flow channel plate and the first flow channel plate are stacked together.

20. An energy storage device, characterized in that, include: Battery modules and power conversion modules; The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is used to adjust the temperature of the battery module and the power conversion module.

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