Cooling system, charging terminal and charging system

Abstract

This application discloses a cooling system, a charging terminal, and a charging system. The cooling system includes a liquid supply assembly and a branch. The inlet of the branch is connected to the outlet of the liquid supply assembly, and the outlet of the branch is connected to the return end of the liquid supply assembly. A component to be cooled and a detection component are connected to the branch. The detection component is configured to detect the flow rate of the branch. The structure of this cooling system can accurately identify the location of blockages, providing technical support for improving the online rate and utilization rate of products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooling technology, and in particular to a cooling system, a charging terminal, and a charging system. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-gun charging station is a power device that integrates multiple charging interfaces, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously through a single host system.

[0003] Multiple charging guns in a multi-gun charging station can share a single cooling system. The cooling source of this system branches into multiple lines, each connected to a different charging gun. However, in related technologies, the cooling system used in multi-gun charging stations can only detect blockages in the overall cooling system's piping, but cannot identify the specific location of the blockage. If it's impossible to determine which branch is blocked, the cooling system cannot continue to operate, affecting the equipment's utilization rate. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a cooling system, a charging terminal, and a charging system. The structure of the cooling system is designed to accurately identify the location of blockages, providing technical support for improving the online rate and utilization rate of products.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a cooling system including a liquid supply assembly and a branch. The inlet of the branch is connected to the outlet of the liquid supply assembly, and the outlet of the branch is connected to the return end of the liquid supply assembly. A component to be cooled and a detection component are connected to the branch, and the detection component is configured to detect the flow rate status of the branch.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the detection component is located between the liquid outlet of the liquid supply assembly and the component to be cooled, or the detection component is located between the component to be cooled and the liquid return end of the liquid supply assembly.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the detection component includes a flow detection element.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the flow detection element includes a flow switch or a flow meter.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the detection component includes a pressure detection element.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the cooling system includes a control unit configured to adjust the operating parameters of the component to be cooled based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the component to be cooled includes a charging gun, and the control unit is configured to adjust the operating current of the charging gun based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the liquid supply assembly includes a connected heat exchanger and a liquid pump.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the cooling system includes at least two branches, each branch connected to a detection component.

[0014] This application also provides a charging terminal, which includes the cooling system described in any of the above embodiments.

[0015] This application also provides a charging system, which includes the charging terminal described above.

[0016] The cooling system provided in this application can be applied to charging terminals, which are devices for charging electric vehicles. The cooling system has a detection component on each independent branch connected to the liquid supply assembly. This detection component can detect the flow status of its branch; that is, the detection parameters of the component reflect the flow status of the corresponding branch, thereby identifying whether the branch is blocked. When a blockage occurs in the cooling system, the blocked branch can be located relatively accurately, facilitating adjustments to the operating status of the components to be cooled on the blocked branch without affecting the normal operation of components to be cooled on other branches. The installation of a detection component on each branch provides technical support for improving the online rate and utilization rate of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the cooling system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a charging terminal provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] Liquid supply assembly 10, heat exchanger 11, liquid storage tank 12, liquid pump 13;

[0021] First branch 21, first inlet branch 211, first return branch 212;

[0022] Second branch 22, second inlet branch 221, second return branch 222;

[0023] First detection component 31, second detection component 32;

[0024] First charging gun 41, second charging gun 42;

[0025] 50 charging stations. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] The ordinal numbers used in this article, such as first and second, are used to distinguish different parts with the same name and do not indicate a specific order or primary / secondary relationship.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a cooling system provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0029] This embodiment provides a cooling system that can be applied to a charging terminal, which can be a device for charging electric vehicles.

[0030] The cooling system provided in this embodiment includes a liquid supply assembly 10 and a branch. The liquid inlet of the branch is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid supply assembly 10, and the liquid outlet of the branch is connected to the liquid return end of the liquid supply assembly. The branch is connected to the component to be cooled and a detection component, and the detection component is configured to detect the flow status of the branch.

[0031] The liquid supply assembly 10 provides cooling medium to the branch circuit to cool the components to be cooled on the branch. The flow rate of the branch circuit includes a normal operating state and a blocked state. In the normal operating state, the cooling medium flowing through the branch provides effective cooling to the components to be cooled, ensuring their normal operation. In the blocked state, the cooling medium flowing through the branch is reduced or absent, failing to effectively cool the components to be cooled, thus affecting their normal operation.

[0032] Under normal operating conditions, the flow rate of the cooling medium through the branch circuit is within the normal range, which can be known in advance. Under blocked conditions, the flow rate of the cooling medium through the branch circuit is lower than the normal range.

[0033] This cooling system is equipped with a detection component on each independent branch. This component monitors the flow rate of its respective branch; the detection parameters reflect the flow rate of that branch, thus identifying blockages. When blockages are found, the system can accurately pinpoint the affected branch, facilitating adjustments to the operation of components on the blocked branch without affecting the normal operation of components on other branches. This system, with detection components on each branch, provides technical support for improving product uptime and utilization.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the cooling system includes at least two branches, each connected to a detection component. This allows for independent detection of each branch, enabling independent control of each branch based on its detection component.

[0035] In charging terminal applications, the component to be cooled can be a charging gun. The following example illustrates a cooling system with two branches, using a charging gun as the component to be cooled. In other embodiments, the cooling system can have three or more branches, each connected to a detection component to monitor the flow rate of that branch. In other embodiments, the component to be cooled can also be other components that generate heat during operation.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system includes a liquid supply assembly 10 and two branches, both of which are arranged between the liquid outlet and return ends of the liquid supply assembly 10. The two branches are designated as a first branch 21 and a second branch 22. A first charging gun 41 and a first detection component 31 are connected to the first branch 21. The first detection component 31 is configured to detect parameters of the first branch 21, which characterize the flow rate of the first branch 21. A second charging gun 42 and a second detection component 32 are connected to the second branch 22.

[0037] After the cooling medium flows out of the liquid supply assembly 10, a portion of the cooling medium can flow through the first branch 21 to cool the first charging gun 41 on the first branch 21, and then flow back to the liquid supply assembly 10. Another portion of the cooling medium can flow through the second branch 22 to cool the second charging gun 42 on the second branch 22, and then flow back to the liquid supply assembly 10. The cooling medium after heat exchange with the first charging gun 41 and the second charging gun 42 is a relatively high-temperature cooling medium. After flowing back to the liquid supply assembly 10, it is cooled to a relatively low-temperature cooling medium in the liquid supply assembly 10, and then flows to the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 respectively. This cycle is repeated to cool the first charging gun 41 and the second charging gun 42, ensuring the normal operation of the first charging gun 41 and the second charging gun 42.

[0038] In application, if the parameters detected by the first detection component 31 indicate a blockage in the flow of the first branch 21, the flow of cooling medium through the first charging gun 41 will decrease, affecting its cooling effect. The operating parameters of the first charging gun 41 can be adjusted to ensure it operates within a relatively safe range, allowing the second charging gun 42 on the second branch 22 to function normally without being affected. This cooling system, through detection components on each branch, can identify blockage locations without affecting the operation of the charging guns on normal branches, thereby improving product utilization and online availability.

[0039] In some implementations, the cooling system includes a control unit configured to adjust the operating parameters of the component to be cooled based on the detection results from the detection components. The control unit can be electrically connected to the detection components on each branch to receive the detection signals from the detection components.

[0040] Still with Figure 1 Taking the illustrated scheme as an example, in the application scenario of a charging terminal, the component to be cooled is the charging gun. The control unit is configured to adjust the operating current of the charging gun based on the detection results of the detection component.

[0041] In application, if the parameters detected by the first detection component 31 indicate that the flow rate of the first branch 21 is blocked, the control unit can reduce the operating current of the first charging gun 41 on the first branch 21 based on the blockage detection result of the first detection component 31, thereby reducing the heat generated by the first charging gun 41 and ensuring its safe operation. If the parameters detected by the second detection component 32 indicate that the flow rate of the second branch 22 is normal, the control unit does not control the second charging gun 42 on the second branch 22. The second charging gun 42 can maintain normal operation and will not reduce its operating current or stop working due to the blockage of the first branch 21.

[0042] In other applications, the control unit can also control the first charging gun 41 to stop working based on the blockage detection result of the first detection component 31.

[0043] It is understandable that if the second branch 22 is blocked, the control unit will reduce the operating current of the second charging gun 42 or control the second charging gun 42 to stop working.

[0044] In some implementations, the control unit can also issue reminders or alarm signals based on the blockage detection results of the detection components to inform the staff so that they can carry out timely maintenance.

[0045] In some implementations, the detection component may include a flow detection element configured to detect the flow rate of a branch. For example, a first detection component 31 connected to a first branch 21 may detect the flow rate of the first branch 21, and a second detection component 32 connected to a second branch 22 may detect the flow rate of the second branch 22.

[0046] For example, the flow detection element can be a flow switch. Flow switches are less expensive. While meeting the detection requirements, they can reduce the cost of the cooling system.

[0047] A piston flow switch (also known as a shuttle flow switch) can be selected as the flow switch. The piston flow switch responds to the flow of the branch through a free-floating magnetic piston. When the flow of the branch changes, the movement of the magnetic piston will trigger the sealed magnetic switch.

[0048] Other types of flow switches can also be used, such as baffle-type flow switches.

[0049] For example, the flow detection element can be a flow meter. Flow meters have relatively high detection accuracy.

[0050] By using flow detection elements as detection components, the flow rate of a branch can be directly detected to determine whether the branch is blocked.

[0051] Taking the example that both the first detection component 31 and the second detection component 32 are flow switches, in one application example, assuming that when the cooling system is running normally, the normal operating flow range of the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 is 0.8~1.5 LPM (liters per minute), a suitable flow switch can be selected accordingly. For example, a flow switch with a nominal value of 0.7 LPM can be selected. When the flow rate of the branch is lower than 0.7 LPM, the feedback of the flow switch is normally open, and when the flow rate of the branch is higher than 0.7 LPM, the feedback of the flow switch is normally closed. Thus, when the cooling system is running normally, the flow rates of both the first branch 21 and the second branch 22 are greater than 0.7 LPM. The feedback from the first detection component 31 and the second detection component 32 is a normally closed signal. If there is a blockage in the second branch 22, the flow rate of the second branch 22 will be lower than 0.7 LPM, and the feedback from the second detection component 32 on the second branch 22 will change to a normally open signal. The control unit can respond to the normally open signal of the second detection component 32 and reduce the operating current of the second charging gun 42 on the second branch 22, so that the operating current of the second charging gun 42 drops to a safe current. The safe current can be the upper limit current that the second charging gun 42 can withstand under natural cooling conditions.

[0052] Because of the piezoresistive nature of the cooling system, the flow rate of a branch can also be reflected by detecting the pressure value. Therefore, in some implementations, the detection component may include a pressure sensing element. Detecting the pressure value on a branch using the pressure sensing element can also reflect the flow rate of the corresponding branch.

[0053] If a branch of the cooling system is blocked, the pressure value in that branch will be higher. After the cooling system is designed, the normal pressure range of each branch can be determined based on the normal operating conditions of the cooling system. If the detection component of a branch detects that the pressure value of the corresponding branch is higher than the normal pressure range, it can be determined that there is a blockage in that branch.

[0054] Pressure sensors can be selected as the pressure sensing element.

[0055] The cooling system includes an inlet branch connecting the outlet of the liquid supply assembly 10 and the inlet of the component to be cooled, and a return branch connecting the outlet of the component to be cooled and the return end of the liquid supply assembly 10.

[0056] In some implementations, the detection component can be located on the liquid inlet branch, that is, the detection component can be located between the liquid outlet of the liquid supply assembly 10 and the component to be cooled.

[0057] In other embodiments, the detection component can be located on the return branch, that is, the detection component can be located between the component to be cooled and the return end of the liquid supply assembly 10.

[0058] Still with Figure 1 Taking the illustrated scheme as an example, the first branch 21 includes a first inlet branch 211 and a first return branch 212. The first inlet branch 211 is connected between the outlet end of the liquid supply assembly 10 and the first charging gun 41, and the first return branch 212 is connected between the first charging gun 41 and the return end of the liquid supply assembly 10. The first detection component 31 is disposed on the first inlet branch 211. The second branch 22 includes a second inlet branch 221 and a second return branch 222. The second inlet branch 221 is connected between the outlet end of the liquid supply assembly 10 and the second charging gun 42, and the second return branch 222 is connected between the second charging gun 42 and the return end of the liquid supply assembly 10. The second detection component 32 is disposed on the second inlet branch 221.

[0059] In other embodiments, the first detection component 31 may also be disposed on the first return liquid branch 212. The second detection component 32 may also be disposed on the second return liquid branch 222.

[0060] In the application, the first charging gun 41 or the second charging gun 42 includes a liquid cooling component. The liquid cooling component can be a structure such as a liquid cooling plate. The liquid cooling component is connected to the corresponding branch of the cooling system. That is, the cooling medium provided by the liquid supply assembly 10 flows through the liquid cooling component. When passing through the liquid cooling component, it can exchange heat with the heat-generating devices in the charging gun, such as the power module, to ensure the normal operation of the charging gun.

[0061] In some embodiments, the liquid supply assembly 10 includes a connected heat exchanger 11 and a liquid pump 13. The heat exchanger 11 is used to exchange heat with the cooling medium flowing through the component to be cooled, thereby reducing the temperature of the cooling medium. The liquid pump 13 is used to provide power for the circulating flow of the cooling medium.

[0062] The heat exchanger 11 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 11 can be equipped with heat dissipation fins and a fan. The heat of the cooling medium flowing through the heat exchanger 11 can be dissipated to the environment through the heat dissipation fins or the fan.

[0063] In some implementations, the liquid supply assembly 10 also includes a liquid reservoir 12, which is connected to the heat exchanger 11 and the liquid pump 13 to ensure the flow rate of the cooling medium in the circulation loop of the cooling system.

[0064] In applications, the cooling medium provided by the liquid supply component 10 can be water or oil, etc.

[0065] Please refer to this as well. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a charging terminal provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0066] This application also provides a charging terminal that includes the cooling system described in the foregoing embodiments. Figure 2 As shown, the charging terminal may include a charging pile 50 and at least two charging guns. Figure 2 Taking a charging terminal with two charging guns as an example, this charging terminal includes the aforementioned cooling system and has the same technical effect as the aforementioned cooling system, so it will not be repeated here.

[0067] In the application, the cooling system's liquid supply assembly 10 can be located inside the charging pile 50. The connecting pipe between the liquid supply assembly 10 and the charging gun can be partially located inside the charging pile 50 and partially located outside the charging pile 50. A circulation loop can be formed between the liquid supply assembly 10 and the first charging gun 41, and another circulation loop can be formed between the liquid supply assembly 10 and the second charging gun 42. The first branch 21 where the first charging gun 41 is located and the second branch 22 where the second charging gun 42 is located are arranged in parallel. A first detection component 31 is connected to the first branch 21 where the first charging gun 41 is located, and a second detection component 32 is connected to the second branch 22 where the second charging gun 42 is located.

[0068] In other embodiments, the charging terminal may also include three or more charging guns.

[0069] This application also provides a charging system that includes the aforementioned charging terminal and has the same technical effects as the charging terminal, which will not be repeated here. The charging system may include a power supply system for supplying power to the charging terminal, etc.

[0070] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A cooling system, characterized by, It includes a liquid supply assembly and a branch, wherein the liquid inlet of the branch is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid supply assembly, and the liquid outlet of the branch is connected to the liquid return end of the liquid supply assembly. A component to be cooled and a detection component are connected to the branch, and the detection component is configured to detect the flow status of the branch.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The detection component is located between the liquid outlet of the liquid supply assembly and the component to be cooled, or the detection component is located between the component to be cooled and the liquid return end of the liquid supply assembly.

3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The detection component includes a flow detection element.

4. The cooling system of claim 3, wherein, The flow detection element includes a flow switch or a flow meter.

5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The detection component includes a pressure detection element.

6. Cooling system according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that The cooling system includes a control unit configured to adjust the operating parameters of the component to be cooled based on the detection results of the detection component.

7. The cooling system of claim 6, wherein, The component to be cooled includes a charging gun, and the control unit is configured to adjust the operating current of the charging gun according to the detection result of the detection component.

8. Cooling system according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that The liquid supply assembly includes a connected heat exchanger and a liquid pump.

9. Cooling system according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that The cooling system includes at least two branches, each of which is connected to a detection component.

10. A charging terminal, characterized by, The charging terminal includes the cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-9.

11. A charging system, characterized by The charging system includes the charging terminal as described in claim 10.

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