Power conversion device and energy storage system

Abstract

To provide an electric power conversion system capable of efficiently cooling heating components forming a power converter, and to provide a power storage system.SOLUTION: An electric power conversion system includes: a first housing which houses electronic components forming a power converter; and a second housing which houses the first housing. The first housing and the second housing are arranged so that a cooling passage for cooling the first housing is formed between the first housing and the second housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power conversion device and a power storage system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a power storage system that is connected to a power system and can supply power stored in a storage battery to a load via a power conversion device during a power outage or the like. There is also known a power storage system that is connected to a solar power generation system and stores generated power (for example, surplus power) exceeding the power supplied to the load. In a power conversion device included in such a power storage system, a structure for cooling heat generated by semiconductor switching elements, reactors, etc. used in a power conversion circuit is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a power conversion device that can reduce the thermal influence from heat-generating components to other components of a power conversion circuit. The heat-generating components are specifically switching elements and reactors, which generate more heat than other components constituting the power conversion circuit and are preferably cooled. This power conversion device includes a housing, a power conversion unit housed in the housing, and a cooling device for cooling the heat-generating components of the power conversion unit. The housing includes a main case, a front cover disposed on the front side of the main case, and a rear case disposed on the rear side of the main case. The main case is box-shaped with an open front side and houses the power conversion circuit of the power conversion unit. The rear case is also box-shaped with an open front side and houses a plurality of heat-generating components (reactors).

[0004] The cooling device for a power converter disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a separate cooling unit for reactors and a cooling unit for switching elements. The cooling unit for reactors has a ventilation passage member that houses a plurality of reactors and an intake fan located at one of its left and right ends. This fan causes air drawn in from slit-shaped vents formed on the side of the rear case to flow through the ventilation passage member, thereby cooling the reactors. The cooling unit for switching elements comprises a heat dissipation component (i.e., a fin section), a ventilation passage member, and a fan. This fan causes air drawn in from slit-shaped vents formed on the side of the rear case to flow through the ventilation passage member, thereby cooling the heat dissipation component on which the switching elements are mounted, and thus cooling the switching elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-165549 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the power converter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling device is housed in the rear case, and since the airflow is limited to the rear, there is a problem that the cooling capacity is insufficient. Power converters are often installed outdoors, and for example, if the power converter is directly exposed to sunlight, the surface temperature of the power converter rises due to solar heat, and that heat enters the power converter. The main case disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an open front side, and when the front cover becomes hot due to sunlight, that heat is transferred to the inside of the main case, and the heat-generating components of the power converter (i.e., switching elements and reactors) are not sufficiently cooled. Furthermore, in the battery system disclosed in Patent Document 1 in which the power converter and storage battery are housed in a single enclosure, the heat from the heat-generating components is transferred to the storage battery, causing the storage battery to become hot and potentially be damaged.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a power conversion device and an energy storage system that can efficiently cool the heat-generating components constituting the power converter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A power converter according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first housing for housing electrical components constituting a power converter and a second housing for housing the first housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged such that a cooling channel for cooling the first housing is formed between the first housing and the second housing.

[0009] A power storage system relating to another aspect of this disclosure includes the power converter described above and a battery, wherein the power converter converts the output power of the battery into alternating current power and outputs it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a power conversion device and an energy storage system that can efficiently cool the heat-generating components constituting the power converter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the front appearance of the energy storage system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the energy storage system shown in Figure 1, viewed from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view showing the energy storage system with the rear panel removed, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV section of the energy storage system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the VV cross-section of the energy storage system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the airflow from a fan inside the energy storage system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the airflow from a fan inside the energy storage system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a modified energy storage system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0013] (1) The power converter according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first housing for housing electrical components constituting a power converter and a second housing for housing the first housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged such that a cooling channel for cooling the first housing is formed between the first housing and the second housing. This efficiently reduces the temperature rise of the wall surface of the first housing due to heat generated by the electrical components contained inside the first housing, and cools the electrical components contained inside the first housing. Therefore, abnormalities and failures of the power converter can be suppressed.

[0014] (2) The cooling channel can be formed along the entire circumference of the first housing. This suppresses the transfer of heat from the electrical components inside the first housing to the members placed between the first housing and the second housing. In particular, if the cooling channel is formed along the bottom surface of the first housing, and the storage battery is placed below the first housing inside the second housing, the transfer of heat from the electrical components inside the first housing to the storage battery can be suppressed.

[0015] (3) The power conversion device may further include a first cooling fan for forming an airflow in the cooling channel. This makes it possible to more efficiently reduce the temperature rise of the walls of the first housing due to the heat generated by the electrical components contained inside the first housing, and to efficiently cool the electrical components contained inside the first housing.

[0016] (4) The power conversion device may further include a second cooling fan, and the second cooling fan may be provided inside the first housing. Thereby, air can be circulated inside the first housing to suppress specific components from becoming hot, and the heat generated by the electrical components can be efficiently transferred to the wall surface of the first housing. Therefore, the inside of the first housing can be efficiently cooled, and the electrical components can be cooled.

[0017] (5) The power conversion device may further include heat-generating components that constitute the power converter, and the heat-generating components may be provided on the outer surface of the first housing. Thereby, the heat-generating components can be directly cooled by the air flow, and the temperature rise inside the first housing can be suppressed.

[0018] (6) The power conversion device may further include heat-radiating components, and the heat-radiating components may be provided on the outer surface of the first housing. Thereby, the surface of the first housing can be cooled, and the temperature rise inside the first housing can be suppressed.

[0019] (7) The cooling flow path may include a first flow path and flow paths other than the first flow path. At least one of the heat-generating components that constitute the power converter and the heat-radiating components provided on the outer surface of the first housing may be provided in the first flow path, and the pressure loss of the first flow path may be smaller than the pressure loss of the flow paths other than the first flow path. Thereby, the temperature rise inside the first housing due to the heat-generating components can be further suppressed.

[0020] (8) The first housing may be a sealed type. Thereby, the intrusion of water and dust into the first housing can be prevented.

[0021] (9) The power storage system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the above power conversion devices and a storage battery, and the power converter converts the output power of the storage battery into AC power and outputs it. Thereby, the temperature rise of the wall surface of the first housing due to the heat generated by the electrical components included inside the first housing can be efficiently reduced, and the electrical components included inside the first housing can be cooled. Therefore, abnormalities and failures of the power converter can be suppressed, and power can be safely supplied from the storage battery.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] In the following embodiments, identical parts are assigned the same reference numeral. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0023] (Overall structure) Referring to Figure 1, the energy storage system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing 102, a partition plate 106, a battery module 200, and a second housing 104 that houses them. The partition plate 106 divides the interior of the second housing 104 into two regions. The first housing 102 is located in the region above the partition plate 106, and one or more battery modules 200 are located in the region below the partition plate 106. The battery module 200 includes a rechargeable and dischargeable (hereinafter referred to as charge / discharge) secondary battery. The first housing 102 includes a power converter (e.g., a power conditioner) that controls the charging and discharging of the battery module 200. The space 300 is where electrical wiring, switches, and a battery management system (none of which are shown) for connecting the power converter and the battery module 200 are located.

[0024] The second housing 104 includes a front panel 110, a rear panel 112, a top panel 114, a left side panel 116, a right side panel 118, and a bottom panel 120, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As will be described later, the first housing 102 houses a control board and a power conversion board for controlling the charging and discharging operation of the battery module 200, and the portion of the energy storage system 100 above the partition plate 106 constitutes a power conversion device.

[0025] Since the energy storage system 100 may be installed outdoors, the first housing 102 is formed as a sealed type without any intake or exhaust ports for exchanging internal and external air, in order to prevent the intrusion of rainwater, dust, etc. To make it sealed, sealing members (e.g., gaskets) can be used to fill gaps. Note that "sealed type" includes, but is not limited to, a completely sealed structure, and also includes a structure in which some air movement is possible between the inside and outside of the housing through gaps or through holes, etc. For example, a connector is provided on the external surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the first housing 102 to which wiring for connecting the control board and power conversion board contained in the first housing 102 to the battery module 200 is connected.

[0026] The lower left of Figure 1 shows orthogonal axes (the same applies to Figures 2 and beyond). The X, Y, and Z axes represent axes perpendicular to the front panel 110, left side panel 116, and top panel 114, respectively. The positive direction of the X axis is from the back to the front of the energy storage system 100, the positive direction of the Y axis is from the left side to the right side of the energy storage system 100, and the positive direction of the Z axis is from the bottom to the top of the energy storage system 100.

[0027] The energy storage system 100 may be provided with legs (not shown) on the underside of the bottom panel 120. The energy storage system 100 is typically fixed to a horizontal plane (including a substantially horizontal plane; for example, a plane parallel to the XY plane). As a result, the front panel 110, rear panel 112, left side panel 116, and right side panel 118 are positioned vertically (including substantially vertically; for example, in the Z-axis direction). The front panel 110, rear panel 112, top panel 114, partition plate 106, right side panel 118, and bottom panel 120 are formed from a conductive material having a predetermined strength, such as metal (iron (steel), stainless steel, etc.), and their surfaces are coated with an insulating material.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the energy storage system 100 includes a first blower 130 located on the rear panel 112 and an opening 132 formed in the rear panel 112. The first blower 130 is, for example, a fan and includes a rotor and a drive device (e.g., a motor) that rotates the rotor, thereby blowing air in the direction of the rotation axis by rotating the rotor around the axis of rotation. The first blower 130 exhausts the air inside the second housing 104 to the outside of the second housing 104. The opening 132 functions as an air intake. That is, as the air inside the second housing 104 is exhausted by the first blower 130, air from outside the second housing 104 flows into the second housing 104 through the opening 132. Figure 2 shows three first blowers 130, but is not limited to these. At least one first blower 130 needs to be located on the rear panel 112.

[0029] An air filter may be placed in the opening 132 to prevent dust and other particles from entering the second housing 104. Additionally, a non-sealed cover (not shown) with an opening may be placed on the rear panel 112 to cover the first blower 130 and the opening 132. The cover prevents people from directly touching the first blower 130 and the opening 132, and suppresses the entry of rainwater, dust, and other particles into the second housing 104 from the first blower 130 and the opening 132.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, which shows the rear of the energy storage system 100 with the rear panel 112 removed, the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat dissipation component 214 are arranged on the rear of the first housing 102. The first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 are, for example, reactors (e.g., AC reactors) and are connected to a circuit board housed in the first housing 102 and are used for power conversion to realize the charging and discharging operation of the battery module 200.

[0031] The heat dissipation component 214 is, for example, a heat sink. The heat dissipation component 214 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, iron, or copper. As will be described later, a switching element for power conversion (specifically, a case for a semiconductor switching element) housed in the first housing 102 is fixed to the heat dissipation component 214. During power conversion, a large current (for example, several tens of amperes) flows through the switching element, causing it to generate heat. The heat from the switching element is transferred to the heat dissipation component 214, which then dissipates the heat to its surroundings (i.e., through heat conduction to the surrounding air and infrared radiation, etc.), causing the temperature of the air near the heat dissipation component 214 to rise. In other words, the switching element housed in the first housing 102 is cooled by the heat dissipation component 214.

[0032] The size and position of the heat dissipation component 214 on the first housing 102 are not limited to those shown in Figure 2, but are arbitrary. It is sufficient that the size and position of the heat dissipation component 214 on the first housing 102 are determined in accordance with the arrangement of the switching elements and reactors (i.e., heat-generating components) for realizing the power conversion function described later.

[0033] The first housing 102 is fixed on the partition plate 106 via spacers 134 and 136. That is, the bottom surface of the first housing 102 is separated from the partition plate 106, and a space 302 is formed between the bottom surface of the first housing 102 and the partition plate 106 (space L1). In addition, the five surfaces of the first housing 102, excluding the bottom surface, are each separated from the corresponding inner walls of the second housing 104, and a space is also formed between the inner walls of the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. Specifically, a space 304 is formed between the top surface of the first housing 102 and the top panel 114 (space L2). A space 306 is formed between the left side surface of the first housing 102 and the left side panel 116 (space L3), and a space 308 is formed between the right side surface of the first housing 102 and the right side panel 118 (space L4). Furthermore, as will be described later, spaces 310 and 312 (see Figure 4) are formed on the front and back of the first housing 102, respectively.

[0034] As will be described later, when the rear panel 112 is attached, the first blower 130 located on the rear panel 112 creates an airflow in the space 312 (see Figure 4) between the rear of the first housing 102 and the rear panel 112. As a result, the heated air surrounding the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214 is discharged to the outside of the second housing 104, and relatively cooler air flows in through the opening 132. This airflow cools the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat-dissipating component 214.

[0035] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first housing 102 includes a first substrate 220, a second substrate 222, a third heat-generating component 224, a fourth heat-generating component 226, and a second blower 228. The first substrate 220, the second substrate 222, the third heat-generating component 224, and the fourth heat-generating component 226 constitute a power converter. The first substrate 220, the second substrate 222, and the second blower 228 are fixed inside the first housing 102 by predetermined fixing members (not shown). The third heat-generating component 224 and the fourth heat-generating component 226 are fixed to the first housing 102 (i.e., its rear surface) at positions corresponding to the heat dissipation component 214, for example, by screws. If an opening is formed on the rear surface of the first housing 102 at a position corresponding to the heat dissipation component 214, the third heat-generating component 224 and the fourth heat-generating component 226 can be directly fixed to the heat dissipation component 214. Furthermore, if an opening is formed on the back of the first housing 102, the airtightness of the first housing 102 is maintained if the opening is covered by the heat dissipation component 214.

[0036] The first substrate 220 is, for example, a control board and includes a control circuit. The second substrate 222 is, for example, a power conversion board and includes circuits for realizing power conversion functions (i.e., a DC / DC converter and a DC / AC converter). In Figures 4 and 5, electrical components on the first substrate 220 and the second substrate 222 are not shown. The third heat-generating component 224 and the fourth heat-generating component 226 are components for realizing power conversion functions. The third heat-generating component 224 is, for example, a switching element (e.g., a FET (Field Effect Transistor)), and the fourth heat-generating component 226 is, for example, a reactor (e.g., a DC reactor).

[0037] The second blower 228 is a fan, similar to the first blower 130, and blows air perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 4. The air blown by the second blower 228 forms an airflow that circulates inside the first housing 102, as will be described later. The first substrate 220, the second substrate 222, the third heat-generating component 224, and the fourth heat-generating component 226 are the objects of cooling by the air blown by the second blower 228.

[0038] As described above, the first housing 102, which is housed in the second housing 104, does not directly contact any of the panels or partition plates 106 of the second housing 104, and a space is formed between them. Specifically, a space 310 is formed between the front of the first housing 102 and the front panel 110 (space L5), and a space 312 is formed between the back of the first housing 102 and the back panel 112 (space L6).

[0039] As described above, electrical wiring and the like are arranged in the space 300 (see Figure 1) below the energy storage system 100 (the area below the partition plate 106). For example, electrical wiring for connecting to an external power source and an external load is connected to a terminal block (not shown) provided in the space 300 via an opening (or bushing attached to the opening) provided in the rear panel 112 for passing electrical wiring. In this way, the energy storage system 100 stores power (i.e., DC power) supplied from an external power source (e.g., a solar power generation system) via electrical wiring in the battery module 200. When the battery module 200 is discharged, the energy storage system 100 supplies power (i.e., AC power) converted by the second board 222, which is controlled by the first board 220, to an external load (e.g., electrical equipment) via electrical wiring. When AC power is supplied to the energy storage system 100 from an external power source, the second circuit board 222, under the control of the first circuit board 220, converts the input AC power into DC power and stores it in the battery module 200.

[0040] (operation) Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the cooling operation (i.e., air blowing by the first blower 130 and the second blower 228) during the power conversion operation (i.e., charge / discharge operation) of the energy storage system 100 will be explained. Note that the internal structure of the first housing 102 is not shown in Figure 7. During the power conversion operation, the second circuit board 222 operates under the control of the first circuit board 220, and a large current flows to the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, the third heat-generating component 224, and the fourth heat-generating component 226. Accordingly, the first blower 130 and the second blower 228 start blowing air. The air blowing by the first blower 130 and the second blower 228 is performed, for example, by the first circuit board 220 controlling the power supply to the first blower 130 and the second blower 228.

[0041] When the first blower 130 starts blowing air (i.e., exhausting), air from outside the energy storage system 100 flows into the space 312 through the opening 132. That is, as shown by the solid arrows, an airflow is formed along the back of the first housing 102, and the air that flows in through the opening 132 is exhausted to the outside of the energy storage system 100 through the first blower 130. In this way, the space 312 formed by the back of the first housing 102 and the back panel 112 acts as a path for the air that flows in through the opening 132 (hereinafter referred to as the cooling channel). In other words, a cooling channel is formed on the back of the first housing 102. Therefore, the heated air surrounding the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214 is discharged to the outside of the energy storage system 100, and relatively cool air flows in through the opening 132. This airflow cools the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214.

[0042] Furthermore, the air flowing in from the opening 132 flows along the right, front, and left sides of the first housing 102 (i.e., through spaces 308, 310, and 306), as indicated by the dashed arrows, and is exhausted to the outside of the energy storage system 100 from the first blower 130. In addition, referring to Figure 7, the air flowing in from the opening 132 flows along the bottom, front, and top surfaces of the first housing 102 (i.e., through spaces 302, 310, and 304), as indicated by the dashed arrows, and is exhausted to the outside of the energy storage system 100 from the first blower 130. In other words, cooling channels are formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 102 (i.e., all outer surfaces) through which the air flowing in from the opening 132 flows.

[0043] As described later, heat generated inside the first housing 102 is transmitted to the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right surfaces of the first housing 102, and transmitted (including radiation) to the outside of the first housing 102 from each surface. The air surrounding the first housing 102, whose temperature has risen due to the heat transmitted from each surface of the first housing 102, is transferred to the rear of the first housing 102 by cooling channels formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 102, and exhausted to the outside of the energy storage system 100 from the first blower 130. In addition, relatively cool air flows in from the opening 132, and the incoming air is transferred by cooling channels formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 102. Therefore, the heat dissipation efficiency from each surface of the first housing 102 can be improved, and the inside of the first housing 102 can be cooled efficiently.

[0044] As described above, the power conversion operation of the energy storage system 100 generates heat mainly in the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, the third heat-generating component 224, and the fourth heat-generating component 226. The heat generated by the third heat-generating component 224 and the fourth heat-generating component 226 is mainly transferred to and dissipated by the heat-dissipating component 214, as described above. At this time, the cooling channel formed in the space 312 improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat-dissipating component 214.

[0045] On the other hand, some of the heat generated by the electrical components mounted on the first substrate 220 and the second substrate 222, as well as some of the heat generated by the third heat-generating component 224 and the fourth heat-generating component 226, is transferred to each surface of the first housing 102 by the airflow generated inside the first housing 102 by the airflow from the second blower 228. Specifically, referring to Figure 6, as shown by the dashed arrow, the second blower 228 creates an airflow that circulates inside the first housing 102. As a result, the heat inside the first housing 102 diffuses to the surroundings and is transferred to each surface of the first housing 102, and the heat is dissipated from each surface of the first housing 102. At this time, as described above, the cooling channels formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 102 can improve the heat dissipation efficiency from each surface of the first housing 102, and promote cooling inside the first housing 102. Therefore, the temperature rise of the heat-generating components is suppressed, and deterioration and damage to the heat-generating components can be avoided.

[0046] In the energy storage system 100, the circuits and electrical components responsible for the power conversion function are housed in the first housing 102, and the first housing 102 is housed in the second housing 104, forming a cooling channel between the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. This efficiently reduces the temperature rise of the wall surface of the first housing 102 caused by the heat generated by the electrical components inside the first housing 102, and cools the electrical components inside the first housing 102.

[0047] Furthermore, in the energy storage system 100, spacers 134 and 136 are placed below the first housing 102, so that all outer surfaces of the first housing 102 do not come into direct contact with the inner wall of the second housing 104, thereby forming a cooling channel around the entire circumference of the first housing 102. This suppresses the transfer of heat from the electrical components contained inside the first housing 102 to the members placed between the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. In particular, because a cooling channel is formed along the bottom surface of the first housing 102, the transfer of heat from the electrical components contained inside the first housing 102 to the battery module 200 can be suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, a first blower 130 is positioned on the rear panel 112 of the energy storage system 100, and an opening 132 is formed therein. This allows airflow to be created in the cooling channel formed between the first housing 102 and the rear panel 112, and the temperature rise of the wall surface of the first housing 102 due to heat generated by the electrical components inside the first housing 102 can be reduced more efficiently. Therefore, the electrical components inside the first housing 102 can be cooled efficiently. As shown in Figure 3, if a heat dissipation component 214 is positioned on the rear of the first housing 102, its heat dissipation efficiency can be improved. In addition, the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 positioned on the rear of the first housing 102 can be directly cooled by the airflow.

[0049] In the energy storage system 100, a second blower 228 is placed inside the first housing 102. This allows air to circulate inside the first housing 102, suppressing the overheating of specific components, efficiently transferring heat generated by electrical components to the walls of the first housing 102, and promoting heat dissipation from each surface of the first housing 102. Therefore, the inside of the first housing 102 can be efficiently cooled, and the electrical components can be cooled.

[0050] As described above, the upper and lower parts of the energy storage system 100 are separated by a partition plate 106. The partition plate 106 is formed in a flat shape. Therefore, there is almost no airflow between the upper and lower parts of the energy storage system 100 with the partition plate 106 as the boundary. It can also be considered that a sealed enclosure is formed on the upper part of the energy storage system 100 by the front panel 110, rear panel 112, top panel 114, left side panel 116, and partition plate 106. That is, the heat generated in the upper part of the energy storage system 100 is suppressed from being transmitted to the battery module 200 located in the lower part. Note that the partition plate 106 may have a relatively small opening for passing a wire harness for connecting the first substrate 220 and the second substrate 222 to the battery module 200. In such a case as well, since there is little airflow between the upper and lower parts of the energy storage system 100, the heat generated in the upper part of the energy storage system 100 is suppressed from being transmitted to the battery module 200 as described above.

[0051] When the energy storage system 100 is installed outdoors, the temperature of the energy storage system 100 rises not only due to the heat generated during power conversion but also due to solar radiation. Specifically, when sunlight irradiates each surface of the second housing 104 (specifically, the front panel 110, rear panel 112, top panel 114, left side panel 116, and right side panel 118), the temperature of each surface of the second housing 104 rises, and heat is transferred to the inside of the second housing 104. However, the energy storage system 100 has a double housing structure, and spaces 302-312 are formed between the first housing 102 and the second housing 104, forming a cooling channel through which air is circulated by the first blower 130. Therefore, the transfer of the temperature rise of each surface of the second housing 104 to the first housing 102 can be suppressed, and the effect of the temperature rise of the second housing 104 due to solar radiation on the electrical components housed in the first housing 102 can be reduced.

[0052] As described above, the air flowing in from the opening 132 flows through the cooling channel formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 102. The first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214 are arranged in space 312. Therefore, it is preferable that more air flowing in from the opening 132 flows through the cooling channel formed in space 312 (hereinafter referred to as the first cooling channel) than through the other cooling channels. That is, it is preferable that the pressure loss in the first cooling channel formed in space 312 is smaller than the pressure loss in the other cooling channels. To achieve this, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cooling channel can be increased. For example, the position of the first housing 102 within the second housing 104 can be determined such that the spacing L6 is larger than any of the spacings L1 to L5. This further suppresses the temperature rise inside the first housing 102 caused by the heat-generating components.

[0053] As described above, the first enclosure 102 employs a sealed enclosure. This prevents the intrusion of water, dust, etc. from the outside, and prevents deterioration and damage to the circuit board and electrical components inside the first enclosure 102.

[0054] (modified version) The above describes the case where the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 are located outside the first housing 102, but the system is not limited to this. Referring to Figure 8, in the modified energy storage system 150, the first housing 152 houses the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 inside. In other respects, the energy storage system 150 is configured in the same way as the energy storage system 100. In Figure 8, components with the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 have the same functions as those in the energy storage system 100. That is, similar to the energy storage system 100, the energy storage system 150 has a sealed first housing 152 and a second housing 104 that houses the first housing 152, and a cooling channel for air blown by the first blower 130 (i.e., exhaust) is formed around the entire circumference of the first housing 152. Therefore, as described above, the heat dissipation efficiency from each surface of the first housing 152 can be improved, and the cooling inside the first housing 152 can be promoted. Therefore, the temperature rise of the heat-generating components inside the first housing 152 is suppressed, and deterioration and damage to the heat-generating components can be avoided.

[0055] Even though the same cooling channels are formed in the energy storage system 100 and the energy storage system 150, in the energy storage system 100, the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 are located outside the first housing 102, so the heat dissipation efficiency of the first housing 102 is greater than that of the first housing 152.

[0056] Furthermore, at least one of a heat-generating component and a heat-dissipating component should be placed on the back of the first housing 102 of the energy storage system 100. That is, at least one of the heat-generating component and the heat-dissipating component should be placed in the first cooling channel formed in the space 312. The air flowing through the first cooling channel can efficiently cool the placed component, further suppressing the temperature rise inside the first housing.

[0057] The above describes the case where the heat-generating components are reactors and switching elements, but is not limited to these. Any element that is located inside and outside the first housing 102, generates heat when the energy storage system 100 is operating, and will be damaged if not cooled is acceptable. Such elements are heat-generating components and are subject to cooling.

[0058] The above describes a case where the power converter includes two first substrates 220 and second substrates 222, but it is not limited to this. The first substrate 220 and the second substrate 222 may be formed integrally (i.e., as a single substrate). The first substrate 220 and the second substrate 222 may be formed as three or more substrates.

[0059] The above describes a case in which the battery module 200 is located below the first housing 102 and both are housed in the second housing 104, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery module 200 may be located on one side of the first housing 102, and both the first housing 102 and the battery module 200 may be housed in the second housing 104. In that case, if a partition plate is placed vertically between the first housing 102 and the battery module 200, the heat generated by heat-generating components inside the first housing 102 can be suppressed from being transmitted to the battery module 200.

[0060] The present invention has been described above by describing embodiments, but the embodiments described above are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The scope of the present invention is given with reference to the description in the detailed description of the invention, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording contained herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100, 150 energy storage systems 102, 152 First cabinet 104 Second cabinet 106 Partition Plate 200 Battery Modules 110 Front Panel 112 Rear Panel 114 Top panel 116 Left side panel 118 Right side panel 120 Bottom Panel 130 1st blower 132 Aperture 134, 136 Spacers 210 First heat-generating component 212 Second heat-generating component 214 Heat dissipation components 220 First substrate 222 Second board 224 Third heat-generating component 226 Fourth heat-generating component 228 2nd blower 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 space L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 spacing

Claims

1. A first housing that houses some of the multiple electrical components that make up the power converter, The first enclosure is housed in a second enclosure, The first housing is placed inside the second housing such that a cooling channel for cooling the first housing is formed between the first housing and the second housing. The electrical components not housed in the first housing include heat-generating components. The heat-generating component is provided on the outer surface of the first housing so as to be located in the cooling channel, The first enclosure is a sealed power converter.

2. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the cooling channel is formed along the entire circumference of the first housing.

3. The power conversion device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a first cooling fan for forming an airflow in the cooling channel.

4. It further includes a second cooling fan, The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second cooling fan is provided inside the first housing.

5. It further includes heat dissipation components, The heat dissipation component is provided on the outer surface of the first housing, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The cooling channel includes a first channel and channels other than the first channel. The first flow path is provided with the heat-generating component that constitutes the power converter, or the heat-generating component and a heat dissipation component provided on the outer surface of the first housing. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure loss in the first flow path is smaller than the pressure loss in the flow paths other than the first flow path.

7. A power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Including a storage battery, The power converter is an energy storage system that converts the output power of the storage battery into alternating current power and outputs it.

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