Energy storage system

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses an energy storage system, comprising at least one energy storage device—each energy storage device comprises an energy storage case and a heat exchanger installed within the energy storage case, wherein at least one battery is accommodated in the energy storage case, and the heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the battery; a heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchange assembly and a second heat exchange assembly—the first heat exchange assembly comprises a first circulation circuit, and the second heat exchange assembly is in communication with each heat exchanger to form a second circulation circuit, and the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to energy storage systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid advancement of new energy technologies, energy storage devices have become one of the relatively important research directions in the new energy sector. Generally, energy storage devices are equipped with heat exchangers used for heat exchange, and there are currently higher demands regarding the heat exchange efficiency of these devices. The problem to be solved

[0003] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, the present disclosure provides an energy storage system with high heat exchange efficiency. means of solving the problem

[0004] The present disclosure is implemented through the following technical methods.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an energy storage system comprising: at least one energy storage device—each said energy storage device comprises an energy storage case and a heat exchanger installed within said energy storage case, said energy storage case comprises at least one battery, said heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with said battery; a heat exchanger—said heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly, said first heat exchanger assembly comprises a first circulation circuit, said second heat exchanger assembly communicates with said heat exchanger to form at least one second circulation circuit, said second circulation circuit exchanges heat with said first circulation circuit.

[0006] As the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the battery and the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit, the heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit can have its temperature lowered or raised in a timely manner, and accordingly, the heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit can exchange heat with the battery highly efficiently at a temperature that is essentially unchanged, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second circulation circuit and the first circulation circuit are installed close to each other.

[0008] The first and second circulation circuits, which are close to each other, improve the heat exchange efficiency between them.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange assembly includes a circulation pump and a liquid pipe, and the circulation pump is in communication with the heat exchange member through the liquid pipe.

[0010] A second circulation circuit can be configured through a circulation pump, liquid piping, and heat exchange components, and the heat exchange medium circulates in the second circulation circuit to take heat from the battery and exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit in a timely manner, thereby continuously and highly efficiently exchanging heat for the battery and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange assembly includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger connected sequentially through a refrigerant circulation pipe.

[0012] Through the first circulation circuit, not only can timely cooling of the second circulation circuit be implemented, but timely heating can also be implemented, thereby enabling highly efficient temperature reduction and temperature increase of the battery, improving heat exchange efficiency while simplifying the structure of the heat exchanger and reducing costs.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange plates are connected to the heat exchange member of each energy storage device, and communication is established in parallel between each of the heat exchange plates, and each of the heat exchange plates exchanges heat with each of the batteries.

[0014] Multiple heat exchange plates connected in parallel can improve heat exchange efficiency by reducing the mutual influence on temperature between each heat exchange plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger includes a first flow path and a second flow path, the first heat exchanger is in communication with the refrigerant circulation pipe through the first flow path, and the second flow path is in communication with the liquid pipe.

[0016] Heat exchange between two circulation circuits is implemented through a first heat exchanger equipped with two flow paths, and since the two circulation circuits are closer to each other, the heat exchange efficiency is higher and the structure can be simplified.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are installed, and the heat exchanger is located on the outside of the energy storage case.

[0018] By positioning the heat exchanger on the exterior of the energy storage case, it does not occupy internal space, allowing more batteries to be placed within each case and thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage unit; furthermore, by enabling a single heat exchanger to simultaneously perform continuous and highly efficient heat exchange for multiple energy storage units through two sets of circulation circuits (first circulation circuit, second circulation circuit), the overall device structure is simplified, costs are lowered, and the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system is higher. At the same time, the heat exchanger located on the exterior of the energy storage unit is easier to maintain and replace.

[0019] In some embodiments, the liquid piping includes a main pipe and a plurality of branch pipes communicating with the main pipe, and the heat exchange members of each of the energy storage devices are connected in parallel with each other through the branch pipes.

[0020] The heat exchange elements of each energy storage device are connected in parallel through branch pipes, which can reduce the adverse effects on the battery heat exchange temperature between the heat exchange elements and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the heat exchange members includes a supply pipe and a return pipe, the supply pipe includes a liquid supply port and a first port communicating with each of the heat exchange plates, the return pipe includes a liquid return port and a second port communicating with each of the heat exchange plates, and each of the energy storage cases is equipped with a liquid inlet joint and a liquid return joint, the liquid inlet joint is connected to the liquid supply port, and the liquid return joint is connected to the liquid return port.

[0022] In some embodiments, the branch pipe includes a liquid inlet branch pipe and a liquid recovery branch pipe, the liquid inlet branch pipe and the liquid inlet joint are detachably connected, and the liquid recovery branch pipe and the liquid recovery joint are detachably connected.

[0023] Liquid inlet and liquid recovery joints are installed on the exterior of the energy storage case and are detachably connected to each branch pipe, thereby facilitating mounting and maintenance and improving assembly efficiency.

[0024] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid inlet branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection; and / or, the liquid recovery joint and the liquid recovery branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection.

[0025] Since it is connected separably through the method described above, disassembly and assembly are easy, and assembly efficiency is improved.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is installed at the top of the energy storage case of at least one of the energy storage devices.

[0027] By installing a heat exchanger at the top of the energy storage case, the site area can be reduced, land utilization can be improved, and the energy density of the energy storage system can be increased by deploying more energy storage units.

[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices surround the heat exchanger on all sides, centering on the heat exchanger.

[0029] As a result, the length of each branch pipe connecting the heat exchanger and each energy storage device can be reduced, and the lengths of each branch pipe are nearly identical; accordingly, the circulation time of the heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit is shortened, and the heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange uniformity are improved.

[0030] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, and

[0031] Along a direction intersecting the first direction, the heat exchanger is located on one side of the energy storage device column; or, the heat exchanger is located between any two of the energy storage devices along the first direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, and a plurality of the row of energy storage devices is installed along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a heat exchanger is located on one side of the energy storage devices along either the first direction or the second direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the energy storage device includes an energy storage container and / or an energy storage cabinet.

[0034] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are as follows:

[0035] Through the present disclosure, an energy storage system with high heat exchange efficiency is provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The drawings are used merely to illustrate preferred embodiments and should not be understood as a limitation to the present disclosure. Additionally, the same parts are indicated by the same drawing symbols in all drawings. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an energy storage device provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a top view of an energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of an energy storage system provided in some other embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGS. 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams of different arrangements between an energy storage device and a heat exchanger of an energy storage system provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are provided merely as examples to more clearly explain the technical solution of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art belonging to the technical field of this disclosure; terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure; and the terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof in the specification of this disclosure and the description of the drawings above are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used merely to distinguish different objects and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or as implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, a specific order, or a master-slave relationship. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plural" means two or more unless otherwise clearly and specifically limited.

[0040] The term "Examples" as used herein means that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in combination with the Examples may be included in at least one Example of this Disclosure. The words appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same Example, nor are they independent or alternative Examples mutually exclusive from other Examples. Those skilled in the art will understand, both explicitly and implicitly, that the Examples described herein may be combined with other Examples.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely an association describing the associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B may represent the three cases where A exists alone, where A and B exist simultaneously, or where B exists alone. Additionally, the symbol " / " in this specification generally indicates that the preceding and succeeding associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the directional or positional relationships indicated by technical terms such as "length," "width," "thickness," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "circumferential direction," etc., are based on the directional or positional relationships depicted in the accompanying drawings. This is merely intended to facilitate and simplify the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not imply or suggest that the described device or element must have a specific direction or be configured, operated, or used in a specific direction; therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as “mounting,” “connecting with one another,” “connecting,” and “fixing” should be understood in a broad sense, for example, they may be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediate medium; or communication within two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense and may be direct contact, contact through an intermediate layer, contact in which there is essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact in which there is an interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0045] The present disclosure is described in detail below.

[0046] With the rapid development of new energy technologies, energy storage devices have become one of the relatively important research directions in the new energy field. Generally, a heat exchanger is placed inside the case of each energy storage device, and the heat exchanger manages the heat of the battery by performing heat exchange with the battery inside the case through a liquid circulation pipe. During the heat exchange process between the liquid in the circulation pipe and the battery, the temperature changes; if the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is insufficient, the temperature cannot be lowered effectively in a timely manner, which is disadvantageous for cooling the battery.

[0047] Furthermore, since the heat exchanger is installed inside the case and occupies a large amount of battery storage space, it is disadvantageous for improving the energy density of the energy storage device, increases the volume and weight of the device, and is unfavorable for the transportation of integrated energy storage devices; additionally, because a single heat exchanger can only perform thermal management for a single energy storage device, energy consumption increases and costs are high.

[0048] In this regard, the present disclosure designs an energy storage system, wherein at least one energy storage device—each energy storage device comprises an energy storage case and a heat exchanger installed within the energy storage case, wherein at least one battery is accommodated in the energy storage case, and the heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with the battery; and a heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchange assembly and a second heat exchange assembly—the first heat exchange assembly comprises a first circulation circuit, and the second heat exchange assembly communicates with each heat exchanger to form a second circulation circuit, and the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit.

[0049] As the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the battery and the second circulation circuit exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit, the first circulation circuit can lower or raise the temperature of the second circulation circuit in a timely manner, and accordingly, the heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit can exchange heat with the battery highly efficiently at a temperature that remains almost unchanged, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0050] The energy storage system of the present disclosure can be applied to renewable energy storage fields such as electric energy storage, solar energy storage, and wind energy storage, and can also be applied to fields such as electric vehicle charging.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the energy storage device (100) may include an energy storage case (110) and at least one battery (120) housed within the energy storage case (110). The energy storage device (100) may also include a communication interface (130) and an electric energy transmission interface (140) installed in the energy storage case (110). In some embodiments, the interior of the energy storage case may be separated into a battery room and an electrical room, and the battery (120) is generally placed in the battery room, and the electric control device, communication device, etc. are generally placed in the electrical room, and the communication interface (130) and the electric energy transmission interface (140) may be electrically connected to the electric control device, communication device, etc. in the electrical room.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the battery (120) mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a battery cell (1).

[0053] The battery cell (1) may be a secondary battery, and a secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be used continuously by activating the active material through a method of charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0054] The battery cell (1) may be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a magnesium-ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0055] A battery cell (1) generally includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) are inserted and removed back and forth between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator is installed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and can serve to prevent a short circuit between the positive electrode and the negative electrode while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0056] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode piece, and the positive electrode piece may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material installed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0057] For example, the positive current collector has two surfaces facing each other in its thickness direction, and the positive active material is installed on any one or both of the two surfaces facing each other of the positive current collector.

[0058] For example, the positive current collector may use a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, silver-surfaced aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon black electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material substrate and a metal layer. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0059] For example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: a lithium-containing phosphate, a lithium transition metal oxide, and a modified compound thereof. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other traditional materials that can be used as battery positive electrode active materials may also be used. Such positive electrode active materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Here, examples of lithium-containing phosphates may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: lithium iron phosphate (e.g., LiFePO4 (which may be abbreviated as LFP)), a composite material of lithium iron phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese phosphate (e.g., LiMnPO4), a composite material of lithium manganese phosphate and carbon, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and a composite material of lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon.

[0060] In some embodiments, the anode may use a metal foam. The metal foam may be nickel foam, copper foam, aluminum foam, alloy foam, or carbon foam, etc. When using a metal foam as the anode, the anode active material may not be installed on the surface of the metal foam, or, of course, the anode active material may be installed. For example, a lithium source material, potassium metal, or sodium metal may be filled and / or deposited within the metal foam, and the lithium source material may be lithium metal and / or a lithium-rich material.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cathode may be a cathode piece, and the cathode piece may include a cathode current collector.

[0062] For example, the negative current collector may use a metal foil, a metal foam, or a composite current collector. For example, as the metal foil, silver-surfaced aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon black electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium may be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material substrate and a metal layer. The metal foam may be a nickel foam, a copper foam, an aluminum foam, an alloy foam, or a carbon foam. The composite current collector may be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (e.g., a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). In some embodiments, the material of the positive current collector may be aluminum, and the material of the negative current collector may be copper.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly also includes a separating member installed between the anode and the cathode.

[0064] In some embodiments, the separating member is a separator. The present disclosure makes no particular limitation on the type of separator, and any known separator with a porous structure having excellent chemical stability and mechanical stability may be used.

[0065] For example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, nonwoven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic.

[0066] In some embodiments, the separating member is a solid-state electrolyte. The solid-state electrolyte is installed between the anode and the cathode and serves to simultaneously transfer ions and separate the anode and the cathode.

[0067] In some embodiments, the battery cell (1) also includes an electrolyte, and the electrolyte serves to conduct ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The present disclosure has no particular limitations on the type of electrolyte and can be selected according to demand. The electrolyte may be in a liquid state, a gel state, or a solid state.

[0068] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly has a wound structure. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound to form a wound structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a lamination structure.

[0070] For example, a plurality of positive plates and a plurality of negative plates may each be installed, and the plurality of positive plates and a plurality of negative plates may be alternately stacked.

[0071] For example, multiple positive plates may be installed, and the negative plates are folded to form multiple stacked fold segments, and one positive plate is held between adjacent fold segments.

[0072] For example, the positive and negative electrodes are both folded to form multiple folded segments that are stacked and installed.

[0073] For example, multiple separating members may be installed, and each may be installed between any adjacent positive or negative electrodes.

[0074] For example, the separating member may be installed continuously and is installed between any adjacent positive or negative plate by folding or winding.

[0075] In some embodiments, the shape of the electrode assembly may be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with an electrode tab, and the electrode tab can draw current from the electrode assembly. The electrode tab includes a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery cell (1) may include a battery housing. The battery housing is used to package components such as an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The battery housing may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (e.g., polypropylene), a composite metal housing (e.g., a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film.

[0078] For example, the battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft pack battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes, and the prismatic battery cell includes a square shell battery cell, a blade-shaped battery cell, and a polygonal prism-shaped battery, and the polygonal prism-shaped battery is, for example, a hexagonal prism-shaped battery, and the present disclosure is not particularly limited.

[0079] In some embodiments, the battery housing comprises an end cover and a battery housing body, and an opening is provided in the battery housing body, and the end cover closes the opening to form a sealed space for accommodating materials such as an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. One or more openings may be provided in the battery housing body. Additionally, one or more end covers may be provided.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal is installed in the battery housing, and the electrode terminal is electrically connected to an electrode tab. The electrode terminal may be directly connected to the electrode tab or indirectly connected to the electrode tab through a connecting component. The electrode terminal may be installed on an end cover or on the body of the battery housing.

[0081] In some embodiments, a pressure relief mechanism is installed in the battery housing. The pressure relief mechanism is used to release the internal pressure of the battery cell.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a battery module, and the battery module is a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells (1) to provide a higher voltage and capacity. If there are multiple battery cells (1), the multiple battery cells are connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel through busbar components. Multiple battery cells (1) are arranged and fixed to form a single battery module.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery (120) mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a battery pack, and the battery pack includes a battery case and at least one battery cell (1), and the battery cell (1) is accommodated in the battery case. The battery case may include a bottom plate (2), a vertical plate (3), and a cover body (4), and the cover body (4) is installed over the bottom plate (2) and the vertical plate (3), so that the bottom plate (2), the vertical plate (3), and the cover body (4) together form a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell (1).

[0084] Below, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 through 10.

[0085] The present disclosure provides an energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage device (100) and a heat exchanger (200). The heat exchanger (200) may sometimes also be referred to as a heat exchange unit.

[0086] Each energy storage device (100) comprises an energy storage case (110) and a heat exchanger (150) installed within the energy storage case (110) (see FIG. 6), at least one battery (120) is accommodated in the energy storage case (110), and the heat exchanger (150) is used to exchange heat with the battery (120); the heat exchanger (200) comprises a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly, the first heat exchanger assembly comprises a first circulation circuit (210a), the second heat exchanger assembly communicates with each heat exchanger (150) to form a second circulation circuit (220a), and the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit (210a).

[0087] Each energy storage device (100) includes an energy storage case (110) having a receiving space, which is used to accommodate at least one battery (120).

[0088] The heat exchanger (150) is used to exchange heat with the battery (120) within the energy storage case (110), and the heat exchanger (150) can implement heat management for the battery (120) by cooling or heating the battery (120). The heat exchange medium can take heat generated from the battery (120) or heat the battery by circulating in a second circulation circuit (220a) formed by the heat exchanger (150) and the second heat exchange assembly.

[0089] The heat exchanger (150) may be a component having a cavity, such as a heat exchanger tube. The material of the heat exchanger (150) may be a metal or metal alloy having a certain thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, steel, or an aluminum alloy.

[0090] The first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a) are two independent circulation circuits, and the first heat exchange medium within the first circulation circuit (210a) circulates within the first circulation circuit (210a), and the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) circulates within the second circulation circuit (220a). The first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium may be the same or different, may be a gas, may be a liquid, or may be a medium that exchanges heat through a gas-liquid phase change. In some specific examples, the first heat exchange medium is a refrigerant such as Freon, and the second heat exchange medium is a cooling liquid such as ethylene glycol or water.

[0091] The first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a) performing heat exchange may be such that the first heat exchange medium in the first circulation circuit (210a) cools or heats the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit (220a).

[0092] For example, when the second circulation circuit (220a) cools the battery (120) to lower its temperature and the second heat exchange medium is a liquid, the liquid flowing in the second circulation circuit (220a) takes away the heat generated from the battery (120). At this time, the temperature of the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) rises, and since the first circulation circuit (210a) can cool the second circulation circuit (220a) in a timely manner to lower its temperature, the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) can basically maintain a relatively low temperature to exchange heat with the battery (120), thereby allowing the battery (120) in the energy storage device (100) to be cooled continuously and efficiently to lower its temperature.

[0093] By the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanging heat with the battery (120) and the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanging heat with the first circulation circuit (210a), the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) can have its temperature lowered or raised in a timely manner, thereby allowing the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) to exchange heat with the battery (120) at a temperature that is essentially unchanged, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a) are installed close to each other.

[0095] Being installed close to each other means that the first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a) may come into contact to perform heat exchange, and the contact heat exchange may be direct contact or indirect contact. Alternatively, the first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a) may not come into contact, but may perform heat exchange by being spatially close enough to each other to exchange heat.

[0096] The first circulation circuit (210a) and the second circulation circuit (220a), which are close to each other, improve the heat exchange efficiency between them.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange assembly includes a circulation pump (221) and a liquid pipe (222), and the circulation pump (221) is in communication with a heat exchange member (150) of an energy storage device (100) through the liquid pipe (222).

[0098] A circulation pump (221) is used to cause the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit (220a) to circulate in the liquid pipe (222), heat exchange member (150), and heat exchange plate (121) (described later).

[0099] A second circulation circuit (220a) can be configured through a circulation pump (221), a liquid pipe (222), and a heat exchanger (150) (in the case where a plurality of heat exchange plates (121) are connected to the heat exchanger (150), each heat exchanger (121) is also included), and the liquid circulates in the second circulation circuit (220a) to take heat from the battery and exchanges heat with the first circulation circuit (210a) in a timely manner, thereby continuously and efficiently exchanging heat for the battery, and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0100] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, the first heat exchange assembly comprises a compressor (211), a first heat exchanger (212), an expansion valve (213), and a second heat exchanger (214) connected sequentially through a refrigerant circulation pipe, wherein the refrigerant circulation pipe, the compressor (211), the first heat exchanger (212), the expansion valve (213), and the second heat exchanger (214) constitute a first circulation circuit (210a). Here, the refrigerant is used as the first heat exchange medium.

[0101] The first heat exchanger (212) may be an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (214) may be a condenser. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger (212) may be a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (214) may be an evaporator. The refrigerant in the first circulation circuit (210a) may be, for example, Freon.

[0102] The heat exchanger (200) can be used as a cooling unit to cool the energy storage device (100) and lower its temperature. Specifically, the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanges heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipe (222), thereby continuously lowering the temperature of the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) through the evaporator, and furthermore, the battery within the energy storage device (100) is cooled efficiently through the second circulation circuit (220a) to lower its temperature.

[0103] The heat exchanger (200) can be used as a heating unit to heat the energy storage device (100) and raise its temperature. Specifically, the second circulation circuit (220a) performs heat exchange with the condenser through the liquid pipe (222), thereby continuously raising the temperature of the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) through the condenser, and furthermore, efficiently heats the battery within the energy storage device (100) through the second circulation circuit (220a) to raise its temperature.

[0104] The first heat exchanger (212) may sometimes be an evaporator and sometimes a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (214) may sometimes be a condenser and sometimes an evaporator, which is determined according to the flow state of the refrigerant in the first circulation circuit (210a).

[0105] In other words, the heat exchanger (200) can be switched between a cooling unit and a heating unit, that is, the heat exchanger (200) can be used as a cooling unit to cool the energy storage device (100) and lower its temperature, and can also be used as a heating unit to heat the energy storage device (100) and raise its temperature. Specifically, the second circulation circuit (220a) can exchange heat with the first heat exchanger (212) through the liquid pipe (222), and by changing the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first circulation circuit (210a) through the four-way valve (215), the first heat exchanger (212) can become an evaporator and the second heat exchanger (214) can become a condenser, or the first heat exchanger (212) can become a condenser and the second heat exchanger (214) can become an evaporator. When the first heat exchanger (212) is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger (214) is a condenser, the second circulation circuit (220a) can exchange heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipe (222), and lower the temperature of the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) in a timely manner through the evaporator, and further cool the battery within the energy storage device (100) in a highly efficient manner through the second circulation circuit (220a) to lower the temperature; when the first heat exchanger (212) is a condenser and the second heat exchanger (214) is an evaporator, the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanges heat with the condenser, thereby raising the temperature of the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) in a timely manner through the condenser, and further heat the battery within the energy storage device (100) in a continuously and highly efficient manner through the second circulation circuit (220a) to raise the temperature.

[0106] Timely cooling and heating of the second circulation circuit (220a) can be implemented through the first circulation circuit (210a), thereby enabling continuous and high-efficiency temperature reduction and temperature increase of the battery in the energy storage device (100), improving heat exchange efficiency while simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger (212) includes a first flow path (212a) and a second flow path (212b), the first heat exchanger (212) is in communication with the first circulation circuit (210a) through the first flow path (212a), and the second flow path (212b) is in communication with the liquid pipe (222).

[0108] The first heat exchanger (212) may be a plate heat exchanger and is a laminate having two flow paths composed of multilayer plates, the first flow path (212a) is used to circulate a refrigerant as part of the first circulation circuit (210a), and the second flow path (212b) is used to circulate a second heat exchange medium as part of the second circulation circuit, and the second heat exchange medium performs heat exchange with the first heat exchanger (212) when passing through the second flow path (212b).

[0109] Heat exchange of two circulation circuits is implemented through a first heat exchanger (212) having two flow paths, reducing heat loss, improving heat exchange efficiency, and simplifying the structure.

[0110] In some embodiments, a plurality of energy storage devices (100) are installed, and a heat exchanger (200) is located outside the energy storage case (110).

[0111] A plurality of energy storage devices (100) may include energy storage containers and / or energy storage cabinets. For example, all of the plurality of energy storage devices (100) are energy storage containers. Or, all of the plurality of energy storage devices (100) are energy storage cabinets. Or, some of the plurality of energy storage devices (100) are energy storage containers and others are energy storage cabinets.

[0112] The heat exchanger (200) is located on the outside of the energy storage case (110), and the heat exchanger (200) and the energy storage case (110) are two independent structures. Since the heat exchanger (200) does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage case (110), more batteries can be placed inside the energy storage case (110), thereby improving the energy density of the energy storage device (100).

[0113] The heat exchange members (150) of each energy storage device (100) can be connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0114] For example, when the second circulation circuit (220a) cools the battery (120) to lower its temperature, the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) takes away the heat generated from the battery (120), and at the same time, the temperature of the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) rises. Since the first circulation circuit (210a) can cool the second circulation circuit (220a) to lower its temperature, the second heat exchange medium within the second circulation circuit (220a) can be cooled in a timely manner and maintain a relatively low temperature, so that the battery within each energy storage device (100) can be cooled continuously and efficiently to lower its temperature, and the temperature flowing through each heat exchange member (150) is relatively balanced, and there is no need to install too many monitoring elements (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) and control elements (e.g., flow rate controllers, etc.) in each heat exchange member (150), further simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0115] By placing the heat exchanger (200) on the outside of the energy storage case (110), it does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage case (110), allowing more batteries (120) to be placed within each energy storage case (110), thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage device; and by enabling one heat exchanger (200) to simultaneously perform continuous and highly efficient heat exchange for multiple energy storage devices through two sets of circulation circuits (first circulation circuit (210a), second circulation circuit (220a)), the overall device structure is simplified, the cost is lower, and the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system is higher. At the same time, the heat exchanger located on the outside of the energy storage device (100) is easier to maintain and replace.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, the liquid piping (222) may include a main piping (2221) and a plurality of branch piping (2222) communicating with the main piping (2221), and the heat exchange members (150) of each energy storage device (100) are connected to each other in parallel through the branch piping (2222).

[0117] A circulation pump (221) is installed on the main pipe (2221), and the main pipe (2221) is connected to the second flow path (212b) of the first heat exchanger (212).

[0118] The heat exchange members (150) of each energy storage device (100) are connected in parallel with each other through branch pipes, thereby reducing adverse effects on the battery heat exchange temperature and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0119] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange plates (121) are connected to the heat exchange member (150) of each energy storage device (100), and the heat exchange plates (121) are connected in parallel, and each heat exchange plate (121) exchanges heat with each battery. Each heat exchange plate (121) may be installed inside the battery pack as part of the battery pack. The heat exchange plate (121) may be in contact with or close to each battery cell in the battery pack, making it convenient to exchange heat with the battery cell. One heat exchange plate (121) may be installed in each battery pack, or multiple plates may be installed.

[0120] A plurality of batteries (120) can be accommodated in an energy storage case (110), and a heat exchange plate (121) can be installed for each battery (120), and a plurality of circulation circuits connected in parallel to one energy storage device (100) are formed by communicating in parallel between each heat exchange plate (121).

[0121] A plurality of heat exchange plates (121) connected in parallel are connected to the heat exchange member (150), thereby reducing adverse effects on the battery heat exchange temperature and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0122] In some embodiments, each heat exchanger (150) includes a supply pipe and a return pipe, the supply pipe includes a first port communicating with a liquid supply port and each heat exchange plate (121), and the return pipe includes a second port communicating with a liquid return port and each heat exchange plate (121), and each energy storage case (110) is equipped with a liquid inlet joint (161) and a liquid return joint (162), the liquid inlet joint (161) is connected to a liquid supply port, and the liquid return joint (162) is connected to a liquid return port. Thus, each heat exchange plate (121) is connected in parallel with one another.

[0123] In some embodiments, the branch pipe (2222) includes a liquid inlet branch pipe and a liquid recovery branch pipe, the liquid inlet branch pipe and the liquid inlet joint (161) are detachably connected, and the liquid recovery branch pipe and the liquid recovery joint (162) are detachably connected.

[0124] Liquid inlet joints (161) and liquid recovery joints (162) are installed on the outside of the energy storage case (110) and are each detachably connected to each branch pipe, thereby facilitating mounting and maintenance and improving assembly efficiency.

[0125] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet joint (161) and the liquid inlet branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection; and / or, the liquid recovery joint (162) and the liquid recovery branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, a heat exchanger (200) is installed on the upper part of an energy storage case (110) of at least one energy storage device (100).

[0127] The heat exchanger (200) may be installed on the upper part of a single energy storage case (110); or may be installed on the upper part of a plurality of energy storage cases (110), that is, a plurality of energy storage cases (110) may jointly support the heat exchanger (200).

[0128] By installing a heat exchanger (200) on the top of the energy storage case (110), the site area can be reduced, the land utilization rate improved, and more energy storage devices can be placed to improve the energy density of the energy storage system.

[0129] In some embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, a plurality of energy storage devices (100) are arranged to surround the heat exchanger (200) on all sides, centering on the heat exchanger (200).

[0130] The center here does not necessarily mean a geometric center in the strict sense, and includes cases where each energy storage device (100) is installed around the heat exchanger (200) with a certain distance from each other and surrounds the heat exchanger (200).

[0131] Thus, the length of each branch pipe connected to the heat exchanger (200) and each energy storage device (100) can be reduced, and the lengths of each branch pipe are nearly identical, thereby shortening the circulation time of the second heat exchange medium in the second circulation circuit (220a) and improving heat exchange efficiency and heat exchange uniformity.

[0132] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of energy storage devices (100) are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, and a heat exchanger (200) is located on one side of the row of energy storage devices along a second direction intersecting the first direction. Or, referring to FIG. 10, the heat exchanger (200) is located between any two energy storage devices along the first direction.

[0133] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 9, a plurality of energy storage devices (100) are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, and a plurality of the row of energy storage devices is installed along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a heat exchanger (200) is located on one side of the energy storage devices (100) along either the first direction or the second direction.

[0134] Below, one specific example of the present disclosure is described.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an energy storage system comprising a plurality of energy storage devices (100) and a heat exchange device (200).

[0136] Each energy storage device (100) includes an energy storage case (110) and a heat exchanger (150) installed within the energy storage case (110) (see FIG. 6), and the heat exchangers (150) are connected in parallel with each other, and the energy storage case (110) accommodates a battery (120), and the heat exchanger (150) is used to exchange heat with the battery (120).

[0137] A heat exchanger (200) is located on the outside of an energy storage case (110), and the heat exchanger (200) includes a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly, the second heat exchanger assembly includes a liquid pipe (222) and a circulation pump (221), and the liquid pipe (222), the circulation pump (221), and each heat exchanger member (150) form a plurality of second circulation circuits (220a) connected in parallel with each other. Specifically, the liquid pipe (222) includes a main pipe (2221) and a plurality of branch pipes (2222), and each heat exchanger member (150) is connected in parallel with the main pipe (2221) through the plurality of branch pipes (2222). Specifically, each energy storage case (110) is equipped with a liquid inlet joint (161) and a liquid recovery joint (162), and the liquid inlet joint (161) and the liquid recovery joint (162) are each connected to the inlet and outlet of a heat exchange member (150); a circulation pump (221) is installed on the main pipe (2221), and the liquid outlet of the main pipe (2221) is connected to the liquid inlet joint (161) of each energy storage case (110) through each branch pipe (2222), and the liquid recovery port of the main pipe (2221) is connected to the liquid recovery joint (162) of each energy storage case (110) through each branch pipe (2222), thereby forming a plurality of second circulation circuits (220a) connected in parallel with each other by the liquid pipe (222), the circulation pump (221), and each heat exchange member (150).

[0138] The first heat exchange assembly includes a compressor (211), a first heat exchanger (212), an expansion valve (213), and a second heat exchanger (214) that are sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipe, wherein the refrigerant circulation pipe, the compressor (211), the first heat exchanger (212), the expansion valve (213), and the second heat exchanger (214) constitute a first circulation circuit (210a), and the liquid pipe (222) and the first heat exchanger (212) are installed close to each other so that the second circulation circuit (220a) performs heat exchange with the first heat exchanger (212) through the liquid pipe (222). The refrigerant in the first circulation circuit (210a) may be, for example, Freon.

[0139] The heat exchanger (200) can be used as a cooling unit to cool the energy storage device (100) and lower its temperature, and can also be used as a heating unit to heat each energy storage device (100) and raise its temperature. Specifically, the second circulation circuit (220a) can exchange heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipe (222), and by changing the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first circulation circuit (210a) through the four-way valve (215), the first heat exchanger (212) becomes the evaporator and the second heat exchanger (214) becomes the condenser, or the first heat exchanger (212) becomes the condenser and the second heat exchanger (214) becomes the evaporator. When the first heat exchanger (212) is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger (214) is a condenser, the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanges heat with the evaporator through the liquid pipe (222), lowers the temperature of the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) in a timely manner through the evaporator, and further cools the battery in each energy storage device (100) in high efficiency through the heat exchanger (150) of the second circulation circuit (220a) to lower the temperature; when the first heat exchanger (212) is a condenser and the second heat exchanger (214) is an evaporator, the second circulation circuit (220a) exchanges heat with the condenser through the liquid pipe (222), thereby raising the temperature of the liquid in the second circulation circuit (220a) in a timely manner through the condenser, and further heats the battery in each energy storage device (100) continuously and in high efficiency through the heat exchanger (150) of the second circulation circuit (220a) to raise the temperature.

[0140] Thus, by placing the heat exchanger (200) on the outside of the energy storage case (110), it does not occupy the internal space of the energy storage case (110), allowing more batteries (120) to be placed within each energy storage case (110), thereby improving the energy density of each energy storage device; and by enabling one heat exchanger (200) to simultaneously perform continuous and highly efficient heat exchange for multiple energy storage devices through two sets of circulation circuits (first circulation circuit (210a), second circulation circuit (220a)), the overall device structure is simplified, the cost is lower, and the grouping efficiency of the energy storage system is higher. At the same time, the heat exchanger located on the outside of the energy storage device (100) is easier to maintain and replace.

[0141] Each of the above embodiments is used merely to illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit it; although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to each of the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art may still modify the technical solution described in each of the aforementioned embodiments or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents, provided that such modification or replacement does not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solution from the scope of the technical solution of each embodiment of the present disclosure, and such modification or replacement shall be encompassed within the scope of the claims and specification of the present disclosure. In particular, all technical features mentioned in each embodiment may be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0142] Industrial practicality

[0143] Through the present disclosure, an energy storage system with high heat exchange efficiency is provided. Explanation of the symbols

[0144] 1: Battery cell; 2: Bottom plate; 3: Vertical plate; 4: Cover body; 100: Energy storage device; 110: Energy storage case; 120: Battery; 121: Heat exchange plate; 130: Communication interface; 140: Electrical energy transmission interface; 150: Heat exchange member; 161: Liquid inlet joint; 162: Liquid recovery joint; 200: Heat exchanger; 210a: First circulation circuit; 211: Compressor; 212: First heat exchanger; 212a: First flow path; 212b: Second flow path; 213: Expansion valve; 214: Second heat exchanger; 215: Four-way valve; 220a: Second circulation circuit; 221: Circulation pump; 222: Liquid piping; 2221: Main piping; 2222: Branch piping.

Claims

Claim 1 An energy storage system comprising: at least one energy storage device - each said energy storage device comprises an energy storage case and a heat exchanger installed within said energy storage case, said energy storage case accommodates at least one battery, said heat exchanger is used to exchange heat with said battery; a heat exchanger - said heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly, said first heat exchanger assembly comprises a first circulation circuit, said second heat exchanger assembly communicates with said heat exchanger to form at least one second circulation circuit, said second circulation circuit exchanges heat with said first circulation circuit; an energy storage system comprising Claim 2 In claim 1, the energy storage system wherein the second circulation circuit and the first circulation circuit are installed close to each other. Claim 3 An energy storage system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the second heat exchange assembly comprises a circulation pump and a liquid pipe, and the circulation pump communicates with the heat exchange member through the liquid pipe. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the energy storage system wherein the first heat exchange assembly comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger sequentially connected through a refrigerant circulation pipe. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the energy storage system wherein the first heat exchanger comprises a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path is in communication with the refrigerant circulation pipe and the second flow path is in communication with the liquid pipe. Claim 6 An energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, wherein a plurality of the energy storage devices are installed and the heat exchanger is located outside the energy storage case. Claim 7 In claim 6, the energy storage system wherein the liquid piping comprises a main pipe and a plurality of branch pipes communicating with the main pipe, and the heat exchanger of each energy storage device is connected in parallel with one another through the branch pipes. Claim 8 In claim 7, the energy storage system wherein, wherein a plurality of heat exchange plates are connected to the heat exchange member of each energy storage device, and communication is established in parallel between each of the heat exchange plates, and each of the heat exchange plates exchanges heat with each of the respective batteries. Claim 9 In claim 8, wherein each of the above-mentioned heat exchange members comprises a supply pipe and a return pipe, wherein the supply pipe comprises a first port communicating with a liquid supply port and each of the above-mentioned heat exchange plates, and the return pipe comprises a second port communicating with a liquid return port and each of the above-mentioned heat exchange plates, and each of the above-mentioned energy storage cases is equipped with a liquid inlet joint and a liquid return joint, wherein the liquid inlet joint is connected to the liquid supply port and the liquid return joint is connected to the liquid return port, an energy storage system. Claim 10 An energy storage system according to claim 9, wherein, wherein the branch pipe comprises a liquid inlet branch pipe and a liquid recovery branch pipe, the liquid inlet branch pipe and the liquid inlet joint are detachably connected, and the liquid recovery branch pipe and the liquid recovery joint are detachably connected. Claim 11 In paragraph 10, wherein, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid inlet branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection; and / or, the liquid recovery joint and the liquid recovery branch pipe are connected by a locking connection, a hot melt, or a threaded connection, an energy storage system. Claim 12 An energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, the heat exchanger is installed at the top of the energy storage case of at least one of the energy storage devices; or, a plurality of the energy storage devices surround the heat exchanger on all sides with the heat exchanger as the center. Claim 13 An energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, wherein a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, and along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the heat exchanger is located on one side of the row of energy storage devices; or, the heat exchanger is located between any two of the energy storage devices along the first direction. Claim 14 An energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of the energy storage devices are arranged along a first direction to form a row of energy storage devices, a plurality of the row of energy storage devices is installed along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a heat exchanger is located on one side of the energy storage devices along either the first direction or the second direction. Claim 15 An energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, the energy storage device comprises an energy storage container and / or an energy storage cabinet.

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