Water leak detection apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water leak detection device comprising: a water level measurement means that is coupled to a cooling water storage tank for storing cooling water and measures the level of the cooling water in the cooling water storage tank; and a control unit that detects water leaks on the basis of cooling system operation mode information discerned on the basis of information received from a cooling system, and cooling water level information received from the water level measurement means.

Description

Leak detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a leak detection device capable of detecting a leak in a cooling system used in an ESS (Energy Storage System).

[0002]

[0003] An energy storage system is a technology that stores electrical energy so that it can be used later when needed, and has the advantage of improving the security of power supply.

[0004] These energy storage systems use multiple battery modules capable of storing electricity, and since the energy storage capacity and safety of these battery modules vary depending on the ambient temperature, the temperature is controlled through a cooling system to improve the performance of the energy storage system.

[0005] Cooling systems use a method of circulating a fluid, such as coolant, to control temperature. A coolant leak can cause insulation failure and fire, so it's crucial to quickly detect and respond to any coolant blockage.

[0006] Conventional leak detection was done by detecting pressure changes in the coolant moving through the pipes, but since the cooling system above operates at low pressure, it was practically difficult to detect minute leaks through pressure changes.

[0007] Therefore, there is an emerging need to develop a leak detection device that can more precisely detect leaks occurring in cooling systems and assist in responding to leaks quickly.

[0008]

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water leak detection device that can quickly detect water leaks occurring in a cooling system and prevent accidents that may occur due to water leaks.

[0010]

[0011] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the present invention provides a water leak detection device, which is characterized by including: a level measuring means (100) coupled to a cooling water storage tank (11) in which cooling water is stored, for measuring the level of cooling water in the cooling water storage tank (11); and a control unit (200) for detecting a water leak based on operating mode information of the cooling system (10) identified based on information received from the cooling system (10) and cooling water level information received from the level measuring means (100).

[0012] In addition, it is characterized by including a leak notification unit (300) that provides leak detection information to at least one of a central server and an administrator terminal when a coolant leak is detected in the control unit (200).

[0013] In addition, the control unit (200) is characterized by including a cooling system information collection unit (210) that communicates with the cooling system (10) to collect information of the cooling system (10); a water level information collection unit (220) that communicates with the water level measuring means (100) to collect water level information; and a water leakage determination unit (230) that determines a reference water level based on the water level information collected by the water level information collection unit (220) and determines that a water leakage has occurred when the determined reference water level deviates from a set range.

[0014] In addition, the leakage determination unit (230) is characterized by including a water level stabilization determination unit (231) that determines whether the water level of the cooling water storage tank (11) is stabilized; a reference water level determination unit (232) that determines a reference water level using the cooling water level information collected by the water level information collection unit (220) for a set period of time when the water level is determined to be stabilized by the water level stabilization determination unit (231); and a determination module (233) that determines that a leakage has occurred when the cooling water level received through the water level information collection unit (220) deviates by a set value or more from the reference water level determined by the reference water level determination unit (232).

[0015] In addition, the control unit (200) further includes an operation mode determination unit (240) that determines the operation mode of the cooling system (10) based on information collected by the cooling system information collection unit (210); and the leakage determination unit (230) is characterized in that it re-determines the reference water level when it is determined that the operation mode of the cooling system (10) has changed.

[0016] In addition, the control unit (200) includes a temperature information collection unit (250) that collects coolant temperature information of the cooling system (10), and the judgment module (233) is characterized in that it applies correction to the coolant level used in determining a water leak based on the temperature received from the temperature information collection unit.

[0017] In addition, the water level that reflects the correction according to the temperature change of the above judgment module (233) is derived by the following mathematical expression 1;

[0018] Mathematical formula 1)

[0019] h1 = h0-C*(t1-t0)

[0020] (h0: reference water level, h1: water level with correction reflected according to change in cooling water temperature, t0: reference temperature (temperature when measuring reference water level), t1: current temperature, C: correction factor)

[0021] In addition, it is characterized by including a coolant flow restriction means (400) positioned facing the coolant inlet port inside the coolant storage tank (11).

[0022] In addition, the cooling water flow restriction means (400) is characterized by having a porous structure.

[0023] In addition, the coolant flow restriction means (400) is characterized by including a restriction means housing (410) having a front side facing a coolant inlet port open and coolant discharge ports formed at the upper and lower sides; and a flow weakening protrusion (420) formed on the inner surface of the restriction means housing (410).

[0024] In addition, it further includes an intermediate storage tank (500) which is coupled to the upper side of the cooling water storage tank (11) and into which cooling water circulated through the cooling system (10) is introduced; and a first cooling water inlet hole (510) and a second cooling water inlet hole (11-1) are formed at the lower edge of the intermediate storage tank (500) and the upper edge of the cooling water storage tank (11) facing thereto.

[0025] In addition, it is characterized by including a spiral cooling water drop path forming means coupled to the inner surface of the cooling water storage tank (11).

[0026]

[0027] The leak detection device of the present invention detects leaks by utilizing changes in the coolant level in the coolant storage tank, and therefore has the advantage of having a higher leak detection capability compared to the conventional device that detects leaks by utilizing pressure.

[0028] Additionally, it has the advantage of enabling rapid response to leak situations, as it can provide detected leak information to managers.

[0029] In addition, since the reference water level is determined as the average value of the water levels determined over a certain period of time, there is an advantage in that the determined reference water level can have high reliability.

[0030] In addition, since the reference water level is reset whenever the operation mode of the cooling water system changes, there is an advantage in that it can effectively respond to water level errors that occur due to mode changes.

[0031] In addition, since the water level change caused by temperature change is compensated and reflected in the determination of the reference water level, a more accurate reference water level can be determined, and there is an advantage in that leakage judgment determined using the reference water level can also be made accurately.

[0032] In addition, since the flow of coolant in the tank due to coolant flowing in through the coolant flow restriction means can be minimized, there is an advantage in that more precise water level measurement can be performed.

[0033] And, since the coolant is recovered by flowing the coolant to the edge of the coolant storage tank, there is a point where the flow of coolant contained in the tank can be minimized due to the recovered coolant.

[0034]

[0035] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a leak detection device of the present invention combined with a cooling system.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control unit of the water leak detection device of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a temperature information collection unit and a cooling water flow restriction means combined in a water leak detection device of the present invention.

[0038] Figures 4 and 5 are experimental data to explain the difference before and after compensation of coolant level measurements according to temperature.

[0039] Fig. 6 is an embodiment showing a coolant flow restriction means of a leak detection device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a central storage tank combined with a water leak detection device of the present invention.

[0041]

[0042] Advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0043]

[0044] When describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in light of their functions in the embodiments of the present invention and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0045]

[0046] Hereinafter, a water leak detection device (1000) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a leak detection device of the present invention combined with a cooling system, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a leak detection device of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a temperature information collection unit and a coolant flow restriction means combined with a leak detection device of the present invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 are experimental data for explaining the difference before and after compensation of coolant level measurements according to temperature, FIG. 6 is an embodiment showing a coolant flow restriction means of a leak detection device of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a central storage tank combined with a leak detection device of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a water leak detection device (1000) of the present invention may include a water level measuring means (100) coupled to a water storage tank (11) in which water is stored and measuring the water level of the water in the water storage tank (11), a control unit (200) that detects water leaks based on the operation mode information of the cooling system (10) determined based on information received from the cooling system (10) and the water level information received from the water level measuring means (100), and a water leak notification unit (300) that provides water leak detection information to at least one of a central server and an administrator terminal when a water leak is detected by the control unit (200).

[0049] To explain in detail, an energy storage system (ESS) uses a plurality of battery modules (1), and since the performance of these battery modules (1) is affected by the ambient temperature, the temperature of the space in which the battery modules (1) are installed is maintained at a set value through a cooling system (10).

[0050] At this time, if a leak occurs in the pipe (2) through which the coolant moves, a fire may occur due to insulation breakdown caused by the leaked coolant. Therefore, in the present invention, a leak is determined based on the coolant level information received from the water level measuring means (100), and if a leak is determined to have occurred, the leak notification unit (300) provides the manager with the leak information so that a quick response can be made.

[0051] At this time, the water level measuring means (100) may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and a buoyant water level measuring device (float) capable of measuring the water level, and may include various other devices capable of measuring the water level, and is not limited thereto.

[0052] In addition, the leak detection of the control unit (200) determines that a leak has occurred when the water level of the cooling water storage tank (11) fluctuates by a value greater than a set value, and the set value may be any one of the stored change amount or change rate.

[0053]

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit (200) may include a cooling system information collection unit (210) that communicates with the cooling system (10) to collect information of the cooling system (10), a water level information collection unit (220) that communicates with the water level measuring means (100) to collect water level information, and a water leakage determination unit (230) that determines a reference water level based on the water level information collected by the water level information collection unit (220) and determines that a water leakage has occurred when the determined reference water level deviates from a set range.

[0055] To explain in detail, since the cooling water circulation is performed by the pump (P), fluid flow occurs inside the cooling water storage tank (11), and the water level measured by the water level measuring means (100) varies due to this fluid flow, so that the average value of the water level collected over a certain period of time in the leakage determination unit (230) is determined as the reference water level, and the leakage determination can be performed based on the reference water level determined in this way.

[0056] At this time, the calculation of the average value of the cooling water level is performed based on the time set by the user, but must be performed while the operation mode of the cooling system (10) is maintained constant, and when the operation mode changes, the reference water level must be determined again.

[0057] In addition, the leakage determination unit (230) may include a water level stabilization determination unit (231) that determines whether the water level of the cooling water storage tank (11) is stabilized, a reference water level determination unit (232) that determines a reference water level using the cooling water level information collected by the water level information collection unit (220) for a set period of time when the water level is determined to be stabilized by the water level stabilization determination unit (231), and a determination module (233) that determines that a leakage has occurred when the cooling water level received through the water level information collection unit (220) deviates from the reference water level determined by the reference water level determination unit (232) by a set value or more.

[0058] To explain in detail, when the operation mode of the cooling system (10) is changed, the coolant level of the coolant storage tank (11) changes, so when the coolant level is maintained at a constant level for a set period of time in the stabilization determination unit (231), it is determined that the operation mode change of the cooling system is completed and the level is stabilized, and when the level is stabilized in this way, the coolant level information collected in the reference level determination unit (232) can be used to determine the reference level.

[0059] In addition, the judgment module (233) can use the final determined standard water level information to make a water leak judgment.

[0060]

[0061] The above control unit (200) further includes an operation mode determination unit (240) that determines the operation mode of the cooling system (10) based on information collected by the cooling system information collection unit (210), and the leakage determination unit (230) can re-determine the reference water level if it is determined that the operation mode of the cooling system (10) has changed.

[0062] To explain in detail, the operating state of the cooling system (10) can be varied in response to the state of the energy storage system (E), and when the operating mode of the cooling system (10) is changed in this way, the level of the cooling water stored in the cooling water storage tank (11) also changes in response to this, so that a change in the level of the cooling water that occurs when the operating mode of the cooling system is changed may be mistakenly judged as the occurrence of a leak.

[0063] Accordingly, in the present invention, when the operation mode determination unit (240) determines that the operation mode of the cooling system (10) has changed, the leakage determination unit (230) can re-determine the reference water level.

[0064] At this time, re-determining the reference water level means that the determination of whether the water level is stabilized in the water level stabilization determination unit (231) and the determination of the reference water level in the reference water level determination unit (232) are performed again.

[0065] In addition, the operation mode of the cooling system (10) can be determined based on the information of the cooling system (10) collected by the cooling system information collection unit (210), and more specifically, it can be at least one of the control information received from the cooling system (10) control device, the operating status of the pump (P) of the cooling system (10), and the change in the flow rate of the cooling water moving through the pipe (2) of the cooling system (10).

[0066] And, if two or more of the three judgments obtained using the three methods described above are judged to indicate that the operation mode of the cooling system (10) has changed, and the operation mode is finally determined to have changed, the reliability of the operation mode judgment can be further increased.

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the control unit (200) includes a temperature information collection unit (250) that collects coolant temperature information of the cooling system (10), and the judgment module (233) can apply correction to the coolant level used in determining a leak based on the temperature received from the temperature information collection unit.

[0069] To explain in detail, as shown in FIG. 4, when the coolant temperature rises, the coolant in the pipe (2) of the cooling system (10) flows into the coolant storage tank (11), and the coolant level (the level distorted by the temperature) increases to have a large difference from the reference level. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the coolant level (the level distorted by the temperature) is corrected based on the temperature to calculate the corrected level, and then a leak can be determined using the level to which the correction is reflected (the corrected level).

[0070] More specifically, the judgment module (233) applies correction to the cooling water level information collected by the water level information collection unit (220) based on the temperature collected by the temperature information collection unit (250), and the following mathematical expression 1 can be used for the correction.

[0071] Mathematical formula 1)

[0072] h1 = h0-C*(t1-t0)

[0073] (h0: reference water level, h1: water level with correction reflected according to change in cooling water temperature, t0: reference temperature (temperature when measuring reference water level), t1: current temperature, C: correction factor)

[0074]

[0075] In addition, the temperature information collection unit (250) above may include a first temperature sensor (251) coupled to the cooling water storage tank (11) and a second temperature sensor (252) provided on the pipe (2), and there may be a plurality of second temperature sensors (252).

[0076] In addition, in the experimental data of Fig. 4, A represents the cooling water temperature, B represents the water level distorted by the temperature, and C represents the reference water level.

[0077] And, in the experimental data of Fig. 5, A represents the cooling water temperature, B represents the water level distorted by the temperature, C represents the reference water level, and D represents the correction water level.

[0078]

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the leak detection device (1000) of the present invention may include a coolant flow restriction means (400) positioned facing the coolant inlet port inside the coolant storage tank (11).

[0080] To explain in detail, when the flow of cooling water located in the storage tank (11) increases due to the fluid flowing in through the pump (P), the water level measurement through the water level measuring means (100) may not be performed accurately, so the flow (velocity) of the cooling water flowing into the storage tank (11) is reduced by using the flow restriction means (400).

[0081] At this time, the coolant flow restriction means (400) may be a structure having a porous structure, but as shown in FIG. 6, the coolant flow restriction means (400) may also be a device having a body structure including a restriction means housing (410) having a front side facing the coolant inlet port open and coolant discharge ports formed at the upper and lower sides, and a flow weakening protrusion (420) formed on the inner surface of the restriction means housing (410).

[0082] In addition, when the coolant flow restriction means (400) has a body structure, it is recommended that the flow weakening projection (420) have a triangular cross-section shape so that the coolant that comes into contact is divided left and right and spreads out, and the flow velocity is reduced, and after the flow velocity is reduced, it moves through the coolant discharge port (411).

[0083] In addition, the coolant flow restriction means (400) having a body structure can be tightly coupled to the inside of the coolant storage tank (11) where the coolant inlet pipe joint hole is formed, and when the coolant discharge port (411) is formed only on the lower side of the restriction means housing (410), the coolant flow can be lowered before the coolant discharge occurs.

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, the leak detection device (1000) of the present invention further includes an intermediate storage tank (500) coupled to the upper side of the cooling water storage tank (11) and into which cooling water circulated through the cooling system (10) is introduced, and a first cooling water inlet hole (510) and a second cooling water inlet hole (11-1) may be formed at the lower edge of the intermediate storage tank (500) and the upper edge of the cooling water storage tank (11) facing thereto.

[0086] To explain in detail, since the process of the coolant circulating in the cooling system (10) being introduced creates a flow in the coolant storage tank (11), an intermediate storage tank (500) through which the coolant is recovered is formed on the upper side of the coolant storage tank (11), and a first coolant inlet hole (510) and a second coolant inlet hole (11-1) through which the coolant flows are formed on the lower edge of the intermediate storage tank (500) and the upper side of the coolant storage tank (11), so that the coolant introduced into the intermediate storage tank (500) can be introduced into the coolant storage tank (11) by passing through the first coolant inlet hole (510) and the second coolant inlet hole (11-1) and then descending along the inner wall of the coolant storage tank (11).

[0087] In addition, since the coolant may fall instead of flowing along the inner wall of the coolant storage tank (11), a spiral coolant falling path forming means may be combined on the inner surface of the coolant storage tank (11) so that the coolant moves downward along the coolant falling path forming means.

[0088]

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of application is diverse. It goes without saying that anyone with ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. In a leak detection device that detects a leak in a cooling system (10), A level measuring means (100) coupled to a coolant storage tank (11) in which coolant is stored and measuring the coolant level on the coolant storage tank (11); and A water leak detection device, comprising: a control unit (200) that detects a water leak based on information on the operation mode of the cooling system (10) determined based on information received from the cooling system (10) and information on the cooling water level received from the water level measuring means (100).

2. In paragraph 1, A water leak detection device, comprising a water leak notification unit (300) that provides water leak detection information to at least one of a central server and an administrator terminal when a coolant leak is detected in the above control unit (200).

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit (200) includes a cooling system information collection unit (210) that communicates with the cooling system (10) and collects information of the cooling system (10); A water level information collection unit (220) that collects water level information by communicating with the above water level measuring means (100); A water leak detection device, comprising a water leak presence / absence determination unit (230) that determines a reference water level based on the water level information collected from the water level information collection unit (220) and determines that a water leak has occurred when the determined reference water level deviates from a set range.

4. In paragraph 3, The above leakage determination unit (230) includes a water level stabilization determination unit (231) that determines whether the water level of the cooling water storage tank (11) is stabilized; If the water level is determined to be stabilized in the water level stabilization determination unit (231), a reference water level determination unit (232) that determines a reference water level using the cooling water level information collected in the water level information collection unit (220) for a set period of time; A water leak detection device, comprising a judgment module (233) that determines that a water leak has occurred when the water level of the cooling water received through the water level information collection unit (220) deviates by a set value from the reference water level determined by the reference water level determination unit (232).

5. In paragraph 3, The above control unit (200) further includes an operation mode determination unit (240) that determines the operation mode of the cooling system (10) based on the information collected by the cooling system information collection unit (210); A leak detection device characterized in that the above leak detection unit (230) re-determines the reference water level when it is determined that the operation mode of the cooling system (10) has changed.

6. In paragraph 3, The above control unit (200) includes a temperature information collection unit (250) that collects coolant temperature information of the cooling system (10); A water leak detection device characterized in that the above judgment module (233) applies correction to the cooling water level used in water leak judgment based on the temperature received from the temperature information collection unit.

7. In paragraph 6, A water leak detection device characterized in that the water level in which the correction according to the temperature change of the above judgment module (233) is reflected is derived by the following mathematical expression 1. Mathematical formula 1) h1 = h0-C*(t1-t0) (h0: reference water level, h1: water level with correction reflected according to change in cooling water temperature, t0: reference temperature (temperature when measuring reference water level), t1: current temperature, C: correction factor) 8. In paragraph 1, A leak detection device, comprising a coolant flow restriction means (400) positioned facing the coolant inlet port inside the coolant storage tank (11).

9. In paragraph 8, A leak detection device characterized in that the above-mentioned coolant flow restriction means (400) has a porous structure.

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